|
TEAM U/TREK JOINS SAMSUNG-AXN CHALLENGE
by Judith C. Palero
PROLOGUE
I started writing this thing the day after the race; my body was still very sore
and simple movements entailed big labor. But, it’s over now. The body soon healed
but the memories still lingers.
After I posted the announcement about the Samsung AXN Challenge 2003 in our email
facility, Bong sent word of his interest to join. I informed Arth about it and soon
enough, I was told that they had a team. Great! Only to found out, that I was part
of it. Why me? I’m not really sure how they made up their minds about it, something
to do with honoring someone’s words. Being picked out to be part of the team was an
honor in itself. I trusted this guys, I knew I’m in good hands. Besides, it may not
happen again. Though now, I think they regretted that decision.
There were really no major preparations for this. We were even not able to train
together. We’re cramped with our individual schedules. I did consecutive weekend
climbs but that’s just it. Arth was undergoing his SOLAS training and Bong was busy
himself.
We even submitted our registration form on the cut-off date itself, October 24.
Bong brought it to Probe Productions office in Quezon City and was told by the guard
that the other people who signed up were big and buffed. To make matters worse, we
were informed that a skills test was required to knock off some of the teams. We
did ours Tuesday, November 4 after getting back from Mt. Pulag climb – rappelling,
belaying, wall climbing, orienteering plus gears check.
We were told that we would be informed if we got the cut. And so we waited.
But by Thursday, November 6, I had to phone the organizers for word. It was only
then when learned that we got in. We were racing. We attended the pre-race briefing
at Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel Friday night, November 7. There were 25 teams entered
for the Men’s category, 6 teams for the Women’s category, and 52 teams for the Mix
category, our category.
RACE DAY
We met up early race day, November 8 at Bong’s place where all the bikes were. We
pedaled it to Fort Bonifacio, the pick up point for the bike leg of the race. It took
a while before they got organized, so we got delayed in getting to Fort Santiago to
officially signed up for the race. Most of the other racers were already busy plotting
their course when we arrived. Upon signing up, we were given our race kit containing
the official race bib for each racer, the race route, maps, and our race passport.
Tiger and Judy was able to hook up with us while we were eating brunch at Chowking
at the same time deciphering the first leg of the race. We were cramming which made
the task more complicated than it really was. The route of the race was already
pre-determined except for the first part that was a compass orienteering course.
After that we had follow specific series of streets to be able to go to the designated
checkpoints.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza officially flagged off the race by 12:00 noon. Toping was
able to see us off as well. From the starting point inside Fort Santiago, we run
towards General Luna St. in Intramuros then turned right at Anda St. then left at
Sta. Lucia St. up the wall to Baluartillo de San Eugenio (CP1) (this is where the
big mango tree is for the U/Trekarera racecourse). There was still a long queue when
we got there. From this point we had to go 200 meters 330 degrees, which pointed at
Baluarte De San Diego (CP2). Then continued running along the wall back bearing 500 meters
228 degrees to the next control point which was at Baluarte De San Gabriel (CP3) in front
of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Then 700 meters 200 degrees bearing towards Baluarte De
Dilao (CP4) fronting Mapua Institute. We got this thing right in sequence. Some of the
other racers got lost checking in at wrong CPs.
From the start, we were at the back of the pack. I am not a good runner and was having
a hard time keeping up with my teammates. They got eventually dragged down to my slow pace.
From here, we took Victoria St. (near Manila High School) then passed thru the underpass
exiting at Manila City Hall, then via Concepcion St. passing along SM Manila towards Ayala
Bridge (CP5). The task here was one of the 3 technical challenges of the race. A team
member was allowed to do a technical challenge only once. One member of the team (Bong)
climbed the steel girder of the bridge and crossed over to the opposite side of the road,
with the second team member belaying him up (Arth). The third team member crossed the
pedestrian lane at the foot of the bridge and belayed down the climber (Judith). After
clearing this task we run towards Taft Ave. along Ayala Blvd. to go to ‘Binhi ng
Kalayaan’ (CP6) in Rizal Park (the skating rink area) for a mystery test. The task
was “Palo Sebo”. Each team climbed a greased standing bamboo pole. The challenge
was only completed when the bell atop the pole was rung. Arth & I lifted Bong up
our shoulders then he tied two slings to work as prussic to bring him higher up the
pole to rung the bell. We did that task pretty quick.
