Wow here we are in Queenstown only two decent sleeps away from the start line of the 2013 Godzone. Our gear is sorted and ready to go. We couldn't have asked for better support from Macpac with piles of merino tops and long johns,socks, waterproofs, hats and caps, shoes, gaitors, and a full new set of race kit all packed and waiting to be sorted into bins. Today was spent checking bikes, sorting food and buying last minute items. Tomorrow all hell breaks loose as at 8.00 am we get the course outline and will be able to start packing food and gear into our five bins ad four bike boxes. Hopefully this won't take all day but it is extremely important that we take our time over it and make sure we have the right things in the right boxes. These boxes leave us on Saturday morning to head out onto the course so once they are gone we won't see them again until we are racing. There is nothing worse than getting to a trek and realising you haven't put your trek shoes in the right box !!
On Saturday we pack our gear into trucks then get on a bus that will take us to the secret start location. Once on the bus we will be given the maps and course and only then will have any idea what we have got ourselves into !
We are looking forward to the race but as always are slightly humbled by the environment down here and the brutal nature of the terrain and weather patterns. The forecast looks ok but in this area anything can be around the corner. These races take you into truly remote locations where it is you against the elements - fingers crossed we will be up to the challenge :)
Our goals for the 512 km course with 11,000 meters plus of elevation gain over 5 - 6 days of mountain biking, kayaking and trekking are to make smart decisions, not get lost and to be as efficient and effective at all times and of course to have fun and enjoy the adventure ...
On Saturday we pack our gear into trucks then get on a bus that will take us to the secret start location. Once on the bus we will be given the maps and course and only then will have any idea what we have got ourselves into !
We are looking forward to the race but as always are slightly humbled by the environment down here and the brutal nature of the terrain and weather patterns. The forecast looks ok but in this area anything can be around the corner. These races take you into truly remote locations where it is you against the elements - fingers crossed we will be up to the challenge :)
Our goals for the 512 km course with 11,000 meters plus of elevation gain over 5 - 6 days of mountain biking, kayaking and trekking are to make smart decisions, not get lost and to be as efficient and effective at all times and of course to have fun and enjoy the adventure ...
