TEAM thebackpacker.com 77hr Adventure ra ce

“Congrats Team TT and Support Ho's.

(We always knew Nigal was a good ho.)”

“Congrats everyone! Looking forward to following more of your races.”

“Congratulations to all of you!!!
Wow!!!”

“Great job! Congrats!”

“well done y'all (lifts beer in salute)!!”

“ahhhh home sweet home. We all made it safe and sound with no serious injuries. I have one large blister on my left heal and will be losing two toenails soon, general achiness and tiredness.

I sleep a total oh 4hr 40min broken up in 2hr,1hr 20 and 1hr 20 through the 72 hours. I am a bit goggy still...

look for the TR starting mon, just like the race it will be in sections...”

“The muttled view from a tired Support Ho:

I finally got home from Oscoda and a very jubilant victory celebration on the shore of Lake Huron. I must say it was an experience of a lifetime to be a small part of a big race like this. I didn’t really keep notes or anything so all this is just from my memory. Please forgive any typeos and misspellings as I still have wet bread for brains and haven’t slept yet…

Day 1: The Start

After arriving the evening before just in time to meet the whole team and get to the race briefing we were up bright and early around 5:30 am. The condo was chaos as the team got all their gear ready and di the final, “What am I forgetting?”. The racers were called to the beach where they all stepped into Lake Michigan to begin the race. They began by running through town to the bay and blowing up their small pack rafts (some racers referred to them as Crap Rafts). They would then paddle across the bay and jump on bikes to begin their 65 mile bike ride. The support ho’s headed for TA 1 to get set up for their arrival.

None of us Ho’s had ever done support before but we had an ace up our sleave that went by the name…Linette! Birch’s sister is an organizational goddess. Her attention to detail is amazing and she has the ability to let others know what needs to be done without being bossy. We got to TA1 which was nothing more than a dusty 2 track in the middle of nowhere where teams would pack on either side and await their racers. We figured out a nice system for setting up gear and began the long wait. We passed the time thinking of what needed to be done and how best to serve the team mixed in with a heavy dose of general buffoonery. Uplover is a hoot to hang out with and he and Linette instantly fell into a relationship of sarcasm and jabs. LOL!

The team came in within exactly 2 minutes of when Linette had figured. Three PM. They were in good shape save for a few bumps and bruises Diane had. We helped get their gear changed out and got their gear for the next stage while they ate and rested. It was sometimes hard to balance getting the racers what they needed, find out from them what they needed for the next stage and trying not to badger them too much with too many questions so they still feel like they are getting the rest they deserve and need.

The team posed for pictures in front of the TheBackpacker.com banner and then they were off for stage 2 which was a 38 mile trek followed by a 12(?) mile bike around 3 or 4PM. We packed up camp and the bikes and headed off to drop the bikes at the CP and then on to Penrod’s Livery in Grayling where we would meet the team for the start of their 3rd stage; a 49 mile canoe paddle down the Ausable River. We got the transition area all set up and made improvements to our set up learning from how we did at the last TA. We went into town and got dinner, went shopping, posed for pictures with products at Kmart that used our names (Lennett table cloths, Joe Boxer shorts), and generally acted stupid.

We got to sleep around midnight and then up again at 6:30-7AM to await the team. Had we known this would be the last real sleep we would get we would have slept in until noon.

Day 2: What damn day is it anyway?

The team rolled in around 10-10:30 AM from their trek/bike ride. They cleaned up, duct taped feet and slept for about ½-an hour in whatever shade they could find. The team was in their canoes by 2 or 3 and on their way. We would be waiting 49 miles down stream to meet them.

We arrived at TA 3 and got set up. We had figured the team would be in anywhere from 12-3AM. We got set up and tried to sleep around 10:30 or 11PM. The TAs are not the best place to try and sleep. Tired teams generally don’t worry about being loud. Which is understandable. We managed to get a couple hours of sleep before the team snuck in on us at 2AM. They were really refreshed from the paddle and said it was their most enjoyable section so far. We helped the team do gear saps and prepared their gear for the next stage while they got a few hours of well deserved sleep.

While the days were ungodly humid and muggy the night was damp and chilly. When I went to rouse Diane she was so cold she was shivering and was not enthusiastic about getting up. I got her the warmest clothes she had and got her coffee as she fought to wake up. She was having a tough time but from this time forward she went through such a transformation. Every time we saw her she seemed stronger than the last time we saw her. More up beat. More positive and determined.

