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