Team Wins MIX Expedition
Written by Glenn Rogers Created Date: Wednesday, 03 June 2009 11:26
Team nuun-FeedTheMachine crossed the finish line in Traverse City MI after approximately 77 hours of continuous racing covering 100 miles by canoe, 80miles on foot, and 165 miles on bike across beautiful northern Michigan. Teams from around the US were treated to beautiful countryside, hardwood forests, and flowing rivers connecting pristine lakes. They also endured almost continuous rain, which had little effect on this Pacific NW team but had the added benefit of firming up the notorious Michigan sand.
The team was comprised on Mari Chandler, Brain Schmitz, Matt Hayes, and Glenn Rogers. Mari is a Michigan native and her connections provided the team with first class support and assistance.
The race started with a 55km paddle across lakes and up slow moving rivers. The team came off the water in third and transitioned to a fast bike leg which set up what would prove to be one of the hardest sections of the race. Teams treked into the night on roads, trails and buskwacking in terrain that favored good night navigation. The team did well on this section as they were aided by their Sunnto Arrow thumb and MC-2D compasses together with their T6c wrist computers for pacing and elevation. The team arrived the next morning in first place at the raft put in.
After a short raft, the team was back on bikes working their way through rolling hills to the second trek which would include an optional rogaine. Once again, the team's navigation skills were favored as they continued to put distance on other teams. More biking to the second canoe of the race which had the team paddling down the beautiful and meandering Manastee River.
Toward the end of the race, the team was treated to some of Michigan's famous fast and flowing singletrack. Despite sleep deprivation, they fully enjoyed the fast downhills and bombed their way into the next transition area. The team quickly transitioned to the final trek which was another 10 miles rogaine. This would prove to be another challenging night. The geology of the area consisted of a multitude of large depressions. These were inverted mountains of various sizes. This geology is typical of this area and formed by the receeding ice during last ice age.
The Team finished the trek at daybreak and then enjoyed a 50k downriver paddle on the Sturgeon River to the finish in Traverse City. Our success was aided by our great sponsors. We choose our gear carefully and only use equipment that we have tested in the toughest conditions around the world. Below is a short list of just some of our gear that was instrumental to our success.
Turner Bikes complete with FSA components, Hayes brakes, Manitou shocks, and Michelin tires
Rudy Project helmets and eyewear (used for both riding and bushwacking through deep forests)
Gregory Iso Packs
Light and Motion Stella headlamps which are versitale enough for use on bike and foot
Arc teryx rainwear
Epic Paddles - our carbon fiber wing paddles
Our next race is the Best of the West in Western Canada.