Wolfman triathlon 2009

Except for a few bruises and scratches, we survived the Wolfman. I have to say, it was as fun as I had hoped. We took off mid morning and made it to the rental cabin by 3. We unpacked, checked out the cute pad, grounds and huge whirlpool tub, and headed into town to register.

After getting our packets and start times, we decided to check out the course as we we responsible for setting all our own gear in its appropriate places in the morning.

While pulling back onto the main road, we see this huge tree with kayaks dangling like ornaments and about 10 cars likes ours with both boats and bikes on top....this must be where everyone is doing their pre-race dining.

The place was called Bear Paw and was not only a fun bar/grill, it was also a campground, outfitter and host of the after party the next night. Sometimes when you start traveling off the beat and path it is hard to find a good meal, beer, atmosphere, but this place had it all. I would highly recommend it if you are ever in that neck of the woods.

Cold Capital Amber on tap

and crispy, cheesy cracker thin pizza

On the way back to the cabin we got another glance at the river. A bit low from last year, but still rumored to have some class 2 rapids...something our 14 foot boats had never seen....can you sense the foreshadowing?

The race itself went great. Although I do not have our split times or any good pictures yet. We both did well.

Nate and I both dumped our boats in those rapids. Filled them to the top with water, but luckily we were both able to relax, use a few big rocks to help drain the water, and get back in to finish the 3 mile river course. Those 14 footers are fast down the straightaways, but just don't have the turning power of those short little river kayaks.

The 13 mile bike started on the road, but quickly moved to a mix of logging roads and single track. Normally I enjoy the speed of the single track, but this course was laden with rocks. Lots and lots of big rocks. Nate, being a rocky mountain boy, breezed thru the rock gardens. I however, have my fair share of scrapes and bruises from trying to stay clipped in while navigating the obstacles. There were also 3 river crossings. Too deep to ride thru, you needed to portage you bike while walking thru about 3 feet of rushing river water.
Regardless, I am pretty sure that was my best leg.

And finally the run. At times this rugged 3.5 mile trail run proved more to be a hike. Navigating over roots and large rocks. It was slow, but gave me a chance to keep my heart rate in a reasonable zone. Crossing that finish line felt so great.

The only bummer, was we had to go pick up all our gear after. Searching thru the sea of abandoned boats and then dragging it back up the car and onto the racks was a workout in itself.

But, a hot shower, tasty food and a cold beer at the awards banquet back at Bear Paw was a welcome reward. Oh, and knowing we had that huge tub to soak our muscles back at the cabin, didn't hurt either.

I wonder what I will rope us into next year ?