Rock to River

As part of our XPD training, we had signed up for a multi sport race.  The Rock to River was to be run from the main street of Katoomba finishing on the Nepean River at Penrith.  For a number of reasons it was cancelled.

6.59 am and raring to go - the cold might have had something to do with the "let's get out of here looks"

This was good for us - as I had concerns that we would find the tight cutoffs a little too tight for our capabilities.  So we decided to do the course as planned - regardless.

Carey was co-opted to be our support crew.  

Three legs: 20km trekking across the Jamison valley, 50 km of MTBing down to Glenbrook and 24 km of paddling up the Nepean Gorge.

Sunday morning - 6.30 am in Katoomba - on the coldest day of the year was a pleasurable start!  The forecast was for snow - but it had dawned - cold, clear and a blue sky - things were looking up!

Cold and Blue - crossing the Jamison

A rather brisk walk took us into the Jamison Valley and warmer temperatures 600m lower than the start!

Jamison Creek

After 4 hrs we had climbed the infamous Kedumba Pass - back up into 1 - 2 degree celsius temperatures and a COLD driving wind that took the wind chill well below zero.

Nearing the top of Kedumba - a brisk 700m ascent

Time to ride - rugged up we headed down to lower climates.  By 3.30 pm we rolled into Glenbrook and a quick transition to paddling.

Done walking - time to ride

Up and Up

Last light saw us on the river - clear skies with an amazing moon made for super bright paddling up the Nepean Gorge.  COLD was now pressing - numb fingers and tiredness found us back at the car after 24km of brilliant night paddling.

100km in total - 14 hrs - 2200m of climbing.  A good day out.

A cold night on the river....