Mount Evans Rogaine
09 November 2014
November saw the next instalment of the Canterbury Rogaine Series in a remote new location; the rugged flanks of Mount Evans in the Banks Peninsula. The event began on the Port Levy side of the mountain, teams having to ascend from sea level through a wide range of terrain and navigational challenges before they could claim the summit at 703 metres.
View from the summit of Mt Evans
The steep rolling farmland on the Port Levy side, with many pockets of bush (and stinging nettles) was in contrast to the wide open ridges of the northern Camp Bay aspects, with many impressive rocky bluffs playing host to the orange & white checkpoints. Two long ridges extended down to the pristine spot of Camp Bay, where if teams had time, they could indulge in the coasteering section around the headlands. Despite low tide, teams would still have some tricky bouldering above the lapping waves before they could punch the controls.
Coasteering at Camp Bay
Weather on the day was pristine, albeit too hot for some dehydrated participants, who were glad to sink into the cold drinks on offer at the finish, as well as the BBQ on full blast.
Nick Ross & Steve McInstry took out the 3-hour event with a great score of 740 points. Fiona Vetcher and Vanessa Wells took out the women’s section with 430 points. ‘Compass Conundrum’ of Nick Saunders & Nydia Castle won the mixed section and 2nd place overall with 470; Max Doesburg & George Thompson were top juniors.
Feeds at the finish
In the 6-hour event, the overall winners were the impressive Latvians Roman Evarts and Kristaps Jaudzems, with a massive total of 1770 points from a maximum possible of 2100. Close behind were Georgia Whitla & Aaron Scott on 1460, Michael & Thomas Eatson, a commendable 1400, followed by mixed winners Emma & Guy de Lacey on 1380. A very tight battle was fought for the female title, with Emily Forne & Katie Bolt edging out Sia Svendson & Lara prince by just 10 points! 1170 and 1160 respectively. Cashmere Adventure Racing Team (8 members) took out the junior category with 830 points, a solid training effort for their Get-to-Go campaign. Lastly, well done to Kathrine Mueller for an impressive 920 points, taking out the super-vet woman's title, a great solo effort.
Thanks to all who came out to support this Canterbury Rogaine Series event, with great feedback prompting another event to come sometime this summer. Thanks go to landowners Richard & Clare Barnett of Kaihope Farm for the use of their land and the Mt Herbert Parish for use of the Church. Final thanks go to Bivouac Outdoor for sponsoring this event with some great prizes. Pop into your local Tower Junction store for everything you will need to stay committed to adventure…
About the organisers: Team Apollo’s Arrows
Jordan – Ben - Isla - Alastair
Apollo’s Arrows is a new youth adventure racing team, branching off from Team Next Generation, looking to take on GodZone 2015 in Wanaka. Alastair McDowell specialises in mountaineering & navigation and is leading the team, looking to build on this year’s 8th place at Kaikoura with Next Generation. Jordan Pearson is a strong multisport athlete with a background in MTB racing and currently working as a TopSport kayak guide & instructor. Ben Gibson is a white-water specialist living in Westport, who was this year part of team Merrell Alpha Pack. Isla Smith was the youngest female competitor at this year’s GodZone, completing the full course; she is currently shredding trails in Whistler and climbing peaks in Montana, USA.