The team took off on their bikes about 4AM. They were very resolute. The Ho’s packed up their little medicine show and headed out to do the drop offs and pick ups that needed to be done. We were getting very tired. We finally got to TA 4 which was a dusty, crap strung horse camp in the national forest. The sleep deprived hours of setting up and waiting were filled with such slap-happy nonsense I’d have to say it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had. Uplover and Linnette poked and took shots at each other whenever possible and we had a great time. I even managed a few hours around the TA without my pants on. At no time in the whole race did any of us get snappy or bltchy with each other. If Linnette was the brains of the bunch then Uplover was the workhorse. The guy never let up and he never bltched.

We were able to get about an hours nap and then the team came in. They were even stronger than before. They had found their zone. Jake is an amazing character. He was so stoic and so, “Well, yeah, it wasn’t too bad.” And he always had a smile and a kind word for us even when he later was obviously in a lot of pain. Birch and Jeff were very matter of fact in handling the business end of getting things done. I think this was one of the most important things that kept the Ho’s on track. They told us what they needed and we saw that it got done. But they were always nice and showed a lot of appreciation to the Ho’s.

I’m not sure what time the team left TA4 because life became a bit fuzzy by now due to lack sleep. They began a multiple stage that required traversing/pack rafting/trekking. They had to carry nearly every scrap of mandatory gear they had which included PFDs, paddles, and pack rafts. Their packs were 40-50 pounds each. The Ho’s packed up and headed out to do our drops and pick ups and then get to TA5. We had become pretty good at packing up and setting up and could get it done within 30-45 minutes.

While Linnette and Uplover set up I went into Oscoda to call Sass and pcik up ice. As fate would have it when I finally got a hold of Sass she was just coming into Oscoda. What great timing! We stashed her Jeep and headed back to TA5. By the time we got to TA% things were pretty well set. We pitched tents and sat around waiting for the team to come in.

Day 3: What’s my name and where am I?

The team came in around 12:30AM. They were pretty well hammered at this point but surprisingly even more determined. They made the decision to forego the 2 hour layover to sleep and to push on threw to the end. The next and final leg was a 10 mile bike and a 13 mile canoe leg to the beaches of Lake Huron and the finish. The Ho’s, now four strong, packed up and headed to Oscoda to secure post-race rooms and to wait at the finish line.

Around 6:30AM the Ho’s decided to wait for the team on the river near the lake and then dash over to the finish when they came in. A little after 7AM the team came down the river. Upon seeing us Birch yells, “We have to go back. We forgot something! Meet us back in Frankfort!”. LOL! We went back to the finish line on the beach and waited there as we watched them battle a strong headwind and some nice waves. Watching this team cross the finish line and step onto the beach was such a proud moment for me. I remember the first time Birch told me about the race and his desire to do it. I remember the day he called and said they were going to go for it. His training reports were always a part of any phone calls. It was awesome to see this team start from scratch and somehow, I don’t know how, cross that line. I was so happy for them and to have even my small part in their success gives me great satisfaction.

Here are the rough untitled photos:

http://photobucket.com/albums/v14/Nigal/Coast%20to%20coast/?multi=4&addtype=

I came home and watched the vieo I shot and it was pretty good. I hope to have it converted to dvd, burned and mailed this week.”

“Congrats, guys! I have to say I find this whole thing fascinating, and amazing. I told EVERYONE I saw this weekend about the race, and tried to get updates whenever I could.

Nigal, thanks for the trip report. It sounded like a great time! I'm sure the team is grateful to you and UPlover and Lynette for taking care of their basic needs. I get chills just thinking about the whole operation!



Birch and Dhutch, you guys ROCK! Fill us in on the details when you wake up and figure out what day it is!”

“Congrats. I watched the leaderboard every few hours over the weekend. This stuff is addictive.”

“Congrats to all involved in the race and support teams. Job well done!!”

“I got my photos rotated and captioned now.

New working link:

http://photobucket.com/albums/v14/Nigal/Coast%20to%20coast/?”

“The times and some details may vary a touch. I still feel foggy...

