Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Girls on top are in
9:10pm
More invincible with Girls on top have just finished. Reinhard, Debbie and Anne descended the last of the hill under a clear night sky and have taken their position on the finishers couch. "Fantastic, beuatiful, amazing" is how Debbie described the final part of this journey. A stunning trek over the highest point in Australia was a brilliant way to cap off what has been a truly challenging expedition race. Describing the whole course, "great challenging navigation, amazing scenery, hard-arse bike rides".
Debbie's now eyeing up Jo Forbes pub meal and a move next door to order some food seems imminent.
Thats all the Kiwi teams in now, 4TC had to pull out yesterday after Dave became very sick although Grant and Danielle walked the final trek over Kosciusko unofficially this afternoon. There are plenty of other teams still to come though and they will be finishing over the next couple of days.
Securify finish.
Securify have just finished XPD 2008 in 5th place. They walked down the hill (the chairlift available to teams during the day had stopped running at 5pm) and took their champagne and place on the finishers couch to a cheering crowd. Nga Rakau were there too greet them at the finish and congratulations were given all round. They are exhausted but on a high from finishing. They didn’t have long on the couch as Team Caffeinated arrived shortly afterwards but we have all adjourned to the pub next door for a good feed and some beers. Securify recounted how the 2nd half of the race went for them. A mistake in the rogaine cost them an hour early on which dropped them back a bit on Nga Rakau. This meant they were paddling in the dark and in the cold wet conditions they stopped for several hours to build a fire and warm up. So they started on the last bike ride this morning and were on the final trek this evening. The weather has really cleared up now and they had fantastic views from the top of mt Kosciusko.
There should be a number of teams finishing soon, Girls on top should be on their way down the hill now so we’ll do another update when they arrive.
There should be a number of teams finishing soon, Girls on top should be on their way down the hill now so we’ll do another update when they arrive.
Gallery - Day 7 - Tuesday
Crossing the Snowy river (as in "the man from")
On the descent with mt Kosciusko in the background
doing some filming heading up mt Kosciusko
Blackheart celebrating their win
Monday, November 24, 2008
Gallery - Day 6 - Monday
Isak demonstrates the South African method of portaging
Nga Rakau near the end of the Kayak on lake Ecumbene
Teams had to ferry their bikes across this river
Securify.co.nz finish the rogaine stage
Gallery - Day 5 - Sunday
Girls on top ready for the restart
Teams assembled in front of the Tintaldra pub before the restart
Awarding time credits for amount of course completed when the course was closed due to bad weather.
Nga Rakau Finish!
Nga Rakau finished a few minutes ago here in Thredbo. They're relaxing on the couch derinking champagne, eating pizza and recounting stories from the race. They finished third after the restart at mid camp but should be 4th overall as Tangerine have a 5 hour bonus and should not be much more than an hour away.
Securify.co.nz on to MTB
Securify started the last kayak at 18:35 last night, and successfully negotiated it overnight ... good effort. They headed off on the last MTB at 08:00 this morning. That should leave them finishing sometime tonight.
Nga Rakau on their way down from the top now. Although it's gloomy down here in Thredbo, apparently it's clear at the top and views are spectacular.
Nga Rakau on their way down from the top now. Although it's gloomy down here in Thredbo, apparently it's clear at the top and views are spectacular.
Nga Rakau head to the finish
11:11
Stu just found Nga Rakau on their way up Kosciusko. 'Tired and sore but happy.'
That should make them 3rd to the finish, but 4th behind Tangerine on total time.
Stu just found Nga Rakau on their way up Kosciusko. 'Tired and sore but happy.'
That should make them 3rd to the finish, but 4th behind Tangerine on total time.
Blackheart.com.au Win XPD 2008
08:35At 04:50, team Blackheart.com.au crossed the line to win the 2008 XPD.
They were weary, but still in good shape after the trek over Mt Kosciusko. They spent a fair bit of time trekking through snow at the top, and said progress was slow.
and, since they were there in the early morning, missed out on the option to catch the chairlift down from the top of Thredbo that some other teams may be able to avail themselves of!
Blackheart / Salomon went through the Charlottes Pass TA (start of the last trek) at 03:50. They have not yet arrived at the finish.
Nga Rakau and Tangerine are both yet to arrive at the Charlottes Pass TA.
(Pic: Blackheart.com.au on the winner's sofa)
Waiting for the winners
02:45
We're at race HQ, waiting for the first team .. Blackheart.com.au ... to arrive. They've been through Charlotte Pass - the last TA - at midnight. Apparently the last MTB (60km ish) was really really tough... hours in granny gear, and foggy on the descents. The last trek has been shortened (as decided at midcamp) to around 15km, so they should be here any time.
We last saw Nga Rakau at the end of the kayak across Lake Eucumbene. They were 3rd to arrive (although still 4th on time behind Tangerine) at 19:10. Their bike boxes were not at the TA when they arrived - eventually arriving about an hour and a half later, which was not ideal as they would have probably preferred to make use of the remaining daylight. However, they took the opportunity to catch some sleep, which will be useful before the tough MTB leg.
securify.co.nz set off on the kayak at 19:30. They will have a tough time; Stu caught a lift in the safety boat all the way to the top of the lake, and said it will be really cold on the water tonight, and the navigation in the dark will be tricky. There is also apparently a little section of rapids at the top of the lake which won't be easy in the dark, not to mention the line of exposed stakes across the lake near the top - well documented, but they still caught out Tangerine, who holed one of their boats and had to go back for a replacement.
4TC .. seems Dave didn't make it out of the rogaine TA. We understand they're catching a lift to Charlotte Pass so they can do the last trek over Kosciusko.
Time to catch a few zzz's before Blackheart arrive.
We're at race HQ, waiting for the first team .. Blackheart.com.au ... to arrive. They've been through Charlotte Pass - the last TA - at midnight. Apparently the last MTB (60km ish) was really really tough... hours in granny gear, and foggy on the descents. The last trek has been shortened (as decided at midcamp) to around 15km, so they should be here any time.
