Double Moon
Expedition Africa Double Moon
Press Release / 28.02.2016
Day 1
Hot! Today has been hot!
Today has actually been an awesome day. So far, no one can complain… unless your racing and are dead tired.
The morning started with the sun in the sky and a light layer of clouds to provide just enough shade needed for the first leg, a 26km Trek. Teams in their own pace hiked/ran the foothills of the Drakensberg from Giants Castle to Injasuti. The treks altitude and undulating hills were a good warm up for some and a serious wake up for others. The top dogs came in as predicted by Stephan, in just under 4hrs.
After a quick gear check, teams made use of the transition to fill up on water and gulf down snacks- teams started a 20km odd cycle. Just like the trek, the cycle featured a few hills of it’s own. Mostly tar; the top fitter teams extended their lead as they made their way to the first paddle. The slower teams welcomed the change of discipline after a tough trek that took some 8 hours. Typical Drakensberg landscapes where everywhere one looked, perfect to motivate the soul.
The kayaking leg was only 10km. Team had to get on the water before 17h00 or they would have to skip the leg and add more to their cycle to check into T3. The water levels were idea for those a little uncomfortable on the boats but could have been a little higher for the top teams and they tried to show their paddling strengths. Plenty rapids kept everyone amused and distracted many from aching legs and soon to be tired arms. Some say, “ Man that was awesome!” All teams finished the kayak leg drenched in water, either from the spontaneous dip to cool of or just a lack of kayaking control. We all know which one it really was.
After the fast paddling leg, all team jump back onto the bike. The 200km participants take on a 84km cycle heading north east for another paddled later on before they make their way back down on their bikes again to T5. The 100km follow a much shorter course by-passing T4 to T5 for the last leg of their race, a 14km Trek. This all will play on through the night.
The final Trek will be tricky in the dark. Some teams will be wise to sleep it out and tackle it in the light.
Day 2
It got dark, it was proper dark. As the sun dropped on day 1, teams were split between leg 4 and 5, The long cycle played a part in de-motivating the teams and for all the paddle was a mind breaker.
A light cold breeze and a general temperature drop didn’t make things any easier. Add the temperature of the water and its low levels and you would swear this race was design for failure. However, never count an adventure racer out.
Teams battled, fought and toughed it out for just the right to cross a finish line that not only signified the end of the race but the start to a new journey… possibly Expedition Africa?
The last cycle and penultimate leg went by fast considering the time spent getting to the paddle and the time spent on the water.
The final leg, the final challenge was a shorter 14km hike with a fair amount of climbing and even more down hills. After a climb to the top of a hill that also plays part to the Drakensberg Canopy Tour, teams descended through the Drakensberg Sun Hotel and climbed one last small hill before a all downhill finish. Before Chariots of fire can play, all teams gear up and abseil 30m.
The final 100m to the finish line is where competitors experienced a true "runner's high".
SleepMonsters
