24 hrs of Paddling

Team Blackheart have left on the remote 60km trek in 4th position. Overnight on the Walsh River they dropped from 1st to 5th place. I haven't been able to find out the reason for this but from the tracker it appeared that they missed a bend in the river and did a couple of hundred metres extra portaging. After which the tracker was stationary for a couple of hours so hopefully they might have had a sleep. I'm trying to get in touch with Ben when there's some phone reception.

After more than 75 hours of racing there is only 2.5 hours separating the top 5 teams and there must still be at least 48 hours of racing to go. Sleep strategy and navigation will be the keys to the race from here.

During the current trek I think they have to get one checkpoint (#16) and if you are looking at the course map I assume it is located where the course line changes direction just north of a knoll. Already straight out of transition we can see very different route choices with Orion and McCain heading south around the first ridge and Blackheart taking a more direct route. This leg will be fascinating to watch for those armchair navigators - hopefully the trackers don't lose signal.

Blackheart lead the race through Midcamp

After the infamous "stinging tree trek" yesterday teams had to complete a 130km mountain bike with a 10km orienteering course toward the end. Teams had to get 5 out of 6 cp's before continuing on to midcamp. I spoke with Ben earlier and he said Blackheart blitzed the orienteering section in about 3.5hrs which was apparently the fastest out of the lead group.

At 6:55am Blackheart arrived at the compulsory 6hr stop at midcamp where they decided to have the stinging tree treatment. I have to quote Kim's race blog entry here along with a photo of Damon's partially waxed legs ... sexy.

CP – 11

Kim here again. I just saw the funniest thing EVER in adventure racing. After spending the night out with our stinging tree injuries we changed our minds and decided to get them treated at mid camp = hydrochloric acid on the wound, and then a wax. The hydrochloric acid stung a bit but no big deal. Damon, Rob and Josh then proceeded to scream like little girls whilst getting their legs waxed. I wish I had a camera …. Anyway, last nights ride was good, particularly the descent down from the orienteer. Now for some sleep

After exactly 6 hrs Blackheart departed with their 2 deflated kayaks, paddles, pfd's, mandatory gear loaded into the compulsory "wheelbarrow" for a 20km push to the start of the paddle leg. Check out Rob's cannons in the photo above - making light work of it! Orion have made up a bit of time during this leg and as I post this the lead look to be about 1hr 15min. More photos coming soon.

Here's a great report on Team Blackheart from Adventure World Magazine.

Photos

Some Team Blackheart action from Day 1 courtesy of Ben Wolstencroft.