The mountains of the Desert Road were hidden by cloud on the drive up to Taupo on Friday afternoon. The neon sign of the motel was not similarly obscured, as by nightfall, most of us had arrived safely at our destination - complete with spa baths in each unit and proprietary ginger tom looking for a friendly lap.
Heavy overnight rain didn't bode well for the racing ahead…but with start times not until 12 noon, Spa Park was able to dry out and a leisurely morning ensued back at the motel for all those not taking part in a 90km bike ride around the Half-Iron Man course! Go Jo and Jerry.
Good performances in the seniors came from Carl Jackson (6th senior men) and Anna Robertson (9th veteran women). However, the performance of the day belongs to James Pinna's Barmy Army brigade who took the opportunity to run as "Jason Fraser" (James Gammage - Gammo) and "Bevan White" (Stu Halley - Stu) finishing 90th and 91st respectively while their namesakes looked on!
Post racing activities included the usual trips to De Brett's thermal pools and whiling away the small hours in town imbibing and jiving, or continuation of same for the Barmy Army brigade who got in sustained pre-race practise as well.

Boys U12 2km