For the past five years Pat Norwil has competed in some of the world’s most difficult ultra-marathon wilderness style mountain bike races. He is a semi-pro athlete who lives in Washington State's Methow Valley, quite possibly the ultimate area to live and train for adventure mountain bike racing.

Over the years he has risen through the endurance ranks, acquiring the skills and experience to become one of the best in the field. His obsession with pre-race details — the need to know equipment limitations, figure out logistics — is a direct link to his success. This past winter he successfully completed the Iditasport Impossible — an 1100-mile race along the infamous Iditarod trail in Alaska during the frigid winter.

For the past two years he has detailed his ultra-marathon exploits for the MountainZone. These first-person narratives give the reader a true glimpse into what the sport feels like, with both physical and emotional highs and lows graphically described.

My number one goal is first and foremost to finish, healthy and strong. Since I have never done a 17 day stage race I don't really know what to expect, but I am confident and ready. I am intrigued with the fact that few women have completed the entire distance. Outside of that, if it’s within my reach, it would be a treat to win the women's category.

I chose the Crocodile Trophy after hearing from two different sources how epic this event is. I have spent a good deal of time in Australia, but never in the central part of the country. If you have ever read "Tracks" by Robyn Davidson you can understand my draw to the magic of an odyssey of this kind.

I love a race that presents the opportunity to experience the culture and hospitality as I ride through the different regions; instead of simply racing around a generic ski slope. I am also drawn to the self-challenge of handling terrain and climates in which I don’t ordinarily compete. It will be fun sharing camp and meals with other wacky riders from around the world who share the same twisted idea of a great day on a bike. Besides, I needed a good excuse to attend the Olympics, get sore and sunburned during the race. Oh yeah, how could I forget the daily hit of endorphins baby.