What an adventure! I linked up with some guys from Sydney that I’d never met before (our team below), after a couple of phone conversations.
I knew we’d get along like newlyweds (in a manner of speaking… what happens on Geo – stays on Geo…right..???).
They should really call it a 72 hour race as the preparation starts a day early with this baby.
There’s gear to organise, maps to plot and cover, and food to be eaten (Hammer Nutrition products of course!!!).
Stripping Down To Our Undies
The night before the race saw us strip down to our undies (and some even less!!!) and wade through the icy waters out the front of the park to obtain a ticket to bypass a checkpoint out on the course.
Yes – many a guy’s “self confidence” had shrunk by the time they’d set foot back on land. 😉
Craig and Louise (the race organisers) should have had a swear jar at the top of Mt Yarrahapinni. There was many a choice word spoken as teams scaled the near vertical sandy slope with bikes on back for around 500 metres.
Crying For Mumma!
As the race wore on, so did the sleep deprivation. I never knew you could sleep while kayaking, but trust me – you can! It was more a case of “crying for my mumma” rather than
“opening up a can of whoop ass”…
Listen to Mike’s famous words about “Whoop Ass” here:
Perpetuem had helped me all through the race, but after 30 odd hours your craving a little variety. I’ll have to get on to Dave about making a “Fruit and Nut Chocolate” flavour… 🙂
“More Training Needed” An Apt Name
Not much room to write a full report here, but after 46 odd hours our team “More Training Required” finally crossed the finish line.
The first and only all male team to finish the race, but still some 10 hours behind the overall winners “Mountain Designs” – congrats guys.
Craig and Louise – The race organisers are to be congratulated for putting on a spectacular event.
Read This Bit
And to anyone reading this, at least read this paragraph in seriousness.
If you get a chance to do this race – do it. It probably won’t change your life, but you’ll have a great time with a lot of great people and trek some country that very few people will ever get the chance to see.
And you’ll learn how to Kayak while your asleep..!!!
Hope that’s been of interest.
Mike Page
Leave a Reply