It's snowing, again, here and we have about six inches of snow in the lane which prevents us from getting out and about. Even if we could I have a nagging sore throat and a blocked nose. OMG (OMG!) this has become one of 'those' blogs....! Eek.
So, 'News:'
The van sold really quickly, once I had mastered uploading to Autotrader and ironically to an old friend who I hadn't seen for some while, but who lives just five miles away. Many thanks to all those who expressed an interest, good to talk to all the VW and Kombi people, and to Pete for buying it without any hazzle. I think he's got a bargain and know it will be put to good use by his family clan. However, it does mean I have to think about getting something else now.....
I was thinking of going green and biking everywhere in a lifestyle change, but I came off the bike on the ice last Friday and just don't think it is do-able every day. Perhaps, I need someone like Simon Gershon to tell me otherwise. But, I am looking forward to not driving all over the country with a van load of 'toys' and then faffing about with them for ages in the general name of 'adventure'.
Seasonal Cheer. :(
I'm not a huge fan of this time of year; it always seems to be one of frustration and impending tedium. The weather doesn't help, with very unpredictable conditions for any sport. 'No such thing as bad weather ....just inappropriate clothing' and in extreme cases, 'poor choice of activity'. Therefore, I'm confined the house, due to ill health, hence this blog posting. I'd be less grumpy if I hadn't been making an effort to get out runing recently; I even did hill reps last night, and haven't had a proper drink for nine days. Five more to go.
No doubt the snow will go at some point, and the media will find something else to report on. This has made me laugh - BBC local news has just report on 'Some People Ignoring Road Closures' by interviewing two, obviously, very experienced well equipped and determined C2C cyclists attempting Hartside, in order to get to their B&B in Alston. Yay, see the bigger picture; they are doing nothing wrong, unlike the hoardes turning up at St.Pancreas expecting to Eurostar-it to Paris. Attempting was the key word there, the male cyclist actually said they'd give it a go and may turn back and 'stay in that pub over there' Dear BBC, Cumbria is open for business .... would you prefer a family in a 4x4, whinging about things being a little disrupted? And then getting stuck with no food and drink and only a playstation to eat? A bike is a lot less dangerous, and less of a liability, than a vehicle.
Oh no, now it's turning into one of those 'other' blogs!
NAV4 Social Gathering
Coming up, on 2nd/3rd January, we have the now traditional NAV4 Old Crown Round/ Hudscales Camping Barn weekend. This comprises of a fell 'run' around the OCR on Saturday, followed by a meal and OCR beers in The Old Crown and a cosy night in the camping barn. And then MTB/run options for Sunday. There is about 12-15 people potentially in the mix and if you've missed out on your invite please speak up!
I wonder what the weather will do....
So, let's be positive - 'tis the season of good cheer, and I've several days of biking and snow shuffling, and good eating to do first.
Finally, looking way ahead, I've booked to do a charity bike ride from London to Paris next July. It's a two person relay in just 24 hours! Check out www.london2paris24.com and www.virginmoneygiving.com/kathandjoe for more info. Any sponsorship or support of any kind will be greatly appreciated. Many of you will know I'm not a big fan of such 'charity' things, but this one just had to be done! Ideally, I'd like to go huge with it and make more money for Shelterbox, in addition to what we need for Scope. The ride is very interesting as an endurance challenge and will be a great post- Hebridean Challenge wind down. All my Christmas budget will be donated to this charity so don't expect a Christmas card!
Many thanks... see you on the other side.
Grumpster x
It's Christmas (or is it?)
Don't send chocolate - donate at www.virginmoneygiving.com/kathandjoe
This blog posting was sponsored by Boredom.
No 'Nightnurse' or other drugs where involved. Honest.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
VW Kombi T5 LWB 174 Van for Sale
I'm selling my van, which has been much admired by fell running and adventure racing folk. Perhaps I'll try to add a photo or two (it's about time I customised this blog!) but in the meantime the boring techno-spec if as follows;
VW Transporter T5 Kombi LWB, T32.
2007 57 reg 2.5 litre engine, 174ps, 6 speed, 33,000 miles, full service history, tax, rare LWB Kombi model. Off Road Grey metallic. Up to six seats in total; Drivers Comfort seat and fold flat dual passenger seat, with folding/tipping/removable split triple rear seats (2+1). Privacy glass on rear windows, towbar that has never been used, tailgate rear, abs, airbags, electric windows, electric mirrors and cruise control, radio/CD and dealer fitted iPod connection, central locking. One owner from new, excellent condition inside and out huge load area takes bikes full length without needing to collapse/remove the rear seat.
Currently fitted with neat and simple conversion housing twin birth sleeping platform and underneath storage, with ‘brew shelf’ unit opposite, but nothing is fitted or drill to internal structure and it will lift out within seconds. Includes VW high fitting rear bike rack and heavy duty Thule roof bars on factory fitted roof rack system, included at no extra cost. Rack system allows bars to be fitted anywhere along length which can be crucial for boats, bikes boxes, etc.
The van has just been serviced today, (30/11) and has new heavy duty winter tyres on the front. The preformance figures on this are amazing; I'll will cruise at top motorway speeds and overtake stuff anywhere and return 35mph.
£17,000 (no VAT) all inclusive.
This might seem a huge sum of money for a van, but it really is top of the range stuff and vans with half this spec and three times the mileage still go for £10k.
You either want one of these or you don't, and 'it only needs one buyer' said the VW salesman today.
Sadly, I'm selling it as it doesn't get used to it's full potential...and I need a smaller car pending a new job.
VW Transporter T5 Kombi LWB, T32.
2007 57 reg 2.5 litre engine, 174ps, 6 speed, 33,000 miles, full service history, tax, rare LWB Kombi model. Off Road Grey metallic. Up to six seats in total; Drivers Comfort seat and fold flat dual passenger seat, with folding/tipping/removable split triple rear seats (2+1). Privacy glass on rear windows, towbar that has never been used, tailgate rear, abs, airbags, electric windows, electric mirrors and cruise control, radio/CD and dealer fitted iPod connection, central locking. One owner from new, excellent condition inside and out huge load area takes bikes full length without needing to collapse/remove the rear seat.
Currently fitted with neat and simple conversion housing twin birth sleeping platform and underneath storage, with ‘brew shelf’ unit opposite, but nothing is fitted or drill to internal structure and it will lift out within seconds. Includes VW high fitting rear bike rack and heavy duty Thule roof bars on factory fitted roof rack system, included at no extra cost. Rack system allows bars to be fitted anywhere along length which can be crucial for boats, bikes boxes, etc.
The van has just been serviced today, (30/11) and has new heavy duty winter tyres on the front. The preformance figures on this are amazing; I'll will cruise at top motorway speeds and overtake stuff anywhere and return 35mph.
£17,000 (no VAT) all inclusive.
This might seem a huge sum of money for a van, but it really is top of the range stuff and vans with half this spec and three times the mileage still go for £10k.
You either want one of these or you don't, and 'it only needs one buyer' said the VW salesman today.
Sadly, I'm selling it as it doesn't get used to it's full potential...and I need a smaller car pending a new job.
What? No GL3Day 2010
It's true! GL3Day will take a break in 2010 primarily for two reasons;
a) After the huge success of 2009 we need a rest and what better year to do it other than the thirteenth year, but more importantly b) We are going to be very busy preparing for The Hebridean Challenge, instead.
Many thanks for all the offers of help to plan GL3D, but it takes a little bit more than just a couple of days planning and recce-ing of routes and control sites. Linz and I reckon on two full days over the Christmas period to identify start/finish and overnight locations, with another three days of route recce-ing, followed by six days devoted to the actual event. Hence we just can't afford the time in 2010.
But don't worry - GL3Day will be back in 2011.
So, enjoy a year off and do something else... if you do nothing else just earning family brownie points for a 'pass out' for future fun.
Joe
a) After the huge success of 2009 we need a rest and what better year to do it other than the thirteenth year, but more importantly b) We are going to be very busy preparing for The Hebridean Challenge, instead.
Many thanks for all the offers of help to plan GL3D, but it takes a little bit more than just a couple of days planning and recce-ing of routes and control sites. Linz and I reckon on two full days over the Christmas period to identify start/finish and overnight locations, with another three days of route recce-ing, followed by six days devoted to the actual event. Hence we just can't afford the time in 2010.
But don't worry - GL3Day will be back in 2011.
So, enjoy a year off and do something else... if you do nothing else just earning family brownie points for a 'pass out' for future fun.
Joe
Monday, 23 November 2009
Much Ado about Nothing ...
Another month goes by, seemingly with much ado about nothing?
It’s the time of year when it’s wet and windy outside and not a lot has been going on. It seems a long while since the OMM and with only the excitement on the sleepmonsters front (after much initial frustration) was following the Portugal XPD World Championship race.
A Massive 'Well Done' to Tom Gibbs and Team, excellently back up by James and Nicola. An equally massive 'Well Done' is due to Team Cruachan who, along with the two other British teams all finished the race. That’s an impressive performance for British Adventure Racing. Take a look at www.teamcruachan.blogspot.com for Pyro's excellent reporting.
New for NAV4 this month is confirmation of our Spring NAV4 course on 12-14th March. This is, once again at our regular Borrowdale YHA venue, where the 2008 OMM maps come into play. Full details of the course are now on the website, and as places are limited they will book up quickly.
Also new for 2010 are two special One Day 'Open5' AR Navigation Workshops, on each of the Saturday’s before the Sunday Open5 Events at Howarth and Sedbergh. The unique thing about these is that you can book onto one of these individually and join up with like minded people for great value tution and an insight in to the mysteries of AR nav specific to Open5 strategy. Personally, I will be staying at Howarth YHA prior to that event (Friday and Saturday nights prior to the event on Sunday 7th February) which is a great venue for a bike/run event. Let's make a weekend of it...as James says.
NAV4 'Masterclasses' which are specifically arranged on a date to meet you own race/team agenda continue to be popular although the hardest part is often just getting a date sorted with your mates!!!!
'The Heb' is also taking up some ‘office time’. The Entry form is now being finalized and on the website and entries being accepted. 2010 FAQ's have been there a while and there is a great buzz of anticipation for next year's event. If you've been inpsired by Portugal XPD The Heb is an excellent way in to multi-day racing, and the terrain, atmosphere and scenery is the best in the UK. Get your teams sorted now...and start building for The Heb 2010
Joe
It’s the time of year when it’s wet and windy outside and not a lot has been going on. It seems a long while since the OMM and with only the excitement on the sleepmonsters front (after much initial frustration) was following the Portugal XPD World Championship race.
A Massive 'Well Done' to Tom Gibbs and Team, excellently back up by James and Nicola. An equally massive 'Well Done' is due to Team Cruachan who, along with the two other British teams all finished the race. That’s an impressive performance for British Adventure Racing. Take a look at www.teamcruachan.blogspot.com for Pyro's excellent reporting.
New for NAV4 this month is confirmation of our Spring NAV4 course on 12-14th March. This is, once again at our regular Borrowdale YHA venue, where the 2008 OMM maps come into play. Full details of the course are now on the website, and as places are limited they will book up quickly.
Also new for 2010 are two special One Day 'Open5' AR Navigation Workshops, on each of the Saturday’s before the Sunday Open5 Events at Howarth and Sedbergh. The unique thing about these is that you can book onto one of these individually and join up with like minded people for great value tution and an insight in to the mysteries of AR nav specific to Open5 strategy. Personally, I will be staying at Howarth YHA prior to that event (Friday and Saturday nights prior to the event on Sunday 7th February) which is a great venue for a bike/run event. Let's make a weekend of it...as James says.
NAV4 'Masterclasses' which are specifically arranged on a date to meet you own race/team agenda continue to be popular although the hardest part is often just getting a date sorted with your mates!!!!
'The Heb' is also taking up some ‘office time’. The Entry form is now being finalized and on the website and entries being accepted. 2010 FAQ's have been there a while and there is a great buzz of anticipation for next year's event. If you've been inpsired by Portugal XPD The Heb is an excellent way in to multi-day racing, and the terrain, atmosphere and scenery is the best in the UK. Get your teams sorted now...and start building for The Heb 2010
Joe
Saturday, 24 October 2009
OMM - Better than ebay!
Just spent a very frustrating two hours wrestling with ebay/paypal trying to pay fees and claim the money I've made from selling a few items. I know I'm not an IT whiz but ....'Pants'... just absolute pants!
In contrast I've just booked 'Hudscales' for our, now traditional, 'NAV4' Old Crown Round jaunt as a means of calming myself down. This top secret mission is on Saturday 2nd January and if you feel you've missed out on an invite then you probably have! I'm being deliberately evasive because Hudscales is a pretty unique place and OCR not to be over done, although to be serious for a moment it is open to all friends and race mates who want to come along (and know what I'm rambling on about!)
Switching to the OMM via Rob Howard's excellent SM reports, I read with interest that,'if you can't navigate by contours you won't get far' to quote the planner. Brilliant; that's how it should be and is the key to all mountain navigation. Also interested to read about the 'bus pick-up points' for those deciding to 'DNF'? Whilst the logical is understandably I find this an interesting development and ponder if next year will be different again?
I'm happy to have a year off from the OMM; there is so much else to do and Portugal XPD was to be my focus. Looking forward to biking in Swaledale next weekend and watching, reading and hearing more about the OMM. Hopefully all race mates have 'Started Slowly, go Steadily in the right direction and finish Strong.'
Joe
In contrast I've just booked 'Hudscales' for our, now traditional, 'NAV4' Old Crown Round jaunt as a means of calming myself down. This top secret mission is on Saturday 2nd January and if you feel you've missed out on an invite then you probably have! I'm being deliberately evasive because Hudscales is a pretty unique place and OCR not to be over done, although to be serious for a moment it is open to all friends and race mates who want to come along (and know what I'm rambling on about!)
Switching to the OMM via Rob Howard's excellent SM reports, I read with interest that,'if you can't navigate by contours you won't get far' to quote the planner. Brilliant; that's how it should be and is the key to all mountain navigation. Also interested to read about the 'bus pick-up points' for those deciding to 'DNF'? Whilst the logical is understandably I find this an interesting development and ponder if next year will be different again?
