 Rodger McFarlane — Team Urban Edge
How do New Yorkers prepare for a race into the wilds?
Team Urban Edge
by ghmorrow,
Fri Apr 9 16:57:23 1999
Hi Rodger,
I admire your attitude toward the race. Does Team Urban Edge plan to take the lessons from Morocco and run the Eco-Challenge again in Patagonia next winter?
Thanks. My best to your teammates.
Greg
Tri-State Training
by ephealy,
Fri Apr 9 23:09:36 1999
Rodger,
I do not know how you all find the spirit to complete such a race as the eco-challenge, but I must say I wish I had it myself.
I too live in the Tri-State area (Central New Jersey). I moved here just over a year ago from upstate New York and miss the Adirondacks greatly. What I would like to ask is how / where do you and your teammates train in the Tri-State area? My skills are not anywhere near the level most adventure racing competitions would require, but I hope that they will be in the coming year. If you have any solid advice for aspiring adventure racers, I would be most grateful.
In the meantime, I will be looking forward to seeing (I hope) Team Urban Edge in the future.
Ed
Rodger
by pilot2,
Sun Apr 11 14:12:05 1999
Hi Rodger,
First off, good luck to you and your team, after watching the shows and following the Eco-Challenge on-line I believe that you have your work cut-out for you!
Rodger
by the911r,
Sun Apr 11 14:14:55 1999
GOD BLESS YOU FOR TAKING THE BODY TO ITS TO ITS LIMT. I HOPE YOU GUYS WIN AND KEEP THE WISDOME TO THINK AND UNDERSTAND YOUR SURROUNDINGS.THE BODY IS ON THE OUTSIDE ITS THE SPIRT THAT DRIVES YOU.
Beginning Adventure Racing
by pilot2,
Sun Apr 11 14:18:08 1999
Rodger, I just thought of a question for you,
(my previous message I accidentally sent before I wrote this part for which I apologize)
Anyways, I was just wondering how to start-out in adventure racing, they seem like a large challenge yet a lot of fun. I think that this may be the thing for me, if you could just tell me how you got your start or how many people do I would greatly appreciate it!
The best of luck,
Keith
Rodger
by sonyaamazonqueen,
Sun Apr 11 14:20:54 1999
What do you have to do to get to be in the eco challenge? Are there like contests or are you picked for some reason?
Rodger
by davenut,
Sun Apr 11 22:13:29 1999
I am going ona 3 month expedition this fall and I was wondering from your experience in the field which brands of tnets, sleeping bags, packs, and footwear, do you recommend
Adventure Racing
by denrusso,
Sun Apr 11 22:13:36 1999
Just wanted to let everyone know out there in the tri-state area, that I organize training meets for Adventure Racing in the area. I can be reached by e-mail at denrusso@yahoo.com if you are interested. Roger - I would be interested in maybe getting in touch with you and talking about your experiences.
Rodger
by richlewis,
Sun Apr 11 23:21:56 1999
Good to "see" you again...Been a long time since Flying Fish... You did more than I... Nothing to feal bad about...Keep in touch... Rich "Lucky" Lewis
Rodger
by imhoff,
Sun Apr 11 23:42:57 1999
You people went alot farther than what I could ever do under those conditions...you all did good hope to see youre team try again in the next challenge
Rodger
by ladyice,
Sun Apr 11 23:59:26 1999
I know that it took alot of training to prepare for this, but how do you and your team mates manage to over come the feels of dread and the whole lot that comes from fatigue and weariness?
Do you have any advice to someone who would like to same day maybe try one of these events? Would you advice it?
Rodger
by jamburton,
Mon Apr 12 00:33:24 1999
I admire you in the fact that you set a goal and you went out to achive it. I wish that I am only as successful in my goal as you are in yours. I would love to get some information on how I could get involved in the ECO-Challenge. I am a millitary member (air force)and I would like to know how the seals and the lady from the army got the time off to trian.
Rodger
by sunshinek9,
Mon Apr 12 00:42:48 1999
Hi Rodger:
I greatly admire your spirit, you've both impressed and inspired me!
I do hope that you will give the next Eco Challenge a try.
Rodger
by why2k,
Mon Apr 12 01:35:16 1999
Hi Rodger,
You and your teammates displayed phenomenal spirit & I admire the multi-culti nature of your team. Hope to cheer you & your teammates in the next eco-challenge.
