XPD Australia
Variety is the Spice of XPD
Media Release / 23.05.2010
Getting to midcamp is a big time for everyone and it’s not just for the treats - the achievement in reaching midcamp generates its own momentum, releasing energy to keep them pushing on and enthusiasm to complete the course. Several teams also had to make difficult choices (both for individual and team well being) here and let go of a team member due to illness or injury.Throughout the day, teams arrived in from Leg 5. The day was hot and the lucky teams were those that got the hills out of the way early in the day. Many teams had frequented the Irvinebank pub for meals, ice cream or even a beer, and drawing no connections here, many teams had also been finding the Stannery Hills orienteering navigation very challenging, particularly at night.
The XPD organisers decided to give teams the option to drop 2-3 checkpoints in exchange for a 2.5 hour time penalty per CP. So after finding 2 checkpoints many of the teams accepted the 7.5 hour time penalty and were able to continue as a ranked team.
Volunteers and racers transformed the Dimbulah Community Hall into a hive of activity, quite unlike anything for a usual weekend out here. Many a passing local noticed something different about town and stopped in to find out, stayed for a chat and one or two even offered their search and rescue services when they found out which country the teams were heading into. The coffee shop across the road also did quite roaring trade!
Teams have really loved catching their trail mail here - feeling the love and support from the families and mates who follow their journey online and take inspiration from their XPD challenge. It has been noted that some teams have also become a little addicted to the required blog – numerous postings and increasing length ... maybe a necessary catharsis?
The SPOT tracking devices are a real hit with everyone out here. They are performing very successfully as expected, prompting the keyboard refresh buttons to be worn down - presumably those on many a supporter’s keyboard as well! This first time XPD feature is a fantastic enhancement to the supporter and spectator experience, not to mention the assistance and efficiency it is providing for the logistics crew to move gear around and also for volunteers in setting up the transition areas and checkpoints ahead of the lead teams.
Other goings on include a scramble for power outlets to charge up batteries, extensive and intense blister regimes, kayak inflation trials to check for leaks or damage, and also some welcomed visits from friends and families to some of the broken and battered. Many teams also opted for repeat stinging tree acid and wax treatment, this time keeping the acid on for the recommended full half hour (rather than the express method of 5 minutes at Ravenshoe). It is a big relief for all that the stinging tree victims are reporting that they are finding the treatment (& additional pain!) worthwhile.
The XPD racers are really taking the 20km wheelbarrow push (Leg 6) in their stride, the leg being in honour of the region's pioneering miners who used to trek hundreds of kilometres to the goldfields carrying all their belongings in a wheelbarrow. There have been a couple of wheelbarrow blowouts <1km from midcamp, fortunately close enough for teams to return for an exchange. The barrows have delivered quite a workout, especially now loaded up with two kayaks and team gear, as it was only last weekend that the 149km Great Wheelbarrow Race took place.See All Event Posts
