Geoff just called me from Eagle River, letting me know that he took first in the Crow Pass Crossing (26-mile wilderness marathon with sketchy technical trail, a climb over a 3,800-foot pass, and a glacier river crossing) with a time of three hours and seven minutes. This is Geoff's demon race, the one he wanted the most, so his winning it is very exciting. He said he lost several minutes during the race when he crossed the path of a mother bear and cub. The cub scurried away while the mother stood just off the trail huffing and grunting. He couldn't pass so he said he took advantage of the situation to "take a quick break and eat a Gu." I think eating a Gu is the last thing I'd do if an angry mama bear was huffing at me, but it's a good illustration of just how focused Geoff gets in these races.
He's taking a quick break and the Eagle River visitor's center, and then he's going to drive back to Hope with Pete and hang out and ride with other mountain bikers from Anchorage during the Bon Ton Roulet. It sounds like a lot of fun. I'm filled with jealousy that I need to channel. I've been waiting around all morning for news. Time to go for a ride.
Congrats to Geoff: Good On Ya, Mate! Crow pass is a gnarly race; 3 hr 7 mins WOW!
ReplyDeleteAnd also congrats to you for coming back from injury, very cool. A full century the other day in Juneau conditions... speechless, I am.
Is Geoff going to run the Equinox Marathon up in Fairbanks? The way he's running the trails he could break Stan's record.
Wow, congrats to Geoff! Have fun on your race. :)
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to have him back so I can read his race report. Bet his Mom will love the bear story!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Geoff! And, uh, ...nice focus! Maybe mother bear put a little extra spring in your step?
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome!! Congratulations to Geoff!!
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