joefaulkner

NAV4 One Day Workshop Saturday 10th December

2011-11-04T04:26:00.000-07:00

NAV4 One Day Workshop Saturday 10th December

I just thought I'd let you now that we have a One day course running as above. This is an 'Open' course, with just four places available to individuals upon a first come basis. The cost is just £55 and runs from 10am- 5pm here in The Lakes.

The course content will be focused on 'Intro - Intermediate' level looking at navigation in open countryside. However, with such a small group the agenda is very flexible and there will be something for everyone. It is also a great way to meet new people and share hopes and fears... and have some fun!

They are also a great opportunity for a Christmas shopping trip to The Lakes, or as a present for yourself, partner or friends. If you are interested in this please let me know.

Open Adventure C2C

2011-09-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Great weekend supporting AndyM on the C2C
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150784654855503&set=t.627540690&type=1

Four Teas and a Coffee

2011-08-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Or, 'So, what is Adventure Racing?' as someone asked me recently.

Well since the last post I have completed the Lakeland 100 (solo) and ridden from Berwick to Buxton along NCN Route 68 with three friends. And with two other friends (yes I have some!) I've just enjoyed a great trip to Lochaber; aka the Fort William area. Each of these three trips were steeped in adventure but I'm still identifying which bits were 'race orientated'.

Many thanks for all the congratulatory comments regarding my Lakes 100 result. A finishing time of 30hrs 30mins was OK considering the various factors such as lack of running miles in training, and a dodgy back. But, 'hey-ho' it was a case of carefully applying a little reserve and judgement and drawing upon a few other 'ultras' (they were called LDWA 100s when I started out in 1981)

Pace judgement is my key recommendation; 'jog a third, run a third and race a third...' said and old and wise marathon runner to me years ago, 'and I'll let you work out the order' .

The Lakes 100 did get hot, and many peoples' heads were visibly down, especially along the Mardale trail in the afternoon sun. I started to pass quite a few here, which is always a lift but leaves you feeling sorry for those who have 'blown up' by going off too fast.

Apparently, some 'expert' (last year's winner(sic!)) recomends goings as hard and as fast as you can, 'cos your're going to be knackered later, anyway'
Ho-hum, so all those before him (Banister, Coe, Ovett, Cudahy, Stone, Hartell, Ramsey, Bragg, Redgrave ... ) know nothing, then? But at least he can fit into his race T-shirt, assuming he has one! Oops... just a little dig there, but when you order an XL and then don't get one it annoys me, sorry!

Over-hyped is not something that is applicable to The National Cycle Network Route 68. In fact it's a beast, the perfect reposte to the C2C, and a great route through Northumberland, The Pennines, Dales, West Yorkshire and a bit of an adventure. I confess; three of us wimped out and saved an hour by using a train in order to get to The Queens Beer Festival at Tirril at an reasonable hour, which we three conclude was still a sensible decision. The three day weekend was a great adventure in that we four had never ridden together before, and had slightly differing bikes, and perhaps expectations. However, it was brillant, tough ... but fun. Realistic (shared) objectives might be the key learning...

And lastly, three days fun in Lochaber with Animal Atkinson and The Legendary Wilko. (btw - the three NCN Route 68 adventurer's are all shy modest MAMILs who wish to remain annonymous)
Four years on from ARWC we completed the Aonach Eagach Ridge in Glencoe, which was a bit scarier then I remembered. We followed this up with a brillant ride; 'Tour de Nevis' which I won't detail as it's up to you to seek it out, but it certainly takes you into some wild wilderness terrain so you'll want your mates with you to savour The Epic. Actually, it's great riding, very little pushing or carrying ... just get out there and do it. (Drop me a line if you really need help locating the route)

So, three adventures .... three contrasting trips. The only time we imploded was when I selfishly went into 'race mode' and that was in search of 'Beautiful British Beer ...' and I thought it was a team objective. Lesson learned - sorry Martin.

Joe

NAV4 Paddle Day Two - Distant Horizons

2011-07-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Our second paddle day with Jason (Distant Horizons) followed neatly after our first. This time we paddled solo Sea Kayaks rather than tandems, thus allowing each of us to work on our individual skills ... as well as showing up some weaknesses and a few bad habits!

The boats we paddle are excellent Tempest 170’s from Wilderness Kayak Systems. These offer great tracking but remain agile and responsive to good handling skills. Endurance paddling is all about efficiency and not just speed, so learning to move the boats around swiftly, effectively and easily saves a lot of energy and time.

We are a mixed bunch of paddlers, some with years of experience and others just a few. Our shared experience is in adventure racing, but paddling in a non-race environment gives plenty of time to explore the richer side of paddling. Working on your weaknesses is the best way to improve overall performance.

A full day on the wider expanses of Ullswater with a mixed bag of weather gave plenty of time for skill acquisition and consolidation, ending with a ‘wet session’ of capsize, rescue and rolling. But the major focus for the day was advanced forward paddling skills, including forward steering strokes; thus eliminating much of the need for drag inducing reverse paddle steering strokes.

‘Edging’ is the key; not to be confused with leaning. Efficient edging combined with a good paddle stroke produces a very pleasing and productive ‘carved turn’. Similarly, Draw Strokes, Low Brace, Bow Rudder and Cross Bow Rudders may sound flash but they are incisive and very effective when used correctly. And, the final 'wet session' based around capsizes, T-Rescue, One-on-One Rescue, and ‘All-in-Rescues’, reminded me that it is a long time since I floundered around in the water. Hmmn, some more rolling practise is called for!

As Wilko said a few days later, ‘I soaked up more learning than you did lake water in your Helly Hansen pants ... so much made so much sense .... I’m learning loads!’

Off the water, and away from the ‘hard’ paddle skills, Jason’s experience as a skills coach is facilitating discussion on team dynamics, ideas, concerns and solutions for future racing objectives.

Our next session will focus on Open Boat skills in Canadian canoes.
Joe

Run Saturday - Paddle Sunday

2011-07-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to the weekend, it's going to be a relatively simple multi-sport Birthday event. Saturday will be the last, big, pre-Lakes100 recce training run, and Sunday a NAV4 Paddle Day on Ullswater with Distant-Horizons. Sunday is also my birthday (no, my Facebook Dob is not real) so I expect to get wet, but rewarded by cake and beer, but not necessarily actually on the water.

We had our first Paddle Day on Ullswater a month ago and Jason gave us a lot to think about, not only in terms of our paddle skills, but why we do what we do and, what are we aiming for in the future. Jason is an excellent coach and Ullswater provides a brilliant paddle venue. Paddle 'mileage' is the key, coupled with skill development; 'long term objectives require short term goals'. 'Work on your weaknesses,' is another cliche ... but oh so true, especially with Ullswater on our doorstep.

Well, future race objects for NAV4 in 2012 remain a little secretive, but suffice to say we are aiming to up our game greatly on 2010 in terms of paddling and racing generally. There are some obvious 'no-brainers' for which the team(s) need to gel. This year has been a year out of mainstream Adventure Racing, for me and team members, whilst we each of focus on individual objectives, some of which is just getting injuries well and truly fixed!

More next week, when I'll be a year old.

Joe

Outrageous and Audacious

2011-04-28T05:09:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged for a very long whle simply because I've had very little to say ... other then stuff I might regret publishing.

Some Quick stuff -

Outrageous and Audacious - well that's the theme for a few things, especially Ant and Bruce's www.theepictri.com was, which they pulled out of the bag; Well Done!

It's also somewhat applicable to many other issues which have kept me busy over the past few weeks and months, the last of which is:

No Dockray Races - after thirty years .... nowt! We simple can't be bothered with the hasssle caused by some land agents when their 'administrative systems' are so out of proportion to the nature of the event.

However, we will be re-apprasing what, why and how we do things so all is not dead.

More soon, got to escape the Public Holiday fiasco NOW!

Joe

No More NAV4 Events ...until Winter 2011

2011-03-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Tour de Kentmere and the Nav4/12 has been cancelled. Please contact me via email if you need further info.

Strathpuffer 24

2011-02-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

When your star rider comes off the first lap shaking his head and saying conditions are treacherous then you know you in for a tough time! Without a word and no hesitation Wilko went out for the second lap leaving me to ponder just how bad it was.

Studded ice tyres were in demand as hard thick ice was covering much of the trail, and so staying upright was a challenge. Fortunately, the weather would proved to be kind and so underfoot, (and underwheel) conditions were to change steadily.

None of us had really done a 24hr enduro before (I'd been part of a five person team but only Spring) and riding as a team of three, and not four, was always going to be tough. The upside is less waiting around between laps, and with a rough model of one lap on, two laps off, were should be able to grab some sleep in the small hours and keep on the course.

With Solos, Pairs and Quads all racing the same route, it's not uncommon to be passing others or in my case being passed by many! Any 24hr race, or longer is all about staying the game, staying on track, in more ways than one. The longer it goes on the more important it is to stay focused and motivated, but pacing it for 24 hours is crucial. Adopting a Tortoise and Hare mentality is good policy, letting the hares go and maybe crash and burn. As Pete said, 'I get the idea that Wilko won't give in or slow down at all'.

The state of the trail always changes and Strathpuffer was no exception. Overnight a steady thaw came through so the icy trail improved with big muddy parts developing and the mud smears helping erode the hard pack ice. In the space of 24 hours and seven laps each (eight for Pete) you get a chance to learn the course, and each lap can appear very different. Parts you haven't ridden before get 'cleaned' and you learn when to run instead of ride. Certainly, my last lap just as dawn was breaking was as enjoyable as any, and I saw bits of scenery I hadn't seen before.

Strathpuffer offers it's devotees 17+hours of darkness. Light output and battery power are crucial items of gear, but good food and drink are equally important as it good bike maintenance. Grab some power snoozes and stay on course. Yes, in some ways it's a drag but there are memorable bits, not least watching Pete fly around the end of the last lap, clocking up our 22nd lap in a little over 24hours riding as smooth as ever.

There were some amazing performances and results, not least from some Solos and Pairs, showing true skill and endurance. I must improve my riding for next year.

A big vote of thanks to Pete and Wilko for their company, contribution and commitment. Strathpuffer is one of those 'must do' events. We learned a lot about the event, tactics, and that Three's not a crowd; but do we ride as Pair, Quad or even Solo in 2012?

Anyone want to come join the team? Strathpuffer is well worth the journey north.

Joe

OCR / Hudscales Update

2010-12-30T02:15:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update - some of us will be overnighting at Hudscales camping barn on Friday 7th Jan prior to our OCR run. So, if you want to come and stay on Friday night, as well as or instead of Saturday, please let me know and I'll book you a bed space.
I'm keen on a short MTB ride Friday afternoon or evening, may be a loop to the pub ....?

Joe

Old Crown Round - Saturday 8th January 2011

2010-12-28T05:02:00.000-08:00

Hello, Happy New Year,

A quick 'heads up' for the traditional NAV4 OCR - something to look forward to in 2011 (it's not far away)

Some of us are planning our traditional New Year assault on The Old Crown Round on Saturday 8th January, and you are invited to join the fun. I know some of you will have plans to race the Open5 at Sutton Bank on Sunday 9th, but you may want to do both ? This social run is open to any race mates, friends and acquaintances, with a target time of 6-8 hours.

For those who don't already know, the OCR is a run/walk around the peaks of Carrock Fell, Great Cock Up, Skiddaw and Blencathra in the Northern Lakes. Conveniently, these peaks were named after the beers brewed by the Hesket New Market Brewery so it is both traditional and appropriate to sample such beverages post run. An evening meal in the pub is the norm.

The distance for the full OCR is around 20miles and I guess 6-7000' of ascent. Other routes and options are available, including 'just' Skiddaw and Blencathra if you want a slightly shorter, but easier day! If you follow the link above, please note we are not starting at the pub, as that adds too much distance. And other routes are available.

The start time will be 0900, so please meet just before then at Mosedale Bridge (GR356 320) parking is more plentiful and reliable there than the road head at Swinside. Don't forget your full winter 'running' and safety gear.

For those who want Saturday overnight accommodation, I have a small group booking for Hudscales Camping Barn which is conveniently situated just above the village, a short walk from the pub. The Barn has good mattresses, wood burner, kettle (fridge?) shower and bike storage, etc. Although very basic the barn is functional, dry and draft free - you just need to bring a warm sleeping bag, thin insulating mat, snack food, mug, spoon and breakfast, etc. A sense of humour and adventure is helps, too. The overnight cost is £10 payable to me, OnTheDay, Thanks.

It is a wee tradition that we have an MTB bike ride on Sunday, or retail therapy for some! Please let me know if you want to come along. faulknerjoe@hotmail.com

Happy New Year - have a good one!

Le Tour de Helvellyn - A Classic

2010-12-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

'Epic' .... 'Awesome' ... 'A Classic'
Le Tour was a great success because of the weather. A last minute dump of snow early on Saturday morning meant getting to the start was impossible for some, and made it difficult for us in several ways. But blue skies prevailed eventually.

First of all a very big 'Well Done' to all those attempted Le Tour, and an even bigger thanks to Stu, Martin, Pete, Dave, John and Linz for making it happen.

But any event can't happen without dedicated and committed athletes and I'm mightily impressed that so many made it to Askham and most completed what is a very tough route. No flat, fast 36 miles here ... you're doing well to maintain 3.5mph in those conditions on that route!

In the weeks before the events I received many emails pleading with me not to cancel it due to bad weather or a bad forecast, and I thank you for that support. For those who have done any of our events before will know that they are never easy and that we have reputation for tough, no nonsense, events.

The snow did make it tough for us; driving down to Glenridding was treacherous and we simply couldn't risk driving around to Thirlemere. Hence, we couldn't support runners at Swirls Car Park, so it was a long way without any drinks other than stream melt water. But everyone took this in their stride (no pun intended) and pushed on.

Sadly we had to withdraw a few people after 4:30pm but with temperatures plummeting to -10 degrees it would be reckless for anyone to venture over Boredale Hause and be committed to another 3-4 hours in such temperatures. Our intention was to offer the tail-enders support in Boredale, but we simply couldn't drive there. Thank you to all those who suffered the cut-off and accepted it with good grace. It's not our usual style but essential at this time of year. I'm sure you'll all get round the full route next year.

Next year? 'Yes' there will definitely be another one!. The feedback has been great, and the format proven to work. A quick analysis of the times reveals they were within our time frame and the biggest issue was a handful of runners starting a bit too late, although this was probably due to the snow delaying their arrival at the start.

Naturally, there are one or two glitches... apart from snow, a frozen sink and non-working main oven, but hey-ho ... The main problem was seemed to be those who didn't find Control no.5 as they were looking in the wrong place and hadn't checked the updated route card.

For 2011 we'll probably move the Greenside/Glenridding/Patterdale control to one central location. We also have more drinks (hot if we can) at Swirls Car Park and may be in Martindale, as well. So, keep an open mind about the exact control sites although the route won't change. The total number of places will be limited and entries will be available on-line via Sport-ident.

Thanks for coming and have fun. Our next event is the Tour de Kentmere, a mere Spring time sprint compared to the 'Le Classic', on Sunday 27th March. We also have a weekend Navigation course suitable for fell and mountain runners and adventure racers, and a 12hour MTB/Run event on Saturday. So, something for everyone with details on www.nav4.co.uk

See you at Bampton?

Joe

Le Tour

2010-12-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

The clue is in the title. Le tour de Helvellyn - en Hiver - is exactly what it says a tour around Helvellyn in Winter.

We do not intend to cancel or postpone Le Tour just because the weather is bad, or there is now on the ground. Plan B; if underfoot conditions are 'slow' we will shorten the route by running as far as Greenside, then retracing the route back. This will give a good tough run, and we have had very good feedback that we are doing the right thing. Our entrants want to run!

If you are not confident as to looking after yourself in the prevailing conditions, please do not start. Also, please think twice as to why you entered in the first place!

If this sounds harsh, or abrupt, I apologise but this is not an event for softees!

