They took part in the Creek to Creek Laurieton Multisport Challenge, an off-road multisport event in the Laurieton area on Sunday March 31.  It consisted of paddling six kms across the pristine waters of Queens Lake and up Herons Creek, then running 8.2 kms along the tranquil State Forest Roads.

At Jolly Nose XC MTB Park in Queens Lake State Forest, they switched to mountain bikes, and rode the 10 kms cross country (XC) MTB course that begins at Wizard Carpark then weaves through tight Jungle single-track, fire road. 

Then it was running again, to Kendall Reserve at the finish.  There was also a short course, with just the bike leg, the run and then the paddle.

The overall course is generally undulating with a number of gradual climbs and descents which made it enjoyable for all competitors without being over-challenging.

Don McIntosh was doing the mountain bike leg as part of the Coastal Warriors team, sponsored by Coastal Taxation and Accounting.  There are three of them, all local, and Don said he was fit and ready to go.

"It's something different, not the normal triathlon, a bit more adventurous and a different type of event.  They are getting pretty popular, and it's great to see one happening locally.  The Mountain Bike Club are involved as well as State Forestry and it's raising money for the Creek to Creek path," said Don.

The Mountain Bike Club said they were happy to help out.  Competitor Chris Delaney said he had a really good paddle, and enjoyed the run from Herons Creek, as he got on his mountain bike.

"The weather is beautiful, conditions are perfect, and it's a great event," said Chris, who's from Port Macquarie.

Louise Keegan from Forster brought her daughters, Abbie and Maddie along to cheer on husband, Warren, who has taken part in various multisport events.

"It's a beautiful day in a gorgeous place, and we used to live in Port Macquarie, so we love coming back here," she said.