tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70275049248235524352024-03-18T03:03:08.717+00:00testedtodestructionTraining. Racing. Breaking stuff.
http://app.strava.com/athletes/371465zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.comBlogger489125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-70194928693441654052024-03-17T10:11:00.002+00:002024-03-17T10:11:57.987+00:00Flower Scar- English Champs AM 2024<p> Well, it's been a while since I lined up on an English champs start line. Yes, there is a reason, no, it is not necessarily of my own volition. There is some small chance of a team placing in the MV40 throughout the year, and so I am very much doing my part in that. This is not to say that race shape is anywhere near, though that will probably become a little more clear in a moment. </p><p>Chris and I recced the route, up by Todmoden, a couple of months ago. It looked to be a pretty fierce little race with some spicey uphills and some very slippy slidy downhills. As is ever the case with A Medium events, the pace was going to be high, and thus some speed training was going to be in order. </p><p>Let's just say that didn't exactly happen for one reason or another. Essentially, whenever I tried to pick up the tempo in training, something didn't quite work. Tendonitis happened, various other things occured, with the upshot being that any semblence of running form and consistency that had been built up over the winter just kind of faded away into the past. Not good. Especially when 3 weeks ago the tendinitis flared, and 7 days ago a calf just decided that it wasn't going to play ball and I limped home after not even 3k of what was going to be a bit of a decent bash around the old stomping ground of the IOW. </p><p>Halfway through the week, I still hadn't run and was a little unsure if the race was even going to happen for me. Rest- complete rest, seemed to be the only correct option. A short (5 mins) on a treadmill on Thursday showed that there was still some level of ability beyond just walking (even if only for 800m) and so it was that Stefan picked me up absurdly early on Saturday.</p><p>It was beautifully clear, and we got a parking space very close to race registration due to being 3 hours early, and then sloped off into Tod for a coffee. A very pleasant way to start the morning. Time passed and eventually we got ready for the mudfest to come. </p><p>The initial climb is almost single track- it's kind of slightly wider than that with a small amount of opportunity for overtaking, but the ground is very very churned up and slippy, so you need a lot of energy to get past people. In order to spread us out before that, there was a thunderous lap around the field in what was basically XC conditions. It was very evident that a lot of people have been doing XC over the winter and have come into the season in very good form. Me? Not so much. I appear to have regressed to a single speed where anything above that results in a serious rev limiter that just brings me down again. </p><p>To be honest, today I wasn't too worried about that. What with the recent calf troubles, the main aim of the day was to get around without anything falling off or breaking, so I trundled around the field- spattered with mud before even getting onto anything resembling a hill, and then- the first up of the day. </p><p>If you've read ANY of my race stuff previously in the last decade or so, you'll notice a theme. "I must get better at up hills". It would seem that speed on an incline is not really a strength of mine... and so it proves everytime I line up for a race. Up through the mud of the first hill I was there or thereabouts, but as soon as it became runnable, a number of runners went past. I gained a few on the next section around the double track and then lost a few on the subsequent up. </p><p>Across the stubby grassland I was able to settle into a bit more of a running rhythm, and then down over and across to the climb to Flower Scar, I was astonished to find myself just behing Nic Barber. Ah well, I guess we're both getting old(?!) or slow... or, whatever... A slow climb and a dib at the top, and then down to check 2- a decently runnable section where in previous years I'd have been going hell for leather. Not today thanks, I need my legs for later. </p><p>Through the mud at CP2, and a long semi-runnable climb back up towards the turbines and the access road. This one the one time in the race that I felt pretty decent. Rough, chossy ground on a runnable incline that everyone else seemed to hate. My heartrate stayed at a copable level and I gained time on a few people. Then, hitting the top, onto the access road, hard ground... boom. Off they all went again. It seems that flat, hard roads are not my thing either. Damn it. Across and over to the turbine and then a fantastic semi-downhill section through horrendous chossy bog and mud. Glorious- I took back the time just lost on the road, and came out of that section ahead of the group that I had entered it behind. Dibbed at check 3, and then... downhill on hard ground. Off they all went again. </p><p>It was a long enough section to be annoying before it dropped to the right into a veritable obstacle course of general detritus- I jumped over a ladder at one point (on it's side... c'mon, I'm not that tall), someone else got spiked by something. It was old workings of some kind- then a run around a pretty slippy quarry type section and then CP4 and into the trees. </p><p>Slop. Just lots of slop- as you can imagine. Managed to hold my own as it was generally pretty grim hard work through it, and then out onto solid road again. Although it was downhill, my legs were starting to remind me that I really haven't run this hard for this amount of time in *quite* some time and are not really all that happy with me. On the up side, neither of my calves were giving me any gyp. </p><p>Down the hard pack, trying not to get tripped up by any of the general debris and potholes down it, over a stile and hard right to slide down a bank, over a stream, and then a hard steep slope to get to CP5 and a short road section- where my legs, again, were very much saying... really? Is this what we're doing now? Because we're pretty tired, to be honest....</p><p>Up into another quarryworks, and a steep climb to the top, along through more mud and then a slidy, muddy, fast downhill- dodgy underfoot in places, another area where I seemed to gain time on a number of people, before dibbing at the bottom and IMMEDIATELY losing all places gained as we trudged up through what can only be described as a "field", but is more accurately described as "ankle to knee deep horse churned agricultural area". Ahead, you could see a line of people going up the steep sided valley. Only 2 miles or so to go, and this was the last uphill. But knowing that if I tried to increase pace or overclock it, I'd end up at the top of the hill, totally spent with nothing left to give even on the descent- I kept within tolerances, run/walking up the hill. Didn't lose too many places, and kept those who did pass me in sight. </p><p>Once at the top, it was a case of a short section of across the hill, and then downhill all the way. We'd done all this on the way up, so everyone knew the terrain. Muddy, squelchy, unstable underfoot, loamy through the trees and generally great with the right shoes. I let go a bit on the way down- but no where near as much as I would have done in the past and gained back a few places. There were, of course, some who came past me- but on the final really slippy bit at the bottom of the hill, I gained them back, and held onto the final sprint at the end. </p><p>100th overall, 10th v40. I'm pretty happy with that- but even more happy that my right calf seems to be absolutely fine after last weeks worry, and the left achilles... well, it aches a bit this morning, but nothing totally out of the ordinary. </p><p>Lovely little race. Very muddy. Basically a cross between a fell race and Cross country. </p><p>Personally- I felt like I was stuck in third gear for the entirety of the race. Not looking forward to the AS's as they tend to need an extra EXTRA gear coz they're so short. MAYBE I might have some extra something for the AL's? I don't know, we'll see. </p><p>Yeah- no pictures again. I must be getting camera shy in my old age. </p><p>you can have a look at my Strava though....
