Impossible 30 pounds.

Today was the final Untamed New England race training. We worked out different rope techniques: chest ascender - hand ascender, two hand ascenders, prussic - ascender, and heavy-back-pack-on-rope technique.

Untamed will provide ascending gear and we want to be ready for any configuration. We decided not to take our gear, because... we can't fit it into allowed 30 lb weight limit. Yes, most of today's training was not about ropes. It was about gear. Unlike last year, transition gear bins are limited not by volume, but by weight. Only 30 pounds are allowed. We took our last year 24 gallon Untamed New England bins, and filled it out for 3 days race... 41 lb was the minimum weight. Suppose, we will start on bikes, so biking gear are out... still 37 lb. So far the problem remains open and we hope the race director will increase the limit. Grant, please!

Patagonian race presentation at Calleva.

This Friday team Calleva presented the slideshow about Patagonian Expedition Race. 150 people of the Calleva staff took a 30 minutes trip through the most remote adventure of the world.

The first part of the show is online now. Click the link and then F11 to see the full screen.

This small screen is also active, thanks to Google.

Rain, rain, every day...

Val is trying to get ready for PQ in 2 months. South Dakota is a very dry place, 200 oz of water are mandatory on some PQ trekking sections. Here in Maryland  for the last two weeks we had continues rain with short brake for the weekend. Trails remain wet and water fills our shoes. 8 miles of trail run and 8 miles of biking was a good warm up for the next month races.

By the way, this trail will be a part of the Calleva Race this year. Any idea where is it?

Calleva Race fills up fast.

More than 2 month before the race and we are almost half full! It's nice to see last year racers comming back, new athlets are also welcome.

Register earlier to reserve your spot. Team roster is available online now.

The photo is from the 2008 Calleva race by Vladimir Bukalo Photograpy.

WW results and NE training

Karen finished Odyssey Wild and Wonderful 25th overall and 5th in solo (first and only female solo). Missing CP6 cut off by 20 minutes was the story:
"The last bike leg took considerably longer than they told us it would. And it went through a very poorly mapped/marked area. I still don't understand where I took a wrong turn. Anyway. I felt great through the whole race. I wasn't tired until I missed the cutoff, I was upset for that. I am not really sore now, no blisters, feet are great, and my navigation was good. I felt very strong through out, so no matter where I placed, I had a great race."

We continue training for Untamed New England race. This weekend was about paddling and boat logistics:

Yep, there is a kayak inside this canoe and we are far away from water. After last year Untamed Virginia we have to be ready for any surprises. By the way, the race is 10 hours longer now: 70 hours...