XPD Australia
Trekking Across Lake Frome ...
News Release (Geocentric Outdoors) / 05.09.2013
120 fresh faced racers gathered at Arkaroola on Wednesday to commence an epic 10-day adventure through the spectacular outback of South Australia.
Day one of XPD brought searing hot temperatures to add to the strenuous physical challenges of trekking and bike riding in the Northern Flinders Ranges.
Teams gathered at the top of Acacia Ridge in Arkaroola in the early morning light. A ceremony was held to honour the two Japanese adventure racers from Team Real Discovery who lost their lives during a kayaking accident earlier this year. Team Real Discovery then lead the teams down the hill to the race start.
A 29km cross country trek around the slopes of Mt Elva, followed by a gorge trek along Arkaroola Creek quickly spread the teams out. Feet and ankles were challenged on the steep slopes and loose rocks. Teams Outer Limits, Mountains Designs and Bivouac Colts NZ initially took the lead.
Teams then took to their mountain bikes for a 48km ride across the flat salt bush plains and bull dust of Wooltana Station, and on to the edge of Lake Frome. A small navigation error by team Outer Edge Racing saw them slip from third to sixth place as they retraced their path to pick up a missed check point.
Stage three is the much anticipated and dreaded trek across the dry salt bed of Lake Frome.
The leading six teams will complete this challenging leg in the relative coolness of night time. However, the teams towards the back of the pack will now have to commence this seemingly endless 38km trek in the unbearable glare and hot sun, with another top temperature of 35 degrees forecast for today.
The lack of mobile and internet coverage in this remote area of the Northern Flinders Ranges has made communication about the progress of teams difficult. More details should be known once teams reach Blinman late today.
For more details and low res images visit www.live.xpd.com.au
XPD 2013 - As Much an Expedition as a Race
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