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NCARS #3 Race Report

Hello adventure racers,

Such a delight to meet you this weekend near Morganton, NC  for your race.  It may be easy for you to describe our sport to your friends and neighbors.  I find it helpful to create some race notes that help me learn and improve before the next race.  So in that spirit of continuous improvement, here are some notes:

1.  We had 67 racers from 7 states.  The 24h race had 7 solo teams, 3 2p teams, 4 3p teams, and 1 4p team for a total of 15 teams.  The 12h race had 3 solo teams, 10 2p teams, 1 3p team, and 3 4p teams for a total of 17 teams.

2.  As advertised, it was a difficult course in a spectacular course area.  The more experienced racers scanned the course area and focused on the minimum number of CPs, then raced against time and the course for the MCPs and the finish.  Strategy and strength prevailed.  All of you defined your degree of adventure, then self rescued back to Rose Creek campground.  Thank you for your good judgment.  The detailed results are attached in excel format.  They are also on the www.ncars.info website forum/results.

3.  24h race highlights:    There were 34 CPs.  No one swept the course (our course designer, Ric Morton,  is more optimistic on this subject.  I did not expect anyone to do so.)  Team ImONPoint.org ( Shane Hagerman, Jen Moos, Charlie Roberts) finished first with 24 CPs.   Team Chris Von Ins finished second with 22 CPs.  Team Soggy Bottom Boys (Robert Johnson) finished third with 20 CPs .  Finishing ratio 20%.  107+ mile course map in multiple views is at  http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3871292   (Thanks, Michael Beacham for creating these cool maps!)  The “AR Spirit Award” went to Stephen Dzomba whose perseverance impressed everyone.  Like many racers, he lost the course for a while, broke his bike, and decided to sleep.  Then he drove to town, bought a bolt, fixed his bike, drove to the bottom of the mountain, rode up 1800’ to TA2 at Tablerock, did the rappel in the rain, and rode back in time for dinner.  Well done to each of you!

4.  12h race highlights:  There were 15 CPs.  No one swept the course (and I never expected anyone to do so.)  Team Northern Lites (Ian Prince, Charlie Martz, Dale Greenwell) finished first with 11 CPs and a time of 1826.  Team  Bearded Bushwackers (Matt Dubbeld, Russ Savage, Ashley Fromson, Jonathan Hamrick) finished second with 11 CPs and a time of 1917. Two other teams finished 11 minutes late with 11 CPs, net zero.   Finishing ratio 11%.  52+ mile course map in multiple views is at  http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3871172  The “AR Spirit Award” went to Team Lisa Racing (Lisa Shalvey and Lisa Elkan) who are sponsoring an AR Club team at their college, and continually smiled and giggled their way around the course.   The Rock Dimensions rappel staff was astounded by their attitudes, despite the weather.  Every time the volunteers saw their mud-splattered faces they commented on their enthusiasm.  Well done to everyone all day long!

5.  Oh yeah, it rained heavily on Saturday from 11:30-6:00 or so.  That 30% chance of precipitation turned into about 2”     Everyone was forced to slow down on the downhills.  Wet racers and gear added another course element to our day.  To my knowledge, there were no major safety concerns.  One racer fell during the prologue, which caused a lower leg incision.  His support team included a physician.  He later joined his team and they continued on.    Thank you ALL for your good choices.

6.   We want to collect your photos and add them to the photo gallery.  Please email them to Jay Anderson [jaytnelake at mindspring.com]

7. Thankfully, we were blessed with a tremendous support team of volunteers.  Ric Morton was the mastermind behind the course design.  All the CPs were placed as described (although CP 11 was rumored to have been burned in the last few days.)  Matt Getz, Gerry Farris and Michael Beacham helped Ric design CPs.  Jack Morton helped Ric stay calm during the race.  Jay Anderson and Cyndy Thompson were the friendly faces at TA1 for the 24h racers, and the cooks at dinner.  Michael Beacham was the lead at TA2.  Larry Fulcher (father of Dan and Drew on Team Sons of Thunder, took control of TA3.  Kevin Rader helped throughout the day.  Without their generosity and passion, this event would not have occurred. 

