My partner, Bryan “Wick” Wickenhauser, and I ended up 4^th place after 9 hours 35 minutes of racing.  Jon Brown and Brian Smith ended up 7^th and Jari Kirkland and Tucker brought home 2^nd in the co-ed division.  Mike Kloser and Jay Henry won the race.  It was a decent showing for Team Salomon/Crested Butte in one of the toughest races we do all year.  Teammate Travis Macy opted for a summer option and won the solo division at the 12-Hour Adventure Xstream Moab race.

The week leading up to the Traverse is always fun as the training becomes a minimum, and arriving at the starting line, “the fresher the better” is my motto.  So Wednesday, Thursday , and Friday were total days off with jus a 10 minute ice bath Wednesday and Thursday.  It just gives me a chance to get all the gear totally dialed in and minimize everything to the smallest degree in the pack.  So here is what the rest of the week looked like:

• Monday – Rest day with a 12 minutes ice bath and foam roller session on the legs.
• Tuesday – Ski previewed the first 2.5 hours of the Grand Traverse course and evening ice bath.
• Wednesday –  90 minute massage, ice bath.
• Thursday- Rest day.
• Friday- Race begins at midnight!
• Sunday – 45 minute run and 30 mile road ride to Crested Butte, ice bath.
• Monday – 1 hour on the HALO swim trainer and 90 minutes on the stationary bike with some muscle tension intervals to a 30 minute treadmill run as it was snowing again and blowing 30 m.p.h. outside.  Ice bath and I am ready for Spring!!

As a team we didn’t work on anything for the week together, however we all had to have our gear dialed in for the race so packing and gear minimizing were key components for everyone, which will make it easier to know exactly how much food and water to bring out on a 8-9 hour section in Primal Quest only a few months away.  Remember the 6 P’s of racing folks, “Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance”!!

Some gear modifications that we made especially for the Grand Traverse were attaching retractable dog leashes on the inside of the pack with the leash exiting at the bottom, making for a non swing tow-strap that zips back inside the pack after use; it’s a hands-free towing device!  Another was the hand warmer taped up H2O bottle to prevent freezing your water instantly.

The next event to start looking forward to for me is the Foster Grant Ironman 70.3 event in Orlando , FL on May 17^th.   So putting away the skis for the season yesterday felt good as I am as jazzed as ever to get in the pool and swim, swim, swim.   Now I know swimming isn’t the funnest thing ever but I can guarantee that hard swimming with intervals will make any athlete no matter their fitness a whole heck of a lot better, especially for the paddling sections in these long adventure races, which is where more racers lack than any other department in a race such as Primal Quest.  So try hitting the pool 3x’s a week and work on your weaknesses this pre-season and feel confident the middle of August!

Cheers,

Sully

BlackHillsVacations.com

Click here to read all about these package deals, which include car rental with unlimited mileage, three nights stay in a selection of hotels, and entrance to the Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, starting as low as $95/person per day.

The offers are good starting now and running through May 31st of this year. So, if you’re looking to get a sneak peek at where Primal Quest Badlands presented by SPOT will be taking place this August, there’s no better time than now to checkout the territory.

Hello my name is Inga Yandell and I am the Chief Editor of a Women’s Action Magazine a combination of adrenaline sports, extreme nature and pure action. Unique features including Jane Bond’s Gadget Guide and Indiana Jane’s Travel Journal give our readers a unique twist on the traditional fitness/travel publications currently available. Learn how to train like the tomb raider and sustain energy with an Ancient Trail Mix and other Mayan Miracle Foods! The magazine provides quality resources for active women whilst helping to raise funds and awareness for wildlife. A percentage of every subscription goes towards Vital Ground, The Cheetah Conservation Fund and The Snow Leopard Trust. Our site is loaded with bonus resources and interactive material to keep motivation high and inspire the spirit for adventure!

