The JLL Challenge

(Jones Lang LaSalle)

The annual JLL Challenge Victoria, staged on the last weekend in November, receives an enthusiastic response from competitors in Australia and from overseas. From the serious athlete to the sports enthusiast, every year an increasing number of participants come to compete in an action packed 2-day event covering a spectacular 231km course on which competitors run, kayak and cycle from the summit of Mt. Buller (Victoria’s premier ski resort), into the heart of Melbourne. The event is well supported by a variety of sponsors and attracts excellent media coverage by national and international television, radio and press.

A major part of the JLL Challenge concept is that competitors carry their own provisions during each stage. Unlike triathlons where food and drinks are provided along the course, it is the responsibility of all competitors to carry their own food and drink.

The race is competed in by INDIVIDUALS (completing the whole course on their own), TRI-TEAMS (2 to 3 people covering the course in a relay fashion) and STAGE TEAMS (4 to 6 people covering the course in relay fashion)

THE COURSE :

Day One

Stage 1 – RUN 33km (Mt. Buller to Howqua Inlet on Lake Eildon)

Stage 2 – KAYAK 20km (Howqua Inlet to Jerusalem Creek)

Stage 3 – CYCLE 57km (Jerusalam Creek to Marysville)

Day Two

Stage 4 – RUN 20km (Marysville to Dom Dom Saddle)

Stage 5 – CYCLE 73km (Dom Dom Saddle to Yarra R. at Burke Rd)

Stage 6 – KAYAK 28km (Burke Rd to Alexandria Gardens, Melbourne)

In 2001, the JLL Challenge will be held on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th November.

GRAVITY FITNESS will be entering 4 teams as follows :

GRAVITY SERIOUS – Carl Wilkin Trevor Nixon

GRAVITY GRAVITY – Jim Virgona Angelo Virgona Noni Collins

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – Matt Trute Bruce Ford Darren Wedge

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – Ian Hollins Dave Burrell Frank Boland

SUPPORT CREW – Janelle Jenkins Belinda Dawson Sharon Ford Rick Fleming Derek Wedge

CAMERA CREW Andrew and Kelly Brown

More detailed information can be gained by accessing the Challenge Events website on http://www.challengeevents.com.au

2001 RESULTS :

(65 teams entered)

Day 1 – Saturday 24^th November 2001

Stage 1 – 35km Run

GRAVITY GRAVITY – Angelo Virgona – 6h05m – 48^th

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – Matt Trute – 7h50m – 59^th – got lost on run and ran an extra 2 ½ hours than expected

GRAVITY SERIOUS – Carl Wilkin – 6h05m – 49^th

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – Ian Hollins – 5h41m – 39^th

Stage 2 – 18km Kayak (this time includes time spent in transition)

GRAVITY GRAVITY – Noni Collins – 3h06m – 47th

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – Kayaker not allowed to start due to late arrival of runner – Lake Eildon too dangerous – time given : 3h00m

GRAVITY SERIOUS – Trevor Nixon – 2h50m – 40th

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – Ian Hollins – 3h10m – 49^th

Stage 3 – 57km Cycle (this time includes time spent in transition)

GRAVITY GRAVITY – Jim Virgona – 1h58m – 28th

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – Darren Wedge – 1h59m – 30th

GRAVITY SERIOUS – Trevor Nixon – 2h12m – 45th

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – Dave Burrell – 1h58m – 26^th

DAY 1 TOTAL

GRAVITY GRAVITY – 11h10m – 51st

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – 12h59m - ?

