Mellican

Planning for Insanity

The Support Crew for Team Insanity consists of Matt Moores, Jenesse Valentine and Dennis Mellican. Team Insanity consists of Nicole Keegan, Shane Hollaway, Brock Janiczak and Wayne Van Eyk.

Although capable of doing all the tasks required, the Support Crew found each had fell into a primary task: Dennis was the driver, Matt the navigator and Jenesse the organiser. Matt’s prior experience with being part of a Support Crew for Team Vodka in the 2007 Kokoda Challenge was a valuable part of this years Support Crew, especially his advice on timings, checkpoint locations and setups. Jenesse and Dennis were part of Team Vodka last year and drew upon their experience of the event to empathise with what a competitor will require when they descend upon a Support Crew checkpoint. As the Support Crew our goal was to give to them everything the team required and to provide moral support in ensuring the whole team makes it to the end.

A detailed Team Insanity Kokoda Challenge plan was documented by both the team and the support crew to plan and cater for each checkpoint.

Transport in the form of a Toyota Tarago was hired for the weekend.

One week prior to the event, both the Team and the Support Crew met after work one Friday night to discuss the plan, logistics and any requirements each group had from the other. There was probably more drinking than thinking though.

Rendezvous with Insanity

Around 2:30am, the Support Crew were in various parts of Brisbane picking up members of Team Insanity. At one point outside of Brisbane – Brock lives on the other side of a worm hole. Despite the size of the Tarago we were still at capacity: bags, esky, pillows, doona, boxes and people all crammed into this so called people mover. But it was much better than last years when we all crammed in Matt’s Lancer. The handling of the Tarago was quite impressive, it had the power to accelerate fast enough, had great handling and was very comfortable inside.

Dennis and Jenesse were running 15 minutes behind schedule but were glad it took less than 10 minutes at each pick up point to load the car. The Support Crew found that using Google Maps was not as good as other online travel trip planners. The print outs for directions do not display the destination’s actual address! A simple phone or text message to others resolved the problem on the fly. This was our first beef with Google Maps, later on in the day we were to discover another problem.

The Start

CP0 – Mugeerba Village Green
0 kms

The Team Insanity Tarago arrived at the Mudgeerba Village about 5:30am with ample time to prepare for the 7 o’clock start and sit down for a coffee in a cafe. I bumped into Whytey near the shops and wished him and his team well. Whytey told me he had done almost no training or preparation for this years event. I was astounded by this, and had to wish him even more luck!

It wasn’t as cold as last year, but still cold enough. The Last Post was played on the trumpet and guns were fired into the air from the army to officially mark the start of the Kokoda Challenge for 2008.

At 7am, the first group left and shortly after two more big groups left respectively. The organisers staggered the start because this years event had attracted over 1200 competitors! We saw the formidable Nike Hammer team jog past and a team carrying a 60kg dummy in a stretcher! The crowd was too thick to spot Team Insanity, but we got a glimpse of what we thought was Shane amongst the sea of heads. Hence why Shane is called the Crane when he is out climbing.

The supporters dispersed quickly as the competitors left the scene. We had plenty of time to eat the hearty big breakfast at the nearby Woodchoppers Inn before proceeding to the first major checkpoint for the Support Crew.

Matt’s decides to call Nicole for an update, no service. Not an issue, we have all the team member contact details and they are all on different networks. Shane answers and informs Matt of their progress in a breathless manner. “Geez, Shane sounds like he is doing it tough already!”

A short time later at 9:16am, Nicole texts us:

About 20 mins out from CP 2. Wayne would like his hat!

