Sunday, 10 August 2025

The Power of YES!

Hells Bells Wild&Co 2025 Race Report – Team -Mountain Design - Written by Laura Newton

Mountain Designs Hells Bells - Sunshine Coast Hinterland, QLD; Approx total distance: 140km; Elevation Gain: 2,600m


Getting to the start line!

About ten days before race day, I got a message from Kim asking if I could fill in for the Mountain Designs Women’s Team. I said yes without hesitation! In adventure racing, just getting your full team to the start line is half the battle, and I know how heartbreaking it is when someone pulls out last minute. I was thrilled to help—well, until I started thinking about how fast these women move!

With only about 50% of my usual fitness due other injuries and a sinus infection hitting me two days before the race, nerves kicked. I felt out of my depth but committed to giving it everything I had. The girls were amazing and supported me throughout the race!



Race recap:

Leg 1 – 12km Trek ๐Ÿƒ‍♀️๐ŸŠ‍♀️: Obi Obi Gorge - The race began at Lake Baroon, plunging teams straight into the rugged Obi Obi Creek gorge. We rock-hopped, scrambled, swam through icy water, and took a few tumbles. A slight error early on cost us around 2.5km and some precious energy, but we quickly corrected and began regaining ground.

Leg 2 – 45km MTB๐Ÿšด๐Ÿพ‍♀️: Obi Lookout to Kenilworth - Starting from the Obi Lookout in Curramore, we climbed into cooler air—and then the hail hit. It was brief but invigorating. As we flew down a fire trail, suddenly we heard a loud pop! Nicole had hit a screwdriver, tearing a massive gash in her back tyre. We scrambled to fix it, and a few teams were kind enough to offer help. We managed to get a new tube on however, it was faulty and wouldn’t pump up. After a second attempt (40mins later), we were back on the bikes, determined to claw back lost time.

Leg 3 – 13km Kayak๐Ÿšฃ‍♀️: Mary River - We transitioned into a chilly paddle down the Mary River. It was a lot shallower than we expected and had to get out and portage briefly for a few sections. By the end, my legs and feet were frozen solid. Still, it was a welcome break from being on our feet.

Leg 4 – 15km Trek๐Ÿƒ‍♀️: Forestry Trails - This leg tested our patience, CP #15 ๐Ÿ˜† Around the 70km mark, we spent over 2.5 hours searching for Checkpoint 15, attacking it from every possible angle. We even teamed up with a few other teams and searched together.  We had exhausted all options and had to make the hard decision to move on. No team got this check point and unfortunately it was in a different position. Chris Dixon  did a great job to resolve this fairlyat the end of the race. Nice work Chris!

Leg 5 – 6km MTB ๐Ÿšต‍♀️: Obi Obi Road - A short, sharp ride into Kenilworth to begin the Rogaine section. Quick and efficient.

Leg 6 – 6 km Trek๐Ÿƒ‍♀️: Coolabine Rogaine Classic rogaine format—strategic checkpoint hunting through a farm near Coolabine. We kept our heads down and moved with purpose. The Nav was on point!

Leg 7 – 30km MTB๐Ÿšต‍♀️: The Delica Track - This was a brutal finish. We bush-bashed through thick lantana and scrub, with a male team trailing behind us. Kim led the charge, keeping us focused and moving. It was a tough slog, but we pushed through dense bush with our bikes. Bush bashing and bikes is not a great combo at the end of the race. We hit some fun single track, climbed some more big hills and got all the checkpoints.

We finished the race around the 22hour mark. Despite the setbacks— losing a team mate last minute, having a half fit person step in, getting a screwdriver through a tyre and some interesting weather - this race was an unforgettable experience. The Mountain Designs Women’s Team showed grit, grace, and camaraderie every step of the way. I was honoured to be part of it.

Well done to all the teams and Chris and his team (Wild&Co). Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers!!! inlcluding ARWS REFEREE  Jan DeVries-Leverton  ๐Ÿฅฐ


Side note: the power of yes! 

You never know where it will led you. This time it led me to meeting some more amazing, strong, interesting, intelligent and kind hearted new friends ๐Ÿงก thanks Kim!

