Triumph AR triumphs at Kinetic Urban Adventure

This morning heralded Heidi and Stephan's second Kinetic Urban Adventure, held from the Sandton Biokinetic Centre in Rivonia. I again raced with friends Lauren and Debbie in an all-girls team sponsored by Triumph.

Like the first event, held at the end of March, these event had four sections - two mtb and two run - which we could do in any order provided that we alternated disciplines. We chose to go outon the foot orienteering course first to warm up. A loop route saw us back to the Centre in 27-minutes.

We then chose to do the mtb section with rally-style instructions. We wove through the Rivonia residential areas, collecting the answers to clues, like, "What is the main gate made out of?". Each clue has three possible answers; you select the correct one after visiting the check point. This section took us 47-minutes to complete.

Next we were back on our feet for the clue-based run section. This concept is a new addition to the event. Heidi and Stephan lead us around the Rivonia shops from one visual feature to the next. Lauren is definitely the most eagle-eyed of our trio. This was a quick section, taking only 22-minutes to run.

We returned to the start and set off on the final mtb orienteering stage. This took us down to the spruit and along sections; it really is lovely. Although we did get our feet wet crossing the river, the water really wasn't vile - fresh and clear actually.

Back at Kinetic the last task was the inflatable obstacle course. We had it waxed this time, knowing exactly how to helping each other up and over most effectively. Within minutes we'd completed the course. One hour for the bike leg and obstacles. Total time of 2h39.

We were proud to win the women's team category and to place 10th overall! Woooohhoooo!

The finish atmosphere is fantastic; music playing, munchies, gazebos and banners - and good fun watching teams haul themselves up the obstacles. There were some... err... ummm... interesting techniques.

Prize giving was a suberb bonanza again; most participants at prize giving walked away with super prizes from the event's generous sponsors: vouchers from Kinetic's store, massages from Debbie Gerrand (ARer and physio working at Kinetic), trail shoes from Asics, shades from Numo, Nandos hampers, vouchers and blankets, Buffs, USN products, bike services and goodies from Morningside Cycles (based at the Sandton Biokinetic Centre) and also hair cuts and nail treatments from salons based at the Centre. Loads of loot that is really appreciated by category and lucky draw winners.

My thanks to Heidi and Stephan for another fun Urban event and to all the event sponsors for the lovely prizes. As I sit here typing this I've got my soft Nandos blankie wrapped around me. The effort that Heidi and Stephan and their band of smiling volunteers put into this event is extraordinary and very much appreciated. I'm looking forward to the next event, from a new venue, on Sunday, 26 July.