27/6/05: Hugh and Christie on the podium at Max Sprint
Hugh teamed up with Christie Simms for another epic battle with the clock at the weekends Max Adventure Sprint. On a course set with multi disciplines, including rowing, the HardTalers claimed a respectable 2nd in the Premier Mixed division and 3rd outright. Great job.
27/6/05: Freya and Kim take ACT Rogaining title
The Monkey pulled out all stops when she teamed up with Kim Stokeld to claim the 24 Hour ACT Rogaining Champs on the weekend. Fantastic job girls. I guess this means Frey gets the maps next time out.....
27/6/05: Bozones Make Good at Geo
Pa threw together a race summary for his fans. If you're one of them, read on.......
23/6/05: Bozones have a blast
Pa's Team Bozones endured the Geo Half and navigated their way to a solid 8th place over the long weekend. Pa has a full race report coming, so check back in a week or so for the scoop.
23/6/05: AROC claim Geoquest
Team AROC charged to an historic 3rd straight win at the 2005 Mountain Designs Geoquest 48 Hour Adventure Race over the long weekend. AROC were never headed after the half way mark and stormed home for an impressive victory. Torque Landrover took second and Team Crank turned up the heat for a well deserved 3rd. HardTale were hunting with the pack in the early stages, but Angry blew a hip gasket and was forced to withdraw at the start of the final stage. Despite struggling all day, the team had managed to drag Angry along fast enough to be still holding 8th when the team withdrew. Stay tuned for a race report.
15/5/05: Arrow 24 Hour Adventure Race
Team HardTale charged home after a slow start to claim 2nd in the Premier Class at the Sydney Arrow 24 Hour Adventure Race behind Team Crank. Placing fourth outright behind AROC (1st - unranked, due to a missing team mate), Stu Adams and Chad Singleton in 2nd and Team Crank in 3rd. A race report to follow soon.
4/5/05: Everybody Hurts
‘Keep it steady’ I said to myself approaching the first pinch, deep sand and riddled with walking riders. Weaving between them I spun over the crest, looked at the monitor and shrieked! 193bpm! ‘Back it off you bloody Galah!’ But no..... read more
3/5/05: Cairns 24 hour Multisport
Pa and Angry braved the journey north with Ma and Sahs for the Quolls' substitute, a 24 Hour Multisport Rogaine. It wasn't the same, but shit it was hard! The organisers threw in some mean ass hills and relentless paddocks of spear grass to test the will of everyone out there. Despite his 54 years, Pa held tough and the dynamic duo finished a very respectable 3rd outright! Well done Pa. Ma and Sahs took 5th in the 3hr Rogaine and how! Well done support crew! Race reports from both Pa and Angry coming asap (Pa has a touch of food poisoning and will be out of action for a few weeks).
25/4/05: Anzac Day Rogaine
After 24 hours of trekking through the bush, over ridges and into gullies south of Bulahdelah, Angry and Ant emerged wearily to claim 4th at the annual Anzac Day 24 Hour Rogaine. They stopped twice in their quest, once for fifteen minutes near 3am to feed and water and stretch aching muscles, the second time for a minutes silence as the sun rose in the horizon while atop Mount Nerang. If it wasn't for the diggers', we probably wouldn't have rogaines....We will remember them, lest we forget.
18/4/05: On the blocks
What a weekend of racing for Hardtale team members! Hugh and Angry took the title at the N.ZO Sydney 24 Hour MTB event in the two man teams while Emily and Freya cleaned up the womens solo category with first and second respectively. Under the glow of Min Min lights is when Hugh and Angry slipped away from nearest rivals Graeme Ferris and Paul Robertson. Emily and Freya were never headed and cruised together at times before a knee injury slowed Freya toward the finish. Well done crew! Race report coming soon.
17/4/05: AR 101 by Pa Egg
Pa led HadTale.com Aged Care out for a blast at the final AROC Sprint this weekend. It didn't all go as planned, but they had a ball in the process. He's writing a race report, so you can read more soon.
