 Billy Mattison — Team Vail
No Americans had ever won Eco-Challenge. Billy Mattison and his teammates didn't expect to change that.
Billy
by jdesmond,
Fri Apr 9 12:54:23 1999
How did you train for this event? I have watched this ecochallenge on tv and it seems to be more than any human being can accomplish. I can only imagine. I wish you much luck.
How to enter
by hurst,
Fri Apr 9 15:54:50 1999
I am interest in entering the Eco-Challenge. How do I go about finding the information to enter this contest?
Is it something you would recommend through your experiences? And how long did you train for such an event?
Thanks and good luck!
for hurst
by ephealy,
Fri Apr 9 23:15:26 1999
Hurst,
I'm posting this here b/c I don't have an email to send it any other way - here's the Eco Challenge website
http://www.ecochallenge.com/
Have fun,
Ed
Billy
by jbernhisel,
Sat Apr 10 04:36:20 1999
As an athlete and an ultra-marathon runner. It seems a bit ridiculous to include horseback riding and camel riding to an event like this. How do you feel?
Billy
by billymattison,
Sat Apr 10 20:46:35 1999
Hi,
I think you can train for the special events, like horseback riding, kayaking, climbing etc. And then of course, you cannot come of the couch and try and do one of these. You cannot train for sleep deprivation. For me, my life style represents a lot of what is asked of us in the race, I have been doing it for over twenty years. You have just got to enjoy being out in the wilderness. You have got to want to explore and have yourself some adventures. You'll find yourself getting fit just being out there and exploring on your days off. An active life style and the love of doing it is the best training I can think off.
It is amazing how far you can push yourself, you have just got to want to!
As far as the question about horse back riding and camel riding is concerned: it is called adventure racing. It is not a triathlon that takes 3-4 hours. It is a multi discipline expedition competition. It is an adventure. It is the ultimate adult adventure game
Billy
by billymattison,
Sat Apr 10 20:59:26 1999
Check out:
www.teamvail.com
Billy
by billymattison,
Sat Apr 10 21:15:52 1999
You can address your questions to any team member:
Mike Kloser, Sara ballantyne as well as Andreas Boesel!
They are checking these messages also!
Billy
by shewolfie,
Sat Apr 10 22:06:39 1999
...definitly the adventure of a lifetime...;-) I just watched the eco race in Morocco...and I love the idea of camels in the race...I work with 8 camels in northern Utah as a camel wrangler...we pack em in the deserts of Ut...so...how was your camel experience??
Billy
by endo6419,
Sun Apr 11 12:26:56 1999
I'm a college student with dreams of being in the eco-challenge some day. I'm thinking about even forming a team here at school and participate in the challenge in a couple of years. Do you have any words of wisdom, advice, or anything helpfull that may help me in my quest. Thank you
Billy, Mike, Sara, Andreas
by marccoppedge,
Sun Apr 11 13:48:39 1999
How does the eco-challenge compare to shorter races (1-2 days)? I'm on a team that has had some success at shorter adventure races & of course want to work our way up to events like the eco-challenge. I read that you brought all of your own pre-race food. Was this a factor in your success? Can you address what you experienced in morocco prior to the start of the race.
Great race.
marc
Billy
by davenut,
Sun Apr 11 22:11:31 1999
I am going on a 3 month long expedition this fall and i was wondering from your experience. Which brands last well in the field. including tents, sleeping bags, packs, and boots.
Billy
by mtnman24,
Sun Apr 11 23:20:57 1999
Billy. I am a college student and a HUGE fan of the Eco-challenge. in forming a team, what is your opinion on the best approch towards forming a team? How long did you and your team train for? any advice you can give me as far as preparing for the dream of comepeting in the Eco-challenge is much appreciated!!!! oh yea. also, what is each person looking at price wise to race the Eco-challenge? Thanks for you time and advice!!!!!
Billy
by imhoff,
Sun Apr 11 23:44:41 1999
What do you guys eat?
Team Vail
by zafie,
Mon Apr 12 00:37:35 1999
Congrats on a job well done. You are all an inspiration.
Team Vail
by rky_mtn_girl,
Mon Apr 12 06:52:57 1999
Congratulations to all of you!
I was thrilled to see Colorado residents finish 1st place.
Billy
by rpfeiffer,
Mon Apr 12 07:00:54 1999
specifically, how do you train for an event of this caliber? is this a trade secret? nobody ever publishes a specific training program. do you train together or seperate? how many hours per week do you train? do you concentrate on specific events for a period of time? what is the intensity of your training? thanks.
