Autumn… More Like Awesome.

The jury has deliberated.  The experts have agreed.  The polls are in:

 

Fall in Colorado ranks somewhere between puppies in Halloween costumes and winning a lifetime supply of Ding Dongs on the Awesome Scale.  I’ve already driven off the road and through a few dairy cows because I can’t stop staring at Princeton on my morning commute.  Go play outside.  Now.

 

Here’s Keith’s newest Chaffee County Times article about how legit the Collegiates are right now:

 

FALL IS FOR FUN!

Some of us think we are entering the “Best Time in the Collegiates.”  Mild temperatures, clear bluebird skies, and less-crowded trails beckon.  Aspen are beginning to turn at higher elevations and the brilliant autumn solstice sun reveals all their colors.

Fall is a great time to get out and enjoy some of the forested trails in our area.  A hike, trail run, or mountain bike ride along one of the sun-dappled routes is a treat you shouldn’t miss.

Here are a few of our favorite trails (all are well-signed and on National Geographic/Trails Illustrated Map 129 “Buena Vista/Collegiate Peaks” unless otherwise noted.):

Colorado Trail, Mount Princeton to South Cottonwood: (initial section is on NG/TI Map 130 “Salida/St. Elmo/Shavano”) Accessed from CR 322. Passenger cars should park in the parking lot adjacent to the Frontier Ranch gate.  There is limited parking where the Colorado Trail joins CR 322.  This is an out-and-back hike, run, or ride.  The trail offers breathtaking views of Maxwell Park and the valley.  There are some moderately challenging sections with climbs (mostly on the way out), tight turns around the apexes of drainages, and rocky terrain but the course is well worth overcoming them.  I recommend turning around when it becomes clear you are about to descend into South Cottonwood.

Colorado Trail, North Cottonwood to Harvard Lakes and return:  Accessed from CR 365.  Drive past where the Colorado Trail joins CR 365 from the north and park at the Silver Creek Trailhead a couple of hundred yards further on up the road.  The trail follows contour so is relatively gentle.  It’s a bit over two miles to Harvard Lakes.  Take a break; soak up some atmosphere, and return.  This is wilderness area, so no mountain biking is permitted and you must keep your trail doggies on leash.

Kroenke Lake: If you have a higher clearance, AWD or 4WD vehicle, drive on out CR to the North Cottonwood Trailhead.  The out-and-back hike to Kroenke Lake is a bit more challenging than the Harvard Lakes hike with some more climbing as it follows the North Cottonwood Creek drainage, and is about six miles round trip.

Hartenstein Lake: Begins at the Denny Creek Trailhead on CR 306, Cottonwood Pass Road.  Mostly wooded and very pleasant, most of this hike’s climbing is at the beginning.  Stay left when the Mt. Yale Trail 1451 splits off to the right and take the Hartenstein Trail 1443 when it departs to the left.  This hike is about six miles out and back, and is also in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness so no mountain biking is allowed and pets must be kept on leash.

Interlaken: This trail is on NG/TI Map 110, “Leadville/Fairplay.”  This easy out-and-back hike is approximately five miles.  Turn left off SH 82 approximately ½ mile west of the intersection with US 24 at Balltown and follow the road past the dam to trailhead parking.  The trail follows the shoreline of Twin Lakes Reservoir to the historic Interlaken town site.  The site is being restored, has interpretive signs and is a great place to take a break before returning to your vehicle.

More information on these and other pleasurable hiking and running trails is in the book “Mellow Mountain Trails” by local authors Suzanne and Nathan Ward, available at The Trailhead and TheTrailheadCO.com.

Dog Etiquette

Keith just wrote a new article for the Chaffee County Times about proper dog etiquette on the trail.  I can’t get my dog to stop smoking cigarettes in the house and loitering in front of 7-Eleven with his hooligan friends, so it was pretty helpful for me.  I’m trying to reassure myself that it’s just a phase, but I can’t help but feel like a bad parent.  Still waiting for replies from Dr. Phil and Cesar Milan.  In the meantime, have yourself a read:

 

On The Trail With Your Dog

Many mountain people are “dog people” who like their pooch to accompany them on outdoors adventures.  There are some basic rules of etiquette when hiking with your trail doggie.  Out of deference to other trail users, other dogs, and the environment please follow these generally accepted rules.  All the normal trail courtesies still apply – there are just a few more to keep in mind when your dog is with you.