See you at Askham,

Joe

The Bampton Bash - More Planning and Scheming

2010-11-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

It's a busy time here at the NAV4 'office', with long evenings spent shaping a number of adventures for 2011. My own training is going steadily, and I've enjoyed helping at the recent Open5 at Slaidburn and Ian Mulvey's excellent Whinlatter Duathlon. Next up for me is the Kielder Duathlon, where I get to ride and run Kielder's remote and deserted trails.

Having expressed surprise that I wasn't racing at Slaidburn, some people have asked me I might be racing over the winter and into 2011. It's fair to say that the NAV4 team could be regarded as in a 'period of regeneration' in readiness for Terrex 2012. There is much to do; it's important to realise personal goals as well as team ones, and not forget why we do certain things. Personally, I will be racing The Lakes 100 and The Montane 100 in 2011; co-ordinating the HeB2B Adventure will also be a big challenge. No doubt the NAV4 Team will build on their strengths and consider their weaknesses in readiness for future events, whatever they might be.

The Bampton Bash
The Tour de Helvellyn has attracted a healthy number of entrants and proves that a good course and event will always be popular. The Bampton Bash may prove to do the same. 'The Bash' is a weekend social/training event based at Bampton and will provide something for everyone, whether expert, intermediate or beginner. There are three elements to it; 1) Our NAV4 weekend navigation course. 2) Our NAV4/12hr MTB/Run O-Event and 3) The Tour de Kentmere Trail Run. The NAV4/12 is, quite simply, a 12hour event where you bike and run, for 12 hours; no gimmicks, no surprises ... (unless you get lost!) you plan your route for the whole day including the number of times you 'transition' and where. Yes, some will be in the dark.
Amazing simple - simply adventurous. You and the area deserve each other. Ooh.

Beginners or intermediate racers, and even some experts, will find our navigation course most attractive and beneficial. The more competent endurance racers will relish our new NAV4/12 12hour event unique (Saturday 26/3 noon-midnight? tbc) Trail runners will enjoy a 24mile-ish run to Kentmere and back on Sunday morning. Those on our weekend course won't be able to fit in the other two elements, although hardcore racers could tackle the NAV4/12 and Tour de Kentmere, back-to-back. There will be camping at Bampton for everyone, and so this is an ideal basecamp for you, your friends and team mates, whatever you all choose to do.

More details of the Tour and NAV4/12 very soon, but get this date into your diary now as it will be a great weekend.

Well Done Angela and Sarah

2010-11-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

One week on and we are still hearing stories from the OMM. A big 'Well Done' to Angela and Sarah on being first females in the Long Score. It's really pleasing to hear of their success after they missed out at the LAMM with a Day Two injury. They have done some hard training miles since coming on a NAV4 course a few years ago, as well as completing our GL3D events (especially 2008 - the tough one!) It's a shame they live in the Deep South as Le Tour would suit them very well. Le Tour de Helvellyn has received a great deal of interest, surely due to the route and date making a simple adventure very appealing. 'A classic in the making' ... apparently!

Another NAV4 athlete deserving a mention is Marcus Scotney (one of our NAV4 tutors) who will be up early tomorrow, sorting his porridge and bacon butty, before running 100km for Team GB in Gibraltar. Hopefully, he will have eaten 'a few pies' or the equivalent today. Have a good run Marcus ... run strong and steady. I don't need to tell him that 'the trick is to be at the front at the end, not the beginning.'

Personally, I'll be off to Slaidburn tonight to help with tomorrow's Open5. HeB2B athlete Emma VDG is the planner and I spent a few years playing around that patch many years ago, and it will be great in Autumnal sunshine. There is a huge start list with some interesting pairings and solos, and it will be good to catch up with some friends and team mates. My own coughing and spluttering is finally going so maybe I will have a wee run out myself. Maybe....

New Multi-sport Sport

2010-10-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Today has seen a new combination of sports into a Multi-sport day. Starting with extreme porridge making (porridge cooked on top of the wood-burner) whilst watching TV in search of the Rat Race and Deerstalker on Country Tracks, the day has progresses relatively profitable. Logs chopped, tea drunk, hoovering, a visit by Spike (in person! eek) and some consequent website and blog blah, blah. All this was accomplished with a raging sore throat and head-cold.

The positive news is that our Tour de Helvellyn is attracting a lot of interest and promises to be an interesting day out for everyone. The Tour is intended as good winters's training run; it's not a formal race but an opportunity for a long day out on your feet in preparation for next year's adventures. Naturally the weather could be poor, but the route should be do-able in most conditions, and we do have a Plan B, if Sticks Pass is impassable. I only wish I was able to do it myself, instead of tied up with supporting.

On the personal performance side, I am just about re-covered from the pains of last week's Kielder Marathon. Having not run for weeks, and with just a handful of training runs and events this year it required a certain amount of determination to get to the finish. This race was a physical challenge in contrast to the mental challenge of Terrex. 4:28 is now a 'pw' for a marathon, so I have something to aim for next year. It also showed up how little running I have done in recent years. The course is a good one; undulating and always interesting, and with the winning time being 2:30 you can expect a sizeable chunk to be added to your normal road marathon time. As it was the inaugural event I trust Steve Cram has learnt a thing or two for 2011, with the biggest issue being drop the road race razzamatazz and mentality and get in tune with off-road running. Whether this was under UKA regs I don't know but I find it very offensive running through a sea of three-quarters full drinks bottles in such a remote and beautiful location. Especially, when they mainly toxic sports drinks from a sponsor. Ok, so they will all be picked up, but by whom and what what cost? Perhaps I should stopped being grumpy - No doubt the event will be over subscribed next year. I certainly be back, as I'm a regular visitor to Kielder with it's deserted trails and tranquility. I'll be back there very soon to help with the Kielder Duathlon, riding the trails and getting a training run in.

Joe

Post Race Blues

2010-09-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

To be perfectly honest, there has been no posts for a very long time, due to a very bad dose of 'Post Race Blues.'

There was nothing wrong with Terrex; brilliant route, interesting race, some great moments and a really big challenge, but strangely some massively BIG post race Blues! Hey-ho...

Moving on, since Terrex, I have enjoyed a great day out in The Lakeland Mountain Trail, and an interesting and rather busy weekend up in Scotland, including supporting AndyM in the C2C. This weekend just passed was even better - watching club mates and friends run at The Two Breweries Race - and enjoying the fine Broughton Ales from the race sponsor and host. The race actually finishes at the brewery loading bay, and the free beers fitted me better and were more tasty than my Terrex T-shirt.

Joe

Busy, busy... Terrex To HeB2B Adventure

2010-08-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

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

HeB2B - What a Success - Part Two

2010-07-19T02:55:00.000-07:00

Friday was to be the final day and predominatly featured a dash for The Butt of Lewis on road bikes, but not before some other 'fun and games'. Friday's first summit was the high point on West Lewis - Mealaisbhal - which at 574m and rising straight from the Atlantic, gives great views of St.Kilda, and back towards the high hills of Harris, and yesterday's routes. A rough MTB track gives access to a glen valley bisecting these hills and a route through to Loch Tamnabhaigh. The alternative was to road bike around the coastal road, but you truely are starting from sea level, so 574 metres feels like a lot more.

A second 'High Point' of the day was Callanish Standing Stones, and coffee at the visitor centre. Why? well you don't want to come here and miss out on what is the northern version of Stonehenge, which Wilko had raced past two years ago without noticing. Callanish is also situated on a penisula which juts out into Loch Rog An Ear and is where the kayakers had exited the water after a relatively calm paddle, and with the sun shining brightly.

From here, the northern reaches of Lewis are a vast rough wilderness and in previous year's I have biked and 'run' across sections of this. However, the much more sensible option is to blast up the main coastal road, a gentle undulating roller coaster, most usually with a tail wind. This 35 mile ride put big grins on all faces and I was very pleased to, more or less, greet everyone at The But as we finished within an hour or so of each other.

That's it. B2B over - it worked, just! All which remained was a night out in Stornoway at the new cury house for those on the early Saturday ferry, or an impromptu party at The Cross Inn, just south of The Butt, thanks to Emma and her Smart phone and parents.

Thank you to everyone who came and made it a success; there were some lessons learned, but the greatest is that we can all have fun and adventure without too much organisation. Less is definitely More, so what about next year? The weather's good in May, apparently.

Joe

HeB2B - What a success!

2010-07-16T02:19:00.001-07:00

I never thought I'd have writer's block, or is it that I don't know where to start?

HeB2B, the 'unofficial' Heb planned in the spirit of Tilman on the back of an envelope (two cereal boxes actually) was a great success. Twenty odd (!) people biked and ran from one end of the Hebrides to the other, ascending all or most of the highest peaks on each island. Many also biked the classic MTB loops of Harris, and added their own little adventures, such as swimming Loch Langabhat in the middle of Lewis. Simple Adventure. Not a marshall or timekeeper in sight - it worked.

The weather was stormy, especially at the start of the week with the Oban-Barra ferry disrupted so that some could not get there for the 'Prologue'; a gentle spin around Barra with the ascents of the highest points on Barra and Vatersay. It was windy but dry with fair views, but the rain and wind came in force on Tuesday as we blasted north over The Uists and Benbecula. Quite rightly some 'optional' summits were missed out by some, in a long day of road biking and hill running. Personally, I really enjoyed a ten hour day with a tail wind pushing me north at 15-20mph, with the time split 50/50% on biking/hill running.

The kayakers had been out on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday as the wind built to storm force. Another wild camp on the Machair of Berneray was followed by a drier but still winding day for the crossing of the Sound of Harris, and few more hills, and the south Harris loop. Skoon Art Cafe featured very well as a popular 'optional summit.'

Wednesday was the day we had Blue Peter's Helen Skelton join us for a Bike/run/paddle day. Helen did very well on a hired hybrid bike as we cycled the hill over to Tarbet and upto Clisham car park. An ascent of Clisham followed (2000+ feet of bog, rock and scree) and again I was impressed with her fitness and spirit. Unfortunately, filming does absorb a lot of time so we weren't able to 'run' all the way through the Lewis wilderness if we were to get the paddling leg done on Loch Roag Beag. The wind was still very strong alhough from the south, but a tail wind can be tricky in a sea kayak and they had to round the headland onto the beach. I know from the look on the faces and the general buzz on the beach that it had been a tough paddle. Many thanks are due to Tom as 'lead paddler' for making this happen, and to Alex and Colin, also. Helen's day had been filmed as part of the Country Tracks programme and it will be interesting to see how it is appears on the TV.

Meanwhile, Euan had quietly sussed out and swam Loch Langhabat, therefore straightlining the wilderness. He was generously assisted by Claire, who swam both ways in order to test the water before biking back out and around to the north. He arrived after his (relatively short) run looking well satisfied. It think this is simply brilliant and in the true spirit of HeB adventure; watch out for it next year.

Over the next few hours more athletes arrived including those who had 'Hike-a-Biked' through the Wilderness, rather than the 50+ mile road ride around, including AndyM who never misses any options out. (But he did look a bit pooped for a while) It had been a great day; tough weather, rough conditions underfoot, interesting stuff with Helen and Gareth from the BBC, but people had all risen to the challenge and proved that the spirit of adventure is alive and kicking (no pun intended)

More soon....

Joe

Last Minute Stuff

2010-07-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Off to The Hebrides tomorrow for HeB2B. It's going to be fun, and a bit of an adventure .... a journey, no less!

B2B has 20-30 people arriving on a remote Hebridean island, many of which haven't been there before. The Hebrides are a remote place; five hours ferry ride from Oban, and at least a days drive from 'the UK'. But it is also a fabulous place, wild and inspiring, weather ever changing and with welcoming and embracing community of people.

It is going to be an adventure of the purest kind; shared objective, realistic outcome, good companionship. I hope so, I know so.

Let's have some fun. Don't worry ... be happy.

Oops - Wrong grid reference

2010-06-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well..... it would be a Heb adventure without at least one dodgy grid reference. Luckily, it's obvious that the camping on Eriskay isn't at 783 713, but 783 113. Thanks to Colin for pointing this out!

Two other quick updates - Paddling and 'After Party'

If you are bringing a boat and hoping to paddle at least some part of the week, then I have, hopefully put you in touch with each other so you can liase over 'hopes and fears.... gear and beers' or whatever. Or just turn up and join in!

'After Party' - even if it's just beers in a bar or on a beach, there is quite a bit of interest in this so I'll be research a camp/eat/drink option somewhere up near the Butt.

Any suggestions?

HeB2B Adventure - Route Info Out Now

2010-06-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

Just ten days to go....!
I've just emailed the route info to all those confirmed on my list as intending to come along. If you have missed out then, please let me know asap.

If you've only just found out about this adventure then it is not too late to come along. A bike and a pair of hill legs is all you need, but a friend or two might be helpful.

See you on Ersikay - let the adventure begin.

We Won - LAMM 2010...!

2010-06-17T04:35:00.000-07:00

'Sometimes you have to blow your own trumpet!' someone said to me yesterday

Wilko and I finished as first 'mixed pair' in the Score class, so I won my first prize for many years. Prizes don't mean much, but seventh overall in such an event means we did very well.

More importantly, I really relished being back in a 'simple' Mountain Marathon, where good solid route choice and navigation through rugged mountain scenery gives a great sense of reward.

Well Done Wilko - she'd be the first to admit she's not at her fittest after a winter of injury and rest - but that's no excuse and irrelevant. We did well because we went steadily in the right direction, didn't get lost (well... a moments magnetic confusion on Beinn Bhuidhe maybe) and weren't too late back and incuring large penalties. We did have a bit of a 'flat' Saturday and thought we'd made the wrong route strategy choice, but having pushed hard to make Saturday's finish on time it was all to play for on Sunday.

'Endurance Saturday - Speed Sunday' remarked 'Wilks', as we found some soggy tussocks for her to relish followed by some tricky navigation in complex claggy ground, which played to our strengths. But we did have to run the last five km to limit penalties to just three minutes lateness. I was duly honoured and humbled to get a beer handed to me by Miriam Rosen as we finished and it made 'Wilfs' chilli one of the best ever. Thank you Wilko.

Congratulations to Anthony Emmett and Helen Jackson on an impressive Mixed Pair win in the Elite, proving they really can mix it with the top mountain runners. Bad luck to Team Haglofs ... well done Lewis for completing the Elite despite a nasty gash to his shin sustained on Saturday and to Angus and Francis of NFR for their third place in the Elite. And they never looked tired or stressed at all.

Now, whose entered the LDMT?

HeB2B Route Outline + Cycle Shirts

2010-05-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Race is ON .... for Cycle Shirts!
So much to do... but I've done a lot already! Overnight locations are sorted and the next pressing need is the design and ordering of cycle shirts. www.cyclejersey.com is the company we will be using. We have ideas, colours and a designer working on it now, so I need your firm orders and payment asap. Trust me it will be good!

Full Route details will be out in mid-June. Game ON!

Dockray-Hartside Fell Race Results - 2010

2010-05-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Dockray-Hartside Fell Race

(Race report on previous blog posting, below)

1 Chris Waters Ambleside 51.45
2 Chris Newman Wharfedale 52.32
3 Kim Collinson Eden Runners 52.54
4 Ian Davies Keswick 55.09
5 Chris Knowles CFR M40 55.18
6 Liam Horsfall 55.29
7 Daniel Nute Kendal 60.29
8 Adam Logan Ambleside 60.44
9 Dave Prossser Keswick M40 61.12
10 Chris Harling 61.36
11 Nigel Thomas Helm Hill M40 61.55
12 Toby Harling Border 62.33
13 Carlos Naylor Eden Runners 62.36
14 Keith Hill Keswick M41 62.47
15 Gavin Thomas Kendal M45 63.55
16 Peter Hague Cairngorm 63.55
17 Karen Bridge Eden Runners 64.46
18 Andy Thompson Eden Runners 66.36
19 Dave Tait DPFR V60 66.37
20 Fraser Livesey Howgill 66.42
21 Ian Horne Eden Runners 67.39
22 Richard Ellwood 66.59
23 Alex Kirby Arragons Tri 67.57
24 David Hobson 67.57
25 Peter Bailey 67.58
26 John Horne Keswick 68.03
27 Shaun Hardisty Eden Runners 68.25
28 Anja Phoenix Eden Runners 70.24
29 Anne Wilson Eden Runners 71.17
30 David Harrison` Keswick M60 71.17
31 Simon Veitch M40 73.16
32 Derek Queenan 74.51
33 Steve Howe Old Boy 74.53
34 Patric Gilchrist Keswick M63 77.17
35 Gill Douglas Eden Runners 84.28
36 David Brooks Blackpool, Wyre, Flyde 84.39
37 Gary Hadwin Keswick 85.51
38 Gary Dixon Keswick 85.51
39 Ian Rooke Kendal 92.38
40 Jane Hornsby 93.51

Dockray-Hartside Fell Race

2010-05-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

We don’t make a huge song and dance about stuff at Dockray, but thanks to you all for running. I think everyone had fun, and I thank you for enjoying your race.