11/4/05: Hugh on the podium again
Hugh raced to 3rd place at the inaugural Dirtworks 100km MTB race at Wiseman's Ferry on the weekend. Up against Australia's best mountain bikers, including our Olympians and most of the pros, Hugh came out of the sailing season and picked up where he left off last winter. Well done Hugh.
28/3/05: Freya Takes inaugural Solo only
The Scrub Monkey has stepped it up a gear over the long weekend at the inaugural 24 Hour Solo Only Mountain Bike Race in the nations capital. Leading comfortably from the start, Frey was able to take a 1:30 snooze in the wee small hours and still finish 2 laps up on her nearest competitor, Kim Stokfield, with Ali Culpin rounding out the podium. Well done girls. More details to follow.
27/3/05: Hugh on song
HardTale's Hugh Stodart has been keeping himself busy over the summer months as captain of Asco in the 18 foot Skiff sailboat racing. Last reports had Asco well in the hunt at the World Championships held on Sydney Harbour. Keep it pinned Hugh and we'll see you back in the AR folds mid May at the Arrow 24 Hour.
25/3/05: Easter, something to celebrate?
Whether you celebrate Easter for it's religious significance or simply because it's a 4 day weekend, the team at HardTale hope you have a fantastic time, enjoy the outdoors and be nice to one another.
Frey is off to Canberra for the 24 hour solo only MTB race, Matt's training at HQ with the support crew and Hugh is sailing. Ant will be at work for part and training the rest, Paul is in QLD for a holiday and Eug is recovering from a sore back. Andrew plans to ride his bike... but not run!
Keep it on two wheels.
24/3/05: HardTale on the podium again
Hardtale's QLD squad of Ant Michell and Mark Bowring sizzled in the sunshine State on the weekend to claim the mens division of the Kathmandu Max Adventure Sprint on the weekend. Well done lads. Full results can be found on www.maxadventure.com.au
6/3/05: HardTale take 3rd at AROC 24 Hour.
After an extremely tough 24 hours on a course that no teams were able to complete, HardTale's Andrew Rowe, Anthony Michell and substitute Matt Acheson have taken 3rd place overall. It became a race of attrition as teams battled the elements on a course that took competitors all over the nation's capital. For more info, check www.arocsport.com.au
5/3/05: HardTale running strong in the AROC 24 Hour.
Team HardTale are currently running in 3rd place at the AROC Sports 24 Hour Urban Adventure Race in Canberra. Ant, Andrew and Matty Acheson are hammering the course in hot pursuit of Damon Georke's Grunting Wombats (formerly the Mexicans - 2nd Southern Traverse 2003) and NSW Stingers (led by World Rogaining Champ, Dave Baldwin). Go boys!! www.arocsport.com.au has all the updates.
5/3/05: Quoll team announced
HardTale will again make the journey to Cairns for the annual 3 day race. The squad has been announced and flights booked. Thorlene Egerton will be joining Ant, Andrew and Angry as they sweat it out in the tropics during Australia's toughest race. Ma and Sares will be crewing and Pa will be racing with Gina in the 24 hour. Entries open next week for the end April event, so be sure to check out www.adventureracing.com.au for details.
5/3/05: House of HardTale moving
After 18 months of operating out of a storage container and parts of Ma and Pa's shed, the House of HardTale is finally re-locating to a fixed residence. From the 12th March, HardTale HQ will be on Ocean street, Narrabeen in Sydney's northern beaches. You can feel the sand as you slip out the front and Narrabeen Lakes are just out the back, so paddling will feature heavily in the 05 program. The road riding to West Head will be awesome and with Oxford Falls and Manly Dam in striking distance, mountain biking will also feature heavily. The support crew will also set up in house to keep everything in order. Be sure to drop in and train with us on weekends.