Red Snakes Gives You Wings

CP2 – Mt Nimmel Lodge
12.5 kms
2008-07-19 09:34:19

There was limited parking at Mt Nimmel and we had to park on the shoulder of the road near the entrance. This meant a few hundred metres of walking to the checkpoint area carrying chairs, bags and other supplies. We managed this in one trip without having to ferry goods to the spot in multiple trips. But I then remembered the earlier text message, “…Wayne would like his hat!”. Bugger, I forgot the hat. I asked Jenesse and Matt which bag was Wayne’s, “Blue I think”. I hurried back to the car, there were two blue coloured bags. I just rummaged through them until I found the first cap. Upon returning to the checkpoint spot, Matt says “That’s my red cap”. Bugger! “Fuck it, he can wear mine. Same. Same. But different.”

We had a good view of the track that approaches the checkpoint and soon spotted our team bouncing their way in. There was the unmistakable aeroplane arms as Nicole negotiated a small but steep dirt terraced area between two trees. Could be a weird balance thing or too many red snake lollies. They all walked strongly and smiled as they saw the checkpoint and their support crew waiting.

Shane explains his earlier “breathless” message to Matt, “I was trying to get a bite from you when we last spoke”. Matt did bite, but didn’t want to tell Shane that he sounded like shit already! Instead, Matt kept it to just the Support Crew.

Everyone seemed to be high spirits. Brock noticed a blister forming but he bandaged the area and changed socks which should help slow the inevitable. Shane’s knee was holding up okay, but requested an extra knee brace at the next Support Crew checkpoint. The Support Crew had two spare in our first aid kit, and offered them to Shane but he was adamant he would only require it at CP5. Wayne was hesitant in wearing my cap because of his sweat factor. He explained that his hat was in a David Jones plastic bag. Jenesse and Matt both made separate trips back to the car to fetch additional supplies the team was requesting. We eventually got Wayne’s hat. Nicole was pleased with the schedule so far, they were on time.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 2″ plus water.  Water can be ferried in 2L bottle rather than the huuuge 12L container which will be in the Support Crew Vehicle
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 2″ & water.  Hand light jumper back.  Put on sun screen.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 2″ – 2x600ml water bottles, super sandwiches and snacks (not hammer time yet…).  Headlamp if it is past 10:30 or 11:00
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 2″ – Bag contains 2 muesli bars/bananas, 2 Brock’s secret super sandwiches, 2 tins tuna, Lolly bag. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle.

The team left shortly after 9:30am. The next checkpoint’s estimated time of arrival for the Team was at 3:46pm. We decided to watch the 12:50am movie Hancock at the Robina shopping centre. About an hour later into the movie, Nicole texts “We think we’re about 1 hr from Polly’s. Will let you know when we’re about 20 mins out”. We decided this was a gross under estimation. Matt concurred and recalled this happened the last time he too was the Support Crew for Team Vodka while watching a movie. The movie finished just before 3pm and we drove straight to Polly’s Country Kitchen.

Team Insanity Sizzles!

CP5 – Polly’s Country Kitchen
36.5 kms

Parking spots at Polly’s Country Kitchen was also scarce despite the big parking fields. The Support Crew had to queue up and wait for other vehicles to leave the parking area before another could enter. We weren’t in a rush and waited patiently for our turn. We were soon directed to a park and proceed to setup our first Support Crew camp. Out came the chairs, each persons Checkpoint bag of goodies and we rearrange things for easy access when any of Team Insanity requested something.

It was interesting seeing other setups. Next to us a friendly support crew had their own generator which was powering a microwave! They offered power to me when they saw me fiddling around with the car battery to attach the 300W inverter for the laptop. Jenesse and Matt headed towards the lodge and purchased coffees and a sausage sizzle for the team.

Meanwhile as I was still fiddling around with the inverter and laptop, Team Insanity had arrived and walked past me heading towards the Checkpoint 5 check in. In this year’s event, each competitor is being tracked electronically by RFID which is used to check in and out of checkpoints. Online at kmltracks.com the public can visually see the teams progress through the checkpoints and  an approximation of their position on the course track. This was a helpful tool but doesn’t beat the team announcing their arrival 20 minutes out from the next major checkpoint.

