The North Country Endurance Challenge became a reality over Memorial Day relaxing and enjoying the beginnings of summer on Cape Cod. Spending a weekend with fellow racing buddies goes without saying, we talk about past events and always look for that next event to compete.
My friend John and I found ourselves in the perfect racing opportunity. With babies on the way and limited training time we decided to join forces with our outstanding support team of Astrid and Crystal, the most wonderful good wives club. We would team up in the North Country Endurance Challenge on Saturday, September 6, 2014.
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| Calm waters broken up by the lead pack of paddlers on First Connecticut Lake in Pittsburgh, NH |
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| Team "Accidents Happen" in our first competition together! |
In the year of the baby, we formed a relay team and fittingly named it "Accidents Happen" because we are constantly one training day or event away from another injury on the mends, though the pun was too good to pass up.
Travelling greater distances to compete is becoming a reoccurring theme for me this season. This event took us as far north as the headwaters of the Connecticut River, a stones throw from the Canadian border. One challenge would be not having trained on the same terrain or course we would be competing.
Would John and I be trained up enough? I was coming off some extended rest and relaxation following the Are Extreme Challenge in Sweden. John and I would both be spending relentless weekends preparing our homes for the arrival of incoming infant babies. The Stork's were well on their way to deliver our packages.
The race is organized by Untamed New England whom puts together a pro class adventure race that attracts international teams. Unlike the multi-day adventure race, the North Country Endurance Challenge is a a single day multisport event attracting local sponsored athletes and weekend warriors alike. It is offered as a "Premier Course" estimated completion of 10-12 hours covering a distance of approximately 66 miles. The race features 9 separate legs in "off road" disciplines of paddling, trail running and cross country mountain biking. Divisions of both relay teams and solo are both available. Those wanting to tackle a bit less miles but still face a formidable challenge could compete in the short course of ~31 miles trail running and mountain biking with the exception of paddling.
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"Red sky at morning, sailors take warning; Red sky at night, sailors' delight."
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John and I entered as a relay team in the premier course and split legs evenly. I consider us to be primarily paddlers in which we both compete in varied degrees of events both on flatwater and Wildwater, which is downriver racing in whitewater. Typically, in multisport relay, a team would often be made up of the better paddlers, better trail runners and better cyclists all combining said efforts to deliver the strongest team performance. The biggest decisions were negotiating whom would race in which leg. We are equally comparable in paddling skill sets and cycling strengths. John was by far stronger runner and has a higher degree of endurance where I mostly train in the interval zone at shorter distances. This made the ultimate decisions easy. I would do the shorter paddling and cycling legs with John challenging himself across the longer paddle, cycling legs and majority of trail running in the valleys.
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| This was definitely no accident! Our support team was meant to be! |
We decided to race one kayak between us and chose John's Wave Exceed. Having spent less than 10 minutes in this racing kayak ever before and never in an event, meant I could very well dump this boat during the race, especially if waters were rough.
They key to paddling most racing designs is momentum, neutral to slightly forward body position and maintain steady rhythm. Entry into the boat is far greater challenge. Once the boat gets sufficient hull speed, stability increases significantly. Keeping the body weight stable over midship near the beam to achieve the boats designed waterline is the sweet spot where you will find both balance and performance. Lastly, reminding myself to focus on commanding a steady stroke. Over paddling might catch a paddle with a late release in the water but that is a common mistake when adrenaline takes control of the mind and body.
They key to paddling most racing designs is momentum, neutral to slightly forward body position and maintain steady rhythm. Entry into the boat is far greater challenge. Once the boat gets sufficient hull speed, stability increases significantly. Keeping the body weight stable over midship near the beam to achieve the boats designed waterline is the sweet spot where you will find both balance and performance. Lastly, reminding myself to focus on commanding a steady stroke. Over paddling might catch a paddle with a late release in the water but that is a common mistake when adrenaline takes control of the mind and body.
Ultimately what decides the outcome of the race happens in the form of support. Relying on the support team is one of the most important variables. Without a support team capable of route finding their way to multiple transition sites and locales in an unknown area of northern New England could decide the race.
Our racing buddy Josh Flanagan from Cohasset, MA made the long trip up to 'North Country' and would be racing the solo division. He certainly has both the skills and endurance to challenge the best competitors on the field that day. The North Country Endurance Challenge has an option to hire local natives as a support team. This is becoming increasingly popular in multisport and Josh took advantage. Knowing that he was in good hands Josh was certainly ready to bring it!
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| John showing off his team skills |
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| Josh Flanagan with his Epic V12 Surf Ski down to the shoreline |
Starting Line 2014 North Country Endurance Challenge
The weather conditions were absolutely were stunning. Cool, crisp morning, that feeling of early autumn season was upon us. First Connecticut Lake was glass. Perfect conditions for my first time racing the Wave Exceed. The forecast called for thunderstorms and heavy rains moving into the area in the afternoon hours. Would the weather hold off or would conditions take a turn for the worse? With our first concern put at ease. Now was the pressure of executing!
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| Off to the races across First Connecticut Lake.
