Adventure Race 12:43:00 [3] 100.0 km (7:38 / km)
Pretty epic course for a "short race".
We started on the water with about a 15km paddle. I was pretty confident here since unlike LR&S I knew I had the fastest boat. The true challenge would be navigating the islands in the dark. I was in the lead from the get go and knew I was being followed (see Gally's report!). A two points during the paddle I actually tried to rip off my glowstick but I knew if I pull hard enough I would up tipping.
The next section about a 15km trek section where I figured I had to create as much space as I could know the long MTB would probably not be my strength. There were plenty of different route choices and I had worked out with a friend what looked to be the safest, dryest and fastest (more roads). Turns out some of the roads didn't quite match up with the map and it cost me some time. I gave up 45min to the fastest solo in that section but luckily i had him by 20 min on the paddle. I managed to bump into Gally and the gang and joined them for a swim and saw FB as he decided to trek around the water.
I came into the MTB section a saw all the teams in front of me either heading out or still in transition. I did a quick change and was off. I was paying much more attention to my nutrition (I think it was the main reason for my loss of power on the bike in past events) and I felt good. within the 1st 20km I caught the lead teams and solos. I rode the rest of the course with fellow RaceDayRush teammate Adrian leapfrogging back and forth over the remaining 40-50km. Actually finished the bike 1st overall with a slight 2 minute gap on Adrian.
Then came the "advanced" trek. An little orienteering course with 3 points on a supplemented cartoon map. I assumed this would be pretty simple as they have been in the past...not so much for me! I bumped into Team Running Free at the first point and they were off to find the second. I was on their tails for a bit but they are jsut too damn fast on their feet...then I lost the trail and got totally turned around. Lost about 30 min there before findin my way back to a trail and headed to get the 3rd point. I had plotted it wrong too! I really hate little sections like this and don't give them the effort I should...and this proved to be my downfall.
I got 2 off the 3 and called it a day. 3 teams had finished in front of my and I was the first solo to cross the line. Adrian showed up a few minutes later with all 3 points so I dropped to second Solo.
I felt great 95% of this race, pretty good nav, solid strength on the paddle and bike considering it was 6+hrs longer than I have raced all season. While I am not a fan of having orienteering in adventure races it seems to be the norm now and I am going to have to learn how to deal with it.
Congrats to Relentless, Dee and Harper for the win! Nice to chat with FB and have a few beers after the finish...but the sleepmonsters got him at the bar after his steak dinner. We woke him before he ended up face down in his pint.
No more races planned for the season....what now?????