Gold Rush 24 Hour Challenge 2005

see results below.

The race started at Cherry Lake boat ramp deep in the Sierra foothills. Competitors paddled the calm early morning waters of Cherry Lake to picturesque checkpoints 1 and 2 among granite and tree covered shores. CP3 entailed a brushy climb above the lake. Returning to the boat ramp for the first assistance point, 'Team Dart' had gained a good lead and finished the paddle amid loud exhortations among themselves to even further efforts.  Teams left their boats and set off on foot  for several miles with a brief respite at the rappel site. Arriving at assistance point two, teams took to their bikes for a section of forest roads cycling and a long climb back to 5000ft after descending toward the Tuolumne River.

After dropping their bikes, teams hit CP 13 on an airy ridge before visiting ACP3 to change into hiking gear for the night ahead. After topping out on the ridge of Thompson Peak, by now in the dark even for the first teams, they followed an old rail road grade to CP 17 which led to a fun slip and slide crossing of a valley. The hike ended at a checkpoint where competitors bikes had been dropped by their crews. On bikes they headed to ACP 4 for real assistance. Teams then had the option of taking one or two bikes for a short loop. Views varied on whether the right decision was to take any bikes at all in view of the mix of forest road and poor overgrown trail that this section involved. After picking up the remainder of their bikes, teams followed a section of the historic railroad which had not been used in 100 years and was well camouflaged in places. A final hilly circuit of checkpoints completed the main bike leg to ACP 5. From there it was only a short hiking section and then a fast descent on good road to the finish.

Dart retained their lead throughout the race with 'Wellsport', 'Big Bear' and 'E-Camp International' unable to encroach. 'Bad Hair Day' and '40 and Over It' had strong showings to be among the six teams completing the full course.

Thanks to our registration host ‘Trailhead Outfitters’ of Modesto, the Stanislaus National Forest, Stanislaus Rugby Club and to our great volunteers.(Andy Olsen and son, Austin Stahl, Charlie Johnson,  Charlie Kharsa, Dale Ghaner, Dwayne, Brien Crothers, Greg Stahl, Gregg Franchk, Heidi Ryan, Jack Styer, John O'Donell, King Richard, Linda McFadden, Mike Ariza, Mike Scheutz, Ray Nichol, Rod Poulsen, Ryan Grether, Scott Nelosn, Tanya, Tom Grether, Warren)

Thanks from Team Karma