August 2009 - Xtreme Triathlon Club

Page 10
Xtreme Tri club August 09 Newsletter
feasted on a sensational 4 course meal with matching
wines.
We arrived back at camp completely stuffed which was lucky as
the evening meal had hit a new low point (the supplied food was
definitely generous but generally accentuated the excellent food
available from the local providores). We knew quite a few of our
fellow riders by this stage and after swapping stories on the days’
activities settled in to enjoy the surprisingly talented Talent Quest.
Day 7 Pemberton to Nannup 87 km
We were to climb up roughly 350 m altitude and then drop back to
50 m at Nannup. Along the ride we were reminded of a song from
the Talent Quest about all the ‘-up’ towns... Beautiful ride through
towering Karri trees today.
Day 8 Nannup to Augusta 86 km
A flatter and far easier ride but our legs were not quite so fresh.
Stace/’Lance’ was earning her yellow raincoat/jersey by this stage. However,
we were all up for a ride out to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse when
we reached Augusta. The surprisingly hilly trip out there was a bit sapping
on the legs though!! We took in the view of the converging Southern and
Indian oceans and went in search of a spot to swim. We found out about a
spot on the river mouth with the added bonus of potentially spotting dolphins.
It was starting to get a bit chilly but we jumped in. Underwater we
could able hear ‘clicking noises’ and were then astounded when two swam
underwater within 2 metres of us! They then leaped back over the water
for another look! Making our way back to shore we also came across a
strangely curious baby stingray. It followed us right back to the water
edge! This was an amazing place!!
Day 9 Augusta to Margaret River 52 km
Oh woe is us our holiday was coming to a very
abrupt end! Catherine S, Christine and Stace had
cuddled up for the last time in their 3 man tent and
there was even more morning stress than usual
as the trucks had to have our gear just that bit
earlier than usual. We had grand plans for a very
early start to comfortably take in some of the
caves on the ride, and managed an earlish one.
We all met up and toured through Mammoth Cave
which was just spectacular. We might have enjoyed
it a little too long though as all of a sudden it
was a rush to ride back to Margaret River in time
to pack up our bikes and catch a bus for each of
our various destinations. There was some serious
interval training going on at Margaret River, racing
for bags, boxes, tape, bubble wrap and then dragging
everything to get on the right bus before they
filled up. We did make it though…..just in time!