Arrowhead 135 Mile Ultra

Rick Freeman Arrowhead 2010 race report

2010-02-20T17:17:00.001-06:00

Hi Pierre and Cheryl,

I would like to thank you for organizing the Arrowhead 135, I had a great time on an excellent course. I returned home from the race just in time for the blizzard of 2010 here in Pittsburgh. The power was out for days and I lost my computer along with other electrical items. Finally back on line, that is why this message is not so timely. I told my wife that it would have been easier to just re-pack the sled and live in the wilderness for a week than to manage the house with no power or heat. It was a struggle to keep everything from freezing. We camped out in front of the fireplace with the dogs.

I enjoyed the race and was surprised at the number of hills in MN, I though it was flat there! The folks in International Falls and at the finish were just wonderful. The support at the checkpoints and the folks supervising along the trail were always friendly and helpful.

Pierre, I really enjoyed seeing the newest tool you designed. I looked at the Park website, as I had not been there before, but now that I see how much information is there, I will visit it often.

I posted my report here:
http://pittsburghultrablog.blogspot.com/

Thanks again, I will be back,
Rick Freeman
Steeler Nation

Biker Lindsay's race report

2010-02-17T00:11:00.002-06:00

From: Lindsay Gauld

Lindsay's race report

Hi Cheryl and Pierre,

Thanks for a great event.

Lindsay

Bikers Richard & Laurie Woodbury

2010-02-17T00:00:00.002-06:00

Hi, Cheryl and Pierre,

Attached is our race report. I've also attached a photo that Ron Kadera took of us at Melgeorge.

Thanks again for everything!

Laurie and Dick

http://www.arrowheadultra.com/Woodbury_2010.htm

Skier Matt Maxwell report

2010-02-12T23:46:00.003-06:00

Matt Maxwell's blog entry about his 2010 Arrowhead finish on skis---

http://lonesomeluddite.blogspot.com/2010/02/arrowhead-2010.html

Biker Dave Gray 2010 race report

2010-02-12T21:21:00.005-06:00

Pierre and Cheryl,

Here’s a link to my Arrowhead blog…

http://surlybikes.com/blog/2261/

Permalink:

http://surlybikes.com/uploads/blog/Arrowhead2010.pdf

Thanks again for organizing the event.

-Dave

Biker Charlie Farrow report

2010-02-11T05:11:00.004-06:00

Dear Pierre and Cheryl:

I wrote up a little essay on my experiences related to your amazing race...I would love to see it posted on the AH website..

Cheers,

Charlie

http://cpfarrow.blogspot.com/2010/02/2010-personal-race-report-arrowhead-135.html

Charlie Farrow
Esko Public School
Social Studies

Skier Mike Stattelman report

2010-02-11T05:03:00.004-06:00

Below is a link to Mike's race report-

http://www.arrowheadultra.com/Stattelman_2010.htm

Jim Bodoh's beauteous photo collection

2010-02-10T13:13:00.003-06:00

I just finished sorting through and uploading my pictures to my web server.

They are here: http://tinyurl.com/ahum2010

When looking at a larger image, by clicking on the right/left side of the image, you can move to the next/previous image in that gallery. On each large image there is a link "Download Photo (3168x4752)" which will download the full resolution image (about 8-10 megabytes).

All images are free for non-commercial use.

I had vehicle trouble Monday AM (my Van wouldn't start) and missed the first few people to cross Highway 332. I was also having trouble getting good focus, so those pictures aren't very sharp. Don't know if it was the low light, me, or the temperature was affecting the camera. The ones from Highway 53 Crossing and Gateway Store (before it got dark) are much better.

The individual gallery's are enabled for the CoolIris browser plugin. If you've not tried it, you should because it's really cool.

In case anyone wants to make a donation to support my efforts, click here.

I attempted the race in 2008 & 2009, only making it as far as the Gateway Store. Observing and talking to people, I learned a lot this year and hope to be back in 2011, not as a photographer, but as a competitor.

Jim

Biker David Pramann report

2010-02-09T00:59:00.002-06:00

Link to Dave's 2010 race report entitled "2010 Fair".

http://www.arrowheadultra.com/2010_fair.htm

110 Photos Thanks to I Falls Daily Journal

2010-02-08T17:22:00.004-06:00

Thanks for the photos. Great pics. I also wish I would've had more space for a bigger story, but we just switched from a daily newspaper to bi-weekly, and winter sports is our busiest time, so there wasn't much room. HOWEVER, all of the photos I took are online.

