Team Blogs from CP14/15 at Maragal

5.34am Team 2 Blackheart.com.au
Just returned from the Orienteering section around Maragal State Forest. Mostly on tracks but some nice bush bashing and plenty of snow up on the high peaks.
Hello to Kathryn (I finally wrestled the keyboard off Damon)
Kim says hi to Rob D and Nat
Now we have a nice big decent and across the lake on kayaks- glad we’re not swimming!
All in good spirits except for kim, but its her own fault cos she never bothers to eat.
Rob P.

538 Am – Blackheart Salomon
Just cleaned the Orienteering section and about to mtb down to the Lake. Everyone is working well, and also digging deep to get the race done ‘n’ dusted! Hi to all watching at home especially Jo! Talk later we have job to do!!. Andrew

5.47 team 21 - 2 plus one after 65 km ride we put up tent and sleep till bird call woke us up now 4 some check points we have been through 3 team mates up till now Phillip Marus and now Blake

0745 Team 36 Nga Rakau (Fi)
Just came off the rogaine trek – great nav by Tim, we pretty much nailed all the checkpoints and had a really smooth run. Tim’s feet a wee bit ticklish with some nasty crevace-like formations, but with the bike and kayak coming up should give him a rest. My knee has settled down into a steady ache, which should be managab le for the rest of the race. Mark has some problems staying upright, and all the boys seemed to be having some sort of by-product of eating too much freeze-dri – enough to keep me at the font most of the time! The trek was great, walking through snow as the sun came up through the gum trees ? Right, now we are third into TA, so we are racing off to get as much light on the kayak as possible. Hopefully the sleepmonsters keep away!!

8:03am Team 24 Tangerine
Well we tried to be a bit ‘cute’ on that leg and take a few gambles – they didn’t pay off. Think weaving through a maze of large fallen mossy logs covered in blackberries – progress rate: 10m in 20min! We’re all feeling a little disheartened at this stage – les digs and giggles certainly than have peppered this adventure so far. Hardest thing is the uncertainty about what the race actually is from here. With the liklihood that both remaining treks are out (which we’d been looking forward to), it’s become a ‘rider’s’ race from here and that’s just not our strength so we’re re-grouping and trying to deal with the unknowns – will the race end at Eucumbene or will be be going on to Charlotte’s? It’s a mystery! Keep watching… who knows what will happen next.

9.28am Team 31 SUTMAP BEAN
Just nailed the navigation leg, now in fifth place from mid camp start. Really quick transitions. We are going for a big late flurry. Everyone in really high spirits. Hoping we can continue at Eucumbene Dam. Everyone wants to say thanks to family & friends. Unless we have major bike mishaps we are hoping for a quick finish. Wooo-hoo!!. Jon

9:36 Team 29 MAWSON
Had an awesome MTB and felt great. Headed out for the trek 12:50 and started having a few sleep (well lack of it issues). The snow on the ground was freaky, esp for Ricky since he had never seen the stuff before. Right off to hammer the next MTB and possibly a sleep by the side on the track around midday, laters :-)

9.53 Team 8 Caffienated
Mountain bike restart was AWESOME! Absolutely magic riding through rolling golden farmland with the sun setting and dramatic ink clouds everywhere, so the light was simply spectacualr. Steady riding up into the Kosiosko National Park, where after a most unusual quick tranisition and we were on the orienteering.

True to form we decided to do the course in reverse, so we were gettng first tracks in all the snow sections. A good 5-10cm on the ground which is a first for all of us to orienteer in. We did really well without sleep (and the virgin use of the tow system) and are suprisingly now up to 7th for part B. Now for the next mountain bike and a paddle on Ecumbee

10:05 Hrs Team 13 Still Thinking About It – Swire Shipping
Indeed a great start to the MTB leg of some 65 Km, set off from the Hotel that had been so good to feed us all – whatever time we asked for it. So across the Murray River and up into the back country with the sun low behined us, a little wind too. That soon vanished as did the light and the tarmac. Then is waqs a seriese od climbs on well baintained dirt road that coud actually be cycled up.

For us Serge “surging” at the front with good map skills, Grant force feeding me (Yosh) with disgusting protein bars etc to keep my energy up, Nick in his ellement powering up the hills. With the whole feild starting at once there was a high concentration of riders for the duration with overtaking and reovertaking other teams and now drinking buddies!

Into the camp and a quick transition and onto a 25km orienter to find 6/7 markers in the forrest. Snow on the ground with now the sun shining throgh, al very nice!

Now lots more MTB and a paddling leg with only one walk at the end. Feet sore and very tired again after two legs with no sleep. Looking to see how far we can push the race before we get sleep.

