Versatility is key to adventure racing
Trampling through the prairie like a herd of buffalo, 76 adventure racing teams wound through Ogle County Aug. 28 during a 102-mile and 54-mile race.
The Thunder Rolls Adventure Race is a unique style of race forcing the competitors to be skilled in a variety of tasks in order to successfully complete the course.
“The racers have to be able to do a bit of everything,” said race organizer Gerry Voelliger. “They trek, bike, portage, paddle, and they need to know how to navigate using a compass and map.”
At midnight Aug. 28, 36 teams in the 24-hour division left from Boy Scout Camp Lowden on a 102-mile race.
Six hours later, another 36 teams set out on the 54-mile, 12 hour course.
Some teams completed the course with no penalties, others had to take penalties to cross the finish line before the time ran out.
“I was pleased with the outcome of the race and this area was one of the most beautiful areas we have raced through,” said Voelliger. “The race was a huge success but the weather was warm. It had an effect on the racers later in the race.”
At the finish line, teams hugged and congratulated the other finishers.
“Camaraderie is a key to a good adventure race team,” said Voelliger. “There are highs and lows for everyone during the race, and they need to support each other. This may be a competition, but there is camaraderie between teams and they help each other out.”
Teams help each other out when they can, Voelliger said. One team capsized their canoe overnight and another team stopped to assist. They made sure the team was okay before continuing.
Even the community had the opportunity to support the adventure racers.
“One of the 24-hour teams was biking and they ran out of water,” said Voelliger. “They stopped at a farm to ask for water. They were accommodating and offered water and fresh baked cookies to them. They also placed a cooler outside for other racers. This community has been appreciative of our race.”
Many racers went to local restaurants on Sunday morning before heading home.
“For any race, the community wonders what it is at first, but then they have an appreciation for what the racers go through,” said Voelliger.
The base camp for the race was at the Boy Scout Camp.
Racers camped, had a meal, and used camp facilities before, during, and after the race.
“The Boy Scouts were just outstanding,” said Voelliger. “They accommodated our race. They were pleased to hold a large and unique event at their camp. It was quite an experience. The atmosphere for this race was a neat thing.”