12/2/05: HardTale feature in Triathlon and Multisport magazine
Check out the latest edition of Australian Triathlon and Multisport for a feature article on Team HardTale at the Southern Traverse in New Zealand last November. Not sure about the team photo though, Budgie Smugglers should be made illegal, even in Triathlon mags!
10/2/05: Freya 6th at Wildside
Despite the muddiest year in a very muddy history of races and a malfunctioning steed, HardTale's Scrub Monkey powered her way to 6th place in her first ever Wildside MTB. Covering 200km in 7 stages, Wildside is Australia's premier stage MTB race, and our endurance Queen proved pretty mean in the sprints too. Well done Freya.
10/2/05: HardTale take a spot on the podium at AROC Sprint
Despite constant protests about racing anything under 48 Hours in 2005, Hugh managed to drag Angry's lazy arse around one more AROC Sprint on the weekend. With Freya racing Wildside in Tassie, Quassy having his leave pass revoked and Stiffler on the mend, we had to borrow Christie Simms from Team Blue Edge for the weekend. The race was a scorcher (both temperature and pace) and second was the best we could manage behind the always impressive Millie Nalgene. For a team that was moving away from Sprint racing, 3rd, 3rd, 4th and 2nd are impressive results for the sprint season so far!!
1/2/05: Team in Training race report
The abseil was a cracker and teams floated past a huge cave after dropping off an overhang. Pairing up was a good idea due to some minor rock slip, and it also helped if one person got into a spin. Unfortunately the end of the 70m abseil meant several more hours of riding hills for the Team ..... read more
1/2/05: Pa Egg finishes top 15 in first 24 Hour
At 53, you're probably expected to slow down, but not Pa Egg! In six months, he has gone from unwilling participant, to chief support crew and finally seasoned racer! Pairing up with Todd Stafford for the Max Adventure 24 Hour, Pa Egg arrived at the start line with his new dual suspension mountain bike (Angry said he was finally worthy of a comfortable ride) and managed to hang tough for just under 24 hours and cross the line in a very credible 15th place outright. Look out XPD!!!
31/1/05: Team in Training
As part of the Maximum Adventure Advanced Training course, HardTale's Matt Bacon instructed four attendees through the 24 hour Adventure Race at Myall Lakes this weekend. The complete strangers, with limited adventure racing experience, worked incredibly well together and managed to not only complete the gruelling course in atrociously hot weather, but also picked up a 11th outright and 4th in category. Congratulations Brett, Carl, Peter and Rob on an amazing performance. Stay tuned for a full race report later in the week. For additional details on the race and how to participate in an Advanced Training weekend, check out www.maxadventure.com.au
25/1/05: HardTale Boat 2 takes 3rd in Mens Health Ocean Classic
Chris and Paul steered boat 2 onto the podium in the final round of the Mens Health Ocean Classic paddling series on Sunday. With favourable conditions for the tippier race craft, our boys gave it their all in a Mirage 730 ocean kayak to bring home a very credible 3rd place in front of a fleet of double surf skis. Well done Chris and Paul on a fantastic against all odds performance. Unfortunately boat 1 never made it out of customs and is recuperating at Mirage Headquarters with a broken back.
20/1/05: Welcome aboard LineBreak!
Team HardTale would like to extend a warm welcome to LineBreak Performance Sportswear for 2005. HardTale will be using LineBreak performance tights and tops as well as a plethora of technical sports apparel from this innovative Australian company. We can't say enough about how great their products are, so pop in to Rebel Sports and see for yourself.
9/1/05: Shop grand opening soon
Team HardTale receive so many enquiries about kit that we have decided to make life easier for everyone. Our online shop will stock products that team sponsors and supporters provide and for the adventurous, we'll have some great deals and discounts available. Stay tuned to the latest news section for details in February (plenty of time to purchase the right gear for your years first adventure).
