Team Xcite AR took on the wilds of Northern NSW (Broom’s Head region in the Clarence Valley) as part of the Qld Rogaine Association 8hr multi-sport rogaine.  First off, what a beautiful place this is, or at least it was until we started racing.  Great beaches, surf, rivers and bush.

The race started at 10.30am from Brooms Head caravan park.  The scenery looking across a magnificent beach included a pod of dolphins frolicking (do dolphins frolick?) close to shore.  This was somewhat distracting during map marking time.  In fact, I blame the great vista for my poor route selection, which I regretted much later.  First leg of the race was a trek heading south around the Brooms Head headland, then north a few km’s to Red Cliffs.  After that would be a mountain bike leg, then kayak (window between 1 and 4), followed by return mtb back to base.

We had planned on getting most of the trek checkpoints, which we did, except for a couple of low score points, then get to the kayak for a good time on the river (being how kayaking has become a bit of a stronger leg for us as a team).  The checkpoint looked like open time at Myer stocktake sale.  Push and shove to get to the punch, which was precariously place on a rock ledge.  We picked up all the points we wanted on the trek, which took just under 2hrs for about 13k.  We were feeling pretty good with how we went on the trek leg.

Onto the mtb and we hit a couple of easy checkpoints not far from the start.  Then the error!  Should have headed straight down to the kayak leg on a nice dirt road, picking up a couple more easy CPs.  Unfortunately, I got greedy and saw a good 110 points to be picked up via some easy tarmac and a bit of a trail.  Hmmm.  That trail was initially difficult for us to find, and we found ourselves wandering around with a couple of other lost souls (competitors) for about 20 minutes before we woke up and found the correct track.  This track was not all beer and skittles.  Plenty of puddles and mud (our bikes will not speak to us for a while).  Fi did her Brer Rabbit impersonation and got stuck in some barb wire (that doesn’t do much good to your brake rotors, we can tell you). At least we weren’t the only ones there, which always makes you feel a bit better as a navigator.  Once we made the water stop, we found some dry trail and headed for the kayak leg.  Due to the poor route selection, our proposed 2 hour paddle leg was now going to be less than 40 minutes.

I also forgot the 3km run to the kayaks, which by then felt like about 10km.  Once onto the kayak, we had a red hot go to pick up the closest points we could before closing time of 4PM.  We really need to plan a bit better to get more time on the water, even though my nav skills on the water need work.  All power to those who nav well on the water.  The river was absolutely beautiful and clear.

After the kayak, there was a small run out along a small sand bank to the island (no idea if it has a name).  When we got to the steps leading down the beach, we saw some people wading through water up to their hips.  The water was crashing in waves from both sides around the island.  Where was the sand bank?  Fi was not keen, however, one of the other racers said we had to go or we would regret it (nothing like a bit of goading to make you do something you rather wouldn’t).  Anyway, over we went and clambered up a rock wall to the top of the island.  We quickly found the CP and headed back through the water.  We went back the following morning to take a photo but it looks like Mr Moses had come and parted the water.  Believe me the water was up to our necks.

After that little adventure, we ran the 10km (really only 3) back to the bikes, then headed off to pick up what we could before darkness and coldness overtook us.  Although we had good lights, we had had enough after 7hrs and was really hanging out for a beer.

All in all, we had a great race, and learnt more about this fun but demanding sport.  We ended up midfield amongst a number of other similar competitors.  Thank you to the organisers (Grant & Michele) and all the volunteers.