Black Fly Challenge – 20th Anniversary

How do you protect yourself in the wilderness from dreaded swarms of flesh eating insects?
Bike really fast through the dead center of the Adirondacks.... 

On June 13, 2015 cyclists from all over the Northeast swarmed to the village of Inlet and Indian Lake, New York. The Black Fly Challenge incorporates disciplines of both cyclocross and mountain biking in one race 40 miles across central Adirondack Park!  Black Fly season was seemingly over and done early this year. Lucky for us but that would not slow down anyone coming to this party.

This is considered a “gravel grinder” which means the race is primarily off road terrain, country dirt roads and double track jeep roads and occasional single track. Choose between several mountain bike divisions or if you prefer, join the open format as a cyclocross rider. These can be long distance, speedy competitive races or more focused on participation being purely recreational for the enjoyment of being in the outdoors and truly meets the best of both worlds category. You can bring your family, group of riding buddies or a seasoned team of riders wanting to lay down a thick smoke screen of dust at blazing speeds, never to be seen again.

Black Fly Challenge Starting Line
Photo by Carolyn Belknap

It all started during a get together among race buddies and our families.  During a social trail run the Black Fly was mentioned in causal conversation along with any other half dozen events that are on the to-do-list.  What! A 40 mile off road ride in the Adirondacks sounded cool enough to check out online.  The seed was planted but I did not sign up.  I was tentative, perhaps a little intimidated by the distance and not knowing if I would be able to even, remotely compete having never previously participated in a gravel grinder.

Long forgotten were thoughts of the Black Fly until a timely Facebook post came across the screen from an old whitewater paddling buddy. One of the New Yorkers I met on the Hudson River Gorge years ago….  There I was, solo in an inflatable ducky on the Indian River 12 years ago welcoming me into their group for the 17 mile river-run down to North Creek. This was too good to be true, the New York crew was going to the Black Fly. This beckoned me and I was called into immediate action and registered to join them for an epic day of riding!

The swarm at the Black Fly Challenge - Ready and waiting to send this thing off!
Members of Just for Giggles Cycling making a cameo in this photo.

I had a modest drive that morning which allowed me to hydrate, fuel up and settle the nerves in anticipation for the event. Arriving into Indian Lake bikers everywhere, warming up, working through the gears and checking equipment with an enormous crowd already gathering at the start. The cyclist parked behind me started pulling out his cyclocross bike and took one look at my whitewater playboat and struck up some conversation. Coincidentally, this paddling pedaller was named Mark as I explained the Hudson River Gorge was the to-do-list on Sunday. He sure would have liked to join me. There is no shortage of outdoor enthusiasts in Adirondack Park, might as well make it a multisport weekend!

Epic Outdoor Adventures is the headline sponsor and they were at the start assisting bikers with last minute adjustments, offering advice and answering questions. It just so happens one of the paddling acquaintances from the New York crew is the owner of that company. No doubt solidifying that this crew just eats up and loves the outdoors in each and every way possible.

Pedals & Petals bike shop in Inlet is the presenting sponsor and is one of the top bike shops in the Northeast. Go check them out for any last minute needs or post ride debacles. I am sure business is booming that weekend.

Mark #120 holding position waiting for his chance to breakaway to post a 2:30:28 Finish!

As you can imagine what it must feel like to start a race with 800+ other cyclists,  the energy in the place is electric!  Typically the cyclocross crazies are out in front as they intend on lighting trails of fire along the course in blazing, record setting speeds... all on 35mm tires!  You also have the Expert MTB division flexing their quad muscles followed by a mix of cyclocross, the Sport MTB class and beginners out for an awesome experience all around. Playing it safe my choice of bike would be MTB and I was riding the 2011 Niner E.M.D.

Casually pushing forward through the sea of cyclists.
Photo by Pat Hendrick

It was an excellent racing opportunity, pacing myself by starting in the middle of the entire pack and "slowly" working my way to up through the ranks. I found a couple people to latch onto but kept pushing forward. I chose a causally competitive game plan, not to burn out too soon "redlining" against seasoned competitors with unknown terrain and hills on the road ahead.  Road support from the local community was outstanding with many locals outside their homes cheering on all the cyclists. Plenty of water "stops" along the way for those needing to take a break or perhaps, snatch some water on the fly.