From one New Yorker to another, you made me proud.
P.S. Don't overpack next year!
Rodger
by carli,
Mon Apr 12 06:03:01 1999
Eco-challenge is not for 'urban-challenged' athletes. Why enter if your not trying to win? Next time try white water rafting; just as dangerous without the race.
Next year in Patagonia?
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 08:01:18 1999
"The lessons" learned from Eco-Challenge are numerous, but the first is humility. We're skipping Patagonia and setting our sites on 2000. We're angling to accumulate a lot more race experience during the interim.
Rodger McFarlane
Tri-State training
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 08:08:50 1999
It requires a lot of time on the road, but the NY-NJ-CT tri-state area offers a variety of terrain useful to training. The Adirondacks are ideal for practicing all-weather land navigation, technical climbing, rapelling, ice-climbing, snow trekking and cross-coutry skiing. The Catskills have plenty of quad-scorching trails to hone your mountain bike skills. And paddling up the Hudson for conditioning, or overnight to Montauk or Block Island to get a taste of navigating in the dark on rough seas, is near-ideal traning for expedition races.
Rodger McFarlane
Getting Started
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 08:19:20 1999
None of us started out with Eco-Challenge. Everyone on the course has spent years mastering all the various diciplines and - more important -- accumulating the experience needed to make many critical decisions with a group when you're not at your best. My advice is to tackle each discipline one at a time with the most experienced instructors and guides you can find. Most important of all, though, is trail experience. There are many short races around the US now. Racing or your own race simulations is the only way to find out how well you work together and how to avoid needless mistakes. (Check out Outside, MetroSports, and Inside Triathlon for listings.)
Rodger McFarlane
Qualifying for Eco-Challenge
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 08:24:31 1999
Visit the Eco-Challenge website directly for rules and application procedures. Be forewarned, the competition is extremely stiff. You'll need to demonstrate a lot of experience to be seriously considered. Applications are due shortly after the first of the year and a distinguished committee decides who is invited. Historically the teams are a mix of experienced racers who have done well in the past, or new teams who can credibly represent that they have a chance to win.
Rodger McFarlane
Equipment
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 08:32:25 1999
Other than eating and bowel habits, the most-discussed subject among Eco-Challengers is gear. After our performance in Morocco, I don't feel particularly qualified to recommend equipment -- although I can tell you a few things NOT to buy. My suggestion is that you ask the more experienced racers here in this forum, or visit the Eco-Challenge website and raise your specific questions in the discussion groups there.
The Eco-Challenge mantra is "pack lite and sleep cold." Weight -- or rather lack thereof -- is clearly what matters most over the long hauls.
Rodger McFarlane
Rich Lewis/Flying Fish
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 08:36:43 1999
Great to hear from you, buddy! Thought you'd get a kick out of the narrator calling me a submarine "engineer," when actually I was reactor operator and you ran the electrical plant on Flying Fish. My first of many trips to the North Pole. How can I find you in cyberspace? E-mail me at McRodger@aol.com!
Rodger McFarlane
Dread, fatigue, weariness
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 08:47:42 1999
I think most racers will agree that, despite how physically demanding Eco-Challenge is, the mental and emotional aspects are far tougher. In fact every mile of the race forces each of us to confront many of our worst fears, and certainly to push on when your body is screaming to stop. This is where experience matters most. The "rush" of adventure racing to me comes from precisely those opportunities to confront and overcome my fears and and to press ahead in the face of exhaustion and pain. It's a life lesson that I first learned off the course. I'd rather hurt than give up when I'm after a goal I've set my sites on. I've only found the great experiences (personally, professionally, and athletically) when I puhed on after I thought I couldn't. Shows you what you can do when you put your mind to it.
Finding the time
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 08:54:15 1999
For one year we trained together as a team three weekends a month, and two nights each week, on top of our individual regimens -- and we all have full time jobs. The military teams, just like everyone else, took their annual leave to compete. The time commitment to train to be competitive in so many disiciplines at the same time is formidable. All of us pay a high price, but folks with families and highly structured jobs have to do some fancy scheduling and depend on the whole-hearted support of the partners.
Rodger McFarlane
New Yorkers Unite!
