Arrowhead Trophies

27 handmade trophies were recently shipped out to the 2008 finishers.


Trophy photo

Gregg Pattison ND Epic Article

http://www.arrowheadultra.com/ND_Horizons_Mag_Article.pdf

Daniel Probst Profile

Pierre! great to hear from you! Man I had such a great time over there. you'll have to read the article my local paper did on me and see the picture. I got the arrowhead shirt in the picture with me and got the race mentioned.

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/477/story/384791.html

Daniel Probst

Gear Junkie report about Bria Schurke

From The Gear Junkie Daily Dose E-News — March 21st, 2008

by Stephen Regenold--


" Adventure Girl: Bria Schurke
Bria Schurke, a 22-year-old woman from Ely, Minn., has led a life straight from the pages of National Geographic. As the first-born child of explorer Paul Schurke, Bria went to the North Pole in first grade and picked through mammoth bones on Russia's Wrangel Island while still in junior high. Oh, and she's now an ultra racer as well. This is my profile of Bria's life so far -- dog sleds, Greenlandic pack ice, raw seal meat, and all..."

http://thegearjunkie.com/adventure-girl-bria-schurke


Link to article on theGearjunkie.com

Never Surrender

by John Storkamp










Note: The below link is to a .pdf file so you need Adobe Acrobat to view it.


Link to John Storkamp's 2008 report

News from a newbie

Jack Prentice and Eric Johnson on the trail








Below is a race report from a first timer, Jack Prentice-


Link to Jack's Report

Finally, a race report from Dave Simmons!

Dave Simmons, third time is a charm













Its about time, Dave! Good job!


Dave's Blog report

Ski report from Phil Rogers

Here's some word's from a skate skier who participated and enjoyed the part I did. First, it was my plan to finish if I appeared to be on schedule arriving at MelGeorge's. This I was not. Trail conditions at my 7:19 a.m. start were actually pretty good and the weather was balmy, probably to balmy for my liking. It wasn't long down the trail and I was down to one light wool top zipped completely open at the neck, no hat or gloves. Boy, that sled pulled harder that I remembered! As I stripped down I looked like I'd just stepped out of a sauna as the steam just rolled.

Messing with my I-pod (gift from Kelly especially for this event) caused me to leap frog back and forth with Bria Shurke. She is quite the skier! Nearing the turn-around pt. (a mile away?) I spotted the skate skier who's tracks I'd been eyeballing the entire way out. I immediately knew when I spotted him my wife was correct with her recommondation I use a backpack, but nooooo, I didn't listen!!!!

I watched as he V-2'd gracefully past. The best I could manage was a long V-1! You skiers (skaters) know what I'm talking about. Ever V-1 down hills? Get used to it in this event. (That is if your'e pulling a sled). By the way, my sled was the 66" variety available to kids at L&M Fleet Supply equiped with grey plastic conduit as poles and a skikjoring belt as a harness, slick. Thanks to Jim Reed (co-worker and fellow Arrowhead nut) I had devised my own pulk that I'm still quite proud of.

My mandatory equipment topped out barely over the minimum at 16+ lbs. I was carrying the Jar of PB which J. Reed graciously gave my at the gear check when I came up short on calories and what I felt was plenty of food and water packed in my styrofoam cooler. This cooler I tested in this year's coldest weather and it kept water from freezing actually for 2 days, quite impressive! I also had a pretty hefty bag containing extra clothes, boots, hand and head wear etc....

So there I was, sweating like a pig pulling my pulk and slowly passing these amazing people who'd set out earlier than I on foot! Wow, that takes some determination. I can't imagine doing the A-135 on foot. I really have respect for those folks!!! There I was cruising past the runner/walkers when, whooosh, there goes a train of cyclist containing Charlie Farrow enveloped in the group.

Most A-135'ers probably know Charlie. As Charlie was the one who actually spoke on my behalf and ability (turns out to be inability) to cruise through this event w/o even loosing any digits. Sorry Charlie, I let you down.

Charlie was doing a little more shucking and jiving on his bike you know, those skinny tires just down "float" like the Surly 4"er's do. But, he's an animal and as animals do he just a-kept-on-a-going! One more oncoming peek at those guys before my turn-around and that would by my last glimpse of them til MelGeorges.

As I made the turn the wind was now oncoming causing me to readjust my temp by topping off my head with a hat again and adding thin gloves. I figured I'd better drink about every hour and snack around every 3. This seemed to work perfectly for me. I've experienced cramping in muscles throughout my body even doing races such as the Vasaloppet in Mora and the Birkebeiner in Hayward. Throughout this event I never experienced a single twinge of a muscle cramp or sense of hunger.

