Jindabyne race stories

  Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic Video Report 2011 by Jeremy Gillman-Wells of Team VO3 Max (external link) Check out this magnificent video report on YouTube! The mountain bike footage has to be seen to be believed...

Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic Report 2006 by Steve Hanley (Team "Don't Nobody Move ") This is a link to Steve's website, where you'll find his report and quite a few superb photos...

Steve Hanley won the Solo Male division of the Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic in 2010. Here is his race report. There aren't as many photos as in his usual reports, because he was a bit busy that day...

Note: more photos from Andrew Oberg's report can be found at the end of the event photo gallery.

The Jinadabyne Multisport Classic did not go unnoticed to the Goulburn contingent of Mark Stutchbury, Andrew Dawes, Jacqueline Oberg, Kelvin Martin, Kerry Baxter, Rod Smith and Andrew Oberg.  Most of these competitors are pointy end finishers of the classic Triple Triathlon in Canberra (“Giant 440 Woddies #4Pete” whom were 5th outright in 2016).  For the first time, a team was formed by this energetic lot, “JindaBeanThere & DoneThat - #4Pete” who eagerly headed out to tackle a multitude of demanding legs. 

Unlike the traditional triathlon format, this event throws in an additional challenge - kayak legs! Right from the first kayak leg, it became apparent that this discipline would be a steep learning curve. Fellow competitors had immensely impressive crafts. Their slick, streamlined and intimidating vessels, would prove to be far superior when compared to the Goulburn team’s craft.   Goulburn’s humble little machine would look more at home trout fishing in the local area than racing the magnificent waters of Lake Jindabyne.

Kayakers, Andrew Dawes, Kelvin Martin and Rod Smith all had solid performances, albeit in different conditions.  Andrew had a windless ride with a lake as flat as the Sri Chinmoy post-race pancakes.  Andrew prepared extensively for this leg, which was clearly evidenced from his super-fast finishing time.  He even spent hours constructing a customised hydration system for this leg to maximise paddling time and efficiency.  In the second paddle, Kelvin whilst out racing, encountered equipment difficulties.  His paddle separated in the middle and with sunscreen all over his hands he was unable to rejoin it, until he had assistance from the water safety crew.  Regardless, he still managed a strong performance.  Rod had to endure the third leg.  By the time he began his leg the lake was becoming a surfer’s delight with waves breaking over the bow.  Many of the slick race crafts that were dominant in the earlier legs become victims of this situation.  Consequently, Goulburn’s stable little boat would prove its worth after all.  By the end of his leg, Rod came to shore battered and sore after suffering the tough conditions.

All of our swimmers were proven performers in the H2O.  Mark Stutchbury, Andrew Dawes and Jacqueline Oberg swam in that order.   Per usual, Mark and Andrew were formidable forces in the water.  Both athletes managed category placing’s in the top five, in turn, helping establish strong leads for the team.  Jacqueline got to enjoy a picturesque ferry ride across the lake to her transition area on a remote beach.  Her swim started in ocean like conditions becoming increasingly calmer the closer she got to shore.  When she emerged from the swim, she sprinted up the bank to tag our last kayaker, proving why she was selected as one of our team runners also.

The mountain bike legs lived up to their respective reputations. During the first leg, Andrew Oberg snapped a chain only 3kms in. Luckily, he was able to repair it in around five minutes to still post the 16th fastest ride for this course.  Mark Stutchbury showed his time trial prowess and his ability to scale a barbed wire fence in order to conquer the course, subsequently making up a few more positions during the second MTB leg. Kerry Baxter, racing on a brand new bike reveled in the hilly conditions of the third and longest ride. This involved him conquering over one kilometre of total elevation.  

Whilst waiting for our first runner to get underway, Kelvin took the opportunity to do a spot of fishing amidst the chaos! To everybody’s surprise he pulled out not one, but two trout from the water, both were returned to fight another day.  Jacqueline got our run campaign started and ran well without incident over the undulating cross country course.  Rod took on the second run leg which was easily the most arduous.  Given the courses colossal difficulty, the team had plenty of time to have some lunch before the later legs.  Andrew Oberg ran the final 5km run leg in just over 20 minutes. The Sri Chinmoy photographer for some reason was twice seen by him on this short run leg.  Hence, not wanting to look weak for the lens added a little more pressure to his run.