                 
8.  We urge you to thank our sponsors when you use those coupons and state that you appreciate their support of our sport.  They included:  REI, Great Outdoor Provisions, Charlotte Trek.  And please visit our partners:  Rock Dimensions is at  www.rockdimensions.com.      North Carolina Outward Bound is at  www.ncobs.org.   The US National Whitewater Center is at www.usnwc.org. 
                 

9.  So what’s next?  If you are frustrated by your finish, we encourage you to select another race.  Today.  Check the calendars at www.trailblazerAR.com or www.checkpointzero.com.  Join us on October 9- see www.ncars.info.  Let us know what kinds of races you would like to see in 2011.   We are willing to consider almost anything nearby…

                 

10.  Request for feedback: Please let us know how to improve this event.  Consider:

                 

                a. Registration/ marketing

                 

                b. Pre-race info

                 

                c. Course area/ course design/ maps/ activities

                 

                d. What you’d like to do next/ potential partners in marketing or sponsorship

                 

                e. Anything else…


See you on the trails!

Race results   www.ncars.info/08222010/results.xlsx

Hello adventure racers,

Such a delight to meet you this weekend near Morganton, NC for your race.  It may be easy for you to describe our sport to your friends and neighbors.  I find it helpful to create some race notes that help me learn and improve before the next race.  So in that spirit of continuous improvement, here are some notes:

1.  We had 67 racers from 7 states.  The 24h race had 7 solo teams, 3 2p teams, 4 3p teams, and 1 4p team for a total of 15 teams.  The 12h race had 3 solo teams, 10 2p teams, 1 3p team, and 3 4p teams for a total of 17 teams.

2.  As advertised, it was a difficult course in a spectacular course area.  The more experienced racers scanned the course area and focused on the minimum number of CPs, then raced against time and the course for the MCPs and the finish.  Strategy and strength prevailed.  All of you defined your degree of adventure, then self rescued back to Rose Creek campground.  Thank you for your good judgment.  The detailed results are attached in excel format.  They are also on the www.ncars.info website forum/results.

3.  24h race highlights:    There were 34 CPs.  No one swept the course (our course designer, Ric Morton,  is more optimistic on this subject.  I did not expect anyone to do so.)  Team ImONPoint.org ( Shane Hagerman, Jen Moos, Charlie Roberts) finished first with 24 CPs.   Team Soggy Bottom Boys (Robert Johnson) finished second with 21 CPs and a time of 1916 .  Team Chris Von Ins finished third with 21 CPs and his on his trail at 1931.  Finishing ratio 20%.  107+ mile course map in multiple views is at  http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3871292   (Thanks, Michael Beacham for creating these cool maps!)  The “AR Spirit Award” went to Stephen Dzomba whose perseverance impressed everyone.  Like manyt racers, he lost the course for a while, broke his bike, and decided to sleep.  Then he drove to town, bought a bolt, fixed his bike, drove to the bottom of the mountain, rode up 1800’ to TA2 at Tablerock, did the rappel in the rain, and rode back in time for dinner.  Well done to each of you!

4.  12h race highlights:  There were 15 CPs.  No one swept the course (and I never expected anyone to do so.)  Team Northern Lites (Ian Prince, Charlie Martz, Dale Greenwell) finished first with 11 CPs and a time of 1826.  Team  Bearded Bushwackers (Matt Dubbeld, Russ Savage, Ashley Fromson, Jonathan Hamrick) finished second with 11 CPs and a time of 1917.  Finishing ratio 11%.  52+ mile course map in multiple views is at  http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3871172  The “AR Spirit Award” went to Team Lisa Racing (Lisa Shalvey and Lisa Elkan) who are sponsoring an AR Club team at their college, and continually smiled and giggled their way around the course.   The Rock Dimensions rappel staff was astounded by their attitudes, despite the weather.  Every time the volunteers saw their mud-splattered faces they commented on their enthusiasm.  Well done to everyone all day long!

