Helly Hansen Adventure Challenge #3
Helly Hansen Race 7 December 2008
Fiona Paterson - Team SleepMonsters / 11.12.2008
So there we are, Eddie Winthorpe, Graham Baxter and myself as Team SleepMonsters, resplendent in our clean Helly Hansen outfits, on the most wonderful sunny and crisp morning, the temperature still below zero.
The race begins with a brisk run, ice skating across a few puddles the frozen mud and sand ruts trying valiantly to twist a few ankles. The sections of wooded glades beautifully soft and spongy, and all looked good for the mountain bike sections. As we approach the far side of the lake, we see that the ice breakers are out! The little support kayaks were acting as battering rams breaking a trench in the icy lake – it looked like we would have to move fast on the water or we would be stuck like Shackleton.
We complete run 1 looking great, dry feet and well warmed up. Quick transition to bikes Eddie cramming food into our mouths as we cycle out. Still all frozen so the going is pretty fast, I take advantage of the tow on offer. Well if he’s gone to the effort to put the rope on, it is just polite, and in winter racing it also means that they don’t get cold waiting for me to labour up a hill. The riding was my idea of perfection, little climbs, soft verges, mud not too thick and soft landings, (I took one corner a little fast) fast but roomy sections of single track and fun drop offs. Though I say it myself, I rode like a demon!
Into transition quick hobble to lake, throw on life jackets and catapult into boat. Three in a boat and three paddles – they made it too easy for us – aahh, just stay in the clear water, we veered out a few times and it was like hitting your paddle against... solid ice – unbreakable solid ice. Quickly round the course, ever vigilant for icebergs: didn’t want to have a remake of Titanic.
Back to the bikes for a repeat of the fantastic course, a little easier this time as less people, so more of a clear run, but the ground was thawing and softening up so both we and the bikes got a good splattering of mud. Then back to the run course. Mean organiser, made us do the whole thing again – but I guess it’s good for you – this time with challenges thrown in: On the skis – just like sand skiing in Oman! Under the cargo net, over the slippery wall, jump the steps and final effort over the girder – some with more panache than others.
I thought the venue and course were brilliant, (especially the single track), the weather fantastic, my team mates very kind, and for my first multisport race in 18 months, maybe, just maybe I’ll come out of retirement again!
SleepMonsters
