228 replies to this topic

[bluebear]

Colin, on Feb 8 2010, 02:10 PM, said:

Thats the intel I got late on Saturday night from NRG (was it you?), however when we got there (by 4WD) we found that though there was no debris, the water was flowing much faster over that bridge...definitely a no go.

Yes, it was me (michael) and yes when we ran past saturday morning it was crossible by 2wd while the meglaong rd crossing was still blocked - a lot of water appeared to be entering megalong creek from a tributary just downstream on the east side on saturday morning which was swelling it across Old ford.
The prime intention of my post was to advise Kevin and yourself as organisers of the event (for future reference) in case you weren't aware of the crossing - but as you were and as the situation had changed I'm happy if my post is removed. -

[Jogger]

further, the creek crossings going to the west had me at waist deep only a metre from shore and it was getting deeper & faster (they were narrower) - very dangerous indeed.

The ford was definitely te safest place to cross, at the time, and if we weren't game to cross we had started to have the discussion about whether to adjourn to the Explorers Tree (most likely) or elsewhere (eg Deviation, unlikely as too far).

[frankie17]

Johnbo, on Feb 8 2010, 12:15 PM, said:

The chains did break up at point, but they worked in that all ultimately crossed the streams without incident.

1. Obviously choose your crossing point carefully, assessing the risks upstream and downstream. If in doubt, don't cross.
2. If forming a human chain try to form a 'V' shape, with the pointy end into the stream.
3. Don't just hold hands, but link bodies.
4. The principal is that  the 'V' is a strong and robust shape and will tend to hold its form, position and shape better than a daisy chain, and also has the effect of deflecting the water around the formation.

I had fun yesterday too in the HH!!  I have never been fully submerged on a run b4...somehow my phone has now dried out.


"without incident":
I thought the girl in the red shirt who shrieked as she lost her grip and was heading towards an accelerating torrent between 2 boulders might take issue with your comment...I was really worried for her until a Sir Galahad made his was to her from a downstream position and somehow helped her out.


I am not sure about linking the bodies but we should have grabbed forearms rather than hands.  

I am not sure about the V.  We didn't really have enoug bodies for the extra distance, and I think there is benefit in the person beside you being able to step in the safe spots you have just walked.

Maybe in inclement weather a Striders "leader" should have a short rope with him/her (10m light gauge would have done it).

Also, because we weren't quite sure where the trail as going, we made two crossings when we should have made none.  a quick scout reconn upstream would have shown us theat the trail reverted to the same side about 30m up.  So i am onboard with #3.

It was exciting, wasn't it?

Edited by frankie17, 08 February 2010 - 02:27 PM.

[Johnbo]

frankie17, on Feb 8 2010, 03:26 PM, said:

I had fun yesterday too in the HH!!  I have never been fully submerged on a run b4...somehow my phone has now dried out.


"without incident":
I thought the girl in the red shirt who shrieked as she lost her grip and was heading towards an accelerating torrent between 2 boulders might take issue with your comment...I was really worried for her until a Sir Galahad made his was to her from a downstream position and somehow helped her out.

That was Georgie...and her shriek was much louder at that point than the leech shrieking to be heard on a regular basis elsewhere along the trail...but she was smiling afterwards!

Yes a pretty dramatic moment,...a lucky rock midstream and a rescuer or two at hand, and alls well that ended well!

Previous accounts suggest that Mega was up to just 400mm...phwuh! HH was more like 1400mm and fast flowing....

[frankie17]

Johnbo, on Feb 8 2010, 03:55 PM, said:

That was Georgie...and her shriek was much louder at that point than the leech shrieking to be heard on a regular basis elsewhere along the trail...but she was smiling afterwards!

Yes a pretty dramatic moment,...a lucky rock midstream and a rescuer or two at hand, and alls well that ended well!

Previous accounts suggest that Mega was up to just 400mm...phwuh! HH was more like 1400mm and fast flowing....

Didn't know it was the same woman.  

I, for one, thought the 'leech screech' far more scary,although it didn't help it occurred every 100m or so.  If I was a leech I would have dropped off right away.  

