The race started off on a black and white aerial photo orienteering section from the D.J. Mackie Picnic Area to Ottawa Lake. After arriving at the lake, racers paddled 5.5 laps Nasboat style - things always get interesting in the later laps with 40+ boats jockeying for position. Biz's last experience with this paddling format left him in the drink not once, but twice!
We finished the paddle shortly after Ya Mule, and were able to keep up on the short road ride to the Emma Carlin mountain bike trails where we were instructed to complete the green loop. A decent lap completed, we found ourselves in 3rd place overall behind Ya Mule and hard-core bikers Elk Bones (who raced on speedy road slicks for the entire race, despite the 5-miles of greasy single track at Emma).Racers then completed a 10-CP Score-O orienteering section on an enhanced USGS topo map at Stute Springs & Homestead Nature Trail. We put forward a strong effort, and came into the TA just as Ya Mule was leaving, gaining one spot in the process.
Competitors traveled on gravel and paved roads from Emma Carlin back to D.J. Mackie picnic area via Gus's Drive-in, located in East Troy, WI. This 27-mile bike section pushed us to the max as we persevered through the cold temps and blowing wind and snow in our faces, arriving at the TA less than a minute behind Ya Mule.
Transitioning fast was of the utmost importance, and we took to the last 4-CP aerial photo map with haste. Pushing the pace hard in the woods and making the road run back home with urgency, we didn't know how things would turn out. In the end, we came across the finish line in 6 hours and 3 minutes for 1st place overall.
WARS puts on an awesome race and it's always a great time hanging out with the Wisconsin AR community post-event. A tough and challenging sprint race made fun by the competitive but friendly crowd.Top 3 Overall:
Rainbow Unicorns - 6:03
Ya Mule - 6:09
Elk Bones - 6:14
