Feature Coverage

What a wild ride this week has been! We wrapped up the 2011 Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme last night at the Riverbelle in Trail BC with awards for the top 4 finishers in the full course.

4th place: Team 2 Atmosphere/MOMAR

3rd place: Team 10 DART-nuun-SportMulti

2nd place: Team 28 Wild Rose

1st place: Team 29 WildernessTraverse.com

SPOT tracker data is still being confirmed and finalized for the rest of the field and final results will display on the Leaderboard. We’ll let you know when they are official.

More to come as we gather together the stories and footage of what some racers have deemed, “the toughest RTNX ever!”

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July 28, 2011 (Slocan Valley, BC) – A portion of the tagline for Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme (RTNX) reads “Real Wilderness.” After more than three days of racing the RTNX unmarked course in BC’s West Kootenay, participating teams have no doubt that they are being tested in some of the most ‘real wilderness’ imaginable. And they have to be prepared for it physically and mentally.

Challenging weather earlier in the week took its toll on some racers, leaving teams to deal with ill and injured teammates. In these cases, teams have to decide whether to rest and hope time heals; call for help, take care of the injured teammate and continue on as a smaller team; or, return to the last major transition area and withdraw from the race.

By Wednesday morning, four teams had faced setbacks that left them at TA3 at the end of the first paddle on standby to complete a shortened version of the course: Adrenaline Rush, Blue, HTFU/Sunovion, Nord Vrai, Suburban Rush. Cranksports Team Currahee, the last on the paddle, arrived at TA3 mid-morning, greeted by staff and Shaw TV and were able to proceed onto the shortened course in the afternoon. Though HFTU/Sunovion set off on the short course, they returned later that night to TA3 due to one team member being ill.

Custom Cellular had made it into the high alpine of Valhalla Park and were in second place when cold, wet weather, including ice pellets, exacerbated a previously existing medical condition in one team member, so they elected to return to TA3. The team arrived early morning visibly disappointed but safe. Pentahlondesneiges.com elected to move forward as a team of three from TA3 after some irreconcilable differences with a teammate. SOG was at CP8 Ice Creek Lodge when one of their members elected to withdraw from the race. The team moved forward as a team of three. Dancing Pandas, after 20+ hours in Valhalla Park, elected to return to TA3 and take on a shortened course so that they would be able to experiemce as much of the course as possible rather than risk missing a cutoff while in the Park. The Pandas rested at TA3 for a few hours and set off again at midnight. Climb4SMA (Torti) was at the base of the trail up into Valhalla when one of their team members fell ill and they elected to return to TA3.

The remainder of the field is working their way through Valhalla Park and into the rest of the course. There are incremental cutoffs in place at various CPs to expedite the flow through the course as the finish line cutoff creeps closer. This allows teams to continue to move through the course, experience its challenges, and make their way to the finish line unassisted.

A few lead teams have created a significant gap from the rest of the field. WildernessAdventures.com, the lead team since day one, remains at the front of the race by a very healthy gap and is keeping race organizers on their toes as they launch from checkpoint to checkpoint to stay ahead of the team of powerful adventure racers. Current race estimates suggest that if this team continues at the same pace they could cross the finish line in Trail’s Gyro Park as early as 6-7pm today – Thursday, July 27, 2011 .

It is difficult for race organizers to provide a specific estimated finish time in an event like this as there are countless variables beyond their control that can affect a team’s progress: weather and course conditions, physical and mental fatigue, and equipment failure. These same variables make putting on an extreme event like RTNX an incredible challenge. With each 24hr period that goes by fatigue sets in and the gap between the lead teams and slower teams stretches larger and larger. This spreads event resources in all directions across the course and often results in “the race within the race” – where event staff push themselves to the limits of human endurance to keep pace with the racers on course.

