Dima's uneasy choice.

There are two races this weekend: NYARA SHAG and Hampton Roads Tidewater Traverse. Both races start at dark and are 16-18 hours long. Both are in a modified rogaine format and have the same disciplines. Even registration fee are almost the same. Shag provides kayaks for all racers and it's nice compare to almost unrestricted personal kayaks of Tidewater Traverse. Shag terrain is very rough, navigation is the most challenging (2008 Safari, if you know what I am talking about :-). Tidewater Traverse is all flat and swampy that is also very hard to navigate. For 20 miles paddling leg of Tidewater Traverse you better get the fastest boat you can find, because you will see $10K (or more) watercraft with the most experienced east coast pilots. So what is my choice? This year I'll skip my favorite Shag. I did it twice, but have never tried Tidewater Traverse before. My paddling sucks and it's good reason to improve.

But for the future, Race Directors, please talk and schedule your races for different weekends.

This weekend I will paddle fast and beautiful Andromeda from Jacks Boat House. I was introduced to her last weekend:

By the way, that's very likely the area of Calleva 2011 race. Start guessing...

Shenandoah Mountain 100 miles race

Report by Petr Minar, team Calleva.



The weather conditions was great since early morning (sun with around 75F during the day). Race start at 6.30 am, with racers lined-up at different performance level (around 600 racers) . Fast riders at the front of the start line , slower racers behind them. After the bell, all racing field started warm-up and heading to first asphalt road , soon to gravel road changing to single trail and grueling 100 miles full of sweat. We couldn’t ask for better support on all six aid station. On each station there were plenty of water, Gatorade and other drinks with gels and power bars. Some station provided simple sandwiches and for all those exhausted and hungry racers even tasty pica. (I ate 4 slices to get some fuel into my already sore legs). Race was well organized and marked. Elite racers finished around 7 hour mark, other racers finished hours and hours behind those crazy fast guys. Overall, this is a great event for all performance levels and huge achievement just to finish this race. Huge thanks to all those volunteers and organizers, park service and to all people make this happened.
Hope that everyone enjoyed that race and see you all next year.



Race results are here.
Petr finished in 94th overall in 9 hours 13 minutes and 14 seconds!