Team- Bull of Africa- Well we just done our navigational leg of 25km, note to self do not bundu bash in the forests in the dark, EVER! This time it was Heidi who took some serious srtain , but she dug deep and managed to get through all right. The snow on this leg was great , pity we never got to see any of the brumbies. OK , now this is for my hot wife, Babe I smaak you stukkend , kiss the kids for me. See you soon, 6 more sleeps.

4TC 10:35 – Finally finished the trek, with another few mini disasters. I took a small scenic detour on the bike, then we snapped a chain, and came in over an hour down on teams we’d been in front of. All of us are still feeling strong though, Dave towing me (Danielle) up heaps of the hills. The trek was heaps of fun at the start, a couple of inches of snow to trek through. We found Stu building a snowman, which apprently got bombarded by snowballs. Early this morning Dave got attacked by a gastro bug and had hallucinations he was a helicopter. We got through this after a nap, some nuun, graduating onto solid foods, and Danielle pushing Dave up the hills for a change. He’s feeling better-ish now but definitely not 100%. We’ll head off onto the bike and see what’s left of the course to do. Not particularly looking forward to a night paddle (predicted times 6-20h) but figure it can’t be worse than kayaking in Canberra in winter! Gotta go, wish us luck!
:Danielle and team 4TC

TEAM GOLDFISH 1104am – A casual cycle then a snow saunter since we last talked. The cycle was punctuated by two flats for Packman Pete, then broken chains for both bikes, only a few bumps apart. Yet we still made it, Mardi bouyed by a can of Red Bull. Sunset was sensational, with our own pot of gold at the bottom of a radiant rainbow. Kirsty was nearby, waving enthusiastically as we flew by at the bottom of a long fast downhill. Captain Mardi was in form, fast on the bitumen downhills, and slithering in the mud and only two small slide outs in the worst bogs… Snackman Pete assures us we just can’t eat all his supplies before the finish. Other teams are sharing some of the goodies. A favourite today was a big bag of Smiths crisps… Fun on the rogaine leg, with no navigational mishaps. Its refreshing to hit all targets without any wasted playtime. We did start a few snowball wars with about ten other teams we bumped into on the course. None had a chance against Mardi’s quick draw. Volleys tend not to leave treadmarks in the snow so we havde been a little incognito today. Seems we are more back to our usual position at the back of the field, enjoying less pressure and more time to share the fun with friends, family and all our supporters.

Team Cyclepath 1123AM - So, our feet really aren’t all that torn up, just need to set the record straight. David is suffering a bit with some painful dogs and Karl and I drug him around the trek course. That last bike leg was incredible, double rainbow and lots of beautiful sunset pics. The ride up to the trek was fast and uneventful. Quite muddy in the end, we are all covered with red, sticky, clay mud. We didn’t do our boxes right, so we showed up to our bin that had little food and no trekking shoes. So, Karl and I set off in our bike shoes (yes, ouch), while David somehow had the forethought to throw his in. Off we went at 1am. Had a bit of trouble bush whacking at 2am and spent a couple of hours on the second CP on the O-course. Didn’t see much wildlife excepting a few interesting spider specimens. Seems like bush-whacking here could be a dangerous activity. After a few more bush-whacks and a walk in the snow, we’re back here in transition. David had downed his second hot meal via the jetboil and packed a couple more in his pack – that man can eat. Well, were off to the lake to see what the kayak leg has in store for us. Hello to all and thanks!!

Team Yogi Bears 1128 AM – How things can change in just a few hours!! Yesterday’s racing started wonderfully with a magnificent evening ride through rolling country side, a beautiful sunset and No RAIN!! We were all feeling strong after the compulsory break and pushed it pretty hard in the bike. Hills that we had previously been pushing bikes up became ridable and the fine weather definitely made the several bike-hikes that we did have, far more enjoyable (no naked bums this time around). We transitioned quickly to the orienteering leg in freezing (literally) weather before mid night and started on what we hoped to be a sub 9 hour leg. Unfortunately, we were somewhat geographically challengened when looking for a certain check point and lost some valuable time and energy.
However, as the sun rose, things again became rosie and we finished off the remainder of the check points without much of a hick-up. The highlight of the leg was certainly racing through snow!!!! Up to 10cm covered some of the higher areas. Something we definitely didn’t think we would get to experience racing in Australa.

Team More Invincible with GOT 11.40 am – Yehah we survived the bike and trek after what felt like an eternity at mid camp. We are having a ball and have now settled into our team of three little bubble. It has been a real emotional rollercoaster with the changes to the course etc but we have tacken it all in our stride and making the most of any legs we get to complete. Finally the sun has come out and we are about to head off on the bikes to Dennison whereever that may be. Hopefully we will get to play in the snow some more. Awesome scenery over here but havent even seen a roo yet only wally the wombat. Catch you later. Hope the real world is good and coronation st is still playing.