5.  Oh yeah, it rained heavily on Saturday from 11:30-6:00 or so.  That 30% chance of precipitation turned into about 2”     Everyone was forced to slow down on the downhills.  Wet racers and gear added another course element to our day.  To my knowledge, there were no major safety concerns.  One racer fell during the prologue, which caused a lower leg incision.  His support team included a physician.  He later joined his team and they continued on.    Thank you ALL for your good choices.

6.   We want to collect your photos and add them to the photo gallery.  Please email them to Jay Anderson [jaytnelake at mindspring.com]

7. Thankfully, we were blessed with a tremendous support team of volunteers.  Ric Morton was the mastermind behind the course design.  All the CPs were placed as described (although CP 11 was rumored to have been burned in the last few days.)  Matt Getz, Gerry Farris and Michael Beacham helped Ric design CPs.  Jack Morton helped Ric stay calm during the race.  Jay Anderson and Cyndy Thompson were the friendly faces at TA1 for the 24h racers, and the cooks at dinner.  Michael Beacham was the lead at TA2.  Larry Fulcher (father of Dan and Drew on Team Sons of Thunder, took control of TA3.  Kevin Rader helped throughout the day.  Without their generosity and passion, this event would not have occurred.  

                
8.  We urge you to thank our sponsors when you use those coupons and state that you appreciate their support of our sport.  They included:  REI, Great Outdoor Provisions, Charlotte Trek.  And please visit our partners:  Rock Dimensions is at  www.rockdimensions.com.      North Carolina Outward Bound is at  www.ncobs.org.   The US National Whitewater Center is at www.usnwc.org.  
                

9.  So what’s next?  If you are frustrated by your finish, we encourage you to select another race.  Today.  Check the calendars at www.trailblazerAR.com or www.checkpointzero.com.  Join us on October 9- see www.ncars.info.  Let us know what kinds of races you would like to see in 2011.   We are willing to consider almost anything nearby…

                

10.  Request for feedback: Please let us know how to improve this event.  Consider:

                

                a. Registration/ marketing

                

                b. Pre-race info

                

                c. Course area/ course design/ maps/ activities

                

                d. What you’d like to do next/ potential partners in marketing or sponsorship

                

                e. Anything else…


See you on the trails!


Respectfully,  Doug Gray, PCC
    President, Action Learning Associates, Inc
     704.895.6479 work,  704.995.6647 cell
     Helping good leaders and managers do GREAT work.

       



PRE-RACE INFORMATION
NCARS #3 ADVENTURE RACE
NEAR MORGANTON, NC
On Fri-Sat, Aug 20-21, 2010

Welcome! 

We hope that you are getting excited!  There are currently 64 racers from 6 states, evenly split between the 24 hour and 12 hour option.   A good mix of less familiar and more familiar names.  (A reminder:  if you are racing the www.checkpointtracker.com series you may want to activate your team status there.)

Please make sure your teammates receive this email…

OUR GOAL:
We want you to have a great race, be healthy, have fun, and develop our sport of adventure racing. 

RACE START/FINISH INFO:
The race will start and finish at   Rose Creek Family Campground.  http://www.campingfriend.com/RoseCreekFamilyCampground/default.asp?file=home   3471 Rose Creek Rd, Morganton, NC 28655,  Phone: (828)438-4338.  From I81 in Morganton, head N on 181 about 10 miles and turn left, W, on Rose Creek Rd at the large white sign.  As you enter the campground, please turn right and park upstream along the fence.  There should be enough room for tent camping.  Babbling stream.  Showers.  Bathrooms.  Drinking water.  Pavilion for meetings…  Message board for communications during the race.  Got the picture?


WHAT TO BRING:
Required Race Gear:   
Individual headlight with extra batteries
   Bike lights with extra batteries (on the bike legs- white front, red rear)
Cell phone
   Helmet (on the bike legs)
Food and water for the duration of the event (see TA drop info below)
   Basic first aid kit
   Compass 
   1:24,000 UTM tool
   Knife
   Whistle
Recommended gear:
   Appropriate clothing for all weather conditions
   Waterproof map case
   Water purification method
   A pack (how are you to carry the mandatory gear without it?)
   Spare bike tube, method of tire/tube inflation and bike repair kit
   Trekking shoes (really, do not forget these ? )
Recommended camping gear:
Tent, sleeping bag, chairs, stove, food, drink, cooler, libations, lantern, etc
WEATHER:
Who knows?  It currently looks fine… 70-95 degrees and a 30% chance of rain.  It has been raining almost daily for a month.  Plenty of surface water likely muddy trails.  Weather will happen.  Bring more layers!  It is an adventure, after all.

