Done and dusted. The inaugural 2017 Twin Waters Urban Adventure Race has been run and done. Well done to the 15 teams who race around the scenic coastline and paths of Twin Waters and Mudjimba. Great to see a number of re-offenders coming along for their second race of the series, and bringing some other willing (or maybe, not so willing) competitors along with them.
The day had perfect weather and perfect conditions (we have been very lucky this year). It was good to see the matching team outfits starting to creep in. I think that is a great look for this sport. The Tri Adventure (Aunties) and Tiger Adventure teams (You Owe Me Ice Cream) are always conspicuous, but they have now been joined by the 2Tyred guys. Also good to see families out racing together, with the Atkinson clan having members in three teams.
As this was the first time we had raced around this area, we were very apprehensive about how things would go. Before the start, I had a drive down to the kayak leg and saw a stack of jet skis hitting the water, and thought this will be interesting, although by the time the first competitors hit the water it had cleared up. The water looked perfect. Low tide and clean, just what I ordered.
The start saw the usual preparations, with those in total control, and those in total disarray (looking at you, Team Clarkey – needing Fiona’s expert contact skills).
Race underway at 8AM, and as usual teams headed off in all sorts of directions. Team MG hit the kayaks first and were on their own. I think they thought there was something strange going on as no-one else was there, but at least they got the choice of the fast kayaks. Everyone else headed off to the bush park run, or off on the bike run in both north and south directions.
Unfortunately, we were not able to gain access to the private cane farming land, so the bike leg ended up being a bit of a speed contest with the Tri Adventure Aunties and Ufit AR covering the 15 km or so in about 50 minutes. Thankfully we had the obstacle course race and catapult challenges to slow them down. Seems like OCR is a bit of a challenge to some, but not to others. Wazza (WazzaShazza) even had time to do somersaults on the cargo net. Others were not so showy, or just preferred to dance through the mud pit.
The catapult was a test. Some people were able to hit the target on their first go, while others just couldn’t quite get it right. Bit embarrassing when your 12 year old daughter hits the target first go, and you just keep missing (Ice Cream anyone?). It seemed to be all in the technique (or maybe not).
After that bit of fun, it was back onto the second leg, either run/kayak or ride. Weather was starting to warm up a bit.
To be honest, we had no idea if the course would be cleared, particularly after we added in the coast trek through the water and mangroves between the jetty and boat ramp late on Saturday morning. Hope you all liked that bit. The water looked so clean and refreshing.
Two teams managed to clear the course, WazzaShazza (with 3 minutes to spare), and the doyens of this sport, the Tri Adventure Aunties (1 minute over time, incurring a 10 point penalty). A couple of other teams got close.
WazzaShazza took overall honours, and also the Mixed team event, with GiveItaGo in second (and showing some greatly improved form since Brightwater and the Paddy Pallin race), and the Double H’s in third (new team along for ride).
The Women’s event was won by the Aunties, with the Brown Girls and Chicks With Kicks having a close race for second and third.
The men’s race was a very close contest, with the Super Slugs going a couple of places better than Brightwater, and making me eat my “surprising” comments. The difference between them and 2Tyred came down to route choice on the kayak. The Slugs went for the two bigger points (CP4 and CP5), and the 2Tyred guys going for the other 3 CPs, which were collectively worth 20 points less, as well as one CP different on the bike. Ufit AR (not Unfit AR, as I mistakenly called them), in third place, had the unfortunate occurrence of heading out on the run minus their clue sheet, and also coming home 5 minutes late. If not for the lost sheet, they may have taken this one out. That would have give Adam a win in the Mixed and the Mens, but not to be.
After the event, everyone enjoyed some pizzas and a well earned drink. It was great to see a number of younger people having a race with their parents. This is great to see.
A bit thanks go out to our volunteers Steve (kayak delivery man), Trent and Lauren at the kayak, and Mary at HQ and obstacle course. We couldn’t do this race on our own.
Just one sour note was the fall of young Jaimie from the You Owe Me Ice Cream team. Jaimie fell off her bike on the way back to the finish, and it looks like she may have broken her wrist. We hope she makes a speedy recovery and is back on her bike soon.
We look forward to seeing you again at the next race on 11 November. Further details will be placed on our facebook page and web site.