Is Mountain RATS The Ultimate Adventure?

What is your definition of the “ultimate adventure”? Is it running on single track via the Continental Divide trail above 10,000 ft? Maybe beautiful high mountain lakes cold enough to make you hyperventilate? Maybe camaraderie with fellow adventures runners? Or could it be high alpine meadows littered with 6 or 7 different colored flowers? Better yet, trying to run with a backpack stuffed with 4 days worth of everything you need to survive? If any of these strike you as the “ultimate adventure” then Mountain R.A.T.S. must be put on your list for 2009.

24 men and women from as far away as Alaska took on Mountain R.A.T.S. stage race July 31st-August 4th in Steamboat Springs, CO. This stage race consisted of 4 days of running through some of the most beautiful terrain I have ever seen. The exact course was not revealed until the start, preventing even the locals from any sort of reconnaissance or stashing of luxury items. Everything that was needed for 4 days was to be carried on your back (minus sleeping bag). The minimum amount of calories allowed was 6000, but in order to recover 8,000 seemed to be a little more practical. Do I go with more calories (i.e. more weight) or go with the bare minimum in hopes of going faster? The race quickly turned into a strategic race for many of the top contenders but many participants just wanted an excuse to spend the weekend in the mountains.

The morning of day one the course was announced: Day 1 - 7.6 miles, 2200 ft. of vertical, day 2 - 24.4 miles, 3900 ft. of vertical, day 3 - 24.4 miles, 5300 ft. of vertical, and day 4 - 17.6 miles 2800 ft. of vertical. In all 74.1 miles and 14,000 ft of vertical in four days all while carrying 15 pounds on your back. Spot checks at aid stations throughout the day prevented anyone from abandoning any of the required equipment to reduce weight.

At the end of each stage, camp was set up amongst the pine trees with lawn chairs spread throughout the shade. Along with a big bath tub (lake) to ice the muscles and remove the one inch layer of dirt. Besides the swarming mosquitoes, the company was great! People came from all walks of life and were eager to share their story every day and night. The amazing new people I meet each and every time during these adventures continually fascinate me. Gemini Adventures provided reading material, cards, hot and cold water and a special treat the last night – SMORES! We had been scraping by with minimal calories, which made those smores much tastier - even for those who don’t like chocolate.

Reid Delman (RD) for Gemini Adventures did a great job organizing Mountain R.A.T.S. as he has done for all his other races. I participated in Desert R.A.T.S. earlier this year with a great experience so I was very happy to see the same support staff put in place for this race. This is a top-notch event that will spoil you for any and all subsequent events.

In the end, if you are looking for that “ultimate adventure” while being taken care of yet feel totally free then I suggest Mountain R.A.T.S. next year. In addition, this turns out to be perfect training for that fall 100 mile mountain race you’re planning. You will not be disappointed with the race organization, spectacular scenery, solitude, and camaraderie. I’ll be back for sure!

For more info on the Mountain or Desert RATS races, please visit www.geminiadventures.com.

You can also read more on this race from Scott's blog: http://teamfasteddy-fasted.blogspot.com/2008/08/mountain-rat...

Scott Jamie is a member of the Pearl Izumi ultrarunning team. He lives in Highlands Ranch, CO. In 2008, Scott has finished second in the Hard Rock 100, second at the Desert RATS Stage Race, first at the Mountain RATS stage race and fifth at the Leadville Trail 100.

All photos by Glen Delman