Pre-Race Day: 

 We were able to get a few last minutes errands done prior to the race including dropping Roy’s car at the airport, buying a bike computer (Ann) and waterproof set of gloves (Wally), and going through gear about 4 more times.  Also had a good chat with Tim Moxey (founder of Nuun).   

 The race meeting started at 3pm and lasted until 6:10pm.  (We thought it was somewhat appropriate the meeting was held in Missouri Hall - we chose to call it Misery Hall.)  It really was good to finally see all the racers/staff/volunteers/crew in one spot.  We enjoyed sitting through all the obligatory introductions and safety meetings but highlights were well worth the wait.  I’ve attached a photo of the most important slide - mileage and elevations for each discipline in the race.  This was followed later by a 4 minute video that flew us threw the course using a Google Earth application….this was very, very cool.

 Here are some key points that you’ll like to hear:

 House Rock is the biggest rapid to be encountered in the river board section…it is highly recommended that teams portage around this.  We’ll see how the team handles this.

 Snow will be deep.  Recent trips along the course have seen snowshoes post-hole a foot; clearly more without snowshoes.

 The first leg tomorrow will consist of ~40 miles of trekking, starting with a 4k ascent up lone mountain (the first of three rope sections…there will be a 400ft hand line near the summit).   The team hopes to make it to the end of this section by 5:30 pm to beat a dark zone for the first water leg.  The race starts at 10am.  You do the math…that’s a really long way to go.

 We were given 10 maps tonight.  The team has plotted/reviewed the entire course.  It’s 10pm now and we’re winding down. 

 We ordered pizza in tonight.  Lots and lots of it.  Leftovers will sure taste good on the race course. 

 From Walter: Zac and Jaxon, go easy on mom!  Lots of love, Dad

 From Jason: Karen, I love you!  (Wally interjects here and says it is from him…everyone laughs.)  I hope Maverick doesn’t stink you out.

 From Roy: Malone 5, Fly safe and see you soon!  Love, Dad

 From Ann: To my support crew in Guam - wish you were here!! 

 

 

 

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