FEATURED EVENT
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here is something that draws you back. My first taste of
Western Australia was when I competed in the August
Adventure Fest in 2010. I ran, swam, kayaked and
mountain biked my away around the small but picturesque
seaside town of Augusta that day and a suspicion within me grew, I
would be back for more experiences of this part of the world in the
very near future. Since then I have been back for this same event
a couple more times (2013 and 2014) as well as competing in
Ironman Western Australia up the road in Busselton last December.
Augusta Adventure Fest to me represents an opportunity to
spend a weekend doing the sports I love in a natural setting that
was seemingly designed for such experiences. I remember diving
into the waters of Flinders bay and being captured by the colours
and clarity of this underwater paradise. The sea temperature was
stunning and it was actually one of the early open water swimming
experiences that encouraged my foray into triathlon. Running
around the coastal rocks, trails and beaches was as much an
adventure as a test of endurance and the kayak and mountain bike
sections seemed to produce an equal release of endorphins. It is
little wonder it has cemented itself as the biggest adventure race
weekend in the world!
Over my three attempts I have placed 4th, 2nd and 2nd again.
So I am hoping to improve on previous years when I return in 2018.
I will be aiming apply some improved approaches, having learned
specific lessons in previous years. The transitions are important
and being organised and well-rehearsed (as either a team or
individual) on getting through these efficiently is important.
Also for the individuals, spending time kayaking after swimming
will be a clever way to condition your arms (and mind) to this
unique challenge, not found in many other events. Finally, having
adequate nutrition accessible throughout the race is likely to have
a significant influence on race day. Keeping in mind the warm
climate in Augusta in November, hydration becomes particularly
important. Check out my race day tips below
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Arrive Thursday or early Friday to give yourself a
chance to visualise transitions and the course and feel
organised and confident for race day
Choose a kayak that you feel comfortable paddling in
swell and chop, it is an open ocean after all
Select bike tires that will handle sand and gravel well
and run at a lower pressure to optimise traction
Stay hydrated by drinking fluids throughout (except for
the swim!)
Fuel yourself well, especially if competing across both
days. Keeping in mind Clif Bar are the official event
nutrition suppliers, I’ll use at least one Clif Shot or
3x BLOK’s on each of the run, bike and kayak stages
to keep energy levels high. I’d also recommend having
a Clif Bar energy bar immediately following Saturday’s
efforts to help replenish glycogen stores in anticipation
of performing again the following day.
Thank the volunteers at every opportunity!
A perceived barrier for many of my kiwi countrymen (and perhaps
a few of the eastern-based Aussies) might be the travel required
to hop across the outback and land in the western state. But
Perth is more accessible and affordable than ever and it certainly
doesn’t take long to appreciate the unique and special landscapes,
cultures and climate that this part of the world presents upon
arrival. The trip is more than worthwhile and the real problems
arise when it nears time to leave. It is an easy place to greet but
a hard place to farewell. See travel tips box for handy hints on
getting to and from the event.
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Rent a car vs bus
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Do it in a team to share the costs
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Rent a room for yourself vs Share a holiday rental with
other competitors (find them on the August Adventure
Fest Chat Facebook page)
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Bookings – book (flights/accom) really early to
save money
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Make a family holiday of it
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Rent a boat/bike to save luggage costs/easier
travelling
As far as events go, Western Australia currently plays host to a
broad and expanding range of sports, arts, cultural, culinary and
business events. It is fair to say it is a bit of an events hotspot on
both the Australian and global stages. But from an endurance
athlete’s perspective, the major attractions to this part of the
world have to be the natural settings where the events are held,
alongside the people and townships you’ll encounter.
I love Perth as a city, but I especially love the drive south,
through the various coastal townships that connect Perth to
the Southwestern hinterlands of the state. Augusta feels almost
like a pot at the end of the rainbow and the sense of adventure
is tangible upon arrival. The Augusta Adventure Fest makes
the best use of the area I can ever imagine. As someone who is
happiest with an elevated pulse, fresh air in my lungs and a sense
of connection to nature, the only battle I have in this town is
dropping my excitement levels at night in an effort to sleep before
I get up to do it all again.
There have been some changes to the event course format for
2018 and this has me keen to return for my first crack in Augusta
since 2014. Saturday hosts four standalone events (2km ocean
swim, 15km ocean kayak, 15km trail run, 35km mountain bike).
Where Sunday sees a return to the non-stop format over shorter
but more exciting distances as well as the ever popular junior
survivor obstacle course event for kids aged up to 13 years.
Making a weekend of it seems most appropriate and it is great
to see the events spread across the two days. I will make time to
explore the beaches and coastlines (searching for humpback
whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays) and drinking coffee in
some of the wonderful cultural pockets close by such as Margaret
River and Prevelly. In years gone by I have explored expansive cave
networks with my young family, visited many of the local wineries
with my wife and even spent a day mountain biking in forest trails
near Margaret River. I’ll be spoilt for choice in and around the event
this year, but will aim to arrive in Augusta in peak condition to take
on the Aussies on their home soil!
Whether you prefer to do one stage as part of a team or take on
the entirety of the various stages, I am sure you will enjoy adding
to the wide variety of people and competitors on race weekend
and feeling part of a unique and adventurous community. Perth is
now an extremely mainstream and accessible airport, so getting
there and back won’t be hard. My advice is to rent a car from the
airport and allow yourself a bit of extra time either side of race
weekend to explore some of the stunning beaches, townships and
vineyards en route.
MULTISPORT MAGAZINE | 13