18/1/05: Back on deck
After a well deserved rest over the Christmas period, Team HardTale are back into the swing of things for 2005 and all members are training with enthusiasm. The first major outing will be the Kathmandu Maximum Adventure 24 Hour race on the 29th January. Freya will be dragging an all girl HardTale team around the Myall Lakes course while Angry takes a class of 1st time overnighters through their paces as part of the Advanced Training Weekend. Entries are still being taken, so if you're keen for an early hit out, visit www.maxadventure.com.au
18/1/05: Liss does 42.1km
HardTale friend and supporter, Lissa Streegan, of Capitola California, completed her first ever marathon this week in a respectable time of 4:31:45. Well done Liss and don't forget to enjoy the massages and Epsom Salt baths for the next week! If you haven't met Liss and intend doing some fun races on the West Coast of the USA this year, check www.bigblueadventure.com
17/1/05: Enter the Transition Zone
Team HardTale's Andrew Rowe has released his latest project, the 'Transitionzone' for all to see and use. Providing an event payment facility, useful tips and training advice as well as some entertaining stories, calendar, links and much, much more, the Transitionzone should be saved to your favourites page post haste!
21/12/04: Crank the Tale
HardTales Angry Man joined with the core of Team Crank on the weekend to climb the podium at the latest round of the AROC Sprint series. The merged team featured for SBS televisions Cycling News show in a week or so and also received some exposure on World Sports News. Stay tuned for a story and more details on the TV show.
8/12/04: The Great Debate
Ok, so it's an open ended question that can kill a friendship quicker than adultery, but I'll risk it ... the debate that is:
"Who is tougher, an Ironman Triathlete or an Adventure Racer?" read more...
3/12/04: Busselton Ironman
Only two of HardTales' team members have shown an interest in doing an Ironman Triathlon. That'd be Ant and Quassy. Both have gone sub 10 hours and Eugene has decided to tell us about it. Read More.
2/12/04: Support Crew Speak
'I knew they were all suffering and in big trouble but I remembered Matt’s words, "Dad if you can’t say something positive to us, don’t say anything." read more about the adventures of Ma & Pa Egg when they supported us in New Zealand last month.
28/11/04: 05 Calendar updated
We've picked a few major events to commit to for the 05 season so far. Mostly international races, so if you're keen to come and play when we're out there, have a squiz and sign up. We'll be out and about at a lot of other races, so we'll update the latest news as we learn more from event organisers as to when they think it's a good time to feel the burn.
26/11/04: Blair Witch and Beef Jerky
When the Blair Witch gets inside your head, she wreaks havoc with reason. Read More about our adventures in New Zealand.
24/11/04: Hells Bells
Team HardTales' Anthony Michell recently took Anni Mckay and Mark Bowring through the inaugural Hells Bells 24 Hour Adventure Race. Earning a very credible 5th outright, Ant and the rookies served notice to many experienced teams in the heat and humidity of QLD's capital. Here's the scoop on what happened. Race Report
28/10/04: Partnership Program Launched
Team HardTale have launched their Partnership program for 2004/2005.
18/10/04: Max 24 Hour Race Report
It's a bit overdue, but here's the good oil on the Kathmandu Maximum Adventure 24 Hour from Kangaroo Valley, Max 24 Hour
17/10/04: Southern Traverse Team finalised
It's been known for a while, but with airfares and entries paid and kayaks on the way, there is no turning back from the 2004 Southern Traverse for Andrew Rowe, Freya Scollay, Matt Bacon and Paul Barry. As what would appear to be Australia's only representatives in this years Traverse, HardTale will hold their heads high as they cross the Tasman to descend on the toughest Adventure Race in the Southern Hemisphere. We wish them the best of luck in what should be a fantastic journey.
17/10/04: HardTale claim 4th at AROC Sprint season opener
Team HardTale's Eugene Quass, Hugh Stodart and Matt Bacon joined for the first AROC Sprint of 2004/5 summer. This fast paced, action packed sprint attracted a strong field of competitors, all keen to flush out the winter blues on a sunny Spring morning at Lake Parramatta Park. After wrestling with Team Millie all race, a minor geographical displacement cost the boys a podium spot, but all walked away with broad smiles.