Luckily, Shane spotted me and knew where to go once their check in was complete. I got a nice surprise when they rocked up almost unannounced. Almost caught off guard, I greeted them “Hey guys!”

“Hey I’m not a guy!”, Nicole retorts jokingly.

I got the Team seated and handed out their checkpoint bags. Soon after, Jenesse and Matt were back with the coffees and sausages. We all started to prepare them for the course ahead by refilling water containers (packs and bottles), fetching warmer clothing and catering for other needs.

We have supplied them with coffees from the Polly’s Kitchen cafe and fed them a sausage sizzle. Soon they will be off again after a change of socks, shoes and some warmer clothes. Brock has yet to have his GU Hammer and therefore go nuts, but he is holding off. Shane is doing well and now has two knee guards to protect the knees from injury. Nicole has her head torch in anticipation for sunset. Wayne has replenished his Gatorade and is still going strong.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 5″, brown jacket and spare shoes.  Maybe coffee and noodles.  Also 2L water bottle (with water!).
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 5″, water, bottle of poweraid & light jumper.  Put thermal top in backpack.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 5″ – 3x600ml water bottles, fruit, snacks and one pack of gu for the ascent, head lamp and light jacket (assuming no rain).  Consider taking spare running shoes.
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 5″ – Bag contains 2 muesli bars/bananas, 1 sandwich. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle. Fresh socks. Fresh beanie/hat. Fresh shirt. If we are late getting here, say after 5pm I would like heated up spag bog please. If we get here before 5pm I will have it at checkpoint 7. Spag bog will be in labelled Tupperware portions separate to numbered checkpoint supply bags.

Before Team Insanity went on their merry way, the Support Crew took any orders for Hungry Jacks. A special treat for anyone doing the Kokoda Challenge! Nicole and Wayne were the only takers though: one Cheeseburger and a Whopper junior.

The Support Crew took a leisurely drive back to Robina, ordered Hungry Jacks and generally hung around for a bit before heading back out into the Gold Coast Hinterlands towards Numinbah.

Nose of Noodles

CP7 – Numinbah Hall
50.7 kms

At 7:23pm, the Support Crew receives a text from Nicole, “Will be maybe a half hour”

We had already parked and setup the checkpoint camp. Matt went to the hall to greet the team while Jenesse was boiling water for any hot drinks they wanted, cooking their meals over the gas stove, and even the thinking about how to warm up the Hungry Jack’s burgers. Unfortunately, we had the displeasure of cooking Brock’s meal: some concoction of soup he had whipped up. Geez, it was smelly!

While waiting, we witnessed a very irate driver who was attempting to leave the car park. The path in to the section of the car park we were in was now blocked by other Support Crew vehicles. She got out of her car and starting abusing a person in another car. This person just got out and walked away. She then hops back in the car screaming blue murder and debating with her friend on what should be happening. I walked up to her and calmly told her I would fetch a traffic marshal to assist her. Unfortunately, the traffic marshal then copped an earful. The poor guy who is volunteering his time is trying to help this maniac of a woman. To his credit, he too remained calmed and told her to do a U-turn and follow him down the opposite path. This person obviously requires anger management counselling and how to resolve conflicts in a more positive away. Her approach was totally unsuccessful, the driver she yelled at simply walked away. Maybe I should have left her to work it out herself, would’ve been entertaining.

But entertainment was provided later by Nicole when the Team arrived. While eating her noodles, someone said a funny joke (which I can’t recall). Nicole gasps trying not to spit out a mouthful of noodles. She covers her mouth but starts to giggle uncontrollably.

Suddenly a noodle is expelled through her nose!

