2008 Primal Quest Expedition Adventure Race
Into the Crazies for the Rest of the Pack: Day 5, Part 1
Frances Fisher / 28.06.2008
Throughout the night, over 30 teams transited UTA8, the lead-in to the epic Crazy Mountain / TATE Trekking segment. The TA is unsupported, which means that teams did not see their support crews at this TA -- they rode their bikes 2.5-3 hours to reach it and simply drop their bikes from the Sportraxx by Simpson MTB ride to the trailhead. Some teams, like Kagome, took the opportunity to take a short nap by the campfire before heading out in the darkness. The TA volunteers checked mandatory equipment and grilled teams on whether they had any bear spray, as there have been three bear sightings that this TA alone.
Teams were almost invariably upbeat but tired. Team GORGRP was having a great time and truly seemed to enjoy each others company. Between huge mouthfuls of spaghetti, they were making the obligatory "wag bag" jokes. Apparently, the bags are not airtight and as team members carried their waste out of the woods an an eco-friendly, minimal-impact approach to trekking, appropriate odors wafted from their backpacks. It was firmly decided that he with the smelliest wag bag stayed in the back.
Many teams commented that if they can make this TATE trek through the Crazy Mountains, they feel they will be able to finish the race. It is truly a pivotal moment in Primal Quest Montana, as tired teams, some walking on blistered feet, try to make it through this "Crown of the Course" and strive to reach the peaks and breathtaking views the lead teams experienced yesterday.
These middle- and back-of-the-packers have shown a resolve and spirit that is truly uplifting. Though they hurt and they no there are miles upon miles to go, they support each other, crack jokes, and happily speak of their experiences so far. Stay tuned for videos of these determined teams, coming soon to the Primal Quest Montana website.
SleepMonsters