30/9/04: HardTale blood oldest rookie ever???
Some of Team HardTale's support crew grew tired of helping the boys and girls have fun and entered an event for themselves last weekend. Choosing the Max Adventure 6 hour challenge as a starting point, Pa Egg at the sprightly age of 53, teamed up with Danny Ma to form 'Team Ma and Pa'. The dynamic duo placed an amazing 5th outright and cleared the course in a little over 3 hours. Pa Egg was later reported to have been seen handing in his support crew outfit and permanently replacing it with a Camelbak Rally Pack and Netti cycling apparel. Watch out for this combination at future (short course) events.
28/9/04: HardTale win Premier Class at inaugural Max 24 Hour
Team HardTale picked up their first win as a co-ed team on the first attempt on Aussie soil last weekend. New Recruits Andrew Rowe and Freya Scollay joined with regulars Matt and Paul to claim the prestigious Premier Class. This combination completed the gruelling 150km cross country course in under 14 hours, time enough for a full nights sleep. The final team crossed the line in 25 hours 17 minutes.
23/9/04: Nigel Aylott killed in Primal Quest
It is with great sadness that I write to you tonight. Our friend and fellow racer Nigel Aylott, was killed today while racing with his good friends Tom, Alina, and Matt from Team AROC. AROC and Montrail (Rebecca, John, Novak and Guy) were leading Primal Quest when the tragedy struck. It is understood that a rock slide occurred, killing Nigel and injuring John. I am sure there will be more news to follow in the weeks to come. Right now our hearts and thoughts are with Nigel's family, team mates and friends. I have written a small tribute to my mate. A Great Ambassador and a Bloody Nice Fella
28/8/04: Race Calendar
To see what HardTale are up to for the rest of the year, click on the 04 Calendar link. There is also a wrap up of the events we've already completed.
27/8/04: Happy Snaps finally updated
For a look at all the action, click on Happy Snaps and open the links to race photos from various events both at home and overseas during 2004. There will be more action captured throughout the year, so when you see a new Adventure Tale or Race Report in the Latest News, be sure to check for accompanying photos.
24/8/04: Angry Man's Travel Tips
'The latter however, is far more serious and could lead to anything from losing your best friend to sleeping with them. My advice - Use a condom!' .... Read More
17/8/04: ARWC Game Face
Sliding into the frigid waters of the Atlantic with 171 of my closest new friends, the current tore me from shocked team mates. Wading my arse! In the first of three significant water crossings on stage 1, leg 1, Mother Nature cried, 'Game On!' This was the Adventure Racing World Championships, and this water was seriously bloody cold. Read More
9/8/04: HardTale 12th at ARWC
A huge thanks to all the people that helped to get us to the championships and provided support and equipment throughout the journey. An untimely injury on day one reduced the hiking stages to a less familiar pace for us and some silly nav errors saw us out of the top ten at the finish. Having said that, the team worked remarkably well for one that had never raced together and showed some incredible speed along the way. With the World Championships to be held in New Zealand next year, expect to see HardTale back for more. Stay tuned for a full race report down the road.
20/7/04: See you in six weeks
G'day everyone. I'll be off for a six week adventure starting tomorrow, so the site will be a little quiet in the meantime. If I come across a machine that allows me access to Frontpage, then I'll add some tales along the way. The journey begins in California where, thanks to Santa Cruz, I pick up a new mountain bike and catch up with some friends. Then it's off to New Foundland (Canada) for the Adventure Racing World Championships - be sure to wish me and the HardTale Team the best of luck and check for updates on the web (August 1-7) - www.raidthenorth.com and /or www.sleepmonsters.com.au . After that it's R&R in the UK for a week or so and then over to Perth for the X-Raid World Series. Should be a blast and a great opportunity to get up to some serious mischief. See you on the flipside!