There was some impressive performances amongst you, especially the more ‘mature runners.’ Age is just a number, which we don’t dwell on, and having no prizes age is irrelevant, but Dave Tait from DPFR had a storming run as did Patric Gilchrist in the older age group. There was a great mix of people form all over the country; Dave from DPFR and Peter Hague from the Cairngorm Club. Local lass Karen Bridge-Heaviside did not get lost, despite her fears, impending middle-age and post-London recovery, and lack of downhill running ability, was a clear female winner. Well done Karen.

There is loads of route choice at Dockray, and many stories of poor lines. Indeed, the first two runners were seen racing at 90 degrees from the optimum line from the final summit. Or was it Eden Runners out for a jolly social run? I doubt it at that speed! Quite a few new young faces at the front with Kim Collinson guiding the top runners around for third place, whilst Chris Waters and Chris Newman appeared to out sprint him on the long final descent.

Seriously, well done for everyone for venturing out and taking on Dockray-Hartside; it is not an easy race and takes you into some tough highly exposed terrain. You’ll appreciate your fell racing kit next time when the greyness turns to dank wetness – a wind/waterproof jacket should be the minimum for any race or run in such terrain, regardless of race rules.

Very, seriously, well done to anyone who thought, ‘Bloody hell that was rough, but I survived!’ This is fell running. And everyone seems to appreciate our ‘£1 no frills’ entry fee.

Big thanks to Tricia, Alan and Ken and also to Sian, Judith and Larry, without whom I wouldn’t be doing this anyway. It was Larry and Judith, along with Barry and Brenda Thompson (ex-Landlord of The Royal) who instigated all the ‘Dockray Races over twenty-five years ago. Now we only have the one race, but I’d love to stage more if we had the resources to do it.

Results here soon, (hopefully!)

Joe

2010-05-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Plan-B .... The Great Heb B2B Adventure - Game On!

2010-04-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well, a small part of me feels mightily relieved. Another, bigger part feels that I have been hiding a few truths from friends, for which I feel bad, but the majority of me is looking firmly ahead to The Great Heb B2B Adventure.

If you have no idea to what I am referring then you need to know that The Hebridean Challenge has been officially cancelled for 2010, but I will be hosting an informal 'Mates Race' based on the format of the original race but it will be free, fun and quite a bit flexible. This is your race if you want to get involved. I have done quite a lot of work on a 'Heb-Highlights' route and it's looking great; there is something for everyone. Primarily, it will be a journey by bike and on foot, open to anyone who wants to do any or all of it. I'm really hoping that The Heb Paddlers will get together to paddle the two kayak crossings, and maybe some more.

'Jumpers for Goal Posts' it may seem, but I'm convinced that a group of us will enjoy the adventure although we can not officially call it a race. Some of the detail is still to be decided; indeed in is a bit of a work in progress, but the basis of it is a human powered journey from Barra to The Butt of Lewis open to anyone, in any combination of team, pair or solo, and during the original race week. I will be co-ordinating a route card as well as suggesting overnight locations, etc. but all expense will be meet by yourself
Full details will emerge in due course - on my website rather than the Heb website, as for many reasons we need to keep the two things separate.

Finally, this won't be a damp squib - it has the potential to be awesome - it will be an adventure. Please come and join in if you care about The Heb, it's future and the future of AR in wild wilderness locations. Or you just what to run, ride and party.

Contact me direct - if you want to be part of The Adventure.

faulknerjoe@hotmail.com

More or Less

2010-04-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from a week in The Outer Hebrides, which seems a very long time when you come back to planet Cumbria.

Our trip was primarily a recce trip for the forthcoming Hebridean Challenge, and there are some very interesting developments that I shall be revealing very shortly.

Suffice to say, that this year's Heb will be a little different and should not be missed!

More info very soon!

What No News - 'Less is More'

2010-03-10T11:15:00.001-08:00

No blog updates for a while as I haven't really had much to comment upon.

It's been a weird winter here. One of the upsides of the prolonged snow and ice is that I started walking everywhere. And I've enjoyed it. I've done a few events recently, namely the South Shropshire Circular and High Peak Marathon enjoying both events tremendously. The first is a regular yearly outing conssiting of 25mile walk/run. It's a solo event but I matched up with Rick and Simon, old buddies who are usually fitter and faster than me, and was impressed that I stayed with them. (Although I think they wished I quit my AR ranting sooner) Perhaps it was the need to finish promptly and get to the pub to see England v. Ireland.

The High Peak Marathon is a team of four event run overnight around 40miles of the finest moors of Derbyshire. I was a bit apprehensive as I hadn't done it for seventeen years, and I was joining three new team-mates that I hadn't run with before. But we had a great time. Ross's route finding was very sound, Max seems very strong and steady bringing up the rear and Amanda just seemed to skip over the tough terrain. We choose good lines in the snow, and paced the whole event very well.

Both of these events are single discipline, and of long standing exsistence; 28 or 40odd years respectively. Both events are tremendously popular (my original team didn't get a place in the HPM) Why did I enjoy them so much? Another event I did was a local three hour Trail Quest around Ireby, near Bassenthwaite. For princely sum of just £7 I enjoyed trails that I hadn't raced before, and then cycled home via Skiddaw House, a classic ride through the Northern Lakekand Fells. A true adventure.

Throughout the past few months I have had a re-occurring though that 'Less is More'
Some of you may have seen my posting on www.sleepmonsters.com in response to Tom Gibb's Thread, 'What No Races' (or something similar) Tom, quite rightly gave us all a kick to examine why were are losing AR races from our calendar. My posting was very much about enjoying what we have and not needing 'new and exciting challenges' I don't belive we need such things as abseiling and ropes in AR, which is appearing to be something quite different to what I would call 'Mountain Multi-sport'.

Tom also quoted The Hebridean Challenge as one of the UK's great races, and I've been working hard to make it happen this summer. There is still a lot of planning to do and I'm looking forward to being there at Easter to flesh out the route and race logistics. Sadly, I feel our event is being overshadowed by other more 'sexy' events with marketing budgets, 'event partners' and impressive web sites and well marketed packages and add-ons. Basically we are being sold pre-packaging Adventure and it isn't coming cheap.

Sometimes Less is More...

High Pike New Year Hi...

2010-01-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

After considerable effort through iced roads and knee deep powder snow, our intrepid team of ten made it to the top of High Pike.... and then quite rightly declared that conditions were far from perfect for any more Old Crown Round peaks.

Sadly, we had to retired happily to Hudscales and The Old Crown for excellent food and drink, but we will be back.....in better conditions.

Well done team ... to those who couldn't get there, we'll try again later in the Spring.

Joe
Ps - Only just got Broadband back after a ten day 'holiday'

The Van is Sold. Bored. And fed up. Some News.

2009-12-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

It's snowing, again, here and we have about six inches of snow in the lane which prevents us from getting out and about. Even if we could I have a nagging sore throat and a blocked nose. OMG (OMG!) this has become one of 'those' blogs....! Eek.

So, 'News:'

The van sold really quickly, once I had mastered uploading to Autotrader and ironically to an old friend who I hadn't seen for some while, but who lives just five miles away. Many thanks to all those who expressed an interest, good to talk to all the VW and Kombi people, and to Pete for buying it without any hazzle. I think he's got a bargain and know it will be put to good use by his family clan. However, it does mean I have to think about getting something else now.....
I was thinking of going green and biking everywhere in a lifestyle change, but I came off the bike on the ice last Friday and just don't think it is do-able every day. Perhaps, I need someone like Simon Gershon to tell me otherwise. But, I am looking forward to not driving all over the country with a van load of 'toys' and then faffing about with them for ages in the general name of 'adventure'.

Seasonal Cheer. :(

I'm not a huge fan of this time of year; it always seems to be one of frustration and impending tedium. The weather doesn't help, with very unpredictable conditions for any sport. 'No such thing as bad weather ....just inappropriate clothing' and in extreme cases, 'poor choice of activity'. Therefore, I'm confined the house, due to ill health, hence this blog posting. I'd be less grumpy if I hadn't been making an effort to get out runing recently; I even did hill reps last night, and haven't had a proper drink for nine days. Five more to go.

No doubt the snow will go at some point, and the media will find something else to report on. This has made me laugh - BBC local news has just report on 'Some People Ignoring Road Closures' by interviewing two, obviously, very experienced well equipped and determined C2C cyclists attempting Hartside, in order to get to their B&B in Alston. Yay, see the bigger picture; they are doing nothing wrong, unlike the hoardes turning up at St.Pancreas expecting to Eurostar-it to Paris. Attempting was the key word there, the male cyclist actually said they'd give it a go and may turn back and 'stay in that pub over there' Dear BBC, Cumbria is open for business .... would you prefer a family in a 4x4, whinging about things being a little disrupted? And then getting stuck with no food and drink and only a playstation to eat? A bike is a lot less dangerous, and less of a liability, than a vehicle.

Oh no, now it's turning into one of those 'other' blogs!

NAV4 Social Gathering

Coming up, on 2nd/3rd January, we have the now traditional NAV4 Old Crown Round/ Hudscales Camping Barn weekend. This comprises of a fell 'run' around the OCR on Saturday, followed by a meal and OCR beers in The Old Crown and a cosy night in the camping barn. And then MTB/run options for Sunday. There is about 12-15 people potentially in the mix and if you've missed out on your invite please speak up!
I wonder what the weather will do....

So, let's be positive - 'tis the season of good cheer, and I've several days of biking and snow shuffling, and good eating to do first.

Finally, looking way ahead, I've booked to do a charity bike ride from London to Paris next July. It's a two person relay in just 24 hours! Check out www.london2paris24.com and www.virginmoneygiving.com/kathandjoe for more info. Any sponsorship or support of any kind will be greatly appreciated. Many of you will know I'm not a big fan of such 'charity' things, but this one just had to be done! Ideally, I'd like to go huge with it and make more money for Shelterbox, in addition to what we need for Scope. The ride is very interesting as an endurance challenge and will be a great post- Hebridean Challenge wind down. All my Christmas budget will be donated to this charity so don't expect a Christmas card!

Many thanks... see you on the other side.

Grumpster x
It's Christmas (or is it?)
Don't send chocolate - donate at www.virginmoneygiving.com/kathandjoe
This blog posting was sponsored by Boredom.
No 'Nightnurse' or other drugs where involved. Honest.

VW Kombi T5 LWB 174 Van for Sale

2009-12-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

I'm selling my van, which has been much admired by fell running and adventure racing folk. Perhaps I'll try to add a photo or two (it's about time I customised this blog!) but in the meantime the boring techno-spec if as follows;

VW Transporter T5 Kombi LWB, T32.
2007 57 reg 2.5 litre engine, 174ps, 6 speed, 33,000 miles, full service history, tax, rare LWB Kombi model. Off Road Grey metallic. Up to six seats in total; Drivers Comfort seat and fold flat dual passenger seat, with folding/tipping/removable split triple rear seats (2+1). Privacy glass on rear windows, towbar that has never been used, tailgate rear, abs, airbags, electric windows, electric mirrors and cruise control, radio/CD and dealer fitted iPod connection, central locking. One owner from new, excellent condition inside and out huge load area takes bikes full length without needing to collapse/remove the rear seat.

Currently fitted with neat and simple conversion housing twin birth sleeping platform and underneath storage, with ‘brew shelf’ unit opposite, but nothing is fitted or drill to internal structure and it will lift out within seconds. Includes VW high fitting rear bike rack and heavy duty Thule roof bars on factory fitted roof rack system, included at no extra cost. Rack system allows bars to be fitted anywhere along length which can be crucial for boats, bikes boxes, etc.

The van has just been serviced today, (30/11) and has new heavy duty winter tyres on the front. The preformance figures on this are amazing; I'll will cruise at top motorway speeds and overtake stuff anywhere and return 35mph.

£17,000 (no VAT) all inclusive.

This might seem a huge sum of money for a van, but it really is top of the range stuff and vans with half this spec and three times the mileage still go for £10k.
You either want one of these or you don't, and 'it only needs one buyer' said the VW salesman today.

Sadly, I'm selling it as it doesn't get used to it's full potential...and I need a smaller car pending a new job.

What? No GL3Day 2010

2009-12-01T11:33:00.001-08:00

It's true! GL3Day will take a break in 2010 primarily for two reasons;
a) After the huge success of 2009 we need a rest and what better year to do it other than the thirteenth year, but more importantly b) We are going to be very busy preparing for The Hebridean Challenge, instead.

Many thanks for all the offers of help to plan GL3D, but it takes a little bit more than just a couple of days planning and recce-ing of routes and control sites. Linz and I reckon on two full days over the Christmas period to identify start/finish and overnight locations, with another three days of route recce-ing, followed by six days devoted to the actual event. Hence we just can't afford the time in 2010.

But don't worry - GL3Day will be back in 2011.
So, enjoy a year off and do something else... if you do nothing else just earning family brownie points for a 'pass out' for future fun.

Joe

Much Ado about Nothing ...

2009-11-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Another month goes by, seemingly with much ado about nothing?

It’s the time of year when it’s wet and windy outside and not a lot has been going on. It seems a long while since the OMM and with only the excitement on the sleepmonsters front (after much initial frustration) was following the Portugal XPD World Championship race.

A Massive 'Well Done' to Tom Gibbs and Team, excellently back up by James and Nicola. An equally massive 'Well Done' is due to Team Cruachan who, along with the two other British teams all finished the race. That’s an impressive performance for British Adventure Racing. Take a look at www.teamcruachan.blogspot.com for Pyro's excellent reporting.

New for NAV4 this month is confirmation of our Spring NAV4 course on 12-14th March. This is, once again at our regular Borrowdale YHA venue, where the 2008 OMM maps come into play. Full details of the course are now on the website, and as places are limited they will book up quickly.

Also new for 2010 are two special One Day 'Open5' AR Navigation Workshops, on each of the Saturday’s before the Sunday Open5 Events at Howarth and Sedbergh. The unique thing about these is that you can book onto one of these individually and join up with like minded people for great value tution and an insight in to the mysteries of AR nav specific to Open5 strategy. Personally, I will be staying at Howarth YHA prior to that event (Friday and Saturday nights prior to the event on Sunday 7th February) which is a great venue for a bike/run event. Let's make a weekend of it...as James says.

NAV4 'Masterclasses' which are specifically arranged on a date to meet you own race/team agenda continue to be popular although the hardest part is often just getting a date sorted with your mates!!!!

'The Heb' is also taking up some ‘office time’. The Entry form is now being finalized and on the website and entries being accepted. 2010 FAQ's have been there a while and there is a great buzz of anticipation for next year's event. If you've been inpsired by Portugal XPD The Heb is an excellent way in to multi-day racing, and the terrain, atmosphere and scenery is the best in the UK. Get your teams sorted now...and start building for The Heb 2010

Joe

OMM - Better than ebay!

2009-10-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

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

The Heb 2010 FAQ’s

2009-10-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

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

Hebridean Challenge - Update

2009-10-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

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

Tour of Wales - Go Team Cruachan!

2009-10-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

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

OMM Mountain Marathon Maps For Sale

2009-09-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Following on from the 2008 MM in Borrowdale, I have dozens of OMM maps For Sale. These are original event maps over printed with the various courses, eg Elite, A-Class, B-Class, C, Long Score, Medium Score, etc. There are actually fifteen different maps and you can buy a bargain bundle of five assorted maps for just £12 including P+P. I've also got some from the last 2005 'KIMM' from Pooley Bridge and some of Galloway in 2006, as planned by our buddy Marcus Scotney.