Billy
by beval,
Mon Apr 12 07:11:04 1999
Oh, well, now I know who won. Congrats! But watching the first program hour I wondered why none of the teams that had trouble in the kayaks didn't just lash the two together with two of the paddles to make like a catamaran, then just take apart the other two and paddle as in hawaiian outriggers. Certainly the rules would have allowed such a team effort, and prevented some near disasters!
Billy
by bam1,
Mon Apr 12 09:21:56 1999
First off, Congrats. to all members of team Vail. I am 28yrs. old and weight train very seriously. I have a minor lowerback injury but really want to get involved in an eco-challenge before I am 35. Would you recommend that I go for it or should I look for other challenges? I love adventure and am always up for physical type events. Also, how do you cope with little or no sleep? Thanks
Urban Edge salutes Vail!
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 09:36:21 1999
Brilliant performance, my friend. Pure class! Give my love to Sara and the guys -- and watch your backs in 2000!
Congratulations and fond regards,
Rodger McFarlane
McRodger@aol.com
Billy
by roquette,
Mon Apr 12 09:39:07 1999
Congrats to everyone on the team. What kinds of mental training do you do? and.. how early do you know where your team will be racing for the next race?
Billy
by mu_ace,
Mon Apr 12 11:17:05 1999
I would like to compete in an expedition race, but i think that starting with an easier race would be a smart thing to do. to get experiance, have any suggestions?
thanks
Team Vail
by sylvarose,
Mon Apr 12 13:28:10 1999
It's been indicated that the team's decision to bring along their own food was a key edge in this year's competition, along with your mountain biking experience. Yet, you're team also seemed to handle the high altitude better than many of the teams. Was this due to your native environment (Colorado) and did you think this would give you an edge in the race?
Billy
by ultra1bob,
Mon Apr 12 16:23:48 1999
I have a serious problem with nausea in ultrarunning events. Have you solved the problem of dealing with nausea in these events? Please let me know what works to keep the stomach happy.
adventurer Billy
by cataline,
Mon Apr 12 17:14:13 1999
Hi, i'm Cristina from México, I would love to know which was your favourite experience during this ecco-morocco-challenge, besides winning of course! Congrats and keep up with the hard work!
Billy
by mountainbiker,
Mon Apr 12 17:42:25 1999
Congradulations on a great race. What would you consider was the toughest section of the race ? Will you be in next years race ?
Billy
by loyalmoon,
Mon Apr 12 19:56:12 1999
Billy--I have been watching the Eco-Challenge the last 2 nights, and as a matter of fact, you are on the TV right now. I have a question. This coming summer I'm planning on doing NOLS(National Outdoor Leader School) and I was wondering if you have any experience with that school or any others? What do you think of them? Are they anything compared to the Eco-Challange? Thanks for answering
Loyalmoon
some day
by tweederbrooks,
Mon Apr 12 20:04:50 1999
i want to race in the eco chanllange some day, what is the best way to asseble the team, how do you get entered, and how do you fund the race.
tweed@drexel.edu
Billy
by gbrock485,
Mon Apr 12 20:43:52 1999
I am also interested in racing in the future, what is the best way to hook up with teams that are organizing.
Billy
by kate5,
Mon Apr 12 20:49:58 1999
Congratulations to you and your team on a wonderful race. I will look forward to seeing your team compete next year.
Billy
by alexis123,
Mon Apr 12 20:50:30 1999
I cannot imagine what it takes to coach a sick or injured teammate to continue the race. To me it seemed almost selfish on the part of the other teammates. What does it take to keep someone from giving up..and do you think it is a little selfish or giving to do so?
Billy
by beginner26,
Mon Apr 12 20:54:24 1999
I just wanted to know what would be the first step in training?I ride MTB and road bikes, but have not done any races.And to Loyalmoon I am also looking into nols.If you want to trade thoughts post again. Keep up the us tradition.I'll be watching and routing for you again.
Billy
by bluelite6,
Mon Apr 12 21:08:38 1999
What a team effort! I am very proud of you and your group. I look forward to seeing team Vail in future races.
