Our visas and final flight confirmations came through this evening. Wooohooo!
Around this time of year there are lots of muslim holidays and also the Emirates celebrates the anniversary of the formation of the Emirates - so it takes a while for things to happen. Elise, from race organisations, handles all of this admin and she certainly has plenty of headaches dealing with this stuff.
Last year, we didn't have our visas when we got to the airport. Elise said that our names were logged with customs. The visa is very much a formality - it doesn't go in your passport. It's printed on a piece of A4 paper. Anyway, she said it would be fine.
So, we get to the airport nice and early (I have an airport paranoia - especially when leaving for races; I like to be very early to check in crates and such, just in case of problems). But, the local pasport checker - before the check-in counter - wouldn't let us through without the visas. I phoned Elise and asked her to send the visas. She then started making calls and some two odd hours later, I was printing them out in an office at the airport! Yes, I was very tense!
It is a relief to have them in my hands tonight ;) Thank you Elise.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Course changes force tactical rethink
Course amends and reversed race direction are bound to impact tactics, as teams face new obstacles and challenges.
Since it first began in 2007, the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge has always started in Abu Dhabi city, travelled west down the coast then east across the desert to Jebel Hafeet and the finishing line in Al Ain. This year, for the first time ever, the race will be run in the opposite direction, bringing subtle changes to the overall course profile and specific challenges that teams can only meet by rethinking and adapting their tactics.
The 2010 race begins with a short but highly competitive prologue event around the sweeping Corniche Beach at the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi. Although the 22km circuit still includes an exciting swimming leg, two canoeing sectors replace the customary seafront biking sprint. An early morning test of speed and stamina will give the top teams plenty of opportunity to weigh up the competition.
The teams then transfer immediately to the Oasis city of Al Ain for a fast bike stage from Al Jahili Fort to the foot of Jebel Hafeet – Abu Dhabi’s highest peak. This 29km, semi-sprint biking leg switches seamlessly to a relatively short 6km run to a 30m rappel, bringing day one to a close.
The following day begins with an adventure run back to where the teams left their bikes the previous evening for the start of a testing 14km ride up the winding asphalt road to the summit of Jebel Hafeet. Next comes a canyon descent followed by a ropes section and a climb back to the summit with a cable bridge thrown in for good measure. It is the longest stage ever at Jebel Hafeet and the first time the teams will climb and descend the mountain over a single day.
At the end of the day teams will transfer to Umm as Zummul for next day’s 52km MTB ride along the desert road that leads to the Qasr al Sarab resort, where they will start the two-day, 121km desert trek across the Rub’ al Khali. In past years, the teams have raced from west to east, with the prevailing wind at their backs, climbing the firmer, gentler slope and descending the steeper, softer side of the immense dunes that constitute the world’s largest uninterrupted stretch of desert.
Racing in the opposite direction, they will be forced to climb the softer slope and descend the relatively rigid, wind-packed side; an energy-sapping task compounding an already demanding stage. Added to the obvious challenge of crossing the desert on foot in this ‘tougher’ direction is the absence of a grouped start, enabling teams to be more innovative and aggressive in their tactical and route choices.
The 2010 grand finale will be a two-day sea-kayaking leg covering the 129km of coastline from Mirfa to Abu Dhabi city. With the wind behind them, the teams should be able to take full advantage of the sails built into their state-of-the-art kayaks, ensuring fierce competition for top rankings all the way to the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach finish line.
Live race coverage and information at http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
Since it first began in 2007, the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge has always started in Abu Dhabi city, travelled west down the coast then east across the desert to Jebel Hafeet and the finishing line in Al Ain. This year, for the first time ever, the race will be run in the opposite direction, bringing subtle changes to the overall course profile and specific challenges that teams can only meet by rethinking and adapting their tactics.