TA DROP INFO:
There is no reason not to share the following, so here you go.  Happy packing ?.  You must bring a sturdy plastic box or duffle if you want food/gear at any of the TAs.  Label it well.  You must clean up your area before leaving.  The race volunteers will reward the teams that demonstrate the most “AR Spirit.”  Your gear is your responsibility, not ours.  Please be kind to our volunteers.

   24h race:
   Start to TA1 (18 mi. bike)  Loop (4-13 mi. foot)
   TA1 to TA2 (32 mi. bike)  Loop (2-10 mi. foot)
   TA2 to TA3 (17 mi. bike) Loop (2-14 mi. paddle)
   TA 3 to finish (7 mi. bike)
   
   12h race:
   Start to TA3 (7mi. bike).  Loop (2-5 mi. paddle)
   TA3 to TA2 (17 mi. bike).  Loop (2-10 mi. foot)
   TA2 to finish (15 mi. bike)


TIMELINE:

Friday, Aug 20
5:00 p.m.   Campground open for your arrival
5:30       24h race registration starts, maps/passport avail, gear sort
7:00      24h race volunteers meeting
7:30      24h mandatory race meeting (not 7:00 as previously announced)
8:00       24h race start

Saturday, Aug 21
5:30       12h race registration starts, maps/passport avail, gear sort
7:00      12h race volunteers meeting
7:30      12h mandatory race meeting (not 7:00 as previously announced)
8:00 a.m.    12h race start
7:00 p.m.+   celebration dinner at start/finish area
8:00 p.m.     12h and 24h race finish, dinner, awards celebration, schwag, showers, tent camping

THE NCARS SERIES:
This is a benefit event, led by volunteers.  100% of our profits support the American Diabetes Association and the USNWC.  Photos of past year’s contributions, about $16,000, are on the website.  Any additional donations are welcome.  Thanks in advance for your contributions.

VOLUNTEERS:
We will always say “Yes, thank you!” to volunteers on the course/ start/finish area/ pre-race set up/ post-race clean up.   Please reply to Doug.

NAVIGATION:
You will be given excellent maps from MyTopo.com that contain topographic lines, manmade features, and many local trails.  For navigation practice you may want to explore http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw8_vuqXWpA.     Each race team will need to provide your own 1:24,000 utm finder tool.  There are additional maps of the area that may help you.  They are not necessary.  There are different levels of detail on each map.  If interested, we recommend the National Geographic #779, Linville Gorge, the new USFS Wilson Creek, and the new USFS Linville Gorge Wilderness.  They are pretty. 

RACE DESIGN:
This is an expedition style race, with many strategic choices.  Mandatory points will be described in your passport.  ‘nuff said for now.

SPONSORS:
For this race, please thank our sponsors and mention this series when you go to REI, Charlotte Trek, Great Outdoor Provisions, and the USNWC. 

If you have any questions about the above, please check the forum at www.ncars.info.  Or reply to doug@action-learning.com or 704.895.6479. 

See you on Friday or Saturday! 

Respectfully, 

Your NCARS.info support team:  Doug Gray and Gerry Farris (race directors), Ric Morton (course designer), Jay Anderson (web guru) our course volunteers (Michael Beacham, Cindy Anderson, Larry Fulcher, Matt Getz, Stan Green, Danny deJesus,  Stuart Wasilowski, Kevin Rader-Rhodenbough…)  the NC Outward Bound School staff, the climbing guides from Rock Dimensions, the USFS special use permit team, and the Rose Creek Family Campground staff and patrons. 

[6. Can I bring my own boat?]

continued...