Here's the link:

Link to 110 photos on ifalls daily journal.com

Feel free to post that in your blog on www.arrowheadultra.com. I have pictures from the spaghetti feed to the Gateway checkpoint to where racers crossed Hwy. 53. Thanks again for everything and hope everything turned out well for you guys.

Jim Johnson
Sports Editor
The Journal, International Falls

Arrowhead Start at Kerry Park Arena, Intl Falls MN

2010-02-08T17:05:00.003-06:00

Photos by volunteer Cait Johnson

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47346795@N07/page2/

Skier Jim Reed report

2010-02-08T16:44:00.003-06:00

After 3 tries I finally finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and had a great time.

Jim Reed

http://www.arrowheadultra.com/Jim_Reed_2010.mht

Biker Jason Novak race report

2010-02-07T18:38:00.001-06:00

Cheryl and Pierre,

Thank you for putting on this race. As a first timer, I was blown away by the hospitality and support of the organizers, volunteers, and the communities involved. Here is my report. I hope to see you next year.

Jason Novak

http://www.arrowheadultra.com/Novak_2010.mht

Perennial Biker Bill Shand race report

2010-02-06T17:35:00.003-06:00

Hi Cheryl and Pierre,

Here is my story on the race. Thanks again for putting on such a great event.

Best Regards,

Bill

http://www.arrowheadultra.com/Shand_2010.mht

Biker Andy Magness race report

2010-02-06T13:25:00.003-06:00

Great race guys - thanks to you two and all the volunteers for making it happen once again. In preparation and anticipation for it i got a kick out of browsing through all the trip reports from years past, so thought i'd send mine for future generations (:

Also want to personally thank Rick Mangan for the use of the pugs (without which none of this would have been possible for me!), Pat White for keeping my face from freezing (vaseline) and helping with all my pre-race bike issues, Jim Grijalva for an awesome pre-race meal, Rich for acting as support crew, Jeremy Kershaw for company on the trail, Don G. for all the encouragement, and Bill Shand for sticking with me through many dark hours - had it not been for him i'd have had to bivy for sure!

Here's my report: http://threehoursaweek.blogspot.com/2010/02/over-and-done-with-arrowhead-race.html

Here are a few 'self-portrait' photos throughout the race: http://threehoursaweek.blogspot.com/2010/02/evolution-of-suffering.html

Thanks again for a memorable event!

Andy

Joel Austin's photos

2010-02-05T00:08:00.002-06:00

Joel Austin took some nice Arrowhead trail photos of Lance Andre and friends.

They are posted at the below link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/joeldaustin/Arrowhead10#

note from Janice Tower

2010-02-04T23:48:00.003-06:00

Pierre and Cheryl,

I second Jeff 's comments about the hospitality of the volunteers and you, our race directors. I was fortunate to be able to stick around for awhile at the checkpoints which was an honest pleasure to visit with the volunteers, fellow racers and their families. I had an enjoyable event due to the extra time that I spent at Melgeorge's replenishing myself, problem solving and getting recon from race veterans. The information gave me the courage to head out into the darkness. I love the solitude of the trail and was in awe of the brilliant constellations of the moonless early evening Minnesota sky!

I particularly appreciated the welcoming attitude of folks in International Falls! The town folk there are the salt of the Earth! I learned a lot about lake fishery management, Walleye and harvesting Minnesota wild rice which apparently is far superior to "paddy rice."
Thanks to Anton for the ride back to The Falls and for the education on local history and culture. I hope that others took advantage of the opportunity to learn about northern Minnesota. Thanks also to Dick and Karen at the Tee Pee Motel, who made sure I was comfortable and well taken care of.

I do wish you continued success in growing this race while maintaining its adventurous character. I expect that other Alaskans will be eager to come down and take on the challenge.

Best,

Janice

Winner email to volunteers

2010-02-04T19:32:00.001-06:00

Hi Cheryl & Pierre-

I just wanted to thank both of you, as well as the rest of the Arrowhead race organization, and all of the volunteers for putting on such a great race. I had a really good time and got to race & ride with some really cool people. It was certainly worth the trip down from Fairbanks and with a little luck I will be back again next year.

The thing that I always regret about doing these races is that I never get to spend much time in checkpoints talking to the volunteers because I'm always in a hurry to get in and out. It feels a little bit rude. But please do pass along how much those volunteers were appreciated. And that I thought everybody was extremely friendly and helpfull!! They made it possible for the racers to be able to get in and out as fast as each of us wanted too.