The 2010 race begins with a short but highly competitive prologue event around the sweeping Corniche Beach at the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi. Although the 22km circuit still includes an exciting swimming leg, two canoeing sectors replace the customary seafront biking sprint. An early morning test of speed and stamina will give the top teams plenty of opportunity to weigh up the competition.
The teams then transfer immediately to the Oasis city of Al Ain for a fast bike stage from Al Jahili Fort to the foot of Jebel Hafeet – Abu Dhabi’s highest peak. This 29km, semi-sprint biking leg switches seamlessly to a relatively short 6km run to a 30m rappel, bringing day one to a close.
The following day begins with an adventure run back to where the teams left their bikes the previous evening for the start of a testing 14km ride up the winding asphalt road to the summit of Jebel Hafeet. Next comes a canyon descent followed by a ropes section and a climb back to the summit with a cable bridge thrown in for good measure. It is the longest stage ever at Jebel Hafeet and the first time the teams will climb and descend the mountain over a single day.
At the end of the day teams will transfer to Umm as Zummul for next day’s 52km MTB ride along the desert road that leads to the Qasr al Sarab resort, where they will start the two-day, 121km desert trek across the Rub’ al Khali. In past years, the teams have raced from west to east, with the prevailing wind at their backs, climbing the firmer, gentler slope and descending the steeper, softer side of the immense dunes that constitute the world’s largest uninterrupted stretch of desert.
Racing in the opposite direction, they will be forced to climb the softer slope and descend the relatively rigid, wind-packed side; an energy-sapping task compounding an already demanding stage. Added to the obvious challenge of crossing the desert on foot in this ‘tougher’ direction is the absence of a grouped start, enabling teams to be more innovative and aggressive in their tactical and route choices.
The 2010 grand finale will be a two-day sea-kayaking leg covering the 129km of coastline from Mirfa to Abu Dhabi city. With the wind behind them, the teams should be able to take full advantage of the sails built into their state-of-the-art kayaks, ensuring fierce competition for top rankings all the way to the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach finish line.
Live race coverage and information at http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Three SA teams to race in Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
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| A footprint highway at the start of the desert trekking stage in 2009. |
Team www.AR.co.za makes their third consecutive appearance at ADAC. “South Africa’s adventure racing website, www.AR.co.za receives an award from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority to take a novice team over to the race,” says website editor and team captain, Lisa de Speville. This will be her third ADAC race. Award teams can only have one member with international racing experience. “This year I’ve gone with a ‘girly’ team format of three women and one guy,” she adds. This female-weighted team format goes against the three-men and one-woman norm. De Speville will be racing with Lizelle van der Merwe, Lizelle Smit and Steven Erasmus.
“People usually associate Abu Dhabi with the other well-known emirate, Dubai. They’re neighbouring states, under the United Arab Emirates umbrella; much like Gauteng is a neighbour to North West Province,” explains de Speville. “They’re very different”.
Where Dubai is known for its shopping malls and man-made palm-shaped islands, Abu Dhabi has a strong outdoor and sporting focus. Abu Dhabi hosts many premier sporting events like the Abu Dhabi Formula One, the Abu Dhabi Marathon, Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, Red Bull Air Race as well as golf, tennis and cricket. “It’s an amazing outdoor environment; I love the desert and sea kayaking between the islands and mangroves off the city’s coast,” adds de Speville. Temperatures in December are mild and pleasant: a little cooler than a warm December day in Pretoria.
Team Mzansi is lead by Alex Pope, who was a novice member of Team www.AR.co.za at ADAC in 2009. At 22, Pope will be one of the youngest competitors; and certainly the youngest team captain. A member of the South African orienteering team, Pope’s sporting experience belies his age. He is accompanied by Tim Deane and Alan Neate, both experienced adventure racers, and Jane Swarbreck.
The third South African team to race in Abu Dhabi is Team Cyanosis, South Africa’s top team. The team is led by Nicholas Mulde. Clinton Mackintosh, Brian Gardner and Landie Visser complete the team. Mulder and Mackintosh have competed in a number of international events – most recently the Adventure Racing World Championships, which were held in Spain in September. Gardner, who has been racing for many years, and Visser are new to this team.
