2009 was a season we will not forget! Dirty Avocados Adventure Racing kicked off the year with strong showings at the all of NorCal Adventure Races and several of the Big Blue Adventure Races (the 2 biggest adventure racing series in California). We also represented at the Coolest 24, a local 24-hour mountain bike race. We won the 5-person team category and took 2nd in the solo singlespeed category.
As the summer unfolded, 2 Dirty Avocados teams headed to upstate New Hampshire for Untamed New England, a 3-day expedition adventure race. What an experience that was!! The terrain was rugged and the competition was fierce! We also tackled Sierras for what is always a super 24hr adventure race: the Tahoe Big Blue 24. We wrapped up 2009 with one of most epic adventures of the year: Gold Rush Motherlode! This was 4 days of rugged, weathery adventure racing good times!
A late addition to our 2009 race calendar was the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. This was probably thee most unique and unbelievable adventure racing experiences we’ve had as a team so far. Everything from the culture to the competition to the terrain blew our minds! 2010 is already starting to take shape.
An early highlight will be another epic adventure half way across the globe: Australia’s XPD Expedition Adventure Race. We’ll also be racing all of the local adventure races–especially those in the new Checkpoint Tracker Series. And, long-term, we’re looking forward to September’s Desert Winds Expedition outside of Las Vegas. Yea, baby!
Occasionally a hot topic will hit our team’s email-list and a flood of replies, remarks, and rebuttals fly around like spokes popping off a poorly built wheel. Our comments and observations—regardless of the theme—are generally laced with comedy, wit, and plenty of spirit. With the start of another Primal Quest here, some of us digressed to discussing why some races drive competitors to … stop, shout “UNCLE!”, tap-out, or quit. Below are excerpts from our dialogue. Enjoy!
“A popular reason for elite or pro teams dropping is because they’re not performing as well as they expected. A popular reason for the rest of us is that one simply “can’t take it any more.” That has different interpretations depending on the individual.”
“A popular reason pro/elites quit, is to avoid putting their reputation and or sponsor’s reputation in a bad light. Essentially a DNF is sometimes perceived as better than finishing in the back of the back. There are a myriad of reasons others would quit. Everyone has their breaking point. That point could be based on physical or mental exhaustion or injury. Or relationship, personality or team dynamics issues.
If you really want to get to the root cause(s), I think you have to not explore the reasons one would quit a race. Instead, explore the reason one would START a race. In other words, ask the question: why are you racing? The deeper and more emotional the reason), the farther away is that “quit button”. For example, if one is racing for money, ego, or even for casual fun, then I’m guessing that quit button is within reach. However, if one is racing for survival, or in memory of a lost loved one or for a charity, or out of commitment and dedication to their team or others, then I’m guessing that quit button is much farther away. These are the kinds of questions one should ask themselves and your teammates.”
“I’m not so much of a numbers, stats, ranking type of person. My viewpoint is more from the other side, one of which is experiences, survival, in tune with nature and pushing personal goals. So I’m more likely to keep pushing until I die rather then pull the cord 2 days in cause I’m not in the top 10. I don’t care to ever race with a racer(s) that has that viewpoint either.
Think back at all of the post race and AR community events discussions you’ve had with other racers. What resonates is where you went and raced—not how you did. Comradery and bonding take place over stories that the two teams had during the same race even though they may have been days apart from each other on the field. For the sponsors that “get it”, this is what resonates with them and they appreciate this because they respect our passion and involvement. I am not interested in sponsors that continually ask for numbers, podiums and top finishes and don’t even know our names. Same goes for teammates that are only interested in this and not the big picture of team growth, personal growth, humility, skill sharing and refinement.”
“I’m a pretty firm believer that each of us on the DA’s races for the love of the sport…I know… vague. Or should I say the challenge. Perhaps it’s just best summed up with because it’s hard! I really don’t think that any of us actually give a crap about fame, glory, sponsors, money—coming out of AR that is. So, let me stop saying we and just say I (even though I mean “we”). I don’t race to be in an AR Mag or website, for prize money, sponsors gifts. Now, don’t get me wrong I love all the extra gear and crap I have stuffed in my garage. But, I would still race if I had to pay full price for it. (Note: I just kicked myself in the shin for saying that.)
