Move aside world, it's Team Backpacker!

One of the most enjoyable aspect of my four days in Vail shooting the Teva Mountain Games, was hanging out with the Backpacker magazine crew. They were there to give the Ultimate Mountain Challenge a try. The team was, Shannon Davis on foot, Kris Wagner on mountain bike, Mark Harrison on road bike, and Ted Alvarez on... purple inflatable kayak. Shannon, Kris and Mark are all experienced in their event. Ted is the hero who bravely stepped forwards when no experienced kayakers were to be had.

I was unfortunately only able to shoot Shannon, Mark and Ted. I had to miss Kris's event because it happened right before the Bouldering World Cup finals, was in a very different place, and I already had my light gaffer taped to a fence post in a very sweet location. With such a scenario, I had three choices:

1) Leave my lights where they were while I run to try and catch the start of his race. This runs the chance of losing my lights.

2) Take my light down, pack them up, and then run over to try and catch the start of the race. This runs the chance of losing my aforementioned sweet position.

Or

3) Camp out until the beginning of the World Cup Finals. This secures my lights and position but means I lose out on shooting Kris's race.


I guess no matter what, I lose something. So I employed a rather modified theory Occam's Razor: All things being equal, the laziest solution is best. I stayed put. Sorry Kris, I do wish I had shot your event!

Great job Team Backpacker.




















More photos here.

Check out this video made by the BP team.