I'm happy to have a year off from the OMM; there is so much else to do and Portugal XPD was to be my focus. Looking forward to biking in Swaledale next weekend and watching, reading and hearing more about the OMM. Hopefully all race mates have 'Started Slowly, go Steadily in the right direction and finish Strong.'
Joe
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
The Heb 2010 FAQ’s
These are the latest Heb FAQ's. They will be on the website asap.
1) What is the race format – Expedition or Stage Race?
The Heb is a relay so not all competitors have to do each stage/discipline. When I use the term ‘relay’ I don’t mean just one of you is active whilst up to four others are waiting around. Teams and HTC-Trios will find that long mountain running stages will be in pairs, whilst others take over for MTB or road cycling etc. As a rule of thumb, most team individuals find they are ‘race-active’ for 60% of the racing day, then there is driving, stage prep and recovery to be done, etc, etc. Time flies by it’s a hectic week, but is a ‘stage race’ with a fixed overnight camp each night.
NB – When I use the term 'teams' this generally applies to Trios and Pairs as well with appropriate amendments.
2) Is The Heb just for Elite athletes – what standard do we need to be?
The Heb is certainly not solely for ‘Expert or Elite’ athletes in terms of speed, but we do require some degree of experience and endurance fitness in order to enjoy and complete the task safely. Naturally, your Sea Kayaking team member needs to be experienced and qualified although I have known people train up for this over the course of one winter season. Some mountain running sections will be amongst the roughest terrain in the UK, and will require very good navigation and fitness. Consequently, The Heb is not suitable for complete novice teams, and some degree of Mountain Marathon, fell running or Adventure Racing experience is normal. However, the Heb is ‘do-able’ by a mixed skill/ability team – in fact is can be an asset.
3) Do we need a support driver?
No – an additional driver or support team is not allowed, nor necessary. All classes are 'self-supporting', ie one of your team will act as driver during each stage. Every team member races each day.
4) What and Where is The Prologue?
The Prologue will be on the Island of Barra during the late morning-afternoon of Sunday 4th of July. Barra is a magical island just a short ferry ride from Race Base, and that’s one reason we go there. The Prologue is a chance for all Teams/HTC-Trios/ Pairs to get ‘up to speed’ and sorted for the race proper which runs from Monday to Friday. The Prologue is ‘competitive’ and does count to your overall race time. Barra is a short ferry ride for foot passengers with or without bikes, and should be racing with about 3-4 hours all four* team members runnning/cycling on Barra. Your Sea Kayaker will paddle across from Race Base as their first group paddle; again this is so that they get to know each other and the Sea Safety Officer who will suss the strong from the not so strong. *Pairs and HTC - Trios will also take part, of course, but there will be one or three of you respectively.
5) So where are we based and how do we get to Barra?
The race all starts with registration, camping, kit checks and Sea Kayak skills testing taking place from Race HQ which will be on Eriskay, at the southern most tip of South Uist for Saturday and Sunday nights. We aim to offer camping space adjacent to each days’ finish although some teams do choose to resource B+B.
6) Where are the overnight locations?
The actual race route is not finalised yet and does depend on confirmation of our overnight locations. More details of these will be announced as soon as we can, but expect Monday night to be on Benbecula, and Tuesday to be on ‘Berneray’, on the northern most tip of North Uist joined by a causeway. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights will be on Harris and Lewis.
7) How long are the stage distances?
Again, it is difficult to say at this point. Stage ‘distances’ could range from just 20mins to 3hours or more for the big mountain runs or MTB legs; it is easier to talk in time rather than distance as distance can be very meaningless on such rough terrain. However, road cycling is a real blast as the surfaces tend to be very good and the gradients ‘entertaining’ to say the least!
8) What skill level and mix do we need to have in our team?
The relay format does allow for ‘mixed ability/skilled’ teams and so having some lesser experienced, (but competent!) teams members is quite normal and is what makes The Heb such an Adventure for you and your friends. You will also need to note that in order to qualify for the top Team trophy, then your Team of Five needs to be of mixed gender. Sea Kayakers need to be qualified (or have exceptional sea kayaking experience and ‘passed out by The Sea Safety Officer)
Teams of Five will usually have one specialist sea kayaker, and one specialist open water swimmer, with the three remaining team members being bike/run specialists. However all five team members may decide to run, MTB or cycle when necessary.
HTC-Trios will probably have one swimmer and all three members running, MTB and cycling.
Pairs will probably have just one specialist sea kayaker, with the other team member swimming and both team members running, MTB, cycling.
9) Are there different categories for different sex of teams? And what are the prizes?
Only Five Person Teams need to be mixed sex – Pairs and Trios can be of any mix. It’s ‘the taking part rather than the winning’ which is important at the Heb and although The title of Heb Champions is much sought of we don’t offer prizes for mixed pairs, vet, etc. This is because everyone is a winner out here and we are not elitist. We will award discretionary prizes for outstanding performance in the general categories, depending upon entries.
11) The new HTC–Trios looks great, I can see why you’ve dropped the Land Based Fours, but can you tell us more about it?
‘Three mates in a Car’ sums it up. I am very keen to make The Heb more accessible and cheaper to more people. To be blunt we need more entrants if we are to sustain this great event. Four people teams invariably needed a hired vehicle, hence more expense and fuel consumption. The HTC-Trios is achievable in the typical hatch back car, with just two bikes on the roof. The three of you will run, MTB, cycle and swim amongst you, with one of you stepping down to drive on each stage. It’s no ‘soft-option’ just easier to get a team together. The format has been proven by a number of Adventure Races, not least Open Adventure’s C2C race last August.
12) So, ferry prices aren’t included in the race fee - What happens about booking ferries?
No ferry costs and bookings aren’t included – you need to take responsibility for your own vehicle booking; there is just no way we can be involved in this for a variety of reasons. Ferry prices have dropped dramatically in the last year. The 5metre vehicle rule is still strongly advised as a guideline, especially for pairs and trios, but we understand that some teams just can not get a vehicle with seats for five people that is less than 5metres. Most cars are around 4.5-5metres in length and CalMac ferries use this as a pricing point before increasing their ferry charges; hence why we have introduced the HTC-Trios. If you choose to use a vehicle of more than 5metres you will have to pay the correct rate when you book. You will have to pay extra for this .. it's your call!
Go for it - it's a brilliant week.
Joe
1) What is the race format – Expedition or Stage Race?
The Heb is a relay so not all competitors have to do each stage/discipline. When I use the term ‘relay’ I don’t mean just one of you is active whilst up to four others are waiting around. Teams and HTC-Trios will find that long mountain running stages will be in pairs, whilst others take over for MTB or road cycling etc. As a rule of thumb, most team individuals find they are ‘race-active’ for 60% of the racing day, then there is driving, stage prep and recovery to be done, etc, etc. Time flies by it’s a hectic week, but is a ‘stage race’ with a fixed overnight camp each night.
NB – When I use the term 'teams' this generally applies to Trios and Pairs as well with appropriate amendments.
2) Is The Heb just for Elite athletes – what standard do we need to be?
The Heb is certainly not solely for ‘Expert or Elite’ athletes in terms of speed, but we do require some degree of experience and endurance fitness in order to enjoy and complete the task safely. Naturally, your Sea Kayaking team member needs to be experienced and qualified although I have known people train up for this over the course of one winter season. Some mountain running sections will be amongst the roughest terrain in the UK, and will require very good navigation and fitness. Consequently, The Heb is not suitable for complete novice teams, and some degree of Mountain Marathon, fell running or Adventure Racing experience is normal. However, the Heb is ‘do-able’ by a mixed skill/ability team – in fact is can be an asset.
3) Do we need a support driver?
No – an additional driver or support team is not allowed, nor necessary. All classes are 'self-supporting', ie one of your team will act as driver during each stage. Every team member races each day.
4) What and Where is The Prologue?
The Prologue will be on the Island of Barra during the late morning-afternoon of Sunday 4th of July. Barra is a magical island just a short ferry ride from Race Base, and that’s one reason we go there. The Prologue is a chance for all Teams/HTC-Trios/ Pairs to get ‘up to speed’ and sorted for the race proper which runs from Monday to Friday. The Prologue is ‘competitive’ and does count to your overall race time. Barra is a short ferry ride for foot passengers with or without bikes, and should be racing with about 3-4 hours all four* team members runnning/cycling on Barra. Your Sea Kayaker will paddle across from Race Base as their first group paddle; again this is so that they get to know each other and the Sea Safety Officer who will suss the strong from the not so strong. *Pairs and HTC - Trios will also take part, of course, but there will be one or three of you respectively.
5) So where are we based and how do we get to Barra?
The race all starts with registration, camping, kit checks and Sea Kayak skills testing taking place from Race HQ which will be on Eriskay, at the southern most tip of South Uist for Saturday and Sunday nights. We aim to offer camping space adjacent to each days’ finish although some teams do choose to resource B+B.
6) Where are the overnight locations?
The actual race route is not finalised yet and does depend on confirmation of our overnight locations. More details of these will be announced as soon as we can, but expect Monday night to be on Benbecula, and Tuesday to be on ‘Berneray’, on the northern most tip of North Uist joined by a causeway. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights will be on Harris and Lewis.
7) How long are the stage distances?
Again, it is difficult to say at this point. Stage ‘distances’ could range from just 20mins to 3hours or more for the big mountain runs or MTB legs; it is easier to talk in time rather than distance as distance can be very meaningless on such rough terrain. However, road cycling is a real blast as the surfaces tend to be very good and the gradients ‘entertaining’ to say the least!
8) What skill level and mix do we need to have in our team?
The relay format does allow for ‘mixed ability/skilled’ teams and so having some lesser experienced, (but competent!) teams members is quite normal and is what makes The Heb such an Adventure for you and your friends. You will also need to note that in order to qualify for the top Team trophy, then your Team of Five needs to be of mixed gender. Sea Kayakers need to be qualified (or have exceptional sea kayaking experience and ‘passed out by The Sea Safety Officer)
Teams of Five will usually have one specialist sea kayaker, and one specialist open water swimmer, with the three remaining team members being bike/run specialists. However all five team members may decide to run, MTB or cycle when necessary.
HTC-Trios will probably have one swimmer and all three members running, MTB and cycling.
Pairs will probably have just one specialist sea kayaker, with the other team member swimming and both team members running, MTB, cycling.
9) Are there different categories for different sex of teams? And what are the prizes?
Only Five Person Teams need to be mixed sex – Pairs and Trios can be of any mix. It’s ‘the taking part rather than the winning’ which is important at the Heb and although The title of Heb Champions is much sought of we don’t offer prizes for mixed pairs, vet, etc. This is because everyone is a winner out here and we are not elitist. We will award discretionary prizes for outstanding performance in the general categories, depending upon entries.
11) The new HTC–Trios looks great, I can see why you’ve dropped the Land Based Fours, but can you tell us more about it?
‘Three mates in a Car’ sums it up. I am very keen to make The Heb more accessible and cheaper to more people. To be blunt we need more entrants if we are to sustain this great event. Four people teams invariably needed a hired vehicle, hence more expense and fuel consumption. The HTC-Trios is achievable in the typical hatch back car, with just two bikes on the roof. The three of you will run, MTB, cycle and swim amongst you, with one of you stepping down to drive on each stage. It’s no ‘soft-option’ just easier to get a team together. The format has been proven by a number of Adventure Races, not least Open Adventure’s C2C race last August.
12) So, ferry prices aren’t included in the race fee - What happens about booking ferries?
No ferry costs and bookings aren’t included – you need to take responsibility for your own vehicle booking; there is just no way we can be involved in this for a variety of reasons. Ferry prices have dropped dramatically in the last year. The 5metre vehicle rule is still strongly advised as a guideline, especially for pairs and trios, but we understand that some teams just can not get a vehicle with seats for five people that is less than 5metres. Most cars are around 4.5-5metres in length and CalMac ferries use this as a pricing point before increasing their ferry charges; hence why we have introduced the HTC-Trios. If you choose to use a vehicle of more than 5metres you will have to pay the correct rate when you book. You will have to pay extra for this .. it's your call!
Go for it - it's a brilliant week.
Joe
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Hebridean Challenge - Update
Hello,
Just a brief update to say things are still very much on track for Heb 2010.
The feedback so far has been brilliant – loads of people fired up for next year’s race and it’s return to the Outer Isles. One point worth re-emphasing is that the race is a relay so not all team members have to do each stage/discipline. And when I use the term ‘relay’ we don’t mean just one of you is active whilst up to four others and waiting around; Teams and Trios, will find that long mountain running stages will be in pairs, whilst two others take over for MTB or road cycling etc. As a rule of thumb, most people find they are ‘race-active’ for 60% of the racing day, then there is driving, stage prep and recovery to be done, etc, etc.
The re-formatted land based category – Hebridean Trio Challenge - ‘HTC’ is causing a great buzz of excitement and expectation. The ‘HTC’ category has been introduced to allow teams of three athletes to participate by using just one average sized car, without going to the extra step of hiring a bigger vehicle, as previously required by the four person based team. ‘HTC’ Trios will do all the disciplines that the Pairs and Teams, but without the sea kayaking stages. It will not be an ‘easy’ option, just slight less daunting in terms of vehicles, logistics, costs etc. Consequently, we will not be re-instating the ‘land based fours’ (yes, the website is out of date) and we simply don’t have enough resources (volunteers!) to co-ordinate more than three distinct categories, and provide efficient and reliable results. This might seem harsh but things need to evolve if the race is to develop … trust me!
Following on from that point, I am keen to recruit a Results/Timekeeper co-ordinator. This will be someone who takes responsibility for the times and results each day, and will be a key role. My intention is to separate this away from the role of planner and race day co-ordinator in order not to over-load any one individual. Hence, whilst the role is crucial it will not be over demanding and just needs someone who is confident with a simple spreadsheet, or even clip board and pen if they choose!