I’ve contemplated quitting many times during races. It’s always when I’m totally out of it. Not sure it’s always the “quit” mentality going through my mind but the “please someone just shoot me and get me out of my misery here” mindset. After experiencing that a few times I’ve learned that it goes away, you recover, and deal with what you can’t fix. Be it loosing serious time, or an injury. I would have to say that after all the racing I’ve done it would take a pretty serious injury to get me to quit. Even if I was running in dead last. Truthfully, I would probably have to be pulled from the race by the race director, maybe even physically. This may be because I’m a hardheaded pig. But, I think it goes back to why I race. Because it’s hard. I hate easy races (they are for racing with newbies). It’s all about proving something to myself. It’s about the freakin’ ADVENTURE! And the stories you share with your friends when it’s over.”
“I was on the verge of quitting. Figuring out why I was racing was the key to continuing on. I haven’t DNF intentionally since.”
Dirty Avocados Adventure Racing would like to wish our family, friends, crews, fellow racers, competitors, race directors, and anyone involved in AR…happy holidays! We’d also like to wish the same to our sponsors and thank them for their support this year. That support and the support from our family and friends were invaluable in 2008.
2008 was the biggest year in DA history! We did so much and continued to grow as a team. And we learned that we’re more than a team or a collection of racers. We’re a family that will go to the ends of the earth for each other! Be safe during the holidays! And make 2009 an even better year–we will.
Thanks again to La Sportiva, Ellsworth, National Geo, NUUN, Sole, CRKT, Garmin, Motionbased.com, CAMP, Chapman University, Kaia Foods, Liberty Mountain, Patagonia, Rudy Project.
If you’re like me, one of the hardest parts of training is taking the time to rest and recover.Not only during the training period, but also planning a regular rest “period.”I believe that rest and recovery is a very important part of getting faster.Especially as I get older, I find that rest becomes more and more important.
For me, this season was a long and hard one.The hard training started in December.Then I did BAARBawl in February.Then March was Baja Travesia, a very physically difficult 4 day race.In May I did the 24 hours of Cool – a 24 hour solo mountain bike race on a single speed.The end of June was Primal Quest – for me 9 full days with only 27 hours of sleep.
After a couple of months of recovery (both physically and pocketbook), I did 3 weekends in a row – the Tahoe-Sierra 100 mile mountain bike race, then the Kit Carson 24 hours AR, and finally, the Tahoe Big Blue.I finished the season with the brutal Whiskeytown AR.I was exhausted.
Now I’m in my rest period.Of course rest is a relative concept.I still bike and run and roller blade and climb and generally play around.But I workout when I want too.The workouts are shorter and less goal oriented.I try exploring new areas.I don’t worry about putting in miles.I just make sure that I have fun.If I don’t feel like working out I don’t.I sleep more, eat lots of ice cream and put on a couple of pounds.
As important as resting is physically, it’s also important to rest mentally.To have fun, appreciate the past season and look forward to the possibilities of the up coming season.This is a great time to consider what I did well last year and those things that didn’t go so well.Analyze the things that went wrong and try to figure out how to avoid the same mistakes.
Once I feel that I have recovered, I take another week or two off.I actually try to get to the point where I can’t wait to start training again.
The big concern I use to have was that I would lose my fitness. The good news is that fit people don’t lose their fitness very quickly.Sure, you won’t be as sharp right away, but a rested body is ready to get better and faster and can be worked harder.I have been doing endurance events for 30 years. I have literally thousands of miles in my body.A few weeks, or even months of active recovery (or even just sitting on my ass) is not going to cause me to lose significant fitness.
On the other hand, if you don’t rest, your body will eventually brake down.You are more likely to suffer from injuries.It will take longer to recover.And mentally, I just can’t keep pushing. I get stale and flat.
The point of training hard is to get faster and stronger.Rest is a necessary part of a good training program.Enjoy your time off.
The adventure racing community recently lost a friend and racer when David Boyd died in a fall while trekking in the Colorado mountains. David was with team MOAT, a super team that recently finished 5th overall at Primal Quest Montana. Our hearts and thoughts go out to David’s family, friends and teammates.