“I’d love to see Cyanosis notch a Top 10 at ADAC,” says de Speville. “But, it’s a high-intensity race – much higher than the non-stop multiday expedition races where Cyanosis excels. And, ADAC attracts an incredibly competitive field. So, it’s really hard to say where I see them placing.” Navigation at ADAC is straight-forward and GPS-assisted, which renders Cyanosis’ strong strategic and map-and-compass navigational skills obsolete.
ADAC is a race quite unlike traditional adventure races. It’s a staged event, where only the 120-kilometre desert-trekking stage goes through the night. Optional and compulsory checkpoints are included in the desert trekking and 128 kilometre sea kayaking stages. “Time penalties for missing optional are very heavy,” explains de Speville. “If you want to place, visiting all the checkpoints is non-negotiable”. Mid- and back teams chose to skip optional checkpoints to complete stages within the required time periods.
The event provides breakfast and dinner catering at most overnight camps, except for the two where the teams are self-sufficient. Bikes and race crates are transported by race organisation to transitions and camps. And, unlike every other event, ADAC provides competitors with bikes. “This makes travelling so much easier – and cheaper!” says de Speville. “You don’t get better value or organisation than at ADAC. Although the race is very competitive upfront, for midfield and back of the pack teams, it’s the best introduction to international racing.”
The event’s online tracking systems are excellent. Each team carries a transponder that transmits their location during the stages. The teams can be followed real-time through the event website at www.abudhabi-adventure.com. De Speville predicts that Cyanosis will be seen in the squabble for placings just behind the front pack, while her team – www.AR.co.za – and Mzansi will be around mid-field.
The three teams leave for Abu Dhabi from Monday, 6 December 2010. The race starts on Friday, 10 December 2010 and runs until Wednesday, 15 December 2010.
For more information on the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge and to follow the real-time tracking, visit http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/.
For information on the sport of adventure racing in South Africa, as well as news from the race, visit http://www.ar.co.za/.
Team www.AR.co.za’s blog is http://www.teamwwwarcoza.blogspot.com/; and Team Cyanosis’ website is http://www.teamcyanosis.co.za/.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Three team get together
Next weekend all three SA teams going across to Abu Dhabi are getting together. Yes, there will be us (Lisa, Steven and Lizelle V - Lizelle S is away for the weekend), Cyanosis (Nic, Clinton, Brian and Landie - one of them will be away, I think) and Mzansi (Alex, Alan, Jane - Tim is away).
We're having a braai at Clinton's place after the Kinetic Adventure Sprint. It's going to be super to see everyone together pre-race - we're going to have a super time out there.
And just how wonderful is it to have THREE South African teams going over. Brilliant!
We're having a braai at Clinton's place after the Kinetic Adventure Sprint. It's going to be super to see everyone together pre-race - we're going to have a super time out there.
And just how wonderful is it to have THREE South African teams going over. Brilliant!
Don't snack, just pack
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| Munchie bags labelled for each day - some have more stuff depending on the stage and there is a bit of variety here and there, especially with bars. |
I do like to keep my race food as a treat so some of the things are not goodies that I normall munch on, like cornnuts, Laughing Cow and salted and roasted nuts. I tend not to snack while packing race munchies but, as Fred says, "There's always that last bit of something left over from the re-pack".
I did manage to complete my pack having eaten only a Tuc cracker, a few cornnuts (to check for freshness, of course) and to try a cracker from the new flavour of Bacon Kips - not bacon. They're nice, salty race snacks that I don't touch outside of races.
This morning I went to my local butcher, who always vacuum packs that special Souff African treat for me... It starts with a 'b' and ends with a 'g'. I've taken it to most races around the world... shhh... don't say a word... ;)
Lizelle x 2 and Steven have been briefed on how to prep their race food, which they'll do over the next two weeks.
