Mountain Hardwear Edge of Reality The course
205km of water jumps, awesome coastering, abseiling, rainforest trekking, channel swims, sandy rivers, big mountains, consistently challenging navigation and route choice, fantastic views and absolutely superb mountain biking. Made up of 12 different legs with 120km on the bike, 50km on foot and 35km in the kayak. The Mountain Hardwear Edge of Reality is going to make you earn every km of the course and leave you with a huge grin on your face.
Mountain Hardwear Edge of Reality The Line Up
The Mountain Hardwear Edge of Reality, Australia's newest expedition event is shaping up to be one of the best yet. There are teams from every state converging on the January long weekend at the sleepy town of Potato Point. Coasting Turtles led by Russell Stringer, SCAR (Robbie Andrews, Rob Gowland, Danielle Gow) and The Parr Team (with XPD veterans Greg and Sharman Parr from Cairns) all making the trek from the sunshine state. After doing the AROC 24 hour last year, Judith Mulhuijsen is back for more bring her team from WA. ACT adventure racer Danielle Winslow has recruited Liam Drew from New Zealand and then there are teams from Victoria, NSW and ACT.
So who is the competition? This is our pick for the top 10 teams:
Dufflecoat Supreme Steve Dowlan, Adam Hunter, Wayne Bradbury
On a good day this local Canberra team is unbeaten in the shorter adventure races. They have been second numerous times in past AROC 24 hour events but this could be the race that brings them to the top. This race with it's sustained challenging navigation is going to suit Hunsie's attention to detail and careful route planning. Expect them to be leading the way from the start.
ARNUTS Mark McDonald, Selina Stoute, Alex Ramsey
Always the top mixed team in the Paddy Pallin Adventure Series, this team just missed out on a win in the mixed in last year's AROC 24. Strong in all disciplines, good on the transitions and no problems with the navigation, if things go their way this year they will be unstoppable.
Tangerine Julie Quinn, Randall Fitzsimon, Gary Lilley
This would have to be one of the fittest teams around and their navigation is not too bad either Julie is a world rogaining champion after all! Really strong on the foot and bike legs, the paddling has let them down in the past but we hear there has been a lot of hard work been put in on this front.
Team Knuckles Paul Ledbrook, Seb Dunne, Wilfred Finn
A super fun and good natured group of people. All friends but not raced in this combination before. They give the impression that they are just there to have fun but underneath there is a competitive streak they will be out there to win! They are sly, they will play the tactics and all the while with a cheeky grin so you never know what they might be up to.
The Sundragons Chris Thompson, Celia Thompson, Nathan Versey
A little known team that has been quietly achieving. They came 5 th overall in the last Paddy Pallin event in Canberra. Chris is a mad man on the bike and tows his 4 year old Toby for miles on the carriage up mountains, along single track and more. Nathan, slight and quietly spoken is a force to be reckoned with and Super Celia will just keep them all going with happy chatter. Don't underestimate this team and think they are having way too good a time to be going so fast.
The Control Freaks Heather Logie, Susie Sprague, Sara Hely
Undoubtedly the most amazing all female team. They have been in the top 5 overall in just about every event they enter whether long or short. They would be looking for a top 3 placing and how cool would it be if they took the gold. Other teams might not see them as a threat and they could use this to their advantage.
Keen Torquers Stuart Cowey, Delyth Lloyd
This Victorian team has only been around for a short time but they are fast, fit and psyched. They will stop at nothing and will push the whole way.
Yukon Goldfish Richard Barnes, Peter Anderson, Steve Pizzey
Not super fast but super steady that is their secret key. Always smiling and enthusiastic, nothing seems to get this team down. If the other teams start to fall apart Richard will still be going strong in the right direction you just never know .
4TC Danielle Winslow, Grant Burke, Liam Drew
Bringing experience from ACT, NSW and New Zealand together and it could go any way. They have raced together before and it is always a winning combination to have an orienteer and a kiwi on your team.
Off the Couch - Matt Dalziel, Imojen Pearce, Sean Clauson
Tasmanians! Strengths: song and dance routines. Weaknesses: may not make it to the start line.
Now while the Mountain Hardwear Edge of Reality 50 hour is the main event, don't forget there is also the Edge of Reason the 25 hour option. This is just over half the distance but you actually get the whole 50 hours to complete the course. There is some good competition shaping up here too.
Entries are open until 14 January so there is still time don't miss it! This is the ultimate expedition an experience you just can't organise yourself. Kayaks are provided and you don't need a support crew the event organisers do it all for you.