<div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-type="activity" data-embed-id="10971247880" data-style="standard"></div><script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script></p><p><br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-84425356626784715472023-12-28T15:45:00.003+00:002023-12-28T15:45:57.814+00:00Jim's Yo Ho O. 2023<p> At the end of December there is a bit of a get together and a semi-unofficial orienteering event put on by the Pennine FR legend that is Jim. I did it a few years ago, but for the last couple of years have been otherwise indisposed on the day of the fun- normally driving back from the Isle of Wight or some such. This year, I was in Glossop and the weather looked... tasty. The tail end of Storm Gerrit was still mooching across the moors with wind gusting from Force 4 to about 7 or 8, and the promise of significant amounts of precipitation. Not so cold as to be *fun* precipitation, but just the right temperature to be *grim*. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDf_VjajbJmztG25xhZ0hK3XDoIsAbLN-0jwa8iomPCVudfJuv6C6YaaTnECjM3utgtPG3YpKkSsq2gd_lGCcpll_XHcWZoOuw_DToVRSD8d01vUdbTs-F7l9f-BMlM0uyxxasYAmGHzEypOHiVySfUy2eyk1-AeMgl2yeROgiRn2xlII5GWF6j8FY8CU/s1924/box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1924" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDf_VjajbJmztG25xhZ0hK3XDoIsAbLN-0jwa8iomPCVudfJuv6C6YaaTnECjM3utgtPG3YpKkSsq2gd_lGCcpll_XHcWZoOuw_DToVRSD8d01vUdbTs-F7l9f-BMlM0uyxxasYAmGHzEypOHiVySfUy2eyk1-AeMgl2yeROgiRn2xlII5GWF6j8FY8CU/s320/box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Absolutely shorts weather then. </p><p>The course is set out like a standard Orienteering map, with checkpoints and corresponding points, though this year, in tribute to a sadly departed stalwart of Pennine (and MDOC)- John Williams, 5 of the checkpoints weren't on the map. Oh no. You had to get to one of the checkpoints (numbers 1-5), where a small map was attached to the flag for the OTHER checkpoint, that was within 750 metres of your current location.... double trouble checkpoint action! Sounds fun? Absolutely. And with a 4 hour cut off, there really is time to run yourself ragged over some pretty gnarly terrain. </p><p>Starting from Little Hayfield I took the option to go anti-clockwise, heading to Check1 at the bottom of Sandy Heys, wondering if I would have to double back on myself for the "bonus" checkpoint. Easy running along footpaths and bridleways giving me time to think about onward planning, got me to checkpoint 1 relatively easily. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5yaao4IcuH2PvOeriO8VknQ5AeKUF2H-bVv-fubPBzJM0t_JNy7qNX8lvLYuUsVjeMHzpHkK6w6_IOrHj5kdTPceo6GhsKKAp_y2QPzgdorXkWk0YtMcGZGBc4lwrn7u_CmhiJZ5HdZx29f_hX76n7AAoKK3q5cGrQq4C3MD9FUPyE01Sg85EEWvX8bv/s4032/ch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5yaao4IcuH2PvOeriO8VknQ5AeKUF2H-bVv-fubPBzJM0t_JNy7qNX8lvLYuUsVjeMHzpHkK6w6_IOrHj5kdTPceo6GhsKKAp_y2QPzgdorXkWk0YtMcGZGBc4lwrn7u_CmhiJZ5HdZx29f_hX76n7AAoKK3q5cGrQq4C3MD9FUPyE01Sg85EEWvX8bv/s320/ch1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The paired check was further to the east, so that meant that a potential climb up Sandy Heys to Check3 was disregarded in favour of the direct climb to check 4 (which had more points) at the trig point. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFteDNAoOWwcyuFAeQKYhaxiCxEfsIKk1z5w6yFOHAd1rQO7IIR8DqPMHuu6kqkX82S3JSRGdS_W8uD7_4FB_mbydwaObpLPRjQwImk2J6FkaUtIEOjF-pnYY3ELTLmfTXnIzLfM4xIAF8ceRYmj8NUThokNCAThMhrOgOJLHp1CeiNEmYM0h4BYClii69/s4032/ch154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFteDNAoOWwcyuFAeQKYhaxiCxEfsIKk1z5w6yFOHAd1rQO7IIR8DqPMHuu6kqkX82S3JSRGdS_W8uD7_4FB_mbydwaObpLPRjQwImk2J6FkaUtIEOjF-pnYY3ELTLmfTXnIzLfM4xIAF8ceRYmj8NUThokNCAThMhrOgOJLHp1CeiNEmYM0h4BYClii69/s320/ch154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This was a slow leg and I think I've found some very good ground for practicing hill climbs on pretty tough gound! Despite the forecast, it was very clear at this point, and the wind was from the south west, which definitely freshened as you got to the top. The trig was easy to find, and the paired check was down on the fence line halfway up Upper Redbrook. However- there was another checkpoint further to the east up the grough line from Nether Redbrook. <br /></p><p>Being an idiot, I decided to kind of try to straight line it, despite the fact that I didn't have a compass out, didn't have anything to aim for, and was going off pure "I reckon it's that way". As I got further and further into it, I recognised that the other side of the coin that was previously disregarded- going to the Northern Edge Path, run along that to Nether Red and then go up the clough- was probably a better idea. So I kind of dropped a bit north until I got close to the path, spied the grough line, dropped into it and then followed it to the Control. </p><p>Could have been a lot slicker with that one- might have lost 5mins or so with the faffage. </p><p>Previously the idea as to whether to drop from there to the Footbridge at 15, or go to the Sabres at 11 was the question... with a paired checkpoint at Upper Redbrook, it was a no-brainer. To Upper RedBrook, the Sabres, then down the Ashop to 15. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisii5HjjcOzo5RGF8z9wubl5R2VBHyxvyxN7qWPzRSs4vxbG5_h03jhZ7PEguewinU_3rw9TIFVOoiBdABe32Ep1mQSxlXUFEi32gKo3HyhGb0br4ngJmPQaytdRQFbbjuQMAUv7-watpq98457tQ7e29uDi0lV2zcvehEWNrM23LEvqhlux1LuDT5UGZB/s4032/ch1541281115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisii5HjjcOzo5RGF8z9wubl5R2VBHyxvyxN7qWPzRSs4vxbG5_h03jhZ7PEguewinU_3rw9TIFVOoiBdABe32Ep1mQSxlXUFEi32gKo3HyhGb0br4ngJmPQaytdRQFbbjuQMAUv7-watpq98457tQ7e29uDi0lV2zcvehEWNrM23LEvqhlux1LuDT5UGZB/s320/ch1541281115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Easy pickings now, as the weather stayed clear. Along the Northern Edge and a significant drop down the brook to the stile. Pick out the Sabres in the distance and pick a trod to run along to get to the wreckage. By the flag there was a little box with a prize for those who got to this checkpoint, which was well received, and then about turn and down to the Ashop and a jog along the track to the hut ruin and Foot bridge- which is always futher than you think. <p></p><p>The obvious next place was check 19, up Red Clough- on the map it seems pretty obvious where you should be going. The grough lines look huge. They are indeed deep- but they are not very obvious. It was here that I was starting to second guess myself and ended up wandering around for a while cursing the geography and my inability to find a stream junction. I probably lost a good 5-10 mins here with the faffage, but eventually got the flag after casting around for a fairly specific grough that should have been obvious, and following it. Got it- and then ... well- there's a 60 pointer to the North. It'd be rude not to go for that. <br /></p><p>So I've been going for an hour and a half, all good. I've eaten something, am jogging uphill and over Featherbed Moss, all is good. A couple of alterations of course to make sure I'm getting to the right place (and a change of gloves from Warm mitts to Waterproof mitts), and soon enough I'm dropping down towards Snake and the furthest checkpoint. I've been here before and know where it is. </p><p>The next few are interesting. Do I go direct West from here to pick up 17, and from there, again West ish to get 18? The ground is, at best, awful- and will be very time sapping. Do I go south along the Pennine Way to pick up 20? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7pQ4lWy4hg4q3IkoSzOAkb88WZLYhlAFbRlD2KXEE_FHsaZrfESbFva2lEJuV0GS91XI7CAqoKXfACDVwu3vNNk-3aZO1JoHTb3F1ILryZK78yRPMYfkgkptQkAp78VFn7-Sd-Mmsqt57vWCN1oaaWnx3339HtZUrBHGz5SC51s-qYbCCkugTpaHAhIK/s4032/ch15412811151916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7pQ4lWy4hg4q3IkoSzOAkb88WZLYhlAFbRlD2KXEE_FHsaZrfESbFva2lEJuV0GS91XI7CAqoKXfACDVwu3vNNk-3aZO1JoHTb3F1ILryZK78yRPMYfkgkptQkAp78VFn7-Sd-Mmsqt57vWCN1oaaWnx3339HtZUrBHGz5SC51s-qYbCCkugTpaHAhIK/s320/ch15412811151916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Considering the ground, I decided to go with an easy run to the high point on the PW and drop North West to pick up 17, retrace my steps (ish)- to the PW and then drop south to get 20, retrace steps AGAIN back to the PW to pick up the trod back down toward turfpits for 18. It seems a little round about and uppy-downy, but the trods were a better option (with more points) than attempting to contour through heather and bog. </p><p>There was only a mild hiccup as I tried to run towards the wrong clough at check 17, and it took a while for my brain to compute that I needed to be in Span clough, NOT Holden. Doh. Must be getting tired. </p><p>So 17, 20. 18, and now a horrible contour through heather, bog and goodness knows what to 5- where there would be a bonus checkpoint. It's getting colder now as I've slowed down a bit, taken on food and am heading into a headwind, and my brain is starting to think about stopping. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyLWcIRH_VVJoBuux8pzvAAD4U8IU_v9RPgaVdWXKdImTKyZSXOAD37PqhYiLw0gIdmgEhCb0lq_hf3CLTWvvOv10gxFaXR5gP62NIXDYVwHY8nnaOg88gf8UN-MxX_Pm_Y_KWT3kr1YimHnqS4xSeFjN4mCSvdcar3TxXU0VS1KwXV3Mw7VGjaeZioCX/s4032/ch15412811151916172018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyLWcIRH_VVJoBuux8pzvAAD4U8IU_v9RPgaVdWXKdImTKyZSXOAD37PqhYiLw0gIdmgEhCb0lq_hf3CLTWvvOv10gxFaXR5gP62NIXDYVwHY8nnaOg88gf8UN-MxX_Pm_Y_KWT3kr1YimHnqS4xSeFjN4mCSvdcar3TxXU0VS1KwXV3Mw7VGjaeZioCX/s320/ch15412811151916172018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The contouring is kind of uppy-downy and over to a section of Bakestone Delph that is very wet indeed. There are a number of ways out of here, but none of them are particularly pleasant. The paired checkpoint is DOWN, which is kind of annoying, but at least it means that I don't have to grovel my way up a full flowing stream, and it suits me well. The next checkpoint I want to get to is over by the Trig. Technically, I *could* fight my way across the bog, but it will be easier underfoot, and probably faster overall to drop to the path to the shooting cabin, up the trod by the grouse butts and across to the trig, even though it's longer. </p><p>As I head to the paired check it rains. Then as I go off toward the shooting cabin, it hails, the wind comes in, hood up, both sets of mitts on. Grim- and I'm not moving fast- and there isn't a huge amount of time left. My brain is already planning routes off once I hit this final checkpoint. This is the longest I've been out in months and I'm starting to feel cold and unhappy. </p><p>Stop in the windshadow of the hut for a gel and a quick talking to myself, and off up the hill to try to find the trod thay links this grouse butt line across 2 cloughs to the trig point. As I ascend the precipitation reduces a bit, and it is easy to see where I'm going. After a couple of false starts, I find the right line, and get to the trig, and from there to the control, where there is a paired control marked. </p><p>Looking at it, it really isn't far away, but it's across a bog. I don't recognise that on the other side of the bog there is a fairly decent path- all my brain is saying is "there is a way off to the West- it goes down and out of the weather. It's runnable and you'll get another checkpoint on the way in". </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo84KXCQcKX-Ngo6PE8SwqHEK8zfpJE_d2Z8-TKh-OS7Stlyh-2cvz-_gj8lxDl5lHDfXs_ufwlGq4fr3OYhg2zjj-D_7cmRx1NApXU7lCTc8AEv-hQ4Ort3wVOO3ZxP_AY5W8jKv9yAp0HyjD-0l-XUjRCHdlQ38SNVbCDiQ-D3wg6bgdo4t0krL9eUMj/s4032/ch15412811151916172018choice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo84KXCQcKX-Ngo6PE8SwqHEK8zfpJE_d2Z8-TKh-OS7Stlyh-2cvz-_gj8lxDl5lHDfXs_ufwlGq4fr3OYhg2zjj-D_7cmRx1NApXU7lCTc8AEv-hQ4Ort3wVOO3ZxP_AY5W8jKv9yAp0HyjD-0l-XUjRCHdlQ38SNVbCDiQ-D3wg6bgdo4t0krL9eUMj/s320/ch15412811151916172018choice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>And I give in to the voice, and go that way. </p><p>Looking at it now, it would have been just as easy, and just as fast to go across the bog to the paired checkpoint, and ALSO get the other, final point as well, but, as I say... cold, tired, wet, want to get off th hill, don't want to be out any longer in case I injure myself through fatigue- all contributed to the decision to just head off the easiest and most obvious trail. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2gJnmydan1QdJwWM_McOHraV71Wy50F_5fXutdmS8KRaj-KK-sisKLPtzcDR3Sgfl5-8zDzW7mbVxdzHtc3J72VvRpZXbgz0pUxYg-7cf4ClJMlMC1I9PYw0ekOwXOrfqHstFmS4A1MXlbBTNYd-EF3siwCNaNLmgWDgBIqxC5QDeqYT1x0ATWPz_ZE0/s4032/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2gJnmydan1QdJwWM_McOHraV71Wy50F_5fXutdmS8KRaj-KK-sisKLPtzcDR3Sgfl5-8zDzW7mbVxdzHtc3J72VvRpZXbgz0pUxYg-7cf4ClJMlMC1I9PYw0ekOwXOrfqHstFmS4A1MXlbBTNYd-EF3siwCNaNLmgWDgBIqxC5QDeqYT1x0ATWPz_ZE0/s320/final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Down the hill and off- then a final up and down to the finish, and in with a generous amount of time left. I could *easily* have got that extra 20 points, ah well. </p><p>Off and finished- what an excellent time out. Thanks to Jim and PFR for their kind hospitality, and of course to the Lantern Pike Inn (fishfinger sarnies and chip butties!). I wouldn't have been doing much else today, and the chance to get out for 4 hours of hammering around the general area of Kinder was jolly fun. I realise that I haven't quite got the endurance for a 4 hour event at the moment, but that's fine. Plenty of time to do a whole lot of training yet. </p><p><br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-58653054367026811252023-12-04T13:48:00.000+00:002023-12-04T13:48:04.363+00:00Where are you headed?<p> Every year I tend to post a link to a previous blog- <a href="https://testedtodestruction.blogspot.com/2020/02/go-outside-sit-down-wait.html" target="_blank">Go outside, sit down. Wait</a>. It's a decent read, even if you've read it before. </p><p>The reason why I'm writing a kind of new/semi-update is because this kind of happened over the weekend and it was simple fortune that the casualty happened to be in a place with some kind of phone signal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hOyxX3aX2aevxAbXfmrFXC3oseiGG-qU9UE3gAWdk3yX20Al7azFKjrfsZpWpGJ88mbyK2E4w0hM_yAlc-qC0Db3L6VwKWpX3Q2QQtjViJ6IWg6bUp_ZpvFiQoSJb03TVmHyJ5o9UhGfn2H0k9azlF_CYsilOk1MC4dBnHIB0oEA62Xk_AuQRAoTW35Q/s1600/spine%20RS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hOyxX3aX2aevxAbXfmrFXC3oseiGG-qU9UE3gAWdk3yX20Al7azFKjrfsZpWpGJ88mbyK2E4w0hM_yAlc-qC0Db3L6VwKWpX3Q2QQtjViJ6IWg6bUp_ZpvFiQoSJb03TVmHyJ5o9UhGfn2H0k9azlF_CYsilOk1MC4dBnHIB0oEA62Xk_AuQRAoTW35Q/s320/spine%20RS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>Backstory:</b> Snow over night. Icy on the ground. A barmy -5 air temp, clear blue skies. A bloke goes out running in the morning on a route he knows well. Tells his wife "where he is going"- and what time he should be back- in about 2 hours. </p><p>40 mins later, the police get a call from the runner with a suspected fractured leg with a short description of what he has run past- though not his exact location, and pass the information on to Mountain Rescue. There is a further vague message, potentially from his wife that he might be on one of the lower level footpaths around here- but that doesn't match the description given by the casualty on the phone.... </p><p>By the time the Mountain Rescue team get a team out of base, he has been sat in the snow (albeit with a foil blanket) for more than an hour. Although it is a bright, clear day, he is not in the sun and is slowly making less and less sense on the phone as he becomes gradually more hypothermic. </p><p>He can answer the phone- but he can't use it to give us a direct location as he doesn't have his glasses with him. Why would he? He's going on a run. </p><p>Due to the information passed to us on the phone by the casualty himself, a team was on the hill and with him within 1.5 hours as he was going pretty hypothermic - with a very messed up leg. That's well within the time (2 hours) that his wife would have happily expected him to still be enjoying his run. </p><p>What if he had just gone a bit further up onto the moor before this happened- and then snapped his leg in an area with no signal? </p><p>When does the wife get worried enough to callout mountain rescue if he isn't home in the allotted 2 hours? Immediately? After 2.5? 