June 2024, the Bend Racing team took on the exhilarating challenge of "Raid the Rockies," a four-day stage race situated between the rugged and stunning terrain of Banff and Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. This race was a change of pace from their usual adventures. Its stage-race structure offered a unique experience, allowing them to rest each night—a luxurious departure from their typical race routine. With a new race format to the team comes new challenges and unforgettable memories.

Race Overview

The terrain of the Canadian Rockies was rough and technical, featuring a blend of trekking, packrafting, and mountain biking. The race runs along Abraham Lake, known for its spectacular rivers and methane ice bubbles in the winter. Every turn and bend has breathtaking views of towering limestone peaks and deep green valleys. With no navigational devices allowed, the participants can only rely on compasses, maps, and instinct. The race was designed to showcase the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rocky Mountains while pushing the competitors to their peak performance.

Challenges Faced

This North American stage race presented inherent challenges at every turn, whether it was powering steep inclines on mountain bikes or paddling through the swift, choppy rivers that carve through the Rocky Mountains. Not to mention rappelling down narrow and slick canyons from steep heights and water flowing down below. The demanding terrain tested the limits of endurance and mental fortitude, requiring competitors to navigate both the grueling ascents and the brisk and relentless water conditions with precision and resilience. One may think such a stage race with built-in rest periods would be easier, but for this team, the biggest challenge was adjusting to the sleep schedule. They were accustomed to the non-stop pace of expedition races where sleep was slim. Sleeping 5-6 hours a night seemed almost excessive and left them restless, with their adrenaline still pumping from the day's adventures.

A Reliable Companion in the Fenix HM50R Headlamp

While Fenix Lighting products weren't essential during the daylight racing hours, they played a critical role in their preparation. The team was equipped with Fenix HM50R headlamps, handy for their lightweight design, durability, and waterproof build. With its impressive 700 lumens, navigating a new environment every night made these headlamps an essential part of their race gear. It featured a USB Type-C rechargeable 16340 lithium-ion battery and a battery indicator, always keeping the team aware of their remaining battery power. The headlamp's additional red light mode was ideal for up-close tasks and preserving night vision, while the red flash function served as a reliable signaling device. The HM50Rs provided a sense of safety, knowing they had a reliable light source if needed for any situation. Fortunately, their team’s perseverance and speed allowed them to complete each day's leg before sunset, avoiding the need to use the headlamps for potentially treacherous after-dark racing. Nonetheless, the reassurance that came from being well-prepared was invaluable. They appreciated the durability of the Fenix lights, especially in the harsh conditions of the Rockies. For future races, they intend to explore easy boat attachments to enhance the stability and quick access of their lighting equipment.

 

The Finish Line

Raid the Rockies was an unforgettable adventure that tested the Bend Racing team's endurance and adaptability in one of the most stunning landscapes of North America. The race’s combination of technical terrain and breathtaking scenery made it an outstanding experience for the team. The Fenix HM50R headlamps provided a reassuring sense of preparedness that bolstered their overall confidence and success. Finishing in 1st and 2nd place with two teams was a testament to their preparation and teamwork. As they continue to push their limits in future races, having reliable gear from Fenix Lighting will undoubtedly remain a crucial part of their winning strategy.