Comments on: Sunlight Endurance Challenge – 2010

By: Mike Gibbs

Mike Gibbs — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:04:10 +0000

Dylan, great race. The 4 Skinners (all die hard 24 hour mountain bike relay racers) loved the 12 hour format. It made for a great vibe in the lodge, everyone together hanging out as opposed to tucked away in their individual condo units. We’ll be back. Kudos to Michael Hagan, not only is he tough as nails but a trully nice guy to boot. I caught him on his last climb up the steep pitch (he had only done 14 more laps than me) and he powered up right behind me. Then had the clarity and fitness to make casual chit chat as we cruised to the top. Again great race, well run and tons of fun.

By: Polly

Polly — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:26:57 +0000

Thanks Lisa and Lou for another year of fantastic support. It was fun as always. Looks like third place for the women’s solo got interesting right at the end with a close finish.

By: Lou

Lou — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:14:42 +0000

Michael, thanks for your comments! Yeah, I really like the way Sunlight has evolved to being the team thing at the bottom. But I could see the point of the athletes re-skinning themselves. That would make it exciting for the announcer when two racers came in at the same time and tried to get out the chute ahead of each other.

Speaking of which, my only suggestion with 12-hours was that we find some volunteers to help the announcer talk about each racer as they come in or leave. That would make it much more fun for the spectators.

By: Michael Hagen

Michael Hagen — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:52:03 +0000

Lou, No worries on Seal versus Green Beret. Just like there is a friendly rivalry between the Army and Navy, within Special Operations there is a rivalry between the Seals and Army Special Forces. I do have to thank my Special Forces training for introducing me to ski touring. I was fortunate to be in 10th Special Forces group, where skiing a couple weeks a year was part of the job description! (Overnighting at -41 degrees was also part of the job description on a couple occasions, but you give and you get.)

You would enjoy the Gastein 24 Hour race. It is “right around the valley” from Eva’s hometown. Her brother did it a couple years ago – took second. Must be the genes.

One difference that could make for some interesting discussion is that in the Austrian 24 and 12 hour ski touring races (that I know of), the skiers put their own skins back on at the bottom. Their support crew helps with food and drink, etc. but can’t do the skins for them. You could argue that is more true to the nature of a “solo” race. On the other hand, allowing the crew to help with the skins makes it a real “team” race, a la NASCAR. Our “crew chief”, Jocke, did a great job in the pit. He was outstanding and was very much part of our race. I really appreciated his help and feedback every lap.

By: Eva Hagen

Eva Hagen — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:45:38 +0000

Dylan, thank you.

You did an incredible job organizing the race. I truly feel fortunate to have had the chance to compete in your event. Will certainly be back. Fanatic race!!

Thank you Lou, for taking the time to correct the the amount of laps I did.

Regards,

Eva

To all of, you many happy tours and tracks.