6.  Can I bring my own boat?   Yes, however.  We have partnered with the NC Outward Bound School to provide 20 canoes, pfds, canoe paddles.  The course is designed so that when your race gets to that TA there should be plenty of boats.  The canoes vary in length from 16-17.5'   You wanted an unsupported race, and we have designed that for you.  That understood, if you want to bring your own boat it: 1) cannot be longer than 17.5',  2) cannot have pedals, 3) you must provide transportation of your boat to/from the TA.  Obviously, we want to level the field as well as encourage more competitive teams to paddle fast boats.

7.  What lighting systems do you recommend?   24h racers will need headlamps and bike lights for 9-10 hours.  White halogen is better than yellow cateye light.  My favorite system is from DiNotte.  We recommend that 12h racers bring a headlamp for safety and campsite use.

8.  How should I train?  On steep hills.  Relentlessly.  With tow ropes.  For hours.  In the dark and wet.  Yes, we are serious.


9.  What map should I use?  We will provide race maps.  However, we strongly recommend that you purchase the Trails Illustrated map #77 called "Linville Gorge."  We also recommend the new "Wilson Creek Trail Guide" USFS map.  They may prove to be helpful.  And they are pretty

Now get registered.  And get training!!

[1. Registration seems low (20 racers as of 7.29.10) do you have enough racers to host the race?]

Hello racers, in response to your emails I have posted these frequent asked questions and responses so that there is a consistent distribution of information.

1.  Registration seems low (20 racers as of 7.29.10) do you have enough racers to host the race?    Absolutely yes.  Many of you know that I am more persistent than intelligent.  We do these races as a service to the AR community.  The permits and vendors are set.  We have money to pay them.  The series is a benefit, with zero-based budgeting.  So there is no risk of cancellation.  After 5 years of hosting races I know that racers typically sign up in the last few weeks.  And you need to do so!

2.  So, when is the last day to register?   Monday, August 16, online.  At that time we will send out the pre-race details via email.

3.  Where is the race start and finish?   Near Morganton, NC.  Free tent camping is available to all racers and friends on Friday and Saturday.  Showers are available.   Grocery stores abound in Morganton.

4.  How many Transition Areas (TAs) will there be? The 24h race will have 3 TAs.  The 12h race will have 2 TAs.  We will provide water stations at the TAs.  We recommend that you bring 2-3 duffles or plastic bins, well marked by team name, and volunteers will shuttle them to the TAs. Pack carefully and you should be fine. 

5.  Do I need to bring my own climbing gear?  No.  Our vendor will provide all the required saftey gear for the rappel or climb or special activity.  No need for you to carry the weight.  (You are welcome   If you want to carry or bring your gear feel free to do so.

...continued on the next post...

Hello racers, 

Yesterday Gerry Farris, Michael Beacham and I had a great day and confirmed some things that may interest you:

1.  The course is too demanding for the 6h race we had thought we would offer.  So, the race lengths will be 12h and 24h.

2.  Free camping will be available to all on Fri and or Sat evening.  The start/finish will be revealed later, but know that there are showers, running water, level places to camp, and a babbling stream.  The celebration dinner will also be held there.

3.  The 12h race will have 2 transition areas.  We recommend that you  bring duffles or bins to sort your gear.  Label them well.  The total length of that race is 52+ miles.

4.  The 24h race will have 3 transition areas.  Label your bins or duffles.  The total length of that race is 110+ miles.  Make sure your lighting systems are dialed in.

5.  The course area is steep- so train on steep hills!  And bring electrolytes...

Now get out there and train!

Doug,

I have some questions regarding the 10 hour adventure race on Oct 9th in Charlotte.  This will be the first adventure race for my partner and me and we wanted to know how to gear our training.  Sorry  from the number of questions.  Answer what you can or a phone call may be easier. 

I am actively recruiting participants for the race.  I think right now we have 3 two man teams but I am trying for about 3 more.  Thanks for any info you can provide.

Jim


1.  How many miles do you think the top teams will run and bike?  Tbd.  All will do the same course, and the fastest teams typically go for more checkpoints.  The day passes quickly because you are doing so many different activities. 

