As we head for bed, sunrise is on its way. McCain spent two nights out on this 60km trekking stage! They have completed that long 60km trek, finishing at CP17, Mt Mulligan. They seem to have decided to sleep there – a good decent sleep of a few hours – choosing to take off on their bikes at first light instead of pushing through like Blackheart, Orion and Merrell, who are ahead.
Comparing the tracking dots at some spot, different times, it looks like Blackheart had a 3hr lead on Orion (mtb leg). Blackheart then ate into Orion’s lead, reducing it to about 2hrs. This was all in the dark of night. Blackheart seems to be having a snooze (from about 3:30am); and Orion has gone past them. Merrell seems to be 6hrs behind these teams.
We’re not yet out of CP17. Having a good snooze at CP17 (track hasn’t changed since just after 2am their time). It’s a good decision too as sunrise is on its way now and we’ll make good time when rested and zooting on bikes in daylight. Some sections of this bike ride seems faster than others and if the tracks are anything to go by it appears that the CPs between CP17 (start of bike) and CP22 (end of bike) are not that easy to find (multiple dots in a small area). Or maybe the teams are stopping for a bit to eat?
Of interest, ex-SA adventure racer, Sakkie Meyer, who has been living in New Zealand for some time (2 years now?) is racing in the Kiwi team, Nga Rakau. They were ranked 8th after the paddle and are still trekking.
After this bike ride there’s a ‘short trek’ and ‘short paddle’ to get them to the finish. No updates on the race website in terms of CPs and such the whole night (their night).
Nite-nite team. I can’t wait to see where you are in the morning!