Just the opposite was the case. I felt I must eat even when I wasn't really hungry. I knew I was working my *%#@ off so logically I gotta eat, right? Eat I did. My fare consisted of candy bars for snacks, Lays chips and salami and cheese sandwiches washed down with Gatoraid.

About 5 hours after my start having rested a bit and refilling my fluid containers along with my belly with hot soup at the Gateway store I proceeded. I was a bit discouraged by my pace. My GPS indicated I wasn't managing the pace that would enable me to reach the finish in time to allow transport back to the Falls and then home again and work on Wednsday.

This pace prediction seemed to by coming all too true when at around 6ish in the evening I was "skiing" down a logging road that appeared quite brown under the Black Diamond LED glow. Boy, I wasn't even sure I was going the right way! Had I missed a turn? What the $%(!!. How far do I have to "ski" down this thing? Oh, what's that? Snowmobiles. I'll just ask them. Is Elephant Lake this way? Wheww, thank goodness, I'm on the right track.

Boy, did my spirits lift after a little human interaction in the northwoods night. Not that I was "down" mind you, but hey, would you want to ski what felt like miles down a dirt road in the wrong direction? I know this sort of thing has happened to others here in the past and I didn't want my name on that list.

Anyway, bouyed by this good news I felt awesome. Seriously, I hadn't felt this good all day. I had about 10 miles to go to MelGeorges and figured correctly I'd arrive shortly after 8 p.m. which would put my outside of the time I figured I'd need to actually finish in time.

Arriving at Melgeorges I spoke briefly w/Charlie Farrow who would soon be heading out for round 2 of his bout with the A-135. He informed me the 2nd 1/2 was on the hilly side and I informed him I was dropping. He seemed to agree another 70 miles of this might put a damper on the rest of my race season, I concurred.

Inside I was treated to warmth, hot soup, a burger and drink. I'd been fantasizing about a burger now for about 10 miles, just after my encounter with the 'bilers'. I couldn't believe it when I was informed I could soon be living that dream, sinking my teeth into a juicy burger! It was every bit as good as I'd anticipated.

Drying out listing to other participants share their stories I was lucky enough to overhear a van would soon be departing for the Falls. The wheels in my head turned and I figured w/luck I'd be at home in bed somewhere before morning light which I was, thanks a million for the ride!

Luckily Kelly didn't think I was a burglar and I'm still alive to write this but who knows, next time I knock on the bedroom window in the middle of the night I might not be so lucky!

Thanks all for a great event and I plan to be back, sans the pulk.

P.S. My drop date was wrongly recorded. I arrived and dropped at MelGeorges shortly after 8 p.m. Monday the 4th.

Phil Rogers


Sorry, Phil! We'll make the correction. Must be a typo.

Carles Conill (Spain) Photos

Carles Conill, Spain









This is Carles' second attempt on foot and now at 24, he is the youngest man to ever finish the Arrowhead.



Link to Carles' photo gallery

Ski report from Phil Finzel

Phil Finzel, set new record time on skis








Hello, I want to start off with a quote, "If you think you can do a thing, or you can't do a thing, you're right." HENRY FORD

I used this event as training for a four month base building program. It was the beginning of the second month of the first phase of three phases over twelve months. I did not expect to be competitive in any way; I only had expectations of finishing. With that mind set, I put things on cruise control and took in the event. The conditions and temperatures were excellent for fast skiing. From my point of view, the race was run well and the support was great. I have no idea what it takes to gain access to a trail system like this, for such an event, but due to the lack of interaction with any authorities, I am guessing that all necessary arrangements were made. When a situation did arise, an evacuation or such, was quickly expedited. Which leads me to believe that the organization and handling of the event was professoinal and thorough. I liked interacting with all the other competitors and volunteers on the trail and at the check points. From what I can tell it seems to get better every year.

Keep it up! Maybe we will meet again.
Thanks, PHIL FINZEL

Photos from Daniel Probst

Daniel Probst, foot category








Daniel ran with shorts during the "warm" day.

Here are links to his race report and photo gallery:



Daniel's Report





Photo gallery

2008 Start & Finish line photos

Photo by John Storkamp, So much beauty, so much pain.








Link to First Trail Section Photos

Link to 2008 finish line photo gallery

David Heitkamp first recipient of Arrowhead Spirit Award

David Heitkamp


















Who is tougher than the Arrowhead?