The team came home in 10:35 minutes and were the 22nd finishers overall.   They were the seventh team in the open category and had an absolute blast!  The post-race lentil burgers were enjoyed immensely by all and were scoffed down in record time.  Following the race, the team commenced strategising for the next year’s event.  The “JindaBeanThere & DoneThat - #4Pete” plan on returning next year, bigger, faster and smarter across all 12 demanding legs.  With a more fine-tuned race plan, they hope to scale the leaderboard and return more victorious one year from now.

Go Go Girls All over 60 – 2017 Jindabyne Multisport- Perspective from each discipline

SWIMMER - Helen

Suddenly I remembered….

Yes the Go Go Girls are back to test ourselves at Jindabyne after a 6 year break.

The first swim at daylight is always a heady mix of excitement, nerves and cheering as we headed off to the buoy in calm overcast conditions.

Suddenly I remembered for those at the rear end it is akin to swimming in a spa as the thrashing of legs and arms whip up a foam and fog with a sea of colourful caps ahead.

Gasping with the effects of too much adrenalin suddenly I remembered  _ “It is OK, goggles are on, just swim to the finish, tag Jeannie for her paddle”.  That team greeting at the end of swim 1? It feels great.

After several months of training in the local pools where the water temperature was up to 31 degrees, the only alternatives was a coastal estuary one hour drive from our farm. Depending on the tide the estuary was a mass of seaweed, the occasional blue  bottle, small fish and curious pelicans.

All was going well until a friend mentioned that Bull sharks lurk there!  Not wanting to have shark assisted times in training, I took to our farm dams. The leeches were pleased, the ducks and tortoises rather surprised.

Joy of joys the conditions are calm for the second swim and having Jeannie paddling alongside is very reassuring.

Suddenly I remembered how good it feels to swim in this cool clean lake water.

“Goggles are on, just swim”.

The team is going steadily and well as the day progresses and we are waiting at Horseshoe Bay for Peggy when a black line of clouds appears from the south. Pelting rain, wind and Peggy arrived all at the same time. The previously glassy lake is now a boiling mass of chop and the buoy barely visible in the squall. I was so grateful Jeannie was paddling despite the headwind and waves. Suddenly I remembered  - “goggles are on, just swim and breathe at the top of the wave.”

When Sue ran to the finish and we were cheering suddenly I remembered how wonderful it is to share this day with three fabulous women on our team, other teams and the brave solo athletes.

Thanks to everyone at Sri Chinmoy and the volunteers who make this event so special.

PADDLER - Jeannie

Sing ho! for the brave an’ gallant sea kayaks

The rockets and epics and fenns are fast, but Lake Jindabyne is renowned for whipping up some choppy seas. 

So I decided to take my trusty, comfortable, stable, but slightly slower ‘Mirage 580’.  I had tried out my nephews fenn kayak, but found the slight instability meant I wasn’t much faster in it, and the paddling was less enjoyable.  Having done some “training” – paddling between Wonboyn and Tathra the week before the race – I was hoping for a bit of rough weather!  Well it did happen.  A dark clouded squall hit just as our swimmer set out on the last swim leg.  I paddled along with her – partly for safety, company and a sort of a warm up before my paddle leg.  Helen bravely rode the waves and managed to breathe at the crest – mostly.  While I revelled in a bit of stormy seas and pelting rain in my gallant sea kayak.

Jeannie with granddaughter, Frida (mascot for 2 teams) and daughter, Melanie (competitor in team 701)

Thanks so much to Sri Chinmoy team in holding this event.  A wonderfully enjoyable day.

RUNNER - Sue

I was privileged to be a part of this great team.  Swimming, paddling, mountain biking no problem for Helen, Jean & Peggy.  The conditions were pretty good too, only one nasty squall in the afternoon which the girls in the water handled without missing a stroke.

The run legs were challenging.   I ran steadily on the first and third ones, but the long, second run was by far the most difficult. It was also the most scenic. Struggling through the Thredbo River (Jean and Ron were there to help with the guide rope) was a bonus. But, by the end of that run I had a meltdown. A good lunch, encouragement from the GGGirls and our indispensable supporters Ron & Paul, got me through for the final leg.  

It was a pleasure to do the last run on the edge of Lake Jindabyne at dusk and be greeted by everyone, not least the gracious Sri Chinmoy organisers, it was a truly transcendent experience!

RIDER - Peggy

“By The Time I Got There…..”:  (3rd  of 3 rides)

By the time I got to the marshal halfway up to Burrangabuggie:  

Those really fast (young) blokes were finishing.  The marshal, as it turned out, was delighted to have something to do. He must have been on duty for 4 or 5 hours and not seen anyone for a while.  “I’m not last”, I puffed, “but you will be able to go home soon”.   (Thank you, to all marshals, on all the legs, for being there and offering cheerful encouragement).