Yes, can you believe it! Tomorrow, two weeks, we'll be heading off to the airport. Now I'm really starting to get excited ;)
Lisa
Monday, November 15, 2010
ADAC promo video
Ask anyone and they will tell you the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge is six days of gruelling and ferocious competition where you discover levels of skill, determination and stamina that you never knew you possessed. Yet for those of you lucky enough to be racing this December, there’s so much more.
Any serious adventure race should be a heady mix of contrasts – the tough with the relaxed, the ups with the downs, and the enlightening highs achieved by the ultimate test of mind, body and soul.
It is this sharing of your exploits with fellow athletes around a blazing fire that will burn bright in your memories of Abu Dhabi.
Whilst you may be thinking it is not so demanding now… make no mistake, there are times in the heat of competition when you will be left pondering your own sanity and other moments where your sense of achievement will take you through the pain. Is it possible that the world’s toughest race could also be the world’s most enjoyable?
Check out the video and see for yourself (video is on ADAC website under the 'News' tab - quite a nice one. I think it is www.AR.co.za swimming, where you can see the four people in the water).
Any serious adventure race should be a heady mix of contrasts – the tough with the relaxed, the ups with the downs, and the enlightening highs achieved by the ultimate test of mind, body and soul.
It is this sharing of your exploits with fellow athletes around a blazing fire that will burn bright in your memories of Abu Dhabi.
Whilst you may be thinking it is not so demanding now… make no mistake, there are times in the heat of competition when you will be left pondering your own sanity and other moments where your sense of achievement will take you through the pain. Is it possible that the world’s toughest race could also be the world’s most enjoyable?
Check out the video and see for yourself (video is on ADAC website under the 'News' tab - quite a nice one. I think it is www.AR.co.za swimming, where you can see the four people in the water).
Online tracking at ADAC
Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge has introduced a new interactive online facility to help you track the race, teams, route and media opportunities surrounding the world’s most gruelling adventure race.
The new digital presentation– which can be accessed via the event’s website – is invaluable for teams looking to whet the appetites of sponsors and partners.
You can either watch it online using your browser or download the file package to your own computer. To view it locally, you will also need download and install to the free application, AdobeAir.
And keeping with the multimedia theme, make sure you check out our website, which is an important resource for you to get in the know about the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, share videos and photos, and relive some of the greatest highlights of the past three years.
http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
The new digital presentation– which can be accessed via the event’s website – is invaluable for teams looking to whet the appetites of sponsors and partners.
You can either watch it online using your browser or download the file package to your own computer. To view it locally, you will also need download and install to the free application, AdobeAir.
And keeping with the multimedia theme, make sure you check out our website, which is an important resource for you to get in the know about the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, share videos and photos, and relive some of the greatest highlights of the past three years.
http://www.abudhabi-adventure.com/
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Team shuffle: 'other' Lizelle comes on board
We've had a team shuffle. After Triple Challenge, when Adri's other knee - not the one that had given trouble a few months ago - played up, we were concerned. She went to a physio on Monday and to her biokineticist on Wednesday.
Bottomline is that there is an underlying problem and the likelyhood of a knee injury flaring up early on at ADAC is too much of a risk. Adri is understandably disappointed that she won't be racing with us but, on the bright side, she'll be able to recover and strengthen without the pressure of this multiday, high-intensity race looming on the near horizon.
Adri has so blossomed over the past few months, improving in fitness and gaining valuable paddling skills and confidence. This will stand her in very good stead going into the many exciting races on our local calendar next year. She's a pleasure to race with and I have little doubt that she'll have more competitive racing next year.
Lizelle v/d Merwe has been on the sidelines since the team was selected at the beginning of September. She has kept up her paddling and other training, ready to step in, if needed. She'll join us in Abu Dhabi.
We got together for a paddle session tonight and it went well - an absolutely beautiful evening on the dam too. Steven swung past to say hi. Lizelle S is currently writing exams; we'll see her on Sunday when we all get together for a session.