We last saw Nga Rakau at the end of the kayak across Lake Eucumbene. They were 3rd to arrive (although still 4th on time behind Tangerine) at 19:10. Their bike boxes were not at the TA when they arrived - eventually arriving about an hour and a half later, which was not ideal as they would have probably preferred to make use of the remaining daylight. However, they took the opportunity to catch some sleep, which will be useful before the tough MTB leg.
securify.co.nz set off on the kayak at 19:30. They will have a tough time; Stu caught a lift in the safety boat all the way to the top of the lake, and said it will be really cold on the water tonight, and the navigation in the dark will be tricky. There is also apparently a little section of rapids at the top of the lake which won't be easy in the dark, not to mention the line of exposed stakes across the lake near the top - well documented, but they still caught out Tangerine, who holed one of their boats and had to go back for a replacement.
4TC .. seems Dave didn't make it out of the rogaine TA. We understand they're catching a lift to Charlotte Pass so they can do the last trek over Kosciusko.
Time to catch a few zzz's before Blackheart arrive.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Progress on Day 6
16:00
We eventually left the TA at the end of the rogaine at around 14:00. By then, 8 teams were still to finish the rogaine.
securify.co. nz had a couple of nav issues on the rogaine, and arrived at the TA at 12:30. Colin is limping and Dave is feeling slightly crook, but they're toughing it out.
4TC were about to leave transition, when Dave's stomach upset kicked in again, and they revised their plan to leave; deciding instead to take a sleep in the TA and give him a chance to recover.
Further along the course, at the start of the leg 11 kayak (across Lake Eucumbene), teams to arrive so far are:
Blackheart.com.au in 10:07 out 11:00
Blackheart / Salomon in 10:26 out 11:56
Nga Rakau in 12:55 out 13:55
Tangerine in 13:25 out 14:49
Mawson in 15:17
We have the keys to the tinny, which we're supposed to be delivering to the S&R guy at the bottom of the lake. We intend to hand them over only in exchange for a ride up the lake in the boat ...
We eventually left the TA at the end of the rogaine at around 14:00. By then, 8 teams were still to finish the rogaine.
securify.co. nz had a couple of nav issues on the rogaine, and arrived at the TA at 12:30. Colin is limping and Dave is feeling slightly crook, but they're toughing it out.
4TC were about to leave transition, when Dave's stomach upset kicked in again, and they revised their plan to leave; deciding instead to take a sleep in the TA and give him a chance to recover.
Further along the course, at the start of the leg 11 kayak (across Lake Eucumbene), teams to arrive so far are:
Blackheart.com.au in 10:07 out 11:00
Blackheart / Salomon in 10:26 out 11:56
Nga Rakau in 12:55 out 13:55
Tangerine in 13:25 out 14:49
Mawson in 15:17
We have the keys to the tinny, which we're supposed to be delivering to the S&R guy at the bottom of the lake. We intend to hand them over only in exchange for a ride up the lake in the boat ...
Stu’s report of the rogaine.
The rogaine was approx 25km of rolling to steeper terrain mostly on tracks with some shortcuts through eucalypt forest. It was a really nice stage, I headed out about an hour or so before the first teams arrived at the TA. It was fast travel on the fire trails catching the odd glimpse of brumbies and roos running or jumping beside the tracks. The off trail pieces were a good chance for good navigation to gain some time as taking the track option was usually 3 or 4 times longer. Most of the off trail was relatively good going picking up the odd brumbie trail but a few sections were full of fallen trees and slow going. As I gained altitude patches of snow appeared and by the time I reached the top of pilot mountain there was a good 15cm cover on the ground. Very cool. Can’t let an opportunity like that go to waste so snowman construction began . Halfway through construction 4TC came up the track. They were traveling well and were in good spirits and stopped for a chat before carrying on to their 2nd CP. They were traveling anti-clockwise like Girls on top while Nga Rakau, Securify (and myself) went clockwise. Teams had to collect 6 out of 7 controls although all so far have opted to skip control C which is significantly out of the way. Girls on top were next to the top of the hill just as construction was completed. They stopped for a few photos with frosty before carrying on. Nga Rakau and Securify would have been behind me but as I was near frozen by this stage I headed back to TA. A few teams were having some difficulty finding their first (my last) CP making lots of confusing tracks in the process but most seemed to work it out eventually. A quick run back to TA where I thought I would get 3 or 4 hours sleep before Nga Rakau came in but it was more like 2 – they are going great!
Will head off for the next TA (bike to kayak) soon but might have a quick bike up the hill first to see some of the snow in the daytime and see if Frosty survived the night.
Note: as I walk up the hill to sent this, 4TC just arrived at the TA (approx 10am). Dave having spent the night with a few stomach issues.
(Pic: Girls on Top with Frosty the Snowman)
Race Underway Again
At 7pm last night, teams gathered outside the Tintalga pub for the race restart. The atmosphere was buzzing; everyone was keen to get underway again.
Some course changes have been made. The alpine trek (leg 10) involving sections of cross-country over Tantangara Mountain has had to be cancelled, due to drifting snow up to 1.5 metres in places. This means a longer bike leg from the end of the orienteering section through to the leg 11 kayak on Lake Eucumbene. The kayak is subject to wind conditions on the lake (the weather is much more settled today, but we won’t know until later today whether it’s on). If the kayak is cancelled, the race will finish at the end of the bike. And after that, the last trek (over Kosciusko) has been shortened significantly to bypass some of the more snow-affected areas.
Time bonuses have been allocated to the teams who were stopped on the course beyond CP9. The adjustments were roughly:
- blackheart.com.au +22 hours
- Blackheart / Salomon + 12 hours
- Tangerine + 11 hours
- 4TC + 9 hours
- securify.co.nz + 6 hours
- Nga Rakau + 5.45 hours
- About 6 other teams with bonuses between 2 and 3 hours
It could be argued that the bonuses were not quite sufficient to compensate the teams for the up to 15 extra hours they spent getting to CP9A, but no system was ever going to be perfect, and the main issue is still getting to the finish line with the team intact.
Teams headed off from the pub in order of their current placings, at 30 second intervals to avoid a big bunch ride down the road. The adrenalin was flowing and the pace when we saw them come through the town of Tooma was pretty hot.