Strategically launching my "casual" assault on this course!
Photo by Pat Hendrick

Taking every draft opportunity as crowds begin to thin out. Thanks Chris #170.
Photo by Pat Hendrick

I was pulling a small group along a strong stretch of road and someone called out from behind to take lead. This dude was huge on this cyclocross bike and he just powered past me. Some extra effort to hang on for the ride as I knew this guy was a complete monster. Sometimes the advantage of taking a formidable lead out in front on your own power will reap rewards like this one!

Barry from Rochester leading the charge forward!

Barry #125 Climbing Strong!
Photo by Pat Hendrick

Looking back at my Garmin he volunteered to take over quite conveniently when I started to loose some steam. I had clearly dropped from a sustained 19+ for 2 miles carrying the group and dropped to 16.7mph.  That must have been when he shouted out to take the lead.  He surged back up to 19mph rather quickly for the final two miles of road and we left the MTB following directly behind us in the dust. I offered to take over when I felt a loss in his tempo but a sharp turn to the right revealed the beginning of the gravel grind and the longest climb of the day ensued.  I naturally broke away but it was a solid 4 miles of working together that made some difference and he launched me up that climb. The hills can be very demanding on that Clydesdale figure!

Blackfly Challenge - Indian Lake to Inlet, NY - GPS Garmin 310XT

Elevation profile through central Adirondack Park

The course follows the parallel to the Cedar River with the first 18 miles commands 1300ft of gradual elevation gain to a height of 2700ft in elevation and then the ground drops out from under you plummeting on loose dirt some 800 ft over the next 10 miles. The most dangerous aspect is actually the shadows of trees and leafs dancing all around you making it very difficult to negotiate your way down the rocky road. Some racers achieve 40+mph during this stretch. Only managed a meager 36mph max speed but was in "control" yeah, sure I was!

Some of the rocky ares on the course had yellow paint on them and arrows facing down meant to slow down because you were entering either rocky terrain or a steep descent. A week worth of rain was of some concern but course conditions could not have been better.  A little soft once cyclists started chewing up the dry, top layers.

Dancing lights in the wilderness make it difficult to see the threatening "baby head" boulders

The absolute bomber descent takes you into the wild forest of the Moose River Plains. There is this one stretch of almost 3 miles where the terrain is a fine grain sand that sucks the life out of you.. This would normally be an opportunity to tear up some serious miles on the plains but the sand is relentless, absorbing your every attempt at turning over a strong cadence. I was out there all alone with nobody around to work together.  This would have been the perfect opportunity to score a draft.

Cranking out the miles alone on the sand flats of the Moose River Plains Wilderness.

In the final 10 miles an ~900ft elevation gain comes covers half that distance in three short, but sustained ball busting climbs. This is where you have to reach down deep and hope you saved a little effort to push over these helluva speed bumps. Each climb is rewarded with another descent, containing sharp twisting, turns and some fast paced rollers.  Several short and sweet, roller coaster rides!

In the final set of hills before charging into town.  #206 finished less than a minute behind me.
Photo by Pat Hendrick

The final mile before heading into Inlet's Fern Park is a very surprising and welcomed stretch of rolling single track.  Muddy, rooted, water bars, somewhat slopping fall line of single track definitely posed a challenge for many a rider that day.

Final downhill coming out of the 1 mile of single track chasing down another rider!

I recovered all week in preparations for the Black Fly Challenge and came screaming into the finish line on the back wheel of my next target and pulled off 2nd place of 38 in my age group and 16th place of 241 in the Sport Class with a time of 2.27:13. 37th overall of 508 MTB. It was certainly a continuous, just non-stop  40 miles of grinding  hill climbs and speedy, loose descents, sand flats,  single track and fighting off cramps towards the end.…Success!

Black Fly Finish Line Selfie!

It is true, Showtime was the ultimate post race party band, playing music as racers approached the finish line at Fern Park.  They are an incredible live band delivering Pop/Rock/R&B sounds of the 80’s with epic precision; the music reverberated through your soul.  Local firefighters firing up the grill feeding some 800 participants and well over 1000 with volunteers and spectators. The draft beers were flowing too so getting all hopped up was not a problem and the temporary relief to the pesky leg cramp! It was one of the most groovy, social events I have done all year.  A fun event bringing both recreational and competitive riders together in the most primitive backdrops in the entire Northeast.

Did I mention how cool New Yorkers are? An open invite sent me to Utica the evening before where I met another old paddling buddy.  We watched some of the Comets getting whooped by Manchester in the AHL Calder Cup.  Helped me swap the more aggressive trail treads for the fast, low rolling resistance WTB Nine Line's. Thanks Chad!