[cazzy1]

Phew was'nt that great fun!!  
I had a ball!! Not sure if I can recall ever running in such great conditions!!  
Well done to everyone who turned up, what a great effort! I'm sure your not sorry you made the effort. Great work by the qualifiers who were able to qualify under those uncertain conditions early in the piece!! Love the human chain it worked a treat. Thanks Kolya for the pics.
Everything went off well !! no drama's...!! I understand that the Ford crossing had all the ingredients of a 'train wreck waiting to happen' but everything worked out and everyone was able to achieve their goals for the day and came away with another tale to tell!!

Thanks so much to Trailpuddin for her kindness. She unselfishly shared her knowledge of the BM trails with us, motivated and cajoled us, roused on us when we needed rousing(what do you think you are at the beauty parlour???), rounded up the troops when they were falling behind and then drove us to my car at the crossing after ensuring that Lynda and Lotsahare had dry clothes to put on while they waited for their lift!! A true legend. Those are the traits of runners which need to be celebrated!! We owe you one!!
Well done to Jane06(1st time trail runner), Lynda and Lotsahare for a great effort.
Unfortunately did not have the patience to wait at the swing bridge to get across so will have to make another trip up to Megalong this weekend to remind myself how hard Pluvi is going to be on race day. I know I have forgotten from last year?? Hopefully I wont need my flippers for the river.

[MrD]

My heart was really in my mouth when Sailaway 'tested the waters' so to speak the first time when he was trying to cross the creek to the side of road.

I don't know exactly, but if it's anything like Audley weir, he must have been close to getting sucked under the road. I'm glad he came back and then tried the road, obvioulsly still a risk of getting knocked off but at least he was downstream from real danger.

[sailaway]

MrD, on Feb 8 2010, 05:12 PM, said:

My heart was really in my mouth when Sailaway 'tested the waters' so to speak the first time when he was trying to cross the creek to the side of road.

I don't know exactly, but if it's anything like Audley weir, he must have been close to getting sucked under the road. I'm glad he came back and then tried the road, obvioulsly still a risk of getting knocked off but at least he was downstream from real danger.

Appreciate your concern MrD.  I assure you I was in control of the situation and was well aware of the risks.

When I attempted the first crossing I concluded it was far too risky and then decided to cross via road with only concern being whether one of the lodged trees would dislodge at the point of crossing.

I guess we take calculated risks every day.

[ScamBullant]

After much consideration I have decided to put up a more detailed explanation for my choice not to cross the ford at the start of Sundays run. I have elected to do so not here but on my blog so as with Sunday people can choose if they want to read it or not.

I have only put this info up as my opinion and to provide food for thought. I do not see myself as a particularly gifted writer and so I would like to reinforce this is in no way intended to point fingers or anything of the sort (I hope my inabilities as a writer don't portray any other messages). It is simply reasons why i decided to run else where on the day.

I do encourage people to have a look and consider this point of view and if you would like to question or criticise me please PM me I would be happy to discuss my opinion.

Again I am really happy everyone had a good time and returned safely.

http://scambullant.blogspot.com/

[walshy2]

ScamBullant, on Feb 8 2010, 07:50 PM, said:

After much consideration I have decided to put up a more detailed explanation for my choice not to cross the ford at the start of Sundays run. I have elected to do so not here but on my blog so as with Sunday people can choose if they want to read it or not.

I have only put this info up as my opinion and to provide food for thought. I do not see myself as a particularly gifted writer and so I would like to reinforce this is in no way intended to point fingers or anything of the sort (I hope my inabilities as a writer don't portray any other messages). It is simply reasons why i decided to run else where on the day.

I do encourage people to have a look and consider this point of view and if you would like to question or criticise me please PM me I would be happy to discuss my opinion.

Again I am really happy everyone had a good time and returned safely.

http://scambullant.blogspot.com/

good post Scambullant, tried to reply in your blog but couldnt get it to work.

I did make the crossing in the human chain, but it really was against my better judgement. There was no way in the world I would have crossed it alone or with a couple of others and in hindsight for that reason I should never have considered crossing in a group either. I was nervous all the way across and kept thinking this was a disaster waiting to happen. I even had time to think how foolish my family would have thought I was if I was swept away. I think a few of us in hindsight are thinking your way now.