We left our condo at 635am 6/1 for start line in lake Michigan. We would then run through Frankfort for a ways ,follow the crowd to the park, inflate packrafts and paddle across a small bay/lake to our support crew where we switched to bikes and began the predicted 65 mile bike ride (we did 74.5 based on route choices).

The energy at the start was more than I have seen at any event in my life. nervous chatter and jokes... the run and pack raft were supposed to spread the 43 teams out for the first section and further. I saw atleast 3-4 flat rafts and was gald we made it dry.

We got on the bikes and pedaled for for what seemed like an eternity. At some point we crossed a stomach deep creek while carrying our bikes, waded through a mucky stream/trail where I found a hole deep enough to bury myself almost hip deep. The CPs along this route were straight forward with basic map nav needed. There were lots of hills at the beginning some HUGE we hit one downhill that was so large my speedometer hit 47.6 mph (withe some brake use) this was confirmed by another etam who hit 47.5. That is my record by 10 mph.

We rode for hours hitting the checkpoints staedily, I was getting tired of the biking and we were leaving main roads getting onto two tracks and trails more and more. I had my seat set a touch high and was paying for it by now. We followed a winding trail up to a high ridge above the manistee river where we would zip line with our bikes and do another 14 miles to TA1. We made it to the final stream crossing and cruised the two track down to find our crew happy and waiting for our arrival. We checked it and ate, sat cahnged clothes and relaxed for a few. We had a long trek ahead and were ready. 8 hours into the race all was well.

more to folow...”

“Just amazing.



I can't imagine the exhuastion.

Nicely done guys (and Diane!)


Very nicly done (this of course includes the ho's)”

“"I can't imagine the exhuastion."

LOL! I was VERY careful not to complain about being tired or anything else when the team was in the TA. That would have earned me multipul kickings to the nuts.

One of the funniest jokes the Ho's had going was when Birch's sister said on the first day that we were bound to get crabby and that nothing we say to each other should be taken seriously. I said, OH, so when you say, 'Why don't you just go lay down in the woods and die you fat bassturd!', you're only kidding, right?". So the rest of the weekend when I'd kid with UP he'd just say, "Why dopn't you just go lay down in the woods and die ya fat bassturd.".”

“All home, gear aplattered out to air, be washed and put away. The storm that hit our area last night (reported tornado) didn't cause this much of a mess!

More importantly than writing a trip report (later today)I'd like to send my personal thanks and ultimate respect to the support ho's and my teammates through this experience. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of the dedication and heart of all involved that went in to acheiving our goal. Especially because evey time we came into a TA you pulled me together. You guys rock!!!!!

Beyond the details of hiking, biiking, paddlig, gear changes, blisters and chafing the ultimate challenge is to hold a team together comprised of individuals periodically fighting private battles with exhaustion, frustration, determination and self doubt. This has been a truly spriritual growing experience for me in trust and appreciation for others.

More props for:
-thebackpacker.com for the interest and support you have shown
-Jeff for carrying me, Joe towing me and Jake for carrying my pack in my darkest moments during the morning of day 2
-the inventors of - duct tape, desitan, brush ups and no doze
-The Lord above for perfect weather
-infiterrasports for coordinating this momenumental race in Michigan

full trip repport to follow, zzzzzzzzzzz”

“you all rock! What an amazing adventure. Looking forward to more. But in the meantime...REST!”

“Rest indeed. You earned it. Great job all, including the fat bassturd, LMAO!”

“Awesome!”

“Wow... just wow. Congrats to everybody involved.”

“CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

You guys are my heros!!!!”

“First of all let me just say..I just the last spent 4 days (or was that months...I'm not sure..lol)with 6 of the most incredible ppl I have ever met.

Birch, D, Jeff, and Jake you guys are AWESOME!!!
Looking at what you guys accomplished in print is incredible enough but having been there and seen it in person....the heat, the pain, the tiredness, and yet thru it all, the look of determination that yes by gawd we ARE gonna do this!!....makes it almost unbelievable!!

Nigal and 'Nette, what can I say......I can't think of anyone I would have rather done this with than the two of you!!! THANKS!
(BTW have either of you seen my black ho bag?? lmao!)
And lets not forget Sass...at a time when the 3 of us were starting to seriously run out of energy, you were a showed up and got our butts motivated again, and your help at the last TA was most definitely a big boost!

I am in the process of downloading all my pics now and will try to get some online later this afternoon.

