RACE DAY 1

Race Day is finally is here!

After a rainy night, we all packed up the trucks, had breakfast and headed for the Esplanade, where the unofficial starting line was.. The whole place was bustling with activity! Our riders were even interviewed by the local media

At the Esplanade all the riders were weighed, something new this year. The riders will be weighed in the beginning and end of the day as a way to prevent excess fluid loss, something especially important during the desert stages!

Then after 12 km through the Botanic Gardens, the official start, Copperlode Dam. Truck # 1, with Allen as driver, Suzy and Spencer was to go ahead of the riders so Spencer could get some good footage for a documentary. Truck #2, with Herman, Joana and Sarah, was supposed to follow our riders and make sure they had support throughout the stage Or so we should have. Thanks to very encrypted directions, both our trucks got lost right after the Esplanade start.  Truck # 2 got back on track within just  about 30 minutes later, just as they were getting ready a Copperlode Dam for the official start. The ride through the rainforest was amazing! The vegetation is awesome! The views from the overlooks breath taking!  Our riders are doing an amazing job, especially under these weather conditions!

The rain was rellentless all day! Just before Depot 1 the whole race came to a halt, no one was allowed to continue due to weather and terrain conditions. While we waited for the race officials to come to a decision, we had a chance to get some hot coffee, which was very good for the body and soul!

Truck #1 still missing! I started to get really worried! We had everything that our riders needed in our truck, but  not knowing where they were was worrying me sick!

Finally after about 45 minutes of waiting, it was decided that the stge was going to be neutralized and all riders were to be bused to the end. Of course that did not go well with anybody! No one prepares for months for a race like this to be stoped by rain! They wanted to keep going despite the weather! So they were all diverted to a much longer, but easier route through a paved road.

Finally we get to Depot 1! And there is Truck #1! Now we’re good! Everyone is here! Stopped raining! Life is good! Lot’s of great photo ops! We’re doing it!

Both trucks leap-frogged for awhile, until about 25 km before the end, when Truck #1 went ahead to set-up camp!

Then it starts raining again, just before we got to Lake Tinaroo! The camp was ready for us! We got the riders to shower, get into dry clothes, fed and to sleep.

The food provided by the race organizers was great! Pasta, fish, beef, veggies, salad and fruit. Everyone has been really great!

Now if I could just the German party to slow down, shut down the music and go to sleep would be awesome!