If you have dreamt of a Life without Limits then Bare Essentials is just the guide to get you there, come visit us at www.bare-essentials.com.au

Regards Inga

MyTopo released the following press announcement regarding the acquisition:

MYTOPO ACQUIRES LAND NAVIGATION DIVISION OF MAPTECH
Extensive Free Map Browsing Services Added to MyTopo Website

BILLINGS, MT, October 24, 2008–MyTopo, known for its convenient online service for ordering navigation-ready, custom-printed topographic, aerial and hybrid maps for the US and Canada, has purchased the land navigation division of Amesbury, MA-based Maptech, Inc.  The purchase includes Maptech’s popular Terrain Navigator software products, which are used daily by professional wildlife managers, geologists, foresters, search and rescue experts and firefighters, as well as sportsmen and women, throughout the United States.

MyTopo is a private company based in Billings, MT.  MyTopo’s products and services are available direct from MyTopo and from popular websites, including Geocaching.com, Geology.com, Remington.com, and many more.  To learn more about our partnership program, products and services, please visit www.mytopo.com or call 877-587-9004.

“The combined strengths of MyTopo and Maptech result in a company focused on providing innovative land navigation products, ranging from high-end professional mapping software and digital services to actual hard copy, custom topo and aerial map prints,” said Kevin Toohill, founder and ceo of MyTopo.  “We have retained Maptech employees who together represent more than 35 years of experience in the mapping industry and who share our commitment to providing unparalleled customer support and cutting-edge product development.”

Customers can expect higher quality MyTopo prints derived from the use of Maptech’s vast collection of original United States Geological Survey (USGS) scanned topographic maps and more up-to-date map data added to the Terrain Navigator software, including more than 15,000 updated topographic maps from the USGS and the US Forest Service.  As a benefit to all map users, MyTopo has recently added a wide range of free resources to its website, www.mytopo.com, including free browsing of aerial and topographic maps from the US and Canada and Maptech’s popular historic topographic map collection.

MyTopo is pleased to announce the availability of a new product, the Terrain Navigator Pro “All-in-One”, which contains the latest version of the software and the most up-to-date topographic and aerial data on a USB external hard drive that can be customized with multiple state data sets.  MyTopo also announced the availability of three new modules for Terrain Navigator Pro users; the Team Tracker, which allows for real-time tracking of ground positions of field personnel; the Emergency Symbol Pack, which features preset fire line styles and more than 200 emergency response symbols; and a Streets Module, which provides accurate, up-to-date US streets and roads data.

The Satellite Messenger is a handheld device that uses the Globalstar network of satellites to send both emergency messages or “Okay” signals to friends and family back home while backpackers, hikers, and adventure athletes are in remote backcountry regions. Since coming online late last year, the service has garnered more than 50,000 sponsors, and has directly played a part in more than 40 rescues around the globe. 

At Primal Quest Montana teams were required to carry a Satellite Messenger with them at all times, and the device served as a method for tracking the locations and placement of teams throughout the race. Fans of adventure racing were able to be a part of the event like never before, as this  new technology fundamentalloy changed the way that the sport could be followed. SPOT once again returns in 2009 as the presenting sponsor of Primal Quest Badlands.

Photo by Will Ramos

Primal Quest is proud to announce that SPOT will once again be our presenting sponsor for 2009 following a highly successful collaboration at Primal Quest Montana.

SPOT is the creator of the Satellite Messenger, an innovative device and communications service that has taken the outdoor community by storm. The little orange gadget allows adventurers the world over to stay in contact with their friends and family at home, while providing the security of being able to call for emergency help, should the need arise. When paired with the optional tracking service, SPOT allows anyone with a web connection to follow along on the journey from the comfort of their home.

At Primal Quest Montana, SPOT applied their tracking expertise to adventure racing for the first time, and quickly changed the face of the sport forever. For the first time, fans of the sport could follow an event as it unfolded in near realtime, with the most accurate tracking ever. As a result, the drama and intensity of Primal Quest was brought home like never before. We’re looking forward to delivering even more of that drama and intensity next August at Primal Quest Badlands presented by SPOT.

