Bikedock Belles

Andrea and Taryn, Cathy and Julie, Debbie and Molly were soon getting mentally and physically ready for a full days eventing.  The adventure race pre-race information posted by Ivan had promised to test navigational skills to the max - and the belles and monthlies were 'quietly' confident after Paul McArthurs orienteering session the week before.  On registration the teams were handed a Londonderry A-Z and the normal laminated instruction and checkpoint information - the task to map out your own route with the mandatory marker!  After a bit of tittering and the usual banter the teams got to work, some teams appearing less stressed at this task than others (yes you know who you are!).

 

The final race brief provides all necessary important instructions about the route and the day ahead, a brief that must be listened to intently using the materials you have been provided - at which point its important that you haven't left the map and laminated intructions in the vehicle you travelled in (aherm!?!).

 

10am race starts with a great run orienteering section through the grounds of Gransha hospital - quote of this section 'you can't be lost if you don't know where you are to begin with' .  This section challenged a few teams more than others taking anywhere between 40 minutes to an hour - depending on whether you dropped your camera halfway round the course and had to go back and get it (....DEBBIE), or if you had to sit down with a light head after blowing up and popping the balloon at the secret task (....DEBBIE)

 

And then came the bike section, a great section mostly on road into a head wind, combining a couple of trail sections and APPARENTLY a time trial.....which sounded great fun - if only Julie and Cathy had made it there.....

 

The kayak section had already seen a team capsize (just as well the foyle is so clean!?!) and another pass the checkpoint and keep paddling turning a 40 minute section into an hour and a half!

 

Following this there was an optional run orienting section were Cathy and Julie redeemed themselves and blitzed the course, with Julie pretty much hoping the course on one leg thinking her kneecap was about to pop out.......with her selfmedicating by keeping on running, which amazingly worked!

Final legs of the day involved another optional bike loop, another run orienteer through St Columbos park (p.s great adventure playground area), indoor rock wall and the final sprint to the finish line at Gransha.

 

With Andrea and Taryn clearing the course apart from two secret tasks (which Ivan has obviously missed in scoring???!!!), Cathy and Julie cleared the course apart from the TT and Debbie and Molly finishing the mandatory course.

 

A great race incorporating lots of challenges both navigationally and physically, a great spread (as usual) by Joan to refuel for the racers and overall a great road trip for the Belles and Monthlies.  THe final race of the series is in Castleward on the 5th March, at which point we'll be following the race with a night out on the town.....and begging Ivan and the team to put on a spring series

Ding Dongx

Written By Cathy Thompson