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 08:58:33 1999
We were awfully proud of fielding a quintessential New York team. Four more different people you couldn't have found, and in an event dominated by teams of three heterosexual white men and one woman, we certainly LOOKED like we were from New York. Our apparent "differences" was the team's greatest strength, and is the best part of living and working in New York. Thanks for the hometown spirit! We'll do better next time!
Rodger McFarlane
Urban-challenged athletes/carli
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 09:04:11 1999
From our performance it was probably hard to tell that we were there to do our best, if not win. Although we live in NYC, each team member is a highly experienced wilderness survivor and world-class competitive athlete. Although we had never raced together as a team in Eco-Challenge, there were no wilderness "rookies" on the team. Guess it's hard to decribe in detail the pedigrees of the athletes on the course during the telecast, but rest assured I would not have crawled up the M'Goun Gorge in the dark with a bunch of mere city-slickers!
Rodger McFarlane
Rodger
by yuenli,
Mon Apr 12 09:16:25 1999
Hi Rodger,
Geez! You'd think they'd find a more flattering photo of us. Hope your are keeping well and maybe we'll see you in 2000.
All the best,
Yuen-Li
Yuen-Li
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 09:19:32 1999
You guys are the classiest team in the history of the race! Damn proud to know you and humbled by your spirit. See you in 2000! XXX RMC
Rodger
by blank4,
Mon Apr 12 09:28:04 1999
I want to personally say that while you must be disappointed with your early exit from the competition, you should be proud of the way you stuck together and worked as a team. You are an inspiration to all teams. I really hope you guys come back next year, more prepared and ready to kick butt!!!
Pam LeBlanc
Sticking together/Pam LeBlanc
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 09:43:37 1999
Thanks -- and you know it was hard. Humility is the lesson and it's easier to swallow when dished out by a course like Morocco and competitors of this caliber. See you in 2000! A million thanks for your good vibes.
Rodger
Rodger
by ccrow,
Mon Apr 12 10:25:54 1999
It was so motivating to watch your team compete. It's neat to watch someone who sees something they want out of life, and goes for it. I will keep striving to be the best in my sport of choice in part because of your teams tenacity!
Tenacity and inspiration/ccrow
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 10:58:43 1999
Thanks for noticing. The other competitors give me that same feeling. It's all in the quality of the striving!
Rodger
Rodger,exprience
by sbennett,
Mon Apr 12 11:23:20 1999
Rodger, I admire your teams struggle and wish you the best of luck in 2000. My question is this: How much exprience did you get from going to north pole for this race and are there any major differences you have found or similarties? Keep up the good work and see ya at the eco in 2000.
North Pole vs Morocco/sbennett
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 11:33:29 1999
Two immediate though not-so-obvious lessons from the North Pole. Navigation must be incredibly precise because all the topographic features are roughly the same size and look very much alike -- especially in the dark. Number two, keep moving when you're cold. There's just no way to get rested (or safe) when the air temp is much lower than body temp and you're standing still.
Less obvious similarities include that learned ability to put one foot in front of the other, particularly when you're not sure where you are or even that you can go on physically.
Patagonia looks like the North Pole to me -- only with altitude! I'm hoping for a hotter and lower climate in 2000!
Rodger
Rodger
by shanewink,
Mon Apr 12 12:24:32 1999
CONGRATS on you and your team's achievment!!I can't wait to see you all in 2000.You all have shown great courage and fortitude.What do you feel you will bring with you to 2000 that was learned from Morroco?
Looking to 2000/shanewink
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 12:42:07 1999
Thanks for your good wishes. We'll need them!
I think what we'll bring to 2000 are the same things we brought this year with one twist. We were supremely well-trained, well-equipped, and physically in peak condition -- and each individually with years of experience in the wilderness survival and in athletic competition.
What we lacked was experience racing together and -- some might say -- humility. We didn't know what we didn't know, and you only learn by trying. We plan to race as much as possible in shorter events during the next 18 months. We're qualified now to make entirely new mistakes, and plan to eliminate as many as we can before stepping up again to the toughest race on earth.
