Defending Champs are Back

Justin "Biz" Bakken, Mari Chandler, and Brian Mayer at the 2021 USARA National Championship.

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The defending USARA National Champions in the mixed division have a new team name but maintained their winning ways at the Berryman Adventure race April 9.
Members Mari Chandler, Justin “Biz” Bakken, and Brian Mayer of Team Toyota Tundra won the 18-hour race on Saturday, April 9, their first race in the 2022 USARA National Point Series and their first race together since their win as WEDALI at the 2021 USARA National Championship.

“It was a tough race with good competition, but the course was beautiful,” said Brian Mayer. “There was ice forming on the boat as we paddled.”

The race started with a four mile trek to the canoes. By the time the teams got there, the paddles were frozen to the grass. With the river moving swiftly, the team opted for canoe paddles.

“We used the canoe paddles to maximize maneuverability because we didn’t need the power in the water,” said Mayer.

No teams were able to clear the course that featured over 60 checkpoints. Team Toyota Tundra traveled 92 miles in the effort and finished in 17 hours 46 minutes, just under the 18 hour cutoff.

“It was closer to a 24-hour course,” said Mayer. “We definitely had to work. The race directors did a great job with a ton of checkpoints.”

Their next race is the Chasin’ the Bone AR in Greenbush, WI, on the USARA NPS Calendar and they plan on racing the Maine Summer Adventure Race regional championship.