Team Live Hard -- #57 To listen to audio on this page, you will need the free RealAudio 2.0 software. August 24 -- September 1, 1996

Injuries Force Withdrawal
The Mountain Zone has following Team Live Hard along their Eco-Challenge odyssey. Like most of the teams on this year's course, they faced a many-varied assortment of adversity. By day 2 the team suffered significant setbacks which would affect their performance for the rest of the race.

Unusually warm weather, combined with the energized pace early on created dehydration problems for Davor Novoselac who managed to continue in spite of his condition. That same day Klaus Behnert incurred a broken hand from a falling rock, but he too continued. A stress fracture identified by course doctors in Erin Bassett's foot on day 6 was the end of the official competition for Team Live Hard. Her injury was severe enough that course officials would not allow the team to continue with her. Like many other injury-plagued teams, Team Live Hard persisted without her unofficially until Friday night, at which point it was apparent that they would not be able to reach the finish line within a reasonable time. Erin's loss was a psychological blow to the remaining members: "After we lost Erin, the motivation level dropped dramatically," admitted team member Blain Reeves.

How did this race compare to last year? "They were both butt-kickers" said Blain Reeves, who commands a Light Infantry Company for his day job at Fort Lewis, WA. "But this year the tough part was the extreme elevation gains, and the weight from the extra mountaineering equipment we were required to carry." As challenging as this years event was - only three of the original 72 teams completed the designated course within the time limit, Reeves doesn't seem fazed. "I just can't leave the sport" he answers when asked about future Eco-Challenge events.

Klaus discusses in German, how he got involved with Team Live Hard.

Many of the Eco-Challenge teams are an international mix. Klaus Behnert, a native born German, has moved to the US and gained citizenship to pursue a marketing career in the United States. Hear him talk (in German) about participating in the Eco-Challenge. (Click the RealAudio icon matching your connection speed.)

Check out Team Live Hard member bios! Erin Bassett, Klaus Behnert, Dan Moy, Davor Novoselac, Blaine Reeves Support Team: Stuart Robinson, Brian Botteron

What does it take to be a member of an Eco-Challenge team? Check out these requirements, facts, and take the Eco-Challenge quiz to see how you fit in.

ECO CHALLENGE HOME CANOEING || MOUNTAINEERING || RAFTING || RIDE&RUN || MOUNTAIN BIKING FINAL RESULTS TEAM LIVE HARD PROFILE