New Yorker Craig and I celebrating like rock stars!

I made a decision "hiding" from the posse led by Crazy Craigy at the start of the race knowing full well that I would meet and greet them once again the the finish where we could truly spread and share some CHEER! I finally met Craig's better half and he introduced me to some of his outstanding friends.

That monster cyclocross rider was quite unmistakable. Approached him just outside of the food court reminding him of our teamwork on the course. None other than Cyclocross Barry from Rochester!  Overheard he was heading back to Indian Lake to drop off their lady rider. I needed a ride back to Indian Lake and they took my bike along in the pickup. I was like... SCORE! Lots of riders seen making the long cycle back to the starting line. These riders were obviously in training for much longer distance gravel grind pursuits later this season. This was my backup plan but did not need the extra miles planning on river-running the Hudson Gorge the following day. 

Epic Outdoor Adventures showing off some of their sweet rides at the finish line!

Matt's Draft House at the Screaming Eagle in center of Inlet is where the flock of racers congregate following the race. You can even bump elbows with race director Dave Scranton who really knows how to pull together an outstanding event. I met the entire crew back at the Screaming Eagle to replenish the some 2500 calories burnt that day.  Lots of shared stories of everyone's heartful rides and some good old-fashioned trash talking... Good Times!

Big shout-out to all the New Yorkers that always welcome this “chowder-head” into their inner circle. The Black Fly Challenge successfully achieved the 20 year milestone and is probably one of the best "gravel grinds" in the entire Northeast at both distance and logistics making it the perfect event for a beginner as an introduction to this riding format.  Looking forward to letting it “FLY” in the opposite direction next year from Inlet to Indian Lake! The event is always held on the second Saturday in June so mark your calendars for June 11, 2016....

I will be back to get me some Black Fly!

Work Hard, Train Hard, Play Harder!
Mark

New Jersey Inferno - 12 Hour Adventure Race

"Is this Hell? No, It's The New Jersey Inferno"

With my wife and daughter spending an early summer visiting the homeland of Sweden, I attempted to find a demanding alternative as time goes by.  The goal; find the absolute hardest competition possible within respectable drive and an event unlike normal off road triathlons. Adventure races have evaded me for many years and an impulse decision led me to the New Jersey Inferno. A little bushwhacking and mountain biking through the highlands of New Jersey. All I needed was a map and compass.... right?

I have never navigated adventure race checkpoints before. Applying basic orienteering skills learned in Scouting and having worked my way through a 5-km flagged orienteering course in the wilds of New Mexico were a distant memory and remembering only to avoid stepping on rattlesnakes.

This is the third year of the event hosted by New York Adventure Racing Association (NYARA). Two first time race directors took on the enormous challenge of putting together their very own race. Brothers John and Aaron Courain have been more than committed to the sport of adventure racing for the better part of 6 years.

Hint:  Skip the long winded trip report... Scroll to the bottom and check out the video edit.

New Jersey Highlands

Racers would converge on Allamuchy Mountain Park in the New Jersey Highlands on the morning of Saturday June 6. Allamuchy is well known locally for the restored 19th Century Waterloo Village on the Morris Canal system contained within the parks boundaries. Numerous hiking trails including the popular Jersey Highlands Trail and a growing mountain bike trail system maintained by JOBRA.

The race format for the New Jersey Inferno was a modified Rogaine. Maps were provided bright an early at the start of registration at 5:00am which gave teams one hour to review the course and lay out your strategic plan of attack. 10 mandatory checkpoints must be navigated in order across the 25 mile course broken up into three distinct sections of the park. In addition, teams could pursue 26 optional points which starts adding up the distance traveled for the day. Every team has 12 hours to collect as many points as possible along the course. The team with the most points wins. A strategic plan to navigate the course and a good deal of time management play key roles in being successful.

Check-in 5am was non stop for over an hour 

(Photo Credit GTLUKE)

Aaron highlighting restricted areas  

(Photo Credit GTLUKE)             

An adventure race in New Jersey? The Appalachian Trail runs through a good portion of the Delaware Water Gap in the Northwestern part of the state so this might be promising and what the hell, even the Jersey Devil might make an appearance..  The Jersey Inferno would not disappoint. and ended up dishing out as significant a backcountry experience you could ever dream of this close to NYC.