In closing I just wanna say...Thanks all of you for letting me be a part of this....it was an incredible experience and one thats gonna be pretty darn hard to top!”

“Hey Up, I don't think I did much, but thank you! We found your water filter in the support crew mandatory gear. I'll try and get it in the mail to you asap! Please email your address.

Everything is finally unpacked. I washed Birch's clothes 2X before the stink came out, lol.

He got a compression massage and some assisted stretches last night. He's moving very well, surprisingly, at least when he's moving, lol. He's back in bed at the moment. =)

~Sassafras”

“Sass,
Yeah really you did a lot!! :)
Just showing up with all that energy helped reenergize all of us!
As for the water filter I'm not worried about it.....you can just bring it along to the Nordhouse trip if you want....I won't need it before then, besides that will mean I have to go, right?? :D”

“I just uploaded a bunch more pics from the race for all your viewing pleasure :)
http://www.thebackpacker.com/pictures/album/jve4nfkd.php”

“We stayed at TA1 for about one hour, refreshed and happy to be moving and off the bikes we began section 2 which was 38+ miles trekking and 12+ biking into TA2, this would be our longest leg away from our crew. We wanted to hustle the first part to try to make it in and out of "Big Devil Swamp"/CP8. We kept a good pace, and spent a long time in finding CP6, we realized that we were under estimating time dramatically due the 1:30750 map scale. It was slow at times but we found it and pressed on... wee spent the walk chatting and trying to pass the time.

CP 7 was easy nav, but a long walk through open fields and it was warm, water went really fast as did food. We headed into the swamp at 815-820pm, we felt good but rushed. There was a sunstantial trail that we chose to follow and we varified the route from time to time with our compass. We ended up with two other teams and progress grew slower as the swamp became a tangled of very dense brush. We cliombed scrambled and clawed through the dense bursh which was the hardest bushwhack of my life. At some point I took the front to break brush and follow the trail which faded away, I tried to keep a bearing but the brush made this nearly impossible. We came upon the NW corner of a property line (which the owner had cleared a 4 ft path on ) and headed north to the river were we would turn and walk 250yds and be at CP8...or so we thought. We hit the river and it was 9pm, we turned east and the hell began. The brush was thicker then ever, the 12 of us plowed on esaily losing sight of each other if we spread more then 20 ft, we called out locations and did our best to push on. After 35 mi we stopped donned headlamps and back tracked to the property line and river corner. We all discussed option and swatted skeeters. I volunteered to follow the river east and try that route, Chris another captain said he'd go with. We dropped all our gear except lights and hopped into the cold water and left. 17 min later we saw the CP turned back got our teams and gear and headed back. The river was crisscrosssed with loads of trees but better then land. We hit the CP in total darkness and headed out. We decided to stck with a few teams as we were tired and this could help with decisions. We were all soaked and longed for open terrain...

The rest of the night was a blur. CP 9 was an absolute chore, so amny trails were non existant others werent mapped, swamps were here but not mapped...our maps were last updated between 1965-68. Our navigator Jeff did an amazing job piecing together a route no matter how tough things got. We then had an amazingly long slog from CP9-CP10, its was 300am we took a 20 min stop and fired up some self heating coffee cans (thanks DHutch). We stayed with Tad's team and headed out as a team of 8. We shared coffee and fought sleep. It was great to have new faces at this time, lots of new stories passed the time. as the sun rose we found CP 10 on a big big hill. We had a cut off of 11am to leave TA2 so we needed to run about 8 miles to our bikes then ride 12 more. It would be tight. I was concerned about the cutoff (actually very concerned) and voiced that we prolly wouldnt make it, I couldnt beloieve that was an option but couldnt see any other result. We tapped feet split some gear and set up a tow and ran. We carried on like this for a time (one minute, one year, I dont even know). I reread some instructions and found that our cutoff was 8pm, we just got 9 hours of mercy. To say we were exstatic would be an understatement. We trudged along a raod forever to our bikes (which wer left for us)we ate drank and changed shoes and headed out.

