New Balance BEAST of the EAST
The Beast is Back
Rob Howard / 11.11.2004
The weather and water temperature could have a distinct chill as teams make their way across the Cumberland Plateau, dipping in and out of the Big South Fork Gorge. With 3 classes (team, pair and solo), the competition is going to be hot though, especially among the mixed teams racing for a free place in the World Championships in New Zealand next year.
All the teams are now making their way towards the venue at Historic Rugby, a restored English colony described as one of the most authentically preserved historic villages in America. From there they will head out onto the 300 mile course in the Big South Fork River and Recreation Area of Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. “We’re so excited about the variety of scenery, interesting geological features, challenging navigation and some of the most rugged terrain in the East,� said race director Don Mann, commenting on the course Odyssey’s Joy Marr has designed.
Team’s ropes skills and mountain craft will be tested on the sandstone rock formations, which include sheer cliffs, rock shelters, arches and soaring pillars. Riding and trekking through deep gorges and wooded plateaux on hilly single track and backcountry mountain roads will test their navigation and their stamina as they make continuous ascents and descents. The adrenalin will be pumping as they boogie board on class II and III rapids in the white water sections, and they can expect some long paddles and sore knees as they make their way along the rivers using Canadian canoes.
Where and when they rest will be a key decision. The Beast is a traditional, non-stop race and there will be no dark zones to race for, or to hold anyone up, a fact all the competitors will be grateful for. They’ll also be grateful and relieved to see their support crews at the transition areas, where they can be fed, doctored, encouraged, changed, prepared, and fed some more. Experienced crews will play a vital part in getting the racers to the finish line, which they must reach before the course closes at 6:00 am on Saturday 20th.
As the race unfolds SleepMonsters will be carrying live and exclusive coverage race coverage. We’ll have previews, team and racer profiles, pictures from the most visually spectacular areas of the course by Will Ramos and a regularly updated leaderboard.
[Coverage of another World Series race, Southern Traverse in New Zealand will be running at the same time.]
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