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
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Thursday, 30 December 2010
OCR / Hudscales Update
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
I'm keen on a short MTB ride Friday afternoon or evening, may be a loop to the pub ....?
Joe
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Old Crown Round - Saturday 8th January 2011
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!
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!
Monday, 20 December 2010
Le Tour de Helvellyn - A Classic
'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 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
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Le Tour
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
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
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
The Bampton Bash - More Planning and Scheming
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.
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.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Well Done Angela and Sarah
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....
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....
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