Dhutch and I were saddle sore so the bike really hurt at first...but we had no choice. The bike went well albeit painful, we got into TA2 at 1059 am (we woulda made the cutoff if it were 11am). This was my fav transition. We at egg mcmuffins, wendys frosties chnaged (I layed inthe 50 degree river). Then it was sleep time. We agreed that this would be a 3hr stop, we each could sleep as much or little as we wanted. I quickly layed down and got 2 hours of great sleep. I awoke and hurriedly finished eating and packing and looked forward to 49 miles of sitting. I had paddled this section of rivera few time sbefore so I new what to expect. 230pm and we were in our boats....”

“Good pictures UP! I liked this one...

”

“Nige- maybe that shoulda been titled "a ho in action???" lmao

birch- good to see you're up and about :)
Great TR too...kinda nice to hear what you guys were doing while we were playin with the rafts!! :D”

“I LMAO when I rewatched the video of the rafts being blown up. You were just raggin’ on her for not getting them blown up and the next thing ya know there’s UP blowing her rafts up for her and she’s still laying on the air mattress watching you do her job. Then again she said she’d wash the socks and I ended up doing that. I think she was a Jedi or something. LOL!”

“Wow...
Congrats at finishing the race!!

You guys rock! :-)

Dhutch-- sounds like your training paid off!

Very cool!

Haven't had time to read all of your reports and pictures, but am looking forrward to it!”

“Oh this is making me soooo lightheaded!!!!
I'm starting to get dizzy!!
Either one of those sound familiar to ya nige? lmao!!
But then again she did bring us subway sandwiches!! :D
last edited: 6/06/05 5:07:32 PM”

“section 3

We began the 49 mile canoe at 230 pm. We had planned on a 10-16 hour paddle dependent upon conditions. Many teams had made quick transitions at the last TA and would sleep in the boats, we took 3.5 hours and I am glad we did. I felt strong and rested as we headed down stream thanks to some sleep and some hot enertia chow (alfredo for me). The paddle was relaxing, we past vacation homes then campsites and eventually got into mainly wild areas as it darkened we began to see more wildlife. The sun dipped behind clouds which was much needed relief. We made the one canoe CP at 755 pm, 5hrs 35 min and we were halfway, we knew we'd slow due to the fading light. We stopped for 10 min every two hours te stretch and ease our aching rear ends. Even with thick padding I was in some serious discomfort. From 9-10pm the bugs were insane, I put on my headnet but found it was too hard to see. Headlamps came out and the work began. I was in the bow of the lead boat, Jeff was aft. Diane and jake followed. As we approached each bend I would tell jeff which way I thought the turn was, he'd look and let me know if he agreed or not, then I would start the turn while he ruddered us around. This seemingly simple task was very tiring after a few hours. It continued to darken and the river began widening as we approached the backwaters of Mio Dam. The backwaters are deciving, lots of read beds that arent mapped, the shorelines invisible at dark, we hugged the left bank and from time to time stopped paddling to feel for current. I knew where we were but had a tough time gauging our distance to go. We were looking for a bridge and we were close but yet unsee, Another group of paddlers were coming at us. We stopped nad talked. They were adament that a dam was right ahead and they were going the opposite way. I knew there was no dam but a bridge for camp 10 road (this is were the mio dam pond begins officiall). We asked them to show us the dam. A few minutes later we happily saw their dam, our bridge and paddled through. Jeff navigated us easily across the large pond (maybe 5 miles?) through a major stump farm and into CP15 which was also TA3.

We dropped boats, grabbed gear checked in and found our crew sleeping. They were scheduled to wake in an hour or so. We were happily early. We covered the 49 miles in almost exactly 11 hours. We were wet and cold and stiff. Hot food,coffee and beds were in order then sleep. As we changed we talked out our plan. As we all bedded down, I asked my sis to extend the sleep to 1hr 20 min and to not tell em. They hadnt gotten much sleep yet. I knew that I was beat with 2 hours sleep, so they were way worse. In what seemed like a blink we were up. It was cold and hard. We all shook with chills. Quickly running through gear checks finishing food and potty breaks we hit the bikes. Desitin is an amazing salve. I will carry it always.

section 4

We peddled in the very foggy humid pre morn darkness. we had 18 miles to the orienteering course. Aboyt 30 min in I began to feel nauseau. I could figure out why. I was hydrated,taking electrolyte tabs nad eating but felt on the brink of vomitting. Even wlaking didnt help.This was my lowest of the race, I wondered if I would too sick to continue
. We started to get into sandy roads, so sandy that walking was a must. Our longest stretch was .74 miles or that crap. The "O" course seemed a lifetime away. We eventually made it about 630 am. Our crew was there but could offer no assistance as this was a bike drop only. We dropped biked, said goodbyes and thank yous. I are 7 altoid peppermints and began to feel better.