Taking a lead on the first 4 mile paddle leg is key to maintaining momentum but I had to play it safe. I positioned the kayak on the shoreline far to the left of the majority of the competition and faster racing boats. Thus, lowering the risk of collision or having turbulent waters affect my stability in an unfamiliar boat off the start. This gave me an opportunity to pick up some speed off the start and maintain some control.
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| Crystal Clear Waters! (Photo by Jo M. Wood) |
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James Kovacs & Josh Flanagan setting the pace. The chase is on!
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| Leading the charge and preparing for first transition to John! |
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| Feeling burnt never felt better! |
Coming into transition in first place off the opening leg was not my intended plan. There were faster boats on the course that day and I dropped in behind the lead boats off the start. Making a move about halfway into this paddling leg, the strong push was what was needed to hold the lead into transition. This would not have been the choice decision if solo or paddling both legs. I had the energy to expend and burnt myself on the water but John was doubling up over the next two legs running 3 miles into Lake Francis State Park and hop right into the kayak, traversing 5 miles across Lake Francis. I had plenty of time to recover.
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| Getting the boat over to the shore of Lake Francis for John |
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| Lake Francis looking pristine.... Are you ready for it John! |
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| John coming into transition finishing up the second leg strong |
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| John putting James Kovacs in his sights.... |
Adventure racing formats often require teams to navigate between checkpoints. The multisport events I participate resemble that of an"off road" triathlon and do not require orienteering. In this case, racers will follow a preset course point to point. The entire course was impressively well marked, though you start second guessing yourself moving fast in unfamiliar, variable terrain and more concerned with not crashing. This could be a game changer especially during the mountain biking legs when speed takes over. Competitors could very well miss a marker at an important turn and be lost, off course. Paying attention to the markers on the course at all times is critical.
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| Surprised the heck out of the team flying unexpectedly into transition |
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Waiting patiently: Who would exit first from 11 wilderness trail miles!
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I was racing a Gary Fisher Cobia 29er for the first time and having little to no time to train on this bike. It was a rather interesting choice of equipment because it is on the heavy side compared to my only other go to option a 26" full suspension cross country bike.
The first cycling leg shortest of the four biking legs went through the Clarksville Highlands. A fitting warm-up on the new bike as it was primarily dirt road and rolling sets of hills. The bike turned out to be an excellent choice. The Cobia 29er very capable of maintaining momentum with every bit of energy I delivered. The bike soaked up many of the smaller obstacles without loosing speed along the mostly double track roads. I cannot even begin to explain the incredible efficiency when hill climbing on this bike. This bike just chewed up the rolling hills saving much needed energy.
The first cycling leg shortest of the four biking legs went through the Clarksville Highlands. A fitting warm-up on the new bike as it was primarily dirt road and rolling sets of hills. The bike turned out to be an excellent choice. The Cobia 29er very capable of maintaining momentum with every bit of energy I delivered. The bike soaked up many of the smaller obstacles without loosing speed along the mostly double track roads. I cannot even begin to explain the incredible efficiency when hill climbing on this bike. This bike just chewed up the rolling hills saving much needed energy.
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| John was looking steadfast and had good energy |
Coming into transition I would surprise my team as they were not ready for me. John quickly dropped what he was doing as I was hitting the checkpoint. We swapped the numbered bib and he was off on what would soon become labelled as the most difficult leg of the entire event. Everyone would be challenged when race organizers changed the trail run from the Diamond Ponds to Coleman State Park from 7 miles to almost 11 mile distance....
There was general agreement among the competitors to continue on the course that had been changed. The results would seemingly tell the tale of a different story. These were the kind of miles that come slowly, uneven, soft muddy landscape and turned out to be a long, grueling trudge through high grasses and wetlands.
John finished in an outstanding 93 minutes besting the closest competitors by 16 minutes. This was the biggest separation of the day and there would be no looking back the rest of the way. I too would have still been out on the course for 2 hours or longer. John proved he was the right choice for this demanding trail run from the Diamond Ponds.
John was looking steadfast and had good energy finishing in transition. After handing off to me I would continue onward through two legs. This was the start of my double and I was well rested to get through it. John would now get some added rest before tacking the cycle over Kelsey Notch later on.
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| Finishing up the second bike leg high speeding it into the Balsams |
This bike leg was one helluva hill 900' climb up Sugar Hill on double track roads fairly beaten by erosion. The climb was relentless and where there were no major obstacles just the eroded rode posed problems keeping momentum. Just had to sit back in the saddle and grind out the vertical.
Getting to the top things leveled off some and after a brief final short steep the bottom dropped out. The decent here was fast and there were some boulder gardens and waterbars keeping things rather interesting and increasing the intensity. One mistake or decision making the wrong move could spell disaster. The bike handled well enough despite a mere 80mm of travel up front. An extra 20mm here would have softened some of the hits off the many boulders on the decent. The Kenda Nevegal 2.2 29er Tires were fantastic and really showed their performance screaming downhill on hardpack to loose and eroded scree path.
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| Astrid sending me off in the right direction |
Speeding into the Balsams to meet a very well prepared Astrid in transition felt great. I really love meeting up with her and seeing her bright, smile and big beautiful eyes. She sure does know how to keep me moving in the right direction!
