Kathmandu Adventure Sprint - Hinze Dam, Gold Coast
Sunday 9th July 2006..

The day for the race dawned an absolutely perfect day weather wise. Probably one of the best days of the winter so far. Pete and I had never been in an adventure race before so we were looking forward to it.
As we arrived at the assembly point near the start finish barrier and began checking out the other competitors we were started to work out how to come to grips with the potential embarrassment of finishing at the tail of the field. There were certainly some pretty fit looking individuals getting about the place on some pretty flashed up gear. Anyway we were there to have fun so finishing last wouldn't matter - as long as we did finish!
We got our course instructions from Gary and his team. These were pretty straight forward, once we discovered that to balance the field numbers we would be starting off on the Run leg with the ladies and the mixed teams, rather than with the men. So there was even more potential for embarrassment although as Pete commented there would be some good scenery to follow along the trail!
The run leg stated right on 9am and we were off. This leg was pretty cruisy for us and we managed to hit all of the check points without much trouble. Next it was onto the bikes for a ride across the dam wall. Pete spotted a potential short cut at this point and we cycled down the walking path which brought us right to check point 6 whilst saving some distance on the road. At this stage we were wondering whether mountain bikes were actually required equipment as it had all been road work so far.
We soon found out that Mountain Bikes were essential as we tackled the horse trails looking for check points 8, 9 and 10. There was only one small navigation error during this stage but we were soon back on track.
After check point 10 it was down to the Dam to get onto the first of the Kayak stage. At this point I become rather nervous as I had hired a $4500 Canonndale Prophet bike for this event and the hirers saw fit not to provide insurance. Pete's Avanti was not a cheap unit either so we took a little extra care balancing the bikes on the kayak.
There is not much room on a Toy Boy II kayak for 2 lads that come in at 6 foot plus as well as 2 large frame Mountain bikes and 2 back packs. The kayak had some performance issues as well. There was a distinct steering to the left due to the handlebars and wheel of the bottom bike dipping into the water.
After a slog of a paddle we made it across the dam and got back into the saddles, somewhat soggier, for a quick ride back up to the Start TA for the Mystery leg. I was having flash backs to being a toddler at this stage. I have never worn bike pants with a pad in the groin before and to now be in a pair with about half a litre of dam water in the crotch pad was bringing back some unpleasant childhood memories.
The mystery leg turned out to be a single trail Mountain bike loop. Again Mountain bikes were definitely required equipment and the soggy groin pad turned from a nuisance to a form of comfort. I am relative new to Mountain biking and there seems to be loads of potential for some serious groin pain. Having that pad in place was a good thing at this point!
After the mystery leg was over it was back down to the dam to put a bit more water into that groin pad and have a paddle across to check point 11. This time it was minus the bikes. After this paddle it was back onto the bikes and up to the finish line.
Pete and I had a fantastic time of it during this whole event. There was a real sense of adventure especially compared with other events such and straight runs and rides. Gary and Todd and the rest of the team from Adventure Max did a great job organising the day. We will be back for more!

Astro Currs Team 88