Laura Newton is also a brand Ambassador for BleggMit;  Moxie Gear;  Safe Lace;  and Turbo Superfoods


Thursday, 7 August 2025

Hells Bells 2025 - 21 Hours of Epic Terrain, Teamwork & Triumph

 Mountain Designs Wild Women Hells Bells Race Report - written by Ashild Krige 


I’ve always had a soft spot for the Mapleton-Maleny-Kenilworth area—it’s one of those places I’ve admired from afar but never truly explored. And wow, what a place to host an adventure race! Rugged terrain, stunning gorges, wide rivers, dense bushland, and the kind of wild surprises that make adventure racing so addictive.

 

Mapleton-Maleny-Kenilworth area a stunning location for Hells Bells

Pre-Race Vibes

The energy was high the night before the race. We had a relaxed meet-and-greet, shared a few laughs, and topped it off with Jan’s absolutely delicious lasagna, fueling both our stomachs and our spirits. Race morning kicked off early with a bit of logistical juggling— the bike drop was a fair distance away—but with plenty of time and a clear plan, we were all set. Our team was buzzing with excitement. We knew the course would be tough, but we were ready to embrace the unknown.

 

Kim scans the maps

The excitement builds as we plan our course.


Gorge-ous Start

The race started from Lake Baroon, and it couldn’t have kicked off in a better way. We plunged straight into a gorge, literally. The freezing water had us wide awake in no time, and from there, it was full-on technical scrambling. Rock hopping, navigating in and out of the gorge, picking lines, and chasing down those first checkpoints. It was equal parts thrilling and chaotic, and we loved every second of it.

A few steep climbs brought us to Obi Lookout where our bikes waited, and from there we launched into a solid 45 km bike ride through hilly terrain. It was all going well until Nicola managed to find the only screwdriver on the course, at speed, on a descent, in the middle of nowhere. One spectacular puncture later, we were down a few spots, but thanks to some fast teamwork (and a well-packed repair kit), she was back on two wheels, and we were moving again.

 

Mountain Designs Wild Women at start - Ashild, Laura, Nicola, Kim


Just one of the waterfalls in the Obi Obi Gorge

Obi Obi Gorge

Mountain Designs Wild Women looking strong coming into TA 1 at Obi Lookout

On the bikes ready for some cool downhill into Kenilworth from Obi Lookout. 

Nightfall and the Mighty Mary River

As the sun had just dropped, we entered the paddle leg down the Mary River. Everyone was bracing for the cold, with a “feels like” 4°C forecast in the early morning hours. But once we were on the water and moving, the adrenaline (and mild chaos) of paddling at night kept us warm. We pulled off the paddle without issue and transitioned into the next trekking leg. Things were looking good!....until we hit Checkpoint 15.

 

Start of the paddle - we could not see what this looked like!

The Mighty Mary

The Infamous CP15

Ah, Checkpoint 15. The ultimate test of patience, navigation, and sanity. We spent almost three hours hunting for a CP that simply wasn’t where the map said it should be.  We linked up with the legendary Raging Coconuts and gave it one final effort as a joint force before finally deciding to move on. It turns out all other teams did the same, the checkpoint was in fact in a completely different location, and the maps hadn’t been updated before printing (cheers, Chris ๐Ÿ˜…). Despite the frustration, spirits remained high, and we were reminded that sometimes the adventure is in the search, even if the prize never shows.

After CP15, we jumped on a short bike leg that delivered us to a fun rogaine section. Kim absolutely crushed the nav with pinpoint accuracy, showing off some serious experience and calm. It was a satisfying section, efficient, smooth, and confidence-boosting.

CP15 on the Map, so this is where we were looking for it!

Our tracker at CP15 in BLUE - CP 15 not where it's marked on the map avove.

When Uphill Never Ends

From there, it was time to face the final bike leg—and what a finale it was. The last 30 km felt like it was all uphill. There were wicked hike-a-bike sections that just. kept. coming. Legs burning, sleep deprivation setting in, and yet, no one gave in. We arrived at the second-last checkpoint and were faced with a tough call: go for the final three bonus points, or play it safe and cruise to the finish.

We looked at each other and knew; we were going for it. Despite the exhaustion, the hills, and the many hike-a-bike grinds, we pushed through with grit, laughs, and determination. We reached the finish line around 9 a.m., after 21 relentless hours on the course.