I have been selling these on ebay, but being the techno-numpty that I am it is driving me made! If you want some, just send me an email, pay by cheque or Bank transfer, or even cash, and I will post them out pronto. Five maps fit neatly folded into an A4 envelope that will coming winging it's way through you letter box by First Class post

Anyone who navigates and uses the high Central Lakeland Fells will value this really useful map. Get them quick.. too good to recycle.

Whinlatter MTB Duathlon

2009-09-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

A new event looming on the horizon is the Whinlatter MTB Duathlon on 15th November.
Staged by Ian Mulvey inconjunction with the Cyclewise Team, it promises to be a great event. See here www.whinlatterduathlon.co.uk for more info. The route is great - excellent riding on the Northern Red Loop and the run route sounds intriging too.

Rab Mountain Marathon

2009-09-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

A great weekend all round and a really good laugh on Saturday night at the Rab overnight campsite. Why our part of the campsite resembled a bomb site can only be blamed on the dry sunny weather, hence stuff strewn everywhere! If it had been raining I'd have been a lot tidier and more organised.

Great to see so many people; Sarah, Angela, all the way up from Plymouth and a few Northern Mountain Monkeys. Big congratulations to Ant. Emmett and Helen Jackson for a storming run to place very highly in the Elite, and also to Dave and Jerry who struggled through against all odds with bad guts.

The Howgills always make for hard Mountain Marathon courses and are confusing even in good weather. Some really steep slopes, both up and down, and the inevitable contouring conspire to make some pretty sore feet ... even caught Wilko griping a bit! I wonder what it would have been like in the mist.

Well Done to the Rab Team - nice to do a MM in a manageable size. Great effort.

Awesome!!!

2009-09-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I've been around too many Aussies this weekend whilst watching the 24hour Race and the 100km Race at Keswick Ultra and Mountain Running Festival.

We caught up with the 24hr on Thursday evening, after they had been running for 7-8 hours, then I got up early on Friday to witness the same runners still circling the 1km loop in Fitz Park as dawn broke. All shapes and sizes, with the majority looking just as they did at 19 hours as they had at 8 hours. Sadly, I had to go to work rather than stay and see the finish, but I felt priveliged to be there, in spirit at least.

Many of those 24hr athletes were in Thirlmere today supporting their 100km team mates; some very conspicious by their stiffness, hobble or limp. Others looked fresh, especially one of the Scottish team out walking her dogs; Pauline, I think is her name. I heard another one say, 'I'm not fast enough to race 100km' so that is why he runs for 24hours instead! Some every impressive performances were to be seen, and anyone setting off on either jaunt is braver then most.

It was brilliant to see Jez Bragg striding down the somewhat surreal coned off lane of the A66 to win the Gold medal. Jez only took the lead at 95k - controlled and disciplined running having ridden a bad patch, mid race, no doubt. Sadly, one or two others had a less good day, and our good friend Marcus did not finish in the way he wished for but will be back stronger in his next race.

Athletes - one and all.

Lake District Mountain Trial

2009-09-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I went to Eskdale to ride MTB and watch the LDMTA finish. I was too late to enter or catch the start, but Eskdale is an amazing place and so different to the Eastern Lakes where I live.

I was mightily impressed by those I saw finishing The Trial. Although not a big event, it is steeped in a (50+ Year) history and those who compete are 'real' mountain runners. The course maps were displayed at the finish, and routes required to execute the most efficient racing lines need excellent navigation skills and the real ability to travel fast and fleetingly over rough Lakeland mountain terrain.

I was very impressed and a little bit embrassed that I can no longer do such stuff... post race blues, and I wasn't evene racing! However, Eskdale is a beautiful place far from the maddening crowds of Ambleside or Keswick, and I always drive away promising to spend more time there.

Well Done All you Mountain Runners.

Hebridean Challenge 2010

2009-09-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the advanced info for Heb 2010, hot of the press following much consultation and debate. This is it; the website will be update asap.

Hebridean Challenge 2010 - News Update

The route will remain as the classic week long Multi-sport stage race, journeying along the length of the Outer Hebrides from the Island of Barra to the Butt of Lewis. Just look at it on a road atlas – it’s simply awesome and a lot longer and wilder than many realize. The 2010 Race will be from Sunday 4th July to Friday 9th July, starting with a half day Prologue on Barra, and then racing from Eriskay to Lewis, Monday to Friday.

There will be three distinct categories – Teams, Pairs and Trios – this latter category being a new development for 2010.

Hebridean Challenge – ‘Team of Five’ – This is the original Heb Challenge format and the UK’s toughest Mountain Multi-sport Adventure Race. A relay format with the mixed sex team covering all disciplines; running, MTB, cycling, swim, kayak. Not all team members need to do every discipline/stage.

Hebridean Challenge – ‘Pairs’ - Team of Two – covering all disciplines, (as above) in a self supporting relay. One of the pair needs to be sea kayak specialist, and ideally the other a swimmer; both will need to run, cycle, MTB … it’s a busy race experience.

Hebridean Trio Challenge ‘HTC’ – The new Non-Kayaking class, but with swimming stage(s). This new class has the strap-line of ‘three mates in a car’ and is the simplest and cheapest way to access The Heb, as it can be done using the average sized car with just two bikes. The logistics and slightly easier route choices and ‘accessibility’ is designed for Heb newcomers and those wanting a relatively easy/stress free adventure. It will also be an excellent way to ‘suss’ The Heb for future years.

Are you up to The Heb Challenge? – UK racers are often bemoaning the lack of good UK races; well this is the mother of all UK Mountain-Multisport events. It’s not easy … and you won’t get served it to you on a plate, but it’s the original and best. Put it firmly on your agenda now.

Unfortunately the cost of staging such a race is never cheap and the race entry has had to rise in recent years due to some grant funding having expired. Consequently, the race needs to pay for itself, but when you consider the bigger picture, that this is a fabulous week’s adventure, it is worth every penny. The cost will be £350 per person, regardless of whether you are a team, pair or solo.

Start making plans now. There is something for everyone in this mix.
A few simple FAQ's and tips to start;
1) Kayakers will need a three/four star 'ticket' as before
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.
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.

If you have any questions please fire them to me. I'm trying to get the basics out as early as I can so that you can commit to doing Heb 2010.

The Heb is a 'must do race' - do it in 2010.

More soon.

Joe
Heb 2010 Race Director

Wow... Busy Summer Sabbatical

2009-09-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has been so long since I last made a blog posting! Did I lose some?

I guess I've been busy, plus I don't like to post if I haven't got anything worthwhile to say. Since my last post Linz and I enjoyed a particularly thought provoking trip to The Hebrides as part of our Heb social/consultation week, and I've race Open24 with Wilko, plodded around the classic Borrowdale Fell Race, trudling around the Kielder MTB Tri, and just this weekend supported NAV4 in the Open Adventure C2C race. Sadly I decided I just haven't got enough 'AR umph' to race in Portugal so had to pulll out of Team Cruchan, but it feels like the right decision.

That's a round up of summer fun, it even included some training runs and rides! The Dales MTB Centre gets a big thumbs up - great for those tired of Trail Centres and young dudes stood about in baggy shorts. www.dalesmountainbiking.co.uk The Bridge Inn at Grinton does good food and beer.

All good stuff - enjoyable, rewarding, varied and different. The pressing news remains stuff for next years Heb, and so I will post that separately very soon. More topical just now is the Open Adventure C2C where Wilko, Dave and AndyM performed very strongly to finish a creditable third team behind the Big Names of Helly Hansen-Nuun and Accelerate. I wasn't surprised at all .... even though some were. Just proves what quality athletes those three are and hype isn't always neccessary. Hats off to Tom Gibbs who race for two or three days with very bad guts. And to No Frontiers and Calder Valley for jolly good sport.

Big internal debates for me personally about the 'supported' versus 'self-supported' teams but having witnessed both this past weekend I'm convinced that we have teh right mix for the Heb 2010. Details of that follow next.

Joe

Friends of The Heb' – Skye Plus Weekend.

2009-06-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Many thanks for all the positive messages and for the interesting comments following the postponement of this year’s Hebridean Challenge. Please see the sleepmonsters.com thread entitled ‘Scottish Races’ if you haven’t done so already, along with my own thoughts further down this page.

The Skye Activity/Social weekend has attracted a fair deal of interest, but the vast majority of responses suggested that people were very happy to simply come along and ‘doing there own thing depending upon the weather’. Additionally, several people have stated that they will be traveling out to The Outer Isles rather than spending time on Skye. I do have some suggestions for routes and activites so if you need inspiration just ask.

Consequently, the Skye weekend will be a very informal affair, and I hope to meet up with people out on Harris/Lewis also. Everyone is invited to come along, whether they were intended to race this year or not. Any number of permutations of activity are possible; road cycling, mtb, running or munro bagging, or even sea kayaking. It has even been suggested that I facilitate a half day Heb Navigation/Tactics session which I’m very happy to do if anyone wants it. We (Lindsey and myself) will be based at the Campsite adjacent to The Sligachan Inn, right in the middle of Skye, from late on Friday 3rd July – Monday 6th July. If are coming please book direct with the campsite on 077864 35294 and mention that you are with The Heb group; the campsite has offered to keep us space and you run the risk of it not having space if you don’t. Please also remember that this is an informal arrangement unconnected with the race and it’s admin and insurance, and so you are responsible for your own bookings, fees and safety throughout.

Hopefully there will be quite a gathering of us over the weekend and it would be useful if we could meet up for an open discussion on the pros and cons of Heb Racing. Therefore, I suggest that meeting from 9pm in The Slig Bar on the Saturday night would be the best plan. I will also be there on Friday and Sunday nights, as well primarily to drink beer!

In addition to The Skye weekend, myself and Lindsey will be traveling out to Harris and Lewis for the following week. We intended to be based at Hogabost beach/campsite on the West cast of Southern Harris, from 6-9th, before moving upto the Uigg Sands area (Western Lewis) for the following weekend 10-13th July. Please do come and say 'hello' especially if you have any questions or comments about the Heb and it’s future. I shall be drivng a grey VW Kombi with bikes and sit-upon kayak attached - but watch out for my Black Cullin Isle of Skye cycle jersey also.

Finally, I’m very positive and upbeat about The Heb 2010. There has been a lot of very supportive comments following this year’s postponement and whilst we are not complacent as an organizing group, I am well aware of the minor glitches and frustrations which have blighted recent years.

Lets make 2010 a bumper year .... Roll on 2010.

Joe Faulkner - The Heb Race Director (Race Day Co-ordinator) 2010
faulknerjoe@hotmail.com
www.nav4.co.uk

Dockray-Hartside Fell Race - 6m/2000' - 17th June

2009-06-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Yet another climatically invigorating evening at Dockray with clear blustery skies after a very wet day, followed by a very vicious squall to round up the tail of the race.

From my vantage point at the last control on Common Fell, Steve Birkinshaw and Mike Robinson appeared to be having a real head to head tussle with a commanding lead over Mark Denham-Smith. Mike got a better descent line to win by 13 seconds and Mark commented that the direct route from Hartside to Common Fell is definitely quicker than the longer contouring one. I suggest it is quicker in this relatively short race, where as years ago in the days of the long Royal Dockray Helvellyn it was quicker to contour. The vegetation was also much more lush due to the race being six weeks later than normal. After the initial blast up the lane, there is a lot of route choice between each control on the open fell sides, which makes this a tough and very real fell race.

Briony Curtis was first female, and probably first ‘newcomer’ having travelled from Aberdeen via Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds; her sister, Catrina, who lives locally sent her to run! Jane Davies (Fletcher) and Liz Cowell battled it out for second a third females and both finished in the top twenty. Jane would have been first young newly married mum and Liz first senior female but as we have no prizes it’s purely academic.
The usual thanks are due to Jane, Alan and Linz for help at the start and finish, and to Tim for braving the elements on Hartside. Also to Ken for usually being there. Races can’t happen without these people.

Just for the record this race was also run on the original date in May but only three brave heroes turned up on a very stormy night. If it hadn’t been for Ken Ledward already being in place in his bivvi bag on the top we may have cancelled, but those heroes had a great run, and we decided to do it all over again. Top marks for Shaun Hardisty for doing the double.

It appears to have been a bit of a disjointed or disrupted local mid-week calendar this year, with Coledale and Tebay both moving to Saturdays to be Championship races, and no Fellside either?

Roll on 2010 – it will be interesting to see how the calendar pans out.

1 Mike Robinson Dark Peak 53.56
2 Steve Birkinshaw Borrowdale 54.09
3 Mark Denham-smith Keswick 57.22
4 Anthony Lambram Eden Runners 57.31
5 Steve Bennett Eden Runners 57.46
6 Craig Smith Keswick 58.47
7 Ian Davies Keswick 60.11
8 Stephen Hartley Eden Runners 61.08
9 David Owens Keswick 61.18
10 Robin Gillespie Eden Runners 63.05
11 Chris Harling u/a 63.27
12 Gary Johnson u/a 64.65
13 Richard Unwin Keswick 68.09
14 P W Bailey u/a 68.41
15 Briony Curtis Edinburgh H+H 68.42`
16 Shaun Hardisty Eden Runners 69.03
17 Terry Nichol u/a 74.23
18 Simon Veitch u/a 76.29
19 Jane Davies Borrowdale 79.27
20 Liz Cowell Borrowdale 79.29

Joe Faulkner - www.nav4.co.uk

The Heb - format and logistics

2009-06-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

If you've been following the thread on sleepmonsters.com regarding The Heb and the merits of Solo v. Pairs, and the supported v. self supported issues then this may interest you further.

Two other issues which effect the planning, directing and delivery of The Heb is the number of categories of 'teams', and the disciplines they undertake, and the vehicles and hence costs incurred.

If we go we with the idea of re-instigating the Solo race, I'd like to propose three distinct categories, with clearly defined disciplines;

Solo - The Ultimate UK Solo Race - Run/cycle/swim/kayak/MTB - self supporting requiring car and support driver. Relatively straight forward route choice. An amazing experience for you and your best mate.

Teams of Five - The Ultimate UK Team Race - Run/cycle/swim/kayak/MTB - self supporting requiring a minibus/people carrier. A relay race with the team managing some more complex route choice and logistics, as per The Heb original format. Cost of vehicle hire is justifiable amongst team; roof rack and carrying capacity necessary for all teams equipment.

Trios - Teams of Three - Run/Cycle/MTB/Swim - Three mates in a car, one roof rack, two/three bikes. A good intro to Heb Racing or a good way to return and have a cheap cost effective blast along the islands. No vehicle hire costs, good mpg, easy travel logistics to and from the Outer Hebrides. (No kayaking - the extra specialist skill and qualification isn't needed and you won't have space on your vehicle!)

There you have it ..... ! What do you think.

Joe

Victory

2009-06-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Victory is a funny word. Old fashioned and somewhat aggressive.

I came across this quote today;

'Victory doesn't always come to the swift but to those who keep going'

It's very appropriate for Andy Mitchell's gallant completion of the Bob Graham Round. I was in Wasdale last weekend witnessing the majority of BG contenders retire defeated by very unsavoury winter weather on the high fells of Sca Fell. Andy continued and achieved a remarkable victory. See his blog here for detail http://andyM0000.blogspot.com

Well Done Andy. It is especially poignant when far too many assume such challenges are there to be raced and rightfully deserved without good reason.

