Southern Traverse

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Weather Forces More Course Changes

Susan McKenzie / 17.11.2004

In any adventure race, fitness is important, and strategy and navigation are critical, but the single biggest factor in this race is without a doubt the weather. The West Coast of the Southern Alps is a region where annual precipitation is measured in metres, so rain was pretty much a given. But the cold fronts that swept through the region were not as expected. Rain is tough enough: cold hard rain is brutal.

The third day of the 2004 Southern Traverse began with yet another weather-induced course change, the third so far. High levels on the rivers prompted the cancellation of checkpoints 18 and 19 of an 89-kilometre mountain biking leg near the Upper Grey River. Teams were supposed to cycle down a narrow, rutted four-wheel drive road down to the river, cross two rivers with their bikes and then continue along to the Gloria Vale Christian Community.

“When we went to check it out, the water level was up around maybe my shins or something,� explains Wayne Allen. “Then when we went back after all that rain yesterday, the water was up to my thighs or so. We really didn’t want to have to change the course again, but we just had to.�

Instead, teams were sent straight from CP17 on Craigburn Road to CP20. They then were shuttled across the Ahaura River in rafts.

The first teams came out of the Lower Paparoas in the wee small hours of the morning. The American-Kiwi combo GoLite/Timberland emerged first from the bush, followed by local favourites Kathmandu. Neither stayed long at TA5, and after some food and some fresh clothes they were on their way.See All Event Posts