Off road, racers would experience all types of horrific plant-life poison ivy, concentrated patches of stinging nettles, penetrating thorns of Barberry bushes. Inchworms, caterpillars and creepy crawlers of all kinds covered clothing. Quite an active natural habitat with many wildlife sightings such as black bears, numerous close encounters with deer, snakes and plentiful turtles along the Musconetcong river.

Racer preparing strategically (Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

The grassroots nature of the sport is attractive to me.  Taking competitors to hidden gems in our backyards is not unlike searching for that next river run in some back-county town of New England you would never traveled on purpose. Competitors at different levels from exploratory newbies like myself, recreational teams and seasoned adventure racers all coming together in the same race to compete. Who knew that AR could be considered romantic?!?! It was awesome to see this one couple handling the entire course with patience and affection. The mission. Complete a course that is almost always brand new and will never be reproduced in quite the same way.  Venues and racing formats change year to year. This unique variable puts everyone in the same playing field no matter what the experience level.

Team getting ready 6am (Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

Aaron at racer meeting and debriefing (Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

Racer meeting 72 competors at 615am (Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

It is very important to listen to everything the race director has to say at the debriefing. There are lots of last minute hints, edits and changes. I was so overwhelmed with anxiety by this point I could not even think straight. The race began with a "King of the Mountain" KOM segment introducing an element of speed off the start and finished with Blazing Saddles.These point-to-point sections would be clearly marked and require no decision making other than how hard do you want to push the body. How could I mess those up.  That is my style of racing!

Racers were transported to the starting location in the north section of the park north of Interstate 80. This is where I did most of my strategy and planning. Northern Allamuchy was the trekking section pushing towards the final checkpoint and rappel down a cliff to the mountain bike transition area. An athlete from a 2 person team sat down beside me and introduced himself. His name was Matt Lunt and he recently raced the Tuckerman Inferno solo alongside me this past year. Small world indeed.

New Jersey Inferno Course Map

Off the bus things moved pretty fast and I was the last person off the bus. Everyone shuffled down a dirt road following the race directors and I went off into the woods to pee.  Thus the event started with the KOM and I was 100 yards behind taking a leak in the woods.  Great start! Going hard could break you early on trying to speed to the top of the hill. This was an extremely long pursuit and I managed to catch up to the lead pack. It went on forever. "Don’t make the rookie mistake of taking off too fast!"

Matt

(Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

Matt Lunt on team "Sustainable Athlete" from Maine worked his way up the trail fast and furious taking a first place KOM with a time of 44:18.  Here are both Matt and teammate Doug pushing forward towards Checkpoint 1.

I made the first major mistake an racer could ever make during an AR. I followed several packs of people on trail completely missing the trail marker taking you over to the KOM checkpoint. Making mistakes in off road triathlon might cost you 30 seconds here 3 minutes there. This mistake cost me well over 30 minutes and expended a ton of unnecessary energy. "Don’t ever assume the people in front of you know where they are going!"

Doug

(Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

Speed kills adventure racing it's not about who's the fastest point to point.  Achieving a high cardio effort you get the tunnel vision of a triathlete continuous breathing patterns, maintaining elevated heart rates and focusing on both stride and cadence all elements of delivering a strong performance. AR requires a delicate balance with the right combination of efficiency through decision-making and strategy.

In Adventure Racing mistakes are magnified exponentially in mind bending, mind altering ways pouring on the physical exertion to retrace steps. Pushing forward even when things were looking pretty bad because finding each checkpoint instills a sense of accomplishment. Getting into rhythm along the course is methodical. Failures and small triumphs would ebb and flow the entire day but continue to push on. Finishing was the only option.

I pushed through the woods with a sense of urgency. Moving too fast I incorrectly took bearings from the wrong trail intersections and shooting off into the woods multiple times in the wrong direction. I was demoralized and frustrated knowing that it took me almost three hours and only reaching 3 checkpoints.  I should have taken off in the direction for the final two mandatory checkpoints to complete this first section. Get back on schedule to recover hopes in section 2. I made the biggest mistake of the day and did not change plans. A relentless bushwhack ensued toward the first of 5 options I had originally planned to attack.

Searching for option A in the thorny thickets and twisted brambles of the park.

The race directors pointed out that morning, not all trails are on the map there a primitive trails that will positively confuse the hell out of you. Essentially using trails as the primary source for information failed very quickly and not reading the features of the land.