The first Arrowhead Spirit award was presented to David Heitkamp in 2007 to highlight his tough, positive attitude and undying spirit in the face of extreme hardship.

Spirit trophies may be awarded ad hoc to participants,volunteers, sponsors or spectators exemplifying exceptionally tough, positive, or heroic actions and attitudes during the Arrowhead event.

Nominations may be made via email to the Race Directors at info@arrowheadultra.com

D2G productions slideshow/video

Don_Gabrielson, 5th bike

Here is a link to a fun video slide show set to music by participants Don Gabrielson and Rick Mangan at

http://www.living-fast.blogspot.com

Great job guys! We were supposed to have some pros out there filming this year but they must have got lost out on the trail. :)

I would like to suggest we add the following music as theme song for the Arrowhead---
GREEN DAY LYRICS

"Boulevard Of Broken Dreams"

I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I'm the only one and I walk alone

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone

I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone

Read between the lines
What's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone.....

Living Fast Blog Video

Charlie's high adventure

Charlie Farrow writes a delightful account of the personalities at play in the Arrowhead adventure. Tough to follow though as Charlie apparently does not believe in rules of any kind-- not in writing, nor for safety (they lead to obesity).

Hey Charlie, don't you teach your students about paragraphs in Esko? :)
OK, much better now...I guess it is a work in progress.

Link to Charlie's Blog report Part 1


Go directly to his Blog for parts II and III--

http://cpfarrow.blogspot.com/

Kid Riemer's Arrowhead report on Salsa Blog

Link to Salsa Blog:

http://www.salsacycles.com/amigos/index.html


Link to Arrowhead 2008 report on Salsa Blog

From I think I can't, to I know I can to done!

I documented my experience of completing my first looong distance adventure from the perspective of a person who came into the A135 thinking,,,"I think I can't" and was transformed into "I know I can". If your so inclined to read the attached 4000 words essay on my thoughts, you'll learn about the battle between the mind and the body, the beauty of the north woods in winter, adventure, digging deep, the spirit of the event, the brotherhood of the wilderness, a bond between racers out experiencing life, and the satisfaction of a job well done. It comes at you from a unique perspective, but then so does this adventure.

Gregg Pattison

(A few guys have encouraged me to let you post this on the A135 blog. Go ahead if you want).


Link to Arrowhead Ultra marathon 135 mile race report2008.doc

Already planning for the Arrowhead 2009?

Found in today's newspaper in Maine & California--

http://www.sunjournal.com/story/251257-3/bsection/Short_time_long_distance/

Link to full SunJournal Article Feb. 10, 2008

HIS NEXT TEST IS A FRIGID ONE

For Sanchez, it's not about winning; it's about pushing. Farther and, secondarily, faster.

Which is why his 2008 goal is to take it all even a step (well, many steps) further. His plan for this year seems even rougher than last year - 26 ultraraces, including the three World Cup Ultra Marathons events (the Brazil 135, the Badwater 135 in Death Valley and the Arrowhead 135, from near International Falls, Minn., inland in the extreme northern part of the state, in frigid February).

"That's my next challenge," he says. "You've got to have something."

Why?

Don't even ask.

Lance Andre's Race Report Blog

A very thorough report by Lance Andre, organizer of the Triple D winter training event in Iowa.



Link to Saved by the Bike Blog

Doug Robertson's race report blog

Pierre and Cheryl,

Thanks for a great event this year. I had the time of my life!!

My race report is up at:
Link to PART 1

(http://mnbicyclecommuter.blogspot.com/2008/02/arrowhead-ultra-135-report-fears-doubts.html)

Link to PART 2

(http://mnbicyclecommuter.blogspot.com/2008/02/arrowhead-ultra-135-report-fears-doubts_09.html)

Pierre, Good luck in Alaska!

Doug Robertson

Thanks volunteers!

Snowmobiler, Mike Lessard of Ray, MN





We would like to thank all the volunteers for their exceptional assistance during the 2008 event. We had many new challenges this year and you all stepped up to the plate and took care of any crisis immediately as it occurred. This is the best crew we have ever had and we could not have succeeded without every one of you. Great job!

The snowmobile teams picked up racers in every section of the trail this year. There were minor medical issues in every section, so we are glad we had a medical technician at each checkpoint.

We also had a lot of support from our sponsors and local snowmobilers, local EMT/paramedics and spectators that notified us when racers were in trouble and allowed us to use their phones, equipment, donated their time and covered expenses, etc.