Adventure Racing is a challenging spectator sport for the same reasons listed above. However, with the finish line of the epic event located in the heart of Trail, spectators are welcome and encouraged to come and show support for these amazing athletes. As mentioned, current estimates show the first team across the finish line as early as 6-7pm tonight with the next few teams approximately 8 hours behind. The bulk of racers should start to come through at around 6-7pm on Friday evening, although there may be teams trickling in throughout the day. Event organizers welcome and encourage spectators to cheer on teams as the complete their adventures. Check the interactive course map at www.raidthenorthextreme.com for updates on team progress on the course.

The official race cutoff is 10am Saturday morning. Teams will celebrate their efforts with a banquet and awards ceremony Saturday evening in Trail.

ABOUT FRONTIER ADVENTURE SPORTS & TRAINING INC: Frontier Adventure Sports & Training Inc (Frontier) is the leading adventure racing company in Canada, operating the popular Raid the North adventure racing series. Now in its 14th year of operation, Frontier has an international reputation for solid logistics, challenging courses and events built around the history and tradition of each region. Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme is one of just two qualifier events in North America for the Adventure Racing World Series to be held this year in Tasmania.  Each Raid the North race always remains true to its slogan: Real Wilderness. Real Navigation. Real Adventure.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Beth Crowther
Public & Media Relations Coordinator
Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme
beth@raidthenorth.com
www.raidthenorthextreme.com
mobile +1.604.805.2175
race week landline: +1.888.295.8181

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Consolidated list of the latest tweets on racer status from our friends at CP8, otherwise known as the beautiful Ice Creek Lodge…

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Base Camp has been a non-stop flurry of activity here just outside Slocan. While we are excited to have been able to share racers’ activities out on course via SPOT trackers, we have been constantly battling technical challenges due to internet bandwidth, internet access, SPOT tracker transmission and sat-comm interruptions. These are inherent issues that arise with this type of technology due to remote terrain, weather fluctuations and the reality of travelling through small towns with very limited communications technologies.

We know that you are patiently waiting for updates on your family and friends and have put together this quick overview of teams that are in modified status.

This is not an update on all 30 teams. Any teams not listed here, are still on course and have no reported exceptions at the time of posting this update. If you are following along on the map please note that if the SPOT trackers appear show inactivity, click on the team’s icon to see the timestamp for the last check in. That will give you a sense of how recently the SPOT updated our server. There are cases where the SPOT may not be able to communicate with the satellite due to weather, poor terrain or operator error. We are monitoring those situations and are in contact with staff on course to connect with the teams and ensure that their SPOTs are working correctly.

We are obtaining information obtained from staff on course and manually entering it into the system to update the leaderboard status as quickly as possible. At the same time we are dealing with all of the real world challenges that inevitably arise when the elements of time and exposure kick in during high-risk endeavors. Suffice it to say that radios, computers and SPOTs are constantly manned, active and troubleshooting.

With those insights in mind, here are the latest details on the teams with exceptions and/or modified status:

1 Adrenaline Rush: Arrived at TA3 late last night in good spirits from paddle. Dealing with some blisters, some bonking. Had a very good night’s sleep here. Keen to see more of the course. Will do short course

3 Blue: Early on had some issues which set them back from the field. Arrived at T3 last night and have rested. Will do short course

6 Cranksports: Headed out on trek into Valhalla Park yesterday afternoon. Elected to return to TA3 at 4am after deciding the trek was more than they were up for with current injuries in mind. Will continue on short course.

7 Currahee: Final team on the water this morning. Arrived at CP6 last night and opted for some rest in order to enjoy the remainder of the short course. One team member is suffering from a foot injury that has posed a considerable challenge. Arrived at T3 from the paddle and will be joining four other teams on a modified course to get them to a shortened course.

8 Custom Cellular: Were in 2nd place yesterday. Got to high elevation and cold, wet, icy conditions exacerbated a previously existing medical condition in one team member. Reluctantly decided to return to paddle CP. All is well 2 team mates opted to volunteer to man CPs. Two teammates departed to head home today.

