Transrockies volunteering

Since Monday afternoon (after our big sleep(s)) we have been spending our mornings volunteering at the Transrockies stage race. It runs from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek over 6 days. Runners compete in teams of 2, staying together for 2 to 6 hours to complete each stage. We're on "tent duty", helping to take down and put up about 170 tents for the runners to sleep in. One more big move tomorrow to Vail!

So far it looks like the organization is taking care of the runners (good course marking, good food, hot showers, a course with pretty scenery) and there are plenty of staff folks making sure things go well. John and I will probably never run the race ourselves for a couple reasons, mainly the high cost and the short/fast stages.

The more I see, the more impressed I am with the Grande Traversee des Alpes. Of course, that's just a different style of race - a small group of runners vs. a big production.

Some photos from our first several days...

Team "Old Goats":


Another dinner in the Leadville gymnasium:


Yesterday's finish at Camp Hale:


Our friend Nancy (from Hardrock trail marking) and her teammate Valerie:


The start this morning:


Go Nancy!


Helping put up the finish line at Red Cliff:


One of the 3 fastest lead male teams:


Some speedy lady runners:


More later!