By the time I got to Botherum Plain:

The headwind was roaring, the herd of brumbies were moving off to shelter out of the stinging, spitting not-quite-rain. Just enough to dampen, but not drench me.  It was a long slog over to the forest, hoping for a bit of protection from the assembling squall and (yippee!) downhill.

By the time I got to Horseshoe Bay

The first solo, Klayten Smith, was just finishing.

Back at Horseshoe, the cold rain squall was seconds away and NPWS boat broken.  A huddle of cold bikers shivered on the beach along with anxious team swimmers.  Helen, our swimmer and Jean our paddler, ploughed off into the growing chop.  Joy of joys, my brilliant team had left me a warm jacket and raincoat.  

We (the back end of the field) caught one of the last shuttles after a long cold wait.  (Thank you to the skipper and her crew.)

By the time Sue brought the team home with a nifty last run we were well within cut-off – 10 years plus an hour and 5 minutes slower than our last record.

Excellent event.  Made possible by Sri Chinmoy Marathon team, land holders, NPWS and other teams, those astonishing solo athletes, our helpers/photographers, Simmo and Paul, and us - brilliant (and still sparkling) team.

The 18 seconds chase (Special thanks to all the female teams of four)

Third time proves it!
And we are sort of fit.
Are we going for gold?
It's not about winning,
we use it for thinning,
and besides that, we're OLD.

With 12 legs to complete,
An incredible feat,
With only four lasses:
A fish, a kayak, a bike and two fast feet.
And additional years - two hundred we beat!
Lets hope for no crashes.

The weather is kind (third year in a row)
Despite claims of"I'm slow"
Helen's out of the lake in a flicker,
Jean's off - with cadence that's quicker
She lands at the Bay
But to her dismay
Runner Sue is no where to be seen!

Frantic searches and phone calls
Could there have been falls?
No, a timing glitch caused the gaps.
A watch wrongly set
(We've sent it to Phuket)
So it can't give us any more mishaps.

Many minutes, maybe more
We lost on that shore.
Femme Salu now off in the distance.
But Sue's in pursuit
She worked hard on the loop
At run/bike we're trailing seven minutes.

For our next little glitch.
When it came to the switch,
Peg's bike got bogged in the sand.
Helen's toe was gashed
With the cluster she clashed
But swam like fury as planned.

The mud at transition
will not stop our mission.
And no squelchy black goo
can slow Jean's canoe,
Peg's ride or speedy Sue.

The next goal is Sawpit
This runner's so fit
Up Pallaibo Track she flew.
No sweat on her brow
“Here comes Sue now"
Only 3 minutes behind the Salu.

Peg heads for Horseshoe
On a route that is new
Towards Kalkite Hill she strains.
The Vixens pursue and pass us (it's true)
We're now third at the Botherum Plains

Peg flew over deep ruts
With gumption and guts
As our gold medals were turning to brass
Her ride at an end
Three legs left to contend
With only minutes between the girls class.

Hel's off the blocks
To chase down the fox
And passes before the first buoy.
But the slippery Salu
Swim faster than you .
But still a paddle and run to enjoy.

It's the last paddle leg
So off Jean sped
In hot pursuit down the lake.
Gaining and gaining
(with a fair bit of straining)
A minute and a bit it will take.

Sue tagged the canoe
And ran out of the goo
As fast as her mind-body allowed
It was ever so close
Eighteen seconds at most
But we enjoyed it and felt rather proud.

(Thanks to Sri Chinmoy for organising a great event and thanks to the Femme Salu and Velocity Vixens for a great race. See you next year - with a new watch!!).

Background: Years ago, when I first started to dabble in triathlon, I heard of a race around the Thredbo and Jindabyne area and thought I would prefer that to the more clinical road based events. I think it was run only once or twice though and I had to wait until this event was staged to have an opportunity to test myself in a longer off-road event as a soloist.

In the meantime I gained a wife, mortgage, two kids and a bigger workload at the office. Having read winner Jody Zerbst's 2005 race report, I thought my story, told from the position of tail end of the field of the 2006 race, might balance the perspective. Lead up I only entered the event on the cut-off date as I was really unsure if I could finish and didn't want to look like a basket case on the day. I rang Prachar who said some of the individuals would be slow and even some of the teams were really not serious athletes and I should be fine.

I found out at registration that there would be only three solo open males, one woman and one 50+ male. This was well down last year 20+ solos and made me wonder why people weren't backing up again this year. It meant I could stand on the podium for the first time in my life if I finished.

