Waterfalls, Hills, Slippery Rocks, and Family Fun at the Gorge Waterfalls 50k in Oregon

I've been lucky to race all over the world, but I really have not done much racing around the USA, so traveling to Portland for the Gorge Waterfalls 50k and a family spring break trip was a real delight. The adventure began in earnest with a solo flight with Wyatt, 3, and Lila, 1; Amy had already flown in for work. We arrived at the rental car counter to discover that my driver's license was expired. The rental agent and I looked at each other in horror while both kids continued the full-on breakdown they had now been on for a couple of hours. Moments like these can really make a guy look forward to the simplicity of running an ultra, when all you have to do is run and the only person you have to take care of is yourself--awesome! 

Thankfully, my buddy and former high school coach, Rob Wright, was already in Portland, and he picked us up at the airport. We enjoyed a couple of days at a rental house with Rob, his family, and the Erholtzes, who are also from Evergreen, before getting down to the race.

 I was not able to run down Mario Mendoza, who had a bit more speed on the flats, but I enjoyed the race anyway:

(also at http://www.uphillrunning.com/#!Travis-Macy-Post-Race-Interview-at-Gorge-Waterfalls-50k/c1hra/15DA94E4-CFFF-4766-87F9-B5AA83656092)

 Brandy Erholtz, who lives down the street, got the win in the women's race, so it was a good showing for E-town.  As I mentioned in the interview, I really enjoyed the course and would highly recommend this race.

Vitargo was awesome fuel, as always, and my HOKA ONE ONE Stinson Trails made for quick moves through the wet, technical stuff. The Ultimate Direction Jurek Essential carried all of my essential items, which consisted primarily of Vitargo in baggies and an iPod Mini with plenty of cheesy pop songs by Katy Perry and her contemporaries. Looking forward to a few more races in Colorado before heading to Europe for some others this summer!