Collectively it took me 7 hours to get through this section and get the 5 mandatory and ended up with 5 of 6 possible options. Trekking Section 1 ending with a ropes element and a guided rappel.  Thus taking me 2 hours passed the cutoff time to participate in the ropes element.  Race director John encouraged me to continue onto section 2 and just go after ONLY mandatory checkpoints.  I had less than two hours to get 4 checkpoints on the mountain bike.  It could be done..... Right?

Note to self: Be prepared to diverge as the route is not set in stone and plans can change several times along a race course. Double check bearings. Estimate the distance between checkpoint and understand the time it will take to reach. When in doubt, check the map always and often.

NYARA team member on the ropes descending into transition!

Teams converge the hilltop cliff where the rappel 

(Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

Matt and Doug coming into checkpoint 5 at the rappel 

(Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

Working my way into the southern section of the park on mountain bike became an immediate slogfest. Working up a continuous slight grade for 0.9 miles with team after team completing this section coming down that trail moving onto the paddling transition area. It had been 4.5 hours since I had been in the presence of another team on course so I welcomed the opportunity to see the competition and send a shout-out to each of them as they passed. Overall the riding was primarily easy single-track, rolling terrain, the kind of terrain you could tear up at speed and was super fun to rip up some dirt. Plentiful ferns abound in this section.  Lots of fun log overs and quick windy sections free from technical obstacles.  Fast and flowing.  I learned that it is very difficult to navigate when your having so much fun cranking out the miles in the fast, flowy terrain.  Miles go by quickly and next thing you know you way overshot a checkpoint.  Oops!  After overshooting checkpoint 6 I tried to go back and took a wrong turn.  The map was backwards when I was choosing my new direction.  I looped entire Deer Park Pond in a figure 8 until I finally got back to checkpoint 6.  This was the second time I had gone in a complete circle on trails race day.  Once again speed kills.

Serenity of Deer Park Pond

Once I grabbed checkpoint 6 my mountain bike race began. Knowing exactly where 7,8 were Ispeeded off to meet back up at the next transition area as I was already overdue.  It took me less than an hour to crush checkpoints 7,8,9 which 9 was on a hill that required a bearing.  It was a crampy, winded trek to the top. Race director Aaron was waiting for me at transition, a bit more than an hour later than the cutoff.  My tardiness was improving but I failed to move onto the next section in transition to the paddle leg. Without any doubts he gave me an open door to continue. Just go get CP10 the last and final mandatory checkpoint and using the marked Blazing Saddles course to take me to the finish.

Blazing Saddles (Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

Blazing Saddles (Photo Credit GTLUKE)  

I finished dead last place 31 of 31 total teams in my first AR missing both cutoff times and was on the course for 11:09:34 minutes. This is familiar territory. Progression in this sport will come slowly.  In retrospect, the winning overall team was ridiculously impressive, Rev3 completely cleared the course of all checkpoints in 11:31:41, 100% Success! That is a reflection on the caliber of racers that meet both the physical and more so, the strategic and mental demands of adventure racing. Link to the posted results.


I walked away with minor degrees of poison ivy, two ticks, dozens of bites from a swarming forest of insects and possibly picked up some parasites drinking water from a small stream coming from an area of sketchy marshland on the plateau.  Running out of water several times on course was tough. Katadyn water bottle filter or Aquamira chlorine water treatment will not stay home next time. Quite coincidentally, orienteering years ago in the Rockies had me watching out for snakes the entire time on course.  This would be no different.  I hurdled over a large black snake whom I am sure was as scared as me as it slithered frantically beneath my legs.

This is what an adventure race team looks like!

Race directors John and Aaron did a fantastic job organizing their first AR race and choosing Allamuchy Mountain State Park was brilliant. The course encompassed the entire boundary of the park with certain areas marked as restricted.  The selection of terrain incorporated off trail navigation and existing trail systems in pursuit of checkpoints in perfect balance. Racers immersed themselves into a sprawling deciduous forest teeming with flora, fauna and insects! King of the Mountain and Blazing Saddles were awesome elements. Transitioning between sections with a rope and paddling discipline was well planned and executed. A classy and ever so tasty Italian buffet awaited you at the finish line.. No lag time.... Just dig right in! There is no doubt in my mind they succeeded!

John and Aaron were especially concerned and aware of my whereabouts or lack thereof at all times on the course. They were encouraging and gave me every opportunity to continue racing. They wanted nothing more than I get to experience the entire race. All 10 mandatory checkpoints. I cannot thank them enough for sticking with me out there.

