Adventure XStream

Vail, Colorado - July 7, 2001

Greg Kinch, Brett Godwin, Sal Silvester, Doug Mason, Joe Poole, Kristin Broad, Margo Machen, and Chris O'Connell took part in the Adventure Xstream Adventure Race in Vail, Colorado. Some action photos follow... Team Anhinga's story is below.

Three Atlanta TrailBlazer teams participated in the AdventureXStream 56 mile race in Vail, Colorado on July 7th. One all-male 4 person team, and two coed 2 person teams.

The first team, Team MileHi, consisted of Greg Kinch, Brett Godwin, Sal Silvester, and Sal's brother, Frank, who lives out in Boulder. The second team, Team ATB - Elevation Junkies, was Joe Poole and Kristin Broad. My team, Team Anhinga, was Margo Machen, and myself.

Overall, we did pretty well for a bunch of Flatlanders! MileHi was first place in the 4-Person single gender division, with a time of 9 hrs 25 mins., and the two coed teams (Elevation Junkies and Anhinga) finished 3rd (11:20) & 4th (tied with another team @ 11:40) respectively. If you want all the details, click on http://www.gravityplay.com/moabresults.htm.

The race took place outside of Vail, Colorado, near a place called Rio del Rancho. It was beautiful -- the most scenic race I have been in. And the town, with its 10-20 inhabitants, provided our support crews with some --well, colorful characters to keep them entertained... Each team has some great stories about the race, but I thought I'd share a few of the highlights from my team.

First of all, it was so great to have 3 teams from Atlanta out in Colorado. It was so much more fun and energizing to prepare for and race with friends in unfamiliar surroundings. The race course had one section in which we crossed paths with teams heading in and out on the run and bike. This made it so we saw each other several times during the race. I tell you, I was not doing so hot, but seeing friends pass by and cheer me on was very uplifting.

In addition to seeing each other, we also got to see all the other teams, from the leaders to the stragglers. We got to see some of the top teams and racers in the country. Most impressive was Team Pearl Izumi, whom, I believe competes regularly in the top races around the world. They were so focused, and technically perfect. I don't think their team is allowed to smile during the race, unless it makes them more aerodynamic! 

Of course, my favorite was seeing Ian Adamson, who is probably the best adventure racer alive. He passed us on the other side of the road coming back from the run, as we were headed out. I quickly jumped ahead of him, and Margo got a shot of me racing ahead of him! He was laughing at us. He and all the other elite athletes were friendly and encouraging, which further attests to why I love this sport! 

For me, one of the best and most memorable experiences during the race was the 22 mile uphill bike push event. In addition to the length, it was 97 degrees, high altitude, and was the last event -- so we were already tired from 23 miles of paddling and running (or at least I was... Margo was like the Energizer bunny!) At times, I was trudging along at a snail's pace, dizzy and nauseous from the heat and altitude. Along the way, we kept trading positions with Team Y?, consisting of Wayne and Erin, a couple of local first time racers. They were also a 2 person coed team, so in direct competition in our division. We briefly chatted each time we caught up with each other -- or I should say, Margo and Erin chatted, as Wayne and I fought waves on nausea and dizziness! Soon, we were traveling together, keeping an eye on each other. Also, along the way, we joined with Darla, who was also a first time racer from the area. She was doing the race solo, and was suffering from a lack of electrolytes. Margo helped her out with some nutritional advice about power gel, and food. She is a runner, but just recently started mountain biking, and I think had not done much kayaking. Still, as we kept getting frustrated when around every corner we kept seeing more uphill, she kept optimistic and positive... A great attitude for someone who had probably gotten into more than she expected. I think she will make a great Adventure Racer!

Dr. Margo totally got all of us up and over that mountain with her encouragement, help pushing the bikes, and advice. Without her, I think all of us may have become bear bait! We also received the help of "Saint" Tim (who also helped Joe & Kristin's team, by the way, and probably countless other racers!). His sister had been doing the race, and he was keeping an eye on her, as well as helping us with what extra water, fresh fruit and bug spray he had around. Not to mention his words of encouragement, and the comfort of knowing that someone with an air conditioned vehicle was close by -- just in case!

FINALLY, we reached the peak of the mountain at 10,500 feet (we started 22 miles back at 6,800 feet...) The next 10 miles was zipping downhill at breakneck speeds of between 35-40 mph, which is pretty scary on a washed out rutted rocky sandy road. At one point, I was a little ahead of our pack, and came around a bend and saw a HUGE buck. I picked up the pace, and tailed him around a few more bends until he finally jumped off the road into the woods. The last part to the finish line had one more 2 mile hill, then 4 miles of easy downhill. We all put our heads down and made our way to the end. Margo had put forth so much energy helping push our bikes up the hill, and keeping us all well, that it finally caught up with her on the last hill. It was okay, though, and we walked the last piece, chatting about what was the hardest race we had ever done.

As we cruised toward the finish line, we saw what was one of the greatest things I have ever experienced in a competition. Our friends we had met along the way were waiting about 100 yards from the finish line for us! We all smiled, and rolled in together, making it a tie at 11 hours and 40 minutes! I believe this places us all in 4th place in our categories (Darla was in 4th in Solo Female, and the two coed teams tied 4th in our category). However, the way I see it, we were 1st place in the Coed 5-Person team division! I sincerely hope to someday have a reunion race
with our new friends, but I encourage them to come East where things are somewhat flatter, and definitely less-high (although don't think we can do much about the heat...)

Christopher O'Connell - Team Anhinga

Wayne and I reviewed the race on Sunday. We spoke to alot of the people we met along the way. We both agreed we had been extremely lucky to meet Margo, Chris and Darla. I wanted to thank you for the support your team gave us. This being our first race I was clueless to a lot! I never thought a team could go hours without seeing another team or person for that matter. When Wayne hit bottom I was starting to panic inside. I had horrible thoughts racing through my head. I had no idea what to-do. I recalled seeing you in the beginning of the race with a teammate. I hoped we would run into your teammate. We were slowly grinding up what we thought was
the "hill" (later to find out we were grinding up a mere ant hill) there was Margo. She was standing in the shade waiting for you. Like you said our teams went back and fourth for a while, but we finally connected. I can honestly say if we had not met your team our names would have a DNF next to them. I want to thank you for your spirit and strength. I know you were feeling lousy along with Wayne, but I never heard a negative word come out of your mouth. You could have quit, but you didn't. I think back on how I may have reacted if I were in your shoes or Wayne's shoes. If it ever does happen I hope my will is as strong as yours. It is truly inspiring! We did not speak much along the way, but I'd like you to know how much meeting your team and Darla strengthened ours. It was a pleasure finishing the race with such amazing people. I know we will all cross paths again!

Erin - Team Y?