We'll all be scattered over after this weekend; Steven is away next weekend and Lizelle S is away the following weekend. And then it will be the weekend before we leave!
And yes, I realise the name thing... Lisa, Lizelle, Lizelle... Ja, some peeps gonna be getting confused! We've raced together twice now in this combination at the Kinetic Adventure sprint races. Hahaha.
Bottomline is that there is an underlying problem and the likelyhood of a knee injury flaring up early on at ADAC is too much of a risk. Adri is understandably disappointed that she won't be racing with us but, on the bright side, she'll be able to recover and strengthen without the pressure of this multiday, high-intensity race looming on the near horizon.
Adri has so blossomed over the past few months, improving in fitness and gaining valuable paddling skills and confidence. This will stand her in very good stead going into the many exciting races on our local calendar next year. She's a pleasure to race with and I have little doubt that she'll have more competitive racing next year.
Lizelle v/d Merwe has been on the sidelines since the team was selected at the beginning of September. She has kept up her paddling and other training, ready to step in, if needed. She'll join us in Abu Dhabi.
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| Lisa, Lizelle v/d M, Steven |
We got together for a paddle session tonight and it went well - an absolutely beautiful evening on the dam too. Steven swung past to say hi. Lizelle S is currently writing exams; we'll see her on Sunday when we all get together for a session.
We'll all be scattered over after this weekend; Steven is away next weekend and Lizelle S is away the following weekend. And then it will be the weekend before we leave!
And yes, I realise the name thing... Lisa, Lizelle, Lizelle... Ja, some peeps gonna be getting confused! We've raced together twice now in this combination at the Kinetic Adventure sprint races. Hahaha.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Triple Challenge all-day racing
The four of us (Lisa, Lizelle S., Adri and Steven) headed down to KZN this weekend for Max Cluer's Triple Challenge event. I've known of it for years but this would be my first entry. Max kindly sponsored two pairs entries in support of our team's preparations for Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge - we leave in four weeks!
Lisa
Adri and I teamed up for Triple Challenge and this was the first time that were racing together. We made a good match.
Brad and Andrew were our trusty support crew. Brad lives in Maritzburg and is a long-time friend; Andrew is Steven's twin brother. After the start, Brad dropped our bikes at the first transition; Andrew shot ahead to drop off the second K2 (Steven and I dropped the first on Saturday afternoon).
With about 3km to go, Adri's knee started playing up and needed regular stretching. She has been doing rehab for many weeks. She's running really well so this is quite an issue. She'll be at the bio on Wednesday - he'll check it out. Tough situation with four weeks to go.
After a few stretches at intervals, we ran strong into the transition where Brad was waiting with my friend Fred. Adri and I got our bike stuff together and we were off - to be stopped at the nearby railway crossing. I quite enjoyed seeing the train and its load of containers.
The bike route also seems to stay near the Comrades route and we rode a number of sections on the tar road. The single track sections, especially in the second half of the ride, were my favourite. And there was even a hike-a-bike section! It felt just like an adventure race. The route has a number of climbs, but nothing too long or terrible. A good balance overall.
We got to the paddle transition about 1h05 behind Steven and Lizelle (they took 30 mins out of us on the run; and another 30mins on the bike). I was quite looking forward to the paddle but we had been warned that the later we get there the more the wind will be blowing and the more trying the conditions.
George kindly lent us his 'love boat', a K2 Accord decorated with hearts. George and his wife, Penny, did Dusi together this year. Adri and I hopped in, with me driving, and off we went, heading for the dam wall.
We'd been told to head for the wall for the take out for the first portage and then the gazebo, which we could see, would be the put-in. Turns out the gazebo was take-out and put-in; a little 10m portage. So, we did a bit extra distance and time - no worry.