There is no glitz, no glamour in Adventure Racing. It's a raw racing experience in the natural world. Every single event is dramatically different on every level. Off road triathlon and multisport races were just a stepping stone into building the endurance and skill sets necessary to apply in the field when navigating variable terrain for long periods of time subject to any and all environmental conditions that stand in your way.

As in all sports, I would like to say that I am hooked but that would require an entirely different level of commitment to achieve the pursuit of personal greatness. I do look forward to the next event to continue building where I left off....  getting lost over and over again.  I took this opportunity to take on a new challenge and have an entirely new experience. Adventure Racing has found its place on my things to do list. I will be back.

Work Hard, Train Hard, Play Harder.
Mark

Taming the Tuckerman: 10 Years Chasing Winter!

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals"
Henry David Thoreau

The grandeur surrounding Tuckerman Ravine is certainly no secret and is considered a right of passage for every advanced skier and rider in the Northeast.  It's the quintessential stepping stone into the world of high alpine (above treeline) skiing.

Photo from Mount Washington Avalanche Center

Friends of Tuckerman Ravine is a non-profit organization raising funds to promote the preservation and protection of fragile alpine environments on Mount Washington, NH. They were instrumental in building the foot bridge that connects the lower parking areas keeping people off the roads. Volunteer crews perform trail maintenance all while making improvements and repairs to avalanche boards.  They introduced a potable water supply at Hermit Lake shelter, communications system for the forest service, resupply first aid caches in the ravine, replaced the floors at Hermit Lake Shelter (HoJo's) and currently working on a project to replace the decking. They are truly dedicated to keeping recreational opportunities in the outdoors accessible and safe for the "enjoyment and benefit of all."

One of their biggest events is the most unique multisport racing experiences in New England.  The Tuckerman Inferno is the ultimate alternative to the customary approach to skiing the bowl. Nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire both solo elite and sport team relay competitors begin a multisport journey which I refer to as "Chasing Winter" through the Mt Washington Valley.  Leading off with an 8.3 mile run over Glen Ledge, 6 mile downriver paddle on the Saco River, 17 mile road bike to Pinkham Notch with 1700 feet elevation gain, 3 mile hike on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail with 2000 feet elevation gain and a climb/ski on Left Gully in Tuckerman's Ravine. There are few multisport events that can compete on this scale in the Northeast.

Waters Teammates in Tuckerman Ravine for the 2006 Inferno, Mt Washington, New Hampshire 

View of northern flanks of Left Gully and the Chute

There are countless lines and three separate occasions have experienced near perfect conditions above the expansive head-wall lined up over The Lip, Chute Variation and Right Gully. Variable terrain and conditions on 45 degree slopes in all directions is not for the faint of heart. Catch the bowl in sunshine on bluebird day with low winds, when the firm, frozen snow-pack turns and beneath you lay smooth tracks in scratchy, loose corn which will be recognized from that moment forward as one of the finest runs in your life.  

Boot packing the GS course on Hillmans 2014 Inferno

Justin Deary and I have been members of the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine for 12 years!  What started as a small group of three turned into an annual corporate event for a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts at Waters Corporation in Milford, MA. Our enthusiastic band of colleagues have been committed to putting teams together in the event for 10 years. It is difficult to describe the sense of corporate pride we all share. Countless personal victories, measurable at any level of the competition the Tuckerman Inferno has been one of the most significant team building affairs I have ever been involved.

Group at Hermit Lake (HoJo's deck) 2012 Inferno

The last time I soloed in the event was Spring 2005 with some better training resulted in 11th in a field of 19 in 5 hrs 45 minute and that did include an ascent and ski down Left Gully.  A true completion of the entire Tuckerman Inferno which in recent years has been extremely difficult to put the race back in the ravine, conditions dependent. I do recall that the race was hard but it will never be as hard as 2003 as a rookie to multisport it took me 7 hours to complete the course in 17th last place. I could barely hike back out to Pinkham.

Coming back to the Tuckerman Inferno as a soloist for the first time in 10 long years was not going to be an easy task. Falling back on experience racing both relay and a long successful stretch in the Dynamic Duo division with multisport teammate Dave Mingori would be sufficient.  In 2014, I teamed up with 10 year soloist Justin Deary, that last year the Dynamic Duo division was offered. We won the division and were fifth overall! The secret was always finding teammates to compliment your skill sets.

