P.P.P. Finally!

The "Pole, Pedal, Paddle" is a classic event in it's 37th year here in JH and is put on by the Jackson Hole Ski Club and is a big fun raising event for them. Chels works for the ski club and we are big fans and........, I had never done the whole event solo, so, this was the year to tackle all of it! It's a pretty gear intensive event as you can see! It consists of a downhill ski from the top of the tram to the bottom of the mountain, then a 10k nordic ski, followed by a 20 mile bike ride, and lastly, a 13 mile kayak.

There is a myriad of divisions ranging from "pro individual" all the way to "fun class" with all groups in between. I did the "recreation individual" class.

Damn straight, this group of brown bears was getting after it in the "fun class."

If you do the whole race solo you have to have a "support team" to help with the 3 transitions between events. Luckily, Chels and her bud from work Debby combined for a badass support team for me.
In the transition between dh ski and nordic ski trying to change in and out of gear as fast as possible after a non-stop downhill from the top of the mountain.

All the bikes getting ready after the handoff from the nordic skiers.

My nordic skiing certainly leaves a lot to be desired! I can do it, it's not efficient, more just sure willpower than finesse! I was already pretty tired at this point and still had 33 miles of pedaling and kayaking to go.

Astoria Bridge....and the finish of the race. It was sweet, after a morning of rain, the skies parted and it got sunny, warm, and delightful. Made me want to be floating on the river and catching fish instead of paddling as hard as I could!

Me, coming into port, stoked to be done, 2:48 later.

The winner of the mens pro did it in an astounding 2:22. I ended up getting second place in my division and 11th overall which I was pretty pumped on, but for me to compete better I would need to.....

1. Use a dh suit, and some skis and boots that the heel doesn't lift up!
2. Learn how in the hell to skate ski!
3. Commander a kayak that is fast. This is where I lost probably a good 7-10 minutes.
4. Ride a trainer bike in the winter.
5. Train?

Some of these things sound appealing, while others of them sound downright awful!

Debby, Jenna, and Chels, my cheering section.

Done, pretty exhausted and ready for a cold bev.

Some of the boats starting to filter in.

Well-earned Mimosas.

Thanks gals, you freaking rule.