Manly Dam was the location of my first Adventure Race. Our team consisted of the two bubbly babes Allana & Cherie and I, our team name was Dekiru Yo. The day was a bit overcast, and during the race we got a bit of a downpour which was fun, brings back memories of the good old days of yester year when I use to play in the rain and splash around in mud.
Big thanks must go out to Tsalina and Luke from team Just Trippin for helping us out with all the pre race information that we needed and advice regarding equipment and preparation. With the last minute purchases of the necessary equipment such as the Compass and whistles, we were now set to race. Finally get to use my new mountain bike in the dirt and wet.
Well the race was exactly how I pictured it, fast and furious and full of fun. What it was for those that don’t know is that it’s a multi sport event with disciplines such as Kayaking, running, Mountain biking, trail running, swimming and orienteering. Our goal was to navigate our way around Manly Dam to various checkpoints using the various disciplines.
The course was completed by the experts and winners in around about 1hr and 55 mins, we weren’t that far behind with an Official Time of 4 hrs and 5 mins (I timed it at 4 hrs and 2 mins).
This day did bring a bunch of memories that I can remember and chuckle to now. Some of these include:
- Cherie being on time as usual (note we had to meet at
6am
, and where was Cherie???? In her warm comfy bed) she got there before the start tho.
- After receiving our race instructions, I was telling Allana the general directions and what we had to do, but what was she doing. She was staring at the water thinking “I gotta swim that! It’s so FAR!!!” (NB: Allana says she’s not a good swimmer, but she got to the other side which was awesome)
- Casual start followed by “BAM” some poor girl tripping on her shoelaces with a thud! Ouch! I looked over at Cherie and she had this look on her face of “Oh shit, what have I got myself into!” (NB: Cherie doesn’t like to run, so to see her run was quite entertaining, but she was kicking ass, so go Cherie. Dekiru yo!)
- After the 800m run we headed straight into the swim leg which was probably about 200m. I charged in (with my shoes on) and was about 1/3 way across the swim when I thought, better wait for these girls, so I turn around and what were they doing???? They were taking off there shoes, and neatly packing them away into zip lock bags! HAAHHAHAH I still can’t stop laughing when I picture this one.
- Trailing last after the swim leg thinking fark we gAwRRRN! Then seeing others in front and catching up.
- Getting in the kayaks and watching and feeling, 3 uncoordinated people try to row this damn kayak 3.5 kms!
- Coming off the mountain bike and holding it up in the air and hopping down the track thinking, “I’m dead” Then to stop next to a girl who walked the whole way down and just laugh at me!
- Finding all the checkpoints and being able to navigate around was awesome.
- Constantly seeing Team Turtle around us. (which could only mean we are fast, or they are really team turtle)
- Running through the transition area, and the organiser asking us what Diki Roo meant? Had to correct him twice saying its Dekiru YO! Hahah But that was a good thing, because we eventually won a spot prize when he remembered us! (our prize well.. they were some very expensive sport socks, very comfy too)
- Missing the turn off after following some people, and then I realised its not the right way. Turning back and all the other teams not believing me! Suckers!
- But the biggest memory was finding the last check point and running into the finish line with all the other teams cheering us home!! WOOHOOO!! Yes we finished came 67th out of 78 teams.
What a day, can’t wait for the next race now. Which, for me will be in Moss Vale on October 30. Big thanks for all the supports who braved the early morning rain and slop to get there and bring us our lunch. Max, Darryl, Kev, Karina Wong, and of course my baby Karina Tam.
You set a challenge don’t you! or in this case, statements are made and it was, "You talk the talk, but do you walk the walk" or in this case, you talk the talk, but can you eat the ice cream!
The girls talked it up a bit to max, and for the added flavour, Etchan and Cherie put a whole bunch Ice Magic and even Ferrero Rochere crushed up into the ice cream dishes. Game time.
But the end was near and what was the results? Well Etchan finished her meal in 15mins, Cherie finished hers in a cruisy 25 mins, and Max.. well.. Max was finished by 1.5 litres of ice cream and he was DONE.
Alivio rapid fire shifters (24 sp)
