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Fairchild team tackles 35-mile 'Ridge to River' relay

  • Published
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --   Six members of a Fairchild relay team -- dubbed 'Your Worst Nightmare Dream Team' -- took their physical and mental challenge to the next level during the "Ridge to River" relay in Wenatchee, Wash., April 18.

The Ridge to River relay was conceived in 1980 as a fund-raising event. Since then it has become a tradition for sport enthusiasts throughout the Pacific Northwest.

"The Ridge to River relay is a well organized event which has a division designated specifically for recreational military teams. The Navy, Army and various college ROTC teams usually compete. It is an exhilarating experience, whether just for fun or for a trophy," said Stanley Mrzygod, team coordinator.

The Fairchild team is made up of personnel from throughout the base, each with their own specialty. The race started off with Neil Anderson taking the three mile cross-country ski leg through up and down hill terrain. He completed the course in less than 18 minutes.

Ed Borromeo took on the second leg of the relay, the downhill ski. Mr. Borromeo started with nearly a 100-yard run before putting on his gear for two miles of groomed trail and giant slalom and downhill terrain.

Dust Hansen ran four and a half-miles down a moderately steep trail to the cycle leg of the relay. The cycle leg was the longest leg of the relay, consisting of 19 miles of alternating terrain. Eric Anderson cycled the course in 44 minutes and 57 seconds.

"I think our cycling leg was one of the fastest we've had in the 13 years I've been participating," said Mr. Mrzygod.

During the fifth leg, tandem canoe, Tim Ahern and Stanley Mrzygod paddled the nine mile river leg of Class I and II waters in the Wenatchee River.

The team rejoined for the final half-mile of the race carrying the canoe through the finish line.

The team finished second in the Pro-Corporate division, missing first place by only 28 seconds. The team will participate in two more relays this summer: the Yakima Gap to Gap Relay, June 6, and the Great Soap Lake Race July 10.