Having said that we all made our own decision taking account of the circumstances. No right or wrong here, just people doing what they thought was right for them

walshy

[DownhillDiva]

MrD, on Feb 8 2010, 05:12 PM, said:

My heart was really in my mouth when Sailaway 'tested the waters' so to speak the first time when he was trying to cross the creek to the side of road...
he must have been close to getting sucked under the road.

I agree, there was an impressive log jam and a torrent of water rushing over the bridge - looked very risky but worked out OK once he got on the right side of the bridge.  We have some very good video of the conditions & Sailaway near sinking under the bridge, not sure if I can upload it here.

I was joking to my other half about forming a human chain then was amazed when they actually did it. So I had to join in, locking hands around the wrists of the others either side.  So glad I went, as I very nearly did not! Had a great day.  Thank you Sailaway for making it happen.  

Hurtled down the first few k with no trouble, 1/2 hr or more wait then to cross the swinging bridge.  The 2nd hurdle was going over the bridge as I tried it last year and backed out due to the height and swaying which is freaky.  But this time by the time I got to the centre of the bridge I was laughing, have put that one to rest!

Only ran 12k out (my intermediate goal), then turned back while I still had gas in the tank.  Thoroughly enjoyed the run & did 24.5k all up. Hope to do the full course next year.  Was pretty tired by the end which is probably why I took a sudden fall over a tree root at 22k and went smack down in the dirt, skinning knees, hip & elbow.  So finished with a moderate amount of blood to show for it, but wouldnt have missed it for anything. Was pretty high at the end and forgot to record my efforts on the sheet but it probably doesnt matter.  
Edited- typo.

Edited by DownhillDiva, 08 February 2010 - 07:22 PM.

[DownhillDiva]

 Megalong.jpg   70.83K   101 downloads

[MrD]

sailaway, on Feb 8 2010, 07:42 PM, said:

Appreciate your concern MrD.  I assure you I was in control of the situation and was well aware of the risks.

When I attempted the first crossing I concluded it was far too risky and then decided to cross via road with only concern being whether one of the lodged trees would dislodge at the point of crossing.

I guess we take calculated risks every day.

No worries, you are a braver man than me that's for sure. I probably used the wrong tone in my initial post, I was catastrophising it and being no expert on bridges, I shouldn't have said what I said. I never doubted that you were in control of the situation. All apologies mate.

[DiJ]

Quote

I was impressed that so many people turned up and I hear that everyone aiming to qualify did. Even one girl from Victoria !

  

Hey KT, that was me   and yes, I qualified in 04:50:07 which I am so happy about as I really wanted to go under 5hrs.  My first time on the Track and I loved it, despite a setback, what a fantastic day for a run.  The thought never crossed my mind not to joint the conga line across the bridge, especially since I had no choice as I was one of the ones you've all been bleating about leaving things til the last minute.  It wasn't by choice I can assure you, sometimes life just works out like that.  I was concerned that the run may not go ahead when we arrived on Saturday and it was still pissing down. Fortunately I love running in the rain and was much happier it wasn't 30+C especially with it being unsupported.

Was having a blast and got across the bridge with only a 5min wait but then coming down the steps on the other side I slipped and fell face first down them.  OMG I thought I'd broken my hip and my leg and it winded me and every bit of adrenalin was gone and it was sooo hard to get going again, everything hurt.  It was great to cool off in the creek crossings and it washed away all the blood as well.  Managed to run all but the last bit of Mini Mini but walked most of Pluvi and got to the turn around at 2:30 then the wheels really fell off.  

Running back down to the river was absolutely hell I was in so much pain as I'd smashed my left quad in the fall and my left calf where it inserts into the left side of my knee was killing me.  I think I cried/sooked all the way down to the bottom of Pluvi. One guy came passed and asked was I ok and I had to tell him to keep going because my sooking would annoy him; it was certainly annoying me but I just couldn't stop it.  Hardest thing I've ever done was to run back, it was all I could do to keep going but I had no choice.   Crossed the bridge with an hour to run the last 6km so was happy I was going to hit my sub-5hr target at least.

Met up with a guy who I'd been running with earlier but who ran when I couldn't, poor thing he was cramping badly when he walked and then when we were half way back he tripped over a tree root and down he went.  Thankfully he was ok and I was there to cheer him on when he crossed the finish line.

Got back home to Melbourne at 7.45pm to 32oC, if only we could have some of Sydney's rain.