The next CP was at the near by Department of Tourism Building (CP7) where the 2nd
of the 3 technical challenges was performed. One member of the team, me, climbed
to the 5th floor, rigged myself up and then rappelled off the building. Arth belayed
while Bong was the spotter. There was not enough time for me to got scared, as soon
as my feet were off the ledge I was falling really fast. It was a quick ride.
Unfortunately, my legs were alternating in cramping after that.
Next stop was at the Rajah Sulayman Plaza (CP8) in front of Malate Church.
We were caught by heavy down pour with matching thunder & lightning while running
along TM Kalaw towards the service road of Roxas Blvd. The next day news read that
a mother with her 2 children were struck by lightning while taking shelter under
a tree in the Japanese Garden in Luneta. We were not very far from the area.
The rain let up after we cleared this CP. We then crossed Roxas Blvd. to get to
the Baywalk then we proceeded to CCP Complex via V. Sotto Ave. towards Westin
Philippine Plaza swimming pool (CP9) area where a mystery test awaited. It took
a while before I was able to re-group with my team for I was again fallen behind.
The task was “Merrel Water Test”. Each team was given a model card of a Merrel
shoe (one of the sponsors), indicating if it was a left half or a right half pair.
One team member (Bong) dived into the swimming pool to look for the exact half
pair of the model that we were given. The team was only allowed to proceed to
the next checkpoint once we found the assigned half pair and the race marshal
has verified that shoe. After this task, we were directed towards the golf
driving range (CP10) of the hotel for another mystery test. The task was
“Golf Challenge”. Each team was given a set of 3 golf balls. Each team member
will had a go at hitting the golf ball beyond the 30-meter marker buoy in the
water with a provided golf club. If the 3 golf balls were used and the 30-meter
mark has not yet been reached, one team member must sample a delicacy plate from
the buffet table for another set of golf balls. If by the third set of golf balls
the team still has not reached the mark. They will be held for 15 minutes before
they can proceed to the next station. I had the 1st go at it, and I reached the
mark with my hit, we were cleared at once.
We were next headed to the Makati Central Fire Station (CP11) at the corner
of Ayala and Buendia Ave. for the next technical challenge. It was a very long
way to go on foot. They had to seriously tow me to keep up. We had to go via
Vito Cruz then right at Arellano St. left at Zobel Roxas crossed South Superhighway
then to Kamagong St. They set up a 30 feet cargo net here up the upper level of
the fire station; one of the team members (Arth) climbed this up while the other
two belayed (Bong did while I helped anchor him).
From here we followed Buendia Ave. up to the corner of Makati Ave. passed
Petron Gas station then turned right on P. Burgos, then right again on Kalayaan
Ave., turning left on Rockwell Drive towards Powerbikes Shop (CP12). We were
already feeling the toll of the race at this point. Our feet hurts, leg muscles
cramping, we’re tired and hungry and we’re running against time. There was a
cut-off time set in the next CP. And we only had 20 minutes to get there or
we will be pulled off the race.
From Rockwell Drive we crossed Estrella St. then right towards EDSA. Then
left at EDSA, run up the pedestrian overpass to cross EDSA. We proceeded to
Hardvard St. then underneath the Kalayaan flyover towards The Fort at the back
of NBC tent (CP13) where some utrekkers were already waiting for us. We got
to the area way passed the cut off time of 5:00pm, but we’re informed that it
was extended for another hour and that our team may still proceed with the
race. Before clearing this CP we had to complete another mystery test. The
task was “Samsung Wall Challenge”. Each team had to work together to scale
the greased tarpaulin wall. The challenge was only completed when all three
members got to the top of the wall. Bong and Arth just run through it. The
big challenge was to bring me up. They had to rig a weaving to work as a
stepladder for me to climb up to. It was so funny. You just have to see
the pictures to understand how it happened.
Support crews were already allowed to assist at this point. Though, they
had been following us around to cover the race. Philip, Magelle, Judy, John,
Mhye, Luv, Marion, Joy were there to cheer us on.
