Yak Attack
The Final Stage; Tatopani to Khaniya Ghat
Phil Evans (Extreme World Challenges) / 23.03.2011
There was plenty of time for reflection as the riders embarked on the final stage of the Genesis Yak Attack 2011, a group ride from Tatopani to Khaniya Ghat, and the end of the dirt after over 400km.During the 11 stages the competitors had endured temperatures (if the computer readings were to be believed) from a sweltering 44C on stage 2 and cases of heat exhaustion, to a finger freezing -15C on stage 9 with a few incidents of mild frost bite. There had been mud during stage 7, so sticky and deep it had caused Aussie rider Greg McGoldrick to vow never to race again (a statement he later retracted after the 67km downhill section!).
Snow and ice bought on some extremely scary moments both ascending and descending during stage 9, with both John McGillivray and Mangal Lama loosing their footing on the treacherous section just past High Camp and sliding down the 45 degree snow covered slope. South African John Ferguson, went for the record most number of falls on the icy descent to Muktinath, managing one final tumble on the last remaining meter of ice to take his tally well into double figures for the day!
The first 4 days of lower altitude riding also took their toll and kept the medic, Keith Green busy, with Rajeev Rai, Dhanjit Rai, John McGillivray, Steve Rysdale and Kumar Gurung all taking injury inducing falls on the numerous rough and ready 6km+ descents. Mike McCabe and Andre Deplechin both suffered from stomach complaints, weakening them through hunger and making progress painfully slow at times, but both persevered through to valiantly and uncomplainingly complete the race. On top of this there were the tough carry sections, hauling bike onto shoulder to tackle the steep rocky climbs to Taal and beyond. There were donkey trains to negotiate, river crossings to be made and, of course, the altitude to cope with.
Each and every rider endured their own personal battle against differing race elements and most questioned their sanity at some point during the 11 days, (nearly all admitting it was the toughest event they had ever taken on). On crossing the finish line at Khaniya Ghat with over 400km and 11000m of ascent under their belts the underlying consensus was that Yak Attack had been the most memorable and enjoyable experience of a lifetime. Dorking veterinary, Trans Rocky and Cape Epic rider John McGillivray surmised; " After reading all the blurb about this event I came out with no aspirations of enjoying it, just to merely complete it, but in actual fact, its been bloody great!"See All Event Posts