Wild WATERS Teammate Dave Mingori 2006 Inferno

Wild WATERS Teammate Justin Deary 2014 Inferno

Stress fractures and problematic knee tendinitis kept me from running for more almost 8 years. A cortisone shot over Thanksgiving 2014 would send me back to the treadmill for 4 months of base building in preparation. Keeping workouts controlled on the treadmill to preserve the knee as long as I can with minimal impact.  The Tuckerman Inferno would be my first time running on road over 8 miles distance. I just had to get through the run and the rest of the race would fall into place.

My little "Tart" at the starting line to the 2015 Tuckerman Inferno!
(Photo Credit John Heden)

Run. It was the beginning of a HARD race day. I still faintly remembered how difficult leading off with the 8.3 mile road run would either make or break me. Waters Corporation entered three teams into the Inferno this year. My sister Elaine and her husband brought along an additional two teams. I certainly would not be alone, racing alongside countless family, friends and colleagues. Trying to pace myself with Chef Mike form Waters.  He was looking to break one hour which would have been my top end on the best day. I had him in my sights all the way over Glen Ledge but he turned on some serious afterburners on the down stretch and I had to lay off the speedy pace. I might have gone out too hard with thoughts of breaking 60 minutes. Turns out I cam across the Thorne Pond gate in 61 minutes and was not far off my target.  Transitioned into paddling gear early.  Finished the opening leg 16th out of the Tuckerman Solo Elites and 31 of 80 teams.

Chef Mike leading my way through the 8.3 grueling miles lay ahead!

Off to the races with a bright and early start from Storyland!

Top Secret! Half the cost of Power Bar Performance Energy Blends.

Finishing up the run with some Beech Nut Fruities.  Keep the fires burning bright!

Paddle. The Saco river section on the Tuckerman Inferno is merely a speed bump to the better conditioned triathletes. It threads together two of the primary cardiovascular legs of the event just long enough that your legs go cold. This is probably the most grueling variable.  Letting the legs go dormant for 50 minutes along its almost 6 mile length. Its my bread and butter of the competition.

Kayaks of all kinds hug the shoreline of the Saco River.

This section of the Saco is Class I whitewater with some long stretches of slack and meandering quick water between drops. There are two lengthy technical rocks gardens requiring multiple moves, negotiating your way through a boulder strewn path.  Another half dozen or so shorter drops, several of which catch the unsuspecting boater by surprise. One right at the beginning through a narrow, pushy channel and don't let your guard down for the double drop about 1/3 mile above the takeout.

Typical carnage on the Saco River during the Inferno!(Photo Credit John Heden)

For the second time in 10 years river levels at an absolute minimum with the snow pack still locked up in the higher elevations. It was a bone yard out there. Paddling super fast in shallow technical water and trying to stay deep. I must of scraped a dozen rocks and almost pinned broadside once was just brutal on my boat.  White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue sends out a team of whitewater professionals to maintain safety in the more problematic areas of the course.  They do a great job noting the majority of the river hazards.  Several markers along the course can be seen with plenty of advance warning alerting the paddler where NOT to paddle.

Making a strong effort downriver I noticed in the distance two paddlers in Wildwater boats about two miles from the finish .  None other than Elaine and husband Jeff.  That excitement drove me harder and ever closer to them entered double drop battling Jeff broadside through the rapid. Much to his surprise, I challenged his line with confidence and his big effort, valiantly defended my attack.  Still searching for the deep water line to pass Jeff I made my biggest error of the competition that day and completely beached my kayak into the shallows.  Forcing me to get out of the cockpit and walk across the gravel bar.

Some crucial mistakes cost me and settled for 2nd place finish in the paddle of 80 ~29 seconds outside of 1'st overall on the Saco. Moving into 15th position overall coming out of the water. Not bad for someone who just ran 8.3 grueling miles.

Look at all the rocks. It was a scratchy, bony mess out there.  My poor boat was screaming at me.
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

Bike. It was the start of a HARD bike leg. Coming out of the water and into transition with Astrid, Noelle and even my sister Elaine came over to have both a little pow wow..... Transitions can also be a big party.  I have a tendency to get carried away.  Lots of hugs and kisses, photo shoot opportunities! Getting back to business....  Biking into a continuous 20mph head wind up some 1700 vertical rise over 17 miles is just brutal! It started out fine.  No cramps and turning the pedals over satisfactory.  I just could not find the power to deliver a solid pace. I could not overcome the relentless elevation gains combined with the badgering headwinds. The running leg certainly zapped my pedaling power. The ride turned into more a tempo cycle and there were no cramps. I had to sit back and crank out the miles and prepared myself for the upcoming hike.