Another relentless 1000' mountain climb and 3.4 mile trail run lay ahead of me. I questioned if my knee would hold in the shorter distance, mountain trail run in the Balsams Wilderness? Maintaining steady heart rate and control is key to pushing up continuous vertical. I had trained extensively this season in the hills so was definitely ready for the Balsams.
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| Starting my ascent up the Balsams at the quick step |
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| Josh maintaining a lead with his hired guns getting it done in transition |
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| Josh Flanagan in the midst of the epic Balsams Wilderness! (Photo by Jo M. Wood) |
I was not ready for what was "discovered" on the other side of the ski area. Coming over the top of Table Rock on the Cohos Trail and starting a bomber 1500' decent on Three Brothers revealed a more spectacular a sight than I would have ever imagined. I had fallen into a back-country oasis something not entirely different than deciduous rain forests of the Great Northwest. Moss lined trees and stones. Plentiful ferns, soft bristles of white pines and short maples, tall pines showcasing a protected canopy from above and scattered birch trees. Cascading brooks and trickling streams offered a surround sound off variable footsteps along the soft, pine needle covered path. This place was seemingly untouchable and I felt transported 300 years into the past. The results proved my knee held up just fine and my energy and excitement poured into Dixville Notch. I was whooping and hollering my way into transition.
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| Coming out of the Balsams Wilderness in Dixville Notch |
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| Having to exchange numbered bibs to teammate was not a pretty sight! |
One suggestion for the race organization is that some relay teams of multiple competitors had more than one numbered bibs. Our relay team was a duo and was disappointingly provided only one vest. This was more than problematic for a duo racing in the same category as those teams with rested competitors and extra vests had an advantage. Nonetheless, John and I were required to additionally transition into a very sweaty, nasty teammates vest. Not pleasant!
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| John after his 1700' climb over Kelsey Notch |
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| John resting up during my double |
Once again John was faced with another one of the longest legs of the race. This was the 14 mile, 1700' climb from the Balsams over Kelsey Notch. John was well rested and ready to test this first race on his newly acquired Cannondale Flash 29er. He also had limited time training on this bike so he was excited to put it to the test and deliver a strong performance. John was able to catch several bikers from the short course which certainly gave him some added confidence to continue to push hard and not loose his cadence. Why is he still smiling after his approximately 1 hour 15 minute cycle of the notch? He obviously must have left some in the tank!
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| Mud caked bike tells all we need to know of what it must have been like up there..... |
John would transition over to me for the the final 10 mile cycling leg before taking it into town. There was a rather significant change for everyone on the race course up until this point because that beautiful morning weather took a turn for the worse. I was speeding in between the many double track roads and into the farmlands when the weather turned. The temperature significantly dropped 15 degrees and dark encompassing, storm clouds cast out the sun. It grew extraordinarily dark. The winds started picking up and howling trees completely surrounded me... There was no thunder and lightning. That would have been the icing on the cake of what would become a muddy mess. The skies opened up and thus began monsoon season in the north country!
Approaching the outskirts of Colebrook numerous volunteers remained steadfast in spite of the torrential conditions. That unto itself kept me pushing for the finish line. They were perfectly spotted to help direct competitors to the finish line. I had to contend with not much more than 15 minutes of foul weather before arriving at the finish line. I could just not help but think how this weather was going to affect the competitors still out on the trail. Upon arrival at the finish I was alone. Everyone had scattered for cover and shelter except for the person in charge of the checkpoint. They came running out into the downpour to make certain I was clocked in. I just soaked in the winning moment for a little while longer....
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| I think everyone was just as excited to finish the 2014 North Country Endurance Challenge! |
The North Country Endurance Challenge delivered on the promise of adventure in the northern most wilderness area of New Hampshire. It took us on a fast paced journey along the road less traveled. The great thing about a multisport race in the "North Country" is many elements within disciplines could added to this race format over the years. More single-track cross country cycling and possible downriver section on moving water would be great additions.
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| Our little band charged hard and took it to the North Country! |
This is the perfect event to end the summer and kickoff the Fall racing season. This surely forced you to keep the miles under your feet during the dog days of summer when long hot and humid days seemingly suck the life out of active people.
The support team of Astrid and Crystal were relentless. The constant handling of gear making sure we were maintaining proper nutrition and hydration between legs was comforting. Without them, the race could have taken a different direction. John and I could not have competed at the highest level without our beautiful wife's!
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| Josh Flanagan and support team - First Place Solo 7hr 55mins! |
Josh had a such fantastic support team who cheered us all on the entire way through. They were positively the best support team anyone could have ever dreamed up. I would definitely recommend that anyone wishing to solo in this event consider hiring, taking full advantage the knowledge and added trust and confidence that the local support team aims to deliver.
The premier course was estimated at 10-12 hours average completion. John and I took the intensity right to the finish line, never looking back and never giving up the lead more than twice to a charging James Kovacs early on. The result was a more than gratifying first place finish overall widdling that estimated average finish time down to 7 hours 30 minutes! Final Results Posted.
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Sometimes "Accidents Happen" and sometimes they don't! |
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