Naturally we will be grateful for any help with any aspect of the race, and now is the time to get involved. Expenses will be paid to volunteers fulfilling key roles. I’d also like to thank Dan Gates for setting up a Heb Facebook page, for us all to share more info, and also wish Dan, Lizzie, Phillip and Elizabeth good luck for Portugal XPD – check out www.teamcruachan.co.uk for more info.
Finally, I’m sorry we are behind with the promised updates on the website, but I'm still trying to finalize a few details prior to the re-vamp, in one hit. However, we are heaps of time ahead of schedule in term of previous years…! Roll on Heb 2010.
Keep the questions coming in – unless they are already answered by the FAQs previously;
A few simple FAQ's and tips to start;
1) Kayakers will need a three/four star 'ticket' as before - tbc.
2) Only the teams need to be mixed sex - pairs and trios can be of any combination of gender. We won't be making a fuss about different pairings but discretionary spot prizes may occur depending upon entries.
3) Ferry prices have dropped dramtically. You still need to book a vehicle ticket, and the ferries did book up fast in the 2009 staycation summer. The 5metre vehicle rule is still strongly advised as a guideline, especially for pairs and trios, but we understand that some teams just can not get a vehicle with seats for five people that is less than 5metres, and we can't really police it. (See Pt.4, below) You will have to pay extra for this .. it's your call.
4) Top Tip - travel light - cut the clutter. Less is More....
5) Bring your mates - have fun - race hard smile lots.
6) All classes are 'self-supporting', ie you don't need a support crew or driver. One of your team will act as driver during each stage. Every team member races each day.
Have fun,
Joe
Just a brief update to say things are still very much on track for Heb 2010.
The feedback so far has been brilliant – loads of people fired up for next year’s race and it’s return to the Outer Isles. One point worth re-emphasing is that the race is a relay so not all team members have to do each stage/discipline. And when I use the term ‘relay’ we don’t mean just one of you is active whilst up to four others and waiting around; Teams and Trios, will find that long mountain running stages will be in pairs, whilst two others take over for MTB or road cycling etc. As a rule of thumb, most people find they are ‘race-active’ for 60% of the racing day, then there is driving, stage prep and recovery to be done, etc, etc.
The re-formatted land based category – Hebridean Trio Challenge - ‘HTC’ is causing a great buzz of excitement and expectation. The ‘HTC’ category has been introduced to allow teams of three athletes to participate by using just one average sized car, without going to the extra step of hiring a bigger vehicle, as previously required by the four person based team. ‘HTC’ Trios will do all the disciplines that the Pairs and Teams, but without the sea kayaking stages. It will not be an ‘easy’ option, just slight less daunting in terms of vehicles, logistics, costs etc. Consequently, we will not be re-instating the ‘land based fours’ (yes, the website is out of date) and we simply don’t have enough resources (volunteers!) to co-ordinate more than three distinct categories, and provide efficient and reliable results. This might seem harsh but things need to evolve if the race is to develop … trust me!
Following on from that point, I am keen to recruit a Results/Timekeeper co-ordinator. This will be someone who takes responsibility for the times and results each day, and will be a key role. My intention is to separate this away from the role of planner and race day co-ordinator in order not to over-load any one individual. Hence, whilst the role is crucial it will not be over demanding and just needs someone who is confident with a simple spreadsheet, or even clip board and pen if they choose!
Naturally we will be grateful for any help with any aspect of the race, and now is the time to get involved. Expenses will be paid to volunteers fulfilling key roles. I’d also like to thank Dan Gates for setting up a Heb Facebook page, for us all to share more info, and also wish Dan, Lizzie, Phillip and Elizabeth good luck for Portugal XPD – check out www.teamcruachan.co.uk for more info.
Finally, I’m sorry we are behind with the promised updates on the website, but I'm still trying to finalize a few details prior to the re-vamp, in one hit. However, we are heaps of time ahead of schedule in term of previous years…! Roll on Heb 2010.
Keep the questions coming in – unless they are already answered by the FAQs previously;
A few simple FAQ's and tips to start;
1) Kayakers will need a three/four star 'ticket' as before - tbc.
2) Only the teams need to be mixed sex - pairs and trios can be of any combination of gender. We won't be making a fuss about different pairings but discretionary spot prizes may occur depending upon entries.
3) Ferry prices have dropped dramtically. You still need to book a vehicle ticket, and the ferries did book up fast in the 2009 staycation summer. The 5metre vehicle rule is still strongly advised as a guideline, especially for pairs and trios, but we understand that some teams just can not get a vehicle with seats for five people that is less than 5metres, and we can't really police it. (See Pt.4, below) You will have to pay extra for this .. it's your call.
4) Top Tip - travel light - cut the clutter. Less is More....
5) Bring your mates - have fun - race hard smile lots.
6) All classes are 'self-supporting', ie you don't need a support crew or driver. One of your team will act as driver during each stage. Every team member races each day.
Have fun,
Joe
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Tour of Wales - Go Team Cruachan!
Just back for a very mellow week in South Shropshire, Mid-Wales and then home via Snowdonia and ultimately two days tough running in our own The Shap Fells.
What struck me is just how peaceful and unspoilt Mid-Wales is. Also, how ‘real’ it all is without an over developed tourist economy. The weekend did start a little competively with The Longmynd Hike, a traditional 50 mile challenge walk that is now part of the Vasque Ultra Trail Running series. Hence, there were some fairly hyped up athletes, who posted scary times as they battle to secure series points and positions.
I didn’t do too badly ‘for an old giffer’.. as one cohort reported, and it is 31 years since my very first LMHike as a sixteen year old. Sunday followed with an easy warm down ride around secret parts of The Mynd following Keith’s back wheel. As a local expert he knows one or two sneaky singletrack loops. A rest day pottering around Bishop’s Castle and Clun, just 20-30 miles from where I was bought up, was fun and wild remote '10 hour sleeps' in the campervan took us to The Elan Valley. What an Oh-so beautiful, especially in such Autumnal colours. It is totally co-incidental that The OMM is taking place there in a couple of weeks and I’m not competing … against popular belief.
Mid-Wales is big and rambling. Nothing extra special there just wild rambling country. Marvellous. We stayed one night at Hafron Hotel, at Devil’s Bridge with an excellent Veggie pasts special dish and a few pints of Old Speckled Hen, one bath a week will suffice. An ascent of Plynlinon followed – wild again (and with many memories of ACE Races, Open 24 and even The Dragons Back way back in '92. Shame I can't remember what I did more recently) Only Cader Idris and The Mawddach Estuary could better it. There is an excellent Sustrans Cycle path from just outside Dolgelleau alongside the estuary to Arthog and over the bridge to Barmouth. It’s nine miles each way, but really smooth and flat being on old railway line. We even sat in the sun outside the excellent Davy Jones’s Locker Café and enjoyed the views of Cader Idris nestling behind the Palm trees.
A plan to have a few beers at The Pen-y-Gyrd was thwarted by all the nearby lay-bys being coned off for re-surfacing, but it did mean that I was ‘beer-free’ for an early morning ‘run’ over Snowdon. Being a Friday, and mid-October, it wasn’t at all busy and the new summit station café is very well designed, and very much in keeping with it’s environment. It also has very green ‘eco’ credentials, so a big improvement all round. How well it will last after a busy summer remains to be seen.
It’s a long time sine I’ve run down the Llanberis tourist path, but chasing the train was entertaining. Last time would have been in the dark as part of The Three Peaks Yacht Race; the view across to a very impressive‘Cloggy’ did warrant a few photographs. Sadly, Pete’s Eats veggie breakfast was not the best it could have been; but perhaps I’m growing old and discerning.
One more task on the Tour of Wales Agenda – to visit Anthony Gormley’s sculptures on the Formby/Southport coast. Unfortunately, a lack of actual preparation meant we didn't really know what we were looking for, in terms of location and increasingly congested Friday afternoon traffic resulted in a ‘DNF’; I have challenged Linz to go via train and foldy bike next time. Formby dunes are impressive.
Back home late on Friday, but straight out onto the High Street fells with the NFR/NAV4 fellrunners over for the Bob Graham Dinner. An ‘interesting’ BG dinner… then an even better run from Wet Sleddale over to Mosedale Cottage Branstree and Tarn Crag, Green Crag. Excellent navigation and route finding by Chief Carbo Daveed The Apprentice.. and even Wilko realized she had been to one spot twice in two days!
Overall and exellent week, and I do feel a little bit back in shape and motivated for greater things… even as an ‘old giffer’.
Reluctantly firing up the laptop to a wall of emails and Farcebook, I learnt amongst much other stuff, that Team Cruchan are well prepared and psyched for Portugal XPD and they have Pryo on board as team reporter. I’m only a little bit envious, but mightily relieved that it is them and not me that is ramping up for an expedition race. I wish them all well and feel doubly relieved that I stepped down from the team. Pyro’s enthusiam for the post race party is applaudable … I just wish I had his Mojo? I wonder if Ruth Johnson still has mine?
Have a good race...have fun...start steady...be smart...and don't miss any cut-offs
All the best, www.teamcruachan.co.uk
Joe
What struck me is just how peaceful and unspoilt Mid-Wales is. Also, how ‘real’ it all is without an over developed tourist economy. The weekend did start a little competively with The Longmynd Hike, a traditional 50 mile challenge walk that is now part of the Vasque Ultra Trail Running series. Hence, there were some fairly hyped up athletes, who posted scary times as they battle to secure series points and positions.
I didn’t do too badly ‘for an old giffer’.. as one cohort reported, and it is 31 years since my very first LMHike as a sixteen year old. Sunday followed with an easy warm down ride around secret parts of The Mynd following Keith’s back wheel. As a local expert he knows one or two sneaky singletrack loops. A rest day pottering around Bishop’s Castle and Clun, just 20-30 miles from where I was bought up, was fun and wild remote '10 hour sleeps' in the campervan took us to The Elan Valley. What an Oh-so beautiful, especially in such Autumnal colours. It is totally co-incidental that The OMM is taking place there in a couple of weeks and I’m not competing … against popular belief.
Mid-Wales is big and rambling. Nothing extra special there just wild rambling country. Marvellous. We stayed one night at Hafron Hotel, at Devil’s Bridge with an excellent Veggie pasts special dish and a few pints of Old Speckled Hen, one bath a week will suffice. An ascent of Plynlinon followed – wild again (and with many memories of ACE Races, Open 24 and even The Dragons Back way back in '92. Shame I can't remember what I did more recently) Only Cader Idris and The Mawddach Estuary could better it. There is an excellent Sustrans Cycle path from just outside Dolgelleau alongside the estuary to Arthog and over the bridge to Barmouth. It’s nine miles each way, but really smooth and flat being on old railway line. We even sat in the sun outside the excellent Davy Jones’s Locker Café and enjoyed the views of Cader Idris nestling behind the Palm trees.
A plan to have a few beers at The Pen-y-Gyrd was thwarted by all the nearby lay-bys being coned off for re-surfacing, but it did mean that I was ‘beer-free’ for an early morning ‘run’ over Snowdon. Being a Friday, and mid-October, it wasn’t at all busy and the new summit station café is very well designed, and very much in keeping with it’s environment. It also has very green ‘eco’ credentials, so a big improvement all round. How well it will last after a busy summer remains to be seen.
It’s a long time sine I’ve run down the Llanberis tourist path, but chasing the train was entertaining. Last time would have been in the dark as part of The Three Peaks Yacht Race; the view across to a very impressive‘Cloggy’ did warrant a few photographs. Sadly, Pete’s Eats veggie breakfast was not the best it could have been; but perhaps I’m growing old and discerning.
One more task on the Tour of Wales Agenda – to visit Anthony Gormley’s sculptures on the Formby/Southport coast. Unfortunately, a lack of actual preparation meant we didn't really know what we were looking for, in terms of location and increasingly congested Friday afternoon traffic resulted in a ‘DNF’; I have challenged Linz to go via train and foldy bike next time. Formby dunes are impressive.
Back home late on Friday, but straight out onto the High Street fells with the NFR/NAV4 fellrunners over for the Bob Graham Dinner. An ‘interesting’ BG dinner… then an even better run from Wet Sleddale over to Mosedale Cottage Branstree and Tarn Crag, Green Crag. Excellent navigation and route finding by Chief Carbo Daveed The Apprentice.. and even Wilko realized she had been to one spot twice in two days!
Overall and exellent week, and I do feel a little bit back in shape and motivated for greater things… even as an ‘old giffer’.
Reluctantly firing up the laptop to a wall of emails and Farcebook, I learnt amongst much other stuff, that Team Cruchan are well prepared and psyched for Portugal XPD and they have Pryo on board as team reporter. I’m only a little bit envious, but mightily relieved that it is them and not me that is ramping up for an expedition race. I wish them all well and feel doubly relieved that I stepped down from the team. Pyro’s enthusiam for the post race party is applaudable … I just wish I had his Mojo? I wonder if Ruth Johnson still has mine?
Have a good race...have fun...start steady...be smart...and don't miss any cut-offs
All the best, www.teamcruachan.co.uk
Joe
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
OMM Mountain Marathon Maps For Sale
Following on from the 2008 MM in Borrowdale, I have dozens of OMM maps For Sale. These are original event maps over printed with the various courses, eg Elite, A-Class, B-Class, C, Long Score, Medium Score, etc. There are actually fifteen different maps and you can buy a bargain bundle of five assorted maps for just £12 including P+P. I've also got some from the last 2005 'KIMM' from Pooley Bridge and some of Galloway in 2006, as planned by our buddy Marcus Scotney.
I have been selling these on ebay, but being the techno-numpty that I am it is driving me made! If you want some, just send me an email, pay by cheque or Bank transfer, or even cash, and I will post them out pronto. Five maps fit neatly folded into an A4 envelope that will coming winging it's way through you letter box by First Class post
Anyone who navigates and uses the high Central Lakeland Fells will value this really useful map. Get them quick.. too good to recycle.