The black clouds were still hanging over the hills, but although it is still really cold, I think there was only patches of drizzle on the bike. We headed up to the bike transition, which was also the transition for the 25km orienteering loop, sliding our way down a clay track in the 4WD to the campsite. (Don’t know how the truck made it down here, but once he was out he wasn’t coming back in again, so the competitors now have to carry their transition bin with them 300m back up to the road when they leave).
Blackheart.com.au were first into CP14 at 23:16, with Blackheart / Salomon clinging to their wheels, then ..
Blackheart.com.au 23:16
Blackheart / Salomon 23:16
Austrelaps 23:40
Nga Rakau 00:13
Tangerine 00:13
Outdoor Australia 00:18
Yogi Bears 00:18
Securify.co.nz 00:23
Cyclepath 00:35
Gurus 00:36
Bull of Africa 00:47
Caffeinated 00:58
Muppets 00:57
Girls on Top 00:59
Bigfish 01:01
Starfactor 01:04
+11 others
The rogaine / orienteering section requires teams to collect 6 of 7 CPs. Stu headed off on foot before the first team arrived (to make sure Craig had put the controls in the right place he said!)
First back were the two Blackheart teams, the second Blackheart team having put themselves in a position to possible being able to take advantage of Rob Preston’s famed orienteering skills. Next were Nga Rakau, (Tim’s navigation has always been good, but last year he and Mark had a bit of a ‘mare on the rogaine leg, … this time Tim nailed it.) Tangerine were next – they also have a couple of team members with reputations as top orienteers / rogainers.
So, at this stage (9:20am), into CP14 were
Blackheart.com.au in 05:24 out 05:46
Blackheart / Salomon in 05:24 out 05:46
Nga Rakau in 07:38 out 07:58
Tangerine in 07:57 out 08:17
Mawson in 09:04
Sutmap Bean in 09:09
Some course changes have been made. The alpine trek (leg 10) involving sections of cross-country over Tantangara Mountain has had to be cancelled, due to drifting snow up to 1.5 metres in places. This means a longer bike leg from the end of the orienteering section through to the leg 11 kayak on Lake Eucumbene. The kayak is subject to wind conditions on the lake (the weather is much more settled today, but we won’t know until later today whether it’s on). If the kayak is cancelled, the race will finish at the end of the bike. And after that, the last trek (over Kosciusko) has been shortened significantly to bypass some of the more snow-affected areas.
Time bonuses have been allocated to the teams who were stopped on the course beyond CP9. The adjustments were roughly:
- blackheart.com.au +22 hours
- Blackheart / Salomon + 12 hours
- Tangerine + 11 hours
- 4TC + 9 hours
- securify.co.nz + 6 hours
- Nga Rakau + 5.45 hours
- About 6 other teams with bonuses between 2 and 3 hours
It could be argued that the bonuses were not quite sufficient to compensate the teams for the up to 15 extra hours they spent getting to CP9A, but no system was ever going to be perfect, and the main issue is still getting to the finish line with the team intact.
Teams headed off from the pub in order of their current placings, at 30 second intervals to avoid a big bunch ride down the road. The adrenalin was flowing and the pace when we saw them come through the town of Tooma was pretty hot.
The black clouds were still hanging over the hills, but although it is still really cold, I think there was only patches of drizzle on the bike. We headed up to the bike transition, which was also the transition for the 25km orienteering loop, sliding our way down a clay track in the 4WD to the campsite. (Don’t know how the truck made it down here, but once he was out he wasn’t coming back in again, so the competitors now have to carry their transition bin with them 300m back up to the road when they leave).
Blackheart.com.au were first into CP14 at 23:16, with Blackheart / Salomon clinging to their wheels, then ..
Blackheart.com.au 23:16
Blackheart / Salomon 23:16
Austrelaps 23:40
Nga Rakau 00:13
Tangerine 00:13
Outdoor Australia 00:18
Yogi Bears 00:18
Securify.co.nz 00:23
Cyclepath 00:35
Gurus 00:36
Bull of Africa 00:47
Caffeinated 00:58
Muppets 00:57
Girls on Top 00:59
Bigfish 01:01
Starfactor 01:04
+11 others
The rogaine / orienteering section requires teams to collect 6 of 7 CPs. Stu headed off on foot before the first team arrived (to make sure Craig had put the controls in the right place he said!)
First back were the two Blackheart teams, the second Blackheart team having put themselves in a position to possible being able to take advantage of Rob Preston’s famed orienteering skills. Next were Nga Rakau, (Tim’s navigation has always been good, but last year he and Mark had a bit of a ‘mare on the rogaine leg, … this time Tim nailed it.) Tangerine were next – they also have a couple of team members with reputations as top orienteers / rogainers.
So, at this stage (9:20am), into CP14 were
Blackheart.com.au in 05:24 out 05:46
Blackheart / Salomon in 05:24 out 05:46
Nga Rakau in 07:38 out 07:58
Tangerine in 07:57 out 08:17
Mawson in 09:04
Sutmap Bean in 09:09
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Race Restart
Sunday 13:00
The pub and general store / cafe were a frenzy of activity last night, as they catered for the whole contingent. The Tintaldra hall was full of race boxes and sleeping bags; all the race tents were full to bursting, and several teams had checked into the cabins at the holiday park (including Nga Rakau & 4TC).
The racers gathered at 10am this morning, and Craig announced that the race would restart from Tintaldra at 18:00 tonight. It will restart from leg 8, and continue on the original course from midcamp.
There is still more rain forecast for tonight, but the weather is due to clear tomorrow. The hills out to the east are all blanketed in snow.
Craig is yet to announce what time penalties he will impose for teams taken off the course at the various checkpoints.
The standings are currently:
1. blackheart.com.au
2. Blackheart / Salomon
3. Tangerine
Bull of Africa (unranked)
4TC (unranked)
4. securify.co.nz (a couple of niggling injuries but looking good)
5. Nga Rakau (Fi's knee injury is causing a fair amount of concern)
Austrelaps (unranked)
Girls on Top
6. The Gurus
7. Outdoor Australia
+ remaining teams all unranked
Further note to yesterday's stories... on hearing of Nga Rakau's and Girls on Top experience at Mary's place, Colin (securify.co.nz) was unimpressed ... he said their spot on the concrete behind the classroom at the little primary school was particularly good, and when they woke up, they trashed themselves with sticks then continued on their way ...