Went to the physio this morning for a massage and its no running for me for a week now until my leg gets better ... grrrr

[Hallac]

kolya, on Feb 7 2010, 08:33 PM, said:

Yes Spud - the iphone. With the RunKeeper app and GPS enabled.

Nice to hear it compares well with the 305.

Cheers,
Kolya

Kolya

When I've gone off on a trail, once my phone (Vodafone) has lost reception, my Runkeeper app stops plotting where I am and when it picks up the signal later, it then assumes a straight line between those 2 points.  Very frustrating, but you didn't seem to have that problem on the 6ft track.  Was there a phone signal?  What am I missing?  I've used Cyclemeter and not had the same problem.

Thanks, Andy.

[crazygirl]

DiJ, on Feb 8 2010, 09:35 PM, said:

Hey KT, that was me   and yes, I qualified in 04:50:07 which I am so happy about as I really wanted to go under 5hrs......

Went to the physio this morning for a massage and its no running for me for a week now until my leg gets better ... grrrr

DiJ Congratulations   on what sounds like a really tough run. Sorry to hear you fell but you're one tough cookie to keep going and still go under 5 hours. Hope your leg heals quickly with no lasting damage. Let us know if you want to join us at all on Saturday morningat One tree Hill (see Six Foot Melbourne thread) but sounds like you might still need some rest. Take care and wallow in the knowledge that you have qualified well within the time and will do brilliantly on race day.

[Colin]

Read Scambullant's blog and little to disagree with.

walshy2, on Feb 8 2010, 08:16 PM, said:

I did make the crossing in the human chain, but it really was against my better judgement. There was no way in the world I would have crossed it alone or with a couple of others and in hindsight for that reason I should never have considered crossing in a group either.

There is no way I would have joined the chain. Scam is right, you do that to get out of trouble you are already in, not to possibly get into it.
The other reason is that I am a control freak in the sense that I want to be in control of my own risks. For that reason I don't bungy jump because there is no way I would jump head first off a bridge with a rope tied by some other bloke.

So there is no way I would want to be holding hands in the middle of others whose abilities I don't know....sorry guys

I know its done and dusted and everybody got over ok, but it was much safer on you own or with one other person....or not at all. To me it was a safe crossing that way (thats the only bit I disagree with Scam).

As for the causeway underflow, I thought of that as I attempted to sit on that edge (after the race when it had subsided) because you could still feel the strong current underneath. I would definitely not walk into an unknown debris filled river flowing under a bridge.

cheers

Edited by Colin, 08 February 2010 - 10:53 PM.

[D8888]

bluebear, on Feb 8 2010, 02:03 PM, said:

For future reference (not that it will happen again) the 'safer crossing' we found on the Saturday is where Nellies Glen Rd crosses the Megalong Creek at a shallower weir - just over a km up 6ft track from Megalong Rd where it emerges out of the paddocks. (http://www.street-di...vel=6&StateID=2 )

We crossed here on Saturday and it was waste deep with very strong currents... the weir was probably safer in my opinion

[chilliman]

DiJ, on Feb 8 2010, 08:35 PM, said:

Hey KT, that was me   and yes, I qualified in 04:50:07 ...

Nice work DiJ, take it easy and see you back in action soon.

[kolya]

Hallac, on Feb 8 2010, 09:53 PM, said:

Kolya

When I've gone off on a trail, once my phone (Vodafone) has lost reception, my Runkeeper app stops plotting where I am and when it picks up the signal later, it then assumes a straight line between those 2 points.  Very frustrating, but you didn't seem to have that problem on the 6ft track.  Was there a phone signal?  What am I missing?  I've used Cyclemeter and not had the same problem.

Thanks, Andy.

Andy - I've never had that problem (also with Vodafone).

I have an iPhone 3GS - that might be different?

I certainly DID NOT have signal - so the map wasn't loading - but the GPS coords were being stored. I have a friend who takes his iPhone without the SIM (don't ask me why) - and he can still use the GPS etc - then transfers to the runkeeper website when he has comes into wifi range.

Maybe post to the runkeeper forums?

Cheers,
Kolya

[Hallac]

kolya, on Feb 9 2010, 02:04 PM, said:

Andy - I've never had that problem (also with Vodafone).

I have an iPhone 3GS - that might be different?

