Raid the North Extreme
The calm
Chris Koch / 22.06.2007
Things are relatively calm in the seaside town as locals can be heard commenting on the upcoming race and athletes. Gear was sent long before most athletes arrived as the small planes that service this area are notorious for not having much room.
The issue on most athlete's minds is sorting out the gear logistics with the revised race format. Not a continous expedition-style race, there is a break part way through. The course has athletes racing around the Queen Charlotte Islands for approximately 3.5 days before returning on a BC Ferry to race for another 1.5 days.
The legs are short and the disciplines change quickly. With only a gear bag or box awaiting teams after every event verses having access to all their gear, there will be some mad scrambling to sort out what will go where. Logistics that are crucial to a succesful race.
The weather will be a large factor in this race. Conditions are sunny and warm but the evenings cool down. Add the always present risk of rain and wind that can last for days and it will be a test of fortitude and planning for the athletes. Teams will be paddling inflatable kayaks which will also test their patience, especially if the wind begins to blow.
There are many fast teams known for pushing the pace and pushing the margins. Team Sole is a last-minute entry and look for them to be testing the rest of the field.
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