Special thanks to our volunteers: Don Clark, the "gear nazi", Bonnie Riley, Eric Gustafson, John Spartz at the finish line, Linda Dallman, Kathy Weix and Gene Curnow at Melgeorge's Checkpoint, and to the snowmobile crew: Reijo Vastila, Rose Kadera, Todd Gabrielson and his Artic Cat crew of Grand Rapids, Ron, Matt Long, Chad Parrish and several local people that helped on snowmobile to notify us of racers needing assistance.

We would also like to make special note of several heroic efforts by Mike Lessard of Ray, MN to save or assist people in tough shape. Also to Carles Conill of Spain, Kim Walsh and Angela that helped with Spanish/Portuguese interpretation, Thanks, you epitomize the spirit of the Arrowhead event.

We appreciate the extra support of County Cycles, QBP-Surly-Salsa, Steger Mukluks, Clif Bar, Ed at Skipulk, Brazil 135, Phil and Ellen Hart, the people at the Gateway Store; Carla & Steve and their Melgeorge's Resort and Elephant Lake Checkpoint; and Bob and Tess at the Bayview Lodge finish line at Lake Vermillion/Tower.

2008 race report from winner Dave Pramann

Pramann First Bike 2008










Link to story--Arrowhead Fever

From Monica Otero Brazil

Brazil Flag on sled


Translation---

In the first place, I want to apologize for the email in Portuguese. What an incredible experience! What wonderful hospitality by the organization! Human warmth overcame so much ice.

I would like to thank everyone, Pierre, Cheryl, Carles Conill, all the STAFF, Kim Walsh, Phil & Ellen Hart, the young snowmobilers and those that helped me when unhappily I twisted my left foot. After walking many kilometers, supported by only one leg, and with the aid of two walking sticks, I lay down in the track in the wait of rescue. It was a difficult decision, I did not want to stop. I at least wanted to arrive at the first Check Point. I was beyond the unbearable limit of pain. Pierre, can count on me... I will be in 2009 to run the Arrowhead again!
A big hug and a thousand times obliged for everything,

Monica Otero

Dave Gray's 2008 race report

Below is a link to Dave Gray's Surly Blog where he wrote a nice report about his experience during th 2008 Arrowhead event:


Link to Dave Gray's race report

Unofficial results spreadsheet updated

Bria Schurke, Record on ski, first woman skier and youngest finisher ever
John Storkamp, Record on foot











Once again the weather forecast was over-optimistic and for the fourth year in a row the event took place in under -20 degrees F. On Tuesday night/Wed. morning the actual temps sunk to -22 degrees F in Int'l Falls, so probably less in remote low spots on the trail.

However, during the first day of the course the temps had hit a balmy +35 degrees F and it was funny to hear racers complain it was too warm, sweating, and struggling to move forward through the mushy snow. Wet shoes eventually solidified into ice boots when temps dropped at night.

The second half of the course became faster and easier to navigate as the sub-zero temps hardened the trail surface. Contrary to previous years, there was no moon. So dark, the clear skies revealed what seemed to be many more large bright stars than usual. A few people heard wolves howling in the distance and noticed paw prints on the trail.

By Wed. Feb. 6th, we had 27 finishers of over 50 starters...our best percentage yet:


3 new course records were established-

FOOT M John Storkamp new course time: 40h 30min
SKI M Phillipp Finzel new course time: 36h 35min
SKI F Bria Schurke time: 53h 11min, First woman skier ever to finish, youngest finisher ever.

Note: Dave Pramann missed his previous bike record in 2006 by only 3 minutes.


2008 Race Results chart

Update from the finish line

Gary Johnson, UK, 2nd on Foot













More finishers times:
Dave Gray bike 2/5 10:42am Tues
Charlie Farrow bike 2/5 12:28 pm Tues
Dave Simmons bike 2/5 1:02 pm Tues
Spencer Klaassen bike 2/5 3:22 pm Tues
Josh Peterson bike 2/5 14:44 or 2:44 pm Tues
Lance Andre bike 2/5 4:15 pm Tues
Mike Reimer bike 2/5 8:50pm Tues

Phillipp Finzel FIRST SKI 2/5 7:39pm Tues

John Storkamp FIRST FOOT 2/5 11:32pm Tues

Ken Krueger bike 2/6 6:04 am Wed.
Gary Johnson UK foot 2/6 6:44am Wed.
Garrett Mulrooney foot 2/6 6:44 am Wed.


Congratulations, finishers!

Finish & Melgeorges final update 4pm Tuesday

Matt Maxwell, Myrtle Turtle Award











Finish line:
Additional finishers on bike today are--
Charlie Farrow 2/5 12:28 pm Tues
Dave Simmons 2/5 1:02 pm Tues
Chuck Lindner 2/5 1:07 pm Tues

Congratulations!