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 7″ and water, plus gloves and scarf and beanie (these will be in the bag).  Also coffee and noodles (and sausage sizzle?)
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 7″, scarf, beanie, gloves (should be in the bag), water & poweraid.  Put on thermal top (if haven’t already). Also want some spaghetti – preferably warmed up.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 7″ – GU (with caffeine), 3x600ml water bottles, fruit, snacks, heavy jacket, beanie.  Force me to eat noodles.  Remind Nicole that this whole thing was a bad idea.
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 7″ – Bag contains 1 sandwich, lolly bag, 1 cup of beans. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle. Maybe put thermal vest on. I would like heated up spag bog please even if I have already had it at CP5. Spag bog will be in labelled Tupperware portions separate to numbered checkpoint supply bags. Hot cup of Milo too.

It was good to see their spirits high. The next major checkpoint will be a seemingly unrelenting uphill battle.

Google Maps was used to navigate the Crew to Syd Duncan Park. Matt compared the trip planner against the UBD map and it looked sound initially. Untill we took the turn off suggested by Google and found ourselves at a dead end. That was the last time we trusted Google Maps. I was glad we packed the UBD as a backup.

Zombie Hill

CP10 – Syd Duncan Park
66 kms
2008-07-20 01:18:55

Syd Duncan Park was nearly at capacity and twice the Tarago had to do U-turns to find a better parking spot to set up the Support Crew camp. Both times it was dodgy. The first attempt was on a narrow dirt road with a sloping shoulder. Matt and Jenesse guided me into doing an 8 point turn. The second time I had the Tarago on the grassy hill which the competitors were using as they entered the Park. Unbeknown to us, the green grassy field was very soft and boggy. The Tarago had wheels spinning as it tried to ascend the slope. With careful manoeuvring I managed to find traction and park the car on much firmer ground.

The course had changed dramatically up to the Syd Duncan Park. The Support Crew watched everyone who approached the checkpoint drained of energy. This brought back some memories of 2007 and Jenesse empathised with a competitor as he dragged his walking poles behind him as he stumbled forwards deliriously. “That was exactly me last year at this same spot!”

Jenesse received an unfriendly and grumpy Nicole as she walked up the hill, “Where’s the checkpoint?” Nicole barks. Luckily Jenesse had empathy and withheld the bitch slapping

We seated the team down and brought them their bags, food and drinks. All were not in a happy state but we had empathy and the experience of what its like getting to Sid’s despite any course change. We congratulated them on their progress. I think because it was in the wee hours of the morning (like around 1am) the Support Crew were also tired and just did our jobs quietly and patiently. It was Jenesse doing most of the running around while Matt and I stepped back a bit and tried to keep warm on this cold exposed hill. Jenesse knew by keeping busy it kept her warm. Matt’s beard was failing him miserably.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 10″ and water, plus noodles and coffee.
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 10″, water, poweraid & noodles/spaghetti (haven’t decided which).  A lovely cuppa tea.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 10″ – GU (with caffeine), 3x600ml water, snacks.  Force in more noodle goodness.  Leave as soon as possible.
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 10″ – Bag contains 2 sandwiches, 1 tin tuna. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle. Hot cup of Milo too please.

The team had hit the wall at Syd’s and now were just in a zombie state. Sore and limping their way off into the darkness. The Support Crew tried to lift their spirits and give them the moral support they needed. Not long to go!

Battle Stations

CP12 – Nerang Beaudesert Rd
78.5 kms
2008-07-20 05:07:21

Since none of us had any sleep at Syd Duncan’s we knew we had at least 4 to 5 hours before seeing Team Insanity again so we went straight to Checkpoint 12 from Syd Duncan’s Park (Checkpoint 10). Our plan was to sleep in the Tarago until we got the phone call from the team.

Checkpoint 12 is actually 800m away from where the Support Crew could park. As usual, parking spots were hard to find. We ended up mounting the curb and parking on a footpath in front of an estate.

Inside the Tarago we were all asleep. Then Jenesse’s phone rang.

She woke up in a groggy state and hit the answer button, “Hello?”

Good morning, this is your 4:30am wake up call, Nicole happily says.