The pub and general store / cafe were a frenzy of activity last night, as they catered for the whole contingent. The Tintaldra hall was full of race boxes and sleeping bags; all the race tents were full to bursting, and several teams had checked into the cabins at the holiday park (including Nga Rakau & 4TC).
The racers gathered at 10am this morning, and Craig announced that the race would restart from Tintaldra at 18:00 tonight. It will restart from leg 8, and continue on the original course from midcamp.
There is still more rain forecast for tonight, but the weather is due to clear tomorrow. The hills out to the east are all blanketed in snow.
Craig is yet to announce what time penalties he will impose for teams taken off the course at the various checkpoints.
The standings are currently:
1. blackheart.com.au
2. Blackheart / Salomon
3. Tangerine
Bull of Africa (unranked)
4TC (unranked)
4. securify.co.nz (a couple of niggling injuries but looking good)
5. Nga Rakau (Fi's knee injury is causing a fair amount of concern)
Austrelaps (unranked)
Girls on Top
6. The Gurus
7. Outdoor Australia
+ remaining teams all unranked
Further note to yesterday's stories... on hearing of Nga Rakau's and Girls on Top experience at Mary's place, Colin (securify.co.nz) was unimpressed ... he said their spot on the concrete behind the classroom at the little primary school was particularly good, and when they woke up, they trashed themselves with sticks then continued on their way ...
Teams who do the whole course have the best stories
There’s some great stories from the teams who pushed on with the 210km MTB.
Nga Rakau struggled through the first section (which included a climb of over 800m with a fair amount of bike push – which was testing Fi’s injured knee severely). They eventually arrived at the small town of Eskdale late at night, stopping at the pub only to have Mary O’Leary from the pub tell them that the kitchen had just closed…but .. they could come to her place.
She made them hot food and coffee, and offered them beds. They felt they couldn’t take the beds in their filthy state, but gratefully accepted the offer of the lovely soft shag-pile carpet on the lounge floor. They planned to sleep for an hour and a half, but when Fi woke them, the rain was bucketing down, and they decided to sleep for another hour. Mary woke them just after to say that they’d had their hour and a half, but they told her they were waiting another hour. She apologized and tip-toed back out, and when they got up an hour later (around 3am), she was just taking the chocolate croissants out of the oven, and pouring out cups of hot chocolate.
And, earlier, when they’d been eating Mary’s dinner, the town drunk stumbled across the road from the pub, leading the Girls on Top, and slurred to Mary that he’d ‘found three more’. She welcomed them in too, and they snapped up the offer of the beds.
While everyone had been sleeping, and the rain had started, she’d moved her car out of the garage and brought all their gear and bikes off the lawn and into the garage.
As Nga Rakau were about to leave, the Yogi Bears arrived. They were wet and filthy, and said they couldn’t go in her house in that state. But as Nga Rakau left, they were stripping off their dirty gear, and taking up the recently vacated spot on the lounge floor.
Nga Rakau struggled through the first section (which included a climb of over 800m with a fair amount of bike push – which was testing Fi’s injured knee severely). They eventually arrived at the small town of Eskdale late at night, stopping at the pub only to have Mary O’Leary from the pub tell them that the kitchen had just closed…but .. they could come to her place.
She made them hot food and coffee, and offered them beds. They felt they couldn’t take the beds in their filthy state, but gratefully accepted the offer of the lovely soft shag-pile carpet on the lounge floor. They planned to sleep for an hour and a half, but when Fi woke them, the rain was bucketing down, and they decided to sleep for another hour. Mary woke them just after to say that they’d had their hour and a half, but they told her they were waiting another hour. She apologized and tip-toed back out, and when they got up an hour later (around 3am), she was just taking the chocolate croissants out of the oven, and pouring out cups of hot chocolate.
And, earlier, when they’d been eating Mary’s dinner, the town drunk stumbled across the road from the pub, leading the Girls on Top, and slurred to Mary that he’d ‘found three more’. She welcomed them in too, and they snapped up the offer of the beds.
While everyone had been sleeping, and the rain had started, she’d moved her car out of the garage and brought all their gear and bikes off the lawn and into the garage.
As Nga Rakau were about to leave, the Yogi Bears arrived. They were wet and filthy, and said they couldn’t go in her house in that state. But as Nga Rakau left, they were stripping off their dirty gear, and taking up the recently vacated spot on the lounge floor.
Tintaldra – population 20 + 150 XPD racers
The XPD is on hold as the weather takes control of the race.
CP8 (TA4) was the end of the leg 4 kayak section, and the start of the 210km leg 6 mountainbike. By around 5pm yesterday (Friday), 8 teams had headed out on their bikes. All the teams still on the full course bar one had left, and a steady stream of the short-coursed teams were arriving at the TA. All teams were warned to be prepared for the severe weather that was forecast to hit first overnight, then again on Saturday afternoon.
The weather at that stage was still fine and clear, but the length of the leg and the severity of the storm warnings were fazing many of the teams, and the longer they stood around and thought about it, the more apprehensive some became. (Note that at this stage, all the Kiwi teams had gathered up their warmest gear and quantities of food and headed out).
The remaining teams called a conference with Craig and Louise, and various people voiced their concerns. A number wanted to be transported to mid-camp to continue from there. Craig was unimpressed with that suggestion, and encouraged teams to remember that they were there for the journey, and to break the MTB down into sections, rather than thinking of it as one massive 210km ride. (There were several little towns along the way). He eventually offered a short-course option to the MTB, which would have cut around 50km off the last section, including two significant climbs. He left the teams to make their own decisions at that point.
Overnight, four teams left the TA at various intervals. Some squalls passed through during the night, but in the morning the weather was still fine. However, by 6am, around 17 teams were still at the CP, and the revised forecast had forced the organisers’ hands; in the 6am forecast, the storm had contracted and intensified, and they felt that the safety issues of having that remaining number of relatively inexperienced teams leaving after that point and being spread over a fairly remote section of the course was too dangerous.