At the gazebo I got out of the boat and my upper thighs cramped - for the first time ever! Arrggghhh... not nice. The steering pedals had been a bit too far away (with boat on land when I got in, rudder was up so pedals were forward - once inside the pedals went back, away from me) so I had to stretch my legs to reach them. This must have been what did it. I had to stand for a while. A kind guy offered me some ice - he'd seen this happen to a number of people that day!
We walked around the banner and got back into the boat, after I'd adjusted the seat one notch forward. Perfect!
We set off to the far take-out, which we didn't know how to find. The checkpoint people pointed us in the right direction and off we went. I remembered what it should look like from a Google Earth image but when your eyes are almost water-level, it isn't very easy to recognise land features.
The safety boats weren't around us at all but then finally a boat came near and we asked where to go - he pointed ahead. Nearing the take-out we saw another boat and the guy told us to paddle between the buoys "over there". We couldn't see a thing! The buoys were navy blue on dark, turbulent water.
On this, I must say that Adri and I rocked. From the start of the paddle we had rough waves, which crashed on to our deck a number of times. We also paddled with waves side on and we didn't even wobble once - it was awesome! I love paddling into the wind and into the waves, so I got a lot of that too.
Approaching land we spotted another double and two singles on the beach, which was useful to show us where to get out. This was the second portage (a real one) - up and over a spur to the put-in on the other side. It went well and remains my only physical after-effect of the race (sore/bruised shoulder bones from carrying the boat).
We put-in at the same time as another girl pair. They tipped a bit at the put-in, just as we were moving off. The children swimming got a good laugh from that.
Protected from the wind the first part around the spur was pretty flat - and then we hit the action. I loved it!
And then we were at the end, welcomed by Brad, Andrew, Fred, Steven, Lizelle and George. Max, on microphone, welcomed us in. Adri and I were at the back (not very back, but back) of the field. We completed the route in 09h30.
Then back to Maritzburg to shower and then drive the 600-odd km back to Jo'burg. A long, long day.
I thoroughly enjoyed this event and I've definitely do it again. The route is pleasant, the markings were good and it makes for a super day out. Only improvement would be some buoys (not navy blue! orange, white, red, yellow would be better) on the paddle and bright feather banners at the second portage take-out. I guess, as an adventure racer, that I'm not very good at following pointing fingers - I like knowing where I'm going.
Very big thanks for Max Cluer, who sponsored our entries to his race in support of our preparations for Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Thanks to George for the use of his 'love boat' and two splashies. Fred, super to see you in person - thank you for cheering for us. And bit thanks to Brad and Andrew for taking such good care of us and our bikes and stuff on this long day out. And Adri, I thoroughly enjoyed our day together - it was a pleasure to do this race with you.
Lizelle S.
In my preperation for the event this weekend, all I kept saying to myself was that "this is exactly like a triathlon". I was completely WRONG!!! This was ten times more exciting, more breath-taking and more challenging that any triathlon I have ever done.
My awesome team mate, Steven, and I decided to go HARD from the start. Unfortunately, my 20km run was did not go exactly as I planned - let's just say I made a
few extra runs to the bushes, which did not help at all. After our 20km run I felt so sick. Steven gave me alot of encouraging words and on the biking leg I felt as if I was back in the game.
I have no idea where we rode but I definitely know it was the most hilliest climbs ever, which I soooo loved. The down hills were by far my weakest point kept on thinking, "I cannot get injured now, Abu Dhabi is around the corner", so that made me perhaps too cautious. However, we still had an amazing ride, at that stage we were first in our category (mixed pairs), without knowing it.
The paddling leg was a lot more challenging than we expected, especially, the over-the-hill portage leg. All my shoulders can say is OUCHY!
As we eventually reached the end, a mixed team came sprinting past us. We were at such a chilled stage that we thought "Ah, well let them get whatever place", which it turned out was first place! BIG MISTAKE from our part, but at least we still had great fun.