“Oh no! Your not outside the car already?” Jenesse says in a panic. The windows inside the car were all foggy and it was still dark outside.

“No, No! We are about 40 minutes away”, Nicole responds.

By now both Matt and I were awake, “Battle stations!” Matt declares.

Jenesse and I started to unpack the car. We setup the mat, chairs, started the gas cooker and organised their checkpoint bags. Meanwhile, Matt made his way towards the Checkpoint 12 Support Crew entrance to meet and greet our team as they arrived.

We fed them their food and drinks, they changed socks and we’re on their way again. This time they picked up a hitchhiker – a lone person who had lost all his team mates. I tried to convince one of them to keep going, but he didn’t want to be the one to call the SES in the middle of nowhere on the side of a track. I told him not to be disappointed, just partipating and getting this far is a fantastic effort and achievement. As the team left we noticed Brock shuffling and limping in a bad state.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Nicole will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 12″, plus water.  Maybe coffee and noodles.
• Shane will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 12″, water, poweraid.  Cup of tea.  Remind Shane to do some stretches.
• Brock will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 12″ – more Gu… 3x600ml water, fruit
• Wayne will want bag labelled “Checkpoint 12″ – Bag contains 1 muesli bar, 2 sandwiches, lolly bag. Top up water bladder. Top up Gatorade bottle. Hot cup of Milo too please.

The End

CP14 – Nerang Velodrome
96 kms
2008-07-20 09:33:44

The best park we got for the entire event was here at the Velodrome, right in front of the finish line. We setup the mat and chairs on the hill next to the Tarago. Various organiser tents were set up: A projection tent showing current competitor team positions on Google Earth, a coffee tent, a food tent, a massage tent, a first aid tent and then the stage and checkpoint tent. We headed straight to the coffee tent!

The sun finally rose and we welcomed the warmth.

During the day, the MC had trouble with directing teams to check in first, before greeting their supporters, this was especially true for those teams that wanted to finish under 24 hours with only minutes to go. We were waiting directly in front of the finish line where the army cannons were. The team walked straight past us, towards the Checkpoint tent. Only Wayne saw and acknowledged us. The photos shows their state of mind as they approached the finish line, all eyes are looking straight at the Checkpoint tent.

“Where is our support team? I can’t see them anywhere”, Nicole asks standing in front of the Checkpoint tent.
“Right here”, I say standing a couple of metres away. Matt chuckles loudly beside me.

The first thing they now wanted to do was sit down at our support crew area, but we were told by the organisers to wait for 2 minutes for their presentation of the dog tags. They proudly received their medals and then we ushered them to our support crew area. Everyone immediately sat down on the chairs, except for Nicole who crashed to the ground. Shane spied the massage tent and decided to pamper his sore muscles with the free physio and massage service that was being offered. Wayne wasn’t keen on stripping in the open tent to take up the offer. We don’t think his crusty feet were eligible for a foot massage anyway. Brock was nursing his blistered feet but otherwise enjoyed the rest in the hot sun. Nicole lay on her stomach too sore to move despite the sun’s hot rays.

Extract from the Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge support document:

• Brock will collapse here and swear never to do it again.  Someone should keep a record this.
• Wayne will give hugs and handshakes whilst keeping a frail grip on consciousness. Heed what Brock is saying. Wayne will want bag labelled “Hooray” Bag contains 1 cup beans, 1 sandwich. Hot cup of Milo too please, probably two.

At this stage, the Support Crew did not have to do much to pamper our team but just let Team Insanity have a well earned rest. Nicey started to repack the Tarago which was in a bad state with bags and gear everywhere. She did the best she could to put things in their rightful bags. Matt who had the most sleep (he had a quick kip at this checkpoint), agreed to drive the Tarago back to Brisbane.

The Support Crew congratulates Team Insanity on completing the Kokoda Challenge 2008. An awesome effort!

For more information about Team Insanity’s Kokoda Challenge vist their Urban Crag blog.