Before the race you can barely remember one of their names, and it’s only been the second or third time this year you’ve seen the others. However, only a couple hours into an expedition and they have become your lifeline, akin to family. Expedition racing is an experience in suffering, creating necessary co-dependent bonds between you and your teammates to reach your end goal. In this suffering life becomes very simple. Your only cares regard water, food, how fast you are getting to your destination and most important your teammates.

Travel to Tasmania was smooth except Jack was missing a bag of gear (lost by the airline). At least we were not flying over the next few days, as our airline (Qantas) grounded their fleet in a labour dispute - apparently a team missed the entire race because of this.