Note: We heard Josh Peterson bivied (slept) out on the trail last night and is still out there.

Melgeorges checkpoint is now completed as of 4pm Tuesday:

Everybody has finally arrived at the Melgeorges checkpoint, dropped, or gone back out on the trail. Tonight's local weather estimate for the trail is -12 degrees F.
Andras Bucsinszky dropped at the Gateway Store.

The last person to make it to Melgeorges is Matthew Maxwell, the Myrtle Turtle Award recipient on skis. He arrived at 2:50pm on Tuesday.

Sean Brown is the last person to leave the checkpoint on foot for the finish at 3:35pm Tues.

Sarah Lowell left Melgeorges on foot at 11:32am Tues.
Bria Schurke left at 1pm.
Carles Conill & Patrick Susnik left on foot at 1:20pm

Michelle Santilhano left on foot at 2pm, hoping to make the 60 hour cutoff, but she intends to finish regardless of the cutoff. She estimates at 2 miles/hour she will arrive 9pm on Wed.

Scott Wagner dropped and was transported to Melgeorges where his ankle injury is being treated by Kathy Weix, volunteer Nurse.
Mitch Rossman was rescued by snowmobile and brought to Melgeorges.
Chuck Reginold dropped at highway 129 and walked back to the Gateway store.

News from Melgeorges checkpoint

No more news from the finish yet, but we have more arrivals and people spotted by the snowmobile crew.
Patrick Susnik came into the checkpoint at 10 am and is deciding whether to go back out on the trail.
Mitch Rossman on foot was picked up by snowmobile crew as a DNF and is safe at Melgeorges.
Carles Conill (Spain) just arrived at Melgeorges about noon a bit dehydrated but in good shape.
Bria Schurke arrived on skis earlier and is planning to go back out on the trail shortly.
Lara Sullivan biker, DNF at Melgeorges.
Eric Johnson is planning to go back on the trail as well.
Scott Wagner just dropped out at Melgeorges, cold but fine.

Sean Brown on foot , Michele Santilhano on foot and Matt Maxwell were spotted out on the trail about 2hours ago. Matt was back the farthest skiing about 13 miles to go....Myrtle Turtle Award candidate.

I hear a biker just left Melgeorges about 1pm. I suspect it must be Spencer Klaussen, but must confirm.... No, sorry. It was Ken Krueger that left at 1pm.:)

Gateway Store report:
Andras Bucsinszky is about 3 miles north of Gateway Store and will probably arrive on foot about 3pm? He will likely drop out there.

The weather is great, a little colder which is preferred by most participants as the trail is harder, faster when cold. Maybe -10 expected tonight in remote areas of the trail.

More news to come as we have time to update it.

Melgeorges drops

Richard and Laurie Woodbury bike DNF about 9am Tuesday.
Ron Kadera dropped 9am Tuesday at Melgeorges.

Gateway store news

Andras Bucsinszky just left the shelter this 9am Tuesday where he spent the night and is about 7 miles before the Gateway store. He was spotted by snowmobiler Mike Lessard from Ray, MN.

Thanks for all of Mike's help last night. He helped and rescued several participants.

Melgeorges update

Charlie Farrow left Melgeorges on bike 8:20pm Monday
Dave Simmons left Melgeorges on bike at 11:10pm Monday
Josh Peterson left at 11:37pm Monday
Chuck Lindner left on bike checkpoint at 3am
John Storkamp left Melgeorges checkpoint on foot at 4am Tuesday
Lance Andre left on bike about 4:30 am
Gary Johnson UK left on foot about 4:47 am.
Doug Robertson left on bike at about 5am.
Spencer Klaussen left on bike about 5:30am.
Phillip Finzel left on ski 7:24am
Garrett Mulrooney left on foot at 7:24am
Daniel Probst left on foot at 8:09 am
Pierre Ostor left on foot 8:12am.


Richard & Laurie Woodbury came in at 1:53am
Lara Sullivan on bike came in after 2am Tuesday
Ron Kadera arrived on ski about 3am Tuesday.
Bria Schurke still not in, but camping at shelter near Melgeorges
Jim Grijalva same
Scott Meyers arrived 6:41 am Tuesday.
Eric Johnson arrived at Melgeorges 7am Tues.
Ken Krueger came in at about 7:30am Tues.

