DART-nuun News
presented by nuun

DART-nuun takes 2nd

Oakridge, OR, welcomed racers from around the west coast for Big Blueâ??s first 24 hour race of 2007. Nestled in the heart of the Cascades in central Oregon, Oakridge is home to the headwaters of the Willamette River and miles of single track mountain bike trails. The race started at the top of the Cascades taking full advantage of some of the best mountain biking Oregon has to offer. After a short 10k run to separate the teams, competitors were treated to 35 miles of uninterrupted single track along the Willamette River. â??This was some of the best riding I have ever seen in an adventure race,â?? commented Glenn, team captain. Marri Chandler and Rick Bariff agreed adding that the 3500 foot drop in elevation made the bike section fast and exhilarating.

After completing the bike, the team was treated to a cool paddle on Hills Creek Lake. â??We had a great paddle in our NW Kayak Seascape 3,â?? added Rick, â??I only wish we could have paddled even longerâ??. While the paddle was 13 miles, it took its toll on racers. â??After such a long technical ride, our shoulders were very sore,â?? reflected Mari.

As night fell, the team worked its way back up into the mountains on foot. This trekking section began with a 3000 foot climb up through a beautiful river drainage and was followed with a final bushwack to a transition area. Here the team took a needed break as one of the teammates was having stomach problems. While Glenn worked on additional maps that were provided, the rest of the team prepared for the final bike to the finish.

The final bike section included forest service roads, trail and county roads to the finish back in Greenwaters Park in the center of Oakridge. Although the team clawed its way back up to the front of the race, it was too little too late to catch the strong Nike Beaver Creek team.

Next, DARTâ??nuun will compete in the Kit Carson Big Blue Adventure Race on August 11th.

The team's successes would not be possible without the generous support of their sponsors that they hand picked because they work in the world's most demanding conditions.

Labels: Press Release, Race Results