Team Austrelaps – 11:50 am – We survived the rogain…just. Bleeksies doing it real tough but I’ll get him home. Looking forward to hammering it again on the bike to the Lake. Hoping to go right through the next few legs without stopping! See yas all soon!

Team Gurus – We survived the snow in the rogaine. Aiming to ride out of here to find out if we have finished!! All well and looking for a strong finish.

Securify.co.nz – Jerry here, not the best of rogaines. Made a simple mistake resulting in about 2hrs getting the first cp, rest went with no problems. I’m sure Al wll be dissapointed. Love to the family who I am missing heaps. Off down the road to find what happening in the race, don’t now what legs we will get to do. Anyway more journeying…..

Muppets – had a great rogaine, only one nav bugger up which cost us an hour. Boys all moving well, Brent is just poppin a few nodoz to keep him going – love his work. We are heading straight out on the bike to head to paddle (hopefully). Lots of snow laying on ground and the nighttime navigation was great fun. Anyway, love to all our families and friends back in Tassie – time to ride

BMD/Vaude Adrenamen- Have had a fantastic adventure to date. Seen some incredible (off-course!!) sites. Met some interesting locals and really had a ball. We got to see the wild Snowy brumbies, the Feathertop from abov the cloud line, Mt Beauty on a clear day (that was a 6 hour nav error though- apologies to emergency services, we promise to ring next time!!) The days have been long and hard but all worthwhile. Sadly though it would seem that it has all come to an end. Adam’s dodgy knee has been threatening to derail us from the very first day and has finally had its day. Now comes the wait to see whether we can go on as a three. Everyone is bitterly dissappointed that the year’s hard work and effort has come down to this but we all agree- that seems to be how this adventure racing gig goes sometimes. ****News flash****We get to rock n roll again!!- Race organiser has let us back in the game so onto our bikes we get for a little (??) pedal then a paddle through Lake Eucanbine, then a bit of this and that on foot and bikes culminating in a trek over Kozzy….although a sleep would be nice being that the last one was about 36 hours ago.

TEAM OUTDOOR AUSTRALIA – The ride was smooth and fast, plenty of hills but most of them rideable. The dusk was amazing with brooding dark clouds, rainbows and soft light, perfect for some pics!

Then to the rogain and I think this is as close to a white christmas I will get in Australia! At least 10cms of snow made for interesting walking and cold toes. It was slow going but we got through. Off on the bike again!

4TC 12:26 – Further note, yet to leave transitions. While in transition Dave lapsed into similar conditions as deplayed earlier this morning. Dave and Danielle are currently sleeping. We will reassess Dave’s condition after another hours sleep. We are hopeful of a recovery. Medic’s think it might be associated with dehydration. As when we slept briefly on course ths morning, while Dave and Danielle sleep I get to wave to teams as they go by.

By the way, Stu’s snowman was great to see (though, when we went by the sculpture was just starting to take shape).

Has been an awesome course, obviously some massive challenges but satisfying as well. The snow has added an additional element to make it more unique. The teams that will finish as a four have achieved something great. To actually trek back into Thredbo covered in snow would be amazing. Not sure if we will get that chance…. Still, there will be next year and many other events. Watch this space.

Team 6 - Box Jellyfish Monday 1317h – we finally left midcamp for “race part two” at 1915h last night … the riding wasn’t too bad – still the compulsory push bike up hill bits … fair bit of mud which made riding difficult on occassions. We hit the transition into the orienteering a about 0230h (yep dark again) … started not long after … slightly chilly !!! Snow up to 3 inches deep in the higher areas … not enough for skiing ? didn’t see any brumbies … lots of poo though ! Got one checkpoint before dawn, missed it the first time – re-attacked and got it on the second attempt – yeeha ! got the rest during the warm daylight hours …. As warm as it can be whilst wandering through the snow ! now getting ready for another push-bike leg down to what we expect to be a very warm kayak ! we are still 6 – no more breeding has occurred !

Team 10 – starfactor… or should I say Dad’s Army

Finally fin ished the rogaine in world record slow tim e…feet not the best
Time for a quick meal power nap and on to the paddle…finish line in sight..talk to you all soon..the boys

4TC 2:40pm – We have withdrawn unfortunately. Dave is still suffering from a possible allergic reaction to some preservative in canned food and not able to continue. We have asked race management if we can complete the final trek up over Mt Kozzi. They have agree to this so at least we will be able to walk across the finish line, albeit having missed three stages. Not how we had hoped race would turn out.

TEAM 35: LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE…

We have finally finished the rogaine… after arriving off the bike early this morning we headed out in the snow to find our checks. My head torch has become full of water and therefore with very little light I managed to smash my head straight into a log above. It was amazing treking through the snow as the sun rose and began to warm my cold blood. Unfortunately Richie is struggling with an ITB and Ankle injury so the pace has slowed right down. We are now really hoping that he can make it though the final trek of 22km… no matter how slow we move. It would be fantastic to come down the chair lift into Thredbo as one of the few teams of 4. Keith and Brett are still going strong and their navigation has been excellent. We will hopefully start the Kayak Tomorrow morning and arrive into Thredbo early Wednesday. We look forward to the expedition ahead!!! Hopefully the Sun is shinning on team Little Miss Sunshine!

