Extreme Corporate Challenge I - The Desert (cont'd)
Day 5 - The Ruins to the Canyon
Snoring woke no one that night. Everyone was way too tied from the big
day 4 - a day never to be forgotten.
Day 5 was a time to extend the friendships and bonds that had been built in
adversity on a far more relaxing ride. The track was harder packed with
some cool downhills and long straight runs. We actually saw some road
signs and a car travelling to a town.
Plenty of water stops and lunch on the run again. Teams mixed and
mingled with one another to chat and share stories.
Around 3.00pm the riding was stopped about 20kms short of the stop for the
night. The road ahead was too dangerous with trucks and ruts so we loaded
the bikes and riders onto the 4WDs and headed to camp.
A chance to wash in a cup of water that evening and layout our things for the
last day on the bikes.
It was a fabulous night too round the fire. A few beers - some had a
few extra beers - some digeridoo playing, and realisation this was the last
night in the swags. Tomorrow night would be Alice Springs and a warm bed.
Day 6 - Alice Springs
A beautiful morning, breakfast and onto the bikes for a 100k ride to Alice
Springs.
About 70ks into the ride and we hit really hard packed dirt. 90ks in
and we hit heaven - bitumen.
We stopped about 10ks out of Alice near the airport for have lunch and wait
for the Police escort into Alice. This was going to be cool - and it was.
We rode as a huge group, all together, as one from the airport, through the
Gap, along the Todd River walking / riding tracks, then up to the football field
onto soft grass. People were in the streets to welcome us. We felt
we really had achieved something - something personal and something for others.
After a short presentation where we were all declared winners it was off to
find the hotel and enjoy the first shave and shower in over 6 days. It was
wonderful although tough to find clean clothes.
That evening the Microsoft guys hit the local pizza place. I think we
surprised even ourselves with how much we ate and drank. It didn't end
there though. Around the corner to the pub for drinking and celebrating
with all the teams. Marvellous night. Memorable advantage. A
great challenge that will live in our minds for the rest of our lives.
Back to Day 1
