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07-Sep-2010 12:20:58 |
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Team uge.cyanosis had been running steadily, maintaining their position in the top three, until... |
| 26-Aug-2008 14:13:06 |
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By Jen Segger
We started out on a 10km trail run and although my legs got destroyed from the nasty African bush, our team arrived back to the 1st transition area in 1st place (2hrs10min, obviously not a true trail run)! Nic did some great nav for us and then we were off and onto bikes for a short leg where we were now chasing Buff from Spain down and South African teams USN and McCaines. Following the bike, we hit the water for a paddling rogaine. We lost some time here and found ourselves surrounded by lots of other teams here. Back onto the bikes, we climbed Mitchells pass - a long steady ascent that never ended!!! We were then back into transition and onto the longest trekking leg of the race - 73km's through the Amatola Mts. WOW!! Stunning terrain and with some shortcuts, we found ourselves right back up with the leaders as the sun went down. The climbs were never ending and as we ran the ridges through the night, the wind picked up. Wearing every piece of mandatory clothing that I had, I still froze my ass off!
We finished at Old Thomas, back onto the bikes for a 55km hilly ride to Wigglesdale Damn. The boats were waiting and in 3rd place now, we had a tight race continuing between us and McCaines on the water. I got to sleep for 20min at one of the CP's while the boys ran up and over a mountaint to get a CP in order to cut down some mileage on the paddle. USN continued to lead. Back on our bikes once again for another 40km leg that would take us to this really cool Buffalo reserve and the lady at one of the CP's had some AWESOME duiker burgers (small antalope) waiting for us. So tasty (well, actually, anything warm and fatty tastes good when you are cold and suffering through the night.)
We rode a sweet downhill, McCaines caught us again at the bottom as we searched for a trail head and then both teams did a nasty hike abike back to the top. We had a sleep here for 1.5hrs at a hunting lodge (the owner even gave up his bed for me.) In the early morning hours, we started another trek, approx 35km that took us 13 hours. HORRIBLE bush wacking down all the way to the Kubisi River and then to the Kai River. We traveled with McCaines once again for most of this. We beat them to a 3-pitched 250m jumar section! Crazy ascending but cool at the same time. The trek dragged on until finally, it was time to return to the bikes one more time. This is where we began my most favorite part of the race. It was a 115km bike through the Trans-sky!! I cant really describe this area BUT to say the least, this is AFRICA! We were off the grid literally. The huts and rural way of life was incredible. Most of the biking was done at night but as the sun came up, it was spectacular. The people were waking up and beginning their daily way of life - walking to wherever to fetch water, carrying it back on their heads, kids heading off to school, plowing the lands. I have never seen this way of life before and nor will I ever forget it. We finished the bike leg with a 10km bike along the beach to the TA. Also, amazing as I wanted to pick up every shell that I saw.
Now, this is where our situation started. After a 1hr TA, we began what would have been a 32km coasteering section. With heavy packs, we set off along the beach. Eugene was having a really tough time breathing but we all were to some extent from the dust etc and the stress on the body. Anyway, at about 1km from the TA, he collapsed down, gasping for air. We got him to some shade and called for help. We knew right then and there that our race was over. 4 hrs later (yes, a very long rescue) Eugene was in an ambulance and on his way to the hospital. Meds were needed as his condition was not going to clear on its own. We learned that he had Bronchial spasms happening AND the doctor was worried that a HR might take place had he not stopped.
So, after 3 long days of racing, we were done. The hard part of the entire race was finished and behind us and we only had 3 short legs left. It was tough to be out of the race and as you can imagine, I am still struggling with this. We were having a great race, battling it out with McCaines for 2nd place for the entire time. Good competition. I had a great time with Cyanosis out there - amazing athletes, unreal navigation and just all round good people! No better way to experience the Bull of Africa then with a local team.
For more details on the great Bull of Africa please check out sleepmonsters |
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