At that stage, their backup plan swung into action, and teams were transported by bus to the mid-camp (Tintaldra Hall). All the checkpoint officials from that point onwards were instructed to stop arriving teams where they were, and wait for a pick-up to mid-camp.
In the meantime, blackheart.com.au had powered through the MTB course, and arrived at the start of the Murray River kayak section at around 5am. The lack of comms at that CP meant that the message to leave the course didn’t make it, and they slept until 7am, then headed off on the paddle. (They have just arrived at mid-camp at around 3pm).
The other teams were stopped at various points..
- Blackheart / Salomon and Tangerine – had already left CP10, so continued to the end of the MTB
- Bull of Africa (UR) and 4TC (UR) were stopped at CP10
- Securify.co.nz, Nga Rakau, Girls on Top, Australaps, Yogi Bears (UR), Mawson and Goldfish (UR) were stopped at CP9A (plus maybe 3 others)
- The remaining teams went straight from CP8 to midcamp
At this stage, we’re here for at least 24 hours; more news in the briefing at 6pm on when the race will restart, and whether any course changes will be made.
CP8 (TA4) was the end of the leg 4 kayak section, and the start of the 210km leg 6 mountainbike. By around 5pm yesterday (Friday), 8 teams had headed out on their bikes. All the teams still on the full course bar one had left, and a steady stream of the short-coursed teams were arriving at the TA. All teams were warned to be prepared for the severe weather that was forecast to hit first overnight, then again on Saturday afternoon.
The weather at that stage was still fine and clear, but the length of the leg and the severity of the storm warnings were fazing many of the teams, and the longer they stood around and thought about it, the more apprehensive some became. (Note that at this stage, all the Kiwi teams had gathered up their warmest gear and quantities of food and headed out).
The remaining teams called a conference with Craig and Louise, and various people voiced their concerns. A number wanted to be transported to mid-camp to continue from there. Craig was unimpressed with that suggestion, and encouraged teams to remember that they were there for the journey, and to break the MTB down into sections, rather than thinking of it as one massive 210km ride. (There were several little towns along the way). He eventually offered a short-course option to the MTB, which would have cut around 50km off the last section, including two significant climbs. He left the teams to make their own decisions at that point.
Overnight, four teams left the TA at various intervals. Some squalls passed through during the night, but in the morning the weather was still fine. However, by 6am, around 17 teams were still at the CP, and the revised forecast had forced the organisers’ hands; in the 6am forecast, the storm had contracted and intensified, and they felt that the safety issues of having that remaining number of relatively inexperienced teams leaving after that point and being spread over a fairly remote section of the course was too dangerous.
At that stage, their backup plan swung into action, and teams were transported by bus to the mid-camp (Tintaldra Hall). All the checkpoint officials from that point onwards were instructed to stop arriving teams where they were, and wait for a pick-up to mid-camp.
In the meantime, blackheart.com.au had powered through the MTB course, and arrived at the start of the Murray River kayak section at around 5am. The lack of comms at that CP meant that the message to leave the course didn’t make it, and they slept until 7am, then headed off on the paddle. (They have just arrived at mid-camp at around 3pm).
The other teams were stopped at various points..
- Blackheart / Salomon and Tangerine – had already left CP10, so continued to the end of the MTB
- Bull of Africa (UR) and 4TC (UR) were stopped at CP10
- Securify.co.nz, Nga Rakau, Girls on Top, Australaps, Yogi Bears (UR), Mawson and Goldfish (UR) were stopped at CP9A (plus maybe 3 others)
- The remaining teams went straight from CP8 to midcamp
At this stage, we’re here for at least 24 hours; more news in the briefing at 6pm on when the race will restart, and whether any course changes will be made.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Course changes
All teams at TA4 are now being moved to Mid Camp for a restart which will probably be sometime tomorrow. We are not yet sure what will happen with the teams on the bike course now. Hopefully all the kiwis will get through without being pulled off the course. Will let you know when we have more information.
Good morning from TA4
It's misty but calm here at TA4 this morning. Extreme bad weather is still forecast for this afternoon/tonight but so far it looks to have been ok.
Two more teams headed out on the mountain bike leg last night Australaps and Starfactor at 2am and 5:30 am respectively but the rest of the teams are camped out here looking to see what the weather will do.
So at TA4 now are:
Area51
Box JellyFish
Caffeinated
Still thinking about it
Driftwood
The GuRus
Outdoor Australia
BigFish
Muppets
Sutmap Bean
Where the Fukrwe
Adrenaline
The weather has certainly thrown a spanner in the works and is causing huge headaches for the race directors. Hopefully the extreme weather will pass quickly and these teams at the back half of the field can continue on racing.
We havn't yet had any more updates from the front of the field. There was a report that Blackheart went through CP10 at 10pm last night but no other news. There is no coverage at CP10 so it is possible that further teams have been through there since then.
We will hopefully be heading out towards CP10 and/or the stage finish shortly and hopefully will see some or all of the kiwis.
Just heard that Blackheart are at the end of the ride and sleeping before the Murray river paddle.
Two more teams headed out on the mountain bike leg last night Australaps and Starfactor at 2am and 5:30 am respectively but the rest of the teams are camped out here looking to see what the weather will do.
So at TA4 now are:
Area51
Box JellyFish
Caffeinated
Still thinking about it
Driftwood
The GuRus
Outdoor Australia
BigFish
Muppets
Sutmap Bean
Where the Fukrwe
Adrenaline
The weather has certainly thrown a spanner in the works and is causing huge headaches for the race directors. Hopefully the extreme weather will pass quickly and these teams at the back half of the field can continue on racing.
We havn't yet had any more updates from the front of the field. There was a report that Blackheart went through CP10 at 10pm last night but no other news. There is no coverage at CP10 so it is possible that further teams have been through there since then.
We will hopefully be heading out towards CP10 and/or the stage finish shortly and hopefully will see some or all of the kiwis.