Team Area 51
Just finished the 25km rogaine in around 10 hours, following a 60km climb to 1300 m altitude in the early hours of the morning. A couple of spills on the bike and a little bike-packing has seen the team pretty tired at this point although no major injury or illness. The course from here on in is still open to change however we hope to be on the water in the morning for a long paddle.
As true race of attrition is evolving and we are hoping to complete it as a team of four to stay ‘ranked’.
Love to you all from Leon, Greg, Justin and myself.

TEAM DRIFTWOOD (AKA Lost in Transition AND Translation)
The race was re-started yesterday and blessed us with one of the most amazing scenes…a full rainbow (almost a double rainbow) with dark stormy rain clouds in the background, fields glowing in the sunset…all an energizing start to our Mountain Bike leg. We are now just back from a night of wandering around in the cold snow completing the O Course. We were rewarded this morning from our tiring nite with an encounter with some wild Emus and wild Brumbies (horses). This race has certainly provided some amazing views and experiences…so much so that we are already talking about next year! Now we are off to make the final kayak. I’m pretty convinced Kevin is Bionic, seriouslt the man does can do it all! Glen is part Ox - I’ve never seen anyone carry more weight in their pack. Brian is living up to his new nickname of “No Doz” as the man doesn’t seem to require any sleep!?! They have helped me tremendously through the trekking legs as my feet have gone bad and are very painful. But, we persevere and will carry on Mate!! To the finish we go…. =) ~ Kim

Mon – 24 November 2008 – 16:02
Team 32 – Epedition 36o South
Hi all, as you may well know yesterday the race was restarted after bad weather (blizzards) made a number of legs impassable. We were hunkered down at a small border town for 24hrs which gave us some good rest. We have just completed the rogain (leg 8) off the moutain bike (leg 7) and are gearing up for the bike leg down off the mountain. We are all doing well. Mike is as bullet proof as ever and boldly leading from the front. Matt is fulfilling his duty as 2IC and his excellent nav made the rogain a lot easier for all of us. Sahs is solidering on with a brutal determination. Her feet have taken a battering over the long course and due to being wet for long periods the balls of her feet now resemble water beds. She has sports tape covering it all up and so far so good. Adam (me) is well with creaks and groans from knees and ankles but holding up with the finish line in site. This morning we were treking in snow (got some cool pics) and we saw plenty of brumby tracks but no actual sightings of the colt of old regrett. We all miss our families and are looking forward to seeing you all again – after a long sleep! PS: Happy Birthday Ida! Love Adam xo

Mon – 24 November 2008 – 16:12
Team 22 – More Training Required
Last night we rode into the rogain which was a great ride in the sunset and then night an featured a spectacular crash from Tim. While riding through the slippery mud he skidded towards a very large ditch and wet head first in. The ditch was more tha 3m down from the road covered in brambles and feature waste deep water. We are sure how he landed on his feet but glad he was OK.

Today on the rogain we set a new record on how slowly we could do a leg. Unfortunatly Matt has given himself some bad kind of adventure racing specific tendonitis on top of a bad case of blisters and now has the walking mobility of an 80 year old. This meant that while our navigation on the orienteer was good we only managed a speed on the straight fire trails of aound 2km/h. If anyone isn’t sure of what this speed imagine taking our grand mother off track... However it was a fun day and we saw a lot of snow which was a bit unusual but didn’t manage to find any brumbys.

Now we are about to head off again for what we thought may have been the final leg but now know there are at least 2 more legs and possibly 4. Given the slow day everyone was pretty much hoping it would be the last leg but are now pressing on for another 60km ride followed by a kayak across Eucumbene.

PS: Given a few extra turns today and our completing of the full trek + having to trek the kayak we have walked over 170km.

12 Where the Fukrwe

well things are going well after the restart we had an excellent ride out of mid camp that saw all of us digging deep to keep moving in the cold weather. We had the fortune /miss fortune of riding through falling snow—COOL talking of things falling the road was a bit slippery in some spots and Gav and Lall both managed to have a lay down on the job nothin major and other wise we keep it rubber side down. Next was the rogaining walk through the hills, we all had a blast at this and when we got to the parts of the course where snow had fallen a fight broke out with copious amounts of snow heading in all directions. We have just finished the walk had some food and are about to head out on the ride to the paddle in the dam tomorrow, which should be nice as it will be our one and only paddle, it’s just gone 9pm so we are out of here. Hi to everyone at home look forward to seeing you all soon