9 Dancing Pandas: Made it up to Beatrice Lake this morning after 18 hours trekking in Valhalla Park. Radioed for some insights and have decided to return to TA3 and opt for the “sport course” instead of risking moving forward on the full course. On their way.

13 HTFU/Sunovion: Four members who arrived at T3 last night. Will do short course.

20 Nord Vrai: One member has elected not to move on. The rest of the team is strong and excited to carry on. Will do short course.

23 SOG: One team member is not willing to move forward & wishes to stay at Ice Creek Lodge. Remaining team mates will push forward.

24 Suburban Rush: Arrived at CP6 yesterday and one teammate, who had suffered from flu-type symptoms since the first night, elected to not move forward. Remaining teammates went on as team of 3. Fourth will be manning a CP and helping out for the rest of the race.

30 Climb4SMA (Torti): returning from Valhalla Park

That’s everything for now (1254pm July 27th). Thank you again for your patience and we will provide updates as we can.

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Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme 2011 Begins Beneath Blue Skies with a Challenging Mountain Bike Climb

July 24, 2011 (Kaslo, BC) – A year’s worth of training and preparation were put to the test today for 120 athletes from around the world as Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme (RTNX) kicked off at 10 am in Meadow Creek, BC. Blue skies and sunshine smiled down on the prominent start line arch as racers cycled though.

The introduction to RTNX was a lengthy, challenging mountain bike stage on a forest service road that gained 1000m of elevation over 15km. This seemingly short distance was taking some teams as long as 4hrs to complete due to the elevation gain. Such a challenge early in the race saw racers employing teamwork tactics to conserve energy. Stronger climbers towed weaker climbers, stronger riders pushed their teammates, and fatigued racers pushed their bikes up the steep inclines. With a 500km unmarked course to cover, racers will employ a variety of strategies like these to ensure each team member has the fitness to tackle the rugged terrain ahead.

A big factor in teams’ success yesterday was proper management of hydration and exposure to the sun. With temperatures climbing to normal summer highs and teams climbing to higher and higher elevation, heat from the sun became quite oppressive at elevation. One racer was overheard saying that it was “nice, beautiful weather for suffering!”

The first transition stage was located at Retallack Lodge, a cat-ski lodge located in the area of a former 19th century mining town. RTNX Base Camp relocated to the Lodge and awaited the first team’s arrival. Retallack provided very comfortable and welcoming accommodations for race staff and crew as they supported racers coming through the transition area. The first team arrived into Retallack at a little before 1am. Team WildernessTraverse.com spent approximately 30 minutes refueling, changing clothes and donning equipment to transition to a mountain bike stage in which they would eventually make their way, sometimes through snow pack, to the top of Idaho Peak, which is renowned for its vistas. From the top of Idaho Peak, racers will ride the historic Wakefield Trail, which zigzags its way down from the peak with extreme exposure, which can be an intimidating factor for some.

Teams will eventually make their way to the second transition area for a 20km paddle south on Slocan Lake from Silverton to Slocan City

ABOUT FRONTIER ADVENTURE SPORTS & TRAINING INC:

Frontier Adventure Sports & Training Inc (Frontier) is the leading adventure racing company in Canada, operating the popular Raid the North adventure racing series. Now in its 14th year of operation, Frontier has an international reputation for solid logistics, challenging courses and events built around the history and tradition of each region. Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme is one of just two qualifier events in North America for the Adventure Racing World Series to be held this year in Tasmania. Each Raid the North race always remains true to its slogan: Real Wilderness. Real Navigation. Real Adventure.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Beth Crowther

Public & Media Relations Coordinator

Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme

beth@raidthenorth.com

www.raidthenorthextreme.com

mobile +1.604.805.2175

race week landline: +1.888.295.8181

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What a gorgeous day we’ve had here in BC’s West Kootenay!! Blue blue skies and a sometimes scorching sun have blessed us for the first day of Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme 2011…

We’ve got an amazing new Live HQ Portal that’s giving Base Camp and RTNX fans across the web a golden opportunity to be right in on the action. It has been SOOOOO much fun for those of us at Base Camp to keep an eye on the race via the SPOT tracker map. It’s like having a bird’s eye view of the whole event. And it’s addictive. Yes even for us!