I have been selling these on ebay, but being the techno-numpty that I am it is driving me made! If you want some, just send me an email, pay by cheque or Bank transfer, or even cash, and I will post them out pronto. Five maps fit neatly folded into an A4 envelope that will coming winging it's way through you letter box by First Class post
Anyone who navigates and uses the high Central Lakeland Fells will value this really useful map. Get them quick.. too good to recycle.
Whinlatter MTB Duathlon
A new event looming on the horizon is the Whinlatter MTB Duathlon on 15th November.
Staged by Ian Mulvey inconjunction with the Cyclewise Team, it promises to be a great event. See here www.whinlatterduathlon.co.uk for more info. The route is great - excellent riding on the Northern Red Loop and the run route sounds intriging too.
Staged by Ian Mulvey inconjunction with the Cyclewise Team, it promises to be a great event. See here www.whinlatterduathlon.co.uk for more info. The route is great - excellent riding on the Northern Red Loop and the run route sounds intriging too.
Rab Mountain Marathon
A great weekend all round and a really good laugh on Saturday night at the Rab overnight campsite. Why our part of the campsite resembled a bomb site can only be blamed on the dry sunny weather, hence stuff strewn everywhere! If it had been raining I'd have been a lot tidier and more organised.
Great to see so many people; Sarah, Angela, all the way up from Plymouth and a few Northern Mountain Monkeys. Big congratulations to Ant. Emmett and Helen Jackson for a storming run to place very highly in the Elite, and also to Dave and Jerry who struggled through against all odds with bad guts.
The Howgills always make for hard Mountain Marathon courses and are confusing even in good weather. Some really steep slopes, both up and down, and the inevitable contouring conspire to make some pretty sore feet ... even caught Wilko griping a bit! I wonder what it would have been like in the mist.
Well Done to the Rab Team - nice to do a MM in a manageable size. Great effort.
Great to see so many people; Sarah, Angela, all the way up from Plymouth and a few Northern Mountain Monkeys. Big congratulations to Ant. Emmett and Helen Jackson for a storming run to place very highly in the Elite, and also to Dave and Jerry who struggled through against all odds with bad guts.
The Howgills always make for hard Mountain Marathon courses and are confusing even in good weather. Some really steep slopes, both up and down, and the inevitable contouring conspire to make some pretty sore feet ... even caught Wilko griping a bit! I wonder what it would have been like in the mist.
Well Done to the Rab Team - nice to do a MM in a manageable size. Great effort.
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Awesome!!!
Perhaps I've been around too many Aussies this weekend whilst watching the 24hour Race and the 100km Race at Keswick Ultra and Mountain Running Festival.
We caught up with the 24hr on Thursday evening, after they had been running for 7-8 hours, then I got up early on Friday to witness the same runners still circling the 1km loop in Fitz Park as dawn broke. All shapes and sizes, with the majority looking just as they did at 19 hours as they had at 8 hours. Sadly, I had to go to work rather than stay and see the finish, but I felt priveliged to be there, in spirit at least.
Many of those 24hr athletes were in Thirlmere today supporting their 100km team mates; some very conspicious by their stiffness, hobble or limp. Others looked fresh, especially one of the Scottish team out walking her dogs; Pauline, I think is her name. I heard another one say, 'I'm not fast enough to race 100km' so that is why he runs for 24hours instead! Some every impressive performances were to be seen, and anyone setting off on either jaunt is braver then most.
It was brilliant to see Jez Bragg striding down the somewhat surreal coned off lane of the A66 to win the Gold medal. Jez only took the lead at 95k - controlled and disciplined running having ridden a bad patch, mid race, no doubt. Sadly, one or two others had a less good day, and our good friend Marcus did not finish in the way he wished for but will be back stronger in his next race.
Athletes - one and all.
We caught up with the 24hr on Thursday evening, after they had been running for 7-8 hours, then I got up early on Friday to witness the same runners still circling the 1km loop in Fitz Park as dawn broke. All shapes and sizes, with the majority looking just as they did at 19 hours as they had at 8 hours. Sadly, I had to go to work rather than stay and see the finish, but I felt priveliged to be there, in spirit at least.
Many of those 24hr athletes were in Thirlmere today supporting their 100km team mates; some very conspicious by their stiffness, hobble or limp. Others looked fresh, especially one of the Scottish team out walking her dogs; Pauline, I think is her name. I heard another one say, 'I'm not fast enough to race 100km' so that is why he runs for 24hours instead! Some every impressive performances were to be seen, and anyone setting off on either jaunt is braver then most.
It was brilliant to see Jez Bragg striding down the somewhat surreal coned off lane of the A66 to win the Gold medal. Jez only took the lead at 95k - controlled and disciplined running having ridden a bad patch, mid race, no doubt. Sadly, one or two others had a less good day, and our good friend Marcus did not finish in the way he wished for but will be back stronger in his next race.
Athletes - one and all.
Monday, 14 September 2009
Lake District Mountain Trial
Yesterday, I went to Eskdale to ride MTB and watch the LDMTA finish. I was too late to enter or catch the start, but Eskdale is an amazing place and so different to the Eastern Lakes where I live.
I was mightily impressed by those I saw finishing The Trial. Although not a big event, it is steeped in a (50+ Year) history and those who compete are 'real' mountain runners. The course maps were displayed at the finish, and routes required to execute the most efficient racing lines need excellent navigation skills and the real ability to travel fast and fleetingly over rough Lakeland mountain terrain.
I was very impressed and a little bit embrassed that I can no longer do such stuff... post race blues, and I wasn't evene racing! However, Eskdale is a beautiful place far from the maddening crowds of Ambleside or Keswick, and I always drive away promising to spend more time there.
Well Done All you Mountain Runners.
I was mightily impressed by those I saw finishing The Trial. Although not a big event, it is steeped in a (50+ Year) history and those who compete are 'real' mountain runners. The course maps were displayed at the finish, and routes required to execute the most efficient racing lines need excellent navigation skills and the real ability to travel fast and fleetingly over rough Lakeland mountain terrain.
I was very impressed and a little bit embrassed that I can no longer do such stuff... post race blues, and I wasn't evene racing! However, Eskdale is a beautiful place far from the maddening crowds of Ambleside or Keswick, and I always drive away promising to spend more time there.
Well Done All you Mountain Runners.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Hebridean Challenge 2010
Here it is, the advanced info for Heb 2010, hot of the press following much consultation and debate. This is it; the website will be update asap.
Hebridean Challenge 2010 - News Update
The route will remain as the classic week long Multi-sport stage race, journeying along the length of the Outer Hebrides from the Island of Barra to the Butt of Lewis. Just look at it on a road atlas – it’s simply awesome and a lot longer and wilder than many realize. The 2010 Race will be from Sunday 4th July to Friday 9th July, starting with a half day Prologue on Barra, and then racing from Eriskay to Lewis, Monday to Friday.
There will be three distinct categories – Teams, Pairs and Trios – this latter category being a new development for 2010.
Hebridean Challenge – ‘Team of Five’ – This is the original Heb Challenge format and the UK’s toughest Mountain Multi-sport Adventure Race. A relay format with the mixed sex team covering all disciplines; running, MTB, cycling, swim, kayak. Not all team members need to do every discipline/stage.
Hebridean Challenge – ‘Pairs’ - Team of Two – covering all disciplines, (as above) in a self supporting relay. One of the pair needs to be sea kayak specialist, and ideally the other a swimmer; both will need to run, cycle, MTB … it’s a busy race experience.
Hebridean Trio Challenge ‘HTC’ – The new Non-Kayaking class, but with swimming stage(s). This new class has the strap-line of ‘three mates in a car’ and is the simplest and cheapest way to access The Heb, as it can be done using the average sized car with just two bikes. The logistics and slightly easier route choices and ‘accessibility’ is designed for Heb newcomers and those wanting a relatively easy/stress free adventure. It will also be an excellent way to ‘suss’ The Heb for future years.
Are you up to The Heb Challenge? – UK racers are often bemoaning the lack of good UK races; well this is the mother of all UK Mountain-Multisport events. It’s not easy … and you won’t get served it to you on a plate, but it’s the original and best. Put it firmly on your agenda now.
Unfortunately the cost of staging such a race is never cheap and the race entry has had to rise in recent years due to some grant funding having expired. Consequently, the race needs to pay for itself, but when you consider the bigger picture, that this is a fabulous week’s adventure, it is worth every penny. The cost will be £350 per person, regardless of whether you are a team, pair or solo.
Start making plans now. There is something for everyone in this mix.
A few simple FAQ's and tips to start;
1) Kayakers will need a three/four star 'ticket' as before
2) Only the teams need to be mixed sex - pairs and trios can be of any combination of gender. We won't be making a fuss about different pairings but discretionary spot prizes may occur depending upon entries.
3) Ferry prices have dropped dramtically. You still need to book a vehicle ticket, and the ferries did book up fast in the 2009 staycation summer. The 5metre vehicle rule is still strongly advised as a guideline, especially for pairs and trios, but we understand that some teams just can not get a vehicle with seats for five people that is less than 5metres, and we can't really police it. (See Pt.4, below) You will have to pay extra for this .. it's your call.
4) Top Tip - travel light - cut the clutter.
5) Bring your mates - have fun - race hard smile lots.
6) All classes are 'self-supporting', ie you don't need a support crew or driver. One of your team will act as driver during each stage.
If you have any questions please fire them to me. I'm trying to get the basics out as early as I can so that you can commit to doing Heb 2010.
The Heb is a 'must do race' - do it in 2010.
More soon.
Joe
Heb 2010 Race Director
Hebridean Challenge 2010 - News Update
The route will remain as the classic week long Multi-sport stage race, journeying along the length of the Outer Hebrides from the Island of Barra to the Butt of Lewis. Just look at it on a road atlas – it’s simply awesome and a lot longer and wilder than many realize. The 2010 Race will be from Sunday 4th July to Friday 9th July, starting with a half day Prologue on Barra, and then racing from Eriskay to Lewis, Monday to Friday.
There will be three distinct categories – Teams, Pairs and Trios – this latter category being a new development for 2010.
Hebridean Challenge – ‘Team of Five’ – This is the original Heb Challenge format and the UK’s toughest Mountain Multi-sport Adventure Race. A relay format with the mixed sex team covering all disciplines; running, MTB, cycling, swim, kayak. Not all team members need to do every discipline/stage.
Hebridean Challenge – ‘Pairs’ - Team of Two – covering all disciplines, (as above) in a self supporting relay. One of the pair needs to be sea kayak specialist, and ideally the other a swimmer; both will need to run, cycle, MTB … it’s a busy race experience.
Hebridean Trio Challenge ‘HTC’ – The new Non-Kayaking class, but with swimming stage(s). This new class has the strap-line of ‘three mates in a car’ and is the simplest and cheapest way to access The Heb, as it can be done using the average sized car with just two bikes. The logistics and slightly easier route choices and ‘accessibility’ is designed for Heb newcomers and those wanting a relatively easy/stress free adventure. It will also be an excellent way to ‘suss’ The Heb for future years.
Are you up to The Heb Challenge? – UK racers are often bemoaning the lack of good UK races; well this is the mother of all UK Mountain-Multisport events. It’s not easy … and you won’t get served it to you on a plate, but it’s the original and best. Put it firmly on your agenda now.
Unfortunately the cost of staging such a race is never cheap and the race entry has had to rise in recent years due to some grant funding having expired. Consequently, the race needs to pay for itself, but when you consider the bigger picture, that this is a fabulous week’s adventure, it is worth every penny. The cost will be £350 per person, regardless of whether you are a team, pair or solo.
Start making plans now. There is something for everyone in this mix.
A few simple FAQ's and tips to start;
1) Kayakers will need a three/four star 'ticket' as before
2) Only the teams need to be mixed sex - pairs and trios can be of any combination of gender. We won't be making a fuss about different pairings but discretionary spot prizes may occur depending upon entries.
3) Ferry prices have dropped dramtically. You still need to book a vehicle ticket, and the ferries did book up fast in the 2009 staycation summer. The 5metre vehicle rule is still strongly advised as a guideline, especially for pairs and trios, but we understand that some teams just can not get a vehicle with seats for five people that is less than 5metres, and we can't really police it. (See Pt.4, below) You will have to pay extra for this .. it's your call.
4) Top Tip - travel light - cut the clutter.
5) Bring your mates - have fun - race hard smile lots.
6) All classes are 'self-supporting', ie you don't need a support crew or driver. One of your team will act as driver during each stage.
If you have any questions please fire them to me. I'm trying to get the basics out as early as I can so that you can commit to doing Heb 2010.
The Heb is a 'must do race' - do it in 2010.
More soon.
Joe
Heb 2010 Race Director
Wow... Busy Summer Sabbatical
I can't believe that it has been so long since I last made a blog posting! Did I lose some?
I guess I've been busy, plus I don't like to post if I haven't got anything worthwhile to say. Since my last post Linz and I enjoyed a particularly thought provoking trip to The Hebrides as part of our Heb social/consultation week, and I've race Open24 with Wilko, plodded around the classic Borrowdale Fell Race, trudling around the Kielder MTB Tri, and just this weekend supported NAV4 in the Open Adventure C2C race. Sadly I decided I just haven't got enough 'AR umph' to race in Portugal so had to pulll out of Team Cruchan, but it feels like the right decision.
That's a round up of summer fun, it even included some training runs and rides! The Dales MTB Centre gets a big thumbs up - great for those tired of Trail Centres and young dudes stood about in baggy shorts. www.dalesmountainbiking.co.uk The Bridge Inn at Grinton does good food and beer.
All good stuff - enjoyable, rewarding, varied and different. The pressing news remains stuff for next years Heb, and so I will post that separately very soon. More topical just now is the Open Adventure C2C where Wilko, Dave and AndyM performed very strongly to finish a creditable third team behind the Big Names of Helly Hansen-Nuun and Accelerate. I wasn't surprised at all .... even though some were. Just proves what quality athletes those three are and hype isn't always neccessary. Hats off to Tom Gibbs who race for two or three days with very bad guts. And to No Frontiers and Calder Valley for jolly good sport.