3?- </p><p>and when she DOES eventually call through- what information do we have? </p><p>That he has gone for a run, potentially along a low level footpath that he wasn't on at all. (mixed messages? misunderstanding of potential route?- who knows)- but by that time, he'll have been in the snow with a snapped leg for 2-4 hours going severely hypothermic in an as yet unknown location. <br /></p><p>And if you didn't know already, trauma and hypothermia as a double act are not a good combination. </p><p>Now- I know that sometimes when you head out, you don't know exactly where you are going. Equally, it might be nice to know that people DON'T know exactly where you'll be. </p><p>However, as one of the people that might have to put together a series of vague (sometimes incorrect) clues as to where you might be when you're ovedue/have fallen down a hole that is out of signal and snapped your leg etc. it would be really handy if someone knew at least where you were vaguely intending on going, and when you were planning on being back. </p><p>Note- this is not just for runners- walkers are in the same bracket, and just because you *think* you're carrying more than an average runner in your rucksack, it doesn't make Mountain Rescue come any faster... in fact, you might have told someone you'll be 5-7 hours on the hill... that is a LONG time to wait before being certain that MR have been called. <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAA9kMwDv0MUR8daVYD20z3ohuhMqPatnsf7b7wnG-TYYs5J4Lu7Sh0E-uro7Rzy1lID6HRDjTLK8VY1ssnipvLibkMJjxH3_EvCx2nLGfBiCmBJSM5NgYGGLtIy3nt4hsK_QHB3BVyFfibRYXHyTPzo35j9dCd4aVsUHUNvpYe9nPBm4MAlmnv0v4Qg8x/s2048/20140817_215008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAA9kMwDv0MUR8daVYD20z3ohuhMqPatnsf7b7wnG-TYYs5J4Lu7Sh0E-uro7Rzy1lID6HRDjTLK8VY1ssnipvLibkMJjxH3_EvCx2nLGfBiCmBJSM5NgYGGLtIy3nt4hsK_QHB3BVyFfibRYXHyTPzo35j9dCd4aVsUHUNvpYe9nPBm4MAlmnv0v4Qg8x/s320/20140817_215008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where exactly are you planning on going again?!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Whenever I go out I give Lynne a rough plan of where I'm going, what time I'm planning on being back, and a "pull the cord" time- when if she hasn't heard from me- call 999. Chances are, if I'm ok, then I'll have signal *somewhere* and should be able to tell her that I'm ok. If I'm not- then I know that there is a specific time when I *know* that MR have been called. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaZvgH6jAUG4pW-pcobdXaMhrrBI8l1mEZDZo2HJ4UXGzejnN_n_bZiAODXFmH1x4l9a0s3RCEycXMbx2HEEoRlNeihHB9zC5wW7l-Dj0xPwS8Adf7EJJ3IUNX6e37n3lNBWdBBAr5MpgJgVAV5S-0xFJXHvwAXacVP3BwQoLGa3R2YjXm3JzBJfK6jIa/s1600/IMG-20211218-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaZvgH6jAUG4pW-pcobdXaMhrrBI8l1mEZDZo2HJ4UXGzejnN_n_bZiAODXFmH1x4l9a0s3RCEycXMbx2HEEoRlNeihHB9zC5wW7l-Dj0xPwS8Adf7EJJ3IUNX6e37n3lNBWdBBAr5MpgJgVAV5S-0xFJXHvwAXacVP3BwQoLGa3R2YjXm3JzBJfK6jIa/s320/IMG-20211218-WA0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>If you don't know how to call Mountain Rescue in the UK- it's 999, and ask for Mountain Rescue through the Police. </p><p>It's glorious out there. Enjoy the hills, be safe, have an escape plan, and know when you need to call it in. <br /></p><p><br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-3157601926639984932023-10-22T11:11:00.002+01:002023-10-22T11:11:51.589+01:00Hill and Fell relays 2023- Leg2<p> Originally I wasn't going to be running this. Generally speaking each person in the club apparently gets "1 relay run a year", though I wasn't aware of this. However, due to various people deciding to run, then not run, and teams being shuffled and reshuffled (as is always the case to the frustation and stress levels of those organising the teams) I ended up being partnered with Ben Tetler on Leg 2. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbK_YGT1RmzU0jC5vUeeKr_OC801-Z884YohDniFJHGmLjuSqAx-O3jbnwJ4v6kYkNWAgKJjblAoYDEBXKoS-moIgoQTtWUpTfbdaCIBn1Qsc80HoTNQfE_0dR_ublCdj_7nuaWrP0o7jcge9vMZ9bIz1Ql6Nik_6np2s4tKXDGSjW6OH1nc0y2ClHgVR/s2048/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-22%20at%2010.56.33.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbK_YGT1RmzU0jC5vUeeKr_OC801-Z884YohDniFJHGmLjuSqAx-O3jbnwJ4v6kYkNWAgKJjblAoYDEBXKoS-moIgoQTtWUpTfbdaCIBn1Qsc80HoTNQfE_0dR_ublCdj_7nuaWrP0o7jcge9vMZ9bIz1Ql6Nik_6np2s4tKXDGSjW6OH1nc0y2ClHgVR/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-22%20at%2010.56.33.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Ben is a faster runner than me- kind of in the same league as how Chris is a faster runner than me, so I was under no illusions that this was going to be a fairly challenging day out. None the less, it was most likely to be a fun day out as well. It was useful to be on Leg2 as I had to leave early to get back for an MRT exercise- so that fell into place nicely. </p><p>The Relays were held by Keswick this year, and so started in Braithwate, which brought back memories of a hiking holiday I went on with Rob back in oooh- 2006 which is mainly remembered for waking up every morning with ice on the inside of the tent, seeing footprints in the snow of fellrunning shoes and thinking "wow- imagine living somewhere that you own a pair of shoes with spikes in *specifically* for days like this, and, on the last day, walking down off Grisedale Pike, being overtaken by a fellrunner and thinking "that's amazing. I wish I could do that- no chance living in London". </p><p>So here we are. Vet40 team for Glossopdale. A pretty crisp day, but with a fair amount of rolling clag across the tops. Neither Ben nor I had had any time to get up to recce the leg, so we were just going to go with the safest lines, which were the ones on the map. Leg 2 is about 12.5k with 1000m of ascent (unless you recce it, take some sneaky lines, and then its only about 950). Jamie Helmer was on the first leg and set off circumspectly, gaining places over the course as other, more enthusiastic starters began to regret their decision to go out hard. Ben and I got through kit check and warmed up- reccying the first 300m of the course (oh how detailed), and went back to the start pen waiting for Jamie to come in. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VuSf8LKZJHFucZ6p-ySjnOft8fcRbDXIT8pQrPQj9iCIcDX1Cx6KvvJNxqVnb6x_niTinBhnhNYTZHleDZP2YvtZGoO5yv_yzAFyCmAiDyMnF4_FvJmwOldY25krGun3qQMMJqbF5FzK6HqAEvmRvUtlyKyA5c05WZrYucoQLj60yacrv-HA5_NiEMgM/s2048/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-22%20at%2010.56.49.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VuSf8LKZJHFucZ6p-ySjnOft8fcRbDXIT8pQrPQj9iCIcDX1Cx6KvvJNxqVnb6x_niTinBhnhNYTZHleDZP2YvtZGoO5yv_yzAFyCmAiDyMnF4_FvJmwOldY25krGun3qQMMJqbF5FzK6HqAEvmRvUtlyKyA5c05WZrYucoQLj60yacrv-HA5_NiEMgM/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-22%20at%2010.56.49.