TransRockies Run
Horses For Courses
Paul Done / 25.08.2009
Stage 2 was a short sharp climb up over 3000 feet from Vicksburg to the peak of Hope Pass at nearly 12,600 feet above sea level before a steep and sometimes technical plunge into the hamlet of Twin Lakes. Though only 10 miles in length, the course would test runners with elevation, altitude, a cold river crossing and the possibility of severe weather above the tree line.
The briefing the night before the stage from medical staff was very clear in explaining the possibility of sudden weather changes and the need to carry full mandatory gear like jackets, hats and an emergency blanket. Through the clouds rolled in during the stage and rain came down heavily at times throughout the afternoon, runners were safely back at camp by the time the worst of the weather hit.
Instead, runners got nearly ideal running conditions in which to take on Hope Pass; overcast, cool and dry. With a different style of course and different weather, it wasn't a surprise when different teams surged to the front, and in the Open Men's division two Canadian Teams found the course to their liking and went on the attack. Two Joes (Adam Campbell and Aaron Heidt) ran strongly throughout to finish in a blazing time of 1:35:44, followed just 18 seconds later by Phil Villeneuve and Gavin Hamilon of Team Salomon Canada.
As if jumping from sixth the day to first in Stage 2 wasn't remarkable enough, The Two Joes made it even harder on themselves when Aaron Heidt took a hard fall on the descent breaking a tooth and opening up a gash on his lip. Despite the shock and blood, he dusted himself off and made it to the finish line for the win. After spending $200 at a Leadville dentist for a quick root canal and two stitches in his lip, he declared himself ready to giv'er again tomorrow.
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