Big internal debates for me personally about the 'supported' versus 'self-supported' teams but having witnessed both this past weekend I'm convinced that we have teh right mix for the Heb 2010. Details of that follow next.
Joe
I guess I've been busy, plus I don't like to post if I haven't got anything worthwhile to say. Since my last post Linz and I enjoyed a particularly thought provoking trip to The Hebrides as part of our Heb social/consultation week, and I've race Open24 with Wilko, plodded around the classic Borrowdale Fell Race, trudling around the Kielder MTB Tri, and just this weekend supported NAV4 in the Open Adventure C2C race. Sadly I decided I just haven't got enough 'AR umph' to race in Portugal so had to pulll out of Team Cruchan, but it feels like the right decision.
That's a round up of summer fun, it even included some training runs and rides! The Dales MTB Centre gets a big thumbs up - great for those tired of Trail Centres and young dudes stood about in baggy shorts. www.dalesmountainbiking.co.uk The Bridge Inn at Grinton does good food and beer.
All good stuff - enjoyable, rewarding, varied and different. The pressing news remains stuff for next years Heb, and so I will post that separately very soon. More topical just now is the Open Adventure C2C where Wilko, Dave and AndyM performed very strongly to finish a creditable third team behind the Big Names of Helly Hansen-Nuun and Accelerate. I wasn't surprised at all .... even though some were. Just proves what quality athletes those three are and hype isn't always neccessary. Hats off to Tom Gibbs who race for two or three days with very bad guts. And to No Frontiers and Calder Valley for jolly good sport.
Big internal debates for me personally about the 'supported' versus 'self-supported' teams but having witnessed both this past weekend I'm convinced that we have teh right mix for the Heb 2010. Details of that follow next.
Joe
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Friends of The Heb' – Skye Plus Weekend.
Many thanks for all the positive messages and for the interesting comments following the postponement of this year’s Hebridean Challenge. Please see the sleepmonsters.com thread entitled ‘Scottish Races’ if you haven’t done so already, along with my own thoughts further down this page.
The Skye Activity/Social weekend has attracted a fair deal of interest, but the vast majority of responses suggested that people were very happy to simply come along and ‘doing there own thing depending upon the weather’. Additionally, several people have stated that they will be traveling out to The Outer Isles rather than spending time on Skye. I do have some suggestions for routes and activites so if you need inspiration just ask.
Consequently, the Skye weekend will be a very informal affair, and I hope to meet up with people out on Harris/Lewis also. Everyone is invited to come along, whether they were intended to race this year or not. Any number of permutations of activity are possible; road cycling, mtb, running or munro bagging, or even sea kayaking. It has even been suggested that I facilitate a half day Heb Navigation/Tactics session which I’m very happy to do if anyone wants it. We (Lindsey and myself) will be based at the Campsite adjacent to The Sligachan Inn, right in the middle of Skye, from late on Friday 3rd July – Monday 6th July. If are coming please book direct with the campsite on 077864 35294 and mention that you are with The Heb group; the campsite has offered to keep us space and you run the risk of it not having space if you don’t. Please also remember that this is an informal arrangement unconnected with the race and it’s admin and insurance, and so you are responsible for your own bookings, fees and safety throughout.
Hopefully there will be quite a gathering of us over the weekend and it would be useful if we could meet up for an open discussion on the pros and cons of Heb Racing. Therefore, I suggest that meeting from 9pm in The Slig Bar on the Saturday night would be the best plan. I will also be there on Friday and Sunday nights, as well primarily to drink beer!
In addition to The Skye weekend, myself and Lindsey will be traveling out to Harris and Lewis for the following week. We intended to be based at Hogabost beach/campsite on the West cast of Southern Harris, from 6-9th, before moving upto the Uigg Sands area (Western Lewis) for the following weekend 10-13th July. Please do come and say 'hello' especially if you have any questions or comments about the Heb and it’s future. I shall be drivng a grey VW Kombi with bikes and sit-upon kayak attached - but watch out for my Black Cullin Isle of Skye cycle jersey also.
Finally, I’m very positive and upbeat about The Heb 2010. There has been a lot of very supportive comments following this year’s postponement and whilst we are not complacent as an organizing group, I am well aware of the minor glitches and frustrations which have blighted recent years.
Lets make 2010 a bumper year .... Roll on 2010.
Joe Faulkner - The Heb Race Director (Race Day Co-ordinator) 2010
faulknerjoe@hotmail.com
www.nav4.co.uk
The Skye Activity/Social weekend has attracted a fair deal of interest, but the vast majority of responses suggested that people were very happy to simply come along and ‘doing there own thing depending upon the weather’. Additionally, several people have stated that they will be traveling out to The Outer Isles rather than spending time on Skye. I do have some suggestions for routes and activites so if you need inspiration just ask.
Consequently, the Skye weekend will be a very informal affair, and I hope to meet up with people out on Harris/Lewis also. Everyone is invited to come along, whether they were intended to race this year or not. Any number of permutations of activity are possible; road cycling, mtb, running or munro bagging, or even sea kayaking. It has even been suggested that I facilitate a half day Heb Navigation/Tactics session which I’m very happy to do if anyone wants it. We (Lindsey and myself) will be based at the Campsite adjacent to The Sligachan Inn, right in the middle of Skye, from late on Friday 3rd July – Monday 6th July. If are coming please book direct with the campsite on 077864 35294 and mention that you are with The Heb group; the campsite has offered to keep us space and you run the risk of it not having space if you don’t. Please also remember that this is an informal arrangement unconnected with the race and it’s admin and insurance, and so you are responsible for your own bookings, fees and safety throughout.
Hopefully there will be quite a gathering of us over the weekend and it would be useful if we could meet up for an open discussion on the pros and cons of Heb Racing. Therefore, I suggest that meeting from 9pm in The Slig Bar on the Saturday night would be the best plan. I will also be there on Friday and Sunday nights, as well primarily to drink beer!
In addition to The Skye weekend, myself and Lindsey will be traveling out to Harris and Lewis for the following week. We intended to be based at Hogabost beach/campsite on the West cast of Southern Harris, from 6-9th, before moving upto the Uigg Sands area (Western Lewis) for the following weekend 10-13th July. Please do come and say 'hello' especially if you have any questions or comments about the Heb and it’s future. I shall be drivng a grey VW Kombi with bikes and sit-upon kayak attached - but watch out for my Black Cullin Isle of Skye cycle jersey also.
Finally, I’m very positive and upbeat about The Heb 2010. There has been a lot of very supportive comments following this year’s postponement and whilst we are not complacent as an organizing group, I am well aware of the minor glitches and frustrations which have blighted recent years.
Lets make 2010 a bumper year .... Roll on 2010.
Joe Faulkner - The Heb Race Director (Race Day Co-ordinator) 2010
faulknerjoe@hotmail.com
www.nav4.co.uk
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Dockray-Hartside Fell Race - 6m/2000' - 17th June
Yet another climatically invigorating evening at Dockray with clear blustery skies after a very wet day, followed by a very vicious squall to round up the tail of the race.
From my vantage point at the last control on Common Fell, Steve Birkinshaw and Mike Robinson appeared to be having a real head to head tussle with a commanding lead over Mark Denham-Smith. Mike got a better descent line to win by 13 seconds and Mark commented that the direct route from Hartside to Common Fell is definitely quicker than the longer contouring one. I suggest it is quicker in this relatively short race, where as years ago in the days of the long Royal Dockray Helvellyn it was quicker to contour. The vegetation was also much more lush due to the race being six weeks later than normal. After the initial blast up the lane, there is a lot of route choice between each control on the open fell sides, which makes this a tough and very real fell race.
Briony Curtis was first female, and probably first ‘newcomer’ having travelled from Aberdeen via Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds; her sister, Catrina, who lives locally sent her to run! Jane Davies (Fletcher) and Liz Cowell battled it out for second a third females and both finished in the top twenty. Jane would have been first young newly married mum and Liz first senior female but as we have no prizes it’s purely academic.
The usual thanks are due to Jane, Alan and Linz for help at the start and finish, and to Tim for braving the elements on Hartside. Also to Ken for usually being there. Races can’t happen without these people.
Just for the record this race was also run on the original date in May but only three brave heroes turned up on a very stormy night. If it hadn’t been for Ken Ledward already being in place in his bivvi bag on the top we may have cancelled, but those heroes had a great run, and we decided to do it all over again. Top marks for Shaun Hardisty for doing the double.
It appears to have been a bit of a disjointed or disrupted local mid-week calendar this year, with Coledale and Tebay both moving to Saturdays to be Championship races, and no Fellside either?
Roll on 2010 – it will be interesting to see how the calendar pans out.
1 Mike Robinson Dark Peak 53.56
2 Steve Birkinshaw Borrowdale 54.09
3 Mark Denham-smith Keswick 57.22
4 Anthony Lambram Eden Runners 57.31
5 Steve Bennett Eden Runners 57.46
6 Craig Smith Keswick 58.47
7 Ian Davies Keswick 60.11
8 Stephen Hartley Eden Runners 61.08
9 David Owens Keswick 61.18
10 Robin Gillespie Eden Runners 63.05
11 Chris Harling u/a 63.27
12 Gary Johnson u/a 64.65
13 Richard Unwin Keswick 68.09
14 P W Bailey u/a 68.41
15 Briony Curtis Edinburgh H+H 68.42`
16 Shaun Hardisty Eden Runners 69.03
17 Terry Nichol u/a 74.23
18 Simon Veitch u/a 76.29
19 Jane Davies Borrowdale 79.27
20 Liz Cowell Borrowdale 79.29
Joe Faulkner - www.nav4.co.uk
From my vantage point at the last control on Common Fell, Steve Birkinshaw and Mike Robinson appeared to be having a real head to head tussle with a commanding lead over Mark Denham-Smith. Mike got a better descent line to win by 13 seconds and Mark commented that the direct route from Hartside to Common Fell is definitely quicker than the longer contouring one. I suggest it is quicker in this relatively short race, where as years ago in the days of the long Royal Dockray Helvellyn it was quicker to contour. The vegetation was also much more lush due to the race being six weeks later than normal. After the initial blast up the lane, there is a lot of route choice between each control on the open fell sides, which makes this a tough and very real fell race.
Briony Curtis was first female, and probably first ‘newcomer’ having travelled from Aberdeen via Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds; her sister, Catrina, who lives locally sent her to run! Jane Davies (Fletcher) and Liz Cowell battled it out for second a third females and both finished in the top twenty. Jane would have been first young newly married mum and Liz first senior female but as we have no prizes it’s purely academic.
The usual thanks are due to Jane, Alan and Linz for help at the start and finish, and to Tim for braving the elements on Hartside. Also to Ken for usually being there. Races can’t happen without these people.
Just for the record this race was also run on the original date in May but only three brave heroes turned up on a very stormy night. If it hadn’t been for Ken Ledward already being in place in his bivvi bag on the top we may have cancelled, but those heroes had a great run, and we decided to do it all over again. Top marks for Shaun Hardisty for doing the double.
It appears to have been a bit of a disjointed or disrupted local mid-week calendar this year, with Coledale and Tebay both moving to Saturdays to be Championship races, and no Fellside either?
Roll on 2010 – it will be interesting to see how the calendar pans out.
1 Mike Robinson Dark Peak 53.56
2 Steve Birkinshaw Borrowdale 54.09
3 Mark Denham-smith Keswick 57.22
4 Anthony Lambram Eden Runners 57.31
5 Steve Bennett Eden Runners 57.46
6 Craig Smith Keswick 58.47
7 Ian Davies Keswick 60.11
8 Stephen Hartley Eden Runners 61.08
9 David Owens Keswick 61.18
10 Robin Gillespie Eden Runners 63.05
11 Chris Harling u/a 63.27
12 Gary Johnson u/a 64.65
13 Richard Unwin Keswick 68.09
14 P W Bailey u/a 68.41
15 Briony Curtis Edinburgh H+H 68.42`
16 Shaun Hardisty Eden Runners 69.03
17 Terry Nichol u/a 74.23
18 Simon Veitch u/a 76.29
19 Jane Davies Borrowdale 79.27
20 Liz Cowell Borrowdale 79.29
Joe Faulkner - www.nav4.co.uk
Thursday, 11 June 2009
The Heb - format and logistics
If you've been following the thread on sleepmonsters.com regarding The Heb and the merits of Solo v. Pairs, and the supported v. self supported issues then this may interest you further.
Two other issues which effect the planning, directing and delivery of The Heb is the number of categories of 'teams', and the disciplines they undertake, and the vehicles and hence costs incurred.
If we go we with the idea of re-instigating the Solo race, I'd like to propose three distinct categories, with clearly defined disciplines;
Solo - The Ultimate UK Solo Race - Run/cycle/swim/kayak/MTB - self supporting requiring car and support driver. Relatively straight forward route choice. An amazing experience for you and your best mate.
Teams of Five - The Ultimate UK Team Race - Run/cycle/swim/kayak/MTB - self supporting requiring a minibus/people carrier. A relay race with the team managing some more complex route choice and logistics, as per The Heb original format. Cost of vehicle hire is justifiable amongst team; roof rack and carrying capacity necessary for all teams equipment.
Trios - Teams of Three - Run/Cycle/MTB/Swim - Three mates in a car, one roof rack, two/three bikes. A good intro to Heb Racing or a good way to return and have a cheap cost effective blast along the islands. No vehicle hire costs, good mpg, easy travel logistics to and from the Outer Hebrides. (No kayaking - the extra specialist skill and qualification isn't needed and you won't have space on your vehicle!)
There you have it ..... ! What do you think.
Joe
Two other issues which effect the planning, directing and delivery of The Heb is the number of categories of 'teams', and the disciplines they undertake, and the vehicles and hence costs incurred.
If we go we with the idea of re-instigating the Solo race, I'd like to propose three distinct categories, with clearly defined disciplines;
Solo - The Ultimate UK Solo Race - Run/cycle/swim/kayak/MTB - self supporting requiring car and support driver. Relatively straight forward route choice. An amazing experience for you and your best mate.