Just heard that Blackheart are at the end of the ride and sleeping before the Murray river paddle.
Update from TA4
Times into / out of CP9 (end of leg 4 kayak) (UR)-unranked
blackheart.com.au 10:21 11:25
Blackheart / Salomon 11:55 12:50
Tangerine 11:56 13:39
Goldfish (UR) 14:06 15:11
Bull of Africa 14:30 15:48
Nga Rakau 15:56 17:06
More Invincible / Girls on Top (UR) 15:33 17:42
4TC (UR) 16:07 17:55
securify.co.nz 16:55 19:08
Yogi Bears(UR) 17:55
Australaps 18:38
Cyclepath(UR) 18:52
Sutmap Bean(UR) 18:52
Mawson 18:55
Little Miss Sunshine(UR) 18:56
9 teams are now out on stage 5, the mammoth 210km mountain bike ride. Due to the forecast for very bad weather starting tonight an extra CP has been added to the course so that teams can be monitored as they progress through the stage.
4TC finished the trek this morning in good shape and Liam joined them for the Kayak to CP9. Unfortunately half way through the kayak they struck a submerged iron stake and holed one hull of a their boat. Dave paddled the single hull boat through to transition while the other three crowded aboard the undamaged boat and paddled that down.
Nga Rakau overtook 4TC on the river and transitioned well to head out on the bike ride in good spirits. Tim still had sore feet and Fi has some tenderness behind her knee but they have the best part of two days before the next trek stage so hopefully they will be ok for trekking by then.
Securify had a good paddle but took a long time in transition. They are all in good spirits though and moving well so should hopefully have a good ride on this stage.
More Invincible with Girls on top are moving steadily and making good progress. They overtook several other short coursed teams with some good navigation coming off mount Feathertop.
We have very limited access to the teams during this next stage but will post updates when we can.
blackheart.com.au 10:21 11:25
Blackheart / Salomon 11:55 12:50
Tangerine 11:56 13:39
Goldfish (UR) 14:06 15:11
Bull of Africa 14:30 15:48
Nga Rakau 15:56 17:06
More Invincible / Girls on Top (UR) 15:33 17:42
4TC (UR) 16:07 17:55
securify.co.nz 16:55 19:08
Yogi Bears(UR) 17:55
Australaps 18:38
Cyclepath(UR) 18:52
Sutmap Bean(UR) 18:52
Mawson 18:55
Little Miss Sunshine(UR) 18:56
9 teams are now out on stage 5, the mammoth 210km mountain bike ride. Due to the forecast for very bad weather starting tonight an extra CP has been added to the course so that teams can be monitored as they progress through the stage.
4TC finished the trek this morning in good shape and Liam joined them for the Kayak to CP9. Unfortunately half way through the kayak they struck a submerged iron stake and holed one hull of a their boat. Dave paddled the single hull boat through to transition while the other three crowded aboard the undamaged boat and paddled that down.
Nga Rakau overtook 4TC on the river and transitioned well to head out on the bike ride in good spirits. Tim still had sore feet and Fi has some tenderness behind her knee but they have the best part of two days before the next trek stage so hopefully they will be ok for trekking by then.
Securify had a good paddle but took a long time in transition. They are all in good spirits though and moving well so should hopefully have a good ride on this stage.
More Invincible with Girls on top are moving steadily and making good progress. They overtook several other short coursed teams with some good navigation coming off mount Feathertop.
We have very limited access to the teams during this next stage but will post updates when we can.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Photo Gallery - Day1
4TC descend off Mount Buffao
Securify at a checkpoint on Mt Buffalo
Teams preparing their bikes before the start
Photo Gallery - Day3
The face of a determined man
210 km mountainbike with 4500m ascent - bring it on!
Girls on top pull out of TA
Day 3
Friday 21st 08:00
Finally, a break in the weather. It’s still really cold, but when this fog at the bottom of the valley lifts, the sun will be a welcome change.
Team blackheart.com.au descended from Mt Bogon and arrived at CP8 (end of leg 3) at 23:30 last night. They then promptly headed across the road to the holiday park – which they’d booked into on Tuesday after seeing the maps – how’s that for planning ..
They arrived at 6:00am for the start of the kayak (leg 4), to find that the increased river levels after the rain had made the top section of the river unsafe, and they had to walk another 8km downstream to the get-in.
Team Blackheart / Salomon arrived at CP8 at around 00:30, and Tangerine around 02:00. Both teams had a cold night’s sleep at the transition. Bull of Africa arrived just before 06:00, and were sleeping in the transition as we headed down to see blackheart.com.au start the kayak.
They paddled off in two of the yellow kayaks – I think the organizers have decided that the teams are sufficiently spread out that they can transport the boats back so that everyone can use the more manouevrable yellow boats in the ‘white water’ (not very grade 3 from what we’ve seen so far ..).
We’ll now go back up to the CP to wait for the next teams – which should be the three kiwi teams – arrive.
The forecast for tomorrow is dismal – a big storm and blizzards. But still today to get through first..
Finally, a break in the weather. It’s still really cold, but when this fog at the bottom of the valley lifts, the sun will be a welcome change.
Team blackheart.com.au descended from Mt Bogon and arrived at CP8 (end of leg 3) at 23:30 last night. They then promptly headed across the road to the holiday park – which they’d booked into on Tuesday after seeing the maps – how’s that for planning ..
They arrived at 6:00am for the start of the kayak (leg 4), to find that the increased river levels after the rain had made the top section of the river unsafe, and they had to walk another 8km downstream to the get-in.
Team Blackheart / Salomon arrived at CP8 at around 00:30, and Tangerine around 02:00. Both teams had a cold night’s sleep at the transition. Bull of Africa arrived just before 06:00, and were sleeping in the transition as we headed down to see blackheart.com.au start the kayak.
They paddled off in two of the yellow kayaks – I think the organizers have decided that the teams are sufficiently spread out that they can transport the boats back so that everyone can use the more manouevrable yellow boats in the ‘white water’ (not very grade 3 from what we’ve seen so far ..).
We’ll now go back up to the CP to wait for the next teams – which should be the three kiwi teams – arrive.
