The run leg offered much strategy with a choice of a fast and flat run around Kleinmond on the coast followed by the big mountains or attacking it the other way around; with some knowledge of the area we opted for the warm-up along the coast, sampling the various coastal trails that Kleinmond has to offer. After an hour of this we headed up a valley into the Palmietberge. The next PC was a 60m climb up straight up the mountainside into the back of a cave. It was then back down the 60m and up the other side for a 550m climb. Descending the 60m we were welcomed by the site of 3 mixed teams climbing up to the cave, now fully aware of just how tight things were we tore onto the 550m ascent, however Tatum’s ailments caught up with her here and the climb suddenly became an colossal task. At first she hung onto my backpack but as the climb progressed she grabbed my arm and dragged herself up 550m of hell-Vasbyt unlike I’ve seen in along time! Reaching the top left a big descent with one tricky PC on the way down; Cliffs threatened our slender lead as I caught site of the next team minutes away as we backtracked, but it was just enough as we flew down the mountain back to the river for the zip line and cliff jump to finish.
Altogether another very successful Palmiet QUAC#2 and an event that’s become the premier day race in the
Western Cape . Thanks to our sponsors Montrail and First Ascent and we’ll catch everyone at QUAC#3 (the final race in the series) on 23rd September.
TEAM TENSION STRUCTURES (
Evan Price & Tatum Prins)________________________________________________________________________________________________
Quac2 - By AR Wannabees [Rob Flashman]
One event I did partake in was QUAC2 (part of the Gravity River Festival) hosted by Ugene Nel of QuantumAdventures. The day started out looking really dull with rain falling all the way out to the start. I don’t know why we were wondering if we would get wet on the day, it was guaranteed by the race organisers. Ugene had decided that we should not “overheat” early and ensured that we took an early morning swim, before heading off to the Croc put in. Once in the croc, we followed the “Stay left” instruction we had been given by “hobble along” Lofty, but we did end up with some interesting drop offs that I don’t think were envisaged in the best route choice. We nearly got through the course without a spill, but were caught by the “Magnet Rock” just before the bridge and over we went. In the course of the confusion, Bee (my teammate) got a solid “flattie” from my paddle and surfaced eventually with a fat ear and I had to explain away half a paddle.
Back to the start we headed to check in and start the hike.
In true Wannabee style (we don’t traverse), we decided to go high early while the bodies were still fresh and went straight up the mountain behind the start. During the course of the morning, we did volunteer to train a number of other teams in navigation skills (so many teams going the other way). Having made our way up the mountain, to the cave and down to the beach, we just had a sprint for the finish (as only the Wannabees can do). Well pleased with our “sprint” finish, we eventually headed for the bridge and in the confusion walked off the cliff (I think the path had been washed away), to officially finish the race with all checkpoints accounted for.
I think that some of the race directors are going to have to up their game, as more of the Wannabee teams are starting to complete courses and make prize giving (yes that’s right, Wannabees can now be seen at most prize givings). Ugene and Lofty thanks for another great event.
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Thanx Uge,
