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ARC Enduro Adventure Race - Collingwood - August 2, 2003

Post Race Review

 Getting Ready for the Race
The ARC Enduro Adventure Race in Collingwood on Saturday August 2, 2003, began as teams flowed into the Home Base for the race on Friday afternoon and evening, and early Saturday morning.

The participants, as always, were filled with both nervous excitement and anticipation as they signed-in, filled out their forms, collected their race bibs and souvenir t-shirts; and had their free digital team picture taken.

At the Captain's Meeting on Saturday morning, the teams were given their race envelopes, containing maps, instructions and passport ; and the first part of the race had begun as the teams plotted their routes around the course, and prepared themselves for the start of the race less than an hour away.

ARC Enduro - Collingwood Race Photos

 The Rainy Start
After a short bus ride from the race Home Base, the teams collected their canoes and paddles, and lined up on a huge expanse of beachfront on Georgian Bay, in anticipation for the start of the race.

And with a few final race instructions, the official countdown and the sound of the starters siren, teams raced down the beach, across some rocks and into the water on their way to the first checkpoint on Nottawasaga Island, about 4 km away.

The weather was warm and overcast, and the water was perfectly flat, which made for perfect racing conditions.

 Paddling
After about an 1 hour of steady paddling and a light rain, the first teams pulled into the Collingwood Marina, and carried their boats up onto the side of the roadway.

From here the participants worked-out the cramps in their legs, and began a short hike on foot along a variety of roads, paths and trails back to the bike transition area at Home Base.

 Biking
The biking portion of the race was broken into two sections, and was separated by the hiking component of the course.

The first section of the biking, had teams riding up and down (but mostly up), some very scenic country roads and along a portion of the Bruce Trail in the Collingwood Escarpment area.

The second portion of the biking, had teams riding on some of the 'sweetest' single and double track trails in an area in the Pretty River Conservation Area called Three Stage. The riding in this area was made a little more challenging and muddy by a second rain shower during the race.

Once out of Three Stage, the teams who made the time cut-off, were back onto the Bruce Trail, before they and all teams were able to enjoy a mainly downhill ride toward the finish.

 Hiking
The hiking section of the race, took place in the Petun Conservation Area, where teams were required to find a number of checkpoints that were located in rock outcrops, near a small lake, in a forested area near a huge meadow and up in an old hunter's 'deer stand'.

Some teams were able to navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint with relative ease, while others spent more time then intended to get where they wanted to go.

Also, a special thanks to the teams that stopped to help with an injured racer in the hike section. These teams showed the true spirit of this teamwork sport by stopping their races, and lending their expertise, equipment and moral support to help an injured competitor.

We are also happy to report that the female racer who was injured in the woods, is well and recovering at home, and we all wish her our best.

 The Sunny Finish
Of the nearly 100 teams that started the race, all but seven teams were able to cross the finish line as a ranked team. And they were greeted by a large number of spectators, friends and family, who were enjoying the now sunny conditions and great atmosphere at Home Base.

In addition to the sponsor tents, lively music, and fantastic BBQ meal, there was a Beer Garden for all participants to enjoy a celebratory beverage after their race.

The top teams in the Co-ed division was won by Team Bikesports, who's team members include a husband and wife who started in the ARC Series as volunteers five years ago, and now they have finally hit the podium. They were followed by 2 Rocks and a Redstone and The Wetha'Fa'Kawee Tribe.

The Open Male division, was a tight race that was won by the 'locals', Team Bonkers, followed by Crashing Hard and Diabetes Canada.(Although we understand there was a challenge issued to Team Bonkers to compete again in Muskoka)

The Open Female division had some more long time ARC Series participants lead the way, with Team Fly Gurlz, top the list, followed by Dirty Blondes and Two Teachers and a Cop.

The top teams in the Masters division were Team Le Vivre, City Slickers and Intrepid Hippos.

Congratulations and thank you to all the Teams and Volunteers that participated in the ARC Enduro Adventure Race.

A special thank you to all the sponsors and supporters of the race, including:

Bygone Farms, Soles Custom Footbeds, Superstands, Rub A535, Degree, Wet Ones, Banana Boat and Ford of Canada.

See you in MUSKOKA on SEPTEMBER 13, 2003 for the ARC Enduro Adventure Race

For complete ARC Enduro - Collingwood race Results

 


 

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