Tri-Dog Event 26-27 September 2020

It was an early start, leaving at 6 am to arrive for 8 am ahead of registration. Once I arrived, Kali and Asha, my Siberian husky twin sisters wanted a walk, so we took a little walk around the campsite to check things out. It was their 5th birthday the day before so this was their celebratory weekend of fun, they love to run and I love to be a part of it. Then back in the van and off to registration.

My start time wasn’t till 10.30 am so I had a bit of time to kill. So, girls out and a long walk around the site. Box End Park, where the event was held, was home to two big lakes. There was cable wakeboarding, paddleboarding, swimming and a giant inflatable section to name but a few.

I now needed to get ready for the event itself. I was competing in the Duathlon. So bike out, chain, forks and dropper posted oiled and ready to go. Tyres checked and pumped up to 40 PSI, I knew I wanted firm, fast-rolling tyres for this terrain. Lines added and a final check over. Bike sorted. Then onto me, race clothing and canicross belt on. Me sorted. Lastly, to get the Kali harnessed, I had a shoulder and H-Back harness to choose from, I elected the H-Back. Kali sorted.

So with everything ready I made my way over to the start line and queued up ready to go. Kali knows what she’s doing, she stood there attentively waiting for the signal to go. And with 3-2-1 hike hike, we were off! The bike was 2.5 km followed by a 2.5 km run. The first half of the bike was open and straight along the side of the lakes, it was very windy it coming head-on in the bike segment. Once we cleared the long straight we turned round the other end of the lake and into an undulating tree section, lots of ups and downs with constant twists and turns. This was the best bit of the 5 km loop, going fast through the woods, dog in toe, on the bike. Nothing can beat it! In and out of the saddle, changing gears, calling turns, there is a lot to think about but that’s what brings the challenge and excitement. We now came to the transition area where I clipped Kali to a stakeout chain, dropped off my bike, helmet, gloves and glasses and switched Kali onto the canicross belt. To save time I already had the belt on.It was an early start, leaving at 6 am to arrive for 8 am ahead of registration. Once I arrived, Kali and Asha, my Siberian husky twin sisters wanted a walk, so we took a little walk around the campsite to check things out. It was their 5th birthday the day before so this was their celebratory weekend of fun, they love to run and I love to be a part of it. Then back in the van and off to registration.

My start time wasn’t till 10.30 am so I had a bit of time to kill. So, girls out and a long walk around the site. Box End Park, where the event was held, was home to two big lakes. There was cable wakeboarding, paddleboarding, swimming and a giant inflatable section to name but a few.

I now needed to get ready for the event itself. I was competing in the Duathlon. So bike out, chain, forks and dropper posted oiled and ready to go. Tyres checked and pumped up to 40 PSI, I knew I wanted firm, fast-rolling tyres for this terrain. Lines added and a final check over. Bike sorted. Then onto me, race clothing and canicross belt on. Me sorted. Lastly, to get the Kali harnessed, I had a shoulder and H-Back harness to choose from, I elected the H-Back. Kali sorted.

So with everything ready I made my way over to the start line and queued up ready to go. Kali knows what she’s doing, she stood there attentively waiting for the signal to go. And with 3-2-1 hike hike, we were off! The bike was 2.5 km followed by a 2.5 km run. The first half of the bike was open and straight along the side of the lakes, it was very windy it coming head-on in the bike segment. Once we cleared the long straight we turned round the other end of the lake and into an undulating tree section, lots of ups and downs with constant twists and turns. This was the best bit of the 5 km loop, going fast through the woods, dog in toe, on the bike. Nothing can beat it! In and out of the saddle, changing gears, calling turns, there is a lot to think about but that’s what brings the challenge and excitement. We now came to the transition area where I clipped Kali to a stakeout chain, dropped off my bike, helmet, gloves and glasses and switched Kali onto the canicross belt. To save time I already had the belt on.

We were now off into the 2.5 km run. My legs felt a little tired from the bike but nothing to worry about, now it was go time. It was almost a reverse of the first stage with the first half being through the trees and second half being the long windy straights, although this time the wind wasn’t holding us back. The team in front of us hadn’t set off so there wasn’t anyone in front to see but I know the team behind was trying to catch up. No chance, I didn’t see them! Approaching the final bit I could see the finish line but had to clear a last small tree section, through that and over the line. Run one done, now to get Kali watered and a treat for doing so well!

Once back at the van Asha greeted us with a what about me kind of look! Don’t worry Asha you get to run tomorrow I said!

With the dogs settled I went to collect my bike, now it was time for lunch! Dogs fed. Now onto me. Harvester! I need motivation too right? A short drive from the campsite and I arrived. I don’t like to leave the dogs in the van unattended so I had asked the waiter if I could have a window seat so I could keep an eye on the van, he obliged. A full rack of ribs and salad bar later I was full. Now back to the site. Once back, we went for a walk following the race loop. It was still very windy and was threatening to rain. From the furthest point from the van, it started spitting, of course it would. But, on this occasion, it held off till I was back.