The "o" course looked staright forward. It wasnt. Wether it was exhausting or not we spnet 3 hours for point "a" and never found it. The rules stated that we must get at least one point to be ranked. We opted to get the one that was up the road a few miles and maybe one more. We slogged along, we were all beat and demoralized. It was hot and hilly. We hit point "c" and decided to hit point "e" too. I fell alseep walking till Jeff said something to wake me up.

If you wonder why I havent mention Jake yet its simple. He was an iron man, never a complaint whimper or whine. He is made of the toughest stuff I have ever seen. He turned 52 the day before the race.

We headed fro "e" I stayed back to use our manadatory trowel. A team was surprised to catch me doing my paperwork, I waved and said hi.

feeling better as a team we headed out for the final push to our bikes. We bushwhack to a trail and crossed a stream, skirted a swamp and finally saw our bikes. Our team had left LOADS of water for us, we topped of our needs and were about to dump extra when I heard the team saying they were thirtsy, We gave em all the extra 100 ounces. They were super happy. This team was top at 8pm last night (we were halfway through the paddle). They spent 6 hours looking for ponmit"b" and ended up sleeping 30yds from it. They spent 16 hours on the "o" course and got all the points. They were a team to admire, even dehydtared and whooped they cracked jokes. At the post race banquet their female sought us out to thank us again they took 16th.

We got on the bikes and battled the heat back. jeffs knees were hurting bad,the anterior tendons on both knees hurt on every revolution. We pedaled on and on the final 8-10 miles. Our route took us to a two track through pines nad in the shade. But it was sandy, we walked our bikes 1.5 miles in that crap.


TA4 was welcome. Chairs in the shade, ice cold flat mountain dew, spaghetti and an ice bath for our feet. We changed, and loaded darn near all our gear. At this point I realized my brand new golite team pack had failed. Jeffs started to fall apart on day one. Both were brand new. I will be writing them soon. It couldnt haver happened at a worse time. The lack of compression straps made loading a pain plus I had to load my bag unevenly. I also noticed a few straps were on the brink. We trugded out after taking picks feeling loaded. This was the first time I had seen jake look bad. We followed a sandy horse trail 2 miles to a big traverse across the river. That was short fun. Then an 8 mile walk along swampy powerlines in the blazing sun. We pushed hard trying to enjoy it. The pack raft area was next. We had just carried kayak paddles,PFD and 4 lb rafts for this part, a 5-7 paddle in 5 ft rafts. There we headwinds nad stumps and sticks. These rafts were very fragile and we had to be cautious. We would be on the water after dark. We paddled along. I loved it,I was reclined, feet up no pressure or pain anywhere. we would stay this was for 3 hours. We talked about staying on passed the first take out. I had hoped to do so since the nav was easy (paddle till the water stopped at the dam) but we decided as a team to take out. A lady and kids camping let us cut through her camp and told us where the main raod was. We hit the hardball and cruised the two miles to the TA5.

On the way to TA5 I saw a person appoaching down the road. I couldnt see who it was, as they approached I saw that it was my lovely bride Sass. What a boost in morale!!!

We transitioned quickly. In my mind we were done. A 10 mile bike and 14 mile paddle then sweet sweet completion. We did a final gear check and ate, had coffee and cocoa. The bike seat seemed covered in pins for me. but for 10 miles it was doable. We hammered the bikes (missing two live porcupines enroute) and were off of them in 36 minutes. We grabbed canoes loaded gear and started the paddle. It was 3am and jet balck,. the headlamps seemed a hindrance but with we were blind. We bumbled along for 30 minutes. I was spent. I was in the bow of the lead boat trying to pass warnings back to diane and jake and trying to communicate with Jeff about us. I finally said that we needed to stop and sleep. We were darn near done and it was simply unsafe to pushon. We found a spot, unloaded gear made up our beds (emergency blankets) and slept till 5am. We awoke freezing and hit the water. Diane and jake led on, jeff and I plugged away. We realized that we had over 100 lbs of weight on em as they disappeared into the moring sun. For 2.5 hours we paddled, it was hard work not because of conditions but because of exhaustion. As we neared the coast the wind picked up and it was colder. We saw the crew cheering us on and we headed for open water. 2-3 ft rollers greeted us at the breakwall. We banged em head on till we banked south for the end. As we hit the sand I thought we did it. We dragged the boats up and took pics. We quickly headed to the hotel showered wnet to eat and slept a bit, went the banquet then headed home.