 

Even the friendliest dog can frighten other people or other dogs by running up to them.  Keep your canine companion under control at all times and never let your dog run up to other people or dogs.  If your dog is off lead, recall your dog when you see people approaching, especially if they have dogs.

 

ALWAYS keep your dog on leash in on-leash areas.  It is a good idea to keep your dog on leash any time you may encounter other dogs, especially if your dog is testy or aggressive.  NOTE: Wilderness areas require all dogs to be on leash at all times.

 

ALWAYS pick up after your dog.  Train your dog to move off-trail to do his or her business, and then pick up the waste using some sort of poop bag.  Place the bag in a clearly visible spot on out-and-back hikes when you know you won’t be encountering a receptacle soon.  You can pick the bag up on the return trip for proper disposal.

 

Don’t let your dog sniff/touch other dogs’ noses or butts.  This can spread diseases and some dogs don’t like it and may become aggressive.

 

Move off trail whenever possible, shorten your pet’s leash and if possible have your dog sit to let other trail users pass.

 

Announce your approach whenever you are overtaking another trail user (whether or not your dog is with you).  Say something like “On your left” or “Hikers back.”  When overtaking or meeting try to indicate if there are others in your group, especially if some are out of sight, by saying something like “Two more behind me” or “lady with a dog behind me.”

 

Teach your dog the basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stop, stay, heel, wait before letting your dog off-leash.  If your dog is not under basic voice command the dog should not be off-leash in public places.

 

Leash your dog and keep your dog close while people – hikers, cyclists, runners – or horses pass.

Minimize your dog’s impact on the environment.  In addition to picking up your dog’s waste try to keep your dog on-trail and minimize his or her chasing of birds or other wildlife.

 

Put your dog on lead when other dogs approach and keep your dog’s attention on you so you can either walk on by or have your dog sit while the other dog passes.

 

Warn other dog owners if your dog is aggressive or fearful.  Some other owners can’t or won’t control their dogs and keep them away – and some actually enjoy and encourage aggressive behavior from their dog.  Be prepared for this.

 

Try to ward off aggressive or exuberant dogs with a squirt from a water bottle.  Encourage the other owner to act responsibly by asking them to please control their pet but do not be confrontational.  Strive to set a good example of responsible dog ownership.

Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas 2nd Annual “Guiding for Conservation”

Cancel your squash game.  You’re now officially busy on Monday, August 15th.

"Way to score that... goal unit... bro."

The Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas (“LTUA” for those who are hip and happening) is once again partnering with area guides to raise a little bit of fund-age so that we can have even more gnar to shred.  Here’s a snippet of what their “Guiding for Conservation Day” is all about:

On August 15th you will be able to join with guides and outfitters (white water rafting, fly-fishing, and mountain biking) to help the Arkansas River. Certain outfitters and guides will donate their fees on this day to the Land Trust.

We will use this funding for conservation projects along the Arkansas River.

The Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas works on projects that provide a variety of benefits to the residents and visitors to the Valley. This includes:

• Protecting ranch and farmland
• Promoting ranching and farming opportunities
• Protecting natural resources, such as riparian areas, wetlands, wildlife habitat, unique ecosystems, and wildlife corridors
• Enhancing access to public lands
• Providing additional access for outdoor recreation activities
• Protecting water resources
• Maintaining scenic vistas
• Preserving historic resources

For a list of participating guide services and more information on the program, visit the LTUA website at http://ltua.org/Guiding-for-conservation.html.  Go get your extreme on.

Keith Gets His Journalism On, Part IV:

Reads like Hemingway.  Inspires like Tony Robbins.  Smells like the great American novel:

 

TRAILS OFFER NEW RUNNING EXPERIENCE

If the very idea of pounding pavement makes you cringe, think about taking to the trails for an enjoyable running experience.  And, lucky us, we live in a veritable Shangri-la for trail running.

 

Trail running provides the cardio-respiratory and weight control benefits of running on the road and adds many more.  Trails are usually softer than road surfaces (and certainly concrete sidewalks) so the joint and potential cartilage damage is generally mitigated.  Trails offer irregular surfaces with some obstacles that challenge your proprioception – your sense of your body in space – and help improve your balance.  Because trails aren’t graded to the same standards as roadways, they offer hills and dives that tax your quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, and even your cardio-respiratory system in ways road running can’t.  Add to all these, you’re out with nature and away from noisy stinky traffic.

 

Now that I’ve sold you in the idea, what do you need?  There isn’t much specialized equipment needed.  You can begin with whatever clothing you have and obtain more specialized clothing later.  Try to get away from all-cotton clothing and get some wicking clothing as soon as possible.  I recommend you place the priority on trail running shoes.

