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Temple BasinAnother shocking day of strong wind and heavy rain was not enough to keep away 13 hard core ski mountaineering racer's this past Saturday at the Deuter Temple Basin Randonnee Rally.
The course was again reduced to a shorter 300m version because of the weather. The Rec class did this once , with the Race class doing 2 laps. There were lots of transitions in the short race, that included 2 boot pack sections, a short uphill tussock climb, a creek crossing and a run along the trail from Temple lodge to Temple tow. The high light of the course was the steep boot pack up "Upper Leap In".
The race was wide open after last years Rando Rally winner, Gary, opted out of the race at the last minute. Gena, Jane and Duncan charged out at the start and all arrived at the bottom of the first boot pack together. Gena's speedy transition seen him break away from the lead group at this point. Duncan managed to hold off Noel for 2nd, while Noel made it in the top 3 for the second time in the series.
Jane had an easy win and defended her title after Kath pulled out, but only after Kath lost her skin, found her skin (and Reese's!) and then stopped to assist fellow racer Tristan.

Temple Basin (NZ)

The Temple Basin Randonnee Rally was held in Arthur's Pass on Saturday the 30th September. Despite Temple Basin Ski Area being closed for the season, almost all of the snow being blown or rained away and the race day being less than perfect, 8 hardy competitors turned out for the first ski mountaineering race to be held in New Zealand. The course was shortened from the planned 1000 vertical meters of climbing, to 2 laps of around 300 vertical meters because of snow and weather conditions. Everyone had a great day, with all the racers and marshals walking away with some great prizes from sponsors of the race.