14/7/04: Max Brisbane entries closing
The Maximum Adventure series heads to QLD this weekend and there is still time to get you entries in. With racing held over two days and the option to compete in one or both days, it should make for a great adventure regardless of how much time you can spare. Competition should be hot in the two day premier class with international superstars Novak Thompson (Team Montrail USA) teaming up with Guy Andrews (Team Landrover) and taking on Gary Sutherland (Team Epinephrine USA) paired with Doug May (Team Health Johnson and Johnson). Should be a great weekend so don't miss out.
9/7/04: Kris Clausen joins HardTale for Canada
Tasmania's Kris Clausen has joined Team HardTale in their attempt to win the World Championships of Adventure Racing in Canada this August. After a tough run of injuries to team Navigator Ant Michell and a lengthy and somewhat stressful selection process, we appear to have found a suitable team-mate in Kris. Kris is an experienced racer having enjoyed success in Australia, across the Tasman and even in Asia with Teams the likes of Mountain Designs, Irule, Millie and Arrow International. Welcome aboard Kris.
30/6/04: HardTale v HardTale.com
Team HardTale split into two teams of two, adding some spice to the Mini Max Race held at Sydney's Royal National Park. Despite six hours of pain and suffering, they still dashed home to take 1st and 2nd in their category with HardTale claiming 2nd outright in the extreme class behind Guy Andrews and HardTale.com grabbing 4th just behind Matt Acheson. Stay tuned for Angry Mans race report later this week.
25/5/04: Bloody Budgerigar
The bloody budgie wouldn’t shut up! Chirp Chirp Chirp! The noisy tweetie was doing my head in and no matter what I tried it wouldn’t quit squawking. I figured it wanted a bath, often does, so I reached into its cage and grabbed him. I was gentle enough, but he got angry and started biting my hand just below the thumb. Shit it hurt, and then he bit again even harder. Soon my feathered friend was biting so viciously I thought he would draw blood. Then he bit so hard that my reflexes kicked in and I swatted the little bastard with my right hand and F*#K ME!!!! Read More
24/5/04: Sydney 24 Hour MTB Race
The inaugural Sydney 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race was held at Dargle over the weekend and Team HardTale were there to capture the action. In a field of some 680 competitors, our boys cruised home for 8th outright and 4th in the 4 person male team category. Hugh Stodard, Duncan Stodard and Craig Niles were stand out performers every lap they contested and wore the green with pride. Visit www.sydney24hour.com for more details.
21/5/04: The Straightest Arrow
The race held on the Central Coast of NSW, promised a furious pace with QLD Teams’ Mountain Designs and Landrover, NSW hotshots Millie (now so strong they field two competitive teams) and Crank all looking fit and ready. Two New Zealand teams spear headed by Sierra International made the trip across the Tasman for the event and several teams from Victoria also journeyed north to test the pace. Read More
16/5/04: Arrow Sydney 24 hour
The Sydney Arrow 24hour has been run an won on a sensational Central Coast course under perfect race conditions. Team Mountain Designs (Gary Sutherland and Darren Clarke - also of Epinephrine USA) won with Team Millie in 2nd and Team HardTale in 3rd. Stay tuned for a race report later in the week.
11/5/04: Product Tests
You asked for it, so we are delivering. Why do Team HardTale use the gear you see them in each week? Because it's free? No, because it works. If you are keen to know our thoughts, check out Product Reviews for the goss on what's hot. Not all products have been reviewed yet (tested but not appraised), so be patient and keep coming back to learn more each week.
