While procrastinating to study for my exams in Oct, I searched up on possible routes to attempt an FKT of some sort, and was surprised to see no one has done/submitted an out and back variation of Kep track. I impromptu made a decision to try it in Nov before it gets any hotter. I quickly asked my friend Larenz who was coming to Perth for a visit whether he could ride a bicycle carrying supplies to support my attempt.
We were both not in great shape since this was a last minute thing, but it was rather chill since this would be the first time someone logged this on FKT so any timing would work. This led us to plan a 3-days attempt with a two night stay at Lake Leschenaultia campsite.
We had multiple miscommunications on where to link up and some sight-seeing opportunities. This led to some detours here and there, and overall additional distance. As best as I could, I always returned to where I stopped before resuming the journey.
Larenz rode on the roads while I followed the Kep track, and we tried to meet where roads and kep track generally met. At times, he came into the track, while other times, I went out to the road. Larenz brought supplies needed on the bike such as water and food, as well as the things to set up our 'base' at Lake Leschenaultia.
Day 1 was running from Northam to the point at Chidlow where I would turn out to get to Lake Leschenaultia. My running vest could carry 2.5L of water so I was quite alright till Bakers Hill at my pace. I had to rush to the toilet as my stomach wasn't doing well, Larenz helped to buy pies at the pie shop which we ate. It was a slow day 1 in general with flies and a really awful stomach situation.
The night was relatively better as I forced myself to get calories in from the instant noodles and spam we bought, and managed to settle my stomach issues. The campsite at Lake Leschenaultia was also amazing with nice showers and a scenic view.
Day 2 was Chidlow to the u-turn point and back again. We stopped to get food at Red Tails Coffee Shack where it was a wonderful respite from the heat and flies. We also stopped at a petrol kiosk at Sawyer Valley to refill water. Realising that there was a good intersection to start the third day, I travelled a little further down and finally stopped the activity.
Night once again was good with nice views and good calories from instant noodles, ready-to-eat pasta, and spam.
Day 3 was from Chidlow to Northam. Afraid to miss the bus, we started earlier. Without stomach issues, I could finally do quite a steady rhythm to Bakers Hill. Bakers Hill to the end point proved to be slower due to various reasons like waiting for Larenz at times because of crazy inclines, or for him to take pics/vids of the scenery that our home country (Singapore) didn't have.
It's a pretty soft FKT, especially since it was supported, but it was nice to enjoy the trip with a good friend and remember the privilege to move and enjoy nature even in the heat of summer, a lot of horse poop and flies.
(I'm not too sure how to see the actual seconds for activities on Garmin, so I gave the maximum seconds possible for the elapsed time)