Kathmandu Adventure Series
Lysterfield Lake, Melbourne - 19th November 2005

Lysterfield puts on three seasons in a day

Lysterfield Lake in Melbourne saw the final leg of the Kathmandu Adventure Sprint Series. A dull morning greeted competitors as they registered their teams. At 09:00 over 80 teams lined up on the start line. But something's wrong, half of the field is facing the wrong way. Once the starters horn had blown, half the field made their way to the inflatable kayaks for the first paddle leg while the other half started with a run leg in the opposite direction.

First off the water after the 1.5km paddle was Tridownunder.com (Ben Patrick and Nathan Lorkin), closely followed by Team Checkpoint (Kim Willocks and David Provan). Teams then transitioned onto a hilly 5km bike ride to the highest point of the course and Transition Area 2 (Trig Point Lookout). They left their bikes to collect a check point by foot at the bottom of the hill (1km) before returning to their bikes. Team Skam (Kate Reeves and Sam Maffett) arrived first only to be overtaken on the run by Tridownunder.com.

Teams then had to choose their route carefully in order to collect seven checkpoints in any order over a hilly section of the course. Tridownunder.com seem to make easy going of this part of the course collecting all seven checkpoints and returning to the start/finish transition in 52 minutes further extending their lead on Team Skam and Checkpoint. Another 1.5km paddle followed by the final 7km run had Tridownunder maintain its lead and Ah nuts! (Dan Kirby and Kathryn Ewels) over taking Team Skam and Checkpoint.

While all this action was going on the green course The Hare and the Tortoise (Jarad Kohler and Josh Street) were quietly making there way around the blue course. Starting out strong on the on the first leg, their lead was never challenged during the entire race.

They crossed the line first in 2hrs 55minutes over 22 minutes ahead of the next team Tridownunder.com.

"Jarad and Josh put in an awesome performance to complete the course in under three hours in these very wet and muddy conditions. I am going to have to either make a special section to challenge them further or ban them from entering these events as they are just too good and make it too hard for the back of the field" joked race director Gary Farebrother.

Melbourne Adventure Hotstuff also put in a strong performance for the all female teams coming in 1st in their category and 12th overall.

Teams were treated to a BBQ feast laid on by Endeavour Hills Lions Club, while telling tales of the days adventures.

A big thank you to our sponsors: Kathmandu, who provided over $2,500 of prizes; Gu, our energy sponsors; and Triathlon and Multisport Magazine for all their support.
This event would not have been possible without all of the volunteers on the day. Thanks to Renee and Shannan for manning the bike run TA, Karen for minding Emily, Scott and Anika for collecting the bibs, Todd, Adam, Karyn and Aislinn for managing the boats and Kate, Jocelyn and Megan for doing the timing.

We hope to see you all again on Sunday 5th February in Yarra Bend Park. Have a great Christmas and a very happy New Year!