SOUTH BROOK, N.L. — Terry Croucher and Mathew Ingraham are first-timers to the Cain’s Quest race but they’re no rookies when it comes to snowmobiling.
The two represent the team 23 NL Boondockers.
Croucher, of South Brook near Springdale, teaches extreme snowmobiling and is a safety instructor for the Canada Safety Council.
He told SaltWire they love snowmobiling, but are also adamant about doing things safely.
“Cain’s Quest is not for your average snowmobiler. It’s an endurance race basically in all back-country riding in unknown conditions,” says Croucher. “You’ve got to adapt to those conditions.”
That’s right up their alley, he says.
“I average between 7,000 to 8,000 kilometres of back-country riding a year.”
Ingram is also a seasoned snowmobiler.
The emergency response RCMP officer from Baddeck, N.S. met Croucher while he was stationed in central N.L. over 15 years ago.
Croucher said Ingraham brings strength to the team.
“He responds in difficult situations and conditions. He’s mentally prepared and physically in shape, plus he’s a really, really good and experienced rider.”
The long-distance partnership hasn’t hindered them in preparing for this test of endurance.
Ingraham has come to Newfoundland several times this winter to train with Croucher.
There have been some setbacks.
Croucher recently tore the meniscus in his knee. He’ll be competing wearing a a knee brace.
Croucher says they’ve always followed and talked about doing Cain’s Quest and they finally decided to go for it this year.
“The challenge is what drives me,” he says.
He expects the biggest challenge will be the leg between Churchill Falls and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
“There’s not a real lot of snow in Labrador now and they have a lot of brooks and valleys and creeks you’ve got to get across.”
However, he expects that might even be an advantage for them, as they’re used to navigating in those conditions.
“The only goal we have in mind … is to go and enjoy the race, be safe and finish in qualifying time.”
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