 

Mountain Designs Wild Women at the finish - Teamwork & Triumph

Reflection

The Hells Bells Mountain Designs Wild Women team brought together a mix of strength, experience, and unshakeable positivity. Kim, ever the organised and encouraging team leader, led with calm confidence and nailed the navigation as part of her build-up to the World Champs in Canada. Nicola, who insists she “only rides these days,” proved otherwise as she charged up hills and trekked like a machine, never missing a beat. Laura, the newest member of the Wild Women, joined us recovering from a head cold and a string of lingering injuries, but never once backed down, bringing great nav input, strong endurance, and a calm, experienced presence throughout the race. As for me, this was my first race since my accident last year, and while I was simply hoping to finish, I was stoked with how I pulled up, grateful to be back out there doing what I love with an incredible crew. Despite never racing together before, we gelled seamlessly, supporting one another every step of the way and proving that teamwork really is the secret weapon in adventure racing. Emotionally, physically, and mentally, we had each other’s backs the whole way. We lifted each other up (literally and figuratively), kept the motivation flowing, and never let the pace or morale drop.


Our tracker is BLUE - Rogaine & shortcut to Delicia Rd.


Personally, just crossing that finish line was already a win for me after my last year of recovery, but to actually win the female category and place 4th overall, as a team that hadn’t raced together before, was something truly special.

Massive thanks to the organisers, the volunteers, and of course, the other teams out there battling the same wild elements. We’ll be back, hopefully with no rogue tools on the bike course and all CPs where they belong!

Finally thanks to our sponsors Mountain Designs, AyUp Lighting Systems and Tri Adventure.

Photo Credits - Margarete Oti

Maps - Wild & Co - Maps & Notes

Live Tracking - Track Me Live - Live Tracking Link


Mountain Designs Wild Women & The Raging Coconuts (also Mountain Designs Wild Women)





Sunday, 3 August 2025

The Amazons Australia - A World First Event for Women - Proudly sponsored by Mountain Designs

Well, following on from The Mountain Designs Wild Women historic win in the ARWS Oceania Legend Expedition Race in 2024, Kim Beckinsale said to the girls in the team, "Girls, this is special, we have done something that no one else is ever going to be able to do again because we were the first" then Kim went on to say, "so we have to go back and in some way keep inspiring women to do things that they may have thought impossible".

So Kim started thinking and talking with Jan Leverton (Mountain Designs Wild Woman and Tri Adventure business partner), lets create a new event, longer, tougher and harder than The Wild Women AR and lets see if the ARWS - Adventure Racing World Series will endorse an all female event, as this has never been done before. The dream event was called The Amazons Australia and the ARWS CEO Heidi Muller supported the pathway for the event to be included into the ARWS Oceania as a 3 day stage race - the first ever all female ARWS event. Mountain Designs also came onboard as a sponsor of The Amazons Australia and the location 'born of the mountains' was announced as Mission Beach, Cassowary Coast where the rainforest meets the reef in Tropical North Queensland.

The Mountain Designs Wild Women legendary team from 2024 became ambassadors for The Amazons Australia and once again have helped create history again by supporting this groundbreaking event called The Amazons Australia. 

Kim Beckinsale - Co- Event Director 

Alina Mc Master & Del Lloyd - Ambassadors & Competitors (Mountain Designs Wild Women)

Cass Kimlin - Ambassador & Competitor (Yesterdays Pancakes)

Also part of the event were Mountain Designs Wild Women - Jan Leverton (Co event director) Amie Munson (racing with Cass Kimlin as Yesterdays Pancakes), Gina Dunsdon and Hayley Kellner (Tri Adventure Snacks). 



The Amazons Australia backed by Tourism Tropical North, Cassowary Coast Tourism and Cassowary Coast Council was such a success that they want the event to return to the Cassowary Coast region for the next two years. The style of racing allowed for an opportunity for women from all ages and ranges of experience, fitness and skills in the sport to not only race but socialise and get to know each other on many levels. There was a 100% completion rate every day which is unusual in adventure racing showing that the Amazon spirit, when unleashed, is a force to be reckoned with. 

Alina Mc Master (Mountain Designs Wild Women & Ambassador The Amazons Australia) quoted

“I really enjoyed the Amazons race. It was super fun to change it up with some fast racing for those top teams and in such a beautiful location. I loved the vibe and all the amazing women of all ages and abilities pushing themselves but having so much fun. So many laughs and smiles out on course. This race really was for everyone!!”

The battle for podium positions was fierce just like you would expect from an Amazon. 

