Patrick and I took a day trip up to Prentice Cooper this past weekend to hang some flags for the upcoming Ultra O-gaine. I hadn’t been to Prentice Cooper since I ran the StumpJump 50K a number of years ago. Wow! The area was absolutely gorgeous. Large flowing creeks, steep climbs, waterfalls, dead snakes, we saw it all. For those who did the Ultra O-gaine last year at Pine Log, you’ll definitely like the beauty of Prentice Cooper much more than Pine Log WMA. Be prepared for a challenge come June 8th! With over 10,000 more acres than Pine Log, the course will be BIG! See you soon.
We have been hard at work to bring you another great Ultra O-gaine this year. Although there are always “hiccups” involved with planning these types of events, they are usually transparent to the participants. We’ve hit a “hiccup” that we feel won’t be resolved within a time-frame needed to give us and particpants time to plan appropriately. We have been told that due to the increased number of requests to use the privately owned Pine Log area for endurance events such as UOG, the GA DNR is currently undergoing a review of their permitting process. Unfortunately, the DNR cannot approve any event permits until this review is complete. With the June 8th event date fast approaching, we have decided to seek an alternate location for UOG 2007. Although we are disappointed that we won’t be back at Pine Log this year, we are excited to announce that we have obtained approval to hold UOG 2007 in Prentice Cooper State Forest near Chattanooga, TN. Prentice Cooper offers an additional 10,000 acres vs Pine Log, specatular views high above the TN River, much larger areas for parking and Hash House, and primitive camping for folks that want to get some sleep after the event.
We’re also going to extend pre-registration an extra week for anyone that wants to jump in due to the new location. You’ll save $10 per person if you register before April 30th.
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Kevin and Patrick
In light of the recent accidents involving James Kim, Danelle Ballengee, the climbers on Mount Hood, and a pair of missing climbers in China, I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips about going out into the wilderness. It’s easy to think that we will be fine when we go out to play in the woods; I know I’m guilty of that. But the fact remains that sometimes accidents happen and we should be prepared if an accident strikes.
1) Let people know where and when you are going and when you will return. In the event of an accident, the sooner you are noticed missing the better your chances of survival.
2) Choose your equipment/food wisely.
3) If you can carry a communications device, do so.
4) If you deviate from your original plan, let someone know if possible.
5) Notify the local land managers if required to do so. Sometimes you are asked to fill out a log or other notification methods of your trip.
For those that are still missing, lets hope you are found safe.
Please add any more tips you have in the comments.
I just read that Ivan Basso, formerly of Team CSC, has signed a two year contract with the Discovery Channel team. What does this mean for Basso? Provided he can stay healthy, he is without a doubt the favorite for the 2007 Tour de France. He was the favorite of many (including myself) going into this years Tour de France before he was not allowed to start. With the kind of support that Discovery can provide, he is now even closer to winning his first Tour de France. This is HUGE for Team Discovery which struggled in the first year since the retirement of Lance Armstrong.
This weekend adventure racer Rebecca Rusch will be in Conyers, GA attempting to add yet another title to her long list of endurance accomplishments. However, she’s not doing an adventure race this time. Rusch will be in my backyard (figuratively) to compete in the 2006 24-Hours of Adrenaline’s solo world championships at the International Horse Park. Best of luck Rebecca! Show all those mountain bikers just how good adventure racers can be.