I can honestly say that it was a smart option to do my first Triple Challenge with a team mate, as without one I might have, dare I say, WITHRAWN from the race, especially since I felt like hell at the start. Having someone with you makes you so much more driven to succeed. When I am all grown-up one day, I would love to give the individual race a go - one of my new goals.
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| Lizelle, Steven, Lisa and Adri |
Adri and I teamed up for Triple Challenge and this was the first time that were racing together. We made a good match.
 |
| Lisa and Adri |
We started running at 05h30 from Maritzburg and the course seemed to never stray too far from the Comrades route (same with the bike - until we dropped into the valley leading to Inanda Dam). Adri and I took the run nice and easy, paying heed to advice from friends. The run is a nice one along jeep track and single trail. I really enjoy the vegetation in KZN - very fresh, lush and green, which is such a contrast to the highveld, even in summer!
 |
| A pretty tree-lined avenue |
 |
| Adri running down a trail towards one of the five waterpoints |
The bike route also seems to stay near the Comrades route and we rode a number of sections on the tar road. The single track sections, especially in the second half of the ride, were my favourite. And there was even a hike-a-bike section! It felt just like an adventure race. The route has a number of climbs, but nothing too long or terrible. A good balance overall.
We got to the paddle transition about 1h05 behind Steven and Lizelle (they took 30 mins out of us on the run; and another 30mins on the bike). I was quite looking forward to the paddle but we had been warned that the later we get there the more the wind will be blowing and the more trying the conditions.
George kindly lent us his 'love boat', a K2 Accord decorated with hearts. George and his wife, Penny, did Dusi together this year. Adri and I hopped in, with me driving, and off we went, heading for the dam wall.
We'd been told to head for the wall for the take out for the first portage and then the gazebo, which we could see, would be the put-in. Turns out the gazebo was take-out and put-in; a little 10m portage. So, we did a bit extra distance and time - no worry.
At the gazebo I got out of the boat and my upper thighs cramped - for the first time ever! Arrggghhh... not nice. The steering pedals had been a bit too far away (with boat on land when I got in, rudder was up so pedals were forward - once inside the pedals went back, away from me) so I had to stretch my legs to reach them. This must have been what did it. I had to stand for a while. A kind guy offered me some ice - he'd seen this happen to a number of people that day!
We walked around the banner and got back into the boat, after I'd adjusted the seat one notch forward. Perfect!
We set off to the far take-out, which we didn't know how to find. The checkpoint people pointed us in the right direction and off we went. I remembered what it should look like from a Google Earth image but when your eyes are almost water-level, it isn't very easy to recognise land features.
The safety boats weren't around us at all but then finally a boat came near and we asked where to go - he pointed ahead. Nearing the take-out we saw another boat and the guy told us to paddle between the buoys "over there". We couldn't see a thing! The buoys were navy blue on dark, turbulent water.
On this, I must say that Adri and I rocked. From the start of the paddle we had rough waves, which crashed on to our deck a number of times. We also paddled with waves side on and we didn't even wobble once - it was awesome! I love paddling into the wind and into the waves, so I got a lot of that too.
Approaching land we spotted another double and two singles on the beach, which was useful to show us where to get out. This was the second portage (a real one) - up and over a spur to the put-in on the other side. It went well and remains my only physical after-effect of the race (sore/bruised shoulder bones from carrying the boat).
We put-in at the same time as another girl pair. They tipped a bit at the put-in, just as we were moving off. The children swimming got a good laugh from that.
Protected from the wind the first part around the spur was pretty flat - and then we hit the action. I loved it!
And then we were at the end, welcomed by Brad, Andrew, Fred, Steven, Lizelle and George. Max, on microphone, welcomed us in. Adri and I were at the back (not very back, but back) of the field. We completed the route in 09h30.
Then back to Maritzburg to shower and then drive the 600-odd km back to Jo'burg. A long, long day.
