XPD Australia
The Push is ON
Steve Cooper - SleepMonsters Australia / 20.05.2010
Looking over the course I couldn’t help but notice the wheelbarrow leg and memories of XPD 1 at Broken Hill came flooding back. As in North Queensland, Broken Hill also acknowledges its local mining history when miners easiest mode of transporting their gear from the mines of Burra in South Australia 300+ kms away was via wheelbarrow to Broken Hill. These early settlers were paid tribute to by the Burra to Broken Hill Wheelbarrow Race.
The North Queensland Wheelbarrow Way, re-named in 2004, is the 149 kilometre road between Mareeba and Chillagoe. This annual race now brings the community together and covers the full 149km, so it seems appropriate that XPD include part of this heritage into the event.
In XPD #1 teams had a portage option after the first epic paddle, some chose the 55km walk with boats atop one bike, this time round there is no option but at least they will be using a wheelbarrow.
The following leg I feel is going to be one of the 3 most crucial stages of the race and should crack the field further apart well and truly.
Blackheart.com.au have just launched themselves into the 20km wheelbarrow push to the start of what is going to be a monumental paddle leg and will be aiming to capitalise on the lead they have. Some teams may find themselves wishing they were back at Broken Hill following the huge meanders of Lake Wetherall in deep water. However I am sure the spectacular country and wildlife may help compensate teams for any discomfort they feel.
Blackheart.com.au go into the push with a 2 hour lead over the Kiwis of Orion Adventure, and I am sure will only build on this, (especially since there is a score to settle from the XPD in the Whitsundays), and with City Bike Depot, Merrell/ Akali and McCain Adventure Addicts less than an hour behind the Kiwi hunt will be on.
Stay tuned for more news as it comes to hand.See All Event Posts