MOUNTAIN DESIGNS WILD WOMEN RACE REPORT  written by Del Lloyd (Mountain Designs Wild Women & Ambassador The Amazons Australia)

What a race it was for Team Mountain Designs Wild Women, represented by Del and Alina!

This event was set amongst the stunning tropical vibes of North Queensland, palm trees and beaches, beautiful forests and exotic wildlife.

This combo brought a heap of experience and a surprising amount of nervous energy to the start line on Day 1. The race started smoothly with a trot along the palm-fringed beach and before kayaking over to Dunk Island for a run up to the top of the hill.  Solid navigation throughout, and an efficient route choice on the last run of the day, saw MDWW catch right up to the leading Kiwi team, leading to a nail-biting 10km sprint finish on the beach. After five hours of hard work, Team Mountain Designs Wild Women snagged a super close second place, just nine seconds shy of the Kiwi team.



Day 2 was their day to shine. It was a tough one, with Del and Alina constantly battling it out at the front, swapping leads with other top teams. The route travelled inland through some beautiful forest trails including Cassowary sightings, followed by a spectacular run around a headland. Their strong paddling in the final 90-minute kayak leg really paid off, helping them hold onto a lead and finish about 1 minute 40 seconds ahead for the day, and in the overall lead at the end of Day 2.






The final day started with an incredible energy amongst the field, start line frivolity and some great tunes to send off the racers for the brilliant coconut challenge where teams had to identify their coconut from the previous day’s coconut hunt. MDWW nailed the identification challenge due to a bit of luck and a very distinctive wonky coconut and led into the first run. The top 4-5 teams were tight together for the first few legs. At Bicton Hill, Del and Alina had lost sight of the kiwis and decided to take a risky but potentially brilliant short cut in what turned out to be some seriously dense rainforest vegetation -  this ended up costing them some time and a lot of splinters. Even with that setback, these two showed their grit, riding hard to claw back positions and ultimately finishing third for the day. All their consistent effort over the three days landed them a fantastic second place overall in the Amazons Australia 2025 event.








OVERALL RESULTS 2025

Warriors (Top 3 overall)

1st - Spirited Women Chicks - Emma McCosh & Kym Skerman
2nd - Mountain Designs Wild Women - Alina Mc Master & Del Lloyd
3rd - Yesterdays Pancakes - Cass Kimlin & Amie Munson (Mountain Designs Wild Women)

Legends

1st - Spirited Women Hens - Debbie Chambers & Marquita Gelderman
2nd - Triactiv8 Titans - Christine Webb & Linda Whetherall
3rd - Tomorrow's Problem - Ness Clancy & Erica Collins

Tribes

1st - Tri Adventure Snacks - Gina Dunsdon & Hayley Kellner (Mountain Designs Wild Women)
2nd - Sweet & Sass - Shiloh Gunton & Jane Gunton
3rd - Goose on the Loose - Shelly Friedrich & Lana Gosse




MORE MOUNTAIN DESIGNS WILD WOMEN ACTION AT THE AMAZONS AUSTRALIA















POST CREDITS 

Alina McMaster - Quote
Delyth Lloyd - Race Report
Margarite Oti - Photos
Mountain Designs - Sponsor Mountain Designs Wild Women & The Amazons Australia

Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Mountain Designs Wild Women take on the Tasmanian wilderness, thrive and survive!

The ARWS Legend Expedition Adventure Race this year was located in the small town of Huonville, just southeast of Hobart Tasmania. The event is doing a lap of Australia and The MountainDesigns Wild Women were not only lining up for the third year in a row but defending their title following an historic win at this event in 2024.

Mountain Designs Wild Women L-R Del Lloyd, Amie Munson, Alina Mc Master, Kim Beckinsale

Hot Competition

Kim Beckinsale, Alina Mc Master, Del Lloyd, lining up for Legend AR number 3 were joined by Amie Munson an experienced Wild Women who was going to also be racing head-to-head against her son – Nathan Munson in Team Broken Compass.  Broken Compass were going for the win and trying to gain a spot into the ARWS World Championships in Canada. The MountainDesigns Wild Women wearing the number 1 race jerseys, also knew that the MMI Racing would be looking to reverse the results from last year – they were wearing number 2, but both of us ineligible to win ‘the prize’ as we are not a 4 person premier mixed team. Interestingly this year there were more 2 person teams entered (also not eligible for the prize) who added some extra competition at the pointy end of the race. The Keen Torquers, a super experienced male pair from Victoria and The Wonkey Donkeys a local female pair who raced in 2024 Legends were back for a fast and furious race around iconic Tasmanian towns and landmarks.