Joe

Highs and Lows - June 2009

2009-05-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

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

Dockray-Hartside Fell Race - Wednesday 17th June

2009-05-09T00:39:00.000-07:00

A new date has been fixed for Dockray-Hartside. The shuffling of dates is due, in part to the Keswick Mountain Festival and swopping dates with the Latrigg race. Also, now that Tebay is a weekend Championship race the local calendar is appears a bit short of mid-week races. The following is the summary from the FRA calendar, which will be familar to many of you;

WED.JUN 17. DOCKRAY - HARTSIDE (R). AM. 7.00 p.m. 6m/2000' from Dockray village. Registration and parking at "Quarry Car Park" (GR 397211). £1. ER/NS/LK. Over 18. Records: 47.00 B. Bardsley 2007; f. 53.56 V. Wilkinson 2005. Toilets at Aira Force car park. No safety pins. DO NOT park at the Royal Hotel before or during the race. Details: Joe Faulkner, High Brow, Tirril, Penrith, CA10 2LS. Tel: 07749 364248. Email: faulknerjoe@hotmail.com Website: nav4.co.uk

What this all means is that the race will follow the same route as in previous years, to the same start and finish format. The Landlord and has staff are all very friendly and supportive of the race, and we encourage you to drink and eat there, if and when you can. However, his car park is not big enough for all of us, and it is unreasonable that we grid-lock it during the race when he needs it for evening meal customers. Consequently, parking and registration is at the 'Quarry Car Park' 700m down the road towards Aira Force. There are public toilets at Aira Force also. Please leave your cars at that car park and walk/jog to the start, it's a good warm up or cool down, then join us in The Royal for a drink.

Route advise to follow, and I'll maybe try and upload a map, but please tell your friends and clubmates and come along to a 'reet good run'

Joe

Great Lakeland 3Day 2009

2009-05-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

It's all over!
GL3D 2009 was quite simply the best yet. An excellently positioned Start/Finish venue, quality campsites each with stuningly simple facilities and settings, and overall great routes offering varied terrain and interesting route choices. Third time participant, Simon Caldwell has posted some beautiful images at the following site which shows The Lakes in all it's glory..
http://climbing.me.uk/GL3D09/index.html

Thank you to everyone who came and contributed to an excellent. Full results and a brief, initial report are on our new website http://www.nav4.co.uk/ and I'll be posting further thoughts here, soon.

Joe

Dockray-Hartside 2009.... a Howling Success!

2009-05-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

A high quality field of talented and suitably experienced athletes completed the Dockray-Hartside last night with Steve Howe, Shaun Hardisty and Andrew Murray overcoming very challenging wet and windy conditions to claim top honours, in a time of around 1hr 12minutes. I am grateful to Ken Ledward for overcoming tough the conditions on top of Hart Crag as our checkpoint marshall

A further date will be confirmed shortly for a second Dockray race, later this summer. Dockray has a long history in fell running, and The Royal Hotel continues to play a part in that history. Long may it continue...

Dockray-Hartside Fell Race - Weds 6th May 7:00pm

2009-04-13T00:12:00.000-07:00

Probably the lowest low-key fell race possible – details and format as usually. Parking and registration, from 6:15pm at ‘The Quarry Car park’ 700m down the road from Dockray towards Aira Force. The route goes up the road from Dockray to High Brow, Hartside and Common Fell checkpoints. It’s about a six mile race, with around 2000’ of tough climbing on rough and open fell. You need navigational skills and experience. Kit requirement is a wind/waterproof jacket with head covering, and a map or sense of direction, as a minimum. No prizes, no faff... just buy beer or in The Royal Hotel afterwards. Please, please, please... Please do not park in the hotel car park before and during the race - toilets are available at Aira Force. The landlord is very friendly but doesn’t deserve to have his car park grid locked for two hours during potential evening meal service times. I’m still hopeful to stage an additional longer race from Dockray later in the summer so your co-operation, consideration and contribution to that cause are all very important.

Many thanks. Joe

GL3Day - 'Final Info' update

2009-04-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today I have been busy beavering away with prep and admin for GL3Day, and I'm really excited about venues and route we have in store this year. We've a great start/finish location and two cracking overnight campsites.

The 'Final Details' info has just been emailed, or posted, to the 44 hardy souls who currently make up the start list. If you are expecting them and haven't yet received them, perhaps your email has gone astray or I've pressed the wrong button, sorry! Please do send me an email if you haven't received the info. Also there are a few spare places available for anyone who is interested in entering - full details on the website, of course, and via email.

I'm well aware that our website development hasn't quite reached it's peak yet, hence the old site is more than a 'tad' out of touch, but we really are in the final stages with the new site, so adding anything new to the old site isn't really worth it.

More news soon ... enjoy Easter hols

Joe

NAV4 photos

2009-03-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

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

NAV4 - Wow... What a weekend!

2009-03-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

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.

NAV4 Courses ... and more

2009-03-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

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!

NAV4 + GL3Day + NAV4 Symposium.

2009-02-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

Our NAV4 course is looming in just four weeks time and there has been a small flurry of interest recently. Tonight, I emailed out 'Final Details' to all those who have booked so far, so they should have details awaiting them. Currently, the course is fully booked with a few people having places pending the receipt of booking forms. Balance payments are now due for everyone. The number of places are limited by space at the Hostel and tutors availability. However, if you wish to be held on a 'reserve list' please email me a booking form - no payment neccessary until a place is offered.

With regard to GL3Day, that is nearly full as well, with a handful of places still open. Naturally, one or two entrants may 'DNS', hopefully by telling me first, so if you want a GL3Day entry send me a form in the normal way., ie entry form and deposit cheque, please.

Finally, The NAV4 Symposium was a highly successful weekend with everyone having a great time and learning loads ... especially that Longsleddale is a hidden gem of a Lakeland Dale.
There is a good report written by Jamie Wilkinson from NFR on http://www.northumberlandfellrunners.org.uk/ Thanks Jamie.

I'm off to Open5 this weekend so won't be in email contact until Monday evening.

Yours,

Joe

Hello from Harris

2009-02-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick blog to update you on a few things in my absence. I'm currently away from home (and all things IT) as I'm out in The Majestic Outer Hebrides for a week or so. The weather is currently blizzardy hence I'm in Tarbet Community Library.

As some of you might have guessed I'm here regarding The Hebridean Challenge and will be meeting Steph and Gavin later today to discuss this year's race format and route etc. The 2009 Heb promises to be both a year not to miss, and a good year to come for a first visit. More of the detail will follow in due course but (for one year only?) this year the event starts on Skye before heading to Harris and Lewis. Consequently, it will be easier to access and cheaper all round due to simpler ferry logistics. It also means that the Highlights of Harris and Lewis will compliment those of Syke to create an oustanding race.

Quietly run by a small team of volunteers, The Heb is undoubtedly the UK's original and finest Multi-sport, Multi-day race.... it deserves your support and you deserve to savour it. Get your team or pair sorted now and enter very soon.

NAV4 Symposium
There are still places available on our NAV4 Symposium on 14/15th February. Full details are on the website - http://www.joefaulkner.com - so if you want to come along just send me a booking form or email and I will attend to it on my return. The weekend is open to all abilities of 'adventure racer' and their partners and friends. You don't need to take part in a workshop .... using the accommodation as a base from which to do you own activities is OK, too. It will be fun.

Must dash ...

Joe
faulknerjoe@hotmail.com

One Lump at a Time

2009-01-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

Q: 'How do you eat an Elephant?'

A: One lump at a time.

Much has happen over the past few weeks but none of it has any great importance, so you might stop reading now.

Conversely, I seem to have munched my way through a mountain of stuff and I'm not neccessarily talking about Chrimo food intake. True, I had to find some bigger trousers to wear, recently, as I was podged out from Winterslobitis, but is was due to relative inactivity rather than big fat dinners. 'One lump at a time' refers to a number of projects, each of which has been ticked off in turn.

Straight after Boxing Day I spent an amazing three days on the Isle of Skye whilst suffering from Sciatic and an increasingly numb left leg. The purpose of the trip was to familiarize myself with the greater reaches of the island in preparation for 'The Heb'. It should, by now be common knowledge that I am Race Director for 2009, and that The Heb will have a two day 'Phase One' on Skye before paddling The Minch out to Harris and Lewis for the remainder of the week and 'Phase Two'.

I'm only the Race Director, which is a bit of a misnomer as Steph is Event Organiser and Gavin Event Route Planner, so my role is very secondary to those wonderful people. The Heb is the best 'Adventure Race' in the UK. This year, (and maybe for one year only?) you can sample The Heb Magic with two days of Phase One if you can't manage the whole week. The change is 'different' and a brave move, but it's time to ring the changes. Please come along .... preferably to do the whole week.

The dramatic weather on Skye was a little bit frustrating; not being able to walk or run more than a mile for Sciatic kicked in. I was able to cycle so rode so good MTB trails instead, but leaving Glenbrittle on a perfectly still frosty morning was hard. (I had been there, seemingly alone, for 15 hours in -6 degrees) Rassay was nice, too. On the way home I cycled from Glenshee Ski station south along The West Highland Way, again in glorious sub-zero weather, to Victoria Bridge and The Inveroran Hotel, which unfortunately was closed when a 'Full Scottish' would have been very welcome. It seemed like the Hotel hasn't see the sun for several weeks and with the temperature well below freezing I need to ride hard back up the WHW for a couple of km to generate heat and find some 'rays' ....man! Not the most demanding of trails but great scenery. Do it from Inveroran, the other direction, with The Kingshouse as mid-way refreshment spot. The Inveroran Hotel would be a good base to stay. All in all, a very good trip.

As cycling is relatively pain free Keith and myself had the target of the classic 'C2C' ride over New Year. Starting from Whitehaven on New Year's Eve we planned to cycle back to our house near Penrith on Day One. Whilst the good folk of Whitehaven Tesco's are probably used to cyclist donning layers of lycra, they probably hadn't seen one person donning that many layers, at lunch time on New Years Eve. Only the Swan getting to grips (or not) with the concept of walking on water as the Inner harbour was frozen over, looked more incongruent.

We made it home in about five hours of freezing fog, not counting the hour of steaming hot-aches in Whinlatter cafe, where more sweat left my body than during the whole ride. New Year's eve was defferent this year, especially with the thought of a long day ahead to Sunderland.

Up early, to a dark and frost morning we had bike lights on, due to fog and gloom, for the spin along the main road before the climb to Hartside. (1900' tall, it is, and boringly tedious - look over you shoulder and pray for a good day) The sun did come out momentarily around Long Meg Stone Circle, as I took a photo to prove it, and I'm now certain I'm a druid. A stiff eastly breeze built steadily towards top and the obligatory photo stop at the summit was taken in winchill factors of brass monkey proportions.

The problem with winter cycling is that it's lot worse then summer cycling; you get sweating on a climb and then freeze your bits off on the descents. Stuff newspaper down your jersey? No way - a duvet didn't help. Such was the ride over the Pennines, that by Allenheads, at lunchtime, we'd had enough. Keith succinctly announced that, 'he'd enjoy the remainder if we came back tomorrow', so we did. Fortunately, the support team agreed, especially as the driver was too hungover to be allowed to drive to The North East. Eating and drinking in sub-zero conditions had been impossible made even harder by big festive evening meals and medicinal beer intake.

Day Three. And a relatively early start; we returned soberly to Allenheads. With one last wee climb we tipped into Upper Weardale for a whizz down the dale and the short twiddle upto ParkHead Cafe. What a place? Biking cafe from heaven! And all down hill until the sea. Nigh on 40 miles.It really is a great route ... roll on summer.

The next day did command a 'Rest Day' not least because Dave Chief Carbo, Wilko, and Paul H, appeared bright and eagerly to sauntered around the 'Old Crown Round' and there was no way I could hold them up. Capt. Evans award for me, and Sports Personality Award to Stu Smith. The rest of the team undertook suitable undertakings before an evening in The Old Crown, and a night at our secret Camping Barn .... which will remain secret as it too good to share. Sunday did dawn fair and bright, and with rock hard perma frost under our tyres a loop of The Knott and Great Sca Fell was accomplished in conditions probably never to be repeated.

Whizz forward a week and it's now wet and windy. Too windy to venture out and even skulk in the garage, unless I want to lose the garage door. Therefore, website stuff has been prepared for launch, including the details of the inaugural NAV4 Syposium. These will be on the website shortly. Basically, £35 buys you two nights B+B at the bunkhouse, along with free porridge and a Symposium Supper. And a Symposium. An additional £40 buys you a 'workshop' of your choice. It will be fun! Book early.

GL3Day info is also to be uploaded and advanced info has gone out to existing mail-listees. See http://www.joefaulkner.com/ for full info in due course. Some places still remain available for our NAV4 course at the end of March. Drop me an email, to faulknerjoe@hotmail.com if you need info on any of these happenings, or if you have questions regarding The Heb, etc, suitbale for myself, and I'll see if I can answer them.

I think that is an accurate round up of recent occurrences - the elephant has slowly been digested, and I'm now back in regular sized jeans.

Happy New Year. Indeed.

Joe
faulknerjoejoe@hotmail.com
http://www.joefaulkner.com/

NAV4 Symposium - 14/15th February 2009

2008-12-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

The inaugural NAV4 Symposuim will take place on 14/15th February at Longsleddale Outdoor Pursuits Centre in The Lakes.

What is a Symposium? 'The term Symposium originally referred to a drinking party (the Greek verb sympotein means "to drink together") but has since come to refer to any academic conference or a style of university class characterized by an openly discursive rather than lecture and question–answer format.' ...

..... although in our terms it will be a combined social and training weekend open to all adventure racers. It is intended to have a simple Symposium Supper on Saturday night, and the after Supper discussion about all things 'AR'. Maybe I'll be able to entice a guest speaker to kick off the evening but whatever the outcome it will be a fun, informative and an enlightening evening.

Day time activities can involve a wide range of things; walking, MTB, running, even paddling or 'ropes', but it will work like this... either, do your own thing , or sign up for a workshop, or two.

I hope many people will wish to come and join the fun, even if you wish to do your own thing rather that join a workshop, as Longsleddale OP Centre is ideally placed for excellent MTB trails, access onto The High Street Range of fells. We have original pre-marked 2005 KIMM maps for you to use .... plenty for everyone to do.

A flat rate will be charged for two nights' bunkhouse accomodation (Friday and Saturday nights) with free porridge each morning and a simple Symposium Supper. The cost of this is guesstimated to be around £35-40 per person. tbc.

Alongside that we hope to provide a number of skill 'workshops' focusing on what ever people want to do, ie, Intro or Micro Navigation, Advanced Score and Route choice strategy, MTB Navigation and racing skill, etc. 'Ropes Skills' or 'Paddle Skills will be offered if the demand exists. There will be an aditional charge for participation in any tutored workshop but the cost of this will be in the regionof £30-35 per 'short' day session and epending upon activity type, equipment, etc.

More details will follow in due course, but I need your suggestions and commitment to make it happen. Please be aware that the number and type of workshops and places on offer will depend upon the level of interest and bookings.

If you are interested please get back to me asap ..... I look forward to hearing from you in the New Year. Have fun.

Joe

Moving on ... 2009 looming large

2008-12-17T02:37:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when I often think there is a long winter ahead before ‘next season’ … which in reality is simply not just the case. I’m at my most unfit and least healthy part of the year, having had a heavy cold for a few weeks. And there appears little reason to motivate myself. However, I’m not one to complain, nor push through illness or injury as that is simply foolhardy and did make me seriously ill many years ago.

Looking head to 2009 there is so much to do, both from a racing point of view and in terms of stuff to organize. On the race front my biggest news is that I have taken on the role of Race Director for The Hebridean Challenge, which is both scary and an honour at the same time. I’ve raced it a few times as a pair, solo and team and it is simply the best AR race in the UK. Working with Steph as organizer, and Gavin as route planner, it’s going to be an adventure of it’s own making. 'The Heb' race is highly to be recommended for many reasons; the scenery is stunning, the race atmosphere very friendly and the ethos of the event refreshingly simple and pure. There is no better way to have an adventurous holiday with your mates. It's also a good stepping stone for less experienced racers to sample longer, or Expedition type racing. Getting a team togther can be trying but it is well worthwhile. The 2009 race will see a few minor tweaks which will have quite an impact so I urge you all to get signed up in due course. I acknowledge that the web site is currently not quite upto date, but look out for a few ‘developments’ in the near future. I will also appreciate any feedback from participants as to what things you like, and dislike, as I aim to represent the racers opinion amongst the organising team, in order to help Steph and Gavin continue their excellent work. So if you have any comments or questions for me please get in touch. faulknerjoe@hotmail.com

Closer to home I’m busy plotting our own GL3Day event and busy with bookings for our next NAV4 training course in March. www.joefaulkner.com The full details are available on the website - remenber places are limited and will fill quickly after the New Year. The course is applicable to all mountain marathoners, adventure racers and off-road runners of all ability and experience. We deliver excellent instruction and coaching to tutor groups of no more than four people, during the Saturday, and then enable you apply your self to a mock training event on Sunday, but with support and feedback to help you progress. The evening indoor session and optional night nav later in the evening completes the programme.

