This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
The Tongariro Classic “O99 Bike; run; bike; paddle; paddle; run.
Thanke Stuart for putting the idea in my head; I wasn’t really cursing, your name close to the finish. Thanke Tarnia for lending me your DR boat the day before; You-know, you. can _overtrain for these things. Thanke guys for waking, me up at 5.280Oam — yes, I had overstept; Was my subconscious telling, me something? Thanke Shane for helping, with last minute adjustments to my bike; 2-2-1 and we're off! Thanke cyclist who had a puncture 5 minutes into the race; At least I knew I wasn’t last. Thanke ‘guy-on-racer-with pigtail’; I draughted behind you most of the way up to Mangatepopo. Thanke Phil... and John... oh and Harriette and Alice; All these friendly faces at the first transition! Thanke weather gods for a fabulously cloud-free and sunny day; Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro all looking their best. Thanke no. 8383 who I followed in the run; “Well if she’s walking that bit so am [.” Thanke back-packers for stepping to the side as I panted past; At least I was overtaking, someone! Thanks course marshale on top of Tongariro with encouraging comments and water bottles; It was 4 hot run alright. Thanke knees for not giving up on the downhill run. Thanke Phil for finding some suncream for my reddening nose. Thanke gafety boaters at the bottom of the crucial rapid; You seemed impressed I didn’t fall out given the extent of my support stroke. Thanke freshwater shag for playing at the top of each rapid; It kapt me entertained on the paddle. Thanke Phil for racing around in the car making sure encouragement, food and gear was ready at each transition. Thanke ‘girl-in-flach-DR-boat’ who yelled “left here” at crucial fork in river. _ Thanks ‘little-boy-on-a-bicycle’ who assured me I was still running in the right direction; And ues... the finish was in sight! Thanks Greg (race organiser) for an entertaining prizegiving; Well I didn’t win the kayak spot prize, but knowing someone who did is good enough (well done Harriette!) Thanke Tramping Club Lodge for making an excellent base for the weekend; What a comfy bunk... what an exhausting day — zzzzzz A great weekend was had by all! Page 8 WT&NC May 1999