Goldrush

Well it has been a long time since I updated this Blog - slack from me but I've been suffering from extreme procrastination and some form of writers block...the form that non writers get...or maybe thats just procrastination...probably. This post is an ode (although not exactly a poem) to Jeremy or 'Big J' for he has now retired, or so I say anyway, as Jane had their first child on Friday night... Hannah beth weighing in at 2.9kg.

It is a long way to go to Alexandra from Taupo, 3000km actually, including going round in circles for the race, but it is worth it. We had originally entered as a team but since it was $500 per person I figured I would rather do the whole thing and get my moneys worth, Jeremy agreed and so team Deloitte was formed as a tandem. Unfortunately we couldn't get a tandem bike, which would have been a laugh, so we paddled the Hyper together and everything else was on our own.

The race is a bit of a beast with so much mountain biking, particularly on the second day, we decided to take a 'steady' approach to the first day and build from there. Ofcourse this raraely ever works out and as the gun went we found ourselves sprinting for our kayaks. Tip #1 - dont try to both get into the kayak at the same time with half of it wedged on the bank and the other half in the water... So Jeremy was in the drink throwing his toys at my over zealous 'encouragement' and our opposition (well the whole field actually) were paddling off in the distance...not a good start. Once we had composed ourselves we set about repairing or long lost dignity... and that we did. We got into a really good rhythm ploughing through what seemed like the whole field. It is alot of fun paddling the Hypernova and if you get the chance - take it, they are virtually indestructible and can take on some massive waves. We found ourselves out in front at the end of this section so we ploughed through the mtb with great vigour, probably too much as half way through the final run we slowed alot allowing a tandem team to pass us (damn grasshoppers... they could run well!!). So we finished day 1 at the Mannerbourne dam 5 minutes down in second and very satisfied with our efforts.

Day 2 was tough, especially after a rough nights camping on the side of a hill being terrorised by gale force winds and sub zero temperatures. First up was a massive 50km mtb which included a 400m ascent of 'serpentine' where we would have to carry our bikes for 30mins. As you reach the bottom you look up and see a stream of riders/climbers heading up into the clouds like something out of jack and the beenstalk, it was nasty, but I loved it, for some reason I like carrying my bike up steep hills, I guess it brings out the sadistic personal trainer in me. After a fast descent and an even faster 24km road bike we were running the famous rail trail. Unfortunately we didn't have boobs to flash so we lost more time to the lead team (woman get 'bonus' points for flashing) so we just took our time and enjoyed the scenery. We did consider hiding in the bush and enjoying the 'scenery' more but thought that might be a little perverse. The final 50km mtb killed us! this was brutal, people had warned us but I didn't expect it to be so bad. with over 1000m of climbing we were struggling big time but the decent from the top made it all worth while... a good 15minutes of fast 4wd roads all the way into Tarras for the night.

Day 3 was probably the best, 2*50km road cycling sections split by a 30km paddle of the clutha river. As we hit the river the sun was coming up and the fog was coming off the water it - was an impressive sight. By this stage we had an agreement with the other team that we would stick with them so we chatted away and enjoyed the scenery keeping to a steady pace. Cycling and running beside the Clutha back into Alexandra it really is a magic part of the country and well worth the adventure.

Thanks to Ian, Dave, and Megan for their fantastic support crewing and all the 'banter' that came with it.

Cam.