This was also the transition area where we picked up our bikes for the 25
or so kilometers of bike course. It was already dusk but we had to push on.
We took the C-5 road then turned left at Rodriguez-Lanuza Ave. then right
at Ortigas, left at Green Meadows Ave., left at Giraffe St. then right at
Temple Drive straight to Katipunan Ave. I had no idea where we were at that time.
I was just keeping up with Bong who was navigating this leg while Arth kept the
rear. Getting on our bikes was a big relief on my blistered sole. It got me off
my feet. But the muscle cramps attack on our legs was hideous. Just the same
it was better than running. In one portion, we had to stop and put on safety
blinkers and headlamps, I don’t have either. I forgot to get my headlamp from
the support crew at the Fort.
We cruised along heavily traffic roads. I was not really comfortable
being squeezed into moving vehicles while riding a bike. But we were on a race,
and the risk was part of the deal. We cannot just wait for the traffic to move
on so we tried to find ways to negotiate through it. It was on such situation
when I was trying to get back on the paved road when I got thrown off my bike
(actually it was John’s new bike lend out for the race). The tires got caught
on the gutter and I had to bail out. I was not hurt seriously except for my
badly bruised left toe that got swollen for a time. We finally checked in at
Lapid’s Freshly Popped Chicharon in White Plains (CP14) after a long ride.
We managed to overtake some teams along the way.
Then, we went straight to Katipunan Ave. turned right at Balara Filter
Compound (CP15) where the next CP was, checking in just 6 minutes before
their cut-off time of 7:00pm.
We then took the winding downhill road of H. Ventura to Katipunan Extension
at Loyola Grand Villas leading to Farmers Ave. That downhill ride was the
biggest scare for me. The road was slippery, my back tire was skidding and
there were no streetlights. I was uttering “Oh My God! Oh My God!” repeatedly
the whole time. Good thing there was this van at our rear that was helping
us out by beaming his light at us. Still, I could get myself easily injured
in that area.
We then turned right at JP Rizal, right again at a small street just
before the Marikina Bridge to get to Marikina Riverpark (CP16). This was
the first time I’d been to that place. Bong explained where we were and
where we were heading.
We continued to follow the paved river trail. We passed through the
Night Market but had to get off our bikes and walked through the Market
as instructed. We were cautious because there were a lot of people strolling
along. We rode our bikes again up to Marikina Riverbanks (CP17). Here we
dropped-off our bikes to go on foot again to the final CP.
We made arrangement with May for the pick up of the bikes (Thanks, May).
They loaded it up on her 4x4 pick-up truck.
We, on the other hand, were still one CP away to the finish line. I was
so tired at this time. Towing me again was the only way to make we move.
Arth had to drag me along Boni Serrano then left at E. Rodriguez. They were
trying to make me run some more but I was out of it already. I was being
difficult and stubborn and mean.
After what seemed like forever, we were in Eastwood City parking lot (CP18),
with still a final mystery test to complete. The task was “Addict Maze”.
Two members of the team (Bong & Arth) went through the maze blindfolded with
the bandanas provided. The remaining team member (Judith) shouted out
instructions to help his teammates through the maze. At any time the
blindfolds came off or the race marshals spotted a blindfold coming off,
the team had to restart the maze. The challenge was only completed after
the two members had successfully gone out of the maze. We were one of the
last teams to complete this leg.
As we walked towards the AXN finish line banner, Jong, the field race
director was there to shake our hands to congratulate us for completing
the Samsung AXN Challenge 2003. And then the crowd cheered. We made it.
Clocking in at 8:53 pm. We finally made it.
The rest of the support people – Judy, Philip, Magelle, Luv, Marion,
John, Mhye, Joy, May plus Carol and Tiger, later joined us.
POSTSCRIPT
I apologize that the team was not able to perform better because of me.
Arth and Bong’s skills, performance and patience were truly commendable
during the race. These guys have great potentials in adventure racing.
Our experience was indeed exhilarating. A continuous personal struggle
against time and the elements, risk notwithstanding. After recuperating,
I’d say it was not easy but fun nonetheless.
Together with my teammates, we extend our deepest gratitude to everybody
who supported TEAM U/TREK one way or another. Maraming salamat po.
judith-november 2003
|
