Rouge24 State of Play

So after two solid outings over the new years break, the course setting stage of the Rogue24 is almost complete.  All of the trekking, kayaking and standup paddle boarding check points are set, and the biking and orienteering controls will be completed in one more outing.  As far as how the course rates, this is by far the most adventurous Rogue event to date.  All the photos below are from the recent scouting of the course.

Part of the Rogue24 trekking leg.

There is a significantly greater proportion of off-trail trekking than any other previous Rogue course, however the terrain is generally open and perfectly suited for this form of travel.  There are a number of navigationally challenging check points which will require close attention to terrain detail: this is a true “rogainers” course, and there is no doubt that winning teams will need to be just as strong with map and compass as they are with legs and lungs.  I had zero issues with grass seeds during this setting trip, however the area has the potential for grass seeds as experienced during a trip mid-2013.  I’m not sure if grass seeds are seasonal (?), but given the degree of off-trail travel, I would be packing a set of gaiters and at least one spare pair of shoes.  Much of the terrain is former cattle country, with the cattle (and cow pats!) removed, however a significant number of deer, kangaroos and wallabies along with extensive fires in the area in 2012 have kept the ground cover to a minimum.

Views back over the bike course.

The biking legs of the Rogue offer up a significant amount of variety in the area covered from old farming tracks, to well graded back country roads to pine plantation trails.  For those that have competed in previous Rogue24 events, I would rate the riding as being less hilly than the 2010 event, but more challenging than the 2012 and 2013 races.  Like the 2013 race, be prepared for at least one potentially long bike leg.  Views across the course from some of the climbs are spectacular for those teams that happen to cover these areas in daylight.

A great mix of terrain on the trekking and biking legs.

As for the paddling, all the kayak legs are on flat waterways with boats provided.  The course offers up plenty of chances to get off the boats and stretch the legs to hunt for CPs.  We are lucky to have access to some special areas for paddling which have never been used in an adventure race previously.  There is a very good chance that teams will also be kayaking at night, so come prepared for this.

Not actually a kayaking check point.

One draw back evident from the course setting trips is that mobile phone reception in the area is generally poor.  This has two repercussions – the tracking system used by teams relies on a mobile signal, so tracking may be patchy in certain areas for friends and family watching at home.  Furthermore, the mobile reception at a number of significant transition areas is also poor, which will make live score and news updates a little slow to get out as we will have to relay information to be posted.  However, we will work hard to provide the best race blogging possible in the prevailing conditions.

Enjoy the view now as there is a very good chance teams will be through here at night.

After opening just three weeks ago, entries are already two thirds full and should sell out well in advance of the race date.  If you are planning to include the Rogue24 on your race calendar, I’d suggest you get an entry in soon.  Entries are available here.  Furthermore, for those intending to make use of the HQ facilities on the Friday night before the race, we will need to confirm numbers by the 7th of April, so make sure you register for this via the QRA website prior to then.  I highly recommend staying on the Friday night and making the most of the Anzac Day long weekend.  Two extra meals will be provided along with accommodation and an AR themed movie night -  a great chance to socialise with fellow racers and volunteers outside the hustle of race time.  Registration is here.

Sun rising on a new year and a new Rogue24 course.

Whilst I have been busy with preparations for the Rogue24 course, Gordon Bossley and his team have made significant inroads into course planning for the Mini Rogue.  With both a 4hr and 6hr option, this is the perfect event for novices looking to try their hand at adventure racing, or for more experienced teams looking to kick off their 2014 adventure racing season.  The race will visit an area never used in an adventure race before, and at only just over half an hour west of the city, the event is very accessible.  With kayaks provided and cheap entry fee, this is the perfect build up race for the Rogue24, however numbers are capped for both the 4hr and 6hr event.  Gordon has a number of special plans in place in regards to charity links and on course challenges.  More information will be released on the Rogue website soon, however for further details, including entries, visit the QRA entry page here.

One of the alternate bike route options.

Which brings me to a quick shout out to our event sponsors.  I’m excited to announce that ARea51 has signed up again in 2014 as event sponsors for the Rogue24.  Keep an eye on the Rogue Facebook page in the lead up to the race for some special package deals for Rogue24 competitors.  The Rogue24 will also be supported with some great climbing and first aid kit prizes from Ferno.  In addition, Globe Trekker has come on board as event sponsors for the Mini Rogue in March with a set of great prizes.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a 2014 kick off post without mentioning some of the races the Rogue team are looking forward to this year.  The big immediate goal will be a return to GodZone for myself.  This year I will be joined by Russ Stringer, Danielle Gage and Steve Gage.  While the focus is on this race for next couple of months, looking ahead on the Rogue Calendar there are plenty of great races to choose from.  iAdventure’s Devils Lair 72hr race looks like a potential highlight if it gets up off the ground.  I’m also keen to get to more rogaines this year in lieu of fewer sprint ARs – perhaps even try my hand at an interstate 24hr rogaine if the chance arises.  It would certainly beat dragging a bike box around on an airplane.  One thing for sure is that 2014 is set to be a massive year of adventure.

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