Photo by Will Ramos

For additional information or to purchase prints, please contact the PQ 08 Photography Team:

Photographer: Will Ramos
Web: www.waramos.com
Email: will@0bounds.com
Will Ramos Complete PQ 08 Collection

Photographer: Andres Vargas
Web: www.adventureandphoto.com
Email: andres@adventureandphoto.com

Photographer: Wouter Kingma
Web: www.orangeexpressions.com/
Email: wouterkingma@mac.com
Wouter Kingma Complete PQ 08 Collection

Photographer: Mike Hedge
Web: www.mikehedge.com
Email: behedge@yahoo.com

Photographer: Tim Holmstrom
Web: www.thecoastalchallenge.com
Email: tim@thecoastalchallenge.com

Photographer: Jason Perreira
Web: perreira.photoreflect.com
Email: jsperreira@msn.com
Jason Perreira Complete PQ 08 Collection

SPOT SATELLITE MESSENGER DELIVERS OVER 2.5 MILLION MESSAGE TRANSMISSIONS IN FIRST NINE MONTHS

SPOT LLC Marks First Anniversary with Milestones Fueled By Global Outdoor Market Demand for SPOT Satellite Messenger

OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER MARKET – SALT LAKE CITY, UT (BOOTH 188&190) - (August 8, 2008) – SPOT LLC, the pioneer behind the award-winning SPOT Satellite Messenger^TM today announced it has delivered more than 2.5 million SPOT message transmissions since it was first made available to customers in November 2007.  The SPOT Satellite Messenger was first unveiled to the outdoor industry at last year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market conference.  Since its debut, this breakthrough safety device has won numerous industry awards, been featured by various media and most importantly – its unique satellite messaging and tracking capability has helped save dozens of lives worldwide.

“The millions of SPOT messages delivered in such a short time indicates that people are connecting with others around the world using SPOT on a daily basis; sharing their adventures, checking in with loved ones or getting the help they need,” said Darren Bassel, Director of Marketing for SPOT LLC.  Mr. Bassel added, “This is largely due to the support received from the outdoor retailers and their customers who travel and enjoy life in remote areas.  We will continue our commitment to the outdoor retail market and adventure enthusiasts to provide further service enhancements such as our SPOT Share pages, expanded coverage, increased availability and reliable, state-of-the-art satellite messaging for years to come.”

The summer’s premier event showcasing SPOT services was Primal Quest Montana 2008, presented by SPOT, known as “The World’s Most Challenging Human Endurance Competition.”  SPOT LLC is holding a joint press event and presentation at Outdoor Retailer on Friday August 8 in the Paddle Lounge at Salt Place from 3:00 – 4:00 pm followed by a reception from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.  Media and conference attendees are welcome to attend as company executives and Primal Quest Directors present product news and highlights from this year’s race involving 60 teams and the tens of thousands of messages sent along the 550 miles of Montana’s most mountainous and forested terrain.  This event will also feature news regarding potential sites for the 2009 and 2010 Primal Quest event

Honored with the 2008 Backpacker Magazine Editors’ Choice Award at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in February, the SPOT Satellite Messenger enables users to send their GPS location and custom text and e-mail status message updates to friends, family or an emergency response center independent of cellular coverage. Personal alert messages include custom peace-of-mind “I’m OK:” and need assistance “Help” status to friends and family; sharing adventures with GPS tracking, and 9-1-1 alerts for emergency rescue.  Since November 2007, SPOT users have sent more than 2.5 million message alerts from various world-wide locations.   SPOT has also been involved in at least 38 life-saving personal rescues around the globe.

SPOT Satellite Messenger has virtually complete worldwide coverage – including some of the world’s most remote locations – including all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia, portions of South America, Northern Africa and Northeastern Asia, and thousands of square miles of offshore waters.  In a press release dated July 23, (http://www.findmespot.com/Files/downloads/SPOT08-PR-AlaskaCoverageFINAL.pdf),  SPOT LLC announced expanded satellite messaging coverage throughout Alaska plus the surrounding Pacific and Arctic maritime regions.  Later this summer coverage is expected to expand into significant portions of Southeast Asia.

Since its United States debut, SPOT availability has expanded into Canada, Western Europe and parts of Latin America. By the end of the first quarter of this year, SPOT LLC had already received orders for more than 40,000 SPOT Satellite Messengers from its network of more than 3,000 points-of-distribution.

Weighing just over 7 ounces and sold at U.S. $169.95 SRP, the SPOT satellite messenger provides a new level of safety and peace-of-mind for anyone who spends time in the outdoors or just wants to stay connected with a vital line of communication.

