MEDIA RELEASE by Sarah Hearn | It is often noted that Adventure Racing is one sport where wide eyed novices can line up alongside professional athletes at championship events. In 2016, premier South African team Merrell Adventure Addicts have entered two teams in Expedition Africa to be held in the Garden Route in May:
1/ Themselves, aiming as always for the podium, and
2/ The Merrell Mentored Adventure Team, a trio of women joined by an additional seasoned Merrell team member who will guide them through their first expedition adventure race experience, from packing the right gear, decoding the briefing, turning the maps the right way round and figuring out the difference between sleep and sleepwalking.
In their combined total of 150 interesting and unconventional years, Fiona McIntosh, ShaenAdey and Sarah Hearn have, between them, skied to both poles, sailed across a few oceans, explored the watery depths and mountainous peaks on every continent and excelled at their sports.Yet none have experienced the brutal reality of a non-stop multi-disciplinary expedition race.
Hanno “Smelly” Smit, stalwart of the Addictsteam – who can’t remember when he first learnt about sleepmonsters and tiger lining – willmentor his new team through the 450km race starting in Knysna, his home town and playground.
In the words of his long term teammate Don Sims: “Smelly is like one those pieces of equipment that you do not want to leave behind when taking on a big race. With all of his experience, his foresight and well, just his personality I would definitely regard him as ‘compulsory equipment.”
It is an opportunity for him to pass on his knowledge and love for the sport, and take it relatively easy after competing hard in several highly competitive overseas races this year.He and the team are currently competing in the Patagonia Expedition Race “The Last Wild Race” in southern Chile, in the most extreme environment and climate.
“There are so many aspects that are intimidating to initiates:how to train, what to pack, what gear to use, what to eat, when to eat, pacing oneself for endless days and nights out there, navigating at night on your bike in the forest…” saysFiona. “It’s not like he’s going to piggyback all of us (although he’s probably capable of it) but with Hanno onboard, and advice on tap from the rest of the Merrell team any time before the race, we can focus on really enjoying the challenge.”
“Or perhaps finishing it!” laughs Shaen.
“We, in turn, will share the insights we get before the race so other AR newbies, or wannabes, can have access to these tips and enhance their experience.”
The Addicts are also organising a training weekend in the area for anyone wanting to practise a ‘mini’ 24 hour adventure race and have other plans for later in the year to develop and enhance the sport in this country.
“We can only surmise all what Expedition Africa will entail.” Says Sarah.“We do know Kinetic events are always well organised and truly put together for the love of adventure. The route will definitely showcase the magnificence of the Garden Route forests, lagoons, mountains and canyons as well as parts of the Karoo. It’s going to be incredible. And we live here! Imagine how amazed the international teams will be.”
All involved are intrigued as to how this event will play out. Could it be the toughest thing any of them have yet done? Can they gel as a team never having trained together? Will Hanno relish racing at a slower pace? Will three vegetarians devourhis biltong supplies?
Nothing is certain in an adventure race besides blisters and swear words. But this team has a sparkle in its eyes andhopes to offer fresh insight with some inside out reporting of the many different sides of the sport. Brought to you with honesty, integrity, humour and the true love of an active, outdoor lifestyle.
They just have a little expedition race to get through first…
Facebook: MerrellMentoredAdventureTeam
Facebook: Merrell Adventure Addicts
Words by Sarah Hearn