The Dirty Avocados are racing what’s called The San Francisco Oyster!
What is the San Francisco Oyster? It is an urban adventure race where teams race throughout San Francisco on bike, foot, in-line skates, rafts and other modes of transportation. The race is on September 28th.
The race will be a blast and a great opportunity to raise needed funds for Transportation and Land Use Coalition (TALC) (http://www.transcoalition.org/).
OK, so this is where you come in. We’re counting on you to make a pledge to support my team. Your contribution will go to benefit TALC. We’re hoping to raise $300 and would appreciate a pledge on your behalf of $10 (although any amount is appreciated). Your donation is tax deductible…to the fullest extent of the law. And your pledge will support the mission of TALC.
The following is super write-up, by Leo Roth of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, that describes the basics to adventure racing.
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Adventure races are nonstop, non-motorized, multi-sport team events that take place in the wilderness.
Contestants navigate to checkpoints using only maps and compasses. Mountaineering, hiking, kayaking, rafting, river boarding, orienteering and mountain biking are required skills. But endurance, strength, commitment, selflessness and sheer will are also tested.
Primal Quest, featuring co-ed teams, is the sport’s premier event. Held in locales in Washington state, Colorado, Utah and Montana, Sportales.com included it on its list of the “Seven Hidden Wonders of the Sporting World.” The Iditarod dog sled race in Alaska and the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon are also on the list.
Primal Quest race director Don Mann relishes that his events are nicknamed “Sufferfests.”
“Suffering is what they come for,” the former Navy Seal and Ironman participant said in an interview.
Here’s how to get started:
Types of races: Beginners usually start with sprint races that last 2-12 hours. Weekenders last a few days and require more logistical planning and night navigation. Expedition level is for experts. These last 3-15 days and require the whole gamut of outdoor travel and survival skills.
Events: You’ll need to gain proficiency in navigation/map reading (orienteering), trail running and trekking, mountain biking, paddling (canoes, kayaks, rafts), climbing fixed ropes, and river swimming (use of river boards). Some races require certifications or skill testing to enter. Some allow support crews.
Training: Simulate the wilderness experience as best you can. Be sure to practice at least two disciplines so the body can get used to transitioning from say biking to running or mountaineering to kayaking. Train at various times of the day with a full backpack. Test out foods and fluids that keep you both physically and mentally refreshed as well as the laundry list of gear the sport requires. When it comes to gear, lighter is always better and never scrimp on quality footwear.
Learning more: Volunteering at an event is a good way to find out if you’d like to give adventure racing a try. Or attend an outdoors school. The sport isn’t cheap. Entry fees to events can run from $200 a team to well into the thousands, plus travel expenses.
I spoke to Aja of the crew for Dirty Avocados II/Team #56, and Dmitri of the crew for Dirty Avocados/Team #62.
Dirty Avocados II is still continuing unranked. Susan is travelling with the crew and her feet are a mess. PQ medical staff suggested that continuing could pose serious or long term problems. Word from Aja is that Brian’s feet are also in pretty bad shape but they’re determined to press on.
Dirty Avocado’s is doing well. They banked alot of sleep yesterday and are moving well. Donato’s feet are in bad shape with large blisters on the heel.
I am going to unable to access Internet until Saturday eventing but Aja may have web access to update this blog.
Team #62 just left CP 15, the last assisted CP before the Crazy Mountains. They’re still shown as ranked, sweet! They’ll ride to CP 16 where they’ll drop their bikes and trek through the Crazies which racers at the other end are calling the most mountains they have ever seen.
It is possible that Jen is still racing. Word first thing this am was that the woman on team 62 was going to drop due to a feet/leg issue. Rumors were passed along and interpreted, and assumptions were made and passed along to me. We all know what happens when we assume…makes and a** out of you and me, in this case just me. It’s possible that there was a mix-up or that the team stayed at the TA so long because they were getting her back to racing shape. If I get some hard facts I will pass them along.
Susan is out for sure. She called a friend, beer in hand, and said she was done. Melissa was at the table with that person and they are now shown as “Unranked” on the PQ site.
