Ecomotion 2011
From Coast to Mountains, a Journey of Discovery
Rob Howard / 12.04.2011
While spending the night on a selection of boats anchored by the Guaratibas reef, teams had mixed success in resting before the dawn start. Ligia Ribeiro commented. "It was quiet, I could sleep well. It was much better than I expected, I thought I would have more terror and panic, but it was peaceful. You are obligated to reduce anxiety and sleep here. There was not much to do besides sleep. "
Mauro Abram was not so lucky. "I could not sleep a wink, I could not straighten out. I turned on all sides imaginable, but it did not work. " Others like Serigio "Zolina of adventure Camp just enjoyed the setting :" The evening was spectacular! Linda! "
On the paddle into shore there were one or two problems with swamped boats, but it was one of the favourites, Oskalunga were the first ashore, though all the leaders were close together at this point. There followed a trek and a cycle ride along the shore, with an out and back ride to PC4 on a coastal headland, before the course turned inland and switched from cycling to trekking once again.
By the time the leaders reached PC7 to resume trekking it was Quasar Lontra in the lead (though its not clear by how much), followed by 4 top Brazilian teams, including Oskalunga Medley. The trekking is in the area of the National Park of Monte Pascoal, which was the first land area that the Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral came across when he as the first European "discovered" Brazil in the 1500’s.
Quasar Lontra’s support crew were the first to arrive at PC8 to await their team and in heavy rain had no option but to set up their base in the local bandstand, which was already in use by some local homeless residents of the city! Everyone got on well but it must have been strange for homeless families to wake up to see tables set up with food beside them, and then watch the teams pass by.
The rain may yet play a key part in the race ahead. There have been heavy downpours since the teams arrived and flooded mud roads could affect the support crews as well as the teams.
You can follow the race on event website<a href="#" onClick="javascript:newsitewindow('http://www.ecomotion.com.br/online2011/default.asp')" class="main">here</a>.
SleepMonsters
