The sun is shining at Castle Mountain Ski Resort and all teams, except for one (you know who you are) have checked in and registered.
Teams were given their race maps and instructions a few hours ago and have been busy strategizing ever since.
Here's a bit of info about the course Andrew & Brian have put together this year:
The race will start at Castle Mountain Ski resort right at midnight with an epic trek. Let me say that again - EPIC TREK. I am told (gleefully by Andrew and Brian) that Leg 1 consists of lots of elevation gain, some pretty spectacular alpine ridges and some very remote terrain. Many of the racers will choose to bring snow shoes with them for this leg as they'll be encountering alot of deep snow on their adventures. During this (approx) 30km trek, racers will also partake in 2 fixed rope crossings.
Leg 2 will see the racers do a short mountain bike ride to the West Castle River where they will begin the paddling section in inflatable 2 person kayaks. The paddle with be about 10km of winding river in class 1-2 waters, with lots of good rollers, and high "heads up hockey" water. Teams will do 2 mandatory portages in this section.
Leg 3 begins with a mountain bike along the continental divide through various drainages, swamps, old cart tracks and with a few river crossings thrown in there just in case the racers start to dry out too much. Here, teams can make the strategic choice to do an Advanced Section of the race and can ride up the epic Willoughby Ridge. I have been told the Advanced Section involves a whole lot of elevation gain and it's a tough push - "but the juice is worth the squeeze" (thanks Andrew).
Leg 4 is another trekking leg, with yet another opportunity for teams to do an Advanced Section and hike to the historic plane crash, a favorite spot amongst hikers and historians in the Crowsnest Pass. The regular course will take teams through spectacular terrain, including the old burn site of the 2003 Lost Creek Fire.
Leg 5 concludes the race with a final mountain bike section. Racers will be treated to some of the sweet local single track that the Crowsnest Pass is becoming famous for.
The finish will be at the Albert Stella Arena in Blairmore where racers can enjoy a fabulous post race meal, socialize and have the chance to win some draw prizes.
At least that's the theory. Will keep you all updated throughout the next 36 hours! Thanks for reading our blog!
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