Team High Profile participated in Mid-America Xtreme's (www.adventureracing.net) first multi-day adventure race over Labor Day weekend. The Team had won a free entry into this race by finished second in the IATOS indoor adventure race in Chicago. The event was hosted by the Black River Lodge and Campground, (www.westernup.com/blackriverlodge/) directed by Leo Grant. The course was laid out in the wilderness of the Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The race began at 0930 on Saturday, August 31.

The 18 teams each chose a runner to start the race. The start consisted of a one (1) mile run down to the Black River where a tag with the team number was retrieved and brought back to the start line, from there, the teams began a mountain biking leg.

Randy ran hard and THP began the biking leg near the front of the pack. Route selection was critical throughout this early portion of the race. Unfortunately, a bad choice of routes put THP two hours behind the leaders. The lesson learned here was to immediately go back to a known location, do not continue hoping to find the CP. Finally, the proper route was located and CP 1 and 2, unmanned "o" markers were located then CP 3, a manned CP was found at 1:35 p.m. At this point we were in 16th place.

The only way to go in the standings was up and the team gained momentum with the challenge. Unmanned CP 4 and manned CP 5 was located at 3:09 p.m. arriving in 15th place. The initial biking leg was over 45 miles over logging roads, river fords, and snowmobile trails, a whole lot more than the race leaders! After a quick change of clothes and refreshment, the team carried the inflatable Sevylor white-water canoes down to the scenic Presque Isle River. Race organizers warned the competitors that the water levels may be low. What we found were short pools of paddleable water, followed by long sections of shallow rapids where the canoes had to be portaged or drug over slippery rocks. This 5 mile stretch of water in normal or high water conditions would be quite challenging and exciting, became slow, difficult, and seemingly never ending. Adding an additional challenge, one of the inflatable canoes partially deflated early on, making it impossible to float over rocks, rapids, or falls. The most memorable part of the journey was the incredible serenity and beauty of this wild and scenic river, especially the log cabin at the base of Nimikon Falls.

Finally, at 8:03 p.m., a full five hours later, we carried the canoes into manned CP 6, still in 15th place. At this transition area, we changed into our trekking clothes, ate hot noodles, and cared for our feet and other minor injuries. Our support crew, Becky Willems had the TA well organized, with everyone's gear laid out and hot food awaiting. Her care and support of the team are principal reasons for our success. After about 30 minutes, we began the trekking/navigation leg of the race.

This night time trek followed old railroad grades, logging trails, and foot trails through the pitch black wilderness along the shores of the Presque Isle River. The challenging part of this trek was locating the unmanned CP 7. Many teams had difficulty locating this "o" marker. We chose a bushwhacking route that took us right to it. We quickly made our way out of the thick forest to a hard road and reached CP 8, a manned checkpoint located at the mouth of the Presque Isle River at 01:09. We passed three teams during this trek and arrived in 12th place, alongside of the 11th place team. After donning PFD's and biking helmets, we began the coasteering leg along the shore of Lake Superior.

Disaster struck the team at around 2:00 a.m. when Gerry slipped on a slab rock while edging around a cliff face. He fell solidly on his chin and left knee, resulting in a 1" full thickness laceration to his chin. The bleeding was controlled with toilet paper and duct tape. The mandatory first aid kit was soggy from the river leg. While Gerry was getting his "legs" about him, a team passed. They were very kind and offered to go back to the CP and bring help. We declined, but sincerely appeciated the offer. The coasteer began again. It was over sand, small gravel, large gravel, slab rock, and over fallen trees. The continuous pounding surf, the new moon rising over the lake to the east, and the legend of Pressie all made for a surreal, peaceful, trek.

Although Gerry wanted to continue, the team as a whole, made the decision to drop from the race due to medical reasons at the manned CP 9 which was at the mouth of the Black River. CP 9 was reached at 04:01 a.m. The team was in 13th place. The staff at the CP contacted Leo Grant via radio and he personally responded and took the team back to the Black River Lodge.

Although disappointed, the members of THP were all comfortable with the decision to drop. We all wished we could have continued and experienced the rest of the course. Gerry was transported to the Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, Michigan by Becky where he was quickly and professionally treated by Dr. Larry Andreini and a wonderfully efficient and friendly EMT. After 6 sutures, Gerry was ready to go.

Team High Profile wishes to congratulate the 8 teams who finished the race and to Leo, Tammy, Mike, Keith, and all of the volunteers who put on such a professional race.

Credits: All photos were taken by the staff of Mid America Xtreme.