On the racing front, the Open5 Series is in full swing although I dipped out of the Staveley event due to high levels of snot and snow! (Urgh) It was just too icy for me but t'was good to meet a few new faces, as well as the old ones and offer advice at the 'NAV4 Help Desk'. Team NAV4 were a bit short on numbers due mainly to the weather. Certainly, Wilko was iced up deep in Keilder Forest and was told not to travel; she does still head the overall leaderboard for Open5 points.

Stokesley is the next event in the series although I’m likely to miss that due to a combination of wedding anniversary, my wife’s birthday and an increasingly pressing need to get up north in prep for The Heb. However, Team NAV4 will be there in force. John Allen will be fronting up the Help Desk - his experience and skills are legendary!!!

Have fun over Chrimbo ... remember ... 'there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing (and sometimes the wrong choice of activity)'

Joe

Cyclewise Whinlatter - MTB Skills for AR

2008-12-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

This was actually the second MTB skills course that I have undertaken within the year, the previous one being a Day at Glentress with David Webster and is also highly recommended.

What did I learn? Well, Firstly – I’m still a crap mountain biker, and secondly; it is important to identify and practice your weaker disciplines for successful improvement across AR. Just like triathletes needing to training at their weaker discipline in order to gain maximum improvement overall, most of us favour doing what we like best, and not what we like least. Therefore, we go out and train at our favoured sport and neglect skill development.

So, how was Whinlatter? Embarrassingly, I had done very little technical riding over the summer and arrived clutching my ‘trails’ bike which is a smart and relatively unmarked Orange P7, bought about a year ago with the sole aim of improving my technical riding. Even more annoyingly I had done no ‘prep’ for the course and hadn't managed to ride my bike or practice at all. I always ride my other bike, my ‘race’ bike in ARaces; I’m used to it, it has a map board, cross roads tyres and bar ends all set up for efficiency in longer events and it seems to go faster. Consequently, at the recent Open5 in Blanchand on a wet and muddy day, I shied away from spending too much time mud plugging on the bike and allowed more time to ‘clear’ all the run controls. Was this right? Had I under achieved on the bike?

The answer is ‘Yes’ possibly, I had under achieved on the bike section, but I had played to my strengths so that my overall strategy was right for me in those conditions. Setting that aside, in order to move up the finishing order I need to improve my ‘efficiency’ on the bike, and whilst there is nothing wrong with my navigation and route choice is usually very good, I need to ride faster on more technical terrain. But this would only pay off in an Open5 if I can spend, say, the half an hour I spent clearing low value run controls, and replace them with better value MTB controls. Such is the dilemma of Open5 … of course.

I can highly recommend undertaking any sort of coaching to improve your performance and simply your enjoyment of your sport. All too often we reach a plateau in our activity and it is very difficult to move on without some form of external feedback. Sports psychology is a fascinating subject and by ‘getting inside your head’ a good coach will be able to allow yourself to identify what is holding you back. It may be possible to do this yourself, but is easier with an external feedback.

This past weekend I have been working with some Mountain Leader candidates assessing their skills and performance. Over three glorious weather days I thought a lot about learning styles and performance under stress. During the MTB courses I found it very difficult to perform ‘to order’ as the group circled in a regular formation, and had better success when away from any peer group spotlight. Of course this is quite normal for everyone and Rich and Neil, and also David Webster are excellent and breaking down those barriers and providing coaching tricks. Recently I decided that I must swim regularly over the winter months to strength my swimming ability. Living a mile form Ullswater I prefer to swim in the lake. I like swimming but hate swimming pools but whilst ploughing up and down one night I thought this through. I concluded that it actually originated from the childhood stress of swimming pools and actually the changing room part of a swimming session; I was the fat kid uncomfortable in the changing room! Well now that I’m 46 it made me smile but that actual realization was a powerful one.

Whether swimming or biking what is necessary is practice …. practice …. ractice … but based on feedback and with great awareness of your weaknesses and inhibitors.

Go on a Cyclewise course – you won’t regret it.

Moving On...

2008-11-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

Much has happen since a week last Monday and it now feels like an awfully long time.

The ‘Open5’ at Blanchland was a great day out in a beautiful undiscovered part of the Northern Pennines, and was well worth the effort to get there. James and Lisa, ably assisted by Jim, Andy, Ian et al do a great job of providing a quality event accessible to a wide range of abilities.
James and Lisa’s events are both ‘beginner friendly’ and yet provide a tough day out for the elite, with fierce competition at ‘the sharp end’. If you haven’t sampled one of their events then do so. http://www.openadventure.com/ Don’t be intimidated by the five hour time limit, it soon rushes by when you break it down in to a couple of hours each of MTB and ‘run’ (top tip – just walk quickly and navigate effectively!) Prep and transition time eats into the five hours too.

‘Wilko’ Wilkinson competed solo and raced to second place with a very proficient performance. This proves that she is a strong and very competitive athlete who can navigate and doesn’t need John Allen or myself to lead the way. It was the first event in a series of five so I wonder how it will pan out for all of us.

Last night I took part in a local MTB Night-O, another excellently staged event by a group of hard working volunteers with minimal support. I don’t actually remember doing a pure MTB Night-O ever before, consequently, the frantic 1:45 hr event had me hurtling about feeling a bit if a Numpty as I overcame ‘big event’ complacency, and the various associated night time factors.

An early ride front wheel slide shook my pride somewhat, but eventually I ‘got my ar*e in gear’ to quote one old colleague, and a new ‘sexy’ Petzl Ultra was very useful, too. I just need to take the racing slicks off my bike wheels now. People often ask me what items of gear I would recommend and I’m often hesitant as I don’t wish to pander to commercialism, and belive you have to experiemnt for yourself especially with clothing, but the new Ultra is well worth the money if you are into multi-sport adventure racing.

What these both events had in common is that neither attracted media attention despite us buzzing around either side of the A591 and across bridleways via farmsteads in the dark, or on the prime shooting ground of the Blanchland Estates. These ‘stakeholders’ wanted us there, unlike some involved in the OMM farce. Both the Sun Inn at Bassenthwaite and the people of Blanchland were very accommodating. If you fancy a quiet, or indeed romantic weekend away try The Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland – a bit quirky, perhaps, but great. Ironically, neither The Lord Crewe or The Sun Inn don’t spring up with websites via search engines.

The media storm that was the OMM has gone, but what is happening is a new wave of investigative journalism – those who want to know why the panic buttons were pushed and by whom, and also why people want to do such events in the first place. There could be interesting articles and TV to be seen, soon, and there is no such thing as bad publicity, apparently.

Finally, looking ahead, the Open5 series will keep me busy for the winter racing season, especially if I do 'get my ar*e in gear' and do some training! My recent revelation is that I’ve got in the habit of swimming indoors – bit of a first for me…. only used to a Lake called Ullswater.

Keep safe - have fun

Ps – Scoob is to be repaired ….

Original Mountain Marathon

2008-10-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Now that the waters are receding, metaphorically speaking, I have time to write my blog.
Firstly, many thanks for all the kinds words and thanks, and for your concerns over the weekend. Secondly thank you to those who have been awaiting my blog with interest, wanting to know what myself and ‘Team NAV4’ have to say of it.

By now you will have all realised that the media hyped up he whole episode. You will also know that phone communications are non existent in the Borrowdale valley, and that it is only now that I have to time to ‘blog’ and I only like to do so when I have something to say in a composed manner.

The facts;
Wilko and myself participated in the Long Score class arriving Friday evening and sleeping in my VW van. On Saturday we started early and completed Day One without trouble; fell top conditions were bad with very gusty winds, so low level route choices were key. Descending into the overnight camp in Buttermere from Haystacks it was apparent that the overnight camp was probably going to be a very tedious and soggy affair. (And I’d made my decision that we were heading for home, rather than spend a long night in a tent, although I had yet to share the thought with Wilko!) Spending an hour to do just 1km crossing the valley bottom with numerous stream and river crossings confirmed to me that once ‘dibbed out’ at the Day One finish, we’d be walking back over Honsiter Pass and back to the Event Centre at Seathwaite.

On arrival at the finish we were informed that the event was cancelled, i.e. abandoned, and that we should all walk back over Honister. I guess the time at this point was around 3pm. The mood amongst everybody was a mixture of big disappointment and yet some relief, and we all geared up and fed ourselves, briefly, in the big barn prior to an exhilarating walk up Honister Pass. I saw no-one in trouble from hyperthermia, etc, there was no panic or sense of drama, and it was great fun.

At the top of the Pass we were met by Mark Weir, the owner of Honsiter Slate Mine, who told us that Borrowdale was severely flooded and we should go back down to Buttermere. He further said that he was going ‘to arrange for buses to take us out to Cockermouth or somewhere’ and that he was ‘going to speak to Police’. Mark Weir asked for volunteers to help him sort this out, so I stepped forward, raised my hand and said, ‘Yes, I’ll help but you need to tell me more about Borrowdale.’ He said,’ Borrowdale is under water... cars are floating’ I asked, ‘Where are cars floating?’ to which he said ‘The Borrowdale Road is closed’. I tried to discuss further but conditions prevented further discussion.

Some people were sheltering in the visitor centre and some started to get on the bus. Wilko and I actually got on the bus briefly but my gut feeling was that we should be heading for Seathwaite. Whilst middle to lower Borrowdale may be flooded and impassable, our cars at Seathwaite were a safe haven and needed to be reached. Wilko and I got off the bus and talked to some other runners. We agreed that it was illogical to go back down the Buttermere side and we should continue to Borrowdale and Seathwaite, and the Event Centre. I knew communications would be difficult and that we needed to try even if it meant coming back up. We jogged down the road and turned left up the Seathwaite road, walking through flooded parts up to our knees. My van was parked about 800m from the road end at Seathwaite and it was a little disappointing to see it two feet deep in water. I estimate the time to be around 5pm. The van is a VW transporter Kombi/MPV/camper. There was a few inches of water inside the back of the van, but we got inside, got a brew on, and generally changed some of our damp gear. The water continued to rise about another four inches and we sat eating and pondering our next move. I did not feel in danger, just a bit frustrated. There was a steady stream of people walking (wading) up passed us and Landrover and Transit type vehicles driving both ways. By this time it was dark and difficult to gauge what exactly was going on outside of our steamed up windows and rather dank environment. The water started to recede about 7pm and by 8pm we could don willies and walk up to Seathwaite and The Event Centre itself.

Within 100metres of leaving the van, the floods had gone and although the road was awash there was plenty of relatively dry ground and space surrounding all The Event Centre. There were many people sat in cars in the parking fields, and some people were camping. It’s difficult to say how many people were in Seathwaite, but there was a feeling of disappointment amongst the people chatting in the barn which was Race HQ. We talked for some while before going over to Wilfs catering tent to see how they were; as regular customers Charlotte, Wilf, Ruth, Jane and Pippa have become friends and we wanted to help if we could. Wilfs had been flooded a little during the afternoon but they were all in fine spirits, although a little bored and frustrated. We pieced together as much information as we could (communications had always been difficult due to no phone coverage) and concluded there was nothing we could do until the morning. Wilko and I returned to the van around 11pm (which became 10pm) and bedded down for the night.

At first light, around 6:30, I woke to hear cars driving away from Seathwaite. Wilko and I went up to Seathwaite, initially to phone for breakdown recovery and to see what was going on. It became apparent that a fair proportion of people had been and gone home already and things were generally back to normal with Wilf’s feeding people, people reporting to the finish and generally talking of the wonderful, but frustrating adventure they had experienced.

We returned to the vicinity of the van and basically spent the next seven or eight hours directing traffic, pushing cars out of muddy fields and helping people get away. All morning a steady stream of people started walking up the road. Consequently, we spent a lot of time talking to dozens of people and finding out where they had been. Two good friends had been accommodated overnight just down the road at The Glaramara Centre. Other people had stayed at Gatesgarth Farm, either in their tents or in the barn. Some local friends had gone home for the night, one friend had ended up in a travel lodge near Penrith. Others, had eventually been bussed back from Cockermouth, although they had to walk the last two km from Seatoller.

The parking fields cleared really quickly, especially with the help of three tractors, but many drove off without much trouble only needing the usual amount of pushing from runners. My van was clearly in the worst possible place, along with fellow NAV4 tutors, Pete and Stuart. For a section of around 200metres the road had been flooded to a depth of two-three feet with approximate two dozen cars taking the brunt of this. Many of those drove away eventually, once dried out, and I estimate that 6 or 7 recovery trucks came to collect flooded cars, with only three or four remaining once I’d gone. Pete had abandoned his earlier that day as he had a lift to get home from a friend. TV crews continued to arrive during the afternoon looking for a story, when there really was nothing to see.

Wilko got a lift out of the valley around 4pm, Stu drove out at about 5pm and I got recovered eventually around 6pm, to arrive home about 8:30pm. Suffice to say that we were some of the last to leave the valley.

Since Monday I’ve been monitoring the forums and media generally ever since, and dealing with my own correspondence and sorting out my van and insurance claim. At the moment the van is awaiting an insurance assessor to see if it is repairable or to be written off.
What is apparent, now that the media hype has gone away, is that there was never really an emergency. The local press could make interesting reading this weekend as many of us want to know who took the decision to mount a full scale emergency incident, and why? It is very evident that the media over reacted to something on a ‘slow news day’, but I think the police need to explain why the whole drama got out of hand.

The key issues/points that remain for me are:
1) That people were wrongly informed/advised that they should return to Gatesgarth and Buttermere.
2) Walking back to The Event Centre, by road, in order to effect the cancellation of the event, and evacuation of the overnight campsite, was the best thing to do. That is where each and every one of us had our additional spare clothing and food, and where the facilities were in place to look after us.
3) Point 2. was blindingly obvious to any competitor but totally misunderstood by some ‘external bodies’. It was, however, the strategy that the organisers wished to happen and have relied upon for forty years. This is also what every competitor was expecting to do, and wanted to do.
4) At some point, someone took away the self-reliance and responsibility that would have led competitors to return to the event centre and started bussing people needlessly away from the event and so created a drama and crisis out of nothing. How did this happen?
5) I assume that, ultimately, the decision to mount a ‘rescue plan’ or manage a major incident is the responsibility of the police, but how they gathered their information in order to instigate this ‘rescue plan’ seems unexplained.

I look forward to what may happen next.

NAV4 Symposium

2008-10-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

NAV4 Symposium

'The term Symposium originally referred to a drinking party (the Greek verb sympotein means "to drink together") but has since come to refer to any academic conference or a style of university class characterized by an openly discursive rather than lecture and question–answer format.'

Over the past few years we have enjoyed a NAV+art ‘Winter Warmer’ where members of the tutor team, previous clients and associates have enjoyed a sociable, yet active training weekend. Taking that idea a step forward I am proposing the first ‘NAV4 Symposium’ to be held early next year.

There will be something for everyone … friends old and new. Tell me what you want and I’ll do my best to arrange it! The idea is to base ourselves at a Lake District hostel, where people can come along and either just do there own thing, such as bike, mtb, run, (or a even paddle?) or ‘buy into’ a workshop focusing on a specific skills.

Join up with like minded individuals and meet friends old and new. Half day sessions might be all you need to brush up on your navigation technique, or master some expect of fine micro navigation. Alternatively a guided MTB ride focusing on MTB ‘O’ navigation and route planning, as typical of Trailquest or Open5 events will be very useful for some. Other ideas are possible. An early evening discussion could focus on ‘gear’ – clothing, food and nutrition equipment, or anything else appropriate. Then we’ll go to the pub!

It is primarily going to be a social occasion, for NAV4 and of course NAV+art clients to get together and enjoy both a training day or weekend and a social occasion. However, if you and your buddies want an ‘Intro Nav’ session, or anything else we can offer, now is the time to start planning it and submit your requests.

I’m currently looking at a venue in the Ambleside / Consiton area and a date in mid February. We aim to keep the cost as low as possible, with people booking direct with the hostel for accommodation and only paying for participation in a work shop of half day training session if they choice one.

Please get back to me with your ideas and requests … it all helps!

Ps - Oh .. just been talking to James @ Open Adventure - Johny5 isn’t planning the Blanchland Open5 as I thought … it was just a rumour, so it’s no wonder he hasn’t told us much about it!

Have fun at The OMM

NAV+art Spring 2009 - 28/29th March

2008-10-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well the last posting didn't crash so I'm happy to see it for all to see.

Our next NAV+art course will be at Borrowdale YHA on 28/29th March. This is a return to our traditional Spring venue, with half board accomodation in nice comfy beds rather than the self catering / camping programme at Bampton, which has a pre-OMM agenda.

March's course is applicable and appropriate to any Adventure Racer, Mountain Marathon Runner or Off-road runner who wants to improve their navigation and all-round performance.
The programme works at different levels, as we have a maximum client-tutor ratio of 4:1, and group people according to experience and ability.

No doubt you'll have heard of The Six 'P's - 'Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance,' I know from the various forums that some are panicing about the OMM, and some will regret not preparing better ... as I did at The Big Bad Ben Tri! Consequently, I strongly recommend that anyone interested in a NAV+art course, comes to our Spring course early in the year, especially if they want to enter The OMM, so that they have the whole summer to train and apply the learning gained at NAV+art.

'Where are the booking forms, then?' you may ask. Well, the website is due an overhaul and whilst details will be there soon you can email me directly now, faulknerjoe@hotmail.com for advanced info and a 2008 discount off next Spring's course.

Good luck with the OMM and your winter events.

Another busy period

2008-10-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Another busy period has flown by, including The Longmynd Hike referred to in my last posting and, of course, our recent NAV+art weekend.

In a first for ten years, I missed to attend a NAV+art course leaving it in the very capable hands of Stuart Smith and the excellent team of tutors. The reason for this was I needed to be away for a weeks holiday and The Applecross Duathlon and Big Ben Nevis Tri lured me to Scotland. I have some old running mates living (retired! lucky people) in Applecross so with a clash of dates it was the obvious choice to combine a week away with two great events. A chance email from Gerry The Chief Marshall at The Heb brought the event to my attention as he happens to live there and founded the event, I think, a few years ago.

The Applecross Duathlon is a great little event with a brilliant 9mile trail run through a remote glen followed by a 15mile road cycle around the northern coast. The ride is great, and not too hilly at all as the road is relatively very new, and hence not as twisty or undulating as some coastal roads. Fortunately the wind was favourable too, unlike last year, apparently.

The following day I cycled The Applecross Circular including the infamous Bealach na Ba Pass; c.5mile climb with 2000' and the longest/highest 'pass' in the UK. Really, it's not so bad and there is probably just as much ascent on the northern coast of the pennisula as on the climb itself. I was a great ride, great scenery and weather.

After a few days in Torridon and Strathcarron, I met Linz off the train at Spean Bridge and went out to Arisiag for a few days rest up before The Big Bad Ben Tri. Last year I finished in 9:53 and so this year I ambitiously entered as 'NAV+art Sub 9' as I hadn't been particulary fit last year, and felt that I could take 53 minutes off that time with a solid season's training.

How wrong could I be! I'd done even less swimming this year and Frazer had extended the swim as it may have been a bit short previously. Also, the sea wasn't flat calm, but choppy and windy with a tide that seem to have a wicked sense of humour. After 400metres I thought I'd have to wave the white flag, but finally settled into a rhythym, I think when the 'Half Ben' racers joined us on the second lap.

Glad to be out of the water, I was a little dismayed, and yet relieved to hear it had been a 47minute swim, and not the 30+ minutes of last year, but a poor start to any PB and certainly 'sub9'.

'Not like this on the telly', I said as I staggered around 'in transition' trying to put on four layers off clothing, a buff and two pairs of shorts/legs and socks (yes, I'm a wimp!). At least I thought I'd start warm and then strip a layer off on each lap of the MTB ride, if neccessary.

Well, I wobbled my way out onto the MTB course, spinning up the Old Faithful Cowhill and settled into my race. The weather continued miserably all day with drizzle and a steady head wind on much of the big climb. I never did strip any layers off and was amazed when the leader lapped me wearing only a tri-suit ... not even track mitts nor socks!?

I slowly started to pass a few riders by lap three and looked forward to The Run as it should be my stronger discipline, but any hope of breaking 9hours seemed very slim indeed. Once I started 'running' I felt better and enjoyed the climb and descent of The Ben despite the poor conditions. The support from Lochaber AC is tremendous on the upper slopes of the mountain and the summit team had some amazing food; nearly as grand as the fresh strawberries half way down. So good they were that I went back up The Ben for several metres to get a few more. A pleasingly strong and comfortable finish took me back to Fort Bill and a warm greeting from Frazer on the finish line. 'Joe Faulkner 9hrs 52' annouced the PA as I thanked Frazer for another great day out. Oh well, at least I'm getting a bit faster...!

The Big Bad Ben is a tough event. You need to enjoy tough MTB riding, not necessarily too technical, but be strong at climbing as it does clock up a far amount of ascent, and be very comfortable 'running' on Scotlands Biggest Mountain. I've witnessed one or two very competent triathletes struggle on the Off-road terrain, both MTB and run. But if you like a multi-sport challenge give it a go. www.nofussevents.co.uk will tell you more info.

The NAV+art training weekend went very well, judging by the feedback from those who attended. I've been busy trying to tie down dates for 2009, and have just finally confirmed that our Spring course will be on 28/29th March at Borrowdale YHA. Details will be update soon on the website. If you can't wait for that please email me for info and a booking form.

More very soon ... this looks like it may crash!!!

Gill Harris and Paddy Buckley

2008-09-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure when I first meet Gill, but one of my earliest memories was when she took part in our GL3Day event. I can clearly remember Gill being tailed by Terry Davies and Simon Madin who worked everso hard to hang onto to Gill’s strong and never faultering pace. Apparently, they nearly lost ‘El’Tel’ in a bog on Greenup Edge; Gill and Simon laughed but togther they with Simon’s extra tall height, they levered him out relatively unscathed. Simon and Terry were knackered at the end of three hard days and had that ‘never again’ look on their faces. Gill became a regular participant and then a crucial part of our organising team.

A few years later I was at the Woodgate Farm checkpoint on The longmynd Hike, after 33miles this is effectly the grouping point for the dark night section. Conditions had been wet and windy during the afternoon and we were all chilled. Whilst climbing into long leg wear, dry shirt, headtorch and grabbing a mug of tea in the melee, Gill appeared out of the gloom, along with Terry.

No time to waste. Gill told me I was with them as a group of three, and informed Owen the checkpoint officer we were off. I don’t think some people had known she had been and gone.
Conditions had been wet and cold and Terry was in a bad way. He was shivering badly, ‘but I’ll be OK in a minute’. We jogged off down the road, spilling tea from jogging and shivering. Terry was traveling light to say the least. He just wasn’t warming up and with no spare kit to put on I considered dressing him in my spare but it would come down to his knees and wouldn’t fit too well.

We nursed Terry through the next hours (at one point he ate a whole jelly baby!) and he felt a bit better when Aunty Gill Mac wrapped him up in her fleece at Stiper Carpark. Shuffling on, Terry ‘still didn’t feel right’, but Gill was on a mission and by careful group management and perfect route choice we didn’t loose much time and no other groups passed us in the dark.

Cresting the top of the ‘Mynd, Terry was feeling a lot better, probably because he could smell the beer of The Ragleth Inn below. Terry had been suffering with mild hypothermia for a few hours, but back on form the pace increased and we powered up Ragleth and down to Stretton, with good finishing times to be had. All the way across the playing fields Gill was pushing the pace...all the way to the school door. I hadn’t realised it but, a new Ladies record was waiting. In the dark and wet I hadn’t noticed Gill’s strength and focus, but it had been a tremendous perfermance and a good night out. Over the past decade or so Gill made Longmynd Hike victories, and the Ladies record her own on more than one occassion.

In August 2005 I had a go at The Paddy Buckley Round. Gill had completed a PBR in under 24hours in 2002, and I’d heard quite a bit about it. I’d also tried it many years ago but had blown out half way in poor weather. My 2005 attempt was a bit of a last minute decision but Gill, Phil, Keith and Pauline fronted up a formidable support team from Mercia Fell Runners and friends. Blessed by a bag of mixed weather, neccesitating a change of start time and venue, I ground to a halt on the last Leg before recording a memerable time of 26hrs10min. Not a defeat, but an amazing adventure in great company, and with tremendous contribution especially from Gill, Phil, Keith and Pauline.

A few days before the 2006 ‘Hike Gill was diagnosed with cancer. She didn’t take part and there was an emptiness without her. Her ladies record was broken by a minute or two by a newcomer to the event, in good conditions aided by a quality field of ‘Montrail Runners’.

In the Spring of 2007 when Gill was recovering from Chemo I stayed at Gill and Phil’s house on a Sunday night. It might have been after the Longmynd Vallies race, and the Monday morning gave us the chance to go for an ‘easy’ run before I was to drive home. We ran one of Gill’s favourite loops from Gaerstone Farm and I enjoyed traversing paths I hadn’t run for several years. My legs were tried and we ran steadily. Gill was weak but her determination deep within rose to the surface as we ran. Gill talked of running The Longmynd that October, and the more she talked, the more I realised she was talking of racing the Hike, not just aiming to take part.

Driving home I realised how important that event and the record meant to her.
2007 was the 40th anniversary of the Longmynd Hike. Terry Davies had persuaded me to do two laps as some sort of celebration. Terry has lots of good ideas and this was one I thought might not happen. Our first ‘unofficial’ lap started at 11pm Friday night. Twelve hours later, we were back at the start ready to go again with the proper start. Pauline came with us this time just to look after us, apparently, and tell us jokes. We had our own little adventures but were somewhat oblivious to the hard nosed racing taking part up front, in both mens and ladies race. (‘Ladies’ - so why not ‘Gentleman’s Race?)

Once again in a competitive ‘Montrail’ feild Gill was racing against some very talented athletes. I did get to hear the cut and thrust details later, but the gist of it was that Gill ran her own race against splits and times she knew so well and regained her record by lowering it significantly to 10hrs01min. The pace across those playing fields must have been hot! It was a tremendous performance and result.

My 2005 Paddy was no disappointment but in mid-summer this year I decided to try again for a sub-24hour round, if only to put into context the previous round; had I been fit enough, can I handle the much rougher ground, etc? Having had so much Mercia support in 2005 and with Gill very ill it was inappropriate to seek suport from Mercia, so this time I planned to go solo with Lindsey supporting me at road crossings. It the very least it would be a chance to contemplate and rationalise a plan, if any, for the future.

Gill died on Wednesday 6th August, whilst I was making plans for an attempt on 16/17th.
The weather dismissed that date as a non-starter with high winds and rain making the conditions unfavourable. A full moon gloated at me for the remainder of the week and so I decided to have a stab at some sort of round on Friday 22nd. Lindsey was unavailable and the weather window suggested a Friday evening start.

Starting at Llanberis, I climbed steadily through the quarries towards the Glyders enjoying a patchy half moon and a few wispers of thick dark cloud. The night was enjoyable and I was reliving many memories in a lot more favourable conditions than three years earlier. I made good progress across to Ogwen considering I was navigationg in the dark and carrying a lot of gear. Over the Carneddau to Capel Curig I wasn’t going as fast as I wished but still felt confident of giving the full route a go. Under the PYB footbridge I located my food stash only to find a hungry rodent had eaten my Tuna Mayo sandwich; not a good omen at the best of times. At this point it became apparent that I was definitely on a long reece rather than an attempt at The Round. I climbed Siabod steadily but the evening start was contributing to ‘sleepmonsters’ and the terrain along The Boundary Ridge exceedingly wet due to the recent monsoon rain. I realised it was ‘Game Over’ when went waist deep in a bog for the second time and I was recording splits far in excess of the schedule.

It was on this leg in 2005 that I had very fought hard for so long whilst following in the foot steps of Gill and Keith in a desparate attempt to make up lost time. Gill and Keith knew this leg so well and even in dry conditions there are several seriously boggy sections. I was now on a route to nowhere and after a few more summits my ‘bail-out’ options resulted in a decision to head direct for Cnicht, Nantmor and Abergaswyn Pass, if only because I had my second foodstash there. There ended by PB party for 2008.

I announced the secret outcome to ‘Wilko’ in an exchange of texts on the way home. ‘Have you got a date for your Paddy, then?’ She asked. ‘2009, after a very long dry spell, with a full moon, and perfect weather’ was my reply. There will need to be a bit of a re-think and a lot more recce-ing, too.

Gill’s dedication to The Longmynd Hike and Paddy Buckley Round and the effort she put into training and recce-ing the routes is admirable. I was not at all disappointed with my Paddy Run; it had been a great night out, and although running solo the spirit of many was ever present. I felt I had been granted an insight into what made Gill ‘tick’... but there is a long way to go before mastering The Paddy Buckley Round.

Joe

NAV+art - Bampton 13/14th September

2008-08-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

Where are all the Adventure Racers?

Yes, unusually, there are still places available! Perhaps the credit crunch is hitting, or maybe the date clashes with other things, or does the thought of camping put some off. Drag yourself away from your kit box and goody bag and come and do some real nav!! It is geared towards open fell mountain navigation, but all aspiring adventure racers will find this a good investment for longer events.
I'm going to be pretty busy in the next two weekends away in the mountains, and I'm suffering some IT problems ... so don't except 21st century comunication from me, but if you want to come there probably places so send me a booking form asap. Many thanks,

Joe

Inspirational

2008-08-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

I’ve not been blogging for a while for number of reasons. Latterly, it has been for IT problems and a poorly sick lap top. This is also the reason why I have been a bit ‘absent’ of late.

Lots has happened over the past weeks, with events and occurrences of contrasting experiences and emotions. The dust has settled, (or is that, ‘the wind died down’?), on The Hebridean Challenge, which I now affectionately term ‘The Heb Training Camp’. This is because it is such a tremendous week, and if you survive it without breaking yourself and you recover via an easy week or so, the training effect on body and soul is brilliant. ‘Head training’ is the key.

I sampled my first Open24 a few weeks later, again with ‘Wilko’ and can see why it is a very popular event. I think we did ‘OK’ for our first attempt together as a pair, and were able to draw on Wilko’s experience of the previous three year’s when she has been paired up with Johnny 5 Legs. Many people suffered in the heat generally and with extreme sunburn from some unexpected brilliantly blue skies, which appear whilst we were sea kayaking. I found it a bit odd trying to get the pace right, as 24 hour racing is a bit of a sprint when done in a multi-sport format. I suppose I have a lot of experience of multi-day and non-stop exped racing and a lot of 24hour ‘foot racing’ but as new pair it was just a bit ‘odd’. I’d been nursing a very sore throat all week at expected to suffer but survived to finish sixth mixed pair, and not far from the top. We only made one or two small navigation / strategy errors, due mainly to mis-interpretation of special stage instructions. The secret is just to keep moving steadily in the right direction and score points, and you must include all the special stages which are highly valued. Overall I think we under achieved by a small margin, but this is always better than over reaching and the ‘crash and burn’ scenario. It’s no doubt an adventure, and I enjoyed it, but the navigation input wasn’t all that challenging. But an excellent event well planned and executed by James and his team and in a great part of the country. Recovery was good, the journey not too much of an epic, and sleeping soundly for several hours on Sunday afternoon a good tactic to avoid weekend traffic.

