Nantahala Outdoor Center employees and premier adventure racers, Norm Greenberg and Tracyn Thayer, returned from their last adventure race -- the Southern Traverse in New Zealand -- just before Thanksgiving.

The Traverse was, according to Thayer, “the hardest race we’ve ever done.” Thayer, Greenberg, John Hartley and Andrew Matulionis made up team ACE, one of 10 U.S. teams. Greenberg and Thayer were a little disappointed with their finish even though they were the second-place American team and finished 17th overall out of 58 teams.

The first hurdle for team ACE actually came two weeks before the race when team member Chris Haggerty had to withdraw because of a knee injury. Hartley replaced Haggerty.

A couple of other challenges were not so easily met. “The Kiwis (New Zealanders) had a terrific home court advantage,” said Thayer. “One Kiwi team finished the entire first leg of the race without a map.”
Team ACE and others who could not bring their own boats had to rely upon the luck of the draw. Thayer said they drew “tugs.” When portaging, she said, it took three of them to carry one boat.

Though somewhat disappointed, Greenberg and Thayer were not discouraged. They chalked it up as a learning experience and have committed to Traverse 2001.

The racers had little time to rest upon returning to NOC. They are race directors for NOC’s 2001 adventure race season. The season begins Jan. 13 with the first in a three-part endurance race series. Participants may register for all or any of the three events. They are: Jan. 13, a 21-mile trail run; Jan. 20, a 50-60 mile mountain bike ride; Jan. 27, a 23-mile flat-water paddle.

The season continues with an eight-hour adventure race on Feb. 10 and a 30-hour race on March 9-11. For more information about the events and registration call 800.232.7238 or visit www.noc.com
NOC also offers an adventure racing school with courses on navigation and paddling. Information on the NOCARS may be found at the above website.

 

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The Smoky Mountain News