We started early, boxes all packed for a pickup at 6:30am, so the team were up and about sorting out from 6. Last night after the briefing there was a bit of a repack, realising the kit boxes didn't have to be one per discipline, but could be one per person. So, a slightly late one but everyone was in bed by 11pm so all good, although Phil was bouncing with excitement for most of the briefing...
This morning's stage was a bit like a Rat Race prologue! Lots of activity checkpoints around the streets of Cascais - throwing tyres at dumbells, abseiling, dirt jumping, petanque - and you had to make 100 point to get the bonus checkpoint. The guys got the bonus and set off on the blades, looking pretty seamless on the cycle tracks, although the local stone on some of the pavements is pretty low on grip on shoes, never mind skates. Still, looks like the lessons paid off and the section was despatched pretty neatly.
After that came the tactical choices - the guys skipped a lot of section 2 checkpoints (I'll explain the difference between 'stage' and 'section' in another post later on) because today was a time-limited early stage - everyone had to be back by 6:30pm and it was a 60km day. Skipping the checkpoints(which AREN'T mandatory) means less points scored, but faster transfers between transitions (which ARE) and a chance to save the legs for later bits. That was especially true today, the first trek was a pretty brutal coastal affair with a lot of undulating climb-and-descent. Skipping the CPs mean a straighter run through to the start of the bike.
On the bikes everything seemed to be going well, and also at a high-ropes/zipline/Trikke section, unfortunately the descend and final trek back to Cascais took slightly longer than we would have liked, and the team were about 20 minutes over time at the finish. How this translates into point scores or penalties I've no idea as yet, but I'll update as soon as I know.
But, the important part is that the guys seem happy. Lots of activities under the belt, a few minor errors and a few minor niggles, but they're happy to admit to them and accept them. They weren't the last team back (not by a long margin, about half an hour!) and they've now got a coach ride from Cascais to Lousa to plan a little for tomorrow, to mull over the day, and to get some sleep.
More updates tomorrow as soon as I get wi-fi back - with pictures!
Well done keeping these written. Who is writing them please? Gary T, friend of Lizzie. Hey, Cruachan, if by some miracle you are seeing your blog. 'keep it real, get some sleep, and have fun!'
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