The forecast for tomorrow is dismal – a big storm and blizzards. But still today to get through first..
Another update from CP6
19:30
5th team to arrive were Nga Rakau. They were really cold, but happy enough. They were delayed half an hour by stopping in the pie shop for 2 pies each. Their feet were suffering, all that time in the wet, and all the up and down was causing a few issues. Hopefully they'll hold together for the rest of the leg.
The rest of the leg (approx 45km) continues over Mt Bogon. The location on the huts on that section is difficult; a couple located not too many kms from the CP, then another about 3/4 of the way through. This doesn't leave good choices for stopping during the night, especially as the weather is so bad. Nga Rakau's plan was to push on over Mt Bogon, and try to make the last hut, then sleep there and walk out in the morning.
The teams from 5th on at CP6:
Nga Rakau in 16:01 out 16:25
4TC in 16:55 out 17:45
Mawson in 17:10 out 17:18
securify.co.nz in 17:15 out 18:08
Australaps in 18:15 out 18:15
Gurus in 19:05 sleeping in CP
Outdoor Aust in 19:25
4TC are continuing on unranked as Liam had to pull the plug with ITB problems. The rest of the team looked in good spirits, although Grant's feet were suffering.
securify.co.nz were cold but cheerful. They were in a bit of a dilemma as to whether to stop at one of the early huts, or sleep in the tent further on. They were still discussing options as they left.
5th team to arrive were Nga Rakau. They were really cold, but happy enough. They were delayed half an hour by stopping in the pie shop for 2 pies each. Their feet were suffering, all that time in the wet, and all the up and down was causing a few issues. Hopefully they'll hold together for the rest of the leg.
The rest of the leg (approx 45km) continues over Mt Bogon. The location on the huts on that section is difficult; a couple located not too many kms from the CP, then another about 3/4 of the way through. This doesn't leave good choices for stopping during the night, especially as the weather is so bad. Nga Rakau's plan was to push on over Mt Bogon, and try to make the last hut, then sleep there and walk out in the morning.
The teams from 5th on at CP6:
Nga Rakau in 16:01 out 16:25
4TC in 16:55 out 17:45
Mawson in 17:10 out 17:18
securify.co.nz in 17:15 out 18:08
Australaps in 18:15 out 18:15
Gurus in 19:05 sleeping in CP
Outdoor Aust in 19:25
4TC are continuing on unranked as Liam had to pull the plug with ITB problems. The rest of the team looked in good spirits, although Grant's feet were suffering.
securify.co.nz were cold but cheerful. They were in a bit of a dilemma as to whether to stop at one of the early huts, or sleep in the tent further on. They were still discussing options as they left.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
More teams through CP5 & 6
14:30
Through CP6
Tangerine in 13:33 out 13:51 Slept at TA2
Bull of Africa in 13:38 out 14:08 No sleep yet ...
Through CP5
11:10 More training required
11:45 Muppets
13:05 Starfactor
13:10 Still thinking about it
13:20 Caffeinated
13:20 Little Miss Sunshine
13:35 Goldfish
Through CP6
Tangerine in 13:33 out 13:51 Slept at TA2
Bull of Africa in 13:38 out 14:08 No sleep yet ...
Through CP5
11:10 More training required
11:45 Muppets
13:05 Starfactor
13:10 Still thinking about it
13:20 Caffeinated
13:20 Little Miss Sunshine
13:35 Goldfish
Teams through CP6
Two teams have now passed through CP6 (Falls Creek - midway on the 85km trek):
Blackheart / Salomon - in 11:37 out 12:19
blackheart.com.au - in 12:11 out 12:26
blackheart.com.au took a couple of hours sleep at a hut a few kms before the CP. Blackheart / Salomon have had no sleep so far; one team member was keen to push on to the end of the trek, a couple of the others were looking a bit weary and weren't so keen !
The weather at the top of Mt Feathertop was apparently atrocious.
If these teams maintain their current pace, they will arrive at the end of the trek somewhere around midnight tonight. They will then be able to sleep until 6am when the dark zone on the Leg 4 kayak is lifted.
No sign of Stu back from his bike ride yet ...
All the teams were required to make comments in a blog at the last TA - these make interesting reading at http://www.xpd.com.au/race08/cp4.txt
Blackheart / Salomon - in 11:37 out 12:19
blackheart.com.au - in 12:11 out 12:26
blackheart.com.au took a couple of hours sleep at a hut a few kms before the CP. Blackheart / Salomon have had no sleep so far; one team member was keen to push on to the end of the trek, a couple of the others were looking a bit weary and weren't so keen !
The weather at the top of Mt Feathertop was apparently atrocious.
If these teams maintain their current pace, they will arrive at the end of the trek somewhere around midnight tonight. They will then be able to sleep until 6am when the dark zone on the Leg 4 kayak is lifted.
No sign of Stu back from his bike ride yet ...
All the teams were required to make comments in a blog at the last TA - these make interesting reading at http://www.xpd.com.au/race08/cp4.txt
More teams through CP5 (Mt Feathertop)
9:30 securify.co.nz
9:33 Australaps
9:44 Gu Rus
9:45 Outdoor Australia
11:05 Both the blackheart.com.au and Blackheart/Salomon teams have been spotted about 4km out from CP6 at the top of Falls Creek.
The organizers have advised that the last 5 teams – who are yet to arrive at CP4 - will be short coursed. The short course will take teams from Mt Feathertop back down to Mt Beauty, without coming via Falls Creek. There are two options with this course – one down Razorback Ridge (the more exposed option); the other is in the valley floor.
The 5 teams are: Area 51, BMD / Vaude Andreaman, Box Jellyfish, Where the fukrwe, Cereal Killers, .
Expedition 36’ South and ARea 51 are currently in CP4 and will also be short-coursed.
More Invincible Girls on Top have lost a team member due to exhaustion (Fil won’t be finishing the race but he’s fine), but they will continue racing unranked.
Driftwood & Sutmap BEAN were given the short-course option, but have both elected to push on with the long-course.