11/5/04: The Quoll
"The spear grass during Stage Five was in places over our heads and several unconfirmed reports of teams ‘nuding up’ to prevent spear grass impregnation have circulated the airwaves since." The abseil (Stage Six) was a definite highlight with teams... read more
8/5/04: Arrow 24 Hour set for the Central Coast
The 2004 Sydney Arrow 24 Hour is set to be run on the Central Coast of NSW next weekend and looks like being a cracker event. Team HardTale will be fielding two teams for the event and can't wait for the kick off. for more information see www.24houradventurerace.com
8/5/04: Spanked by the Monster
“Come in to my room Ant.” I found myself mumbling 45 hours after starting the Cairns Quoll Adventure Race. I had seen the tree from the road side and some dark, mystical force had drawn me closer. Hollowed out and decaying, yet with three sides still in tact, this ancient leaf bearer..... read more
7/5/04: Quoll ends in controversy
The inaugural Cairns Quoll Adventure race was run and won over the Labour Day Weekend in FNQ. With a pace and field of competitors that could match any international event, adventurers biked, hiked, climbed, paddled and splashed their way across nearly 400km of tropical Queensland in around 48 hours. Any one of six teams could have taken the event as teams jockeyed back and forth for position. Team Giddyup took the honours from AROC Mountain Designs and SAN rounded out the podium. More to follow soon...
6/4/04: Team Confirmed for World Championships
Team HardTale have confirmed their place at the Adventure Race World Championships in Canada during August. Elina Maki-Rautila, reigning world champion and former member of powerhouse Team Nokia has joined HardTale for what promises to be an unforgettable event. The final Team will be;
Ant Michell - team Navigator, Elina Maki-Rautila, Hugh Stodart - pack horse, Matt Bacon - pack horse (team captain)
5/4/04: AROC Sprint at Manly Dam
Sydney's first AROC Sprint at Manly Dam was a raging success according to all competitors. Team Millie took the win ahead of HardTale part time racer Matt Acheson who teamed up with team Lost & Founds' Chad Singleton. HardTale's Hugh Stoddard also raced, teaming with Andy Harmer from team Fatboys, taking 4th in category and 6th overall. Well done guys. For more information, visit www.arocsport.com.au
5/4/04: Ironman Aus
For Ironman fans, another great race has come and gone with Chris McCormick and Lisa Bentley retaining their respective crowns. HardTale's own Eugene Quass joined 1500 close friends to compete in his first Ironman. Despite zero training in the water he managed a swim split of 1:17 over the 3.8km course before biking 180km in an impressive 5:28 (his first 90km lap was 2:26, a very quick split). The final stage of 42km running presented its own dramas for Eugene as the accomplished marathoner 'hit the wall' at the 30km mark (Eugene knocked over a 2:40 marathon in Berlin last year). Stopping for a 15min nap seemed to do the trick though and he completed the run in 4:01 for a final time of 10:47. Not bad for a rookie. Part time HardTale team support crew Steffi Briedenbach also raced in Forster and turned over an impressive 11:30 overall for 11th in her age group. Well done Steffi and Eugene.
1/4/04: View from the Top
With the setting sun, my team mate nagged for the 400th time "Are we there yet?". "No we're not!" I screamed over the howling radio "I'm the stupid bastard that has been in the van since 8am this morning, so stop your bloody whingeing!" I failed to mention that I'd stopped for a massage that lasted nearly .... more
31/3/2004: HardTale wins Maximum Adventure series round 2
Team HardTale took a solid win at the second round of the national Maximum Adventure series. After two days in the hot sun, Matt Acheson, Matt Bacon, Paul Barry and Anthony Michell sprinted over the line to take the win and the series lead. Race Report coming soon.
29/3/2004: AROC Sprint entries close soon
The first edition of the AROC Sprint series in Sydney is on this weekend. The race to be held around Manly Dam requires teams of 3 competitors and lasts from 3-5 hours duration. These races are fast, furious and fun. Get your entries in now. see www.arocsport.com.au
22/3/2004: HardTale welcomes Macson Trading and Miry Mapboards
Team Hardtale are pleased to welcome Macson Trading Company Pty Ltd, importers of the sensational Miry Mapboards and Silva Compasses, to our outstanding list of supporters. Macson Trading will make navigating all that much easier for the team in 2004. Once you try the new mapboards, you will agree that Miry have developed a winner. To check out the great list of goodies brought to all outdoor enthusiasts, be sure to visit www.macson.com.au and shop away.
