All four members of Team Nike sit on a brand new brown leather couch, feet perched atop pillows placed on the trunk-style coffee chest.Noticeably absent: blisters.Among the whole team, only one blister was had – a small one on female member Monique Merrill’s heel.How did they do that when all the other teams dealt with crippling foot problems?I had to find out that – and so many more answers – while interviewing Team Nike in the lap of luxury in Moonlight Basin.
“Quite a stark contrast from the accommodations on course,” Michael Tobin (who refers to himself as “the other Michael”) noted of the spacious, loft-style cabin.Besides the granite countertops and upscale, rustic-chic decorations, the cabin was complete with a hot tub on the deck and an amazing view overlooking the Gallatin Valley to the East and Lone Peak Mountain to the Southwest.Moonlight Basin, the new luxury resort just up the hill from Big Sky, provided two nights lodging plus a considerable spa package at their exclusive salon to the top three teams, and Team Nike has been enjoying the pampering.They’ve never treated themselves this well after a race before – usually their post-race ritual consists of sleep and good meals.Throw in a massage or two and the hot tub and the team known for their ruggedness and superhuman speed is in hog heaven.
The thing about Team Nike is that they didn’t just win, they smoked the course.They were so far ahead of the competition the race was virtually over in the first two days.Still, the team members are very aware of their personal weaknesses, perhaps too much so.Mike Kloser, the team captain, feels he “futzes” too much – always fussing over gear, preparations, food, showers, etc.He thinks he spends too much time in the TAs getting everything just so, but the truth is that it makes up for other teammates’ lack of preparation. Monique said by far her greatest weakness is her disorganization and lack of preparation.She and other team members (namely, Chris Forne) rely on Mike Kloser to make sure they get out on the trail with the supplies they need.Meanwhile, Mike Tobin’s greatest weakness is belied by his humble self-given nickname, “the other Mike.”He feels he’s been struggling physically recently, and has been disappointed with his results and what he perceives as a decline in performance.This perception was not shared by the team – they feel that he’s just as valuable a team member as ever, contributing to their shared physical strength and team dynamics.They called him the “mediator” – always cool and calm.As for his performance, Monique’s only frustration with him is that he walks faster than she runs!All team members are so self-motivated that they rarely need to harp on each other, merely give support when a fellow member is in a mental low on the course.
Throughout the race we want to take an opportunity to thank our partners, without whom there wouldn’t be a Primal Quest. Each of them plays a vital role in the success of the race and deserve credit for allowing us the opportunity to have this great adventure.
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.
As Primal Quest Montana 2008 approaches it’s conclusion on Thursday July, 2 most of the major filming on the project has been completed. The program is already being edited and producers will deliver (4) half-hour episodes to Rush HD in mid October, 2008. Rush will begin promoting the broadcast sixty days in advance of the premiere. Details will be posted on the PQ website as they become available.
Director Tim Powell kindly agreed to take time out of his slam-packed shooting schedule to answer some questions from the Primal Quest media staff.
Q:Tim, what is your history in the AR community? What races have you been involved with and in what capacity?
A: I was a Producer on Eco Challenge British Columbia and Eco Challenge Borneo, and Supervising Producer/Director on Eco Challenge New Zealand, Eco Challenge Fiji and Armed Forces Eco Challenge. I was also Producer/Director on Raid Gauloises Ecuador and Raid Gauloises Nepal.
This morning Team Oceanic Interactive crossed the finish line, joining the growing list of Primal Quest 2008 survivors. Upon reaching the end of the race, they looked more relieved than happy, but with time credits they may yet earn a top ten finish.
They were followed shortly by Team Goals ARA who looked much more fresh coming across the finish line as they rolled into Big Sky Resort to the welcoming cheers of friends and family.
Michael Tobin candidly discusses his weaknesses.
Throughout the race we want to take an opportunity to thank our partners, without whom there wouldn’t be a Primal Quest. Each of them plays a vital role in the success of the race and deserve credit for allowing us the opportunity to have this great adventure.
By Craig Stein
