www.justforfunsledding.com
2009 I-500
1/24/09
OK it's -19 below out today and I am thinking it's warm, yes I have
problems, last Friday on 1/16/09 I shared one of my problems with nearly
100 people, crazy people, it was -24 degrees and we consciously decided
to start the first day of the USCC I-500 three day race. The entire week
(actually months) prior was made up of clothing, sled, tool, fuel and mental
prep. I believe mental prep is often overlooked by fans of all race venues.
The mental prep for an event of this length and various terrain is crucial, the
best sled means nothing if your head is not in the game. A race of this
caliber should not even be attempted with out the support of friends and
family, it is not a one person endeavor. With out Kevin Nathe, Scott
Beaton, my Father, wife and sponsors this would not be possible. I know
several veteran racers have accomplished this challenge over the years
and my respect for them can not be translated in mere words.
Day One (aprox. 125 miles)
Glove choice was a major decision with the temps hitting -24, I opted for a
claw style mitten, I had considered using handle bar muffs and at the last
minute chose to remove them out of fear for mobility, it was a good choice.
I welcomed the river section of the course as I have enjoyed many hours of
gripping and ripping on the ice back when my 1993 Indy XLT was a state
of the art machine. The woods section proved to be a deer trail that was
so narrow I swear I saw caution signs warning the deer to slow down. At
one point I glanced at my speedo and saw 66 MPH, sure 66 MPH for Brian
Dyrdahl would be a yawn but for me it was an OMG! Especially when I
came upon a Kitty Cat facing the wrong direction and sporting one ski!
Now we are having fun! I scanned the area for a down soldier and saw no
rider so I wicked it up. Cruising into the first gas stop I searched for m y
crew (I am going to leave them nameless at this point) did I say I was
searching? Yes, I was there and they were not there! Jesse Strege came
to my rescue, fueled me and the race was on. My crew was lost but made
it for gas stop number two (all was forgiven).
Day Two and Three (aprox. 155 miles each day)
The temps on Sat and Sun were a balmy +10 to+20. Clothing selection
was completely different from Friday. Day one claimed a handful of riders
in the form of injuries and mechanical issues, each day would prove to
claim more. The course offered high speed river sections, 3 foot mogul
ditch runs for miles and miles and miles, lengthy minimum maintenance
roads where your dreamed for an afterburner. At one point on one of these
roads I held the little Phazer's throttle WFO for so long that I simply could
not believe the motor did not grenade on me! Good job Yamaha. I had two
points on Saturday where I was nearly a statistic, once from a metal post
and once from a wash out rut. Let's just say the maintenance sessions are
necessary. One of the many things I learned is that if you see a car along
the road or a group of trail riders, SLOW down, they are just waiting to see
carnage and the course next them has a surprise for you. Lesson two
when you hit the final gas stop don't try and be smart and take limited fuel
to save time, my gas light came on with 15 miles to go which made me a
nervous wreck, I backed off the throttle and did make it to the finish line!
I could write for hours about this experience and if this has interested you
with any questions I welcome them. I need to congratulate all the entries on
accepting the challenge and the finishers on completing the course. I
continually played my mental game by telling myself it was a three day race
not a one or two day race and that I have to run my own race not anyone
else's race. Part of life to me is about experiences, experience life today.
Air Paquin
#525
I-500 results
OK it's -19 below out today and I am thinking it's warm, yes I have
problems, last Friday on 1/16/09 I shared one of my problems with nearly
100 people, crazy people, it was -24 degrees and we consciously decided
to start the first day of the USCC I-500 three day race. The entire week
(actually months) prior was made up of clothing, sled, tool, fuel and mental
prep. I believe mental prep is often overlooked by fans of all race venues.
The mental prep for an event of this length and various terrain is crucial, the
best sled means nothing if your head is not in the game. A race of this
caliber should not even be attempted with out the support of friends and
family, it is not a one person endeavor. With out Kevin Nathe, Scott
Beaton, my Father, wife and sponsors this would not be possible. I know
several veteran racers have accomplished this challenge over the years
and my respect for them can not be translated in mere words.
Day One (aprox. 125 miles)
Glove choice was a major decision with the temps hitting -24, I opted for a
claw style mitten, I had considered using handle bar muffs and at the last
minute chose to remove them out of fear for mobility, it was a good choice.
I welcomed the river section of the course as I have enjoyed many hours of
gripping and ripping on the ice back when my 1993 Indy XLT was a state
of the art machine. The woods section proved to be a deer trail that was
so narrow I swear I saw caution signs warning the deer to slow down. At
one point I glanced at my speedo and saw 66 MPH, sure 66 MPH for Brian
Dyrdahl would be a yawn but for me it was an OMG! Especially when I
came upon a Kitty Cat facing the wrong direction and sporting one ski!
Now we are having fun! I scanned the area for a down soldier and saw no
rider so I wicked it up. Cruising into the first gas stop I searched for m y
crew (I am going to leave them nameless at this point) did I say I was
searching? Yes, I was there and they were not there! Jesse Strege came
to my rescue, fueled me and the race was on. My crew was lost but made
it for gas stop number two (all was forgiven).
Day Two and Three (aprox. 155 miles each day)
The temps on Sat and Sun were a balmy +10 to+20. Clothing selection
was completely different from Friday. Day one claimed a handful of riders
in the form of injuries and mechanical issues, each day would prove to
claim more. The course offered high speed river sections, 3 foot mogul
ditch runs for miles and miles and miles, lengthy minimum maintenance
roads where your dreamed for an afterburner. At one point on one of these
roads I held the little Phazer's throttle WFO for so long that I simply could
not believe the motor did not grenade on me! Good job Yamaha. I had two
points on Saturday where I was nearly a statistic, once from a metal post
and once from a wash out rut. Let's just say the maintenance sessions are
necessary. One of the many things I learned is that if you see a car along
the road or a group of trail riders, SLOW down, they are just waiting to see
carnage and the course next them has a surprise for you. Lesson two
when you hit the final gas stop don't try and be smart and take limited fuel
to save time, my gas light came on with 15 miles to go which made me a
nervous wreck, I backed off the throttle and did make it to the finish line!
I could write for hours about this experience and if this has interested you
with any questions I welcome them. I need to congratulate all the entries on
accepting the challenge and the finishers on completing the course. I
continually played my mental game by telling myself it was a three day race
not a one or two day race and that I have to run my own race not anyone
else's race. Part of life to me is about experiences, experience life today.
Air Paquin
#525
I-500 results
Photo by James Urquhart
group one pics click here
group two pics click here
group three pics click here
group four pics click here
group five pics click here
group six pics click here
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