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
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Monday, 30 March 2009
NAV4 - Wow... What a weekend!
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.
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.
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
NAV4 Courses ... and more
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!
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!
Friday, 27 February 2009
NAV4 + GL3Day + NAV4 Symposium.
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
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
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Hello from Harris
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
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
Sunday, 11 January 2009
One Lump at a Time
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/
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/
Friday, 26 December 2008
NAV4 Symposium - 14/15th February 2009
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
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
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