I can't remember anything remarkable about the alternate on leg 2, but it was a nice inviting big bike track.
Next up was alternate 3. About 2/3rds through the tracks, the rocks start getting a bit big. Blaster and I decide that we'll probably need a break after we finish this leg to rest up for the next leg, which was not only worth the most number of points but also advised those that have 19" wheels. It's always been tough to rate trails because there are so many variables in rider ability and bike set ups. Although, I've never really thought that front tire size to be the biggest discriminator.
Honestly, alt 3 is getting about to limit of fun/skill and I am seriously considering bailing on the next alt as it was labeled as harder. So we get to the bottom of the track and take a short break. However, it seems that perhaps we were a bit remiss in our mental notes of the track. Yes, we had thrown caution to the wind and just rode the really hard section. Seems like I manage to make a mistake in the tracks at least once per year
Realizing that we've just conquered this track, there will only be easy sections in front of us.
There are two sections which are shared on both routes. They tend to be high speed dirt or tarmac. After another quick stop for gas, we need to book it. The first time check is at 1600. Aside from leg one which runs by Fundy Bay, the track runs counter-clockwise. We make is with 8 mins to spare
I was absolutely amazed on how varied the track was by topography. I mean driving in on Highway 1 was a bit boring. But this track had it all; elevation changes, landscape changes and just the right amount of challenge to keep us guessing all day long.
The element of endurance was no joke. There was no time for a proper lunch, so we had resigned ourselves to Keith's roadside café, Trademarked from the Roaming Rally this year.
However, things apparently got a little rocky after the Diet Coke detonated. Have you ever wondered what sesame seed coated twizzlers taste like? Wonder no longer!
Another funny aside, during one of our breaks another rider had mentioned how much better this Sat was than last Saturday. Then he laments that he didn't even think he got out of bed last Saturday. With that the joke becomes, only reason this is better is because it's lasted more than 90 seconds!
There is one final check point at 1730. We cruised through that one for an easy gallop into base camp. I didn't think of how good it would feel to cross the finish line. But, for a brief moment the team felt like the top of the world. For the last 11.5hrs/300 miles hours we've laughed, and shared a great time in the Canadian wilderness. Yes, we were champions in our little universe, if even it didn't mean anything.
Out of 15 teams:
If bliss had an expression, here it is.
Quote:
| Originally Posted by blaster11  Our normal strategy is to just keep a good solid pace with few breaks, we are not the fastest but we are damn consistent! With that strategy we always seem to finish in the top third of the teams. |
Honestly, alt 3 is getting about to limit of fun/skill and I am seriously considering bailing on the next alt as it was labeled as harder. So we get to the bottom of the track and take a short break. However, it seems that perhaps we were a bit remiss in our mental notes of the track. Yes, we had thrown caution to the wind and just rode the really hard section. Seems like I manage to make a mistake in the tracks at least once per year
Realizing that we've just conquered this track, there will only be easy sections in front of us.
There are two sections which are shared on both routes. They tend to be high speed dirt or tarmac. After another quick stop for gas, we need to book it. The first time check is at 1600. Aside from leg one which runs by Fundy Bay, the track runs counter-clockwise. We make is with 8 mins to spare
Quote:
| Originally Posted by blaster11 Here is another good picture of the map showing how far ahead some of us were from the rest of the pack. There is a big gap in the middle which the teams had to cross before a designated cutoff time, if you didn't meet the cutoff time you had to take the bailout route back to the lodge. |
I was absolutely amazed on how varied the track was by topography. I mean driving in on Highway 1 was a bit boring. But this track had it all; elevation changes, landscape changes and just the right amount of challenge to keep us guessing all day long.
The element of endurance was no joke. There was no time for a proper lunch, so we had resigned ourselves to Keith's roadside café, Trademarked from the Roaming Rally this year.
However, things apparently got a little rocky after the Diet Coke detonated. Have you ever wondered what sesame seed coated twizzlers taste like? Wonder no longer!
Another funny aside, during one of our breaks another rider had mentioned how much better this Sat was than last Saturday. Then he laments that he didn't even think he got out of bed last Saturday. With that the joke becomes, only reason this is better is because it's lasted more than 90 seconds!
There is one final check point at 1730. We cruised through that one for an easy gallop into base camp. I didn't think of how good it would feel to cross the finish line. But, for a brief moment the team felt like the top of the world. For the last 11.5hrs/300 miles hours we've laughed, and shared a great time in the Canadian wilderness. Yes, we were champions in our little universe, if even it didn't mean anything.
Quote:
| Originally Posted by blaster11 I If you look at our riding gear you will see that I am the cleanest. The reason is I led the whole day and two after I would go through an obstacle and radio back to Dana that it rode well or had a solid bottom she and Keith would just power through it......having way more fun than I did. I think they both ended up with water in their boots though. No drops, no falls, and no crashes.....really just a great day of riding! |
- Our group has the most average engine displacement
- We were 1 of 6 teams that rode all the alternates
- We were 1 of 5 team that made the check point times
- No drops, no falls, and no crashes
If bliss had an expression, here it is.