Mountain Designs Wild Women - Legend AR - Team Number One 

Course Reveal

Chris Dixon from Wild&Co posted a few teasers prior to sharing the logistics and course notes. The second that this sort if information is released the chats begin and teams get excited. 4 paddles –longest 50k – 2 white water; 5 bikes – longest 112k – total elevation over 8000m elevation; 2 treks longest 60k – elevation over 2500m; This course was going to be epic and prepared for 4 seasons in a day including a potential for a stoppage on the course during a paddle leg.

Registration, competencies, briefing and map lockdown was squeezed into a 6-hour timeframe. The Mountain Designs Wild Women spent hours upon arriving in Huonville the day before, strategically packing boxes A, B, C, D and bike boxes, but upon weighing them realised that they had way too much ‘stuff’ so they had to ditch some of their favourite items, and spent way too much time re-weighing boxes, something that the 2 person teams did not have to endure.  Teams enjoyed a dip in the Huon River demonstrating they were able to capsize, swim with their paddle, float downstream and get back into the kayak. Then it was all eyes on the maps for a few hours, but only for Legs 1-5, the rest of the maps were not to be distributed until teams reached TA4 at the end of Leg 5 paddle. Maps also had to be handed back to officials and not issued until the morning just before the start.

Del & Amie - Perfect Timing

MD Wild Women return to shore after capsize competency!

MD Wild Women are focused and listening to every word from RD Chris Dixon


The course sounds epic...can you tell?


Maps are out and the planning begins! 

Off and racing

Leg 1 Kayak – Huon River; Leg 2 MTB Old Road to the Hartz;  Leg 3 Trek – Hartz; Leg 4 MTB Arve Forest; Leg 5 Huon River White Water Kayak & Tahune Airwalk.

The Mountain Designs Wild Women and most teams opted to complete the 5 kayak CPs in order of A B C D E – opting for a muddy portage / kayak drag after D, after all this is what set them apart from other teams the year before. The ride up to the Hartz Mountain was steep and teams soon found that not all tracks marked on the maps were easy to see or in fact rideable. The control card / punch card that Del was carrying was not in a good state early and which meant the team had to stop and write down all the descriptions on their maps before they wore off the card.  It was not easy to just let teams fly by, but it was the team’s responsibility to look after their card. Team Goldfish laminated their card…. now that was a clever idea!

Preparing the kayaks for Leg 1


Off and Racing Legend AR 2025 - MDWW are on the middke left!

Who could not resist the temptation for a Kayak Portage?

Del checks her notes as she gets her bike ready for action.

The Mountain Designs Wild Women were heading out on the Hartz Mountain Trek just after finding their first CP saw Keen Torquers and Broken Compass on their way back, it was comforting to think that it was possible to complete the leg before dark. The trek was stunning and interestingly the 3 girls’ teams – The Mountain Designs Wild Women, Wonkey Donkeys and Rootstock Racing were all out on the leg at very similar times. The Wonkey Donkeys were first back at the TA after passing the Wild Women near CPJ which was hidden in a bush and hard to find. Somehow the Mountain Designs Wild Women made it to TA3 before both other teams but spent a little too much time enjoying the Tahune Airwalk and transitioning to the white-water paddle. Kim was navigating on this leg and soon the MDWW were in the lead again despite Kim and Alina having a few unplanned swims. Despite being freezing cold the team kept paddling and made it to TA4 at Judbury and managed a very tricky kayak slide up a steep ramp to the TA.

Riding up to the Hartz Mountains

Kim and Del get the maps for the Trek.

MD Wild Women arrive at the summit of Hartz Peak

Kim examines the map before descending.

A perfect sunset on show as the team descends back to their bikes 

More of the maps revealed and the dot watching got really exciting!

