Here we go again it was race 2 for me and race 4 for my team mate but we had learnt a lot from our previous race and done a lot of training to improve our strength and endurance in those areas we found we were weak in.
This time around though we had dragged two more teams along with us one of which had never done an adventure race before but were well and truly hyped up on our stories of past glory.
It was also the first trial of Predator Cam ! so named because it looked a lot like the weapon on the shoulder of the Predator in the movie of the same name. In laymans terms Predator Cam is a couple of ContourHD cams in water proof cases mounted on the shoulder strap of our CamelBaks using a little customised mount we have been working on - there were some stability issues that I have a solution to and will publish an article on once completed but the footage is below
Now Selling the ContourHD and 1080p range of cameras
The ContourHD and 1080p have been the most requested line of camera's and accesories to be added to the online store and also my favourite to use when I need real portability without dropping quality so I am pleased to advise that we are now carrying the ContourHD and 1080p as well as accesories from VHOLDR in our online store
For those not already aware of this camera the ContourHD is an all-in-one wearable camcorder that records HD video to a removable microSD memory card, and it also includes Mac/Windows software so you can share your adventures online. Its use couldn’t be simpler—even with a pair of gloves on. Slide the single record switch forward to record and then slide it back to stop. The TRailTM Mount System slides and locks the camera onto a series of mounts so you can wear ContourHD on your goggles, helmet, handlebars, and/or a vehicle. Its wide angle lens, two lasers, and 180° rotating lens are designed to make video easy to capture from inside the action.
ContourHD is the World’s First High Definition Wearable Camcorder and with the introduction of ContourHD1080p, it’s also the first to shoot and share 1080p video. While ContourHD is ideal for the everyday outdoor enthusiast and ContourHD1080p is a professional camera, both models combine amazing video clarity, a wide angle lens (135°), single button simplicity, and a click to share online experience.
Perfected for outdoor use, ContourHD’s all-in-one design means you can record hours of HD video without any tapes, wires, or separate recorders; instead record all of your adventures to a removable microSD memory card (compatible up to 16GB). Its light but armored aluminum body (4 ounces) lets users capture video in any weather conditions. ContourHD’s TRail™ Mounts seamlessly attach the camera to the body, helmet, goggles, and/or a vehicle for hands-free recording.
Jump into the store and Put HD video on your head and share it online in seconds!
ContourHD test on my Mountain Bike
So I finally got to get out on some tracks with the ContourHD mounted on my lid, it took a little while for me to get used to having it up there as unlike when it is mounted to a motor bike helmet that is pretty heavy and the entire weight is distributed over you head a push bike helemt is very lightweight so even the relatively light ContourHD added weight.
After a few minutes i didnt notice it anymore and got down to playing in the dirt, the camera worked well as expected but in the really bumby stuff the picture started to get pretty hard to see which I think is because I have the strap of my helmet relatively loose under my chin.
Next trip I will mount two cams - the contour on my helmet and another cam mounted to the frame of the Specialized and compare the pictures I also want to get some action shots of the suspension in action as well for some edits.
Here is a quick edit of todays ride - nothing spectacular it was just a training ride for an enduro we have coming up so didnt want to break anything a few weeks out from the event.
Project Bikecam entering Starlight Foundation Great Adventure Race
Project Bikecam is currently putting together a team to compete in the Starlight Children's Foundation Great Adventure Challenge a charitable fundraising adventure race.
Each Adventurer Team consists of 8 members, which must include at least one person from the opposite sex and at any one time there will be 4 team members on the course whilst the remaining 4 will act as "support crew".
The event is about working, training and competing together as a team, across a course designed to test and push your limits.
The brief is to Expect the unexpected – as well as physical and mental challenge, the race promises to deliver an event that is fresh, upbeat and above all fun.
On the 30th of May my adventure race virginity was broken ! after months of training and preparation the day had finally arrived and I was about to compete in my first multi discipline race and find out if I really had what it takes.
To put the finishing touches on this momentous occasion the race was being held in Coffs Harbour the town I grew up in for the first time ever - it was meant to be.
For those not aware adventure racing is made up of Run, Paddle, and Mountain Bike legs with some events having a "special" mystery leg thrown in. The teams are not given full details of the event until about 40 minutes before the actual start of the race when maps and checkpoint details are handed out at registration.