GRAVITY SERIOUS – 11h08m – 58th

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – 10h49m – 45^th

Day 2 – Sunday 25^th November 2001

Stage 4 – 20km Run

GRAVITY GRAVITY – Angelo Virgona – 2h10m – 30th

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – Matt Trute – 2h33m – 46th

GRAVITY SERIOUS – Trevor Nixon – 2h02m – 25th

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – Frank Boland – 2h35m – 47^th

Stage 5 – 73km Cycle (timed at 57km point)

GRAVITY GRAVITY – Jim Virgona – 1h56m – 21st

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – Darren Wedge – 2h11m – 45th

GRAVITY SERIOUS – Carl Wilkin – 2h03m – 30th

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – Dave Burrell – 2h00m – 26^th

Stage 6 – 28km Kayak

GRAVITY GRAVITY – Noni Collins – 3h14m – 43rd

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – Bruce Ford – 2h56m – 33rd

GRAVITY SERIOUS – Carl Wilkin – 3h02m – 36th

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – Ian Hollins – 3h19m – 47^th

DAY 2 TOTAL

GRAVITY GRAVITY – 7h20m – 32nd

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – 7h40m – 44th

GRAVITY SERIOUS – 7h08m – 28th

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – 7h55m – 48^th

OVERALL TOTAL

GRAVITY GRAVITY – 18h30m – 44th

GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – 20h39m – 59th

GRAVITY SERIOUS – 18h16m – 41st

CENTRE OF GRAVITY – 18h45m – 49th

THE BEST EVER – THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE JLL CHALLENGE 2001

I have no hesitation in declaring the 2001 Gravity Fitness assault on the Jones Lang LaSalle Challenge to be the “best ever”. Never before has such easy camaraderie been developed so quickly. The coming together of strangers into a cohesive unit was truly a joy to behold and another shining example of the benefits that are to be had through shared experience. It was hard, tough, tiring and painful but at the same time incredibly enjoyable and rewarding. Certainly there was a bit of “earned it” (possibly going overboard) happening on the Sunday and Monday nights as we celebrated in the old fashioned style in several Melbourne pubs, but this can not take away from the achievements of everyone involved, not least the competitors.

The race itself ? Well sit right back and I’ll tell you a tale, a tale of a fateful trip, that started on that monolith for an 18 hour “cruise” .. an 18 hour “cruise”. But I digress – the real story is far more original.

The day and night preceding the race increased the already nervous anticipation to a fever pitch as howling winds and freezing rains lashed the heights of Mt Buller. Many found it difficult to sleep that night despite the plush and comforting surroundings of Benmore Lodge, nestled quietly in the aptly named Breathtaker Road. As the runners awoke at 4am to eat for the big day, the sky had cleared and the winds had eased. The rest of the crew slowly rose to make their way to the summit of Mt Buller for the start.

The teams representing Gravity Fitness in 2001 were :

GRAVITY GRAVITY – Angelo Virgona , Noni Collins and Jim Virgona GRAVITY SCHMAVITY – Matt Trute , Bruce Ford and Darren Wedge GRAVITY SERIOUS – Carl Wilkin and Trevor Nixon CENTRE OF GRAVITY – Ian Hollins , Dave Burrell and Frank Boland.

The race starts at the crack of dawn and the runners were off at 5.48am precisely. Down the main ski slope and disappearing out of sight for the next 5 to 6 hours, tramping across rugged mountain spurs, fording mighty rivers and stumbling and slipping on slushy bush tracks. As if the conditions weren’t hard enough, the course itself was poorly marked and Matt, Carl and Angelo deviated off the track and lost time. In Matt’s case he got so badly lost that he ran for an extra 2 to 2 ½ hours trying to get back on course. Ian, meanwhile, was happily plodding on hoping that he had gone the right way. He had, and came into the finish line in 5h41m. Carl and Angelo came in in 6h05m, with Matt way behind in 7h50m. Matt and Carl were also not to know that the water they were drinking from the river was dicey, despite race marshall’s recommendations, and both suffered badly on the Monday after the race from a bug. Ian and Angelo seemed to luckily avoid this problem, but I am sure the beer and wine they consumed post-race killed any bug that may have lingered too long in their bellies.