A week later was Borrowdale Fell Race; the perennial favourite. If I had to choose one iconic long fell race, this would be it. Wilko and I ran steadily in difficult conditions for a pleasing 4:19 finish. (We are becoming very compatible especially on foot, but she does have a turn of speed that leaves me behind, and she used her sprint finish to gain some Championship points.) We were keen to run steady as we were due to pace Rachel Vincent on the Leg 4 – Helvellyn, and Leg 5 – Skiddaw sections of her Bob Graham Round. Unfortunately, the evening turned out a little unexpectedly but ultimately successful. We sat drinking tea and stoically stuffing the food down, whilst others were waving pints of beer around, killing time prior to our Keswick pick up time later. On arrival in Keswick and finding phone coverage, I was shocked and dumbstruck to find that Rachel was at least two hours up on schedule and we had effectively missed Leg 4!
This meant Rachel had pressed her husband, Phil, into acting as pacer, and all we could do was kill more time and wait at Threlkeld. I did consider trying to find them along the Helvellyn range but dismissed it as a foolish gamble. Happily, we soon got a phone message and then saw lights on top of Clough Head indicating that they still going strong. However, frustration turned to anguish as we watched them take an appalling line down the fell and become entangled in Threlkeld Quarry losing 45mins or so. I so wish I had gone up Clough Head to meet them. With plenty of time still in hand, Rachel had a quick refuel break and was focused on pushing on. She was climbing very strongly, but it was evident that a sore knee was limiting her downhill and running speed. The bad luck continued with me not finding the perfect lines between Blencathra, Great Calva and Skiddaw, and so Leg 5 became a slow painful experience shrouded in an uninspiring cold grey dawn, to finish just inside 23hrs. You can read Rachel’s own account at on http://www.tynedaleharriers.com/ and it’s an interesting read. Well done Rachel – an excellent effort and great performance in difficult conditions.

The following weekend was even more exciting. Marcus had asked me to act as oad support for his ‘Devil O’The Highlands’ race. This is 43 miles along the West Highland Way, from Tyndrum to Fort Bill. I’ve considered it myself before but it is just to fast and runnable for me. Marcus had prepared a schedule with times ranging ranging around 6 – 6 hours 15. He had all the splits worked out and was quietly confident of getting inside the record of 6:08. He was also keen to race against Jez Bragg, the current record holder for The Highland Fling and West Highland Way. Marcus has a phenomenal turn of speed and has been winning local road races. He also has a lot of Elite mountain marathon class experience, so it would be an interesting exercise in speed endurance.

The first support point is at Bridge of Orchy after just seven miles, and the pace was very fast and inside Marcus’s predictions. Marcus himself was comfortably cruising at the back of the leading bunch of five or six, and confident in his ability. At Glencoe Ski Station the leaders were now strung out a little with the pacing not slowing. Jez’s own blog http://jezbragg.blogspot.com/2008/08/battling-it-out-at-devil-o-highlands.html describes the race really well.

Was I ever bored doing road support? No chance! I was never waiting around for more than 20 minutes at any road support, and the tension was quite unbelievable. Marcus left Kinlochleven with a clear gap of 2-3 minutes having used his downhill fell running abilities. I tried to suss out how Jez was at this point, but I hadn’t met him before and he didn’t show much emotion at all, in the very short time he was there, and I certainly wasn't going to intrude on his focus. Again, his blog sums it up correctly. I saw them both, briefly, at the final road access point about six miles from the end. Marcus was just 200 metres ahead, and Jez reeled him in on the next tortous section of forest trail and made his vast experience count while Marcus suffered a minor wobble.

Jez finished in 5:22, with Marcus only 10mins behind, well inside the record. That 10 minutes is nothing, To lose just 10 minutes is a great effort considering he suffered with a slight route finding glitch which dropped him on to the road to earlier, while Jezz pushed his advantage to the finish line. They both smashed the old record as did another 3 or 4 runners. I think my club mate, Andy Davies of Mercia was inside the record as first Vet 40 too.

Marcus can be very pround of his race and ultra trail debut. I was just very pleased to be there and see it, so much so that I have entered The Highland Fling next April … eek!

I've also been looking at a certain Welsh 24 hr Round but the weather hasn't been too encouraging, and finding the right mindset difficult in the current circumstances. Perhaps, I'll have success to report soon.

Finally, if you are interested in joing on our NAV+art course on 13/14 September, there is still time. Please get a form to me asap.

Joe

Seeds of Change

2008-07-22T02:35:00.000-07:00

The Heb was great. 'Pyro' has managed to get some great photos ont'web via Flickr - search on Pryo's Yard Productions or The Heb Challenge and you will be sure to find them. The photos bring back all of the good memories and only some of the pain and anguish, and of that, it is only 'Type Two', ie retrospective pleasure?

Plans are being talked about for 'Heb 2009'; talking plans is fun and easy, making firm and commitment is a corner we are yet to round.

Having recovered from The Heb my next challenge was to discover that our venue for the next NAV+art course was double booked. Hence, this has involved several phone calls and emails regarding availabity of venue, tutors and clients of course, but hey... we are now back up and running. The course is now 13/14th September at Bampton in the Haweswater Valley, and uses the Loadpot Hill / High Street fells similair to the KIMM in 2005. Ironically, that is why we moved away from Bampton in the first instance. It's quite possibly the last NAV+art course at Bampton, so if you've read about how 'unique' the place is come along and find out. I'm pondering a re-launch and shake up with new venue for 2009. Full details of the September course are available on http://www.joefaulkner.com/ although the 'July News' and date amendment might not be there just yet. (Because my webmaster and me can't move as fast as blogspot)

My apologises go to anyone inconvenienced by this change. The new date will be just as good. There is also the possibility that experienced OMM'ers, can come along just for the Sunday pratice event and run it as pair with thier partner. There will be a small charge for this; contact me if you are interested in doing so.

Other than that, I'm looking forward to the Open24 this weekend, in apart of Wales I used to know in a dim and distant youthfulness...if I shake of this sore throat! It's nice to be going somewhere different. After that, the adventure is 'only' the Borrowdale Fell race. Less is more.

Have fun,

Joe

Shredded Head

2008-07-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back from The Hebrides, and our two week trip to Scotland, and after one day at work in an office my head is shredded. Guiness and pasta will have me a sleep by 9pm... drinking on a school night! Eek.

Firstly, a big thank you to everyone for their support and sponsorship of my 70 Wild Miles event. It was a great day, nice course, relaxing event and a warm up for the Heb Challenge. You can still donate on-line via www.justgiving.com/joefaulkner should you wish to do so. Sadly we missed out on any evening presentation, buffet and disco as we went to see Dave Atkinson finish his West Highland Way race, so I have no results, but apparently I was 9th out of 58 solos. I wasn't able to blog after the race to limited IT facilities, and who wants to spend holiday time at a PC key board what ever the connection speed? It does make you think about life and the real world, though.

A Sunday ferry took us out to South Uist on The Hebrides for a few days rest and relaxation prior to The Hebridean Challenge. This is a five day race for pairs or teams; cycling, running, MTB, (and swiming and sea kayaking for the teams) the length of the islands - approximately 150 miles as a seagull might fly, and so probably twice that via the race route.

The Heb remains the best Adventure Race in the UK, although Scotland gave us a mixed bag of weather with quite a bit of wet and very windy stuff for several days. 'The Heb' is simply brilliant and a great adventure for everyone. Louise 'Wilko' Wilkinson paired up for a 'lightweight', fun-but-competitive trip... and it was fun, just! It was also pretty tough with 12-15 hour days, which compounded by weather and a few other issues made it a wee bit tougher than anticipated. Nevertheless, we put in strong effort, performing well as the only land based pair against the four/five person teams. I ran some long and tough mountain navigation legs, while Wilko clocked up and increasing amount of time on my road bike as well as running strongly on shorter stages and MTB'ing very well. Even on Day Five we were keeping pace with the leading teams (although they did do a bit more than us, usually a swim leg) until the final afternoon when Wilko was obliged to tacked about 30km of cliff edge MTB section. Initially this was designated a MTB leg, and the geography didn't permit us to 'tag' and relay each other. Once committed to this, and with all teams falling behind 'buffet, speeches, prizing giving and Ceildh(?) schedule' it had become apparent that the 30km wasn't at all rideable, the later teams started to run in relays rather than ride the section or even ride on the parallel road! With the goal posts changed, and no means of contacting or intervening in this increasing frustrating situation, Wilko just got on with the job, 'riding' the whole leg solo, in one 'hit', so she is probably the only rider to do so. Consequently, we finish with pride intact if not an early finish. As a 'Heb Virgin' she really deserves the title of 'Racer of the Week'. Racing with me must be a chore in it's self!

As you might have detected, the finish was a little disappointing, but no-one is to blame really; we were simply a victim of circumstance. Ironically, if I were prepared to drive backwards a forwards and throw diesel and common sense to the island winds, I may have been able to find her and relieve her of her toil, but the chances of doing that were slim, and with a greater chance of missing her at the penultimate controls, and then the situation would have been worse. It the greater scheme of things it is nothing.

Hey... no worries - no-one actually reads this .... and we went for an adventure. It certain was, and The Heb remains the best Adventure Race in the UK. Whether there is a pairs section next year remains to be seen, as it is clear that the involvement of just three pairs as opposed to 16 teams was an unproportional drain on the events resources, and once or twice logitsical issues smacked us in the face. And when they did it hurt deeply.

Whatever your ambition, put The Heb in the diary for next year .... it is a must. It's brilliant.
I'll be back, as will Wilko ... but we may be looking for team mates......

.......Or may be not?

Joe

I did it!

2008-06-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

I did it! 70 Wonderful Miles, even the 13 miles of steading uphill tarmac in Glen Etive to the finish. At times I though I was going as slow as this internet connection, so I'll keep this short.

No results or times (due to watching Dave Atkinson's flying finish to The West Highland Way) but it took me 6h 8mins.

Many thanks for your support - in whatever form!

More later,

Joe

Adventure - Getting to the Start Line ... is The Hardest Part

2008-06-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Is hard to believe a week a has gone by since the last posting. It's been said that getting to the start line is usually one of the busiest and most difficult part of any race or adventure.

This is certainly an adventure, as well as the prep for '70 Wild Miles' I am of course packing for a two week trip to Scotland, the Hebrides and The Hebridean Challenge. http://www.hebrideanchallenge.com/ so there is a lot of gear and planning to be done, and it's amazing where the time disappears to. There has been more time spent with bikes, bike racks and roof racks in the past week then time actually training. Coupled to that, I've been watching The An Turas race unfold in South Western Ireland and just recieved the route for The Heb. It may be a late night of map marking tonight or tomorrow.

Adventure has been defined as having three key elements; firstly, a 'realistic objective'. Secondly, 'uncertainty of outcome, and thirdly, 'good companionship'. I've held onto these three things for over twenty years, since I first heard of them from a very wise old man* and while the first two usually prompt interesting debate, the third intrigues me the most. I've done a few epic Team Adventure Races and 'good companionship' shines through as a fundamental memory. Paired mountain marathons and involvement in such things as Bob Graham Rounds and other ultra events give rewarding memories, too. But what about solo events? I challenged this notion main years ago as a young man, and it took me a while to appreciate the meaning of this. I was told, by the wise old man's student, ('cos they wrote thesis on it!) that solo trips count .... My 'solo' Heb Challenge was certainly an adventure, and other solo runs, too, but having my partner Lindsey support me through out was an excellent privilege. Savouring the last few miles of that race was magical.

In the next two weeks, I will be 'racing solo' on Saturday, enjoying a few days holiday with Lindsey, then racing as a pretty strong and competitive 'pair' with Wilko. Added to that Geraldine will be joining us for the second week; no doubt 'lubricating' the proceedings with her humour, charm and mellow beauty. What might happen.....? Who knows but we are off for an adventure, with good companionship. And having great fun. I hope those out in Southern Ireland will be do so, as well.

I may find the time (and technology) to write one or two blog postings after '70 Wild Miles', if only to let you know I haven't drowned. Thanks again for your donations to the charity. Perhaps, once I've completed the event a few more pounds will be deposited.

Please keep supporting me.... pass this onto more friends and colleagues.

*The Wise Old Man's Student was called Duncan - and his tutor, Colin Mortlock.

Oldest Boat in the Fleet?

2008-06-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hello, again

Many thanks for the generous donations for my 70 Wild Miles adventure.
The www.justgiving.com/joefaulkner webpage is up and running well , attracting lots of attention. Apparently, in one of the links I may have circulated by email there are a few extra blank characters that may be causing a glitch, sorry.

I’m astounded by people's generosity – having set a pretty high target, I was hoping to get half way there, but I reckon we might reach the £1000 target. Please keep spreading the word.

Some have asked about the event and in particular, how long it will take? The answer to that is, that I'm not sure, and it doesn't really matter. It's going to be a great day .... whatever! It does make you wonder we we do these things; you question your motivation and reward, and how and why, we aproach such adventures.

Adventure has been defined in many diferent ways ...it intrigues me, and I'll come back to that in a later blog, when I've got a more thoughtful head on.

Other prep is going well; I'm feeling strong on the bike and whilst I haven't ridden that far for a while I've no worries about pacing the whole thing well. I’ve even been for a training paddle, and was relieved to find the boat is water tight and 'sound'. My kayak may also possibly be the oldest in the race fleet and hasn't been on the water much in the last few years. Our combined ages may well be about 80 years of age. It is an old glass-fibre sea kayak. The model is a 'Baidarka' which is a classic design, and sleek and pretty fast. This particular boat was made exceptionally light and doesn't have hatches cut, or bulkheads fitted. The shape is a real classic and it was passed onto by John Bunch, a few years ago, (thanks John). I used to paddle it regularly when training on Lake Ullswater and should prove ideal as long as the weather and sea conditions are reasonably favourable. It is in remarkably good condition and cleaned up well (no jokes about cracks and crinkles, required please) and whilst I was going to replace some decklines, and the like, it seems rather inappropriate now.

My bike is somewhat younger ... I only wish my legs were, too.
It will be fun.

Joe

Hello again

2008-06-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

I've finally found the original blog. I did think that I had written a follow up from The Longmynd Hike epic, just a few days after the swollen and battered feet, but it doesn't seem to exist.

Life has been busy. All this is new to me and I'm intrigued by the idea of forcing myself to explore new things. I also have a website - http://www.joefaulkner.com/ - which has stuff on it explain what I am all about, but hear blogging is the way forward.

I terms of racing and other AR events, then 2008 is supposedly a quiet year, following some major epics in 2006 and 2007. Having said that, I'm shortly off to The Hebrides for The Heb Challenge, which is a five day 'stage race' and will take in the 70 Wild Miles event just next weekend. It's a relatively low-key non competitive event, and all for charity, so please visit www.justgiving.com/joefaulkner ... (I think!) to donate a few pennies and find out more.

I'm also enjoying getting back into just runing in 'simple' fell races and have recently enjoyed Duddon, Coniston, Anniversary Waltz and other races, including Northumberland Fell Runners Club Championship races. NFR, who I joined this year, despite living in Cumbria are a great bunch of people having fun at jolly good races. Cycling to work is good fun now the summer weather is here, too. Life isn't bad really...

Hopefully, this has appeared on my blog and I look forward to reading it again and updating it agin shortly ... if I remember how. Pictures and other clever stuff will have to wait. If you are looking for updates on NAV+art courses or our GL3Day Event please bear with me whilst I test drive this new thing; latest info on both of the forementioned productions is on my website.

Bye Bye - please sponsor me for 70 Wild Miles.

Joe

My feet hurt

2007-10-08T04:57:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Five minutes ago I didn't have a blog and now I do ... apparently.

Today my feet hurt because I participated in The Longmynd Hike, so they are a little blistered a swollen. I'm a bit of a long distance runner and climb and paddle a bit ( if I was young and trendy I could call myself an adventure racer)

I don't know why I started this, being the IT numpty that I am, but the marketeers at blog.com did such a good job, (as did Chris Evans) and the software engineers even better, that it's happened.

I guess I will use this to voice a few things to do with adventure racing and stuff that I'm involved with, and maybe compliment my own little website re GL3Day and NAV+art.

Tomorrow, my feet won't be so bad.