Tussock Traverse

Rainbow in the clouds as we drive to the start.

The remains of tropical cyclone Wilma swept across the north of the North Island the day before the race, with the township of National Park receiving a good downpour during the night. But the rain was forecast to clear, so it shouldn't be a problem. Apparently conditions on the other side of the mountain weren't so good though, and the organisers delayed the start of the race (and the departure of the buses to the start area). After a 2 hour delay it was finally on to the buses and on our way. Luckily I had extra food with me, so it was no problem keeping my energy levels topped up.

By the time the bus was underway the weather was clearing rapidly. Although there was still significant cloud around the mountains, there was also lots of sunshine. A couple of rainbows attested to the moisture that was still around.

Big bus towing little bus

Turning off State Highway 1 onto the Tukino access road there was a new lake! Hopefully that wouldn't cause too many problems with the buses getting to the start area. There were a couple of streams to drive through, but they were ok. More problematic was a patch of sand where our bus became stuck. Everybody out and try pushing. That didn't work, so the bigger, heavier 4WD bus up ahead backed up and towed us out.

No more dramas and it was up to the start area. As we arrived I saw Colin Horne, the record holder for the walk. With him in the race there was no chance that I could win: I thought I could perhaps do 3:30-3:40 in good conditions, but his record is 3:29:19. We chatted a bit, made our final preparations, and lined up at the start.

The start was as brutal as ever, a 2.2km climb gaining 180m in elevation. I led the climb, but Colin was very close behind. I was first to turn North onto the Round the Mountain track, but Colin was soon speeding away from me as he was much faster than me over the rough rocky downhill.

Progress is "generally" downhill as the course works its way down to the Waihohonu turnoff. "Generally", but there are some undulations along the way and a couple of tough climbs.

Travelling down a wadi

The turn west at Waihohonu takes us out of the wadis and exposes us to the full force of the gales. For the next 10km or so we are climbing most of the way as well as pushing our way into the wind. The track is quite wet in places along here, with large puddles left by the recent rain. Never have I been so pleased to find the sections of track that DOC has "upgraded" with gravel!

At the far western end of the Tama Saddle we drop sharply into a stream bed and then climb back out even more sharply. It's at this point that the two lead runners come past, running lightly and still looking fresh. Talking to the winner that evening I learn that they have been regularly rotating the lead so that neither of them becomes too tired from constantly working into the wind. I also learn that there was a third person with them, but he doggedly stuck to the lead and then was dropped when he wore himself out.

Taranaki Falls From there it's an undulating slog, with more climbs and downhills, then a horrendous set of washed out steps. Eventually it's down the steep steps to the Taranaki Falls, and from there the trail is generally pleasant all the way to the finish.

Links

Event website

My photos on Flickr

Course Map