Teams of Five - The Ultimate UK Team Race - Run/cycle/swim/kayak/MTB - self supporting requiring a minibus/people carrier. A relay race with the team managing some more complex route choice and logistics, as per The Heb original format. Cost of vehicle hire is justifiable amongst team; roof rack and carrying capacity necessary for all teams equipment.
Trios - Teams of Three - Run/Cycle/MTB/Swim - Three mates in a car, one roof rack, two/three bikes. A good intro to Heb Racing or a good way to return and have a cheap cost effective blast along the islands. No vehicle hire costs, good mpg, easy travel logistics to and from the Outer Hebrides. (No kayaking - the extra specialist skill and qualification isn't needed and you won't have space on your vehicle!)
There you have it ..... ! What do you think.
Joe
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Victory
Hello,
Victory is a funny word. Old fashioned and somewhat aggressive.
I came across this quote today;
'Victory doesn't always come to the swift but to those who keep going'
It's very appropriate for Andy Mitchell's gallant completion of the Bob Graham Round. I was in Wasdale last weekend witnessing the majority of BG contenders retire defeated by very unsavoury winter weather on the high fells of Sca Fell. Andy continued and achieved a remarkable victory. See his blog here for detail http://andyM0000.blogspot.com
Well Done Andy. It is especially poignant when far too many assume such challenges are there to be raced and rightfully deserved without good reason.
Joe
Victory is a funny word. Old fashioned and somewhat aggressive.
I came across this quote today;
'Victory doesn't always come to the swift but to those who keep going'
It's very appropriate for Andy Mitchell's gallant completion of the Bob Graham Round. I was in Wasdale last weekend witnessing the majority of BG contenders retire defeated by very unsavoury winter weather on the high fells of Sca Fell. Andy continued and achieved a remarkable victory. See his blog here for detail http://andyM0000.blogspot.com
Well Done Andy. It is especially poignant when far too many assume such challenges are there to be raced and rightfully deserved without good reason.
Joe
Friday, 29 May 2009
Highs and Lows - June 2009
I’m writing this at a time of recent highs and lows but with a bright and exciting forthcoming few months. Having just about recovered from the ‘best ever’ GL3Day, (more of this later) we had to then take the agonising decision to cancel this year’s Hebridean Challenge; not the best ever move for a new ‘Race Director’. This was sadly due to not having received enough entries to quite justify staging the full event. However, in it’s place, there will be a ‘Friends of The Heb’ activity weekend+?, on The Isle of Skye over the weekend of 3-6th July with plenty to do... The plan is to be based at The Sligachan Campsite right in the centre of Skye, with ready access to the trails and mountains of the Black and Red Cullin. MTB trails and road cycle loops exist right from base. Sea kayaks can be launched within yards of the campsite, and the pub is even nearer! One returning racer has commented, ‘Good...I’ve never actually stayed on Skye- seems a lot less stressful than doing the race!
I know there is already a lot of interest in this weekend, as many Heb Racers have committed holiday time to travelling to Skye and maybe beyond to the islands of Harris and Lewis. Why not take an overnight trip from Skye to Harris and cycle the classic MTB loops within riding distance of the ferry, or run the Clisham mountain horseshoe? Overall the long weekend will be challenging, fun, and sociable. What I do need is 'expressions of interest' so that I can make appropriate plans. Further details will be firmed up as soon as we can; there is no charge for attending, you just pay for your camping directly to the site and come and join in, everyone is welcome ... and I want to hear your views and opinions in readiness for The Heb 2010.
Dockray-Hartside Fell Race – Wednesday 17th June
Contrary to early rumours, this race is ‘on’ with the new date of 17th June. Details are as before, 7pm start, but with parking and registration from The Quarry Car Park, down the Aira Force Road. The distance is about 6miles with 1900’ of ascent. It’s a traditional low-key fell race for experienced fell runners – don’t forget your gear!
NAV4 – September – Mountain Marathon training weekend.
Looking further ahead, our Autumn NAV4 course in September will be based once again at Borrowdale YHA and feature an ‘OMM focus’ in readiness for this years OMM event. Following our very successful and well proven programme, we are fortunate enough to have access to last year’s competition area and with original copies of the event map available there has never been a better opportunity to prepare and refine your mountain marathon skills. The date is set for 11-13th September and the price remains at just £195 per person on a half board accommodation basis. Given the excellent tuition and coaching, the amount of info you’ll absorb and the more than adequate food and accommodation at the Hostel, the course is excellent value for money.
Great Lakeland 3 Day.
This year’s event was superb, even though I say it myself! It was the twelfth edition of GL3D and the best yet. Perhaps it has taken me twelve years to perfect but this year each daily route was commended, the overnight camps spectacularly located and even the weather conspired to give an adventurous twist to Day Three! Best of all were the stunning performances from the competitors, with just about everyone completing all three days; not one person opted out for the ‘lantern rouge’ even on Day Three – not that we have a sweep bus, anyway. Big thanks must go to everyone, all participants, runners and helpers alike. It’s a team effort... Thank you.
Racing Ahead...
On the personal racing front, Wilko and myself will be competing in the Open12 and 24 races as part of the Endurance Series, and I’m really looking forward to it. I hope to see you there, come and say ‘hello’ and I’ll try and answer any questions you have about NAV4 or The Heb, etc.
Have fun, be safe...
Joe
I know there is already a lot of interest in this weekend, as many Heb Racers have committed holiday time to travelling to Skye and maybe beyond to the islands of Harris and Lewis. Why not take an overnight trip from Skye to Harris and cycle the classic MTB loops within riding distance of the ferry, or run the Clisham mountain horseshoe? Overall the long weekend will be challenging, fun, and sociable. What I do need is 'expressions of interest' so that I can make appropriate plans. Further details will be firmed up as soon as we can; there is no charge for attending, you just pay for your camping directly to the site and come and join in, everyone is welcome ... and I want to hear your views and opinions in readiness for The Heb 2010.
Dockray-Hartside Fell Race – Wednesday 17th June
Contrary to early rumours, this race is ‘on’ with the new date of 17th June. Details are as before, 7pm start, but with parking and registration from The Quarry Car Park, down the Aira Force Road. The distance is about 6miles with 1900’ of ascent. It’s a traditional low-key fell race for experienced fell runners – don’t forget your gear!
NAV4 – September – Mountain Marathon training weekend.
Looking further ahead, our Autumn NAV4 course in September will be based once again at Borrowdale YHA and feature an ‘OMM focus’ in readiness for this years OMM event. Following our very successful and well proven programme, we are fortunate enough to have access to last year’s competition area and with original copies of the event map available there has never been a better opportunity to prepare and refine your mountain marathon skills. The date is set for 11-13th September and the price remains at just £195 per person on a half board accommodation basis. Given the excellent tuition and coaching, the amount of info you’ll absorb and the more than adequate food and accommodation at the Hostel, the course is excellent value for money.
Great Lakeland 3 Day.
This year’s event was superb, even though I say it myself! It was the twelfth edition of GL3D and the best yet. Perhaps it has taken me twelve years to perfect but this year each daily route was commended, the overnight camps spectacularly located and even the weather conspired to give an adventurous twist to Day Three! Best of all were the stunning performances from the competitors, with just about everyone completing all three days; not one person opted out for the ‘lantern rouge’ even on Day Three – not that we have a sweep bus, anyway. Big thanks must go to everyone, all participants, runners and helpers alike. It’s a team effort... Thank you.
Racing Ahead...
On the personal racing front, Wilko and myself will be competing in the Open12 and 24 races as part of the Endurance Series, and I’m really looking forward to it. I hope to see you there, come and say ‘hello’ and I’ll try and answer any questions you have about NAV4 or The Heb, etc.
Have fun, be safe...
Joe
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Dockray-Hartside Fell Race - Wednesday 17th June
A new date has been fixed for Dockray-Hartside. The shuffling of dates is due, in part to the Keswick Mountain Festival and swopping dates with the Latrigg race. Also, now that Tebay is a weekend Championship race the local calendar is appears a bit short of mid-week races. The following is the summary from the FRA calendar, which will be familar to many of you;
WED.JUN 17. DOCKRAY - HARTSIDE (R). AM. 7.00 p.m. 6m/2000' from Dockray village. Registration and parking at "Quarry Car Park" (GR 397211). £1. ER/NS/LK. Over 18. Records: 47.00 B. Bardsley 2007; f. 53.56 V. Wilkinson 2005. Toilets at Aira Force car park. No safety pins. DO NOT park at the Royal Hotel before or during the race. Details: Joe Faulkner, High Brow, Tirril, Penrith, CA10 2LS. Tel: 07749 364248. Email: faulknerjoe@hotmail.com Website: nav4.co.uk
What this all means is that the race will follow the same route as in previous years, to the same start and finish format. The Landlord and has staff are all very friendly and supportive of the race, and we encourage you to drink and eat there, if and when you can. However, his car park is not big enough for all of us, and it is unreasonable that we grid-lock it during the race when he needs it for evening meal customers. Consequently, parking and registration is at the 'Quarry Car Park' 700m down the road towards Aira Force. There are public toilets at Aira Force also. Please leave your cars at that car park and walk/jog to the start, it's a good warm up or cool down, then join us in The Royal for a drink.
Route advise to follow, and I'll maybe try and upload a map, but please tell your friends and clubmates and come along to a 'reet good run'
Joe
WED.JUN 17. DOCKRAY - HARTSIDE (R). AM. 7.00 p.m. 6m/2000' from Dockray village. Registration and parking at "Quarry Car Park" (GR 397211). £1. ER/NS/LK. Over 18. Records: 47.00 B. Bardsley 2007; f. 53.56 V. Wilkinson 2005. Toilets at Aira Force car park. No safety pins. DO NOT park at the Royal Hotel before or during the race. Details: Joe Faulkner, High Brow, Tirril, Penrith, CA10 2LS. Tel: 07749 364248. Email: faulknerjoe@hotmail.com Website: nav4.co.uk
What this all means is that the race will follow the same route as in previous years, to the same start and finish format. The Landlord and has staff are all very friendly and supportive of the race, and we encourage you to drink and eat there, if and when you can. However, his car park is not big enough for all of us, and it is unreasonable that we grid-lock it during the race when he needs it for evening meal customers. Consequently, parking and registration is at the 'Quarry Car Park' 700m down the road towards Aira Force. There are public toilets at Aira Force also. Please leave your cars at that car park and walk/jog to the start, it's a good warm up or cool down, then join us in The Royal for a drink.
Route advise to follow, and I'll maybe try and upload a map, but please tell your friends and clubmates and come along to a 'reet good run'
Joe
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Great Lakeland 3Day 2009
It's all over!
GL3D 2009 was quite simply the best yet. An excellently positioned Start/Finish venue, quality campsites each with stuningly simple facilities and settings, and overall great routes offering varied terrain and interesting route choices. Third time participant, Simon Caldwell has posted some beautiful images at the following site which shows The Lakes in all it's glory..
http://climbing.me.uk/GL3D09/index.html
Thank you to everyone who came and contributed to an excellent. Full results and a brief, initial report are on our new website http://www.nav4.co.uk/ and I'll be posting further thoughts here, soon.
Joe
GL3D 2009 was quite simply the best yet. An excellently positioned Start/Finish venue, quality campsites each with stuningly simple facilities and settings, and overall great routes offering varied terrain and interesting route choices. Third time participant, Simon Caldwell has posted some beautiful images at the following site which shows The Lakes in all it's glory..
http://climbing.me.uk/GL3D09/index.html
Thank you to everyone who came and contributed to an excellent. Full results and a brief, initial report are on our new website http://www.nav4.co.uk/ and I'll be posting further thoughts here, soon.
Joe
Dockray-Hartside 2009.... a Howling Success!
A high quality field of talented and suitably experienced athletes completed the Dockray-Hartside last night with Steve Howe, Shaun Hardisty and Andrew Murray overcoming very challenging wet and windy conditions to claim top honours, in a time of around 1hr 12minutes. I am grateful to Ken Ledward for overcoming tough the conditions on top of Hart Crag as our checkpoint marshall
A further date will be confirmed shortly for a second Dockray race, later this summer. Dockray has a long history in fell running, and The Royal Hotel continues to play a part in that history. Long may it continue...
A further date will be confirmed shortly for a second Dockray race, later this summer. Dockray has a long history in fell running, and The Royal Hotel continues to play a part in that history. Long may it continue...
Monday, 13 April 2009
Dockray-Hartside Fell Race - Weds 6th May 7:00pm
Probably the lowest low-key fell race possible – details and format as usually. Parking and registration, from 6:15pm at ‘The Quarry Car park’ 700m down the road from Dockray towards Aira Force. The route goes up the road from Dockray to High Brow, Hartside and Common Fell checkpoints. It’s about a six mile race, with around 2000’ of tough climbing on rough and open fell. You need navigational skills and experience. Kit requirement is a wind/waterproof jacket with head covering, and a map or sense of direction, as a minimum. No prizes, no faff... just buy beer or in The Royal Hotel afterwards. Please, please, please... Please do not park in the hotel car park before and during the race - toilets are available at Aira Force. The landlord is very friendly but doesn’t deserve to have his car park grid locked for two hours during potential evening meal service times. I’m still hopeful to stage an additional longer race from Dockray later in the summer so your co-operation, consideration and contribution to that cause are all very important.
Many thanks. Joe
Many thanks. Joe
Saturday, 4 April 2009
GL3Day - 'Final Info' update
Today I have been busy beavering away with prep and admin for GL3Day, and I'm really excited about venues and route we have in store this year. We've a great start/finish location and two cracking overnight campsites.
The 'Final Details' info has just been emailed, or posted, to the 44 hardy souls who currently make up the start list. If you are expecting them and haven't yet received them, perhaps your email has gone astray or I've pressed the wrong button, sorry! Please do send me an email if you haven't received the info. Also there are a few spare places available for anyone who is interested in entering - full details on the website, of course, and via email.
I'm well aware that our website development hasn't quite reached it's peak yet, hence the old site is more than a 'tad' out of touch, but we really are in the final stages with the new site, so adding anything new to the old site isn't really worth it.