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The general plan for the day was for me to go as fast as I could, and for Ben to be nice to me and not blast off up the hills at a pace I couldn't follow. Now- if you read the last blog about the HBMR relays, you'll know that I ended up with a bit of achilles tendonopathy after that, so for the last 3 weeks I've been concentrating on rehab and very much *not* running, in the hope that it would be ok for today. It had been getting better and better, but I figured that it might hurt today, but as I don't really have any more races after this, it didn't matter too much if it flared. So this could be interesting.</p><p>We saw Jamie on the last little slog up the hill to the final downhill blast and got ready in the start pen along with a number of other teams, and once tagged, we were off. The initial climb wasn't too bad- and was generally fairly runnable. Ahead of us we could see (amongst many others) the Dark Peak V50's and the Pennine V40s, both of whome seemed to be making pretty decent headway. Dark Peak were closer and we overhauled them just as we got to Barrow Gill, but Pennine remained stubbornly ahead. </p><p>I was trying not to go too deep too soon, especially as I saw Outerside, the first actual peak, and was thinking- "well, thats maybe a quarter of the way in... don't go too silly- hold something back for the harder climbs". The initial running was very much Mudclaw territory. Plenty of sloppy bog and mud to sink the studs into, and you could see the people that weren't wearing shoes with that amount of grip as we passed team after team. However, on the climb up to Outerside, the bog gave way to stone where anyone with any kind of inov8 was immediately swearing at the ridiculous lack of anything resembling friction under their feet. This was going to be an interesting leg. Maybe I should have been wearing a mudclaw on one foot and a VJ on the other?</p><p>We bust up Outerside as fast as I was able, mainly trying to keep to the vegetation parts of the climb, avoiding people sliding across slippy wet rock, and managed to catch and pass Pennine V40's just prior to the top. Although the tops were still clagged in, I looked down and across from the Checkpoint and thought "this is pretty much the Teenager with Altitude line- I know this"- and off we clattered down towards Birkwith Beck overtaking another team, and seeing several others in our sights, who we caught up with, and then overtook along the rough traverse and down the steep descent to the main path up to Coledale hause. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSrDCfIzQI397EsB_S-VgApZzup84UqW8nJbHPAHL3fjflnD4ICSdvpB3MH-7xgfcVmjHdDIlEl1eJZHZ2N11EDFjbbHSPZxKZjVnKVy6W10X9rftNmFoIGYaDSDZDsXcyQh0ANe1aNOztEpFXf53yKqnZ85iFG8bsbrjbxVq5G2WDMQ0n1wdPpcPnfWV/s1077/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-21%20at%2021.13.45.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSrDCfIzQI397EsB_S-VgApZzup84UqW8nJbHPAHL3fjflnD4ICSdvpB3MH-7xgfcVmjHdDIlEl1eJZHZ2N11EDFjbbHSPZxKZjVnKVy6W10X9rftNmFoIGYaDSDZDsXcyQh0ANe1aNOztEpFXf53yKqnZ85iFG8bsbrjbxVq5G2WDMQ0n1wdPpcPnfWV/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-21%20at%2021.13.45.jpeg" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes- me on a descent- but not the one down to the beck (there was no-one there taking photos)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I'm not going to lie- this was not a high point. Ben seemed very in his element driving hard up the moor across the bends of the path- while I chugged a gel and held on for dear life. Taking the main path would have been less efficient, and at this stage I would have been going at the same speed over a zigzag terrain as direct up a moor, so in fact we gained on the teams in front. Ben had his eyes on the Bingley Vet team- the only way we could pass them was if they slowed down- I wasn't about to get any faster!</p><p>As we climbed to the Checkpoint at Coledale Hause I looked across and 99% of the teams ahead of us were climbing the main scramble up Eel Crag. There was a sole Keswick team traversing across the bottom of the crag- which looked like a decent line, but one that you'd only really want to take if you'd previously reccyed it (which, presumably being the host team, they had). It would have been great to take a sneaky line there, but considering the clag was still a bit down, and this was around an area characterised by places such as "Eel Crag", "Scott Crag" and "Scar Crag", it didn't seem like a good idea to start going off piste. </p><p>Dibbed at the Hause, and then a scramble up Eel crag. Again, anyone in inov8s was cursing the lack of any kind of grip on stone. If you put your foot on any kind of rock you could guarantee that you'd slip. It was genuinely ridiculous. I might have slightly rose tinted specs on here, but about 10 years ago you could get a pair of shoes that gripped on mud AND rock, these days, it seems like that ability has been lost- which is really weird. Anyhow, a slog to the top of Eel crag, and by now, my legs and lungs are really starting to feel it. A Keswick team (not the one we'd seen earlier) came past us, and a Helm Hill team that we had just overtaken, and so at least we had someone to follow a little way to the top of Eel Crag in the mist. </p><p>Then came a fairly technical descent down and across to the ascent to Sail. Ben was wearing Walshes, and so had a totally different grip to mine. Stepping where he stepped didn't necessarily mean I was going to get the same stability as him, so it was quite interesting to notice how we descended differently according to what gripped and what didn't. <br /></p><p>Up to Sail- a dib, and then down to Sail pass in the cloud that slowly cleared as we descended. My legs were shot, and this was amply demonstrated by Ben quite happily skipping down the hill where I would have normally followed without a second thought. Having been on the edge for 40?50? mins or so, I just couldn't keep the power down, so got to the bottom about 10 seconds after him. On the climb to Scar crags the Keswick and Helm hill teams slowed a little, and we passed them both at the top and had a beautiful ridge run down- looking ahead to the next gaggle of teams who were just dropping down off Causey Pike- a fair distance ahead. Gotta keep running....</p><p>Dib at the path junction and a hard left down what would be, in a lesser state of fatigue and cardiovascular stress, a beautiful descent. Still, despite my legs not working quite as well as they should, we were making time on the teams ahead. Over Stonycroft Gill and onto the main path where I got a little respite before heading to Barrow Door where, just before the final climb, I turned my right ankle. Dammit. Not something I wanted to do right now. It wasn't desperate, but it still hurt a fair amount. </p><p>The final climb to Barrow *should* have been utterly runnable, but along with that recently twisted ankle, there were times where I was having to power walk- slightly annoying as Ben could certainly have gone faster. Final dib at the top of Barrow, and the final descent. Again one made for Mudclaws. A couple of teams were ahead of us, and I was confident we would catch them before the end. Ben, who was running at seemingly a lower level of intensity than me was still able to barrel down hills at a speed that I should have been able to keep up with, but I was losing ground due to fatigue and the ankle. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVCvlJBv0N8RWXcZQvbFUrYAZF6-thcs2HBi177NeP_8e-cPDFEHPDu64JnzdQ-Xdsas1H5wMgVz-2bEWuZ1-k1QIBdGnsftr7ICrYaLXuHygFetySyKW5pS25YFM4kY4dG2az3EFGz-kH5WKHD3uWx6mIMVXKHws8MlOCXdvesVD3YyhvuGRFjqy3edI/s1024/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-21%20at%2020.06.25.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVCvlJBv0N8RWXcZQvbFUrYAZF6-thcs2HBi177NeP_8e-cPDFEHPDu64JnzdQ-Xdsas1H5wMgVz-2bEWuZ1-k1QIBdGnsftr7ICrYaLXuHygFetySyKW5pS25YFM4kY4dG2az3EFGz-kH5WKHD3uWx6mIMVXKHws8MlOCXdvesVD3YyhvuGRFjqy3edI/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-21%20at%2020.06.25.