Checkpoint Zero Adventure Racing

(see photos and complete photo albums at the bottom of this post)

After a hard fought race that lasted 6 1/2 days for the team, DART-nuun finished an impressive 4th place at Primal Quest, "The World's Most Challenging Human Endurance Competition".

The race certainly delivered on it's promise to be one of the toughest endurance races in the world. With the rugged Montana mountains for a playground, elevation gain and loss was the name of the game. With over 540+ miles, that's a long way to go.

Because of the the record breaking deep snow pack late in the season, teams arrived at Big Sky - the host venue - with Spring barely in swing. This meant that parts of the course had to be rerouted due to the deep snow and record breaking river flows. Consequently teams spent a lot more time on their feet. Mari - the team motivator - recalled after almost two days on foot, "We were looking forward to paddling the Yellowstone River after an epic trek. But, the river section was canceled and we were straight back onto our bikes for a 100 miler followed by another enormous trek into the Crazy Mountains. You got to love it!" Although most were looking for time off their feet, the race organization made the wise decision to cancel the kayaking section because of dangerous flows and too much floating debris. It wasn't uncommon to see 40 foot logs floating down river and strainers abound!

Although the team was looking forward to a paddle, they had plenty of water time on the second day of the race. The whitewater kayaking section down the Gallatin River was exhilarating but what followed was a first in adventure racing, a 10 mile riverboarding section in Class IV rapids. Teams are sure not to forget this section for a long time. There were quite a few rescues on this section and after the heat of the day increased the flow even more, the course was shutdown to the relief of most upcoming teams but to the chagrin of a few intrepid ones.

Another first in adventure racing was the free climb section of the ropes course. The ropes course section which took teams 4-6 hours to complete started with a short free climbing pitch. After a few days of racing under their belts and with a heavy pack, the free climb section wasn't so easy but was a thrill to complete. What followed was a series of rope ascent pitches and hand lines along a knife ridge to the check point. "I've competed in numerous Primal Quest races and this was the most technical ropes section I've done," explained Aaron Matzke. "We all loved it despite being tested on numerous occasions."

The team worked well throughout the race and implemented many of its pre-race strategies well and overcame the challenges they faced - sometimes effortlessly while others with a few scrapes and bruises as a souvenir. What was certain is that the majestic beauty of Montana was a constant source of inspiration "Although this race was as hard as it gets, the stunning landscape was a constant motivator for us," noted Aaron Matzke, an astute and experienced adventure racer who joined the team in 2008. "All I had to do is look around and soak in the views of the superb mountain ranges to be invigorated ," added Aaron Rinn, the team's workhorse. There is no doubt that all the teams will have fond memories of Montana. Now they know why they call Montana Big Sky country!

Despite the stunning vistas as inspiration, the team suffered plenty out there - who didn't really? Because of the enormous treks, even the most well trained teams suffered from battered feet and all sort of knee, ankle and foot ailment. Tendonitis ran rampant. The team wasn't spared. "The wet course and constant ups and downs took their toll. In 14 expedition races, this is the first time I used poles. Luckily, one of our trusted support crew - Daniel - worked wonders and fixed our feet at each transition areas. Sometimes it doesn't take much to get your feet in a bad state if you don't watch-out. In the past, we've gotten away with skipping on things like changing socks or applying lubricant but not this time. I'm glad we had our trusted wool Teko socks with us as well as our new Vasque trail runners" recalled Cyril.

The team also had a few other challenges along the way. For example, the riverboarding section proved a little longer than expected when Aaron Rinn got sucked into a hole (aka a hydraulic). Not once but twice. After losing his riverboard both times and having to swim to shore, he was understandably exhausted and shaken. "All I kept thinking when I was in the hole is I want to see Maria [his girlfriend and support crew extraordinaire]," recalled Aaron vividly. The water was so big that is was difficult to see holes with the massive waves all around the team.But, the team pulled together and finished the section well.

Another problem came the night of day 3 when Cyril fell sick for the better part of the night in the Crazy Mountains. "I felt nauseated all night. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I've never been sick in a race before and it really takes it out of you. Despite the hardship, it was an experience that I will learn from as it taught me - even more - how to handle pain and push through. Still, I hope it never happens again," reflected Cyril.

In the end, the team met it's goal of a top five finish. The fact they encountered more challenges than expected provided them with valuable lessons they will take with them on their next race.

Below are a few of the hundreds of photos the team and support crew took along the way. Despite racing, they managed to take over 500 photos out on the course. After all, these races are incredible memories that need to be immortalized. In addition to the photos below, the team has created 3 albums for your viewing pleasure:

1. Photos taken by the team and support crew - best of the best - long version
(162 photos in chronological order including on the course action photos)

2. Photos take by the team and support crew - best of the best - short version
(55 photos - best of - excellent for sponsor use)

3. Photos taken by the PQ photographers and volunteers
(119 photos - we've assembled - in one convenient album - photos of the team and the landscape. We do not have the rights to these. These are for your viewing pleasure only)