This blog was actually started more than a few hours ago and since then we’ve had lots of fun and interesting challenges with tricky internet coverage and no cell service due to our location with surrounding mountains. While we were offline a few questions came up on Facebook about the status of some of the teams on the online tracker map. Now is a great time to go into a little more detail about the information available from the map…

If you have been following the tracking map today, you might have seen some teams appear to be in one spot for a period of time, or perhaps not appear at all. Please remember that these SPOT trackers do depend on satellite access to operate effectively. They also depend on teams pressing the correct button to check in with the satellite. And the satellite data must interface properly with the database system. In all, it’s a complex setup with a number of highly important connected elements. If one is out of alignment, the team will appear to be stationary.

We are constantly monitoring the data coming in and take advantage of manned checkpoints and transition areas to connect with racers and investigate any SPOT trackers that may appear to be operating incorrectly. When you’re following your friends and family it can seem like an eternity before information comes through. We understand! Many of us here at Base Camp have spent hours glued to computers trying to obtain details about our own friends and family as they’ve challenged adventure races of their own. Trust us when we say that we are just as eager to have the latest information on every single team on our course.

The reality is we are an expedition length adventure race taking place in the rugged backcountry. We are at the mercy of radio waves, repeaters, satellite sight lines, gear challenges and human endurance.

Hopefully this helps give some insights into the use of and reliance upon satellite communications and tracking and will enrich your experience with the Live HQ race week portal.

More insights to come!

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July 23, 2011 (Kaslo, BC) – Anticipation continues to build for the 120 exceptionally fit and skilled adventurers who have signed up for the 2011 edition of Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme (RTNX). After a comprehensive registration process, including skills tests, racers received the course maps on Friday night and were given 36 hours to research and plot their strategies.

Today was the second and final pre-race preparation day during which the racers, their gear, and the entire RTNX Base Camp were relocated approximately 1 hour north of Nelson to the beautiful, welcoming Village of Kaslo. Here racers had access to their bikes and gear boxes for the last few hours; received SPOT tracker radios, which organizers will use to track each team along the course via GPS (the live tracker map is accessible at the Live HQ for the race www.raidthenorthextreme.com); and attended a final course and safety briefing where they had their last opportunity to ask questions and clarify concerns.

Later in the day, Kaslo Mayor Greg Lay walked throughout the waterfront Base Camp location, greeted racers, spoke with the local team, Kootenay Kaos, and extended a warm welcome to racers during the racer briefing.

Atmosphere RTNX made closer connections with the Kaslo community last night by partnering in a fundraising dinner with parents of a local group of 5^th graders from JV Humphries School. The fundraiser contributes to sending the children on a school trip to Fort Steel Pioneer Village, approximately 4hrs away, near Cranbrook BC. The pasta and salad buffet was entirely prepared and served by the children’s parents. Anyone interested in supporting the fundraiser efforts can email sinclairjsarah@gmail.com

With full bellies and a tight timeline Racers donned headlamps and huddled around their maps until well after dark as it was their last chance to transfer additional information onto their race maps. Quiet time hit close to 10:30 pm as this would be the last solid night of sleep teams will see for several nights.