To find a SPOT dealer, please visit http://www.findmespot.com/store/buynow/storelocator.aspx.

About SPOT LLC.

The SPOT Satellite Messenger, the world’s first satellite messenger, uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer’s location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service center.  SPOT LLC., a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT), provides lifesaving communications technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe.  Thanks to this affordable, cutting-edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage.  For more information on how SPOT LLC. is helping users live to tell about it(SM) – from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure purposes – visit www.findmespot.com.

# # #

NOTE TO EDITORS: To download high resolution images of the SPOT Satellite Messenger please visit http://findmespot.com/MediaCenter/PressRoom/ImageGallery.aspx.

Media Contacts:

Susan Donahue
Skyya Communications (for SPOT LLC)
(646) 454-9378
susan.donahue@skyya.com

Derek Moore
SPOT LLC
(408) 933-4112
derek.moore@findmespot.com

July 24, 2008

Don Mann,

Primal Quest Director

 Dear Don:

On behalf of the State of Montana, we are very pleased that Primal Quest selected Montana as their race destination for 2008.  I have to admit that when we first started talking about this event in summer of 2007, I had no concept of how popular this endurance race would be and how much publicity it would garner for our state.  It has certainly turned out to be a win-win for all of us.

Working in the travel promotion office, we strive daily to tell the world how great Montana’s outdoor playgrounds are; Primal Quest made this task much easier before, during and still after the race, by broadcasting great images and stories about the amazing athletes as they worked their way through all the disciplines of Montana’s challenging race course.

The PQ team has to be one of the most patient and considerate group of folks I’ve had the opportunity to work with.   Dealing with all the permitting issues and working with private landowners, as well as the local law enforcement folks, I know at times was very trying, but your team rose to the challenge with professional courtesy and the necessary fortitude to be sure that the race course met all necessary requirements.  Chris Caul deserves a gold medal for “perseverance”!

Our state was very impressed with your volunteers, especially those that did trail maintenance work in the popular Gallatin Valley climbing areas.  That’s a gift that will benefit many others in the future. In addition, your safety plan for the athletes was well thought out and executed. 

We’re so pleased you were able to negotiate a TV deal with RUSH HD; we are looking forward to the airing of the Montana race, which no doubt, will bring another great round of exposure to Montana. 

I would be happy to discuss Montana’s experience with potential decision makers on future race locations.  My direct line is 406-841-2897 or email: dsexton@mt.gov.

Best,

Donnie Sexton

Donnie Sexton

Media Relations / Staff Photographer

 

Thank you Donnie, and the entire state of Montana, for giving us such a warm welcome and playing such great hosts while we were in your state. I think it’s safe to say that many of the Primal Quest staff, volunteers, and racers will be back to visit again soon. 

Today’s Partner Spotlight falls on SportRaxx, a manufacturer of modular rack systems exclusively designed for pick-up trucks that will meet all of your gear carrying needs in one simple product. Designed by Jerry Simpson, and built by hand in the U.S.A., the SportRaxx product line allows you to carry your bikes, kayaks, snowboards, or any other gear all at the same time. While most rack systems force you to choose which items you want to take with you, the SportRaxx system allows you to take it all.

The hallmark of SportRaxx is customer service at every stage of the buying process. Whether it’s helping you select the best rack for your needs, guiding you through the ordering process, or advising on the use of your SportRaxx, the company stands behind it’s product every step of the way. The companies focus on the customer, and meeting their needs, before and after the sale, has set them apart from other manufacturers who are more interested in selling to the Walmart crowd rather than cater to the true outdoor enthusiasts. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t note that Jerry and Sherry Simpson, the owner of SportRaxx, are part of the Primal Quest family, having worked at a number of adventure races since being introduced to the sport back in 2003. But that also means they know what adventure racers needs, and how to taylor their products to meet those needs. They even have an entire rack system designed specifically for adventure racers and their support crews.

Primal Quest is proud to be call SportRaxx one of our segment sponsors, but even more than that, we’re proud to call Jerry and Sherry our friends. Their contributions to the race go above and beyond what can be conveyed in the term “partner” and their efforts are appreciated on every level. 

Thank you Jerry, Sherry, and SportRaxx!