 

Trail running shoes can differ from road shoes in various parameters.  Normally they have less cushioning (because trails aren’t as hard), they may have more stability features, and the midsoles may be thinner to place you closer to the ground, meaning fewer ankle rolls and sprains.  The uppers on trail runners are usually tougher, and look for a rugged toe rand to protect the body of the shoe when you drag your toe or catch it on an obstacle.  Plan on a Gore-Tex, eVent, or other waterproof-breathable liner for winter or if you’re likely to encounter water or even wet grass along your way.

 

Find a way to carry water with you because you won’t be able to knock on a neighbor’s door or duck into a public building for a drink.  There are specialized water carriers and hydration packs you can use, but again don’t wait until you can get one to start your running program.  Begin your program and get the gear as you can.

 

As with any fitness program, check with your doctor before beginning to make sure it’s safe for you to exercise and for guidelines on how hard you can push yourself.  Start slowly, take it easy, enjoy – and stick with it!

 

Keith Baker is a retired United States Navy commander, a Buena Vista Town Trustee, and a lifelong trail runner.  He and his wife own The Trailhead and Trailhead Cycle & Ski in Buena Vista.

Keith Gets His Journalism On, Part III

I read “To Kill A Mockingbird” one time when I was a freshman in high school.  As I finished the novel, I was overcome by Scout’s innocence and her inability to comprehend the sometimes disturbing complexities of the world around her.  I remember sitting on my porch on a summer day in western Pennsylvania and shedding a single tear as I absently leafed through the pages of Harper Lee’s masterpiece, haunted by the fleeting quality of my own youth.

"They won't let me order the kid's meal any more."

That being said, “To Kill A Mockingbird” is a crude coloring book compared to Keith’s newest Chaffee County Times column:

“SHARROWS” APPEARING SOON!

The Town of Buena Vista Public Works Department is painting shared roadway markings, also known as “sharrows,” on some roadways in town.

The term sharrow stems both from a contraction of “shared roadway marking” and the marking’s appearance.  A shared roadway marking is an approved roadway marking consisting of the familiar bicycle stencil capped by two chevrons to convey the direction of travel.  Some people say the marking looks like a “bike in a house.”

Shared lane markings are used on thoroughfares that are too narrow for separate lanes for motorized vehicles and bicycles yet where both may be present, or where volumes vary enough that reserved bicycle lanes are unwarranted or inefficient.  Both of these situations are the case in most Buena Vista neighborhoods.  Shared lane markings inform bicyclists and motorists that the lane is to be shared.  Shared lane markings help keep traffic moving safely and at a good pace so everyone reaches his or her destination quickly and efficiently.

Shared lane markings are intended to specifically

• Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a bicyclist riding in the “door zone.” if a door suddenly opens, the cyclist must either crash into it, brake suddenly or swerve into traffic. An opening door may also knock the cyclist into passing traffic, leading to serious injuries or death.  More on door zones in a future column.
• Assist bicyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic lane;
• Alert motorists of the lateral location bicyclists are likely to occupy within the traveled way;
• Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists; and
• Reduce the incidence of wrong-way bicycling.

This is a sharrow. Respect.

Be safe and happy bicycling and motoring!

Keith Gets His Journalism On, Part II:

Here’s the sequel to Keith’s bike safety column.  Let the Pulitzer buzz begin:

We covered some basics of bicycle safety on our last column.  In this column we will go into some more detail on the Rules of the Road.

The basic rule to remember is that a bicycle is a vehicle.  Ride your bicycle as if you were driving an automobile.

• Ride on the Right.  This doesn’t mean to hug the curb or edge of the roadway.  It means riding as far to the right as practicable while avoiding road hazards such as debris, safety cones, sewer grates, broken glass, etc.
• When to Take a Lane. A bicyclist may take the travel lane where traffic is slow and the lane is narrow, there is no shoulder or bike lane, when approaching an intersection, or if you are moving at the same speed as the flow of traffic. Moving to the center of the lane establishes your position and prevents motorists from passing until there’s enough room.
• Ride Single File.  Be safe and ride single file.  This provides more room to maneuver for cyclists and motorists.  You may ride two abreast if you are not impeding the flow of traffic, on rural roads, or on a surface devoted exclusively to bicycles.  You should “zipper up” – i.e., go single file – when cars approach or you enter a higher traffic area.
• Use Hand Signals.  Use the proper hand signals when preparing to turn, to slow, or to stop.  Extend your left arm down with the palm back to signal you are slowing or stopping.  Extend your left arm straight out (pointing to the left) to signal a left turn.  Extend your left arm out with your forearm up (bent at a 90 degree angle) to signal a right turn.  A recent change to Colorado law allows you to point to the right with your right arm and hand.  The right arm technique should be used with caution because your rear brake lever is on the right, and because it is a new technique many motorists may not recognize.

