|
Fully kitted out in New Balance shoes and clothing we put ourselves through some vigorous training and preparation for the 2010 Dusi. I found the RC769's perfect for the cause, light, comfortable with good traction and drainage. At the start of Dusi Day 1 we were confident that we were ready it give it our all.
At the put-in at sewerage farm portage 12km into the race Graham and Birkette paddled straight across the river to run the long Campbell's portage. Michael and I opted for the extra 1km of paddling down to the Pine tree take-out. It was here that we unfortunately missed Michael's most important juice pick up. The juice that would carry us through the next 1hr40min and toughest part of the race.
When the two paths converged we had slipped to 50sec behind Graham/Birkette. |
| |
 |
| |
At the top of 2nd GuIneafowl and the half way point for Day 1 we had closed them back down to about 30sec. By now Michael had used up all of his reserves and was beginning to suffer resulting in the gap beginning to stretch out again. With 15min of paddling remaining at the put-in of the Cabbage tree portage we were thankfully right back on their tail, but they dug deep one last time managing to pull 1min13sec into us by the end.
Starting Day 2 we got right into a good rhythm in order to close the 1min13sec as quickly as possible. About 6km in at the saddles portage we had already made up nearly 30sec and were 44sec off the pace. At the confluence and with good water coming in from the Umgeni I could notice the gap closing fast. We took a different and much faster line to them at the washing machine and it put us right back onto their tail! Graham/Birkette however did not seem phased that we had caught them so quickly and continued to set the pace all the way through to the Ngumeni portage take-out.
From then on the two crews stuck together like glue despite all efforts from us to try shake them. We crossed the line as the new leaders but slightly disappointed that we had been unable to put clear water between them and ourselves... I knew that their running was strong but now the strength of their paddling had really surprised me... I was very impressed by them to say the least.
The morning of Day 3 and both lead boats took off neck and neck. The 20min paddle across the dam was not the fastest, both crews deciding to conserve energy for a heated battle later on in the stage. The run down the dam wall felt like a flat out sprint but at the put in above Tops needle rapid both boats were still together. I must be honest I never thought that they would also choose to take on Tops from the top and was hoping that this would be our chance to get away. Yet again they proved me wrong and took the bull buy the horns as well as setting a cracking pace all the way to the Burma road take-out. There was a flat out sprint for the entrance for the path in which they managed to have their boats nose ever so slightly ahead of ours to maintain the advantage and lead onto the narrow path.
Just 300m before the top they took a different path and we took our chance to put the hammer down. As we crested we had opened up close to 30sec over them and decided to keep going for it. Banji took hold of the boats drag rope and pulled the boat down the other side at a cracking pace, at times leaving me lagging behind. By the put-in the gap over Graham/Birkette had opened to about a minute and a half and I was pretty sure that we had the race in the bag.
Less than 1 hour from the finish I approached the Pump House weir with caution and made it through safely, now it was time to take on the rapid. Half way down we hit a massive stopper wave, followed by another and then another. It did not take long before we were over and swimming. A swim that seemed to last a lifetime.
While I was emptying the boat I saw Graham/Bikette taking on the rapid. Michael had been washed further down stream so I climbed into the boat alone on route to collect him as the other crew came past us... Our hearts sank as the minute and a half lead that we had bled so hard for was now a 40sec deficit. We chased hard closing the gap slightly, but it wasn't enough. With half an hour to go the gap was now remaining constant and we refused to give up. Graham/Birkette now had that small sniff of victory and it was all they needed coupled with the adrenalin of being in the lead to carry them along.
Graham and Birkette crossed the line 1st as the 2010 Hansa Powerade Dusi champions. They raced a floor less race and were meticulous in their preparation, a tough crew to beat. Ngidi and Zondi put in a phenomenal effort to claim the 3rd place on the podium. Their elation just overflowing onto all of us making it difficult not to feel happy!
If the new found talent in this years race is anything to go by then I have no doubt that next years race will be the most exciting ever. New Balance has positioned themselves perfectly in the paddling market and I am confident in saying that it will be difficult for any opposing brands to stand a realistic chance against such a great product! |
|
|
|
