What do you call an event which includes a 1km run, 1km paddle in double kayaks, 30 meter swim, 4km bike ride, 1800m run and then to top it all off a crazy eating, drinking, balloon poppin final leg………?? NOT a triathlon…….I’m talking about the 10^th Annual Rosco’s Milford Kayaks Crazy Quintupathon yes 5 events with 5/6 people in each team. The event took place in Milford Sound on Tuesday, 16^th November 2010.

This year saw the addition of a swim leg (an extremely wet spell prior to race start) which resulted in just 4 brave teams entering the race.  Nevertheless event organisers,supporters and spectators more than made up for lower team turn-outs with enthusiasm and noise.  Thanks guys, you rock!

The first leg a 1km paddle was made that bit tougher with a strong side current flowing into deep water basin from the Cleddau River, this did not deter the “Old Farts” – a team comprised of Rosco’s guides from previous seasons. Old farts paddlers Olli and Eve put the hammer down to reach the the boat ramp 12 seconds in front of the “Young Punks” -a team made up of Rosco’s 1^st season guides.  These 2 teams would battle it out to the line! A special mention should go to Dennis and Semisi of the team Road Runners and the teams OB’s who ended not only putting in a brilliant paddle but ended up doing the run leg as well (Semisi in bare feet)!

Back at the head of the field, Horey ( the oldest kayak guide in Milford besides Rosco) was first to dive off the Fishermans Wharf into the icy Deepwater Basin but had time taken out of him by Rosco’s new guide and big wave surfer Burto.  The cycling leg saw race director Rosco lose time to new guide Barry ( another “young punk” team member).  Barry’s hobbies include spinning wool on a spinning wheel ( I kid you not!) and he showed he can spin his legs on a bike by taking out almost a minute on Rosco, with team Road Runner and OBS battling out the spot for third.  The run was dominated by Chris from the young punks although Abi did close the gap to prove that the Old Farts wouldn’t go down without a fight.

The final leg is always a crowd pleaser and this year was no exception.  Whitey had the pressure on him tho keep the Young Punks in front but old farts do linger as Danger aka Dan Adamson (Rosco’s Operations Manager) was about to prove.These two went toe to toe..literally inhaling the two ten day old bananas, skulling a pint of Tui beer,eating the two dry weetbix (they must have been weetbix kids) then going really red faced blowing up the helium grade balloons until they popped in their faces. KABOOOOM! Arrrghhh!

Whitey “popped” 25 seconds infront of Danger with both teams going sub 30mins, the young punks finished 1st with a time of 27.48 minutes and the old farts finished 2nd at 28.13. Team OB’s came 3^rd and Road Runners 4^th. Team OB’s took home the team cup which stayed full with Tui for most of the night, all in all another fabulous event! Well done to all the teams who participated!

Rosco’s Milford Kayaks Crazy Quintupathon is sure to be even bigger and better next year, meanwhile start training for Rosco’s next event the Homer Tunnel Nude Run April 1^st next year.

Thanks for visiting us guys, we’re super impressed by your video skills!

About Bare Kiwi:

Bare Kiwi is a unique visual guide to Aotearoa that has been specifically designed with the modern traveler in mind. Free to download pod-casts ensure you are only ever a click away from the specialist inside knowledge of New Zealand’s hotspots.

We’ve decided we’re not too cool for facebook (no one is.. not even Chuck Norris) so please like us…..

Yeaah we're on facebook!

Rosco’s getting a bit carried away with the summer vibe.  We snapped him sporting his fluro shorts and bright orange crocs at the same time. Sorry mate but somebody needs to call in the fashion police.

Summer fashion Milford Sound style!