Rodger
Rodger
by lutimes2,
Mon Apr 12 14:59:18 1999
hey Roger
I cannot believe you did all of that!! i thought the eco challenge was just a iron man type thing when you were explaining it to us Can you guess who this is? i'll give you a hint... Rudy Galindo Actually this is the other daughter on her mothers screen name Well i'll talk to you later
Guess Who/lutimes2
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 16:21:13 1999
I can't believe all those other people did all that! Awesome, huh?
Tell your mother to call me! XXX Cousin Rodg
Rodger
by roberthyatt,
Mon Apr 12 17:01:35 1999
Rodger,
How much money,minus the training,did it cost you to oufit yourself and your team for Eco-Challenge?
$$$/roberthyatt
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 17:13:13 1999
We spent more than most teams, because we didn't own much of the mountaineering and kayaking gear, and we bought new mountain bikes. We also hired superb coaches for kayaking, cycling, and mountaineering. Now add travel expenses for four people several weekends a month during training, since terrain is limited in Manhattan.
Now add round-trip airfare to Africa, registration fees, and -- for many teams -- excess baggage charges for gear containers and bike boxes. You begin to get the picture.
We're talking tens of thousands of dollars for most teams to get to the starting line and, as you might imagine, sponsorships are rare and modest.
The pricetag is second only to the course itself as a test of your commitment! I might get tossed off the website for saying this, but among competitors, the race is fondly referred to as the Eco(nomic) Challenge.
Rodger
Rodger
by 51056,
Mon Apr 12 17:30:30 1999
LEAVE THE ECO-CHALLENGE TO REAL PEOPLE. IT'S NOT MEANT FOR A BUNCH OF GREENWICH VILLAGE WEIRDOS!
"Real" Eco-Challengers/51056
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 17:34:05 1999
I'll try to do better in 2000. See you there?
RMc
Training
by clamlice,
Mon Apr 12 17:47:18 1999
I've read all your messages in this forum to date, and I appreciate the promptness in which you respond to questions.
I am a big fan of the Eco Challenge, and enjoy watching the people who participate every year. I found it interesting that Discovery focused on your group so heavily on the first segment. I suppose an adventure group from NYC is an anomaly.
It was evident to me from watching the first episode that your group did not have the physical strength to compete in the challenge, particularly one of the females. She lacked the strength to carry the kayak to the ocean, and had to be assisted. You claim that your fellow teammates were qualified, and I question that.
Would you consider replacing any members of your team who do not have the physical stamina to compete in the Eco Challenge?
Good luck to you in 2000.
Clam Lice
Rodger NYC
by mountainbiker,
Mon Apr 12 17:53:46 1999
You should be proud of your effort. I wish I could have the operatunity to have gone as far as you and your team. Where are the races in 2000?
David G.
Physical stamina/clam lice
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 18:03:01 1999
The camera is a funny thing. It's obvious that Ilana struggles with the kayak at one point, but they could have shown the same picture of any number of other athletes that day. In fact, Ilana proved astonishingly strong over the long haul, especially after we continued on the course after Bill was rescued. All that camera time provides, I assume, human interest and drama for the telecast -- but also sets up world-class athletes to have their worst moments magnified in front of a large audience. Please don't judge Ilana (or any other athlete for that matter) based only on what you saw on the TV.
We'll re-configure the team for 2000, but not for any reason apparent in the telecast.
RMc
Location 2000/mountainbiker
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 18:05:29 1999
Traditionally the course is announced at the end of the next race. We'll find out at the finish line in Patagonia. Speculation runs fast and fierce among competitors, but it's speculation.
RMc
51056/Clam Lice
by denrusso,
Mon Apr 12 18:11:28 1999
I do not want to answer Rodger's questions here, but it seems that the last two messages question his [teams]abilities. From the two questions (actually one question and one foolish statment), it seems that neither have actually competed in an Adventure Race.
51056 seems has never competed in an AR, and if they do, I doubt will do as well as Rodger's team did.
Clam Lice - I think you really have to look at Adventure Racing as a team sport. What appeared as one team member not able to carry something, was really a team carrying their boats to the water.
I do not mean to flame on the forum, but I think we should keep all comments positive, so the Discovery Channel doesn't stop this service...
Rodger
by pvtpyle,
Mon Apr 12 18:49:05 1999
Why didn't the rest of the team go back to assist the lady having so many problems on the camel during the first event? I was shocked to see the rest of the team at the end of the event doing nothing.
