Unofficial but reliable update

I just spoke with Ben as he was making his way back to their accommodation for the last few days, in the town where mid camp was. Following is some info:

• Orion did arrive into transition at the end of the trek first by about 5-10min.
• Blackheart arrived soon after and immediately started putting bikes together and getting organised for the next leg (I know how much Damon and Josh hate wasting time stationary in transition)
• Blackheart were looking good considering the severity of the leg they had just completed although apparently Kim has a nasty infection on her leg that need some attention.
• They left the TA about 10-15min before Orion, therefore taking back the race lead.
• Although the Blackheart tracker wasn't working for a couple of hours teams do have to head a couple of km's north of the TA to a CP at the local cemetery before heading south back past the TA on the rest of the leg.
• It is really hot out there on course, 25 degrees overnight and this is taking it's toll on the teams, as well as the magnitude of the stages and the race itself.

And from looking at the gps trackers, Orion have stopped after the first CP for a couple of hours sleep and Blackheart have pushed on. The trackers for the teams placed 3-6 are all working and they have still a considerable distance left to trek (3-5 hours). The race is a long way from over but it seems the Blackheart vs Orion rivalry will go down to the final leg again to decide this one. No sleep for me tonight and I'll post some photos later.

Monster Trek ... and confusion

While there has not been any official confirmation I have been closely watching the gps trackers for most of the day and I'll be the first to speculate that Blackheart have regained the lead. They had a super trek and were completing the final section of the stage about 15 min behind the leading team Orion after making up more than 2 hours earlier on. This was the 2nd 24+ hour leg for the team in a row and I bet they love the look of their bikes after not seeing them since before mid camp at 6:55am on Friday morning!

They are now about an hour into the final bike leg of the race. In a strange situation it seems Orion have gone North and Blackheart South on leaving the transition area. This post is only speculation and there still a very long way to go (my guess 24-36 hours). Hopefully I'll get an update soon but the transition area doesn't seem to have any phone reception. GO TEAM!

Day 4 Photos

Some more great photos from Ben Wolstencroft from the end of the 'paddle', Transition at CP 15, and leaving for the start of the Trek.

Rob and Josh

Kim and Damon

All jokes and smiles in transition - must have enjoyed the 24 hours of 'paddle - dragging'.

Foot care before the trek. I reckon the feet would be a bit second hand after being wet for the last 24 hrs.

Going to be an easy trek for Kim if she get carried the whole way ... just a good bit of teamwork to keep the feet dry.

Rob will have his work cut-out navigating the next Trek and by the look of the gps tracker he's had a cracker start.