I wanted to write my TR before I forgot details. I also wanted time to relive the race as I wrote wnd to see the pics.

This was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life bar none. The challenges were amazing. It was also the completion of a goal I have had for years. It was worth every drop of sweat and blood.

I didnt do this alone and couldnt have. Without Jeff,Diane and Jake this would still be a dream. Without my wonderful sister Lenette, new friend Joe and brother Nigal I'd still be looking for food water and dry clothes. Their encouargement and smiles were big medicine.

Matt, you are the man. You helpd in so many ways. I will where my team shirt with pride. Your name was all over this great state. Thanks a million!!!!!

And to bethany at Enertia Trail foods, you kept us full and racing, thanks again!

To you all at TT, it been fun to share this with you. Your encouragement and kudos are much appreciatted. I hope the TR is as fun for you all as the trip was for me.!!!”

“birch - lol I can tell you're typing tired. Usually you are a good speller! :-)

This will be long and some points may have already mentioned but hopefully another viewpoint will be entertaining to some.

Feb 2004 at an Infiterrasports clinic this race was first mentioned as a possibility. My mind immediately began planning for it and of course birch you were my first choice for a teammate. I had raced with Jeff before and had a hope that he'd join as a navigator. Birch had mentioned Jake as a person he'd raced with in OH. After 6 months of the summer birch called and said that sass and he had decided that the race would be squeezed into their already very full year. Yay! The rest is history as the team and training were finalized, entry fees paid and gear collected. Team thebackpacker.com was born. THANKS MATT! We are so proud to represent!

Tuesday morning Jake, Jeff and I loaded gear into the trailer and headed up to Frankfort, MI. We stopped on the way for a panic buy of additional tubes and CO2 canisters, just in case. Oh, and I can't fail to mention the stop for gas where we loaded up on pre-race food, Hostess, what else. :-)

At the condo there was unpacking to do and preparation for the stringent gear checks scheduled for the following morning. Support Ho's and teammates then hit a local eatery for dinner complete with the last beer we'd see for 4 days. Black and Tan for me.

Heading over early for the check-in and gear check was our plan. Sailing through that we coveted our packet of 10 maps and 23 cp's detailed by UTM coordinates. As Jeff and I plotted the checkpoints we couldn't help but formulate some predictions about the race. Luckily upon review the first checkpoint had been plotted incorrectly. Jeff and I had placed it about 3/4 mile out into lake MI but it really was on the shoreline. Premature plotting jitters? Who cares, we were releved not to have to paddle the little rafts onto the big lake. Briefing would occur at 6:30 where we got final detials and instructions.

While Jeff and I planned our routes carefully reviewing roads and referencing the Michigan Gazateer Jake and Joe organized their gear. This is no easy process as you work your way road by road, trail by trail across an entire state. Joe pitched in for the last few so that I could gather my gear for the first leg. Jeff got no relief until about 12pm. 4 hours of planning, but it can be the most important part of the race. I was glad to get to bed by 12:30 as in previous events we've started out sleep deprived due to the map prep process.

6:30 am standing ankle deep in Lake Michigan (coast to coast baby) racers joked in nervous anticipation of the start. We ran about 1/2 mile to our rafts and then had to blow them up. Some teams had pumps, some had leaks, we had no problems and changed wet socks and shoes to collect our bikes. We headed out in good spirits and I drafted off the guys to conserve energy. Big downhills and uphills in the first couple of miles but we owe a ton of gratitude to the Ho's for the previous day's scouting of our intended route to cp1. Opting to stay on pavement but bike about 1 mile longer, we maintained speed. Well except for my tumble on the dirt road approaching the cp. Talking, eating a gel and drafting don't mix. I hit the dirt hard and skidded my face along the gravel. Ouch, but ok and only a little shaken. We pounded out the next points which included the stream crossing birch mentioned. Wading chest deep and carrying my bike over my head was a high point for me during this section (there was a photographer snapping pictures so check infiterrasports.com to see your favorite team). The sun was beating down and the cold water was welcome. Miles became a little bit of a blur as we pedaled on. Teams were planning potty breaks for the shade and we were no exception.

