Team Checkpoint Zero / GoLite (Michele Hobson, Peter Jolles, Tim Abbott, and me) just got back from the two-day Odyssey Endorphin Fix this past weekend in Canaan Valley, West Virginia. Initial results put us in first place in the premier co-ed division and second overall. We crossed the finish line with fellow Atlanta racer and soloist Bryan Goble of Team Enduraventure, who was given first-place overall after time credits were added. The Southeast represented well!

I'd say the event did well to live up to its billing as the "toughest two-day race in the country." It featured long climb after long climb, a beautiful rappel and Via Ferrata, and an entertaining paddle on the Potomac.

Bryan emailed me this from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Porte_Crayon about a portion of the race's big orienteering section, which took us 12 hours to finish: "Mount Porte Crayon is notorious for its inclement weather and strong winds. The prevailing westerly winds are so severe, they have deformed the red spruce trees, causing branches to grow on only one side. The summit itself is very isolated and difficult to access. Even the best routes require a two day hike. The last half-mile to the summit is a bushwack. Mount Porte Crayon is for experienced hikers only and should not be underestimated.

That pretty much says it all. I'll post a race report later this week.

- Paul