I thoroughly enjoyed this event and I've definitely do it again. The route is pleasant, the markings were good and it makes for a super day out. Only improvement would be some buoys (not navy blue! orange, white, red, yellow would be better) on the paddle and bright feather banners at the second portage take-out. I guess, as an adventure racer, that I'm not very good at following pointing fingers - I like knowing where I'm going.
Very big thanks for Max Cluer, who sponsored our entries to his race in support of our preparations for Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Thanks to George for the use of his 'love boat' and two splashies. Fred, super to see you in person - thank you for cheering for us. And bit thanks to Brad and Andrew for taking such good care of us and our bikes and stuff on this long day out. And Adri, I thoroughly enjoyed our day together - it was a pleasure to do this race with you.
Lizelle S.
In my preperation for the event this weekend, all I kept saying to myself was that "this is exactly like a triathlon". I was completely WRONG!!! This was ten times more exciting, more breath-taking and more challenging that any triathlon I have ever done.
My awesome team mate, Steven, and I decided to go HARD from the start. Unfortunately, my 20km run was did not go exactly as I planned - let's just say I made a
few extra runs to the bushes, which did not help at all. After our 20km run I felt so sick. Steven gave me alot of encouraging words and on the biking leg I felt as if I was back in the game.
I have no idea where we rode but I definitely know it was the most hilliest climbs ever, which I soooo loved. The down hills were by far my weakest point kept on thinking, "I cannot get injured now, Abu Dhabi is around the corner", so that made me perhaps too cautious. However, we still had an amazing ride, at that stage we were first in our category (mixed pairs), without knowing it.
The paddling leg was a lot more challenging than we expected, especially, the over-the-hill portage leg. All my shoulders can say is OUCHY!
As we eventually reached the end, a mixed team came sprinting past us. We were at such a chilled stage that we thought "Ah, well let them get whatever place", which it turned out was first place! BIG MISTAKE from our part, but at least we still had great fun.
I can honestly say that it was a smart option to do my first Triple Challenge with a team mate, as without one I might have, dare I say, WITHRAWN from the race, especially since I felt like hell at the start. Having someone with you makes you so much more driven to succeed. When I am all grown-up one day, I would love to give the individual race a go - one of my new goals.
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| Steven in front with Lizelle coming up. Photo from Triple Challenge Facebook gallery |
Tent testing
This weekend, at Triple Challenge, we opened up tents to select the one that will be carried during the desert trekking stage. this is the only time that we physically have to carry our tents; on the paddle stage they go in the kayaks and for the rest they're transported to transitions by race organisation in our crates.
Although the tent is a bit of a squeeze, I reassured the team, "It's only for about four hours!". It's so worth carrying less for a bit of a cosy night. Sleeping top-to-tail we fit pretty well. Race rules specify that we have to sleep inside a sealed tent (incorporated ground sheet) in the desert - to keep the scorpions out!
Although the tent is a bit of a squeeze, I reassured the team, "It's only for about four hours!". It's so worth carrying less for a bit of a cosy night. Sleeping top-to-tail we fit pretty well. Race rules specify that we have to sleep inside a sealed tent (incorporated ground sheet) in the desert - to keep the scorpions out!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Triple Challenge this weekend
We're headed to KZN this weekend for Max Cluer's Triple Challenge. It's a multisport event with a 23km trail run, 50-off kilometres of mountain biking and 18km paddle on Inanda Dam. The event allows for various team formats; we're entering two pairs and we'll do all disciplines in our pairs (there are relay options too).
Lisa will be racing with Adri and Steven will race with Lizelle.
Lisa will be racing with Adri and Steven will race with Lizelle.
Super rogaine
This past weekend Steven and Lisa ran as a pair in the annual 8hr rogaine, a time-limited, point-score orienteering discipline. Adri also competed, running with her adventure racing teammate, Con. Lizelle S missed the event as she was wrapping up her final project for her studies.
Lisa's report on the rogaine is on her blog at adventurelisa.blogspot.com
Lisa's report on the rogaine is on her blog at adventurelisa.blogspot.com
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