After a late night of discussing tactics (and drinking beer) Lyndon awoke at 5am for a fishing trip with mate Tony that they organised the night before over more beers. A good race warm up too? Whilst the remainder had enough common sense to enjoy a sleep in (possibly needed) and breakfast before we had to all ride the bikes down to the wharf for registration and safety checks. The support crew, officials, film crew and kids hitched a ride in the truck (Tongan Taxi).
Lyndon and Dylan heading to the wharf.
The competitors and a few support crew. (Dyl and Tomasi supported Lisa for the ride.)
The swim leg under way. Lyndon piked this on this leg. Too many fish in the morning and his arms were aching - so he said.
The bikes all ready to go at the first transition with Tongatapu in the background.
The biggest attraction was the fact we got to actually go up and DOWN some hills. Not so attractive while we were flogging up them though. Lyndon clocked 54.1kms on the way down overtaking local traffic.
At the brief they said there was a little surprise! Mud puddles!!!! The ride was half on road and half bush tracks.
We think Sal took a short cut as he doesn't look dirty enough. His nickname has now been changed from the "Inhaler" to "The Hoff" after a wonderful swim leg with no shirt and his daughters beautiful purple swim cap!!!
To ensure minimum traction and maximum mud action for the run section the support vehicle took the camera team to the top of the running track.
Lyndon and Sione find some more mud (Sione ran the entire race in one plugger).
Done and dusted! Title won "Muddiest competitor!"
Seeing Lyndon wasn't blazing a trail he decided to make sure he hit every mud puddle on the way down.
Everyone jumped into the harbour to either cool off or simply clean up in Lyndon's case.
In any other country they are called tractor's and trucks, in 'Eua they are also Taxi's. How else do you get your family to the bush patch?
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