As I write this with sore legs, aching shoulders and tired mind that’s contemplating a third coffee; I think back to the energetic optimism before the Rogaine. All memories of pain from previous events has conveniently magically disappeared, I somehow think this will be different. It’s only 4 hours! But somehow the last hour always has me questioning my motivations. With cramping legs, fading light and a futile race against the clock; the temptation to throw it in and crash one of the many suburban BBQ’s polluting the street with their heavenly scent was overwhelming. Despite the pain, it won’t be long before I’ll want to do it all over again.
There’s a reason we keep coming back and this event is a prime example. Set in the beautiful leafy suburbs and steep foothills of south-eastern Adelaide; Worth the Waite was bound to offer a combination of pleasant easy walking/running/pram pushing, mixed with grueling hills and incredible views over Adelaide. The afternoon was a warm one, but the gully breeze was ever present ready to cool sweat encrusted Rogainer faces. As everyone gathered for the briefing on the lush lawns of Waite Campus, we all observed a minutes’ silence to honor the victims of the recent New Zealand shooting massacre. The start that followed was a somber and silent one, with none of the usual rushing excitement.
It was apparent that most teams were out to get the painful and grueling hills out of the way first, with a mass migration of Rogainers heading straight up the steep rocky single track to 81. Things were only going to get better from there with incredible, uninterrupted views over Adelaide and a cooling breeze off the coast. The field thinned out quickly as everyone dispersed on their carefully planned routes, some opting for the mansion lined leafy streets of Springfield, while others headed to the steep, dry scrubland and open paddocks of Brown Hill. Some gluttons for punishment (like us) decided that 1 major hill wasn’t enough and pushed up Pony Ridge track or Randell Park up to Belair. Others (perhaps more sensibly) chose to keep to the foothills and suburbs of Lynton and Shepherds Hill, opting for distance over climb.
We originally planned to pick up every control except the three in Randell Park. It became apparent at the top of Brown Hill, then 100% confirmed going up Pony Ridge track that we’d have to miss a significant portion of the southwest corner. The top of Pony Ridge saw us rapidly flagging with just under 2 hours to go, so a new route was planned which involved a more direct route back through Randell Park. As energy, light and time dwindled, more controls were sacrificed in the vain attempt to get back in time. The slight incline to the hash house from the West seemed to go on forever, but eventually we reached the wonderful beacon of light, 6 minutes late but happy. Pizza, watermelon, coffee, doughnuts awaited tired and hungry Rogainers. A perfect ending to another fantastic Rogaine.
Thanks go to the incredible course setters, organisers and volunteers that made it all happen. It was a challenging but thoroughly enjoyable day and I think a lot of the other smiling faces out there would agree. See you at the Velogaine!
Brett Merchant
