After standing out it the pouring rain and 40 degree temperatures for four hours yesterday, I managed to learn a bit about taking action photos. I'd volunteered to help out the Valdez Summit 2 Sound race by taking photos of the cyclists as they came through Keystone Canyon, and then of the runners as the crossed the finish line. Volunteering to freeze was not on my agenda, but at least I hadn't had to ride down the pass in those conditions!
Valdez Summit 2 Sound is a four sport race. It starts with either a nordic or alpine ski in Thompson Pass (athletes choice; I don't know the distance, but I think the nordic is 4 miles). Then there's a 26 (28?) mile ride from the pass to Allison Point. Next is a 4-5 mile kayak across Port Valdez to the city dock. Finally comes an 8 km run up Mineral Creek Valley (this year it was shortened by 1/2 mile because there was too much snow on the road). Athletes can either complete the entire event solo, or can be part of a four person team.
I parked across from Bridal Veil Falls at Magdalena's (the race director) behest. I'm sure she wanted photos of the cyclists with the falls behind them, but there was no way to compose a photo that adequately showed both.