No news on Sarah Lowell, Matt Maxwell, Carles Conill, Sean Brown, Mitch Rossman, Scott Wagner, Michele Santilhano or Patrick Susnick. They were all seen by snowmobilers late last night or early morning hours and were fine.

Finishers on bike as of 8am Tuesday.

Dave Pramann Bike left 7:49am from Start, arrived 11:37pm Monday at Finish.
Terry Brannick left 7:42 am Start, arrived about 1 or 2am Tuesday at finish.
Joel Cahalan started at 8:23 am, arrived about 1 or 2 am? (2nd place?)
Gregg Pattison bike started 7:47am finished about 7:45 am Tuesday.
Don Gabrielson, Navy guy, started 7:27am finished about 7:45am Tuesday

Drops Monday night

Monica Otero taken to hospital and released for ankle injury. She is at the Super 8 with fellow Brazilian Marcio Villar.
Jim Bodoh dropped at Gateway store
Rick Mangan " "
Jack Prentice " "
Alicia Hudelson

Chuck Reginold at Hwy 29 walking back to Gateway store.

Andras Bucsinsky slept in shelter all night still on way to Gateway store.

Other DNF's at Melgeorges
Phil Rogers
Patrick Skora went out to next shelter then came back to Melgeorges
Jim Reed needs ride to Intl Falls, Bodoh can take?

DQ's Jason & Andy Magness
Sam Salwei

More details

Names of 4 people on foot not reached Gateway store
Monica Otero Brazil
Jim Bodoh
Andras Buucsinszky
James Shipley

Charlie Farrow was in and out of Melgeorges 69 mile checkpoint about 7pm , too but I don't have exact times.

Bria schurke ski and Jim Grijalva bike were out of the Gateway about 3:15 and seen camping out this evening at the 2nd shelter.

The trail was soft today due to the mild weather but all racers look strong and happy.

Gateway store on foot/ski

Ron Kadera ski in 1:40 pm out 3pm
John Storkamp in at 3:10 pm out 3:52
Gary Johnson in 4pm out 10 mins later
Pierre Ostor in and out about 5pm


4 people were strong but still have not arrived at Gateway store and a snowmobiler was sent to check on them again about an hour ago.

Several dropped---
Pat Graupman bike
Rick Mangan bike
Marcio Villar- foot, was a little hypothermic so we sent him to Int'l Falls hospital but he is okay.
Jack Prentice foot dropped 7pm at Gateway.
Alica Hudleson ski dropped before Gateway.

Others are doing well. More details to come.

Arrowhead Start and status as of 9pm

The first biker Dave Pramann reached the Gateway store checkpoint mile 35 at 11:18 and left immediately. Several other bikers were not far behind as well as a swift skier.

First bike arrivals at Melgeorge
Dave Pramann 3:45 left 20 mins later
Terry Brannick 4:34 out 5:43
Joel Cahalan in 4:39 out at 6pm
Josh Peterson in 5:03
Gregg Pattison in 5:53 out 7:47
Don Gabrielson in 6:33pm out 8pm
Lance Andre in 6:43
Dave Simmons in 7pm
Skier Philipp Finzel in 7:19
Dave Gray biked in at 7:27

Race numbers for the upcoming Arrowhead on Feb. 4th

53 participants started the race on Monday morning at 7am-8:30 staggered start:
Race # First Last Age Sex State Country
31 Lance Andre 38 M IA USA
33 Jim Bodoh 55 M FL USA
60 Terry Brannick M RI USA
34 Sean Brown 39 M Surrey GBR
36 Andras Bucsinszky 40 M AZ USA
3 Joel Cahalan 37 M MN USA
17 Carles Conill 24 M Catalonia Spain
6 Charlie Farrow 48 M MN USA
37 Philipp Finzel 32 M IN USA
18 Don Gabrielson 41 M WI USA
19 Patrick Graupman 36 M MN USA
1 David Gray 38 M MN USA
20 Jim Grijalva 43 M ND USA
61 Alicia Hudson F MN USA
38 Eric Johnson 41 M UT USA
39 Gary Johnson 39 M Herts GBR
11 Ron Kadera M MN USA
7 Spencer Klaassen 43 M MO USA
8 Ken Krueger 44 M MN USA
40 Chuck Lindner 35 M MN USA
2 Sarah Lowell 45 F NC USA
41 Andrew Magness 32 M ND USA
42 Jason Magness 32 M AZ USA
28 Rick Mangan 41 M ND USA
12 Matthew Maxwell 29 M IA USA
44 Scott Meyers 40 M WI USA
45 Garrett Mulrooney 39 M MN USA
10 Pierre Ostor 51 M MN France
47 Monica Otero 52 F Sao Paulo Brazil
27 Gregg Pattison 45 M MN USA
13 Josh Peterson 33 M MN USA
4 David Pramann 50 M MN USA
48 Jack Prentice 36 M MN USA
49 Daniel Probst 29 M WA USA
50 Jim Reed 47 M MN USA
21 Chuck Regenold 58 M MN USA
22 Mike Reimer 42 M MN USA
23 Doug Robertson 44 M MN USA
51 Phil Rogers 44 M MN USA
24 Mitchell Rossman 51 M MN USA
52 Sam Salwei 26 M ND USA
53 Michele Santilhano 37 F CA Republic of South Africa
54 Bria Schurke 22 F MN USA
16 Dave Simmons 29 M ND USA
55 James Shipley 36 M MN USA
56 Patrick Skora 27 M RI USA
9 John Storkamp 28 M MN USA
57 Lara Sullivan 40 F MN USA
58 Patrick Susnik 42 M MN USA
59 Marcio Villar 40 M Rio De Janeiro Brazil
25 Scott Wagner 42 M MN USA
14 Laurie Woodbury 52 F MN USA
15 Richard Woodbury 63 M MN USA