Preparation
Having done an Ironman race 12 years ago, I knew a nutrition plan would be wise but I just never got around to it. I never found the time to test different foods on training days. The other shortcoming was not training with any form of electrolyte drink. On race day I set up one hydration backpack for the kayak with Gatorade and one for the run/bike with water and with a standby supply of gels and bars. Also made up some jam and peanut butter sandwiches the night before. A spare tube and tool kit would be added to the backpack for the bike legs.

Swim 1
All solo competitors met and shook hands before the race started. This felt strange, but as there were only 5 all up it made sense. The five soloists had roughly a 10 minute head start. The sun had yet to crest the hill East of Jindabyne, but the first marker was visible off in the distance. The water felt warm enough in my wetsuit that had not been used in two years. It was an uneventful casual swim for me, unlike that of the two team swimmers who came steaming past me near the finish, who were competing for the win and did a 18:30 for the 1.5k. Warning lightswhen on when my calves cramped getting wetsuit off.

Paddle 1
Afterwards my helper Adam commented that he thought I looked drunk as I struggled to get positioned into my kayak. I then proceeded to carve a semi circle with the rudder stuck in full right lock. Once these things were sorted I headed out into tranquil waters in what was the easiest leg of the day. Actually able to overtake a couple of people as well as being overtaken myself. Drink a bit of Gatorade. When Buzz from Cruising Studs came past at about halfway I was able to sit on her wake for 5-10 min and use her as a gauge until a decision had to be made about going around a sand spit or to portage. The portage looked more popular and direct (no faster in the end). No chair or towel or real transition planning meant wiping my sandy feet off on my running shirt. Ate a banana and headed out.

Run 1
Conditions were great for running. With a single digit race number on my back (#2) I started to receive encouragement from other competitors, a trend that really did make a difference throughout the day. Managed to overtake one team person and was overtaken by half a dozen. The course was hillier than I thought it would be and running past the finish to do the extra loop down along the lakeshore was dispiriting. Drank water and had an energy bar.

Ride 1
Having ridden this section in January, I thought a bike with more travel would be quicker over the more technical sections. The Kona Stinky felt a bit heavy riding up the first hill, but I tried to have a bit of fun with a couple the little ramps and ledges on the course. Had a banana and 1.5 gels, with .5 of one ending up all over brake lever. Overtook two team riders but was overtaken by half a dozen, many of which had encouraging comments to give. Again transitioned in dirt, tried to choke down a jam sandwich and only managed a few bites. Not really hungry- more like a bit queasy.

Swim 2
Ran the 200 metres barefoot to the water edge and noticed people coming down to collect their swimmer's shoes and thought gee that was good thinking. I forgot to zip my wettie and was helped by the wife of another soloist who had just departed. I had meant to buy some new goggles in the weeks leading up to the race and never got around to it. My 2yr had taken the clips off mine- meaning I had to tie them together. Leaking goggles meant stopping to clear the water out every 5 minutes. Started to experience toe cramps, and my arms and felt cold even though the water was warm enough. Strange. Tried to relax legs as much as possible and cramps went away. Once on shore the shivers and chattering teeth started. Try to eat sandwich- manage a few bites before it falls in the dirt. A woman waiting for her team's swimmer to come in said it was OK and that"Egyptians teeth were ground down from eating so much sand". Crowds noticeably smaller now.

Paddle 2
I count 5 swimmers behind me as I began the paddle, which was uneventful with smooth conditions. Look longingly at the water skiers and thinking that might be a more fun thing to do today. Able to drink a bit of Gatorade. Get overtaken by two kayaks and a ski. Not sure where to go? I can see the flash of sunlight off paddles in the distance. Some seem to be heading right, some left. Eventually I can see people veering more left to what I am told later is a slightly different transition point from the year before. This lake is hard to navigate as the foreshore is all sand and boulders without much in the way of landmarks. Adam has set up 100m away from finish chute and scrambles over with the bike and other gear when I ask nicely upon approach to"bring the #@*# over here".

Ride 2
This ride was supposed to be about 25 minutes according to people who had done it before. The first few hundred meters of sand at the start seemed to be eating big chunks out of this time for me, particularly after a minor stack in the soft stuff. I look back up the paddle course and think I make it four paddlers still coming in. This leg is on private property and I had not attempted it in practice. It was marked well however, and easy to follow. Overtaken by one rider just as I started to talk to the cows on the track. Understood better what it was to have a"tough hide" when riding up the cow track through waist high thistles that mustn't worry the cows but were annoying my skinny little legs.

