Mountain Bike | Beach 'n' Bush Adventures

Forster Adventure Race

October 1, 2012 Leave a comment

12th May 2012

1.5km Swim

18km Run

29km Mountain Bike

16km Paddle

2.5km Team run

I was looking forward to doing the Forster Adventure Race for quite a while. It was 2 years ago that i first got a taste of adventure racing here in Forster. That first race, 2 years ago was a catalyst to get me involved in adventure sports and triathlon which I now love. So I was looking to do it as an individual, but due to a shoulder injury and lack of training in certain disciplines I opted to recruit friend and ironman Chris Allum. He was going to do the swim and paddle legs, I was up for the bike and run legs. Both of us were going to use the day as a good training hitout.

The morning of the race greeted us with a lovely sunrise and perfect conditions. We headed out early to the transitions areas, drop the gear off and head to the start. It was off to Pacific Palms for the ocean swim.

After an amazing swim by Chris and with a couple of minutes lead I set off on the run. The first section were along the beach then up a very steep hill at the end of one. Still in the lead I took a turn that thought was the right way but no. Then continued to follow a trail that led me to a dead end and no market and then had to back track. When I got back had lost quite a few spots and had to work my way back to the front.

On to the bike my legs were not cooperating I was trying to limit the damage I was losing to the other teams and the couple of individuals In front. On one of the longer sections I could just make out one of the team riders in front and gave me a little carrot to chase. Handing over to Chris for the kayak leg, we were still in with a chance .

As Chris paddled we drove around to meet for the final team run. Waiting at the boat ramp at tuncurry it was a quick 2.5km run over the bridge and finish at Forster main beach. I could see the first team paddler come around the corner closely followed by Chris. The race would come down to the last run leg. As we set off on the last run leg I let chris set the pace as he had worked very hard to chase down all but one in front. As we got onto the bridge they were in our sights. You are only as bad as your weakest link and there paddler had put in a big effort and was paying for it on the run. We ran passed with a little bit of an effort to make sure we had them. We crossed the line 1st overall and took out the inaugural Forster adventure. We were pushed all the way by the
other teams and by the 1st individual Jared Kolhar who put in a tremendous effort. Thanks to Chris for the great performance and hopefully next year be back as an individual.

Coming into run bike transition.