More news soon ... enjoy Easter hols
Joe
The 'Final Details' info has just been emailed, or posted, to the 44 hardy souls who currently make up the start list. If you are expecting them and haven't yet received them, perhaps your email has gone astray or I've pressed the wrong button, sorry! Please do send me an email if you haven't received the info. Also there are a few spare places available for anyone who is interested in entering - full details on the website, of course, and via email.
I'm well aware that our website development hasn't quite reached it's peak yet, hence the old site is more than a 'tad' out of touch, but we really are in the final stages with the new site, so adding anything new to the old site isn't really worth it.
More news soon ... enjoy Easter hols
Joe
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
NAV4 photos
Just a quick posting ... as John has upload loads of great photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/36939906@N04/sets/72157616167160822/ now you can see what happens during a NAV4 training event, at least in good weather!
Find out more at www.joefaulkner.com.
Joe
Find out more at www.joefaulkner.com.
Joe
Monday, 30 March 2009
NAV4 - Wow... What a weekend!
We've just finished another very successful NAV4 weekend course at Borrowdale YHA and what an amazing weekend for weather? It was as if the weather gods were taunting us after last October's flood; they say Borrowdale weather is changeable by the hour. From wet and windy to bright brilliant sunshine, we seemed to have all four season in one weekend.
There were some big smiles by the end of the course, and often during the weekend and not just because of the spring sunshine. These smiles are due to the fun and sense of acheivement that simply radiates from everyone. Well done to everyone ... you can be proud of surviving a pretty steep learning curve.
I return home (yes, I do have one and don't just live in my VW or a tent!) tired but happy and with a raging sore throat, to find that behind the scenes back at NAV4 HQ a new website is in the making. This will shortly make all things much clearer especially with regard to NAV4 and GL3Day. My webmaster has spotted that the info for the last course was confused with regard to the venue, so we apologies for that. We have oscillated between Bampton and Borrowdale for Spring and Autumn course for various reasons over the past few years, not least because of clashes with the OMM venue. However, now that we have a stock of last years OMM race maps which includes Borrowdale YHA as part of the race map we will be basing September's course there, and using the fabled 1:40 scale maps. The programme will be streamlined for an 'OMM' agenda and will meet the needs of OMM novices and 'MMimps' (that's MM improvers) Bookings are already being received via the existing booking form downloadable from the current website. Please be aware that the hostel accomodation arrangements remain the same, ie, two bed nights, two breakfasts, one evening meal (Saturday) but the programme will evolve so there is more 'OMM prep' and no night navigation. The price remains the same - £195 per person, which I am repeatedly told is an absolute bargain for the complete package, especially considering the quality tution and coaching at a maximum ratio of 4:1, clients to tutor. Friday evening will include equipment displays and an informal evening social; the wealth of information and learning you will encounter during the weekend is tremendous.
Why do we do it? Because as we enjoy helping others learn and enjoy the outdoors. But we are all learning all of the time ... Mountain navigation isn't rocket science - any good craftspeople use simple skills - making something which appears difficult, much easier and satisfying. Get out, there have fun, and practice!
More soon... including GL3Day info out early next week.
Joe
Ps -if anyone wants a sample OMM map from 2008 please ask and I'll gladly post one out.
There were some big smiles by the end of the course, and often during the weekend and not just because of the spring sunshine. These smiles are due to the fun and sense of acheivement that simply radiates from everyone. Well done to everyone ... you can be proud of surviving a pretty steep learning curve.
I return home (yes, I do have one and don't just live in my VW or a tent!) tired but happy and with a raging sore throat, to find that behind the scenes back at NAV4 HQ a new website is in the making. This will shortly make all things much clearer especially with regard to NAV4 and GL3Day. My webmaster has spotted that the info for the last course was confused with regard to the venue, so we apologies for that. We have oscillated between Bampton and Borrowdale for Spring and Autumn course for various reasons over the past few years, not least because of clashes with the OMM venue. However, now that we have a stock of last years OMM race maps which includes Borrowdale YHA as part of the race map we will be basing September's course there, and using the fabled 1:40 scale maps. The programme will be streamlined for an 'OMM' agenda and will meet the needs of OMM novices and 'MMimps' (that's MM improvers) Bookings are already being received via the existing booking form downloadable from the current website. Please be aware that the hostel accomodation arrangements remain the same, ie, two bed nights, two breakfasts, one evening meal (Saturday) but the programme will evolve so there is more 'OMM prep' and no night navigation. The price remains the same - £195 per person, which I am repeatedly told is an absolute bargain for the complete package, especially considering the quality tution and coaching at a maximum ratio of 4:1, clients to tutor. Friday evening will include equipment displays and an informal evening social; the wealth of information and learning you will encounter during the weekend is tremendous.
Why do we do it? Because as we enjoy helping others learn and enjoy the outdoors. But we are all learning all of the time ... Mountain navigation isn't rocket science - any good craftspeople use simple skills - making something which appears difficult, much easier and satisfying. Get out, there have fun, and practice!
More soon... including GL3Day info out early next week.
Joe
Ps -if anyone wants a sample OMM map from 2008 please ask and I'll gladly post one out.
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
NAV4 Courses ... and more
Busy, busy lately with lots of preparation ready for a number of forthcoming events.
The hot topical news item is that the next NAV4 course on 27-29th March is fully booked, but the date for the Autumn course has recently been confirmed as 11-13th September at Borrowdale YHA. The website will be updated shortly to reflect this, but all details will remain the same, so if you want to book a place for September you can download the Booking Form and send it to me, making it clear you wish to book for September.
There has been a lot of interest in our courses recently, which may be due to the media hype of last year's OMM event, or simply because the tutor team do an excellent job of delivering quality tuition and coaching, and is an excellent value for money course. There has been no price increase for some while now but this may have to be reveiwed soon, so if you do booking now you may be grabbing saving yourself a few pounds.
September's course always books up very quickly, especially once the OMM entry deadline approaches and the start list is published. September's NAV4 course does traditional have an 'OMM' focus but is of course applicable to any mountain marathon or adventure race.
Entries for GL3Day are also pleasing. Recently, the number of entries received was hoovering around 42; which I find a thought provoking number for a long distance event in The Lakes! Whether it's the 'Meaning of Life' or not, 42 hardy souls represent a quality field rather than one of quantity ... which suits us fine. After last year's epic it's pleasing to see so many friends coming back for more. There are a few places still available and all entrants who have applied so far have been accepted. Further details will follow soon, and it promises to be a route not to be missed, and the idyllic exclusive campsites will be two of the best we've ever used.
The Heb (Hebridean Challenge) is the third item currently absorbing some of my time and energy, although Stef and Gavin are currently doing an enormous about of leg work in preparation. All those on Stef's mailing list will have received an email newsletter from her detailing the 2009 event, which has some exciting changes to the usual format. I'm looking forward to getting up to Skye for more recce-ing during the Easter break, having spent time on Harris earlier in the year. The Heb is quite simply The Adventure Race that every self respecting racer should do at least once in there life. Some come back every year and others take a year off now and again. It certainly is an adventure and quite a commitment, so what is the attraction? Quite simply, Real adventure racing in stunningly dramatic locations, with a great atmosphere. Open to Teams or pairs this year, it's an amazing way to spend a week truly, 'Adventure Racing' with your friends. It's also achievable for what could be termed 'multi-mixed-skill teams' as not all team members are neccessarily racing at the same time, or need to have equal strengths, so it isn't as harsh or commiting as the normal four person team events. Whether your coming for the full week, can you spare the time for just the first two days on Skye, it will be a great event which will reward you highly.
What 'The Heb' needs from you is your entry forms and money! The Heb is self-financing and run on a shoe string budget by hard working volunteers. There is no slick marketing hype with this event - just an experience you will never forget. The race needs your commitment to make it a success and secure the future of the event. The Heb 2009 will be a unique race ... but I'm already looking forward to 2010, either as a competitor or Race Director, as the plan is to revert towards the original 'Barra-to-Lewis' format, and maybe with a return of the Solo class? Either way, entry in the 2009 event will help you prepare for 2010.
Just a quick reminder that whilst I have the grand title of Race Director this year, this is a bit mis-leading as Stef Sargeant is still the overall Organsier, and Gavin Earons the Route Planner. Between them they have the lions share of the work to do, where as my role is to deliver and 'direct' the race on the day-to-day basis. I've already had several emails from people
with questions and comments and would welcome many more so that I can contribute to delivering the type of race that you, the participants, require.
Getting to the start line of any race is often the hardest part and The Heb is certainly no exception to that. This year logistics will be easier than before, so that is even more of a reason to take part in 2009. You won't be disappointed.
Yours,
Joe - have fun - go commit!
The hot topical news item is that the next NAV4 course on 27-29th March is fully booked, but the date for the Autumn course has recently been confirmed as 11-13th September at Borrowdale YHA. The website will be updated shortly to reflect this, but all details will remain the same, so if you want to book a place for September you can download the Booking Form and send it to me, making it clear you wish to book for September.
There has been a lot of interest in our courses recently, which may be due to the media hype of last year's OMM event, or simply because the tutor team do an excellent job of delivering quality tuition and coaching, and is an excellent value for money course. There has been no price increase for some while now but this may have to be reveiwed soon, so if you do booking now you may be grabbing saving yourself a few pounds.
September's course always books up very quickly, especially once the OMM entry deadline approaches and the start list is published. September's NAV4 course does traditional have an 'OMM' focus but is of course applicable to any mountain marathon or adventure race.
Entries for GL3Day are also pleasing. Recently, the number of entries received was hoovering around 42; which I find a thought provoking number for a long distance event in The Lakes! Whether it's the 'Meaning of Life' or not, 42 hardy souls represent a quality field rather than one of quantity ... which suits us fine. After last year's epic it's pleasing to see so many friends coming back for more. There are a few places still available and all entrants who have applied so far have been accepted. Further details will follow soon, and it promises to be a route not to be missed, and the idyllic exclusive campsites will be two of the best we've ever used.
The Heb (Hebridean Challenge) is the third item currently absorbing some of my time and energy, although Stef and Gavin are currently doing an enormous about of leg work in preparation. All those on Stef's mailing list will have received an email newsletter from her detailing the 2009 event, which has some exciting changes to the usual format. I'm looking forward to getting up to Skye for more recce-ing during the Easter break, having spent time on Harris earlier in the year. The Heb is quite simply The Adventure Race that every self respecting racer should do at least once in there life. Some come back every year and others take a year off now and again. It certainly is an adventure and quite a commitment, so what is the attraction? Quite simply, Real adventure racing in stunningly dramatic locations, with a great atmosphere. Open to Teams or pairs this year, it's an amazing way to spend a week truly, 'Adventure Racing' with your friends. It's also achievable for what could be termed 'multi-mixed-skill teams' as not all team members are neccessarily racing at the same time, or need to have equal strengths, so it isn't as harsh or commiting as the normal four person team events. Whether your coming for the full week, can you spare the time for just the first two days on Skye, it will be a great event which will reward you highly.
What 'The Heb' needs from you is your entry forms and money! The Heb is self-financing and run on a shoe string budget by hard working volunteers. There is no slick marketing hype with this event - just an experience you will never forget. The race needs your commitment to make it a success and secure the future of the event. The Heb 2009 will be a unique race ... but I'm already looking forward to 2010, either as a competitor or Race Director, as the plan is to revert towards the original 'Barra-to-Lewis' format, and maybe with a return of the Solo class? Either way, entry in the 2009 event will help you prepare for 2010.
Just a quick reminder that whilst I have the grand title of Race Director this year, this is a bit mis-leading as Stef Sargeant is still the overall Organsier, and Gavin Earons the Route Planner. Between them they have the lions share of the work to do, where as my role is to deliver and 'direct' the race on the day-to-day basis. I've already had several emails from people
with questions and comments and would welcome many more so that I can contribute to delivering the type of race that you, the participants, require.
Getting to the start line of any race is often the hardest part and The Heb is certainly no exception to that. This year logistics will be easier than before, so that is even more of a reason to take part in 2009. You won't be disappointed.
Yours,
Joe - have fun - go commit!
Friday, 27 February 2009
NAV4 + GL3Day + NAV4 Symposium.
Our NAV4 course is looming in just four weeks time and there has been a small flurry of interest recently. Tonight, I emailed out 'Final Details' to all those who have booked so far, so they should have details awaiting them. Currently, the course is fully booked with a few people having places pending the receipt of booking forms. Balance payments are now due for everyone. The number of places are limited by space at the Hostel and tutors availability. However, if you wish to be held on a 'reserve list' please email me a booking form - no payment neccessary until a place is offered.
With regard to GL3Day, that is nearly full as well, with a handful of places still open. Naturally, one or two entrants may 'DNS', hopefully by telling me first, so if you want a GL3Day entry send me a form in the normal way., ie entry form and deposit cheque, please.
Finally, The NAV4 Symposium was a highly successful weekend with everyone having a great time and learning loads ... especially that Longsleddale is a hidden gem of a Lakeland Dale.
There is a good report written by Jamie Wilkinson from NFR on http://www.northumberlandfellrunners.org.uk/ Thanks Jamie.
I'm off to Open5 this weekend so won't be in email contact until Monday evening.
Yours,
Joe
With regard to GL3Day, that is nearly full as well, with a handful of places still open. Naturally, one or two entrants may 'DNS', hopefully by telling me first, so if you want a GL3Day entry send me a form in the normal way., ie entry form and deposit cheque, please.
Finally, The NAV4 Symposium was a highly successful weekend with everyone having a great time and learning loads ... especially that Longsleddale is a hidden gem of a Lakeland Dale.
There is a good report written by Jamie Wilkinson from NFR on http://www.northumberlandfellrunners.org.uk/ Thanks Jamie.
I'm off to Open5 this weekend so won't be in email contact until Monday evening.