Ian then had the ordeal of getting into the kayak for the 18km paddle across the choppy Lake Eildon straight after the run, and was followed closely by Noni and Trevor, who made much quicker transitions. Bruce was then informed that due to the severe conditions on Lake Eildon, the kayak leg was closed and as Matt was not yet finished, Bruce was disallowed from paddling. Unimpressed

After finally making his way across the lake in almost 3 hours, Ian handed over to Dave for the 57km Cycle into Marysville and the finish of Day 1. Noni handed over to Jim, who took off on the chase, while Trevor jumped straight from the kayak onto the bike and pedaled hard to the finish. Darren finally managed to get on the bike after some haggling with race officials and rode into Marysville where the whole Gravity Fitness entourage was assembled to give him a rousing cheer.

At the end of Day 1, Centre of Gravity held a small lead over Gravity Gravity and Gravity Serious, with poor old Gravity Schmavity languishing, although receiving much sympathy from all concerned. All teams successfully home – a job well done. The support crew and camera crew were beginning to gel and the first day nerves and adrenalin were out of the system. At this point some past traditions were thrown out as a quiet case of beer was consumed, deemed a worthy reward for a tough day in the field, or in Matt’s case a tough day in the mountains, the bush, the river and the field. An early night and signs were positive for another good day tomorrow.

Day 2 dawned with similar weather conditions, only a little more cloud developed as the day went on. Matt and Angelo had to back up and run again, 20km this time on a clearly marked course, and they were joined by the great man Frank and the sprightly Trevor, whose exuberance carried him home first in 2h02m. He was followed closely by Angelo, putting in a great back-up effort, with Matt and Frank further back. Matt was really feeling the effects of the nearly 8 hours on his feet the previous day. The bike riders then took over for the tortuous 73km ride into Eltham, with Carl, Jim, Darren and Dave fighting it out down the Healesville Hill and up the fearsome Yarra Glen and Christmas Hills. Carl, Jim and Dave all managed places in the top 30, while Darren improved on his time from last year. As the riders made their way to the transition point in the upper Yarra River area, the kayakers waited nervously to enter the river for the final 28km paddle into the heart of Melbourne.

Noni was off first using all her recently acquired skill and technique, closely followed by the ever-closing Carl, with Ian in 2 minutes ahead of the “adrenalised” Bruce, keen to make up for the previous day’s misfortune. Only 20mins down river and Bruce had steamed past Ian and was out after Carl and Noni. At the halfway point of the kayak leg is a 600m portage around Dights Falls, where the Gravity Fitness support crew was again doing another fine job assisting lots of competitors, not just their own. After all 4 paddlers safely re-entered the Yarra, the support crew and all other team members hurried to the finish line where they eagerly awaited the arrival of the triumphant paddlers. Noni, Carl and then Bruce came home to rousing cheers, with Ian finally in as the first beers were being inhaled, completing another very successful and eventful assault on the JLL Challenge.

Final results (out of 65 teams) : GRAVITY SERIOUS 18h16m / 41^st GRAVITY GRAVITY 18h30m / 44^th CENTRE OF GRAVITY 18h45m / 49^th GRAVITY SCHMAVITY 20h39m / 59th

The seventh and eighth legs were also quite grueling as the competitors and support crew let their hair down and celebrated the achievement. The fact that everyone involved has already put their hand up for participation in 2002 says a lot for the addictive and inspirational nature of this event, and the looks of quiet, and loud, satisfaction on everyone’s face told the story. We had truly “earned it !

Following are some heartfelt opinions from some of the competitors and support crew :

Derek Wedge – JLL 2001

“ Just a quick note to say a huge thank you for the all your hard work with organising the entire weekend at the JLL Challenge in Melbourne.
I had a fantastic time. I was overwhelmed with it all and greatly appreciate all what you made possible which included the chance for me to meet so many wonderful, inspiring and genuine people and bunch of new friends within the group of Gravity Fitness.
It was a pleasure to be a part of so many people's achievements and gratification. All the hard work and commitment from so many backgrounds and with so many hurdles they all had to cross.
I hope you can continue with these efforts again next year so I too get the chance to participate and share the experience with new found friends in a supportive, genuine and happy environment.”

