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Paddy Pallin Race Report - 2 April 2011
Paul Grundy - Sleepmonsters International Rescue

A desperate message on FB from Steve Cooper looking for a third for their team due to a late withdrawal of their regular team mate saw a number of messages with various excuses for reasons why others could not join the team, “not fit” was the overriding message. Given I was in the final week of preparation for the Marysville to Melbourne, I knew I was fit, but not having sat on my MTB for months, and the risk of injury 8 days out from a major event were on my mind when I sort leave clearance from my wife to “help out a mate” - leave granted - I was in.

I had to thoroughly check the trusty MTB was ready, and check all my gear was in order. That done it was a very early start on Saturday for the drive up the F3 to the bike drop off zone. Steve was his cheery regular self, a quick pit stop at McD Thornleigh to meet our other team member Brien, now admit it Brien you thought we were all going to fit in the front of the ute and take one car up – “no way was I going to sit on the centre console”.

After a 1hour drive North on the F3 Freeway we turned onto Palmers/Cesnock Road to the remote drop off, all seemed very peaceful, until cresting the rise to see the throng of all manner of cars and bikes being prepared. A quick drop off of the appropriate gear and onto race HQ at Dora Creek on Lake Macquarie. AROC were as well organised as ever with two courses on offer to those newer to AR and those wanting a longer hit out – ours was the latter so the Classic Course for us.

We loaded onto busses for the trip to the remote start, 57 on each bus, our head count only showed 56 – the 100m rule was going to be tested early (sic: before the race had even begun). We bussed out to the Bike drop off/TA1 to start the race. We had to cross the road and enter a fire trail to begin the race. Seemed the early morning start for some had made us all forget the golden rule – “do not follow someone else , as they may be going the wrong way”. 700-800 competitors were all happily wandering down the fire trail only for the call from the back to say STOP! The race starts back here – you all need your 1st Map. That’s right, our review of the course showed the two maps we had been given at registration had some major gaps in getting us from the start to the end. So the first map we were given right at the start, for the first Rogaine, collect a minimum of 60 points from the CPs marked on the map, each CP worth different points. So with that we took off up the trail, about 400m in we were in front (at least of the teams that went in our direction) and came round a bend with 4 dirt motor bikes coming the other way. Those serenity breakers avoided, we went on. At the pre race briefing we had been warned that as we were in a mining area there was quite a bit of land subsidence to be wary of, and throughout the terrain we covered we certainly saw the evidence. The Rogaine was uneventful, but I do wish my legs were 6inches longer as Steve and Brien bounded over objects in the bush that took me a little more effort. We collected the mandatory points and set off back to the TA and onto the MTB.
On the MTB leg we collected the first CP no problem, we then arrived at a large group of racers looking for the next CP, and stopped to look, no CP in sight, after a few minutes (and watching some teams going back up the road) we decided we were not far enough down the road, another 400m saw us land the CP and then enter the un-mapped single track to collect the next two CPs – following the pink tape to mark the course – some sweet single track (a hallmark of AROC events is the great MTB courses). A few wet potholes, but nothing to worry about – I realised my cycling fitness was fine, but I had lost the edge a little having not been on the MTB for 3-4 months and my chest a shoulders were feeling the strain.

At TA2 we again picked up a map for another Rogaine, 9 CPs spread across a reasonable spread, we headed off to collect the CPs. At this stage the two course being run intersected so again we needed to remind ourselves of not just following others, a few minor navigation glitches saw as back track a little. The day had now warmed considerably and the breeze was lifting. Back onto the MTB and more pink tape to follow, some more sweet single track then opened out onto fire access trails and finally onto the tar for the ride down to Dora Creek to collect the kayaks.

The kayak leg was fun, although the breeze had picked up and I am sure Steve (steering) was “playing chicken” with some of the other teams. We did the kayak leg in short order, but missed the cut off to do the bonus leg (bummer), and finished with a short ride back to the Finish (Start).

Judging by the smiles and stories it seemed everyone had a great time. I have to say the best part of the day (apart from the great company of Brien and Steve) was seeing some young teenagers doing the novice course, well done to them, and again it reminded me why I love this sport = no matter who you are, or your level of ability, you can find yourself a challenge, and conquer it. Thanks AROC (and Steve and Brien) for another great event. Thanks also to Paddy Pallin and all the other sponsors.