BWCA Arrowhead 135 Boundary Waters Winter Camping and Activities
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08/12/2015 09:44PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Anyone done this race? Watching a fascinating documentary on it!

Arrowhead 135
 
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08/13/2015 07:40AM  
I have a friend who wants to do it on a Fat Bike. I think it would be an awesome challenge, I'd probably run/hike it.
SevenofNine
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08/13/2015 07:20PM  
One of the few races I care to read about. I know the fallout rate is really high. I admire those that give it a try.
08/17/2015 06:08AM  
I have a buddy who has done it on a fat bike. The people that ski it or run it are totally nuts. I believe you must qualify for it from another race-- ie. you just don't show up on race day-- much like the Ironman in HI.
My buddy says the highest dropout rates are from people that come from warm locations-- that have no clue what -30F feels like much less a -50 wind chill and have little time to acclimate. People come from all of the world to race it.
He says he has friend that almost died doing it about 5 years ago when it was VERY cold. His buddy was getting to the end of his rope and started getting delusional ,, and a bit hypothermic-- long story short ended up getting lost and passed out in a ditch. Was rescued by checkpoint personal who noticed he was over 6 hours behind the group he had previously been in at the last checkpoint.

The thing that stops most is carrying all the mandatory gear-- especially the runners which really are crazy. Here is a list of mandatory gear---

MANDATORY GEAR from race start to race finish.

Minus-20F degrees sleeping bag or colder rating. Colder than -20F almost all previous races. If you skimp here you are foolish. And we will not allow you to skimp. So do not skimp. Fool. 2011 it was -42F on trail. Be able to prove your bag is a -20 bag. Don't cut off the tags to shave weight.
Insulated sleeping pad - minimum 20" by 48"
Bivy sack or tent (space blankets/tarps do not count). We don't like seeing new bivy sacks that have never been tried.
Firestarter (matches or lighter).
Stove.
8 fl. oz. fuel at ALL times (either gas, alcohol or 2 canisters of propane/butane 100 g. each or 12 Esbit tablets). 1 lb propane tanks, white gas, and Heet are available in Int'l Falls - propane/butane and Esbits are not. Please plan accordingly.
Pot (min. volume is 1 pint)
2-qt (64 fl. oz.) or just under 2 litres, insulated water container. (Yes, Camelbacks count). Not freezing your drinks in a cold year is a real challenge.
Headlamp or flashlight. Suggest minimum ~100 lumen good for 12 hours/bike or 20 hours on ski/foot. Bring a spare, the cold eats batteries.
Flashing red LED lights, both on front and back of sled or bike or racer - Don't show up with single LED key chain lights...bring real safety lights or you will not pass gear check and they may not be available at local stores. Keep ON 24/7. HIGHLY IMPORTANT....THIS MAY WELL PREVENT YOU FROM BEING HOOD ORNAMENT ON LARGE FAST-MOVING SNOWMACHINEs. Bring a spare light and batteries.
Everyone have at least 10 square inches of reflective material on front and 10 square inches on the back of the person for this race.
Whistle on string around neck to call for help, because your mouth is too numb to yell.
1-day of readily edible food at ALL times (3000 calories)
You will be given 2 bibs. We must be able to see your bib number on the front of your body (outer layer) at all times!!! Post the 2nd bib where it is easily visible.

YOU CAN STILL BE STUPID WITH ALL THE GEAR, KNOW HOW TO USE IT.

Ohh yeah-- he puts a "little" whiskey in his water to keep it from freezing.....
 
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