The finish venue could not have been better!!! Except that next time I'm sending a swimsuit in my clothing bag.

I think you guys have a great race and with the support that you have in International Falls it will continue to get bigger and better. Congratulations.

Thanks for all of your efforts!!

Jeff Oatley

Jeremy Kershaw race report

2010-02-04T19:30:00.001-06:00

Hey There!

I am sending you the link to this year's write up. Thanks for a spectacular event. I was impressed by the organization again. I personally hope that it does not grow too much more. One can lose the "feel" of something with too many people. This year was great.

Thanks So Much!

Jeremy Kershaw

29er singlespeed bike

Cadence

http://jkcadence.blogspot.com/

61 people finished out of 102 starters

2010-02-03T22:41:00.012-06:00

(left to right) Bikers: Pramann, Oatley and Basinger.

Overall Race # Last First Age Sex Category Finish Time Hours:Min:Sec Place
1 95 Oatley Jeff 40 M Bike 2/1/10 11:20 PM 16:17:00 1st Overall, 1st bike
2 58 Basinger Peter 29 M Bike 2/1/10 11:20 PM 16:17:10 2nd bike
3 5 Pramann David 52 M Bike 2/1/10 11:21 PM 16:18:00 3rd bike
4 33 Andre Lance 40 M Bike 2/2/10 12:00 AM 16:57:00 4th bike
5 70 Dittmer Dan 32 M Bike 2/2/10 12:10 AM 17:07:00 5b
6 114 Stern Tim 42 M Bike 2/2/10 2:43 AM 19:40:00 6b
7 62 Buffington Jason 40 M Bike 2/2/10 2:50 AM 19:47:00 7b
8 2 Farrow Charlie 50 M Bike 2/2/10 3:05 AM 20:02:00 8b
9 35 Gray Dave 40 M Bike 2/2/10 3:20 AM 20:17:00 9b
10 3 Grelk Dennis 30 M Bike 2/2/10 4:11 AM 21:08:00 10b
11 4 Gauld Lindsey 61 M Bike 2/2/10 6:31 AM 23:28:00 11b
12 19 Kershaw Jeremy 38 M Bike 2/2/10 7:07 AM 24:04:00 12b
13 9 Shand Bill 40 M Bike 2/2/10 9:21 AM 26:18:00 13b
14 93 Novak Jason 37 M Bike 2/2/10 9:25 AM 26:22:00 14b
15 87 Magness Andy 34 M Bike 2/2/10 9:27 AM 26:24:00 15b
16 34 Gabrielson Don 43 M Bike 2/2/10 9:42 AM 26:39:00 16b
17 110 Tower Janice F Bike 2/2/10 9:49 AM 26:46:00 17b, 1st woman bike
18 98 Plesko Christopher 27 M Bike 2/2/10 10:27 AM 27:24:00 18b
19 8 Lindner Chuck 38 M Bike 2/2/10 10:35 AM 27:32:00 19b
20 10 Krueger Ken 46 M Bike 2/2/10 1:28 PM 30:25:00 20b
21 50 Zylstra Ken 47 M Bike 2/2/10 2:26 PM 31:23:00 21b
22 71 Errington Paul 31 M Bike 2/2/10 2:35 PM 31:37:00 22b
23 96 Ostrom Robert 39 M Bike 2/2/10 2:40 PM 31:37:00 23b
24 84 Koitzsch Billy 37 M Bike 2/2/10 2:40 PM 31:37:00 24b
25 16 Wethington Nicholos 27 M Bike 2/2/10 3:00 PM 31:57:00 25b
26 7 Peterson Josh 35 M Bike 2/2/10 3:24 PM 32:21:00 26b
27 24 Simmons David 31 M Bike 2/2/10 5:50 PM 34:47:00 27b
28 59 Benetti Aaron 33 M Bike 2/2/10 6:19 PM 35:16:00 28b
29 109 Thomas Matthew 32 M Bike 2/2/10 6:21 PM 35:18:00 29b
30 47 White Pat 43 M Bike 2/2/10 6:50 PM 35:47:00 30b
31 89 McDonald Tom 42 M Bike 2/2/10 7:19 PM 36:16:00 31b
32 14 Moulds Steven 55 M Bike 2/2/10 8:02 PM 36:59:00 32b
33 29 Gingerich Zach 30 M Foot 2/2/10 9:02 PM 37:59:00 1st Foot
34 30 Finch Chris 42 M Bike 2/3/10 12:32 AM 41:29:00 33b
35 38 Kurth John 43 M Bike 2/3/10 12:32 AM 41:29:00 34b
36 15 Jemielita Philip 53 M Bike 2/3/10 12:33 AM 41:30:00 35b
37 48 Woodbury Laurie 54 F Bike 2/3/10 12:34 AM 41:31:00 36b, 2nd woman
38 49 Woodbury Richard 65 M Bike 2/3/10 12:34 AM 41:31:00 37b, oldest
39 11 Johnson Eric 43 M Foot 2/3/10 5:25 AM 46:22:00 2f
40 18 Long Matt 53 M Foot 2/3/10 6:39 AM 47:36:00 3f
41 22 Storkamp John M Foot 2/3/10 6:39 AM 47:36:00 4f
42 13 Yucra Iso 41 M Foot 2/3/10 7:49 AM 48:46:00 5f
43 112 Wiaderek Markus 41 M Foot 2/3/10 9:19 AM 50:16:00 6f
44 20 Conill Carles 26 M Foot 2/3/10 9:24 AM 50:21:00 7f
45 86 Link Steve 21 M Foot 2/3/10 10:26 AM 51:23:00 8f
46 17 Finney Luke 21 M Foot 2/3/10 10:36 AM 51:33:00 9f
47 76 Girling Douglas 43 M Foot 2/3/10 11:33 AM 52:30:00 10f
48 99 Reed Jim 50 M Ski 2/3/10 11:50 AM 52:47:00 1st ski
49 56 Arel Christian 17 M Bike 2/3/10 12:02 PM 52:59:00 38b, youngest
50 75 Freeman Rick 51 M Foot 2/3/10 12:55 PM 53:52:00 11f
51 21 Roe Tim 30 M Ski 2/3/10 1:13 PM 54:10:00 2s
52 39 Saari Daryl 47 M Foot 2/3/10 1:13 PM 54:10:00 12f
53 79 Hanela Craig 34 M Foot 2/3/10 1:14 PM 54:11:00 13f
54 27 Maxwell Matthew 31 M Ski 2/3/10 1:24 PM 54:21:00 3s
55 104 Sanchez Ray 43 M Foot 2/3/10 1:55 PM 54:52:00 14f
56 41 Stattelman Mike M Ski 2/3/10 2:00 PM 54:57:00 4s
57 26 Meyers Scott 42 M Foot 2/3/10 2:39 PM 55:36:00 15f
58 69 DiGiorgio Andrea 42 M Foot 2/3/10 3:10 PM 56:07:00 16f
59 73 Farinazzo Marco 41 M Foot 2/3/10 4:51 PM 57:48:00 17f
60 113 Young Taaga TJ 34 M Foot 2/3/10 4:52 PM 57:49:00 18f
61 43 Taylor John 48 M Foot 2/3/10 6:14 PM 59:11:00 19f