2.  How would you describe the bike portions?  technical, open, very hilly, any detail would be appreciated  We are still confirming that course design, so I would hate to state anything that proven inaccurate later.  You will receive a detailed info letter 1 week prior to the race w approximate distances, plus any gear suggestions.

3.  What type of boat is used for the flatwater portions?  How long are the flatwater legs?  What type of paddles are used?   The USNWC provides sit on top kayaks, pfds, kayak paddles and lumbar support braces.   That levels the field, since everyone has the same gear.

4.  What type of boats are used for the whitewater portions and how many people per boat?  The USNWC provides rafts, pfds, helmets, and paddles.  Each raft has a guide.  And up to 6 racers.  It’s a hoot.

5.  Do you have to bring all your gear on the whitewater portions?  No.  the parking lot is next to the artificial river.  We do this race there to feature the USNWC. 

6.  Can you store bike repair gear like CO2 and extra tube on a saddle bag that stays with the bike or does everything have to be carried in your pack that goes with you?  There are many ways to answer this.  Options abound.  You can leave gear anywhere on the course and pick it up at anytime.  Most folks carry a small saddlebag for tire/bike repairs…

Hello Doug,  I'm interested in registering for the NCARS # 3 24H option.
Can you tell me what time the pre-race check in will be and if-when there is a prerace meeting. Also what scale plotter will be required. Thanks in advance   Jason ( team Applied Vitals)
>
>

Welcome Jason!  I will post this reply on the forum... here you go:

1.  There will be a pre-race meeting at 7:00 for the 24h race start at 8:00.  There will not likely be a required gear check in as I find them paternalistic and time consuming.  There may or may not be a mandatory gear check on course.  That decision will be up to the course designers, Ric and Stan.  More details to follow.

2.  Maps will be from MyTopo, most likely 1:24,000 scale.  As with any serious 24h race I encourage you to bring a utm plotter.   Our NCARS series style is to provide all the information you need prior to the race so that you will be well informed and capable of making smart decision during the race.  (There is no need for a Race Director to become a course element ) We want you to race hard and fast and be smart!

Respectfully,  Doug Gray, PCC
   

[Click here for race results]

Click here for race results

Congratulations!  What perfect weather we had for a day of challengers at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte yesterday, Sat May 8, 2010.   Attached are the results by race length- 8 hour and 4 hour.    Consider what you did:  bushwhacking, trail running, orienteering, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, flat-water kayaking, mountain biking.   (It may be impossible to describe our sport to your friends and neighbors.)   Great job to each of you!

 

1.       Highlights:

 

·         We had 85 racers from 5 states plus Germany

·         In the 4 hour race, we had 18 teams and 39 racers

·         In the 8 hour race, we had 19 teams and  46 racers

·         No one “cleared the course”, although the top finishers each came close to doing so

 

2.  Thankfully, we were blessed with a tremendous support team of volunteers.  Matt Getz designed and set and excellent course that challenged everyone.  His daughter Madeline helped at the pavilion.  Drew Fulcher was behind the scenes everywhere.  The USNWC climbing, rafting, and kayaking staff made it possible to challenge you at their fine site. Jay Anderson updated the website.  Many thanks to each of you.

 

 

3.  Sponsors need to be thanked…  We urge you to use those coupons and state that you appreciate their support of our sport.  They included:  REI, Great Outdoor Provisions, Charlotte Trek, Smith Optics, and the USNWC.

 

      

4.  What’s next?  We urge you to select another race.  TODAY!  Join us at Lake James or Kings Mountain- see www.ncars.info  Check the calendars at www.trailblazerAR.com or www.checkpointzero.com.  Let us know what kinds of races you would like to see in 2011.   We are willing to consider almost anything nearby…

 

      

5.  Evaluation: Please let us know how to improve this event.  Consider:

 

      

 

      a. Registration/ marketing

 

      

 

      b. Pre-race info

 

      

 

      c. Course area/ course design/ maps/ activities

 

      

 

      d. What you’d like to do next/ potential partners in marketing or sponsorship

 

      

 

      e. Anything else…

 

      

      See you on the trails!

  for full size image go to: http://www.ncars.info/images/trailmap.pdf