More than just a bride – support crews can elevate teams to the podium

Adventure racing

MORE THAN JUST A bridesmaid Adventure racing support crews can elevate teams to the podium

By Brian Appel

INTERESTED IN adventure racing but don’t have the gear or time to train? Come and get your hands dirty by joining a support crew.

Support crew members work with the racing team before, during and after an event and can make the difference between a podium finish or disqualification.

By way of example, Gear Racing had an unfortunate mishap at the start of the Canadian Championships and all four participants’ bikes were seriously damaged. Their day was nearly over before it started. But, as they canoed the first leg of the race, a support crew member fired off to the nearest bike shop and had the bikes waiting at the first transition area by the time the team hit solid ground. Their amazing secondplace finish was made possible by astute supporters.

Races that include support crew members allow race organizers to focus on performance and safety. The crew also allows racers to focus on the unique challenges of the course. Good racing teams know that many hands make light work; most crews have two to four people. Solo crewing isn’t recommended for the same reason a restaurant needs more than one person to properly serve customers. Lots of teams use spouses as crew, too, so races tend to be a real family affair.

The best support crew members are jocks-of-all-trades who are willing to endure nearly as many hours as the racers, but without the same level of fatigue or hardship. You adopt the roles of chauffeur, navigator, gear repair specialist, chef, hydrationist, first aider, master organizer, mover, photographer, friendly face and spirited motivator. Support crews in adventure racing are like the pit crews in auto racing, but without all the noise.

With support crew helping to pack, check gear, and drive the racers to the starting line, the racers can arrive rested, relaxed and ready to focus on the course’s

ups and downs. Crew members help racers make sure they’ve packed all the gear and address spare items like bike tubes and flashlight batteries. Adventure racing is all about making detailed lists, and a dedicated crew constantly compares those lists against the gear to minimize nasty surprises.

At check-in time, crew members prepare for the race officials’ inspection of all mandatory equipment, like first aid kits, climbing gear, bikes and waiver forms. It is a real plus if you can assist in map reading to follow the course and predict racers’ progress. Pinpointing transition areas is crucial — racers depend on you to be there so they can switch gear, load up and head out fast. Being a good navigator comes in handy when you need to find that deserted gravel pit at 4:00 a.m.

in the pouring rain.

The fun begins in the transition area. Equipment needs to be unloaded, organized, positioned, and double checked. Too often, adequate hydration is overlooked in adventure racing. Athletes must drink enough liquids, even when it’s cold, or they will jeopardize a podium finish. The crew keeps it flowing — water, E load, Gatorade, Boost, or the personal liquid of choice — so they’re readily available to athletes throughout the course. As the race wears on and power

bars start to taste like plywood, a warm meal or quick snack is most welcome by fatigued racers. Team Taiga, the adventure racing team I crew with, goes nuts for my shrimp casserole on wild rice, or a hearty bowl of chili.

Finding some transition areas is a challenge in itself and getting organized is a real art. Providing easy access to food, water, a rest area, a change area, and a gear drop is essential to a fast, smooth transition. Time gained or lost in transition areas can make the difference in overcoming other teams or preserving a lead. Refueling vehicles should not be left to chance either, as race courses may be remote.

When racers vacate the transition area as quickly and efficiently as possible, the crew packs up and proceeds to either the

next transition area or the finish line. After a race, tired athletes appreciate a stop at a coffee shop, maybe a car wash to hose down bikes, or a laundry mat to freshen up clothes.

It’s a real thrill to be among the chosen few to celebrate a successful race at the finish line. Crews may not be as achy and sleep-deprived as the racers, but they’re a far cry from mere spectators. Racers are

the first to say that crew members are an integral part of the team. The crew brings the team closer to that elusive winner’s circle by repairing broken gear, caring for blisters and adopting the role of sports psychologist.

This is teamwork in the raw. —Brian Appel is the father of four children who have helped whip him into shape as a crew member for Team Taiga. Brian teaches outdoor education and physical education at Woodroffe High School in Ottawa.