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