Finally we arrived at an enormous zip line across the Manistee River. Strapping on our harnesses we clambored down about 20 feet to a small ledge where we were clipped to the ropes along with our bikes. Few sped all the way across and we each ended up pulling our selves the last several feet. During this my fingers glanced the caribiners and were burnt blistering immediately. I dipped the hand into the Manistee and moved along. A short "hike a bike", pedal and stream crossing brought us to our beloved Ho's and TA1 for a transition to trekking. My wounds were attended and we set off on foot in good spirits.

This hike was one of the roughest sections of the course. Ditto what birch said about Jeff as he led us through our route. Unmapped roads abounded and mapped routes had become swamp land. 40 year old maps are rough but all teams were equal as additional maps are not allowed on course. I don't know how we really got through the night but we did. Thanks to Joe and another guy for scouting the creek to CP8. The swamp was my least favorite part of the race. Thanks to Jeff for sticking with it through multiple route changes and having the ability to replan on the move. Approaching cp10 as the sun rose should have been a celebraton but it was mentioned that the cutoff was looming at 11am and we'd have to run the last 8 miles to our bikes. Blistered feet and crotch rot forbade it but I grabbed a strap on Joe's pack and moved my feet into a jog. Missing a deadline means unranked status for a team but I was more than proud when we pulled together to give it our best shot. Jake carried an extra pack and at one time Jeff jogged with me piggyback! The man is an animal! Maybe the bouncing jogged something in my mind but infiterra has never been one for tight cutoffs and I asked Joe to double check our notes. Sure enough we had plenty of time. But things happen for a reason and those low moments banded us into a determined force and built momentum that would continue for the entire race.

Picking up our bikes at cp12 where the Ho's left much needed water and supplies was a celebration! We were just about out of fluids and sharing at that point. Pounding out cp13 we headed up a snowmobile path along I-75 into Gaylord, MI. The first town we'd seen since Frankfort. Saddle sore and blistered I was wondering how to endure the pain for 48 more hours as we cruised into Penrod's canoe rental and I fell into the arms of the best support team in the event!

Intermission - will finish tomorrow”

“I'm glad y'all had a great time. I'd like to be a part of something that exciting in the future.”

“wow! great reports and pictures - you guys ROCK!”

“BIG congratulations to all!! What a huge accomplishment!”

“Dhutch just called. We'll have to wait awhile for the rest of her TR; she's had some really pressing family stuff come up that requires all her attention in another part of the state.”

“Oh wow. I hope everything's ok with her. I was going to call her today but I'll hold off. I have her best clothes in my car. Her green Patagonia down pull over and her pants. I better mail them quick cause my wife was eyeballing the pull over.”

“Congrats to your team & support crew for finishing the race! It sounds like all of the intense planning & conditioning really paid off for you.”

“When will the pics be posted on the race website?”

“Hope everything is okay for dhutch.

You guys' trip report has been a blast to read. I think I'm tired from reading it. :-)”

“smiley, I dont know whenthe pics will be up. I hope soon though...”

“This guy has a ton of pics from the race....most of the are of his team but they're still good viewing!
http://www.wildernut.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=Infiterra-C2C&page=1”

“My webshots album is finally done...click http://community.webshots.com/album/363736849gFcPlC for the thrills,chills and spills of adventure racing....you'll pay for the whole seat, but only need the edge.”

“lol!”

“Great pics.....especially that last one!!
lmao!”

“Hey Upper, were you still thinking of streaming the vid on your site when it's done? It's about 9Megs in it present form and I'm not sure how big it'll be when done. I spent all day cherry picking the pics for a slideshow disk and picking out just the right music for it. Should be awesome.”

“Hey Nigal, what are you using to make your slideshows with?”

“I'm not sure yet. I have the HP Memory Disk program but it blows. My brother is putting it together and I'm not sure wht program he uses.”

“Ah, okay. I'm looking to do the same thing with some of my vacation photos. If you could ask him what software he's using, and if it will make a VCD, that'd be great. If you don't mind.”

“Sure thing. :)”