Yogaslacker and ColdAvenger user, Andy Magness, recently participated in the grueling Arrowhead 135 Race in America’s heartland of Minnesota. Last year, he took a very respectable 15th place on the bike and this year took on a bit of a different role in this frigid race. Andy participated in this year’s race as a chaperon to his 17 year old pal and neighbor Tom Fisher. Tom was originally refused entry because of his age, and it wasn’t until Andy wrote a pleading letter to the race director promising to ride with Tom the entire race was he then allowed to race. Both carried their own supply of food, gear and water.
The Arrowhead 135 is a self-supported Ultramarathon through northern Minnesota that draws tough competitors who can choose to race via foot, ski and bicycle–their choice.
Andy recently blogged about some of the gear he used this year for the race. He did loan out some of his best gear to Tom and unfortunately for Andy, Tom really liked the ColdAvenger. So, Andy went without–how generous!
Andy Magness–”I got one of these (ColdAvenger Facemask) for the Arrowhead last year and loved it…I was glad that I was going to be wearing the mask again this year, but in the end gave it to Tom since after all I wanted him to have the best chance to make it, and that means the best gear. Besides, I wasn’t really sure how big of a difference it would make. It makes a big difference. My face and lips were frozen just riding the mile to the start line. I ended up making it to the finish with just a regular neoprene face mask and lots of vaseline and chapstick, but my face was always cold and I always wished I’d had two masks, one to lend and one to use myself. Next year Tom better have his own damn ColdAvenger.”
Yeah, you said it, Andy! Thanks for your support–sometimes seeing how bad it can be WITHOUT ColdAvenger is the best way to see how great it is WITH ColdAvenger. We’re proud of you for taking one for the team and helping Tom in this intense race.
To read Andy’s entire post click here.
More pictures to come of this glorious Winter and Wind event! The ColdAvenger has never felt so at home.
