Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic 2006 Report by Julie Armstrong

While Dave's kayak may be a royal purple, its connection with regality ends there. A close inspection of his Argonaut reveals a seasoned vessel in need of a little TLC to patch cracks in the stern and aft. Perhaps even a new coat of paint - any colour would match the car.

Leg 1

While most of us stood around in our warm thermal layers, admiring the ethereal layer of mist over the water, Rosemary and her brave compatriots (including one in just bathers) tackled the chilly 1.5km swim. Rosemary finished strongly and, once unwetsuited, looked ready to run.

 

Leg 2

Dave got off to a steady and impressive start in the Argonaut and kept his pace as well as not sinking. We got a great view from the hillside road - the course must have been tough as there were several kayaks struggling. A yellow kayak was capsized near the island point. Apparently it took 66 squeezes of a sponge to empty the water out of that one. Dave looked cool, calm and collected after the leg.

Leg 3

Rosemary's run. This woman is made of steel. She came in at the same pace she left us at. A very good effort.

Leg 4

The technical ride. Someone was obviously given a distance marker and told to be as creative and challenging as possible. Plenty of protruding branches, Scotch thistles, European wasps and ditches as steep as flights of stairs. Apparently team and individual numbers were remarkably reduced this year because of this leg. Greg not only finished it in a credible time but finished it without major injury. That says it all.

Leg 5

We dried and warmed the wetsuit as much as possible for Rosemary but it was still damp for her swim. Not that a damp wetsuit would concern Rosemary over her 2.5 kilometre swim. I understand that Rosemary did a PB for a 2.5km open water swim. Rosemary looked a little tired afterwards but was still able to stand, talk, walk and smile.

 

Leg 6

Jon powered out of the bay and away through the open lake. We didn't see much of his kayak but, having seen his pace, we knew we couldn't even stop for cappucinos and pastries.

Leg 7

The easy bike ride. Rob says that next year he is wearing armour.

Rob's report:

The first challenge was the first 700 metres of sand and rock. It was an advantage to be near the back because I could see in advance where the other bikes had skidded through sand. While I managed to follow most of the markers (the arrows were particularly good), I missed the turnoff to go up the hill. I could see the transition for the 1 km swim and momentarily got confused.

It was good that I'd carried the course instructions, but being overtaken while reading them was psychologically draining. The fences were an added challenge as well. I helped the guy behind me get his bike over the fence. The scenery may well have been awesome but I was concentrating on riding, so I didn't really get to appreciate it. However I did spot a sick heifer which I reported to the race officials once I finished. The last hill on the ride was pretty overwhelming. Riding between thick thistles on what may have originally been a four wheel drive track.

Now that I've done the ride I reckon I could pace myself better for next year. Also some distance markers would be good. I saved a bit of energy by climbing a hill, thinking I had several more kilometres to go then finding myself close to finish.

Leg 8

Gabe's run. Because it was a tough 12.5km with a lot of uphill we knew we had time for coffee. Not taking chances, we went straight to the finish line where we could buy instant at the Kosciusko Visitors Centre. Gabe proved her endurance by powering in cheerfully to tag Dave for the 30 bike ride. Arrow markers would have helped on this leg - Gabe and a fellow competitor called out to another to turn around as they were running in the wrong direction.

Leg 9

Dave was a late entry to the 30km bike ride, having first Kate drop out because she'd twisted her ankle and Acacia drop out because of a heavy cold. Dave added to his challenge by wearing work boots and, well, see the photo…

Apparently standard riding gear.

It must have been a psychological advantage however (or maybe Dave is just a really fit guy) as Dave blitzed the ride.

Leg 10

Having seen the rest of the course, I think I got lucky. Smooth water, sunny weather and clearly visible markers. It was nice to have Rob keep me company (sort of, had to be 5 metres away) in the Argonaut although I was wondering what I should do if the kayak sank. This thought, and the thought of being cheered on by the team inspired me to do a PB for 1 km in open water. The current was with me on the way across between the 2 buoys but the tide on the way in pushed me closer to shore sooner than expected and over the same sharp underwater rocks that others went over. Foggy goggles and no finish banner made it hard to spot the finish point. The team encouragement put wings on my feet through that last few metres of submerged knee high mud. I loved this leg - perhaps next year the organisers could make this leg longer?

Leg 11

Greg's kayak streaked out of Creel Bay. We stayed long enough to cheer a few competitors in and then made our way around to the next and final transition. The banks of this area were great to gather to see kayaks coming in and runners going out. We gathered about half way down the kayak entrance chute which proved useful as most runners had trouble spotting the ribbons marking their run to go up the hill. It was an exciting finish to watch as Greg overtook another competitor coming into the bay.

Leg 12

As it was just after 6.30pm we selected Rob from the nominees to run as a torch bearer with Jon.. In an inspired effort Jon outpaced Rob and streaked past a few others. A man of hidden depths.

We gathered at the finish line to cheer the remaining teams and individuals in. Many thanks to the Sri Chinmoy event organisers for their encouragement, organisation and dedication. We appreciated their efforts (the pancakes at the end were fantastic) and look forward to coming along again next year.

We also appreciated the lollies, fruit and sports drink that were provided. The only food/drink disappointment was that the much anticipated hot drinks, particularly after the swims, were not forthcoming (organiser's note: OK, we'll see what we can do about that next year!)