100-meter rule/pvtpyle
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 19:03:21 1999
Excellent question!
The camel start was rehearsed for the cameras the day before the start. It became absurdly clear immediately to officials, wranglers, and racers that only the camels were in control.
Normally teams must remain within 100 meters of one another at all times. Race Director Mark Burnett suspended the rule for the camel leg, since staying together was impossible for every team.
We did not go back for Ilana because, by the time the rest of us arrived, we were getting regular reports from the crew that the camera chopper had her in-frame and on track.
Rodger
by niko7,
Mon Apr 12 19:17:10 1999
Good luck next time! Hope to see you guys out there again. First of all when I started watching this show, my adrenline started going up. I've always loved outdoor sports so my question is? How does someone get involved in a team for Eco Challange? How does one even begin to get the right information about doing something as incredible as the Eco-Challange? Thanks
What to do with all that enthusiasm/niko7
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 19:22:43 1999
Read my earlier entries about "getting started" and "qualifying for Eco-Challenge." Sure glad you enjoyed the documentary. Even better if it leads you to the wilderness!
RMc
hard questions
by tweederbrooks,
Mon Apr 12 19:59:54 1999
i would like to do one of these some day, how do you get a team together, get entered, and fund the race?
tweed@drexel.edu
"Simple" answers/tweederbrookds
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 20:07:52 1999
See the previous entries on "getting started," "Qualifying for Eco-Challenge," and "$$$." Don't spend a lot of money until you've spent a lot of time in the mountains and the in the water with experienced guides and instructors. RMc
Rodger
by jamesdande,
Mon Apr 12 20:12:14 1999
Hi,
I'm a 16 year old kid in the tri-state area who loves to backpack and Kayak. I am verry interested in one day entering expedition racing and was wondering if you had an email adress that I could reach you at to talk seperatly from the message board, Please email a response if possible to me at
Jamesdande@aol.com
Thankyou very much
Teen ambition/jamesdande
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 20:32:34 1999
Check out the Eco-Challenge website, and the magazines "Outside," "MetroSports," and "Inside Triathlon," just to name a few.
Sign up for some road races, group kayaking day-trips, and head for the mountains every chance you get when the weather clears up.
While you're still growing, it's also a great time to lay down a strong aerobic base and start putting on several extra pounds of lean muscle. Practice teamwork in everything you do. And keep the fire in your belly!
Good luck, bud! Do all that and then e-mail me when you're 18. RMc
Tri-State Area Racing
by denrusso,
Mon Apr 12 20:34:00 1999
For those of you who are interested, I have set up a calendar on my web page for races in our area (12 hour driving distance). You can check it out at http://www.geocities.com/pipeline/ramp/4469. There is also info on training meets in the area and info to join our email list serv (best if you want to be kept updated on future meets).
Hope this helps Rodger...
Teen ambition/jamesdande
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 20:35:56 1999
Check out the Eco-Challenge website, and the magazines "Outside," "MetroSports," and "Inside Triathlon," just to name a few.
Sign up for some road races, group kayaking day-trips, and head for the mountains every chance you get when the weather clears up.
While you're still growing, it's also a great time to lay down a strong aerobic base and start putting on several extra pounds of lean muscle. Practice teamwork in everything you do. And keep the fire in your belly!
Good luck, bud! Do all that and then e-mail me when you make 18. RMc
Tri-State training and race schedule/denrusso
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 20:38:57 1999
This man has initiative! Thanks for doing the homework, bud. RMc
Rodger
by rochellejones,
Mon Apr 12 20:40:41 1999
My young sons and I enjoyed watching your team work together. We were sad to see that you had to quit the race. But you did it with style and grace and no name calling. This was a very important lesson fo the boys to see. Not like the whiney teams that will go unmentioned. Even my five year old could recognize bad attitude. Now we're going to watch the second part. I have to go and get the pillows and hot chocolate ready. Hey, we're only watching...All the best Rochelle Jones
The youngest viewers/rochellejones
by rodgermcfarlane,
Mon Apr 12 20:55:28 1999
Wow, Rochelle. Pretty humbling to imagine kids drawing inferenceds from our behavior.
I'll think about that much more carefully the next time a camera is around -- and I'll mention the point to my colleagues. RMc
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