You can view the Colorado Bicycling Manual online at http://www.coloradodot.info/programs/bikeped/bike-ped-manual in the meantime.

Have fun and be safe!

Keith Baker is a retired United States Navy commander, a Buena Vista Town Trustee, and a lifelong cyclist.  He and his wife own The Trailhead and Trailhead Cycle & Ski in Buena Vista.

Keith Gets His Journalism On:

Aside from being co-owner of the Trailhead, Keith Baker is also a professional wrestler, concert cellist, world champion tiddlywinks…ist, wizard, and a heck of a writer.  Here’s his latest column for the Chaffee County Times:

More people are enjoying bicycles for low-cost transportation, health and wellness, and environmental benefits.  Few things in life compare to the sheer joy of bicycling.  For many of us it was our first taste of true freedom and we remember that feeling of freedom every time we ride.

A few people think automobiles wouldn’t have been invented if people were meant to walk or ride bicycles.  They feel bicycles – and if they adhere to logic, pedestrians – have no right to use public thoroughfares.

Colorado law gives bicyclists all the rights and responsibilities applicable to the driver of any other vehicle on the roadway.  That means bicyclists must obey all rules of the road and traffic laws like other drivers, and are to be treated as equal users of the road by motorists and other vehicle operators.  Bicyclists, like other vehicle operators can (and in this writer’s opinion should) be ticketed or penalized for violating the law.

We will cover more bicycle safety tips and traffic laws in future columns.  For today’s column we will cover a few of the more important and basic rules of the road.

• Wear a helmet and eye protection, and consider cycling gloves.
• Dress appropriately for the type of riding you will be doing, the weather conditions, and wear bright colors whenever possible.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals – including stop signs and lights.
• Ride WITH traffic – i.e., on the right – never against traffic.
• Ride as far to the right, in the rightmost lane, as practicable except to pass another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or maneuvering to avoid a hazard.
• Ride on paved shoulders, bike lanes, or bike paths when available, be alert for road hazards and debris- gravel, broken glass, car parts, sewer grates, etc.
• Don’t pass on the right.

We will cover more in future columns.  You can view the Colorado Bicycling Manual online at http://www.coloradodot.info/programs/bikeped/bike-ped-manual in the meantime.

Have fun and be safe!

Keith Baker is a retired United States Navy commander, a Buena Vista Town Trustee, and a lifelong cyclist.  He and his wife own The Trailhead and Trailhead Cycle & Ski in Buena Vista.

National Trails Day Celebration – Saturday June 4

Hey you.  Yes, you.  What are you doing on Saturday, June 4th?

Ceramics class?  You have enough coffee mugs and clown figurines.  Trust me.  One clown figurine is too many.

Softball game?  Unless you’re being scouted for the Rockies, call your buddies and tell them you caught the plague or something.

Work?  Take a sick day.  Better yet, call in mortally wounded.  Tragic dog sledding accident.  Five dog sled pileup on I-70.

Invading Canada?  Ok, that’s pretty awesome.  You’re excused.

It’s time for the NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION.  Cue the fireworks:

Nice.

It’s the one day we take to give our local trails a little T.L.C. (no scrubs allowed) and dress like superheroes (probably just me).  So on June 4th, we’re taking to the hills with an arsenal of picks, shovels, rakes, granola bars, ninja stars, and at least one snorkel to smooth our beloved Barbara Whipple Trail.  This trail winds up the east side of the valley just above downtown and offers incredible views of the mountains, the river, and on a clear night, Russia (not really).  We’ll be starting promptly at 8 am at the River Park Pavilion in Buena Vista and crushing it till 3 pm.

Here’s what will be provided:

-  Tools

-  Training

-  Lunch

-  The Barbara Whipple Trail

Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

-  Gloves

-  Sturdy boots

-  Water

-  Sunscreen

-  A Chipper Can-Do Attitude!  (high fives all around!)

You must be at least 16 to participate in the NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION (don’t even try to get in with a fake i.d., our bouncer Tiny can spot them from a mile away… he can also smell fear).  Please do not bring your pets (they’re a bit of a distraction… besides, Tiny is afraid of them).

