Lythgoes Adrenalin Rush

Getting Wet - Final Preparations and a Poor Forecast

Rob / 26.05.2002

The final morning before the race was filled with yet another course briefing (captains only this time) and there were a frustrating number of minor corrections to the route book to go over. Final paperwork needed completing, flares had to be paid for, all the usual admin, packing and stress that comes just before a race. Minor panics over things forgotten until its too late, dead batteries, more map marking and laminating, the list of jobs is endless.

There was more testing to be done too and this involved a dip in the Erne alongside race HQ. The Kayak testing required a demonstration of self rescue technique so everyone had to paddle out from shore, roll out, swim with the boats and then get themselves back in again in good order. It was cold and to get as little of their race kit wet as possible teams set off in various states of undress!

There was time to pack their kayaks too, as they will start on the water and have a long night ahead before coming ashore again at PC1. Canadian team Supplierpipeline were showing some enterprise as they tried to rig a kite to the Necky kayaks the race uses, but it was difficult to get it to fit. Some careful planning will be needed on the water, especially at sea, not just for safety and navigation, but estimating timings to PC’s. The penalty for staying out after a cut-off is one hour per minute late!

The amount of water on land is still an issue too with the forecast for the week ahead not looking too good – though it could be far worse. The long range forecast is showery just about every day, there won’t be much sun, but at least it’s not a forecast for torrential storms and the winds are likely to be light, a key factor for the sea kayak stage. There’s no doubting it’s going to be horrible underfoot though. Some of the original course was cut before the teams even arrived as wading for hours on end through knee deep bogs isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. There is going to be enough of that anyway! The condition of fords and caves are the other issues and decisions will have to be made as the race progresses.

Before they set out at 18.00 tonight (Sunday) though it’s pasta party time – probably the last chance to enjoy a hot meal in dry clothing for some time. Whatever the weather, after all the preparation everyone will be glad to finally get going.