Posted on 06/26/08 5:24 PM| by team-admin
Howdy y’all from Xtreme Couture sherpa base camp… everyone is alive and well and getting just a bit giddy from the sleep deprivation, support crew included.  Teresa (a.k.a. yummy burrito lady), Kristen (a.k.a. OMG this dirty laundry bag is *&%#) and Rob (a.k.a. Papa Rob and Blue Boy) are chilling riverside by the Yellowstone watching another thunder storm roll in. We are in a 4 hour holding pattern before moving on to unsupported TA8 to retrieve the mtn bikes while the team is off on their 24+ hour trek through the Crazy Mountains. They have a lot of loose rock, slush and insane elevation changes to overcome in the next day or so. They rolled out of here (TA7, Ckpt 15) at about 12:30pm today Thu 6/26. We hope to see them by tomorrow between 12:30 pm and 6: 30 pm God willing. Some teams are anticipating this leg to take about 36 hours, due to the terrain and the VERY sore feet.Â
Everyone’s feet are doing OK. Suz’s are probably in the best shape. All have blisters and are very sore. Erich is taped up pretty tight due to a sore Achilles tendon on his right heel, but he is hanging in there. We’ll probably have feet closer to looking like hamburger after this trek. BUT, they are ALL smiling, eating, drinking, sleeping, and staying motivated and supporting each other like you can’t believe. And, there are many other teams in much worse shape.Â
As our friendly checkpoint volunteer Hans put it (use your best Arnold Swartzeneggar voice), “It’s going to get worse before it gets better.” And our new photographer friend Scott Jerzak put it, “This trek through the Crazy Mountains will be the breaking point for the teams to see who will be able to continue on.”
There have been several course changes and teams were not permitted back on the rivers at all so all the hard shell kayaking is out and they did biking instead. They set out on their trek from Ckpt 10 on Tue night at 6:00 pm and we didn’t see them until 10:00 pm last night, so 28 hours. They trekked through most the night Tue and tried to sleep a bit on the trail, then continued to trek most of the day Wed to their bikes at about 6:00 pm and got in to us at 10:00 pm. They crashed at about 11 pm and got up a 2 am for a 3:30 am departure today Thu 6/26. They actually beat us to the checkpoint by about 20 minutes, because they were FLYING on their bikes. They took about 6 1/2 hours when we expected 8-10 hours! Some other support crews fed and watered them until we arrived. The camaraderie between crews is awesome. We got to return the favor with a couple of teams that arrived before their support crews and gave out food & gatorade (hence Teresa’s new nickname Yummy Burrito Lady.)
The support team will try to get some decent hours sleep tonight, once we get more groceries and do some much needed laundry for the team (hence Kristen’s new nick name…). The back of the U-Haul trailer has that “not so fresh feeling” right now. :0)
Obviously, our sense of humor is still intact and spirits are high. Jen and John, we really need you, but are making due. If Pup’s dad Rob wasn’t here, it would be an entirely different story. Thank goodness for modern technology and the ability to use the computer, electricity, gas stove and microwave in the van. Rob didn’t know what he was in for, but we are CERTAIN it is an experience he will never forget.
More soon… keep cheering and posting comments. We also have a printer in the van and are printing them out for the team.
From the girls who make Sherpa-ing Xtreme, peace out!
June 26th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Thanks so much for the update. We are totally addicted to following this race. This is really incredible. Hang in there Teresa, and the entire support team. This would not be possible without all of you - we’re sending our thoughts and prayers your way as well. We found Team 44 in some of the pictures - LOOKING GOOD!!! Once again, we’re very proud of you - and Mark - Eric said you’d better finish in front of the “Dancing Pandas”!!!
Stay safe!!!
June 26th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
PUPSTER-
Following you every step of the way. Checking your progress every morning around 5 and every afternoon around 5. I’m so geeked-up on you and your team I’m charting mileage and TA stations on paper. My whole company is fired up on the updates every day(thanks Rob). Don’t ever “GRAB GRASS AND SAY TIGER”!!!
HAWK
June 26th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
It is so cool to watch your progress on the course. Erich can attest to me NOT being a computer person, and yet i check out what’s happening with you all many times a day.
Keep up the great teamwork and stay well and safe. We are cheering you on, from Morris, Minnesota!
cheryl
June 26th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
If the team cruises on the bike tomorrow like they did yesterday, we could see a nice shift in standings.
BTW, why the 2 hours at CP #15 (Otter Creek)? Team 6 came in a good 20+ minutes after Team 44, but immediately turned around and was back out, gaining that 2 hour lead.
Ah, yes the spectator critics, lovely aren’t we?
Keep up the awesome work guys! I’m getting worn out clicking the refresh button to keep up with ya! Our family has always said we live vicariously through Erich. Go E! (and team! and support crew!)