I certainly DID NOT have signal - so the map wasn't loading - but the GPS coords were being stored. I have a friend who takes his iPhone without the SIM (don't ask me why) - and he can still use the GPS etc - then transfers to the runkeeper website when he has comes into wifi range.

Maybe post to the runkeeper forums?

Cheers,
Kolya

Kolya - thanks.  3GS as well.

Just looked at Runkeeper forum and apparently quite a few people have had similar issues since the last RK update.

May have to wait for a fix or reload the app and see if that works.

[SMC42K]

Damn! It looks like everyone had a lot of fun & there I was, stuck up in Queensland. Damn!

[randy]

Have a look at the video I put together at Saturday's NRG training run which started at Explorer's Tree.
Much of it was shot through a zip-loc plastic bag due to the rain!

[Brick]

randy, on Feb 11 2010, 11:25 AM, said:

Have a look at the video I put together at Saturday's NRG training run which started at Explorer's Tree.
Much of it was shot through a zip-loc plastic bag due to the rain!

I like the video.
On Sunday morning we had even more water to contend with going down Nellies Glen.
Made for an interesting time expecially when crossing the river by the bolders you could only just see the bolders, at leats you could see a good part of all the bolders.
Mick actually crossed above the bolders and was up to his chest in water and he is a tall guy.

[DiJ]

Found out yesterday why my leg was hurting so much after the fall I had at MM unfortunately I fractured the head of my left fibula, no wonder I was in so much agony running down Pluvi.  Thought I needed a good dose of HTFU but seems I must have taken it already to run another 29km in that state.

So the race that got me qualified for 6ft was also the race that took me out, damn damn damn.  I've withdrawn from the race now so some lucky CR now gets my spot.

See you all at the start and end though like last year to cheer you on and hear all your stories.

[Brick]

DiJ, on Feb 17 2010, 06:38 AM, said:

Found out yesterday why my leg was hurting so much after the fall I had at MM unfortunately I fractured the head of my left fibula, no wonder I was in so much agony running down Pluvi.  Thought I needed a good dose of HTFU but seems I must have taken it already to run another 29km in that state.

So the race that got me qualified for 6ft was also the race that took me out, damn damn damn.  I've withdrawn from the race now so some lucky CR now gets my spot.

See you all at the start and end though like last year to cheer you on and hear all your stories.

Bugger not good news.
Recover properly and see you at the start/end this year and again at MM and then running 6' Track next year.

[chilliman]

DiJ, on Feb 17 2010, 06:38 AM, said:

... I fractured the head of my left fibula, no wonder I was in so much agony running down Pluvi.

Just reread your run report DiJ...

DiJ, on Feb 8 2010, 09:35 PM, said:

..... Was having a blast and got across the bridge with only a 5min wait but then coming down the steps on the other side I slipped and fell face first down them.  OMG I thought I'd broken my hip and my leg and it winded me and every bit of adrenalin was gone and it was sooo hard to get going again, everything hurt. .........

Running back down to the river was absolutely hell I was in so much pain as I'd smashed my left quad in the fall and my left calf where it inserts into the left side of my knee was killing me.  I think I cried/sooked all the way down to the bottom of Pluvi. One guy came passed and asked was I ok and I had to tell him to keep going because my sooking would annoy him; it was certainly annoying me but I just couldn't stop it.  Hardest thing I've ever done was to run back, it was all I could do to keep going but I had no choice.

Gutsy effort Dij to get through MM as you did, as I posted in the other thread you worked your bum off to get to 6ft this year, you must be shattered. Rest up, we know you will be back for a cracker in 2011.

[frankie17]

chilliman, on Feb 17 2010, 08:00 AM, said:

you must be shattered.

Ain't that the trute?

chilliman, on Feb 17 2010, 08:00 AM, said:

Rest up, we know you will be back for a cracker in 2011.

Hopefully not in the same place.

[scurry711]

chilliman, on Feb 16 2010, 04:00 PM, said:

Just reread your run report DiJ...



Gutsy effort Dij to get through MM as you did, as I posted in the other thread you worked your bum off to get to 6ft this year, you must be shattered. Rest up, we know you will be back for a cracker in 2011.

I feel sorry for you DiJ but I also think you were very lucky. If your injuries were worse you would have been waiting a fair while to be rescued.