Watch the Blog for posts about the status of the participants during the event and post your encouragement in the general discussion forum.

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/arrowheadultra

Results will be posted after the event on the Results page:

Http://www.arrowheadultra.com/results.htm

Training for the Arrowhead 135

Pierre and Don Clark biked the wet Arrowhead trail in the fall to take GPS points for shelters and intersections for an updated map.

Also in December more snowy camping trips with Don Clark, John Storkamp and Kevin Martin for training.

Below is a link to photo gallery.

Training Photo Gallery

2008 Arrowhead participants

As of Dec. 28 a few more people have signed up and/or dropped out so now there are 59 participants total.

First Last Age Sex State Country
Lance Andre 38 M IA USA
Michael Arnold 24 M ND USA
Jim Bodoh 55 M FL USA
Sean Brown 39 M Surrey GBR
Dave Bucholz 44 M MN USA
Andras Bucsinszky 40 M AZ USA
Joel Cahalan 37 M MN USA
Rodrigo Cerqueira 35 M Goias Brazil
Carles Conill 24 M Catalonia Spain
Charlie Farrow 48 M MN USA
Philipp Finzel 32 M IN USA
Don Gabrielson 41 M WI USA
Patrick Graupman 36 M MN USA
David Gray 38 M MN USA
Jim Grijalva 43 M ND USA
Eric Johnson 41 M UT USA
Spencer Klaassen 43 M MO USA
Ken Krueger 44 M MN USA
Chuck Lindner 35 M MN USA
Robert Lisey 57 M OH USA
Sarah Lowell 45 F NC USA
Andrew Magness 32 M ND USA
Jason Magness 32 M AZ USA
Rick Mangan 41 M ND USA
Kevin Martin 32 M MN USA
Matthew Maxwell 29 M IA USA
Scott Meyers 40 M WI USA
Garrett Mulrooney 39 M MN USA
Peter Nilsson 48 M Goteborg Sweden
Pierre Ostor 51 M MN France
Monica Otero 52 F Sao Paulo Brazil
Gregg Pattison 45 M MN USA
Josh Peterson 33 M MN USA
David Pramann 50 M MN USA
Jack Prentice 36 M MN USA
Daniel Probst 29 M WA USA
Jim Reed 47 M MN USA
Chuck Regenold 58 M MN USA
Mike Reimer 42 M MN USA
Doug Robertson 44 M MN USA
Phil Rogers 44 M MN USA
Mitchell Rossman 51 M MN USA
Sam Salwei 26 M ND USA
Michele Santilhano 37 F CA Republic of South Africa
Bill Shand 38 M Ontario Canada
Bria Schurke 22 F MN USA
Dave Simmons 29 M ND USA
James Shipley 36 M MN USA
Patrick Skora 27 M RI USA
John Storkamp 28 M MN USA
Lara Sullivan 40 F MN USA
Patrick Susnik 42 M MN USA
Marcio Villar 40 M Rio De Janeiro Brazil
Scott Wagner 42 M MN USA
Pat White 41 M ND USA

Also wanting to sign up--
Gary Johnson age 39 of GBR the UK
Ron Kadera MN USA
Laurie Woodbury MN USA
Richard Woodbury MN USA


Note: The rules are that a participant may decide at the last minute based on the trail conditions whether to travel on foot/snowshoe, bike or ski. Participants must stick with the discipline and with the gear with which they start the race. We have many multi-sport people in the group, so we will not post any divisions until after the race starts. We would not be surprised if people switched to skiing this year, considering the nice cover of snow we have already.

