The SCAR has been a Father’s Day tradition for about 10 years – because who can resist the opportunity to race in extreme heat on this holiday. (Actually – the second SCAR started at the Black Hammock Fish Camp and it was a downpour the entire race – but every other one has been hot). I put together a team with FL Xtreme leader Jeff Leninger. We had a new addition Elizabeth Morse in her 3rd race (her 2nd was one week earlier) and Erik Wise – veteran of the Utility Mutants. This was going to be a fast race (6 hour race – very short time format) and also had a record turnout for both the elite and sport class – it looked like about 250 racers total between the 2 races.
We got the maps at 7:30 AM when we checked in, the race looked to have pretty easy navigation – another sign it would be fast. We started with a 2 ½ K run, pretty much to spread the teams about before we hit the boats for the second leg of the race. We kept a low pace that put us in the front of the middle pack. When we hit the water we headed north (the long leg). The strategy was that most of the teams headed south – so we chose to avoid a potential logjam at those controls. Primal Instinct (Jim Carr and Carolyn Schultz) also headed north and hammered the paddle as we could see them on the out and backs. There was a little bit of navigation, but also plenty of landmarks. CP5 was at the first river split, it did become an out and back as the river was pretty clogged that way and we had to return the main channel. CP6 was also at a river split, only 600 meters from CP5, so you needed to keep your eyes open. CP7 was about 200 meters from the mapped flag. The direct route was clogged, so we did need to go along the main channel west, north, and back east). The curves of the river were with the map helping us find the little entrance to CP7. CP8 was a straightforward out and back and the flag was easily visible from the river.
The upstream paddle was tough and Elizabeth and I did our best to hammer it. The swift current really did not allow us any rest. On the way south we passed the team (heading north) that had gone the other way. The two southern controls were pretty straightforward, one on a island, the other in a cove along the west edge of the river. We came in 12 minutes behind the lead team at about 1120. We had decided to trek second and only spent about a minute moving through the TA. The decision to trek second was because we would not have to changes shoes twice and we wanted to get it done before it got even hotter. We made a clean loop CP18 to CP15. I was suffering on this leg, it was hot and there was no shade. We were running along with Punch Junkies who we caught at CP15. At CP15 we moved to single track with shade and I felt much better. Everyone else appeared to be running OK. At CP17 we doubled back on the trail and followed the northern trail along the road before bushwhacking over to the road (it was pretty open). From there it was a straight run back past CP18 and to the TA. As we started into the transition I heard Greg getting ready to start the Sport Course in 3 minutes. We needed to be out before then or we would be caught behind them all. We flew through the TA and sprinted out of there on bikes.
It was now really hot. As we left CP9 we were on sandy (but ride-able) double track. I was starting to overheat. When we got to CP10 I was able to pour water on my head and wrists and bring my core temp down. It is a good idea for everyone who does AR in extreme conditions to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion – preferably before they are on the trail-side puking their guts out. After the intersection south of CP12, the trail became grassy and easier. We got a few clouds and a little bit of shade, and my core temp dropped a little (unless you really know what you are doing with judging your ability in heat – don’t risk it, rest and cool off). We missed the “Triple Trunk” at CP13 on the way north, but did not worry as we would get it on the return trip. The trail after that turned into mud and water so we pushed bikes pretty much most of the way. CP14 was right on the trail and the trail bend was as shown on the map. We did find the triple trunk and CP13 by simply measuring the distance from the trail bend north of CP13. After CP13 we were back on the bikes and riding south. The trail to CP11 (the last flag) was pretty obvious and it was now just chunking our way through the heat back to the TA. Jeff was struggling with heat here so we were not moving fast – but we were moving. We ended up finishing 3rd with Primal Instinct taking the 1st place and Hoof-Hearted in second.
It looked like most of the teams in both sport and elite class survived a very hot day, and proved they had what it takes to conquer the SCAR.
View SCAR Adventure Race in a larger map
