The 2007 Adventure Race World Championship

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All Change at Tarbet

Rob Howard / 27.05.2007

Tarbet was a scene of intense activity and a few surprises as teams portaged across from Loch Morar to Loch Nevis, stopping to complete 2 cross country loops of micro-navigation there before continuing on the transition one.

They were warned the portage could be rough and tough, but although it was a steep uphill start the track was broad and well kept. It might have been harder in the wet but teams coped well, most using portage trolleys of one kind or another, with varying degrees of success.

First across were Balance Vector, using the heavier, slower race supplied boats … which had proved more stable and manageable in the cross winds and swell then supposedly quicker boats. When Orion Health followed them Wayne Oxenham said, “Those guys are amazing. I wouldn’t like to race them if they were in fast boats!�

He added; “That was an amazing paddle but it was such hard going against the wind. Some teams will really struggle out there!� He was right, they would.

These two teams were the first to arrive at the checkpoint, which was set up in a bunk house in an old church. In residence were marshals Graeme and Jackie O’Hanlon, and they were very happy marshals. No tent surrounded by midges for them – this checkpoint had hot water, showers and plenty of space! There was also a field alongside big enough to spread the kayaks out in when they rolled down the hill.

On arrival teams were given one of two maps, each with 5 checkpoints on, and once that was complete, they received the other map for their second loop. As Orion Health and Balance Vector arrived together they were given different maps first, to discourage following.

Their routes crossed hilly terrain, dotted with cliffs, small woodlands, gullies and lakes, and it wasn’t easy to navigate on the 1:50,000 scale maps, or easy to run.See All Event Posts