If you would like to participate in the NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION, please try to register in advance by June 2 by contacting Buena Vista Public Works at 719-395-6898 or via their website at www.buenavistaco.gov or by email at bvpwadmin@buenavistaco.gov.  Only 30 volunteers will be accepted, so register soon… otherwise you’ll have to go to ceramics class.

"My soul hurts."

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative Yale Trail Restoration Weekend: JUNE 30 – JULY 3

El Nino* and I are fighting.

Buena Vista’s weather has been relatively mild and gentle all winter.  For the most part, our trails have been bone dry, and I’ve been mountain biking and trail running consistently since November.  But recently this kitten of a climate has contracted rabies, and it’s frothing all over my trails.  Intermittent snow for the last three weeks.  Not in my house, El Nino*.  We’re not talking any more.

Fortunately, with the exception of Leadville, summer is coming (sorry Leadville).  Time to make summer plans.  Finish your memoirs.  Get a spray tan.  Grow a Tom Selleck mustache.  Make a ship in a bottle.  Make a real ship, and then make a bottle that will accommodate your real ship.  Wrestle a grizzly bear.  Set up a lemonade stand in front of your house.  Take your lemonade stand public.  Sell off your majority share in your lemonade stand and retire to Florida.  Learn a foreign language.  Realize that pig latin is not a foreign language.  Whisper something to a horse.  Figure out who shot the sheriff.  Find your spirit animal.  Wrestle your spirit animal.  Share a donkey costume with someone.

And most importantly, give back.

No, seriously.  That wasn’t a joke.

The Trailhead is partnering with the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) to host a Trail Restoration Weekend on Mount Yale from June 30th to July 3rd.  CFI is a non-profit that partners with the US Forest Service to protect and preserve Colorado’s 14,000 ft. peaks.

Mt. Yale. Suave. Stately. Sophisticated.

On many of Colorado’s 14ers, trails have been improperly carved over time.  El Nino* rolls in and eventually the trail becomes a deep scar on the face of an otherwise beautiful mountain.  Weak sauce.  During the restoration weekend, we will be repairing eroded portions of the old trail and re-vegetating the area, essentially punching El Nino* in the face.  What now, El Nino*?  Want a more technical explanation?  Here’s exactly what we’ll be doing according to the folks at CFI:  “The work consists of stabilizing the soil using check damns and excelsior wattles and replanting various grasses and alpine tundra plugs.”  I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure that check damns, excelsior wattles, and tundra plugs are all basic components in light sabers and Hyundai’s.

So we’re inviting YOU to come out for a great weekend in the mountains.  It’s an incredible volunteer opportunity in one of the most beautiful pockets of these United States.  Spending a weekend on Mt. Yale is like going to Disneyland without having to dodge the 8 foot tall cartoon characters with eyes that don’t focus (terrifying).  We will be backpacking into base camp (approximately 1.5 miles, 1,200 ft. vertical) on Thursday, June 30th in the evening and packing back out on Sunday, July 3rd in the afternoon.

Here’s what CFI will provide at the base camp:

-  Large canvas base camp tent surrounded by solar powered bear fence  including coolers for food storage, large propane stoves for cooking and a few tables to prepare meals.

-  Groovers (latrine facilites for human waste… not the Sesame Street character)

-  Large water pumps to purify water

-  All required safety equipment (leather gloves, hard hats, eye protection)

Volunteers only need to provide their own personal equipment (tent, sleeping gear, hiking and working gear, toiletries, stuffed animals, etc.) and food.  Again, it’s a great way to spend a weekend, it’s for a great cause, and it takes place on one of the prettiest mountains in the Rockies.  Take a look at the mountain again:

Mt. Yale... it desperately wants you to come out and play.

If you would like to volunteer, or if you would like more information about the weekend, please email us at mainshop@thetrailheadco.com or give us a call at 719-395-8001.

*I realize it’s a La Nina this year, but saying that I’m fighting La Nina sounds like I’m beating up a small Spanish girl.