Registration is still open

Hello all!

As of Nov 15, we have 51 qualified entrants from about 8 different countries.
Lots of runners this year, few skiers.

We expect a few more applications are still in the mail and since we have room for up to 75, we will keep the entries open.

I'll post the list of names entered later today.


_________________
regards,

Madame FrogDog
Arrowhead Ultra Race Directrice
info@arrowheadultra.com

2008 Registration is open

Days and nights of 30 below,

Frostbit my nose and can’t feel my toe,

Timberwolf pawprints dot the snow,

Am I still on the trail or where do I go?



Since I left I-Falls I wonder why,

I must be crazy to even try,

I’m determined to finish, but I won’t lie,

The Arrowhead Trail seems tougher than I.



Registration is now open.

Link to application.


Entry is $150. 75 participants are being allowed by the DNR. The DNR is reviewing the signage on the trail for improvements to avoid people getting lost so easily. They will also require an additional trail permit fee that we will cover; however, we were forced to change the entry fees to cover our increased costs of fuel and previous year losses, etc.

The gear check will start Sat. Feb. 2nd, Pre-race meeting on Sunday afternoon and the race will start on Monday, Feb. 4th at 7am.

The race directors reserve the right to make changes to the rules and event as appropriate; however, most changes will likely be minor.



__________________
regards,

Madame FrogDog
Arrowhead Ultra Race Directrice
info@arrowheadultra.com

On the go at 30 Below

Laramie, Wyoming article about participant Alec Muthig in the Arrowhead 2007 event:


On the go at 30 Below

Star Tribune article and Gear Junkie blog

Arrowheaders --
FYI, my blog today is on David Heitkamp's frostbite saga. The Star Tribune will run the story I wrote on Heitkamp's Arrowhead experience this Sunday, March 18.

Here are the links to the article Bitter Cold Can Be Killer:

http://www.startribune.com/531/story/1060676.html

If it has been moved to archives try this link:

Bitter Cold can be killer

What is frostbite?

Link to the Gear Junkie Blog:

http://thegearjunkie.com/cold-consequences

Thanks,

Stephen Regenold -- http://www.thegearjunkie.com

Dave Gray's link update

Dave Gray, 1st place


Link to an article in Dave's hometown paper--

http://www.waconiapatriot.com/articles/2007/03/14/waconia_patriot/news/news03.txt




Here is a more direct link to the Arrowhead race report from Dave Gray on the Surly Blog--


http://www.surlybikes.com/2007_02_01_blog_archive.html#1457465025013325677


Gray boys

Dave's dad and uncle Bob.

Finish Line Photos

Joel Cahalan-2nd Place



http://www.arrowheadultra.com/finish_gallery.html


Mike B.-- Myrtle Turtle Award

Last but not least, Mike Bernhard camped out with DJ Burns on the trail before completing the ride to the Melgeorges, Elephant Lake checkpoint.

More Photos

Start Day Weather




http://www.arrowheadultra.com/start_gallery.html



http://www.arrowheadultra.com/checkpoint_gallery.html

Volunteer & Sponsor Photos

Ron Kadera, County Cycles




http://www.arrowheadultra.com/volunteer_gallery.html

Scenery Photos

Snowy evergreens


Below is a link to a photo gallery of scenery from the 2007 event:



http://www.arrowheadultra.com/scenery_gallery.html

Foot Photos

Pierre on foot


Below is a link to a gallery of about 50 photos of people in the 2007 foot division.
More photos to be posted.

http://www.arrowheadultra.com/foot_gallery.html

" ...the report of my death was highly exaggerated."

Spencer


Pierre & Cheryl:


My Arrowhead story on the local blog. A couple of typos but for the most part a pretty good description of the ride.

http://stjmtb.blogspot.com/2007/03/story-from-spencer.html

Photos to be added soon....

Thanks for a great adventure. I still get asked questions about it every day. Maybe I don't realize the impact the ride had on other people.

Hopefully someday I will join Charlie on some Alaska rides. Until then, I still have a lot to learn.

-Spencer

New Arrowhead Ultra Message Board Forums

Gateway Store bikes






Please check out the new forum for discussion about the Arrowhead and winter endurance events at the following link:

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/arrowheadultra


We have the new forum on trial for a few days, so we would appreciate your testing it and giving us some feedback.

regards,

Arrowhead Ultra