Tomorrow morning racers are transferred to Meadow Creek for a 10 am start

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Pre-Race Interview with Team Odyessey Adventure Racing / ImOnPoint.org

After winning the 2010 Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing Championship, Odyssey Adventure Racing/ImOnPoint.org is heading to British Columbia for Raid the North Extreme. They are currently in 2nd place with the 2011 Checkpoint Tracker rankings and 3rd with the USARA National Rankings. Read more…

Pre-Race Interview with Team WEDALI

WEDALI, the 2010 winner of the USARA National Championship is on the ground in British Columbia and prepping for the start of tomorrow’s Raid the North Extreme. Justin Bakken sent his answers that he typed via his iPhone while traveling yesterday. Read more…

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July 22, 2011 (Nelson, BC) – The picturesque city of Nelson today played host to more than 120 racers from North America and beyond as they completed a detailed registration process and attended the Opening Ceremonies for the 2011 edition of Atmosphere Raid the North Extreme (RTNX).

Atmosphere RTNX, Canada’s premiere expedition-style adventure race takes place from July 23 to 31, 2011 in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia. Four-person co-ed teams will face extreme challenges including a rugged wilderness, team dynamics, sleep deprivation and gear failure as they bike, trek, paddle and use ropes to navigate more than 500km of unmarked terrain through the Selkirk, Purcell and Monashee mountains over six non-stop days.

The inherent risk in a race of this nature means teams must bring a high level of skill and endurance to the start line. Atmosphere RTNX designed a comprehensive mandatory registration process—including navigation and rope skills testing, bike and first aid gear checks, medical and insurance paperwork, and more—to ensure that racers have what it takes to safely challenge the course.

“A number of teams were exempt from some of the mandatory skills tests today,” said Race Director Geoff Langford, “which really speaks to the caliber of competitors attending this race. It’s going to be an exciting week!”

Following registration, teams gathered together for the Opening Ceremonies, which included a welcome from Trail, BC (the finish line location) Mayor Dieter Bog, race staff introductions, and a mesmerizing Cirque de Soleil style demonstration of “acrobatic yoga for adventure racers” by members of Team GearJunkie/YogaSlackers.

Through the course of the Ceremonies, organizers slowly revealed course details, which, until Friday evening, had been kept under wraps. Racers learned they will venture through remote areas of Goat Range and Valhalla Provincial Parks where stunning scenery, higher than normal snowpack, and possible wildlife encounters with grizzlies and mountain caribou await. “Take the time now and again to stop and look at where you are and the awesome area you’re competing in,” said BC Parks’ Hugh Ackroyd. “These are real gems of the Parks system.”

To wrap the evening, racers received the much anticipated race maps which they will pour over to build their strategy between now and race start at 10am Sunday, July 24^th.

On Saturday, teams and the Atmosphere RTNX mobile Base Camp will relocate to Kaslo, BC for a pre-race dinner, final course overview and safety briefing.

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Pre-Race Interview With Team Atmosphere DART-nuun-SportMulti at Explore Complete Live
Collectively, team DART-nuun-SportMulti has some of the best experience heading into this year’s Raid the North Extreme. We caught up with Cyril last night as the team will be leaving for Canada today. Read more… »

Pre-Race Interview With Team Atmosphere MOMAR at Explore Complete Live
Pete Cameron, the captain for Atmosphere MOMAR, took a few minutes to fill us in on the preparations that he and his team have been making for this year’s Raid the North Extreme. Read more… »

Pre-Race Interview With Team Mandatory Equipment at Explore Complete Live
Typical adventure racing teams opt for the 3 and 1 format with that including the female as the ‘mandatory equipment’. However, for this year’s RTNX, Erik will be the team’s solo male as he is joined by Deb McInally, Jude Ultra, and Michelle Maislen to form Mandatory Equipment. Read More…»

Pre-Race Interview With Team Dancing Pandas at Explore Complete Live
When I spoke with Masha Glanville, team captain of Dancing Pandas, she chuckled as she told us that the 4-person team has a combined age of 196 and over 40 years of expedition racing experience. Perhaps all that experience and wisdom will prove most useful at Raid the North Extreme. Read more…»

Pre-Race Interview With Team Extreme/StaphAsceptic at Explore Complete Live
Our pre-race interview with Kyle Peter of Team Tecnu Extreme/StaphAseptic as they make final preparations for Raid the North Extreme. Read more… »

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