What: repeat tour de tanZ in reverse direction. Or, whichever direction of your choosing. This is a 69+ mile self-supported loop with baked-in navigation (49 permanent controls).
When: starting 7 am Sunday, August 31st (report below).
Where: Start/finish 37.35426, -80.39138.
Who: open to self-sufficient runners/navigators. Report of Doug's, Phil's and my experience below.
Why: to practice endurance and explore the effects of fatigue on navigation. It's a fun and challenging route that is worth repeating (and clearing this time)!
How: 1.) Contact me if interested. Tracking will be set up and shared with those interested. Participants must be self-sufficient and take full responsibility for their own well-being. 2.) Contact Mark for info on orienteering courses and maps. 3.) Consider midway resupply/shuttle options in Newport, VA.
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| Route projected on an old Nat. Geo. |
Doug and Phil joined me for this adventure. We got to enjoy a great dinner and stay with Mark, Lora and friends at their cabin on Claytor Lake the night prior. We had perfect weather for the run on Sunday. All three of us decided to set out in the clockwise direction and stick together.
I enjoyed getting to see this portion of the route in relaxing daylight (vs. rainy darkness). As we neared Pandapas, my plantar fasciitis started to bother me. The three of us stuck together while searching for the first half-dozen or so controls. We couldn't find any of them...
We became convinced that someone had likely removed all the permanent controls from this course. It was just the excuse I needed to give up on repeating the full loop. I followed Doug and Phil back to their cars parked at Pandapas (both had intentions of doing a half-loop).
Phil and I drove up to Mountain Lake to spend a couple leisurely hours on that beautiful course while Doug logged a few more hours trail running at Pandapas. The camaraderie, perfect conditions and scenic views made this attempt all worth it. Hopefully I'll be healed up soon!
A big thank you again to Mark and Lora!
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