Big Mountain AR wins Adventure Xstream

Here at the Trailhead, we love it when people go big.  Whether your cup of tea is nuking down some single track on a 29″ steed, dangling from some haggard piece of rock, or eating chicken wings competitively, we’re all about pushing the limits of what’s possible.  That’s why we sponsor Big Mountain Adventure Racing.  They’re cool people who race for a good cause.  And, with their recent win at Buena Vista’s Adventure Xstream Adventure Race, they’re one of the best teams out there.  Here’s an update we received from team member Chelsea Luttrall:

This last weekend was the team’s 2nd race.  We sent the core 4 person team to the 24 hour Buena Vista Adventure Xstream AR.  So, the team was Gabi, Mike, Tony, and me.  James, acted as our much-needed support crew.  We’ve been racing Adventure Xstream’s races for years, but this year’s was their toughest, by far.  We gained and lost so much elevation, it was unbelievable.  And the competition was fierce.  Teams Committed and Nord Vrai are always our toughest competition, and they were both at this race. The great news, though….we won first place!!!

Friday at midnight, the 24 hour length race started.  We were off on foot!  And after a well-planned route choice/short cut, we were instantly in 2nd place.  We hauled tail to CP 1 which was approximately 9 miles away, and with one more short-cut, we were in first place.  That put us at the CP 1 tent dark and early.

At the CP1 tent, volunteers gave us our new maps for the night orienteering course, and we left to get 25 checkpoints.  We were spot on with our navigation, and only had a couple minor hiccups here and there.  Thus, we increased our lead further.  Still dark, we returned to the CP1 tent once finished, and journeyed on to get our next 5 rogaine, long-distance checkpoints.  These were strategically placed with one “sucker punch” as we call it.  We ran to collect 4 of the 5 checkpoints and opted to skip the “sucker punch” and accept the time penalty because the time penalty was less than it would have taken us to obtain the CP.  After over 35 miles of night running and orienteering, the sun began to come up, and it was time to head back to the starting line for the next transition.

At the transition area, we found out that Nord Vrai and Committed had come in before us because they had skipped more checkpoints than us, and were now already on the water.  We crammed as much food into our bellies as we could, and donned wetsuits and booties in exchange for our running shoes and backpacks.  At these races, we are required to use the inflattable boats provided to us….which being a former competitive slalom kayaker and after training my teammates “proper kayaking technique”….inflattable boats are our biggest bane.  But that’s okay….it’s part of the challenge, we tell ourselves!  So we grabbed our boats and paddles and headed for the river.  The river was the Arkansas River, which if you are a paddler, you will recognize as one of the greatest rivers for whitewater in the US.  The water was flowing, and the swells were high….and at the first drop, I was ejected from the bow.  Thankfully, Tony was able to stay in, and eddy out, while I was spit out on shore just above his eddy.  I jumped back in, and we were off without losing much time at all.  Later down the river, Gabi and Mike were both ejected from their inflatable kayak, but were able to jump back in without losing any time.  In fact, Tony and I didn’t even realize they’d fallen out until the next transition area, since they were able to get in again so quickly!  We made good time, and ended up passing Nord Vrai again.

The team negotiates the Arkansas. Well played, Big Mountain. Well played.

At the take out, we tried to warm up, and dry off quickly while, again, cramming our mouths with food and, thanks to James–our wonderful support crew….HOT WONTON SOUP!!! It was amazingly great soup at that point in the race!  And it was also the only reason my shivering got under control!  Then, we plotted the next points, jumped on our bikes, and began to paceline to the next series of CPs.  But here’s where it got sketchy….

The rules were unclear whether we had to get the biking CPs in order or what the time penalties were for skipping a biking CP.  This greatly affected the team’s ability to strategize.  Later, we found out that the other teams were unclear as well.  And, supposedly the CPs did not have to be retrieved in order, which would have changed our strategy.  But, we still made good time, and did well.  We biked to CP6 where there was a 300+foot Tyrolean Traverse.  We all 4 made it across in really good time, and went on to retrieve all of our other biking CPs.

On the way, to CP 8, we got caught in some bad weather.  While we were at about 10000 feet in elevation, it began to rain, sleet, snow and storm on us.  While refiguring our bearings to locate CP 8, we hid out under a tree all curled up under a tree and boulder, sharing an emergency blanket….we definitely didn’t pack warm enough for the sudden change in weather.

CP 9 took us back to the Night Orienteering course start for a Day Orienteering Course.  This time there were 19 points to find, but we only had until 7 pm to finish as many as we could.  We got 9 points, and then had to return to make the cut-off in time.  After that, we went and got CP10 and then boogied back to the finish line.  We finished just before darkness, and just before the rain and sleet decided to really start pouring down!

It was a great race with really fun and fierce competition.  Thank you so much for your support!  We’ll keep doing our best to represent your company to our fullest capability!

Congratulations to the team for a job well done!  Now please go take a nap.