Coasting after plunging some 40mph down Glen Ledge Rd.
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

Hike. It was a HARD race day. Hiking a pack of skis is just HEAVY...  Skinning, touring skis was the most excellent choice this day. With the river low, typically leans to snow pack conditions being great.  Thus the epic struggle between seasons. Getting passed by three soloists all on Randonee equipment.  Snow pack was top to bottom.  Somewhat soft at the bottom but every gain in elevation, beginning to firm up. Taking all the weight off your back and getting some glide has a huge advantage over packing in your gear the old fashioned way.  Took me 60 minutes to get off the bike and onto my skis at the top of the Sherburne ski trail.  Which by all accounts was still steady and par for the course that day.

Even the Good Wife Astrid mentioned to me, "there were a lot of people skinning up the trail, you "should" think about getting those."  I was astonished but I am practical. Getting a setup like that for one race? I know enough people with AT setups it would not be a problem to ski tour at least one weekend every year.  Right Astrid!


Ski.  This year once again did not feature a race leg in the ravine. Always conditions dependent, we have lucked out with some quality descents down Hillmans and skiing out the John Sherburne Ski Trail is quite fantastic.  In many ways, bombing down the Sherbie is much harder than skiing  Left Gully. Skiing at 30-mph downhill after negotiating a 30 mile race course is just plain old insane and I barely survived another Tuckerman Inferno. This was the second best personal result of the day for me placing 6th of the 31 soloists.

Ripping the tastiest most difficult screaming lines ever!
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

Looking into the next turn.....Legs screaming at me!
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

30mph down the Sherbie.  What was I thinking!
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

I finished 10th place of 30 Tuckerman with a total time of 4 hours 14 minutes and 25th overall of 80. Comparatively, this was my best performance of any previous two solo attempts. Finishing 3 hours behind first place in 2003 and a much improved 90 minutes behind the winner in 2005. Falling back on the years of experience certainly helped advance my results as I was only 33 minutes behind the winning podium times in 2015.

Race Organizers are "Miracle Workers" when setting the GS Course on Left Gully!
Photo from Friends of Tuckerman Ravine

GS Course on Hillmans Highway during 2014 Tuckerman Inferno
(Photo Credit John Heden)

The Tuckerman forces the soloist to transition between 5 disciplines over the ~35 mile course and thus increases chances for error. Despite being more trained and prepared the 2015 Tuckerman Inferno certainly felt more difficult than ever before.  I do not think its ever going to be an easy race and surely rattles your body in ways you cannot imagine.

Hanging on super tight to the best support person ever! 

Do not forget to remind your support person how much you love them!

Noelle sporting some cool gear she gets right in the middle of post race festivities!
(Photo Credit John Heden)

We challenge ourselves balancing both mind and body in tests of endurance and skill. Extremely pleased breaking 7:30 pace on my first official road run in 8 years! Despite some costly errors on the Saco I am thrilled having just laid it on the line performing exceptionally well in the two most technical disciplines, downriver paddling and skiing the tight and twisted, bumped up Sherbie.  Approaching the top the ski leg in the Inferno is a wild card of variables. Stoked surviving that absolute bomb down the Sherbie. 2.4 miles in 5 mins 54 seconds!

Smiles like this are contagious and win us over each year!

A shout-out to my dear friend and colleague at Waters Corporation. Justin Deary kept the fires burning bright for years, generating lots of corporate interest and keeping in fine shape to continue his insanely long run as a 10-time solo Tuckerman!  His hard work reflects how easy it was me to transition, keeping the event a reality here at Waters.

Keeping up in good competition with Justin's pearly whites!

I look forward to keeping strong ties with the Friends of Tuckerman in hopes to continue participation in the Tuckerman Inferno.  My goal is to keep our participation at a three team commitment.  We keep coming back for more torture, misery, agony and all the glory that comes with competing and what we have truly become when achieving our goals in our effervescent attempt at 'Taming the Tuckerman.'

Waters teams have compiled some incredible results over the years. Multiple winning Dynamic Duos, ladies team finishing in top three on multiple occasions, fastest individual times in both running and paddling, fastest women hikers and climb/ski legs and several 5 person mixed teams finish in the top ten overall. Here is a look back at some photo highlights through years of chasing winter and racing the Inferno. The camaraderie alone keeps bringing me back year after year.

Work Hard, Train Hard, Play Harder
Mark

Founding Father of the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine - Legendary Al Risch!
(Photo Credit John Heden)