Calumet Region Striders Member Information

A Wild Adventure in Chicago

Once again, three Calumet Region Strider ladies (Jennie Hamilton, Cassandra Rozycki, and Jen Smith) persevered at the Wild Scallion; an Urban ADVENTURE race in Chicago. Although some teammates change, the end result didn't. It was a chilly, low 60's October day, but a beautiful one at that.

The team: Munchkin, Magellan, and Moo

Finish time: 7 hours 59 minutes 50 seconds

Definitely a challenge, the course had 100 teams of three covering many miles and a combination of disciplines. The transition area was located at North Avenue Beach, and teams were wandering all over the southern parts of the city. Maps and a description of each "check point" (CP) were distributed to teams one hour before the 10:00 start time. Volunteers along the route confirmed completion of every task. The three Striders strategically outlined their mission, took names, and kicked butt along the way.

The first task was for teams to make their way to the Sears Tower. Two racers were on foot, while the third was on a human powered scooter. Upon reaching the skyscraper, each team member completed their own task: Jen, less than a year after having son #2, climbed 46 flights, returned to ground level, ran to Union Station, shot some hoops, and ran back to Sears Tower. Cassandra made her way to the 62nd floor and back down to plan the strategy for the next stage. Jennie, the rookie of the team, was sent to the 103rd floor. She made it up and back like a real trooper. After turning in our check point cards, we proceeded with our scooter to Ohio Street Beach and back to the transition area off of North Avenue.

This was the first and last time during the event that teams were allowed in the transition area. Whatever was wanted or needed for the remainder of the race had to go with the team. Everyone loaded up their packs, hopped on bikes, and headed out for the remaining 6+ hours of the adventure.

The fearless threesome rode south on the lakefront bike path to "CP 8" just south of the Museum of Science and Industry. The next assignment was to head out on our triad portion of the course to answer questions about 5 landmarks in the area. For the triad one member was on a bike, another on the infamous scooter, and the third used in-line skates. Sticking together, the teammates covered about 8 miles in Jackson and Washington Parks while finding the required locations. Upon returning to CP 8, the team was instructed to do a little "coasteering" along Lake Michigan. Yes, the water was cold, and the waves were 4 to 6'. They assisted each other in climbing over the break-wall boulders and other obstacles for 1.5 miles. Everyone got wet and completed the race soggy shoes and all.

Back on bikes, the course took the team to US Cellular Field, Chinatown (the food smelled so good), and to the University of Illinois Chicago campus. Here they were instructed to orienteer on bike given only compass bearings and distances. After finding the 5 required markers the adventure continued.

The course took teams under the colorful Puerto Rico sign seen on the Chicago Marathon route, and up to Humboldt Park. The bikes were parked, and teams conduct a 3 to 4 mile on-foot orienteering course locating 10 markers along the way. Munchkin, Magellan, and Moo made it to this point well before the 5:00 course cut-off point. Upon completing the orienteering portion they discovered that they were the only all female team to make it to the park before the cut off time limit. Ah, victory in sight.

The energy needed for the 4.5 mile bike ride back to the transition area was fueled by the thought of the finish line being so close and the rations of food/gel that were left. Crossing the line together on bike, Jennie, Cassandra, and Jen celebrated a first place finish. The metals are beautiful and the prize pack including gifts from Rand McNally, Chipotle, Fleet Feet, Go lite, and Merrell I sincredible!

In all, from what I can calculate, each finishing team covered approximately 45 miles of ground. More information about the event, and a complete list of results, can be found at www.urbanadventureracing.com

Thank you Ladies for my third Wild Scallion Adventure!

Cassandra AKA Magellan