Yours,
Joe
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Hello from Harris
Just a quick blog to update you on a few things in my absence. I'm currently away from home (and all things IT) as I'm out in The Majestic Outer Hebrides for a week or so. The weather is currently blizzardy hence I'm in Tarbet Community Library.
As some of you might have guessed I'm here regarding The Hebridean Challenge and will be meeting Steph and Gavin later today to discuss this year's race format and route etc. The 2009 Heb promises to be both a year not to miss, and a good year to come for a first visit. More of the detail will follow in due course but (for one year only?) this year the event starts on Skye before heading to Harris and Lewis. Consequently, it will be easier to access and cheaper all round due to simpler ferry logistics. It also means that the Highlights of Harris and Lewis will compliment those of Syke to create an oustanding race.
Quietly run by a small team of volunteers, The Heb is undoubtedly the UK's original and finest Multi-sport, Multi-day race.... it deserves your support and you deserve to savour it. Get your team or pair sorted now and enter very soon.
NAV4 Symposium
There are still places available on our NAV4 Symposium on 14/15th February. Full details are on the website - http://www.joefaulkner.com - so if you want to come along just send me a booking form or email and I will attend to it on my return. The weekend is open to all abilities of 'adventure racer' and their partners and friends. You don't need to take part in a workshop .... using the accommodation as a base from which to do you own activities is OK, too. It will be fun.
Must dash ...
Joe
faulknerjoe@hotmail.com
As some of you might have guessed I'm here regarding The Hebridean Challenge and will be meeting Steph and Gavin later today to discuss this year's race format and route etc. The 2009 Heb promises to be both a year not to miss, and a good year to come for a first visit. More of the detail will follow in due course but (for one year only?) this year the event starts on Skye before heading to Harris and Lewis. Consequently, it will be easier to access and cheaper all round due to simpler ferry logistics. It also means that the Highlights of Harris and Lewis will compliment those of Syke to create an oustanding race.
Quietly run by a small team of volunteers, The Heb is undoubtedly the UK's original and finest Multi-sport, Multi-day race.... it deserves your support and you deserve to savour it. Get your team or pair sorted now and enter very soon.
NAV4 Symposium
There are still places available on our NAV4 Symposium on 14/15th February. Full details are on the website - http://www.joefaulkner.com - so if you want to come along just send me a booking form or email and I will attend to it on my return. The weekend is open to all abilities of 'adventure racer' and their partners and friends. You don't need to take part in a workshop .... using the accommodation as a base from which to do you own activities is OK, too. It will be fun.
Must dash ...
Joe
faulknerjoe@hotmail.com
Sunday, 11 January 2009
One Lump at a Time
Q: 'How do you eat an Elephant?'
A: One lump at a time.
Much has happen over the past few weeks but none of it has any great importance, so you might stop reading now.
Conversely, I seem to have munched my way through a mountain of stuff and I'm not neccessarily talking about Chrimo food intake. True, I had to find some bigger trousers to wear, recently, as I was podged out from Winterslobitis, but is was due to relative inactivity rather than big fat dinners. 'One lump at a time' refers to a number of projects, each of which has been ticked off in turn.
Straight after Boxing Day I spent an amazing three days on the Isle of Skye whilst suffering from Sciatic and an increasingly numb left leg. The purpose of the trip was to familiarize myself with the greater reaches of the island in preparation for 'The Heb'. It should, by now be common knowledge that I am Race Director for 2009, and that The Heb will have a two day 'Phase One' on Skye before paddling The Minch out to Harris and Lewis for the remainder of the week and 'Phase Two'.
I'm only the Race Director, which is a bit of a misnomer as Steph is Event Organiser and Gavin Event Route Planner, so my role is very secondary to those wonderful people. The Heb is the best 'Adventure Race' in the UK. This year, (and maybe for one year only?) you can sample The Heb Magic with two days of Phase One if you can't manage the whole week. The change is 'different' and a brave move, but it's time to ring the changes. Please come along .... preferably to do the whole week.
The dramatic weather on Skye was a little bit frustrating; not being able to walk or run more than a mile for Sciatic kicked in. I was able to cycle so rode so good MTB trails instead, but leaving Glenbrittle on a perfectly still frosty morning was hard. (I had been there, seemingly alone, for 15 hours in -6 degrees) Rassay was nice, too. On the way home I cycled from Glenshee Ski station south along The West Highland Way, again in glorious sub-zero weather, to Victoria Bridge and The Inveroran Hotel, which unfortunately was closed when a 'Full Scottish' would have been very welcome. It seemed like the Hotel hasn't see the sun for several weeks and with the temperature well below freezing I need to ride hard back up the WHW for a couple of km to generate heat and find some 'rays' ....man! Not the most demanding of trails but great scenery. Do it from Inveroran, the other direction, with The Kingshouse as mid-way refreshment spot. The Inveroran Hotel would be a good base to stay. All in all, a very good trip.
As cycling is relatively pain free Keith and myself had the target of the classic 'C2C' ride over New Year. Starting from Whitehaven on New Year's Eve we planned to cycle back to our house near Penrith on Day One. Whilst the good folk of Whitehaven Tesco's are probably used to cyclist donning layers of lycra, they probably hadn't seen one person donning that many layers, at lunch time on New Years Eve. Only the Swan getting to grips (or not) with the concept of walking on water as the Inner harbour was frozen over, looked more incongruent.
We made it home in about five hours of freezing fog, not counting the hour of steaming hot-aches in Whinlatter cafe, where more sweat left my body than during the whole ride. New Year's eve was defferent this year, especially with the thought of a long day ahead to Sunderland.
Up early, to a dark and frost morning we had bike lights on, due to fog and gloom, for the spin along the main road before the climb to Hartside. (1900' tall, it is, and boringly tedious - look over you shoulder and pray for a good day) The sun did come out momentarily around Long Meg Stone Circle, as I took a photo to prove it, and I'm now certain I'm a druid. A stiff eastly breeze built steadily towards top and the obligatory photo stop at the summit was taken in winchill factors of brass monkey proportions.
The problem with winter cycling is that it's lot worse then summer cycling; you get sweating on a climb and then freeze your bits off on the descents. Stuff newspaper down your jersey? No way - a duvet didn't help. Such was the ride over the Pennines, that by Allenheads, at lunchtime, we'd had enough. Keith succinctly announced that, 'he'd enjoy the remainder if we came back tomorrow', so we did. Fortunately, the support team agreed, especially as the driver was too hungover to be allowed to drive to The North East. Eating and drinking in sub-zero conditions had been impossible made even harder by big festive evening meals and medicinal beer intake.
Day Three. And a relatively early start; we returned soberly to Allenheads. With one last wee climb we tipped into Upper Weardale for a whizz down the dale and the short twiddle upto ParkHead Cafe. What a place? Biking cafe from heaven! And all down hill until the sea. Nigh on 40 miles.It really is a great route ... roll on summer.
The next day did command a 'Rest Day' not least because Dave Chief Carbo, Wilko, and Paul H, appeared bright and eagerly to sauntered around the 'Old Crown Round' and there was no way I could hold them up. Capt. Evans award for me, and Sports Personality Award to Stu Smith. The rest of the team undertook suitable undertakings before an evening in The Old Crown, and a night at our secret Camping Barn .... which will remain secret as it too good to share. Sunday did dawn fair and bright, and with rock hard perma frost under our tyres a loop of The Knott and Great Sca Fell was accomplished in conditions probably never to be repeated.
Whizz forward a week and it's now wet and windy. Too windy to venture out and even skulk in the garage, unless I want to lose the garage door. Therefore, website stuff has been prepared for launch, including the details of the inaugural NAV4 Syposium. These will be on the website shortly. Basically, £35 buys you two nights B+B at the bunkhouse, along with free porridge and a Symposium Supper. And a Symposium. An additional £40 buys you a 'workshop' of your choice. It will be fun! Book early.
GL3Day info is also to be uploaded and advanced info has gone out to existing mail-listees. See http://www.joefaulkner.com/ for full info in due course. Some places still remain available for our NAV4 course at the end of March. Drop me an email, to faulknerjoe@hotmail.com if you need info on any of these happenings, or if you have questions regarding The Heb, etc, suitbale for myself, and I'll see if I can answer them.
I think that is an accurate round up of recent occurrences - the elephant has slowly been digested, and I'm now back in regular sized jeans.
Happy New Year. Indeed.
Joe
faulknerjoejoe@hotmail.com
http://www.joefaulkner.com/
A: One lump at a time.
Much has happen over the past few weeks but none of it has any great importance, so you might stop reading now.
Conversely, I seem to have munched my way through a mountain of stuff and I'm not neccessarily talking about Chrimo food intake. True, I had to find some bigger trousers to wear, recently, as I was podged out from Winterslobitis, but is was due to relative inactivity rather than big fat dinners. 'One lump at a time' refers to a number of projects, each of which has been ticked off in turn.
Straight after Boxing Day I spent an amazing three days on the Isle of Skye whilst suffering from Sciatic and an increasingly numb left leg. The purpose of the trip was to familiarize myself with the greater reaches of the island in preparation for 'The Heb'. It should, by now be common knowledge that I am Race Director for 2009, and that The Heb will have a two day 'Phase One' on Skye before paddling The Minch out to Harris and Lewis for the remainder of the week and 'Phase Two'.
I'm only the Race Director, which is a bit of a misnomer as Steph is Event Organiser and Gavin Event Route Planner, so my role is very secondary to those wonderful people. The Heb is the best 'Adventure Race' in the UK. This year, (and maybe for one year only?) you can sample The Heb Magic with two days of Phase One if you can't manage the whole week. The change is 'different' and a brave move, but it's time to ring the changes. Please come along .... preferably to do the whole week.
The dramatic weather on Skye was a little bit frustrating; not being able to walk or run more than a mile for Sciatic kicked in. I was able to cycle so rode so good MTB trails instead, but leaving Glenbrittle on a perfectly still frosty morning was hard. (I had been there, seemingly alone, for 15 hours in -6 degrees) Rassay was nice, too. On the way home I cycled from Glenshee Ski station south along The West Highland Way, again in glorious sub-zero weather, to Victoria Bridge and The Inveroran Hotel, which unfortunately was closed when a 'Full Scottish' would have been very welcome. It seemed like the Hotel hasn't see the sun for several weeks and with the temperature well below freezing I need to ride hard back up the WHW for a couple of km to generate heat and find some 'rays' ....man! Not the most demanding of trails but great scenery. Do it from Inveroran, the other direction, with The Kingshouse as mid-way refreshment spot. The Inveroran Hotel would be a good base to stay. All in all, a very good trip.
As cycling is relatively pain free Keith and myself had the target of the classic 'C2C' ride over New Year. Starting from Whitehaven on New Year's Eve we planned to cycle back to our house near Penrith on Day One. Whilst the good folk of Whitehaven Tesco's are probably used to cyclist donning layers of lycra, they probably hadn't seen one person donning that many layers, at lunch time on New Years Eve. Only the Swan getting to grips (or not) with the concept of walking on water as the Inner harbour was frozen over, looked more incongruent.
We made it home in about five hours of freezing fog, not counting the hour of steaming hot-aches in Whinlatter cafe, where more sweat left my body than during the whole ride. New Year's eve was defferent this year, especially with the thought of a long day ahead to Sunderland.
Up early, to a dark and frost morning we had bike lights on, due to fog and gloom, for the spin along the main road before the climb to Hartside. (1900' tall, it is, and boringly tedious - look over you shoulder and pray for a good day) The sun did come out momentarily around Long Meg Stone Circle, as I took a photo to prove it, and I'm now certain I'm a druid. A stiff eastly breeze built steadily towards top and the obligatory photo stop at the summit was taken in winchill factors of brass monkey proportions.
The problem with winter cycling is that it's lot worse then summer cycling; you get sweating on a climb and then freeze your bits off on the descents. Stuff newspaper down your jersey? No way - a duvet didn't help. Such was the ride over the Pennines, that by Allenheads, at lunchtime, we'd had enough. Keith succinctly announced that, 'he'd enjoy the remainder if we came back tomorrow', so we did. Fortunately, the support team agreed, especially as the driver was too hungover to be allowed to drive to The North East. Eating and drinking in sub-zero conditions had been impossible made even harder by big festive evening meals and medicinal beer intake.
Day Three. And a relatively early start; we returned soberly to Allenheads. With one last wee climb we tipped into Upper Weardale for a whizz down the dale and the short twiddle upto ParkHead Cafe. What a place? Biking cafe from heaven! And all down hill until the sea. Nigh on 40 miles.It really is a great route ... roll on summer.
The next day did command a 'Rest Day' not least because Dave Chief Carbo, Wilko, and Paul H, appeared bright and eagerly to sauntered around the 'Old Crown Round' and there was no way I could hold them up. Capt. Evans award for me, and Sports Personality Award to Stu Smith. The rest of the team undertook suitable undertakings before an evening in The Old Crown, and a night at our secret Camping Barn .... which will remain secret as it too good to share. Sunday did dawn fair and bright, and with rock hard perma frost under our tyres a loop of The Knott and Great Sca Fell was accomplished in conditions probably never to be repeated.
Whizz forward a week and it's now wet and windy. Too windy to venture out and even skulk in the garage, unless I want to lose the garage door. Therefore, website stuff has been prepared for launch, including the details of the inaugural NAV4 Syposium. These will be on the website shortly. Basically, £35 buys you two nights B+B at the bunkhouse, along with free porridge and a Symposium Supper. And a Symposium. An additional £40 buys you a 'workshop' of your choice. It will be fun! Book early.
GL3Day info is also to be uploaded and advanced info has gone out to existing mail-listees. See http://www.joefaulkner.com/ for full info in due course. Some places still remain available for our NAV4 course at the end of March. Drop me an email, to faulknerjoe@hotmail.com if you need info on any of these happenings, or if you have questions regarding The Heb, etc, suitbale for myself, and I'll see if I can answer them.
I think that is an accurate round up of recent occurrences - the elephant has slowly been digested, and I'm now back in regular sized jeans.
Happy New Year. Indeed.
Joe
faulknerjoejoe@hotmail.com
http://www.joefaulkner.com/
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