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
Saturday 24 October 2009
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
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