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
Tuesday 31 March 2009
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!
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