Leg 6 Trek – Russel Ridge to the Styx; Leg 7 MTB – Gravel Grind to lake Pedder; Leg 8 – Lake Pedder Kayak/Trek: Leg 9 Styx Gravel Grinder 2 to Bushy Park; Leg 10- Kayak Derwent River to New Norfolk; Leg 11 – MTB

Kim, Alina Del and Amie were cold and tired, so changed in to dry warm clothes and enjoyed some warm food while marking up the rest of the maps and sorting gear into boxes and into the kayak bag. Kim and Alina took a lot of time trying to choose a route for the trek and decide which CPs to drop. Teams were required to find 10 of the 14 and it was obvious that one route option was longer but looked easier and the other options were shorter but potentially steeper and more navigationally challenging. After a 20 minute rest and way too much time in the TA, the Mountain Designs Wild women took off just before first light, so maybe 5am knowing that there were many teams in front including Keen Torquers, Broken Compass, Wonkey Donkeys, Moor Southern Lights, MMI and Rootstock Racing.

The plan for the MDWW was to go for K, L M O and N, then work the rest out once familiar with the terrain and maps. Crossing paths with The Honeymooners, and Rootstock Racing twice was a motivator and after a successful bush bash out of S the MDWW opted for R instead of P, saving over 5km in distance. Unfortunately, the ambitious bush bash from R to find the tracks to the north was not a success and the team in failing light opted for a reverse bearing back to R and take the long way around. This wasted time and energy and did nothing for the morale of the team. Eventually after reaching the powerline track the MDWW were relieved, but enroute to CPV exhausted, and a sleep was on the cards. This was first real attempt to sleep, and it was now night 2. After about 30minutes of trying to sleep in the freezing conditions the MDWW got up again and Alina bashed through to the creek. V was not easy to find, but a true relief, the MDWW then continued trekking through to W and X before reaching TA5 in the early hours in the morning. Despite almost no good sleep, the team transitioned and got out on the bikes before Rootstock racing arrived.

The Lanscape for Leg 6 - Trek

Mountain Designs Wild Women in the Wild .....they have not had much sleep!
Mountain Designs Wild Women emerge from the trek after 24 hours!

Del at TA5 preparing for the ride to Lake Pedder

The ride to Lake Pedder was hot and hilly, the team stopped for short sleep of 1hour which was not that productive due to mozzies, bees and just the time of day. It was exciting for the MDWW however to get to Lake Pedder in the daylight and get on the water before dusk. At the TA teams were required to mark up the CPs and choose a route. There were 6 compulsory CPs and a total of 8, with 3 hrs bonus time for 7 and 8 hours for 8. Two of the CPs B2 and F2 were island treks, and the others were on the water’s edge. The MDWW opted to go anticlockwise (D2, B2, Y, Z, F2, A2, E2, C2) because of a strong wind forecast and this worked well for the team until it got dark. 

Mountain Designs Wild Women ride in to TA6 - Lake Pedder
Team Captain Kim checks in with TA Official Michele Krome 

Teams were rewarded with glassy conditions, moon setting at sunset and a night sky filled with stars and breathtaking views of the Milky Way.  From Scott’s Peak at B2 to the MDWW could see exactly where they had to go for the rest of the leg, and the team collected Y just before sunset. By the time they reached Z it was pitch black, but the AyUps were amazing for lighting up the land as the team hiked and hiked and hiked up Mt Solitary. This out-and-back CP took over 3 and a half hours, so most likely worth the 5 hour time bonus. The MDWW crossed paths with Rootstock racing on this section and were still just in front. Back on the water and it was now pitch black and it was almost impossible to see anything other than fog and silhouettes, but the MDWW managed to stick to the East bank and then back track up to CPA2. After this, things went pair shaped for the MDWW. After hugging the bank and not finding CPE2, the team came across team 6, who were coming from the other direction. Del and Amie, who did not have maps were getting worried that were not in the right place and went over. Team 6 said that they were looking for CPC2 and were around that area. Kim was not convinced and Alina thought how could this be possible…... but it was the bewitching hour…. meaning after midnight and strange things can happen. So, instead of continuing south and searching the bank further the team turned back and followed Team 6, big mistake! The only way to get out of this pickle was to backtrack and find our last known location, so the MDWW paddled North until they reached the mangroves, and after an interesting discussion, Kim suggested that the team ‘find CPA2 again so that we know 100% where we are” so that’s what they did. Now on the way south it was clear that the team had not paddled far enough south, so eventually the MDWW found CPE2 ‘what a relief’ and finished the rest of the paddle as the new day was dawning and what a cracker of a day it was.

