Sunday, September 22, 2024

Women's Adventure Race

A last minute 'we have to register tonight' suggestion by Cath saw us participate in the Women's Only Adventure Race. The orienteering style race involved a 4km run, 2km paddle and 10km mountain bike sounded like something we both could handle.

An early start saw us at the Rock Garden located between Lake Burley Griffin and the Arboretum. We started in the first wave. It was a 1km run to the boats! Then we paddled about 1 km around the peninsula to an island, punched a control and returned the same way. Relatively easy going on the way out with the wind behind us and Cath learning how to steer with the rudder! Much harder on the way back into a headwind and with tired arms (and yes we had done zero practice/training). Our exit from the boat could have been done a little more smoother - we came in short of the ramp, jumping out into deep water with slippery rocks!

After returning  the boat, jacket and paddle, we then had to collect 10 or so controls on the way back to the transition area. Navigation was simple for us and we passed several teams of confused women in this part!

Onto the bike, we rode across the dam wall and down into the zoo pines. They have changed a bit. A lap of the pines was completed and we returned the same way crossing the finish line in just over 2hrs (and surprisingly finishing 7th overall!) It was a fun event and I'm glad Cath suggested it.




 





No comments: