MULTISPORT
Flyfishing is an ancient angling technique . The fisherman dresses up a hook with feathers and other flashy bits to imitate an insect that the target species feeds on . He then swings his rod a few times to get it airborne and over the water , lands it strategically for it to float past the fish ’ s lair , enticing a bite , and just at the right moment strikes to set the hook firmly in the fish ’ s mouth .
Dad & Son-in-law , ready to go feral
I ’ ve tried my hand at it with some success over the years , but if truth be told , I am more often the species caught than the one who does the catching . You see , digital and social media marketing is very similar to flyfishing . At times you ’ re just going about your business when something floats past your screen , on your social media feed ; many you ignore , some you nibble at , but every now and then , one is presented so irresistibly , so masterfully , that the urge to strike is unstoppable , and before you know it , it ’ s you who lands in the fisherman ’ s net .
In this case the fisherman was none other than Peter van Kets , South African adventurer extraordinaire with achievements that seem impossible to have been collected in a single lifetime . These include the South Pole , and a solo Atlantic crossing , to name but a few , and many others are showcased in books he has authored , or motivational speeches that he delivers . No shame in falling into a net held by such a formidable hand !
“ Let ’ s get feral ” read the advert for his brainchild series , Feral Duo24 , an adventure racing format that excludes the traditional map and compass form of navigation , but rather promotes the use of a GPS device to stay on course . Touted as a gateway drug to the full adventure racing experience , “ Enter here ” glowed on my screen and before thinking it through properly , the deed was done . Feral Duo24 , here I come …
Well , not quite in the singular , because as the name implies , you need a partner – and those aren ’ t always easy to come by . I have running friends and cycling friends , but not many cross over both disciplines ,
Feral Duo24 organiser Peter van Kets let alone in the dirt ( trails and MTB ), and there ’ s some paddling to contend with as well as an overall aptitude for generalised suffering . Now it was my turn to snare a partner , and thankfully it didn ’ t take long . I floated the concept to young Charlie , now my son-in-law , and he bit so hard I knew he was a keeper !
Building the Team
As is customary in this form of event , the organisers disclose an estimate of the overall expected distance as well as a list of the disciplines . In this case it was 150km and it included kloofing , mountain biking , paddling and trail running – or more aptly , trekking – with the exact splits and sequence of the legs to be revealed a week or so before the start .
Other than the navigation aspect , this event is very similar to adventure races . There are checkpoints along the way that must be found , generally consisting of A4-sized reflective signs bearing a single
letter , which you must record in your race book to be handed in and checked at the various transition points .
Charlie ’ s only reservation was the running distance , as the longest run he had accomplished was 20-odd kays . I confidently assured him that the total running would not exceed 30 to 35 kilometres , and that put his mind at ease . Mine less so , as I knew that I was taking a wild guess , possibly even lying . Semantics .
The Duo successfully formed , we now needed a second ( terrible , unintended pun ) – or a third , if you will – as support crew , who is essential in this event , to meet you at the various transitions and provide the necessary equipment to tackle the next leg . My darling wife , Dara , didn ’ t hesitate , and our team was now properly complete .
The Big Reveal
Anticipation had been building up for months as Peter shared his scouting videos of the course , which revealed amazing places and scenery , making the promise to ‘ get us feral ’ in some magnificent and unique locations . Then a week before race day , we got the info we had been waiting for . Unlike conventional events , you are left to wonder , debate and anticipate the course format right up to that moment – quite unnerving , and yet exciting at the same time . It was immediately evident that Charlie was going to beat his running distance by quite some margin , but he didn ’ t flinch .
The day finally arrived , and we packed and headed out on our 1000km drive to Morgan ’ s Bay Hotel , race HQ and gateway to the Wild Coast . It turns out we were the only “ out-of-towners ,” so to speak , as the rest were all from the Eastern and Western Cape . Our GP number plate stood out in the parking lot .
Race day dawned and a small field of 15 teams stood ready , waiting for the 5:30am start . Of the three of us , I would say that our second appeared to be the most edgy , aware of the fact that our entire race pivoted on her ability to get to the locations in time , and with the equipment we needed . Charlie and I had full confidence in her .
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