The inaugural Chase multisport event was held last Sunday 21st Aug in the scenic surrounds of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, 40km north of Sydney. Two Victorian athletes trekked up for the event to meet a field of 170 teams, pairs, and individuals poised for a race, which would keep us working hard throughout.
Despite some showers the previous day, the Sydney weather stuck to its forecast and the day started at Akuna bay d'Albora marina with glorious early morning blue sky. Gary's newly devised 'Elite' category set off 10 minutes ahead of the rest of the field to tackle the tough 32km Avanti road ride course on which the locals do their hill repeats - need I say more?! The leading men started the initial 4km climb and outbound route at a conservative pace, and by the end there was a there was a leading group of six riders within a minute of each other. The women's race was fairly spread out from the start with Christie Sym, Zoe King and myself returning to TA1 in that order. I can confirm from our reconnaissance trip on the previous day that the scenery was truly awesome, fantastic views out over the water, which we then crossed by kayak.
The 12km Pro-Kayaks flat-water paddle leg was enclosed on all sides by steep wooded banks, and the foothills of Mt Ku-Ring-Gai. There was a fair degree of uncertainty about the paddling conditions before the race, and there was just about every sort of craft to be seen. The leaders set off in K1s (allegedly wash riding passing boats!) though the vast majority of sea kayaks, surf skis and TKs that followed were, like me, avoiding the unwelcome turbulence of passing speed boats. There were not many swimmers, thought the standard of kayaking was hugely variable. On arrival at Apple Tree Bay the leading group of 4 men transitioned under pressure with barely 30 seconds between them. Jarad Kohlar was out first just 12 seconds ahead of Jody Zerbst, followed by Ross Chaffer, Steve Burns and Stu Adams in that order. The top 4 women were distributed between 2h23 and 2h39mins at T2, none of us quite sure how close it would be.
The final 11.5km trail run leg was an interesting surprise. Very suitable for mountain goats, or a strenuous hike… or an exceptionally painful third and final race leg! Set on tracks around the source of Cowan Creek the course included steps, lots of single track, rocks, boulders, riverbed, 4WD track and some mighty steep climbs. It was fairly treacherous for the ankles but with the sun shining and such a great course, the run was a real highlight for me. After ascending a steep bank for most of the 1km the course descended to 'Bobbin Head' (this place name caused great amusement for our support crew who proceeded to torture us with an unstoppable stream of jokes and neck-extending pantomime for the entire weekend, especially when they discovered the Bobbin Inn!). As the leading men and I passed in opposite directions at Bobbin Head Bridge the men's competition was at a climax. Jarad lead Jody by just 15 meters as they approached the final climb… and it was a painful sight! It came down to a sprint finish with Jarad coming from the back at 200m to finish just 3 seconds ahead. A hard earned and well deserved win. The women's finish was less dramatic (thankfully!) with Christie, Zoe and myself finishing within 15mins of each other and in that order.
Overall the race was exceptionally well organised and a great day out for all involved. Some interesting issues were raised regarding the notion of an 'elite' (read male) category. A privileged start, transition area and prize money was on offer to anyone who wanted (or didn't want) to pay an extra 10 bucks. Whilst this may have gone some way to addressing the possible problem of a congested start line for the quick guys, it effectively ruled out prizes for female athletes as there was no female elite section. Race director Gary is openly inviting further discussion but it seems to me that offering top female athletes equal rewards and recognition for their efforts is an appropriate gesture if we are endeavouring to increase female participation, build a stronger base of athletes in the sport, and in turn, grow more excellent female adventure racers. And let's face it, you can't go anywhere without us! The race certainly threw up some food for thought and will hopefully prompt some constructive discussion.
A super weekend away, well worth the trip and definitely on the calendar for next year! Just a final word of thanks to our support crew, bike mechanic, 'team manager', general funny-man-space-cadet; Mattie, Simon and Luke… thanks guys you were ace! And hi to Anthony and the crew at CBD Cycles, cheers for super advice and support as always, and the new bike - it is a rocket!
Delyth Lloyd