THE PRIZED PULK

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THE PRIZED PULK

Written by Derrick Spafford

Wednesday, 22 July 2009 22:47

Competing in an extreme winter race like the BHP Billiton Rock and Ice Ultra (www.rockandiceultra.com) requires hard training, knowledge of the north, and a good pulk.

The Rock and Ice Ultra began on March 21, 2009 in Yellowknife, NWT. Participants could choose between the Diamond Ultra 225km six day, K-Rock Ultra 135km three day or the Cold Foot Classic 55km one day race. There is a foot/snowshoe and ski category in each race. Those participating in the Diamond Ultra must pull their supplies for the entire six day race in a pulk (sled).

For a winter race, finding or building the right pulk can be a daunting task. Surprisingly, the frame is the easy part. Many great racing pulks begin with a basic kid's sled before customizing it to specific needs. Some competitors choose to simply tie it around their waist with a rope, but there are other things that can be done to improve performance significantly.

Adding skis or dogsled runners to the bottom are effective ways of reducing friction while improving how the pulk tracks in a straight line. This makes a huge difference, especially as you add more weight.

Next, you need a reliable pole system to connect the pulk to your waist. Not only will this prevent it from swaying, thus putting less strain on your lower back, but will also prevent the pulk from overrunning you on any downhills. There is nothing worse during a long day on the trail, than having your pulk tell you you're going too slowly by trying to pass you or worse still, run you over.

The lighter the pulk, the better for racing; however when racing harsh winter conditions, you need to make sure that all of your mandatory race gear and additional supplies will comfortably fit inside. A three to four foot long pulk will probably be big enough for all but the most severe racing conditions or for longer races where you may need extra supplies.

The Prized Pulk Proper clothing for cold weather racing is most important, and you need to make sure to have backup and additional layers in case the temperature drops, or worse yet, you drop - through the ice. As well, a warm sleeping bag (-30C rated), bivy sac and emergency heat source are all items that should be carried in case of emergency. Extra clothing and equipment isn't much good if it gets wet, so be sure to use waterproof drybags to store your gear.

Staying well fueled and hydrated during the race is vital. Race nutrition for winter races isn't much different than for summer races, with the exception that sports bars, gels and drinks will freeze. Replacing sport bars with granola bars that are easier to break off will help keep you fueled over the long haul. Stashing gels inside your mitts to keep them in liquid form will give you quick fuel. Keeping your water bottle in an insulated bottle holder will help prevent your sport drink from turning to ice, but only if you keep an instant hand warmer inside the bottle holder. A thermos is also a good idea to have for backup.

In addition to food that will be consumed during the race, you want to make sure you have enough calories in your pulk for large breakfasts and dinners. Dried camp foods are light and convenient. Additional food items that are relatively light but give you lots of calories and fat are butter (added to meals), cheese curds and macadamia nuts.

Other important items that you don't want to forget to bring include a first aid kit, cooking gear (stove/utensils), GPS, headlamp, spare batteries and any other mandatory race items.

The final and possibly most important thing to add is a repair kit with lots of duct tape, because no matter how bombproof your pulk is, when you are racing in the north, anything can happen.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 04 August 2009 19:09

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