Date of Race: Mothers Day ~ Sunday May 13thLocation of Race: Golden Beach Resort, Rice Lake ON
Name of Race: Storm the Trent – Hike SOLO
Type of Event: Adventure Racing
Distance/Length of Event: 3-5 hours
Website: www.stormthetrent.com
In my 5th year of Adventure Racing, I had never done a Storm the Trent race. I vowed, this year I would finally experience a Storm the Trent Adventure Race.
Running Free must have heard my pledge. Monday before the race, I received the fantastic news, I was chosen as a lottery winner to partake in the race!
The race coincided with Mother’s Day and I thought it would be good for my mom to finally witness what this thing called ‘adventure racing’ is I do. We got up early and drove 3 hours to race headquarters.
Arriving, I had ample time to get gear organized, bike and kayak set up and the usual business of registration.
Kayaking
Despite the sun, shine weather it was still a tad brisk. The race had teams start with a paddle to two CPs. I feared getting overly cold and wet while on the water and decided to put on fleece lined dry top. Unfortunately, this would require me to change after the paddle, as it would be very uncomfortable during the rest of the race.
I started good and was happy with my time to CP1 but kayaking to CP2, it felt like I did not know how to paddle anymore… or rather steer. I was loosing ground and had a few teams pass me.
New to me, was the concept of having to write down the word on the CP sign – no stamping of passports or volunteers signing. So during the paddle, I had to commit to memory the words and once off the water, quickly write them down before forgetting.
At TA1, I changed my top. Threw on my new favourite Salomon pack vest, only to realize, I had to put my jacket and first aid kit back into my backpack. For the paddle section, I took only the required mandatory items, leaving food, liquids back with the bike. The act of changing tops, being geared up then remembering to put mandatory gear back in pack, costed me five minutes of frustration.
Biking
With my disappointing TA1 time, I hammered hard on the bike, passing a dozen teams on route to the trekking section.
Unlike the paddle, where the wind was noticeably evident, the sun and its heat made its presence known during the bike. There was a moment when I felt, I was back in Utah doing an expedition race.
Trek
Upon reaching TA2, teams had to inform the race staff volunteers whether they would be doing the regular or advanced course. I choose to do the advanced section, which in addition to the regular CPs had four more CPs to locate without the aid of arrows, which in true adventure racing is the norm.
I ran most of the flats, walked the hills and on two occasions bushwhacked to get further ahead of teams along the trail…but not by much.
The CPs located in this regular section of the race were along or near the trail. Teams could go on autopilot and just follow the arrows directing them to the CP. One CP in our race instructions was indicated as ‘bottom of a hill’. In reality, it was located near the top and on the west side of the hill.
BIKE
Returning to TA2, I grabbed my bike and proceeded to get CP4 and 5 of the advanced section. My intention was to go back west and get CP4 and then head northeast to CP5. While riding, I was on the lookout for a road – paved and all, not realizing that the road I crossed (more like two track trail), was the road I need to head west on. See how quickly the heat can fizzle with one’s brain! When I realized this, I was already more than halfway to CP5 and continued toward it.
Racing solo is not only lonely but also mentally more demanding. There is no teammate to question route choice or assist in navigation.
Biking to TA3 I was getting a bit concerned time wise. No race cut off time was announced and with three CPs still ahead of me, two in the advanced section, I needed to nail the CPs efficiently and quickly. No pressure.
Trek
Arriving at the transition, teams appeared like little ants making their way to the top of a hill. I ran to the hill and then conserved my energy for the remaining course by walking to the top. At the top teams had their pictures taken, as secondary proof of checking into this TA. This CP was by far, the most scenic of them all, surrounded by rolling countryside and a great view of Rice Lake.
After a quick pose, I let gravity take hold and ran down the hill, thru and into the deep dark forest to CP7. For the last three CPs in the race, teams had photos to supplement what the surrounding area of the CP resembled…a new concept for adventure racing. This proved to be a tad tricky, the landscape in the photos was taken in early spring when the terrain was yellow/brown and void of life. Race day in mid May, the terrain was screaming green with leaves and grass in abundance. A slightly different picture in reality.
While on route to CP8, I became famished! I only had a coffee while driving up the Rice Lake and half a sandwich an hour before the race and one gel while on the bike. I got excited when I remembered I had my favourite treats – Clif Bar Carrot Cake and Clif Blocks Lemon Lime. I engulfed these quickly and felt instantly better.
Bike
I opted to take the road back to TA3, instead of having to focus on the many trails in the dark forest. Hoping on my bike, I thanked the volunteers for their presence and proceeded to hammer to the finish.
Finish
Great job Sean Roper – race director, the race was well organized and designed. I thoroughly enjoyed the race location.
I finished the race 2nd female solo. I knew going into the race, this race in particular would be about speed, having arrows to follow in the regular course. Speed has never been my forte…endurance yes, not speed…especially early in the season.
Bravo to the other team Running Free members who made their presence not only on the course but also on the podium.
Thank You Running Free for my 2nd Adventure Race this season.
