As for the mountains themselves, in 1991 Rayburn became the first person to climb the Pok-O Patch in a day in winter, making a solo round trip from Pok-O-MacCready.
In recent years, the college professor has participated as a trekker and a master, and has been active recruiting friends and family to participate at the event as trekkers, racers, volunteers and "friends". Rayburn finished his 46ers in 1982 with another race master, SATO.
There is no question that the best part of the Patch Sprint is to see so many friends in one place every year. The second best part is actually finishing the race and taking in the amazing view of the course from the top of Poko.
2. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF THE PATCH SPRINT?
My biggest challenge has always been that 4th mountain. I always have a respectable time up to the base of Poko, and then I run out of gas about ten steps past the registration box. Fortunately I always invite friends who are in better shape than I am to kick me up the mountain. Back in the good ol' days when I did my winter sprint, there was no set
order to the mountains, so I made Poko second (while I still had some energy) and finished on Bare. If I had my way I'd start on Sugarloaf and finish on Bare every time. Bare never psyched out anyone! (Except Joe McBride, but that's not a Patch Sprint story.)
3. WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING REGIMEN FOR THIS EVENT.
I get out the maps and think about all the little short-cuts that may save me a minute here or there. (I never actually end up taking them.... by the time I get to the ranger's cabin on Poko I'm too beat to take the short cut.) Last year I actually climbed each of the four mountains once in the weeks before the Sprint. This year I'm thinking
about taking up running. I know I've put it off until the last minute, but maybe I'll jog a mile tomorrow. (Maybe). I just got to Willsboro today, so maybe I'll climb Bare and Sugarloaf this week. (Maybe).
4. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE 2006 RACE?
Every year I improve my time over the previous year. My goal for this year is finish under 4:30 this time. Kathleen isn't running this year to help me keep pace (except maybe up Poko), so if you see me lagging, I give you all permission to yell at me. Andy Paine isn't allowed to yell at me unless he's on the top of one of the mountains. (Any mountain
Andy....)
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER DONE THE PATCH SPRINT?
The best advice is to stick with someone who knows the course (or who didn't stay up too late the night before). The other thing is not to over estimate yourself. If you aren't sure how long it's going to take you, it's no big deal to do an earlier start time. Better to get to the top of Poko a little early than to be starting up while everyone else has already started down.
