So where do I begin?

Maybe with building a replica Lego sculpture at hour 14? Or perhaps the Greek translation by candle light…? Bottom line – my mind has been consumed with this challenge affectionately known as the “Death Race”

I was first tipped off to this idea of self inflicted test of mind and body by my friend Mark who gave this event a try last June. Then there are my co-workers who have been nagging me to try a shorter, much friendlier version of the Death Race. But I can’t be bothered with such weekend warrior type activities. My younger brother, Joe gave me the nickname “max” for a reason… Simply put I always have to do everything to the max, it’s just who I am. Whether it’s how I build things (who else would put 45 recessed light fixtures in a 1,200 square foot cape cod house?) or weld a support bracket for a stair case (that can support a Sherman tank), these are a few reasons why I got this nickname…

But of course in addition to my love for construction, there is also my unwavering pursuit of all things outdoor “recreation”…

I mean why go for a bicycle ride of any distance when you can just ride self supported from Baltimore to SanFrancisco…4,016 miles… On a converted mountain bike?

Why go snowboarding your first season ever in Vermont’s Green Mountains when you can just go to Chile’s Andes in August..and then proceed to charter a helicopter?

Why go backpacking for your first time close to home in the 2,500′ Appalachian foot hills when you could just take a month off and tackle the Colorado Rockies at 12,500′ on a self supported hike of the 452 mile long Colorado Trail…?

Why go rappelling at an indoor rock gym for a measly 55′ with a safety line when you could just go down to the New River Bridge in West Virginia for Bridge Day and rappel 876′ with one line…?

Why be a volunteer firemen forever when you can be a firemen in New York City…and endure a 16 week punishing fire academy program?

Why go to Stowe when you can hike the bowl at Tuckerman’s Ravine… And bring a keg of 11% beer with you to share with your friends

Why take a 22 hour rope rescue course in January, in Erie, PA…. When the class starts at 8:00 pm?

The aforementioned challenges I listed have provided some of the best experiences of my life. Some of the fondest memories during these adventures involved getting into a predicament and then successfully solving or enduring the problem… Like a broken bicycle wheel 150 miles from a bike shop in Colorado, or a lightning storm at 13,500′ in the Rockies with nothing but a nylon tarp for shelter… You see I thrive on adapting and overcoming life’s sticky situations… And this is why I want to take on the Death Race!!!

Please consider me for entry into this challenge. I feel that I am worthy of the challenge and fully understand the consequences that would await me… I think!

People have often asked me, why hike, why scramble up a mountain, why ride a bike that far?… My answer is always simple… The Journey… Not the destination…

Nothing in life has broken me. Man. Beast. Forest. (or Women.) please try to break me…

Very Respectfully

Anthony Wilcox

2012 Summer Death Race applicant hopeful!