Team Vail
by krisc,
Mon Apr 12 21:09:23 1999
Just wanted to congratulate ya'll on a job well done. That was an incredible come back. You inspire us all. Kristi
Billy
by lbiasotto,
Mon Apr 12 21:14:25 1999
Billy, awesome performance. And what a great surprise to see you on TV after all these years. A few hints... Pepi's, '82-3, Old Joe and Pete, one fateful all nighter...aka where were you? Couldn't believe it was you on TV. What is the secret of your success and longevity? Say hello to Joey and Pete for me and drop a line at lbiasotto@ce.net. Signed, a long lost friend...Larry aka "The Lobster"!
Billy
by cinderele,
Mon Apr 12 21:15:35 1999
HAIL to Vail,
I'm just a little housewife in West Virginia who watches Eco every year. You are all amazing:)
amazing
by mrdrumski,
Mon Apr 12 21:19:08 1999
this is my second year to watch the Eco-Challenge and thus far haven't seen much action out of the American's. But not this year! I wanted to congratulate you tremendously for not only finishing, but coming from behind to finish. What was the hardest part of the Eco-challenge for you and your team? Was it more physical or mental obstacles? I'm so impressed with you and your team. Congratulations again!
Billy
by wthornbr,
Mon Apr 12 21:20:08 1999
Billy,
I am a Concord friend of your parents-and am in shock over the fact that you participated in the eco challenge and WON.
Your strong spirit must have come from your Grandma and your Dad- 2 very impressive people. CHeers, BArbara and Wayne Thornbrough
Billy
by leddy,
Mon Apr 12 21:25:56 1999
Hi Billy,
I would like to know if you and your teammates will be competing in the December Ecochallenge and what does your training schedule include?
Go USA!!!
Leddymates
Billy
by lorretta3,
Mon Apr 12 21:34:16 1999
Congratulations to you and your team. I was so excited for yall. The course blew me away. Again Congratulations. You rule.
Billy
by oolf,
Mon Apr 12 21:43:13 1999
First I would like to know who is allowed to participate in this event? Could anyone who is in shape go and do it? Does the trip cost anything? Do you have to be an expertise in a specific field? What qualifications do you need to do this? What is the youngest age a challenger has gone through with it? Did you enjoy it? How is it enjoyable if you have to go through such hell? Are the people who are participating in this event win anything besides dignity and honor? Thank you so much for your time Jon
Billy
by davidj7,
Mon Apr 12 21:44:01 1999
I would like to know who to contact regarding entry to the Eco Challenge. Do you have any resources of other races that would be suitable as primers?
Billy
by rachel5910,
Mon Apr 12 21:57:10 1999
Congradulations!!!! Your team stuck with it and you accomplished a magnificient goal one that only a few can ever accomplish. Also, I think that you reflect only positive images for the United States and for that I am proud of you.
Sara, Mike, Andreas, Billy
by bill_g,
Mon Apr 12 22:02:06 1999
Congratulations on a job well done! You guys are an inspiration to all. I would like to participate in an Eco-Challenge one day. After watching the last three years I have come to the conclusion that a fit body isn't everything. The Eco-Challenge challenges every part of the human spirit and will to survive! Please let me know of any information I may receive regarding the Eco-Challenge. I would like to, someday, participate in one. Again, Sara, Mike, Andreas, and Billy, Congratulations! The ticker tape is flying here in Indiana!!! (hurrah,hurrah).
Bill G.
wrg@evansville.net
Billy
by chatl,
Mon Apr 12 22:08:37 1999
Congrtulations to you and your team. I read some where that after Eco-Challenge Austrailia you researched how to protect your feet better. What type of shoes did you where and what was the oinment you used on your feet? Also read that yall (I'm from Georgia) concentrated on oreinteering. How did you train for orienterring? Again, congratulations to you, Sara, Mike, and Andreas!
Billy
by mchilson,
Mon Apr 12 22:09:33 1999
Congrats! You and the Vail team represented the best of our country and it is appreciated by many! Hope to see team Vail in December!
Billy
by unforgiven,
Mon Apr 12 22:18:27 1999
Why did you want to do this race,was it fun
Billy and the rest of TEAM VAIL
by denenovsky,
Mon Apr 12 22:34:05 1999
Congratulations to all you guys and gals! I just got done watchin' your pains and triumphs unfold on nathional tv. I was just wondering what you consider the biggest key ingredient in not only surviving the eco-challenge, but also finishing among the top. Now don't cheat and say a combination of determination, luck, and physical fitness, i've already heard that. I want to know what you guys think you had that nobody else did to allow you to be the best of the best. Congrats again!
team vail, hip hip hooray
by sbennett,
Mon Apr 12 22:34:20 1999
First off congrats on one great race. I have been watching this race on tv for the last three years and the way you guys approached it was amazing, laid back and just a go for it attitude. Being from colorado I am sure that the mountain trekking part and the altitude was not the hardest part, but in your minds what was? I wish you all luck in Patagonia and Beyond.