Run 2
Had a cup of coke, a top up of water bladder, a banana, and a smear of Vaseline under the armpits before heading down to the Thredbo River. Ihad walked a couple of the switchbacks when running this track in practice and fully intended on doing the same today. Legs feel fine, but pulse seems too high for the effort and end up walking every hill section. Energy starting to flag. Low point of the day, feeling dehydrated and nauseous and getting cramps in my jaw of all places. Overtaken by two team runners, the second points out a red bellied black snake and we chat for awhile waiting for it to cross the track. He is complaining about cramps but I am just wishing I could eat something substantial. My practice of this run leg took 40min up to Sawpit Creek and 36min for the loop. Today I was at over an hour and counting and was still looking for the transition. Once there, at first I wonder why nobody is in compound and then remember it has moved down the road. Luckily there is a water stop so I fill my bladder and head up the 6k loop. Overtaken by two more team runners. The loop takes :50, not :36 when I jogged it before. Have a couple of cups of warm tropical Pepsi and speak to wife on phone."Yes, taking it easy, yes, will pull out if I feel sick. Don't worry so much. It is almost over anyway"

Ride 3
The night before the race I saw an interview with a Commonwealth Games swimmer who repeated her mantra"focus on the process, not the results". I was at a point in the race (8 hrs) where to finish, I couldn't think of how much still had to be done and adopted this for myself. This ride was therefore broken down into the climb, the descent, and the undulations. I met the hastily derived goal to never stop turning over the legs on the climb, enjoyed the descent on the bitumen and really felt through the shoulders the descent on the corrugated section. Overtaken by the last team rider. I was now on my own. Tried to ride in a very conservative way in case I end up injured down an embankment. Had to push up a few of the hills. Near the end of the track, the sweep came up behind me, stopped, and took a few photos.

Swim 3
As I donned my wetsuit, two team swimmers were about to come out of water, but only a handful of people around. One of the volunteers fed me some seaweed in little packets and Endura, saying it was much better than Gatorade. Decide to break the swim down to 1 marker at a time. Get toe cramps between 1st and 2nd markers (ignore). Hamstring cramps at 2nd marker I can't ignore and need to hang on to second marker's ropes as Adam spins around the Kayak and paddles closer for the rest of the swim. Need to hang on to kayak twice more with cramps.

Paddle 3
Thankful for the decision to bring a slower plastic sit on kayak for this leg. During the practice paddle of this leg in January I learned that the wind and waves were more than my limited paddling experience could handle in a tippy fast kayak. The downside of this craft was that it was heavy and slow. I looked over to the SES boat who was shadowing me to see spray flying off its bow. It was a full on headwind. The distant East Jindabyne is not gettingcloser. Shoreline not changing. Use an anchored fishing boat as a beacon, who as I pass asks"bout time we head in don't you think". Yes, that is what I have been trying to do for the last hour. I start to wonder if the organisers will pull the pin on my day, can't remember what the cut off times were. Getting dark and I start to feel the cold. The waves coming over the bow warm me up momentarily, but then the wind cuts deeper after each drenching. These are the times that set up the situation I think people get into endurance racing. This is the pointy end of the day that one must struggle with the temptation to quit and to overcome the"why am I doing this?" type questions. The answer today is"because you started and besides, it would be embarrassing to ask the SES guys to give you a lift to the finish". Manage to drink quite a bit of Gatorade but my newly acquired seaweed packets are floating, bloated, in the footrest of the kayak. To fearful to stop (even for 5 sec) paddling for the entire journey, lest the wind blow me backwards. Finally round a point and the wind and waves start to subside. The SES guys motor up and point me to the right bay, and then ring somebody on their mobile to find out precisely where to go. I see a dunny being driven away on a trailer and figure I must be close.

Run 3
Shivering and with teeth chattering, I put on some dry clothes and start to walk to the finish as volunteer Nigel helps Adam put the kayak on the roof. I am told that one of the other soloists have pulled out with cramps. All I need to do is finish for 2nd place. It is now dark, though I can see the orange ribbons for the track. Nigel catches up and we start to run towards the finish. It is a level run and we seem to be going at a good pace. Glad to have him there to talk to and find our way through the campground. Legs still feel fine on the flat and seems like we reach town in no time. The finish is anti-climatic as there are only about 8 people there, most of which are volunteers eager to pack up. I am handed a trophy as I cross the line, walk a few strides to the car, chuck my things in and leave.

Mark Davis

In 2014, Steve's Hanley's team "32 Flavours" incarnated as an All-Male team of 4, to take out the course record for their category. Read his report with photos.