THE JONES LANG LASALLE CHALLENGE 2000

“ Is it always this good ? “

Yes, it is. This question was put to me during a quiet (noisy) moment after the race had concluded. The power of this event to bring people together, to focus their energies and to make people feel wanted and appreciated, is unrivalled. Make no mistake, this event is merely a side-issue to the greater achievements of friendship and camaraderie which it elicits. In many ways the running, riding and paddling are excuses so that we can bring a group of people together and give them a common goal. The times recorded by the competitors are not as important as the times we have in participating in the event. When a group of people can work together and head in the same direction to achieve a goal then anything is possible, but usually the result is that a bloody good time is had by all.

The time of your life ? I am sure that as you reflect on the event over the next few weeks you will feel just that. The competitors who swore themselves into retirement will make comebacks and the support crew who worked so hard and slept so little will forget all that and sign up again. It’s like the pain of childbirth : many women swear never again, but after the pain is gone and the realisation of what they have achieved sinks in, they are keen for another go. I am sure many of you will go through similar emotions in the next few weeks.

The JLL Challenge provides a focus for the competitor’s training and an avenue for the support crew to feel needed and appreciated. It is always a long year and the training load can take its toll on the motivation of even the most enthusiastic trainer. If I could encourage everyone who is contemplating a return in 2001, whether as a competitor or as support crew, to get involved in the social side of things, as these little get-togethers are the best way to keep everyone focused during the long and often lonely months of training and anticipation. This is what the event is all about to me : bringing like-minded people together to share a common goal and to develop lasting friendships. True friendships are strengthened by shared experience and if this is achieved it far outweighs any personal athletic ambitions that may have been achieved. In other words, bugger the race, let’s have a beer, we’ve earned it !

Now that my philosophising is done, I would like to regale you with some tales of high adventure and romance which to me form my impressions of the Gravity Fitness assault on the 2000 JLL Challenge. They will form some sort of rough timeline and are in no order of importance. I will leave you to decide which are the most humorous or poignant moments :

· Nearing Albury on the Friday afternoon, Greg and I noticed a police car speeding past us. Being a noted smart-alec from way back, I decided to film the car and make comments to the effect that I was going to make a citizen’s arrest of this speeding motorist. Clearly, this information was picked up on Police scanners and relayed to the Victorian Police Service and a warrant was issued to arrest one “Sir Les” for speeding. The irony of the situation, coupled with the tacit approval given to speeding by the JLL Challenge Police liaison officer, makes the fine no less difficult to pay. Guess whose kids will be going without this Xmas ?

· The look on Garry and Sally’s face when informed that Barton was not coming and that there was no replacement. I told Garry that he had to drive to Mt Buller and tell Carl, and he would have done it !

· The brilliance of the Mt Buller dawn – say no more.

· The “all things happen for a reason” example of the weekend with the arrival of Olympic kayaker Owen Hughes to join Carl’s team. I think you would all agree that Owen and Christine got quite a buzz out of being with such an enthusiastic and friendly group of people, and you should all take great heart from that.

· The great wrap given to Gravity Fitness by the microphone man both at Marysville and at the finish line in Melbourne. Great publicity. Pity my business is located 900km away. For this reason I think there must be a Gravity Fitness presence at the Sydney JLL Challenge in May 2001. Any takers ?

· The green shadehouse. What can I say ? Did we look organised or what ? No wonder we won the award for best co-ordinated teams.

· The massage parlour that conducted business so successfully outside Cabin 8 at the Marysville Caravan Park. This made all the difference to some tired and sore legs.

· The cooking and feeding of the hungry masses by the girls, Garry included, led magnificently by Sally.

· The non-stop action of Day 2 culminating in the champagne shower for the Gravity Fitness kayakers, although we were castigated for polluting the lovely pooh-brown waters of the Yarra.

· The awarding of the “Best Co-ordinated Teams” to Gravity Fitness. Surely a testament to the efforts of our brilliant support crew.

· The anger, panic and arguments brought about by the confusing directions given by Boss Hog as to the whereabouts of our St. Kilda accommodation. Sorry about that, I was a little tired and emotional.

· The euphoria that was palpable in the air as we dined together at the Tolarno Hotel after the race. This type of feeling is rare and must be cherished. Bring on 2001.

· The all-round beauty of the scenery and countryside through which the race passes. No pictures or videos can accurately describe this part of the world.

As to the wonderful individuals involved in this event, here is a sample of my feelings (or perhaps a form guide for the future) :

GARRY OHLSEN – He’s a genius. The best organiser and motivator bar none. Without him we’d be stuffed and I mean it. His role is tough, full-on, non-stop but even he’d admit very rewarding. Retiring to go fishing. Come back, Garry, all is forgiven.

SALLY HARROLD – Tough, uncompromising but utterly lovable. She is the yin to Garry’s yang. Has done the hard yards in ’98, ’99 and 2000, and I am sure will be back again. Without her it just wouldn’t be the same. Experienced but afraid of heights e.g. Mt. Buller 1820m.

BRETT DAVIDSON – One of the life-forces behind our participation in this event. He doesn’t realise how fit he is. Two great rides and a great run made for a hard weekend but Brett celebrated with his usual gusto (especially after he’d had some sleep). Even though he retired and came back 6 times during the weekend, I’ll bet he’ll be back. Will be better for the run.

FRANK BOLAND – One of the true legends of Gravity Fitness. Bolo is the glue that holds this operation together. Forever enthusiastic, he’s an inspiration to those who know him. From support crew to competitor, in 12 months, proves it can be done with dedication and commitment. Rumoured to be retiring to stud, but owner assures me he is still full of running.

GINA JOSSELYN – Has now done the Mt. Buller run twice in under 5 hours. Appreciated running without a broken ankle this time. She is an inspiration to anyone who has seen her train, or trained with her (ask Matt). She is keen to attempt both runs next year and you wouldn’t bet against her. A true champion.

MATT TRUTE – The “hard-man” of the Gravity Fitness teams. Took on the mighty task of backing up to run the second day after completing the Mt Buller in a great time. A surprise to some but not to the people who have seen him train or run with him. Finished fresh and full of running, don’t you hate that ? A young colt, relatively speaking, with plenty more outings left in him.

RAY WEEKES – Ray improved his times in both paddles but still couldn’t please his hardest marker : himself. Very fit and strong, Ray can do anything he puts his mind to, and there are rumours that he wants to become a runner. Loves hard work and a challenge. I’d have him on my team any day !

KEVIN HARROLD – A great effort despite a disrupted preparation. A veteran of this event, Kevin not only has to train and keep fit for this event, but he has to remain in shape for the many tasks set for him by his loving wife. Kevin paddled and cycled with his usual determination. Loves to compete and is looking for more challenges. NSW JLL next year ?

GREG GINN – Fit young bastard who surprised everyone with his terrific Mt Buller run. Focused on the good things in life, Greg is capable of anything if only he’d give up the gym and get down to Gravity Fitness sessions.

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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