It's been a busy few weeks at NAV4 HQ, with lots to do after The HeB2B and preparation for the Terrex race coming up in a few weeks time. All things are going well; excellent feedback from B2B and lots of interest for next year, including some people wanting to know when entries will open!
Firstly, Terrex needs to be conquered. Our team has enjoyed some great training days, and I'm feeling well sussed for the race, especially given my past few months activity and the fact that we will be racing on home turf. Terrex has great potential to be an amazing race, and it will be interest to see what format and strategies are required. Some are assuming we are not paddling on the sea, which I hope is true, as sea paddling is a bit of a lottery given the sea and weather conditions, and to be blunt, is out of the scope of many racers. Furthermore, there is plenty of water to paddling here within Cumbria.
So, The 2011 HeB2B Adventure will go onto the back-burner for a short while, but before it does this is the outline so far:
The HeB2B will be in May next year; Monday 30th May - Friday 3rd June is the intended date. The journey will run from the island of Barra to The Butt of Lewis, hence the B2B. It is a five day 'stage' race, stopping overnight.
There will be opportunities for Solos, Pairs/Trios and Teams of Four. Solos will be offered logistical support in the form of a baggage van. Places will be very limited and only the really strong and competent will find the route achievable. Start training now, don't under estimate what is required to paddle in The Hebrides.
A Pairs category has been established for a few years, and the new Trio will continue. 'Three Friends in a Car' was the strap line and it worked this year. It is also the cheapest and easiest way to do 'The HeB2B'.
Teams of Four will also continue and require the full range of skills and talents that a Heb journery requires.
However... (Yep, there is a 'but' coming) .... there will be no kayaking in 2011. This is because we need to focus on getting the B2B established and up and running, in a run/bike/swim format. Sea kayaking is a high skill based discipline, and providing the relevant safety cover is very expensive (more than half of the income budget) hence we can not afford to do so until participant numbers reach a certain level. It is my intention to re-introduce Kayaking in 2012, so aim high and long term and start training, and get your certificate in readiness. Any ardent Kayakers who are currently jumping up and down are invited step forward at this point and help bring paddling back in 2012.
In terms of other stuff, we will be resourcing some good overnight venues, with on-site camping. We are also reviewing the length of each competition day in terms of time, and allowing you to enjoy some evening 'down-time'. Consequently, the route plan / logistics will be slightly easier than in past years, although just as much of a challenge.... and even more fun. A quality event is what we are aiming for, with a small friendly atmosphere. Total entrant places will be around 50 people.
Actively racing Monday - Friday gives participants Saturday and Sunday on each weekend to travel to and from the islands. All in all, we want you to enjoy your holiday just as much as your race.
Finally, no adventure like this can happy without YOU - either as a entrant or supporter. Talk to your friends, get it in your diary now. Hebridean Racing is the Original UK Multi-Sport Race. Don't miss out. Further details will follow on our www.nav4.co.uk website in due course.
That's it, more soon, once I've finished Terrex, Good luck to all those racing
Joe
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