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final sprint down to the finish<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>We passed a team at the bottom of the hill- just as we climbed to the final descent to the event field, and then passed another team, despite me having to walk at the top- with a final ripping downhill to finish, barely slowing for the fence where we tagged Rick and Neal who headed off on the Nav leg. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0vkoWHimekCBkWVIXX9FNwTxzaiQwS89MuTtUI7KSmh3xCrjtZ0jkIl-qrVZED-bKClfwVZhif3UBK80itdhKJpjThFHlAZhfv2OCrgevoVfwOBb7eoNGwaL-R3cdV47H2lurqf3H5VYob1xkNjKqb6osHpLO8nYieHAuCad4Z0RBy-W57Md1IN_48Bd/s1024/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-21%20at%2020.06.26.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1024" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0vkoWHimekCBkWVIXX9FNwTxzaiQwS89MuTtUI7KSmh3xCrjtZ0jkIl-qrVZED-bKClfwVZhif3UBK80itdhKJpjThFHlAZhfv2OCrgevoVfwOBb7eoNGwaL-R3cdV47H2lurqf3H5VYob1xkNjKqb6osHpLO8nYieHAuCad4Z0RBy-W57Md1IN_48Bd/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-21%20at%2020.06.26.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tagging</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>What a great route! I'm certainly going to go back and run it at leisure at some point, but crikey- at the end of this EVERYTHING was just tired and battered. </p><p>Looking at the results now, we finished in 1:31, which put us 35th fastest overall, and 8th in the V40 category. Our run brought the team into the top 10 V40 teams, which Rick and Neal on Leg 3 and Steve Brown on Leg 4 managed to hold on to until the end- 9th V40, which was pretty decent. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzohgi81qI9LpQdFJuvjj7IY8J-OJGXwppufCtoMNlz193hLH-EYx_0bbLJhqfRGwkWkYDxXqIyqZYv8cbszQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p>Thanks to Keswick for putting on such a fantastic event, truly a great day out. Thanks to Ian and Neal for <strike>herding cats</strike> getting the Glossopdale teams together. It really is a monumental task of management- though it really shouldn't be. Congrats to our other teams- 2 Open and a Supervets team for getting out there and running some pretty tough legs. Impressive, big hearted running. Thanks also to Clare and Sean for the use of their photos and video- much appreciated. <br /></p><p>And yes, I got back home with enough time to spare for a shower, some food, got changed and went straight back out for the Exercise. Great fun. </p><p>Oh- and the achilles feels fine. It'll still need a bit of rehab and tender care over the next few weeks, but the running didn't seem to affect it adversely. Happy days. </p><p><br /></p>
<div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-id="10077458585" data-embed-type="activity"></div><script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-82669482919156627452023-10-06T11:47:00.003+01:002023-10-06T11:47:30.938+01:00"Out of our control"- dermatology nightmare<p>I should be in the Pyrenees, cycling from one end to the other, right now. I get updates from the guys who are doing it, and they're having a blast. </p><p>Why am I not there? I hear you ask. </p><p>Well, when we were in the planning stage, my ecsema was so bad that I couldn't even contemplate being away from medications for a couple of days, let alond a couple of weeks, especially if it was going to be a lightweight trip, with consecutive long days in the saddle. The thought of how bad it would be in terms of skin loss, bleeding and itchiness didn't even bear thinking about. </p><p>In the meantime, I've been trying to get onto another, potentially life-changing medication- in fact. I've been trying since June and lets say, it hasn't been plain sailing in any way shape or form. </p><p>You may know that I've been on Methatrexate for a year now. It's an immunosuppresant that is (amongst many other things) meant to reduce the build up of excessive skin cells, which should reduce the itchiness, scaliness and general nastiness of escema. It kind of worked for a bit, but in the last year I have had to be on actual steroids to reduce big flare ups, despite being on Methatrexate. In medical parliance, I have "failed treatment". </p><p>This is where it gets fun. </p><p>So I have to have regular blood tests to make sure that I am not becoming too immunosuppressed. These are taken at my local GP surgery, sent to the local hospital where they are checked, analysed, put onto a system which then gets pushed to my GP, whereupon it also gets pushed onto my NHS app on my phone, where I can check my bloods as well. All well and good. </p><p>In June I was referred to that hospital to the dermatology clinic to try to get me on the new, fandagled medication as my GP is unable to put me on it. I was told there would be a wait of about 6-8 weeks before I'd get an appointment- ok, fine. </p><p>I call up after 8 weeks to see if I had an appointment yet, or was still in the queue- and was told- goodness me, there is an appointment that had come free in 2 Saturdays time in the afternoon. Grand. So we went along to the hospital on the Saturday, having spent the last 2 weeks in increasing amounts of discomfort, to have my appointment.</p><p>Whereupon, I was told by the dermatologist "I don't have any letter about you, I don't have any of your bloot test results, it seems that you've been to a private dermatologist to get on methatrexate, and I don't know why you're here- if you're already on Methatrexate, I can't see why you need to be under two dermatologists to be on methatrexate". </p><p>Gobsmacked would be a word I could use. Been waiting for 10 weeks from the referral- how on earth could she not have the referral letter, where on EARTH did the idea that I'd been to see a private dermatologist come from? and how could she not see my blood results? They'd been processed in THIS actual hospital! </p><p>I did a very good job of controlling my temper, and, well, the upshot of it was that nothing happened and I was utterly utterly livid. She kept saying I had to "fail treatment" in order to be put onto the next medication, and when I asked what *that* meant- it was "use methatrexate for a year without improvement"... But- I've DONE that. Apparently not according to her records- so she booked me in for intial blood tests and a chest x-ray to get a "baseline"- which seemed kind of odd, considering I have at least a years worth of blood tests to show baseline and bloods on methatrexate. <br /></p><p>Later that week I had an appointment with my GP, who not only showed me the referral letter, but also printed a copy out for me..... </p><p>So- I go home and phone the dermatology secratery- of course you can't talk to an actual doctor- and asked about what had happened. The secratary seemed confused, saying that *she* could see my blood results on the system. What? Ok- how about the referral letter? No- apparently not. So I scanned and emailed the referral letter to her to attach to my profile- why and how it isn't there, I have NO idea. I then called about a week later to make sure it had actually been attached. Apparently it has. </p><p>Great, next step- x-ray and blood tests. I go to the hospital (the same hospital, mind, that has been testing and reporting on my blood for the last year, that I have been getting on my NHS app), have my x-ray and full bloods done. Brilliant, all well and good. I wait a few days to be told about the results. Nothing. No email, no call, no message. Ok- check on my app- nothing. It's like they haven't been done. Ah man- I'd better check with the dermatology secratery - and leave a message. </p><p>I get a call back the next day- oh, yes, my bloods and x-ray have indeed been done. Yes, they are on the system. </p><p>So why can't I see them?</p><p>Sorry?!