Last finisher

2010-02-03T18:44:00.000-06:00

The last racer crossed the line at 6:14 on Wednesday. It was #43 John Taylor.

Wed. Foot Finishers

2010-02-03T18:18:00.002-06:00

#73 Marco Farinazzo (Brazil) and #113 TJ Taaga Young finished at 16:51 and 16:52, respectively.

Recent finishers

2010-02-03T16:04:00.000-06:00

104 Sanchez Ray 1:55 PM
41 Stattelman Mike 2:00 PM
26 Meyers Scott 2:39 PM
69 DiGiorgio Andrea 3:10 PM

Finishers Wednesday am and still on trail

2010-02-03T14:07:00.004-06:00

75 Freeman Rick Foot 12:55 AM
76 Girling Douglas Foot 11:33 AM
79 Hanela Craig Foot 1:14 PM
86 Link Steve Foot 10:26 AM
56 Arel Christian Bike At 12:02pm
New record: Youngest finisher age 17 & biker
26 Meyers Scott Foot Finished
69 DiGiorgio Andrea foot Finished
27 Maxwell Matthew ski finished 13:24

Still on the trail:

41 Stattelman Mike ski
43 Taylor John
73 Farinazzo Marco
104 Sanchez Ray
113 Young Taaga TJ

Joe Richie is found okay

2010-02-03T12:53:00.003-06:00

Joe Richie has been found and picked up by our snowmobilers. He is fine. He was farther north than expected. They are bringing him to the finish.