17/3/2004: St Patricks Day Celebrations
It's St Patricks Day and this little leper corn is gonna have a beer! To all the Irish out there, have a great day, to every one else, you have a great day too!
17/3/2004: Max Adventure Canberra entries closing soon
There is still time to register for the Maximum Adventure series round at Canberra on the 27/28th of March. These two day races are open to teams of 2, 3 & 4 and will have you coming back for more each time. For more info see www.maxadventure.com.au
16/3/2004: Training Weekend
Maximum Adventure's Gary Sutherland is running an adventure race training weekend at Del Rio Resort, Wisemans Ferry, on the 3rd and 4th of April. Team HardTale's Matt Bacon will be the resident mountain bike instructor for the weekend. If you want to touch up your skills or learn what it takes to have a great race, be sure to register. For more information see www.maxadventure.com
15/3/2004: Stephen Foster blitzes 12 hour MTB
Team HardTale mountain bike rider Stephen Foster and his team blitzed their local 12 hour mountain bike race in Tasmania's north last weekend. The team of four were so convincing in their victory that they lapped the 2nd placed team! Well done Stephen!
14/3/2004: Only one day left to register for AROC Sprint Final in Canberra
There is still time to enter the final round of the AROC Sprint Series in Canberra. These super fun races cater to all levels of athlete and should not be missed. See www.arocsport.com.au for further details.
2/2/2004: Team for World Championships yet to be confirmed
Despite a confirmed team being listed on the ARWC website, Team HardTale have NOT yet confirmed their team line up for this race. We are currently in discussions with several athletes for the event both in Australia and overseas. In particular Zoe King (2002 Xterra World Champion) has only had limited informal discussions regarding the race and has not agreed to the event. Zoe is one of three world class female athletes approached by the team. We aim to finalise the team by the end of March.
27/2/2004: HardTale off to World Championships
Team HardTale has been confirmed in the line up for The World Championship of Adventure Racing, to be held in the Western Newfoundland region of Canada from August 1-8. The International selection process for this event began in December 2003 and was finalised on the 26th February. The course is expected to cover some 500klm of the most rugged terrain Canada has on offer. For more information please visit www.raidthenorth.com
15/2/2004: HardTale on the podium again
Team HardTale's Matt Bacon and Ant Michell drew first blood in the all male category of the 2004 Kathmandu Maximum Adventure Series opener near Ulladulla over the weekend. With strong scores in all 4 stages of the race the team came home well clear of their nearest rivals. For more on the race visit Race Reports and read Pure determination. For a wrap on the results, visit www.maxadventure.com.au
8/2/2004: HardTale on the podium at Wildside MTB
Team HardTale's Hugh Stoddard stood on the 3rd rung of the podium after 200klm of gruelling Tasmanian countryside. Chasing down Australian Olympic greats such as Rob Eva and Paul Rowney, not to mention Junior World Champions Trent Lowe and Lisa Matheson, Hugh endured the rain and mud to land himself and Team HardTale their first podium for 2004. Team HardTale fielded 8 riders for the event and the mixed Team of Hugh, Emily and Paul took out their category as well. HardTale's Stephen Forster won the Clydesdale division in convincing fashion on the last stage of the event. For more info visit www.wildsidemtb.com
1/12/2003: HardTale chase AROC in Canberra
Team HardTale finished a very close second to Team AROC, Australia's most capped race team, in the final round of the Maximum Adventure Series in Canberra. The 10hr race was considered a sprint by most and the heat took its toll on the field. For full results visit www.maxadventure.com.au , for a report on the race head over to Race Reports and read Capital Punishment.