Scott Bennett
Hughesville, Pennslyvannia
Billy
by prehmj,
Mon Apr 12 22:37:29 1999
If a person wanted to do such an event, should they start slow with smaller challenages?
Billy,Mike,Sara,Andreas
by cbreeze,
Mon Apr 12 23:09:33 1999
Congratulations and thank you so much for such an inspiring race. For those of us who have physical handicaps and cannot compete, this race gives us hope and courage to continue our day to day struggles. It took my breath as I watched Team Vail weave in and out and pull out ahead in first place! A remarkable performance! I squealed to the roof rafters as you guys crossed the finish line! Again, congratulations and I hope we can count on seeing you again in the next Eco Challenge!
Billy
by mexfin,
Mon Apr 12 23:14:35 1999
how did you and your team mates deal with some of the difficult situations that occured
during this challenge
as far as keeping spirits up and keeping
your cool
Billy
by ktzmomdad,
Tue Apr 13 00:07:01 1999
I think you guys did a tremondous job in the challenge. the best part to your teamm and was not of others is that at all times you stayed together and together and I think that was great. Well hope to see you all next year.
Billy
by zabo,
Tue Apr 13 00:29:28 1999
YO billy and the rest of team vail! I am a college student about to graduate. My major deals with the ideals, activities, and leadership skills of group work that you and your team just went through, by the way it was awesome. How did you and you team keep the group dynamiccs in check. I know motivation is key, but sometimes it doesn't work. How did you all do it? ZZZZ
Billy
by bruce7344,
Tue Apr 13 00:31:45 1999
By now I'm sure that your bumps, bruises, and other miscellaneous mortal shortcomings have healed (unless you've been out persuing other superhuman events since). Let me offer a belated CONGRATULATIONS.
I watched the ECO Challenge - Morocco with much interest and although I must admit that I was rooting for my achenemesis NAVY team, I was both glad to see an American team win as well as astonished to see the apparent good health of all the members of your team at the finish line.
As a retired Marine, I'm sure some of that apparent good health was the exstacy and adrenaline coursing through your bodies with the realization of the win. I also realize how seriously dedicated you had to be.
Although I'm sure that the television show came far short of showing the extremes to which your team went, I'm equally as sure that your TEAM work is what allowed you to be sucessful.
As you have obviously realized, in any such endeavor, team work is the KEY ingredient.
I don't want to make this too long as I'm sure you've many others to answer so...from one who know's how absolutely delicious the most horible food can taste when one is at the edge of the bodies capabilities, AGAIN...CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done.
B Cook
USMC (Ret.)
Billy
by jjd128,
Tue Apr 13 00:39:13 1999
Congrats. on a job well done. You're an inspiration to people everywhere to strive to achieve their ultimate goal. Do you plan to participate in Argentina ?
Billy
by mom2my2boy2,
Tue Apr 13 06:01:02 1999
Congrats Team Vail!!! My husband and I watched the race last night and were so happy to see your team move up and win!! What a thrill it must have been, not only to win but the entire adventure. Part of me would love to do something like that and the other part is saying "are you out of your mind!!" We hope to see you and your team in the next Eco-Challenge!!
Team Vail
by lakota73,
Tue Apr 13 06:22:06 1999
It was very inspiring to watch the team come from behind and be the first US Team to win. I can only imagine the physical and emotional stamina it must take to complete the race, let alone come in first. Congrats and I hope to watch you again next time!
Team Vail
by bunni617,
Tue Apr 13 06:31:09 1999
Congratulations an a job very well done. Even though we don't know you personally, my husband & I were very proud of you all. Good Luck next year.
Sherry Elston
Billy
by ngraham,
Tue Apr 13 07:08:34 1999
It was great to see an American team take first place honors. Your endurance is unfathomable. How can I find out more about the details of the race (i.e. what did you have to bring vs. what did they provide you with - food, etc.) I kept seeing teams digging into big trunks of supplies... do you pack what you'll need for later and send it ahead? Are you somewhat nutrient deprived during the challenge? What is your training consisting of during the months prior to this incredible event? Congrats on the win!
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