June 26th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Awesome update XCSBC! Pass on my hearty cheers and amazement to the team at everyone’s stamina and good cheer - living vicariously through your escapades here. I won’t be able to follow your progress for a day or so due to travel, but my heart, energy, hopes and prayers (and a healthy dose of competitive spirit) are with you all!
Later,
Hans
June 27th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Hi Gang,
Please send my best to them.
It will START to get hard now.
They will be beat.
KEEP THEM MOVING….but make sure they sleep. Double edge sword.
Don’t EVEN LET them talk, think or even JOKE about quitting. Don’t even talk about it.
IF THEY DO, let them stop for 3,6,12 hours if needed.
NEVER NEVER NEVER quit.
50% of teams in front and behind them will quit, or not make cutoffs.
With that weather, pack them LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT weight.
Becomes MORE crucial now.
…and keep the pain killer flowing;)
Paul Romero
909.553.9154
feel free
June 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Erich and team,
I have been following you guys (and gal) since Larry told me about this website. Keep up the hard work. We will continue to pray for your safety.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Hey Pup - Safe travels to you and the team. We’re cheering you all on from the sidelines. We are in awe of the entire team. God bless.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Hey everyone! I have been watching you daily online. You all are doing so great!!!!!! I even seen some pics! Moose and Maggie miss you guys so can you speed it up a little…. j/k. Lots of to you Markie and Marie! Keep up the good work to the rest of the team
Katrina
June 27th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Keep it up X-Men. I am praying for no pain and good weather. You guys are strong and if you keep at it will pass even more teams. Last I checked you r in 16th so DON’T GIVE UP. This is a race of attrition and you have what it takes to GET IT DONE!!!
LOTS OF LOVE FROM THE WEST SIDE. XOXOXO
Melissa
June 27th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
We are so proud of you! Watching the website daily, keep it fun. When you win this, you won’t have to do it again!!
Certainly enjoy reading the updates, Rob. What a great idea to keep us fans and groupies in the mix. Thank You.
Sharon and Wayne
June 28th, 2008 at 8:04 am
A word to our GIRL, YOU ARE AMAZING! Ok it’s 3 words. Keep those boys going strong. Team work is the key .Hope you’re feeling all the positive energy from us. Thanks again to the support team for taking great care of them and to Rob for the terrific updates. Love, Suz #1 fans.
June 28th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Mark,
Wayne took one look at the photo of the bottom of your foot and exclaimed, “He has toe main”!
Enjoying following your progress through your Dad’s diary. Perhaps a follow up to this is a book?
You all are doing so well. You are in our thoughts and prayers for a safe, yet exhilarating acomplishment.
Wayne and Sharon
June 28th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Hi Susie! This is your local drunk at the Falvey annual party! We miss you and I have been shamlessly begging Hugh Falvey to make me gin and tonics; what else would you expect from a drunk! Christine would rather be with you, but we both know she is lying because she is a lush! We miss you a lot!!!!!! Connie and the crew at the Falvey picnic!!!
June 28th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
you gotta be outta your friggin mind! How could you miss 15 cases of beer 15 pounds out pulled pork, hookers, fire engines and all the other fixins to go out and beat your body to death! I love you babe and I’m pulling for you!!!!!
Good luck
June 28th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
SUZY Q!!! I’m SO proud of you!!
Keep kickin’ ass out there… I know you’ll succeed. The last I checked, your team was 15 and that is AWESOME! Let me know when you have a little breahter because I want to visit the ‘burgh ASAP 
Keep on truckin’, as they say and kick some ass!!!! LOVE YA!!!!!
<3 Abby
June 28th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Hey Suzie, You are doing great. Wish we could all be there to cheer you on but we are cheering you on long distance. Hope you are feeling good and keep up the great work. Love you bunches and think of you often. Love, Aunt Gerry
June 28th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Hey SUZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO TEAM GO!! We are all here at Shawn’s, drinking beer and swimming in the pool. We hope you are doing great and kicking BUTTTTT!!!!!
We love you and wish you were here.
LOVE AUNTY E.
June 28th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Hey Suzy I keep updated through aunt Sue. I set up her back ground to your teams pic. She thought that was awesome. I wish you guys the best of luck and kick some butt. Love ya, miss ya and cant wait to see ya. Take care, Squash.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Mark and Team,
I see you are #15 rank today. Way to go!
Good to hear you’re doing to well and in a groove, of sorts.
We know you can keep up the mental strength as well as physical. Just look how well you have done so far. Awesome.
Our good thoughts are always with you. You will be over the finish line soon.
GFI.
Wayne & Sharon
June 30th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
HEY TEAM!!!
Suz,
On the phone right now with BEEEJ. Looking at what place you are in and 15th that’s great/!!!!! We LOVE you and miss you. Can’t wait to hug your neck.
Love you
BEEEEJ and Aunty.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
xy9wp93axp5opn5t