Interestingly, RR finished the kayak at about the same time at the MDWW but opted for a sleep in TA, while the MDWW transitioned and had a sleep at CP15. The MDWW were then passed on the road by RR and it was clear that there was a battle going on between these two 4 person women’s teams. Kim had a strategy to forge ahead while on Cooks track, as it was evident that the MDWW were catching, but a minor mechanical - Alina’s bent derailleur – meant we all reached CP 17 together. While teams crossed paths again near CP 18, the MDWW chose to sleep at the top of a hill in a Quarry near TA5 and RR slept at Maydena. The MDWW woke up before midnight and enjoyed the final minutes of ‘wild Wednesday’ watching wombats, paddymelons and even a Tasmanian Devil while riding to find the final CPs on the leg and got into TA& at Bushy Park around 4am. The MDWW were excited to see Ashild Kridge at the TA – labelled the QLD TA because Linda Davis super search & rescue crew was based there as well.

A view of what the Mountain Designs Wild Women were riding in the darkness!

It was time for the MDWW to get on the Derwent River and enjoy the final rapids of the race. The beginning of this paddle was in darkness, but most was in the daylight which made travel faster, but it did not stop Kim and Alina from taking another few unplanned swims. Can you believe there was a swan swimming beside them showing them the way down the rapids…. this was real! The exit from the kayaks onto the pontoon was not glamorous and nor was it fast, but hey it went viral thanks to Thor Eggerton for filming! This was a luxury TA at the New Norfolk rowing club, with toilets and showers, but the MDWW were on a mission to get out of there before RR, they did not. So, it was going to be a race to the finish on the last leg, Kim hurried everyone up and off they went on bikes. For some reason Amie thought she would stop at a service station to buy no-dose; Kim was not impressed especially as it was now so important to make a fast start to this leg. Alina was really fired up and took on the navigation for the final bike and the team rode hard to CP26, it was all up hill and there was quite a bit of pushing required. CP 24 had been removed from the course, so teams had to ride out and back to CP25 Collins Bonnett. Kim was keeping track of time and the MDWW dropped their bikes at 3.02pm to hike to the peak, then the MDWW arrived at the peak at 3.25pm and managed to get back to the bikes and start riding again before crossing paths with RR. This meant that the MDWW were now over and hour in front and given no mechanicals or crashes, that they would finish ahead of RR. The rest of the course was mostly downhill and super-fast, and the team enjoyed the descent off the Mt Wellington Range into Huonville to arrive at the finish at the golden hour, just before sunset at around 6.30pm Thursday 8 March.

The bridge before the rapid! Teams were advised to paddle river left!

Legend AR Results 2025

The Mountain Designs Wild Women did not repeat their historic overall win from 2024 but were excited to finish ahead of Rootstock Racing and be the 2nd 4-person team to finish the race finding 100% of the checkpoints and 6th overall. The Mountain Designs Wild Women were super proud of Amie’s son Nathan and the Team Broken Compass for winning the event and a trip to the ARWC in Canada and super impressed with The Women’s Pair Wonkey Donkeys for finishing 3rd overall and 2nd pair.  A full list of results and all the live tracking can be found on the Wild & Co Website. https://www.legendexpd.com.au/live

Mountain Designs Wild Women Finish Legend AR 2025 - Thursday 6.30pm


Mountain Designs Wild Women, Wonkey Donkeys, Rootstock Racing, Heidi Muller (ARWS CEO)

Thanks

The Mountain Designs Wild Women would like to thank Mountain Designs, AyUp Lighting Systems and Tri Adventure for your ongoing support and for ensuring that we have some of the best gear and equipment out there on course to help us not only finish but have fun and enjoy the race. Kim would like to thank the team at Venture Cycles for making sure her bike was in tip top shape for racing in Tasmania. The MDWW would also like to thank Wild & Co all of their event officials and volunteers as without these key people events such as this just do not happen. We hope that you enjoyed watching our dots and that we may have inspired you in the process. We are planning a trip to Canada to race at Expedition Canada The ARWC 2025 and will be back for Legend AR 2026 in South Australia – so why not join us!

 


Wild & Co Video Highlights from Legend AR 2025 Tasmania 





Wild & Co Day 4 Legend Video 

Mountain Designs Wild Women Legend AR 2025 Video


Race Report by Kim Beckinsale