Jim Virgona – (Agricultural academic) – JLL 2001

“Two things stand out in my mind from the weekend. Firstly, it really is a team competition. Training by yourself is one thing but once you are part of a team you will press on much harder. A number of times I found myself thinking that I couldn't let the others down and so I did better than I expected. You also get inspired watching the other competitors, especially
the maniacs who do the whole thing on their own.

The second thing was that as part of the Gravity "organisation" there was a real sense of camaraderie during the event. Much of this can be put down to the support crew and their enthusiasm and encouragement. Other teams would finish a leg and there would
be nobody to greet them and pat them on the back - not so with Gravity where there was always someone (and usually quite a few) to cheer you on and congratulate you. The best recommendation I can make is that I will definitely be back next year in a Gravity team.”

Belinda Dawson – JLL 2001

“ The need to say something is overwhelming.......problem is I can't come up with the words. When I try to let it just flow I become all emotional (very girlie). For me this year was even better than last and who would of believed that
possible. You have brought together an amazing group of beautiful people to share a
fantastic experience. You do good work, and you are right the JLL weekend will be pivotal for me personally.
No grand promise.......just the absolute knowledge that something has to happen.”

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Carl Wilkin – JLL 2001

“Yes, it was a great weekend (as usual) wasn't it ? Like you, I found it surreal being back at work the following week. The following Saturday, I was in QLD attending a board meeting for a small firm that I'm a board member of - boy it was strange to think just week ago I was struggling across icy rivers, striding out along bush tracks etc in the Victorian high country. Time seems to take on a different perspective during the JLL weekend. I found myself looking at the time and remembering where I was at that time a week ago - worlds apart......

The JLL is not really a race, rather it is, as the name suggests a 'Challenge'. Regardless of your physical condition, the training you've managed over winter and the preparation you think you've done; nothing quite prepares you for the 'rush' you feel as the Channel Ten chopper shatters the peace, and sun breaks over the horizon from the top of Mt Buller. Nor does it prepare you for the enormity of the first run or sense of achievement gained by completing the event with team-mates - each living out their dreams. This event really is one of life's most rewarding challenges.”

Noni Collins – JLL 2001

“ Its been easy over the years to generalise about life and say 'I could do it if I wanted to'. But it was not until my late 20's that I realised there was a substantial gap between what I thought I could do and what I had actually done. One of the key events that helped put things into perspective was the 2000 JLL Challenge, when I was lucky enough to participate as a Gravity Fitness support crew member.

I resolved to compete in 2001 and just speaking of the memorable experience still just puts a lump in my throat. For the first 30 minutes of the first kayak stage irrational thoughts controlled my mind, I wanted to be stronger, I wanted a sea kayak and not a TK1, I wanted the wind to stop. Survival was not an issue but completion due to inexperience was. The beauty of an endurance race is it gives you enough time to sort your head out and really get to know yourself and think about others. Knowing your team was waiting at the end was an integral part of being able to stay focused and positive.

It is my honest privilege to have truly experienced my own mortality with such inspiring, dedicated and fun loving people as are the people associated with Gravity Fitness. The experience will live with me forever.”

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2000 RESULTS :

(75 teams entered)

