It looks like fun, but who other than professional racers can afford to race for a whole month?

The 18 hour race on the same website has me tempted. At only $200 canadian per person its quite affordable as well. I would need to get a better bike and lots of training time on it, but it certainly would be worth it.

Last year I officiated in a very similar (in distance as well as the bike/hike/canoe combination) race for teams consisting of 3 17-18 year olds and one adult teammember. I wanted to race it, but was badly needed in the officiating capacity. As it was we were severely understaffed being that it was an all-volunteer organization and the no-shows really hurt us. As the Time Official, I spent the day keeping just ahead of the front team. It wouldn't have been a problem except my car overheated going up the mountain, so I had to park it and bum rides to get to my destinations. It was certainly an adventure.

It would certainly be nice to see how a professional race is run in case I ever get asked to officiate again.

-Steve G.