april 1-3, 2005 | cullowhee, ga
team 3 blind mice
cathi cannon, mike delang, doug jones
support: josak
the race: 100+ miles, 40 hour time limit
listed disciplines: flatwater paddling, mountain biking, trekking, navigation
actual disciplines: canoeing against wind gusts up to 50mph thru driving rain, mountain biking on singletrack & forest service roads thru rain, sleet, snow, and wind gusts over 50mph, and inclimate weather navigation. (we never made it to the trekking sections unless you count pushing bikes)
the weather reports initially warned of severe thunderstorms with large hail. by the 10pm start time, this was downgraded to rain showers, with strong winds developing later saturday with a chance of snow at higher elevations. we got all this, and more... including a blizzard that ended up shutting down the race course at 7pm saturday night. our team withdrew at 2pm saturday upon the recommendations of the local EMS. it was a very difficult decision, but one based on survival & safety.