9:33 Australaps
9:44 Gu Rus
9:45 Outdoor Australia
11:05 Both the blackheart.com.au and Blackheart/Salomon teams have been spotted about 4km out from CP6 at the top of Falls Creek.
The organizers have advised that the last 5 teams – who are yet to arrive at CP4 - will be short coursed. The short course will take teams from Mt Feathertop back down to Mt Beauty, without coming via Falls Creek. There are two options with this course – one down Razorback Ridge (the more exposed option); the other is in the valley floor.
The 5 teams are: Area 51, BMD / Vaude Andreaman, Box Jellyfish, Where the fukrwe, Cereal Killers, .
Expedition 36’ South and ARea 51 are currently in CP4 and will also be short-coursed.
More Invincible Girls on Top have lost a team member due to exhaustion (Fil won’t be finishing the race but he’s fine), but they will continue racing unranked.
Driftwood & Sutmap BEAN were given the short-course option, but have both elected to push on with the long-course.
Update from CP6
9am. We’re waiting at Falls Creek (CP6 at the mid-way point of the 85km trek) for the first teams to arrive. It’s been raining hard all night, so the teams will be pretty wet and tired by now. A recent radio report put the leaders through CP5 (the top of Mt Feathertop) as follows:
Blackheart.com.au 3:30
Blackheart Salomon 4:47
Bull of Africa 6:25
Tangerine 7:27
4TC 7:34
Nga Rakau 8:23
Mawson 8:24
Blackheart.com.au don’t appear to have stopped for a sleep yet; we’ll know soon as they’re expected in at CP5 any time now. Stu has ridden off up the track in the wind and rain to look for teams.
Blackheart.com.au 3:30
Blackheart Salomon 4:47
Bull of Africa 6:25
Tangerine 7:27
4TC 7:34
Nga Rakau 8:23
Mawson 8:24
Blackheart.com.au don’t appear to have stopped for a sleep yet; we’ll know soon as they’re expected in at CP5 any time now. Stu has ridden off up the track in the wind and rain to look for teams.
(Photo: securify.co.nz heading off on Leg 2)
Quick Update from TA2
Its 6am and 17 teams have come in to TA2 and 10 of those have headed out on to the 85km trek. All three of the kiwi teams are out on the Trek. Nga Rakau and Securify stopped to sleep here while 4TC carried straight on through to the trek and presumerably planned to sleep at a hut which is about 4 hours in. The rain has stopped for a while and hopefully the teams up on the hill will be able to get a bit of a view as they progress. We're going to head off to Falls Creek now, the midway point on the trek and will hopefully have some more updates soon on how the race is progressing at the head of the field.
Update from TA2
Nga Rakau arrived a few minutes ago here at CP2, Harrietville. Blackheart were first in at 11:40pm, followed by Bull of Africa at 12:32, Tangerine at 12:41 and Blackheart/Solomon at 12:44. Our guys were in at 1:03, followed by 4TC at 1:12. Fi said that they were going really well on the ride and caught a team (or two?) but slowed a bit on the downhill and dropped back again. They are looking well but are going to get a bit of sleep here at the TA before heading out on the big trek. Tangerine are doing the same while the other teams in front have gone on trekking.
The rain is fairly steady now and teams are in for a cold wet tramp through the night.
The rain is fairly steady now and teams are in for a cold wet tramp through the night.
Day one wrap up
21:30
As night falls on day one of XPD the lead teams have headed out into the stage 2 mountainbike, while the teams at the back end of the field are still up on the Mount Buffalo plateau. Bull of Africa was the first team through TA1, heading out on their bikes at around 6:30pm. They were followed by Blackheart then Blackheart/Salomon and Tangerine at 7pm. The three kiwi teams followed in quick succession from 7:30pm, Nga Rakau in 5th, Securify.co.nz 6th and 4TC 7th. All looked to be in good spirits. It’s now 9pm and Girls on top have just reached TA1 and are transitioning for the mountain bike ride. It’s a steep learning curve for their two new teammates, however they seem to be going at a good steady pace so far.
This 60km ride is expected to take between 4 and 7 hours and after that teams are into the 85km trek which will take them over Mount Feathertop, through Falls Creek and over Mount Bogong before descending to Mount Beauty. The lead teams should get to the end of the stage with plenty of time to spare before the dark zone for the following paddle is lifted at 6am on Friday.
As night falls on day one of XPD the lead teams have headed out into the stage 2 mountainbike, while the teams at the back end of the field are still up on the Mount Buffalo plateau. Bull of Africa was the first team through TA1, heading out on their bikes at around 6:30pm. They were followed by Blackheart then Blackheart/Salomon and Tangerine at 7pm. The three kiwi teams followed in quick succession from 7:30pm, Nga Rakau in 5th, Securify.co.nz 6th and 4TC 7th. All looked to be in good spirits. It’s now 9pm and Girls on top have just reached TA1 and are transitioning for the mountain bike ride. It’s a steep learning curve for their two new teammates, however they seem to be going at a good steady pace so far.
This 60km ride is expected to take between 4 and 7 hours and after that teams are into the 85km trek which will take them over Mount Feathertop, through Falls Creek and over Mount Bogong before descending to Mount Beauty. The lead teams should get to the end of the stage with plenty of time to spare before the dark zone for the following paddle is lifted at 6am on Friday.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Leg 1 update
The Leg 1 checkpoints take in five of the ‘must-see’ features of the beautiful Mt Buffalo Plateau.
At ‘The Hump’ - approximately the half-way point of the leg and 1.5 hours into the race, the first teams to arrive were, in order, Bull of Africa, Tangerine, Salomon Blackheart, Blackheart.com.au, 4TC, securify.co.nz, Nga Rakau. Four of the 7 have arrived from the anti-clockwise direction.
The drizzle is now light but steady.
At ‘The Hump’ - approximately the half-way point of the leg and 1.5 hours into the race, the first teams to arrive were, in order, Bull of Africa, Tangerine, Salomon Blackheart, Blackheart.com.au, 4TC, securify.co.nz, Nga Rakau. Four of the 7 have arrived from the anti-clockwise direction.
The drizzle is now light but steady.
(Nga Rakau on stage 1)
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