Day 1 – Saturday 25^th Nov. 2000

Stage 1 – 36km Run

GRAVITY MIRKINS – Trevor Nixon – 5h57m – 67^th

GRAVITY KGB – Gina Josselyn – 4h55m – 31^st

GRAVITY ECTO – Greg Ginn – 5h25m – 53^rd

GRAVITY STUMPY – Matt Trute – 5h14m – 43^rd

GRAVITY O’PELE – Carl Wilkin – 5h47m – 62^nd

Stage 2 – 18km Kayak

GRAVITY MIRKINS – Andrew Wright – 1h48m – 9^th

GRAVITY KGB – Kevin Harrold – 2h25m – 52^nd

GRAVITY ECTO – Bruce Ford – 2h53m – 68^th

GRAVITY STUMPY – Ray Weekes – 2h12m – 40^th

GRAVITY O’PELE – Owen Hughes – 1h33m – 1^st

Stage 3 – 57km Cycle

GRAVITY MIRKINS – Darren Wedge – 2h11m – 52^nd

GRAVITY KGB – Frank Boland – 2h15m – 58^th

GRAVITY ECTO – Brett Davidson – 2h05m – 42^nd

GRAVITY STUMPY – Ian Hollins – 2h00m – 35^th

GRAVITY O’PELE – Carl Wilkin – 2h09m – 48^th

Day 1 Total

GRAVITY MIRKINS – 9h57m – 52^nd

GRAVITY KGB – 9h36m – 44^th

GRAVITY ECTO – 10h09m – 60^th

GRAVITY STUMPY – 9h28m – 38^th

GRAVITY O’PELE – 9h30m – 39^th

Day 2 – Sunday 26^th Nov. 2000

Stage 4 – 20km Run

GRAVITY MIRKINS – Matt Trute – 2h22m – 56^th

GRAVITY KGB – Frank Boland – 2h31m – 63^rd

GRAVITY ECTO – Brett Davidson – 2h20m – 53^rd

GRAVITY STUMPY – Ian Hollins – 2h06m – 41^st

GRAVITY O’PELE – Carl Wilkin – 2h51m – 68^th

Stage 5 – 73km Cycle (timed at 60km point)

GRAVITY MIRKINS – Darren Wedge – 2h27m – 61^st

GRAVITY KGB – Kevin Harrold – 2h30m – 62^nd

GRAVITY ECTO – Brett Davidson – 2h51m – 68^th

GRAVITY STUMPY – Ian Hollins – 2h43m – 66^th

GRAVITY O’PELE – Carl Wilkin – 2h17m – 55^th

Stage 6 – 28km Kayak

GRAVITY MIRKINS – Andrew Wright – 2h26m – 9^th

GRAVITY KGB – Kevin Harrold – 3h27m – 59^th

GRAVITY ECTO – Bruce Ford – 3h47m – 67^th

GRAVITY STUMPY – Ray Weekes – 2h54m – 37^th

GRAVITY O’PELE – Owen Hughes – 2h06m – 1st

Day 2 Total

GRAVITY MIRKINS – 7h16m – 42^nd

GRAVITY KGB – 8h29m – 63^rd

GRAVITY ECTO – 9h00m – 67^th

GRAVITY STUMPY – 7h43m – 54^th

GRAVITY O’PELE – 7h15m – 39^th

OVERALL TOTAL

GRAVITY MIRKINS –17h13m – 45^th

GRAVITY KGB – 18h06m – 56^th

GRAVITY ECTO - 19h10m – 65^th

GRAVITY STUMPY – 17h11m – 44^th

GRAVITY O’PELE – 16h46m – 35^th

^{Here are some thoughts on the event from some of the competitors :}

Frank Boland “ Thanks for all your guidance, support and encouragement over the last couple of years. I certainly could not have done it without you. You are a true professional and Gravity Fitness deserves to grow and prosper. Like you, I see the camaraderie as a big plus and am particularly pleased that we have no big heads to upset the balance. Even a hacker like me can feel part of the team.”

Darren Wedge “ I have been on a high since the race and I would have to say it is one of the best things I have done in my life. I really enjoyed the whole concept and although I do not know what part I want to do next year, I am going to start training next year and I am looking forward to attending the events Gravity Fitness runs. The weekend was so inspiring that Leoni is talking about taking up running and she is anti-fitness. Once again, thank you very much.”

Belinda Dawson “ What an incredible weekend ! I am as you know, always so proud to be part of Gravity Fitness and I didn’t think I could feel any more proud, but wow what a team. Wearing our shirts and being so much a part of this weekend has been fantastic. The team spirit was great and especially so when you look at the diversity of people involved and the fact that so many had not been before. I will not make any silly statements about doing a leg at any time, but I do feel inspired by all our competitors and the high feelings at the moment. However, I do know that it will take something pretty big to stop me being support crew again. Thank you Ian, for the opportunity to be part of this great experience.”

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