</p><p>Why can't I see them? I'd like to be able to compare them with the rest of the Blood tests I've had for the last year. </p><p>Oh- no-one has ever asked that before. Um. You'll have to get your GP to ask us for them.</p><p><br /></p><p>Again. Gobsmacked. All this information is linked to my NHS number. It's not like it changes from place to place. The information is relating to my health. If I wait another 8 weeks to see a dermatologist, that information is going to be out of date by- oh- 8 weeks. It would be really interesting to know what is going on with my actual health. Oh- and if my GP requests the results, it has to be by letter- which was the way the referral got sent- yes, the one that the dermatologist doesn't seem to have. </p><p>So here we are in October. I've been waiting since June to see someone/anyone who has any idea about who I am, and has the ability to help put me on a new medication. It's SO hard to actually get hold of anyone. I didn't even know the doctors name that I eventually got to talk to. There is no-one to call, it all seems like a massive, faceless monolith, designed to make it as hard as possible to get any information about your health as possible. </p><p>I *know* people in the NHS are working as hard as they can, but this disconnect, terrible communication, seeming inability to care about patients and complete lack of continuity of care makes it all seem like no-one really has a clue about what is going on anywhere. </p><p>Yes, I'm still waiting to see someone. No, I still can't see my blood results. Yes, this has a massive effect on how I talk to and communicate with my patients as a physio- there are small blessings in everything. <br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-62375448824322453452023-10-01T18:02:00.003+01:002023-10-01T18:04:44.530+01:00HBMR leg 2 2023<p> Never done leg 2 before. So it was a good thing that Stefan and I headed out a few weeks ago to give it a bit of a recce. I've run bits of it, but not as a full route, and certainly not in anger, and although it was a bit claggy when we looked it over, it was even worse on the day of the race, so we were very happy indeed to have some kind of knowledge of the ground. </p><p>The fastest a Glossopdale team had done this leg in the past (or at least, the past that is recorded on SI entries) was 1:17:12- which was Chris Jackson and Jamie Helmer. That's a pretty stiff time by anyone's books. The idea was to try and beat it, but with no more cunning tactic than "run as hard as we can and see what happens at the end". <br /></p><p>The main thing you need to know about leg 2 is that there is nothing other than up for about the first half of the leg. The first part of that is agonisingly runnable, and if there is something Stefan is excellent at, it is going off at the beginning of a race, hard, and then bashing up a climb at some ridiculous speed. It was all I could do to hold onto his coat-tails, and there were a few sections where I was gasping at him to slow down a little. </p><p>Once off the first runnable bit and onto the walkable climb, I managaed to catch my breath a little before, inevitably, it becomes runnable again. By this time we'd overtaken about 4 teams, and had been overtaken by just one- HBT- who we were not really to see again for the rest of the race. Up onto High street, we picked off another 2 teams as the clag started to swirl around us, and we bolted off down the line towards the main path, (hopefully) with the mist swallowing us up. </p><p>Fast running down and along, and then the line that cuts under Thornthwaite crag- up and over and a momentary.... hang on a sec- until the wall hove into view, and the ridiculous steep descent took us down. (I wish there were some shoes that were decent enough to enable you to run down that kind of thing- and STILL have decent grip on rock. They just don't seem to exist nowadays). </p><p>Across Thresthwaite Mouth and up the steep, seeping rocks up to the top. Fully clagged in now, with no-one in sight in front or behind, we forged on up the hill to the wall line again. I very nearly made a very silly mistake with the nav prior to the next checkpoint. Fatigue was getting to me, and Stefan shouted me back in good time, and led the correct way with me running behind going "doh!". </p><p>As we hit the check by the ponds there were a couple of shadowy running figures disappearing into the mist... the next team in front of us. Downhill for a fair old way now, but easy running, so most teams will be nailing it here. Not a lot of chance to catch up with many- but the sting in the tail is still to come. </p><p>Chasing all the way down, despite seeing the pair disappear into the mist, there was no-one around until we reached the final sting climb along St.Ravens edge. We overtook another team, then saw Daz F and overtook him as well, and as we fought our way to the final checkpoint at the cairn a whole load of teams came into view as they were about to start the final descent. </p><p>To the dibber, and then a hair-raising jumpy/runny descent past people dithering on rocks. The VJ xtrms stuck like limpets to the rock- but were, as standard, a bit on the slippy side on wet grass. The clag was still down, it was raining and we were pelting down the hill trying to overtake as many teams as possible before the changeover. Through the gates- and another team, and then along the side of the road, cross, dib and pass the dibber to Immy and Sarah who shot off up Red Screes. </p><p>Kirkstone car park was a morass of fellrunners, either heaving with exertion from the previous leg, or waiting, shivering for their runners to come in. Mark D was there with coats for us, and a lift down should we need one. </p><p>The important thing, was what time? what time? 1:16:09. And having had a look at the SIresults page, it seems we were 16th fastest on the leg, which is pretty decent by my reckoning. </p><p>As is ever the case. I think I need to be faster up hills!</p><p>And as a postscript- the team did amazingly. We came 2nd Mixed team. Absolutely amazing!<br />
</p><div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-id="9954653141" data-embed-type="activity"></div><script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script> <p></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-85127745357172295102023-08-14T15:34:00.002+01:002023-08-14T15:35:06.943+01:00Tan Hill 200 Audax<p> Audaxing. A quintessentially English undertaking? Not exactly, as the origins are very much European- Audax UK have a very <a href="https://www.audax.uk/about-us/history/" target="_blank">interesting page</a> on the history of audax. However, there seems to be something very British about turning up to a community centre in a random town with 25 other enthusiastic individuals from all walks of life, all with at least one thing in common. A bike. </p><p>You pay a bloke 6 quid or so, get a brevet card and have a cup of coffee, or a small breakfast- muesli, bread/toast etc. are laid on. At about 8:30, someone says "go" to the people gathered at the door of the community centre, and the people in the carpark realise the event is on as those who were in the apparent right place sail past shouting "we're off"! </p><p>You then spend the better part of the day cycling 200km via a small number of places/ coffee shops etc. that can provide either a stamp or a till receipt to prove you've been there at a certain time- and get back to the community centre in dribs and drabs, get a cuppa, and maybe some soup or baked beans as a reward for your effort before heading back home. </p><p>No fanfare. No numbers. No inflatable arches to ride through. Just a small, quiet group of people dedicated to long days out and absurd distances covered on two-wheels. </p><p>It's brilliant. </p><p><br /></p><p>This is my first Audax and it wasn't an easy one. At 200k it is one of the shorter ones (apparently there was a serious discussion at one point as to whether 100 and 200k audaxes should have a different name- as they weren't *really* long enough to be considered hard enough to be a proper audax). However, with 4000m of ascent, this promised to be an interesting day out. Starting in Burnley, it wove North over a series of lumps to Tan Hill pub, and then back down through Kettlewell etc. back to Burnley. The climb was very front loaded, with the final BIG climb being out of Hawes on the way home. There was, though a serious SW wind blowing, which although potentially helpful to begin with, might cause some fun as a headwind on the way back. </p><p>Dan suggested the idea of doing this one, and so I stuck my toe in the Audax pond. We headed up early doors on Sunday, registered and stood around watching the others ready their bikes as well. As mentioned, people seemed to come from all walks of life, and had differing levels of seriousness about how much food/water/luggage they might be needing over the next few hours. I went for a LOT of food, figuring that it would be better to be overladen with fuel than not. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8dLOKO0n2thG4dih3ZO2JKe3OX1W9RYEkRxikMsxNsT-sqbdjQ6naJVT8h_UhpYlNajBgq2knoHdtlNhk7lKzFvgFso9DcLQW5X4pg6eTwA_prjrbwhBRsn_o-Y2OUtCw3nRs0nzx6a72MLp4DtYpmPPYQJ9_iB5wT0zxrZ7I3yrEsm-uJoEp_skpnfN/s1600/IMG-20230814-WA0000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8dLOKO0n2thG4dih3ZO2JKe3OX1W9RYEkRxikMsxNsT-sqbdjQ6naJVT8h_UhpYlNajBgq2knoHdtlNhk7lKzFvgFso9DcLQW5X4pg6eTwA_prjrbwhBRsn_o-Y2OUtCw3nRs0nzx6a72MLp4DtYpmPPYQJ9_iB5wT0zxrZ7I3yrEsm-uJoEp_skpnfN/s320/IMG-20230814-WA0000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan and I- ready for the off. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>At 8:30... well, 8:29- we were standing in the carpark with about 7/8 of the field as the other 1/8 sailed past shouting "well, come on then!"- and it was a scramble onto the bikes, make sure you have your sunglasses, and head out onto the roads. </p><p>I recognised a fair few of the roads as we rode out through Sabden and over Nick o Pendle and out into the Trough of Bowland- having done a fair bit of hill climbing on the 100 climbs Sportive a couple of years ago. The first 30k flew past as I was trying to get used to riding in a group. Generally I'm on my own and getting used to seeing hand signals for things- and repeating them in good time for the benefit of those behind me- doesn't come naturally. </p><p>The first brevet stop at Slaidburne was a fairly slow affair, as a few bikers who had overtaken us a short time prior had set about ordering a fairly long and convoluted breakfast. As we were amongst the first people there, the brevet stamp hadn't been located, and we spent a lot longer than was strictly necessary waiting for a stamp in our cards. (one person just couldn't be arsed and just set off without the stamp. It being my first audax, I wanted to do it kind of right). </p><p>Dan and I set off onward north, and over the next few hills. Luckily the South Westerly wind was generally a kind assistance up the hills. Down into Bentham, and then back up and over into Ingleton- about 50k in with the potential for a coffee stop. I felt pretty decent at that point, knowing that the next place to stop would be Hawes which has a plethora of places to stop for refreshment, and so we pressed on. Not only does Hawes have a decent amount of shops, but it also had the benefit of being just before the last 2 big hills before Tan Hill- the mid point of the ride, so a short stop there would probably be useful. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijP6JypEBmxGIDvvaH_Vw_Y5u1JCNGKcm-pNhLYGchXj1H0s9bPtXLuFwWKDNni9l3LzwKMjdXYfsrRcKmBdCBtmPaDcvqMsE2dlbUlLkWt7Glg1moW8E2LbAtjG6SjjziU0grQ-nEk_UjXotztsPZ3ikSbh7FwYpu3vHOZDQvxhZTwQGt5DSbPds-LgG/s3264/20230813_111707.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijP6JypEBmxGIDvvaH_Vw_Y5u1JCNGKcm-pNhLYGchXj1H0s9bPtXLuFwWKDNni9l3LzwKMjdXYfsrRcKmBdCBtmPaDcvqMsE2dlbUlLkWt7Glg1moW8E2LbAtjG6SjjziU0grQ-nEk_UjXotztsPZ3ikSbh7FwYpu3vHOZDQvxhZTwQGt5DSbPds-LgG/s320/20230813_111707.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You've gotta stop at Ribblehead viaduct for a piccie- right?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>As it was, on the way up to Ribblehead viaduct on the B6255, my drive chain started squeaking like there was a canary in it. The rainshower that we had endured on the climb prior to Bentham had evidently washed off all the Dry Lube that had be put on it recently. It only got worse as I approached Hawes and I had visions of knocking on doors of likely looking houses, or campervans with bike on them to ask if I might borrow some chain oil. After coasting down into Hawes, I hurridly googled "Bike shop Near Me", and lo and behold, the rather fantastic Stage 1 cycles was not only there, but was OPEN on a sunday morning. I'm unsure if he would have just given me a squirt of random chain oil, but figured as it was so useful that he was there and open, I'd spend some cash, and got a new tube of All weather chain lube. Oh- the happiness of a drive chain that doesn't sound like it's going to fall apart on you! Wonderful!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7l2MOoP9ZRZnKpCooU7AekR7OOa1Q6NJoc8k1qydLYeRpoAhaAVHqTWePFPQTrh022Egmoo1FOBPZ9qIjHCw9rd4uaJvRrlEhZXYzPJiIFXrTZnilCMUvmAezlVt2kuOg3cMiMM7DBNrxWc6HPx8yg7PQ2GVjpV9P59_zdKJoiBEUiSIszEGF2lmgN79/s2448/20230813_115815.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7l2MOoP9ZRZnKpCooU7AekR7OOa1Q6NJoc8k1qydLYeRpoAhaAVHqTWePFPQTrh022Egmoo1FOBPZ9qIjHCw9rd4uaJvRrlEhZXYzPJiIFXrTZnilCMUvmAezlVt2kuOg3cMiMM7DBNrxWc6HPx8yg7PQ2GVjpV9P59_zdKJoiBEUiSIszEGF2lmgN79/s320/20230813_115815.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallelujah! Chain lube!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>By the time I'd sorted out the bike, Dan had got into Hawes and had a brew, so we set off towards Tan hill together- up over Buttertubs, which isn't all that bad from the South, and then the insane 25% switchbacks on the road up to Tan Hill pub. I was within sight of the pub as the first couple of riders were on their way back down, and as I got there, there was obviously something of a lunch rush. A huge queue of people for the bar- nearly out of the door... ah well, nothing to do but to wait. So I patiently waited in line, bought a coke, and by the time I'd finished, Dan was arriving, along with a cloud burst. I grabbed my coat, and my sandwiches and we stood in the porch of the pub recovering, watching the rain thrash across the countryside and refuelling.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNw57HkjVy_aEAbq1kCyDgHrJq3qC0WmsHBnEOVqYTCApD__cAvLj-qnZ8i3eUa9GgaY_nYgT6kM016ZMLT0DnwU7Td4Z2WAoV1lkTMPhhPguPTWsy10ZlH0YeLLSfdLy87z_TDV4h-m1Jzrj-nNu_qX85H4ysbHt75CaLryUHgJ2ykZGfI14y2t-nCbl/s3024/20230813_131919.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNw57HkjVy_aEAbq1kCyDgHrJq3qC0WmsHBnEOVqYTCApD__cAvLj-qnZ8i3eUa9GgaY_nYgT6kM016ZMLT0DnwU7Td4Z2WAoV1lkTMPhhPguPTWsy10ZlH0YeLLSfdLy87z_TDV4h-m1Jzrj-nNu_qX85H4ysbHt75CaLryUHgJ2ykZGfI14y2t-nCbl/s320/20230813_131919.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I woz there- yes I woz. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>I can't say that the weather got any better as we stood there. At times it got worse and I was having concerns that I didn't have enough kit- especially gloves. It's August, I'm wearing 3 layers and wishing I had more! Eventually after a much longer time than I should have waited, we head off down the hill into the wind and rain. Waterproof on, hood up, buff on- 2 more significant climbs to go before the long, undulations of the ride home- all into a headwind. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHS1axagyj6y5jMK81m1A_FgtxUzlqKk7G0dEP_pVUe7Hvi4Gdp5t05pVumZUymf1nEp3zmdr3LvkOsK49qeJEasSgX2tmED7a3XotYf53yFCaEPc0y_DZo3pPmeJvn1uh7LP_A7xTjZo3WYY6XodWqDnADFFDtztuGyE-YVqo8EMG1aFWlnhiTmAFEMk/s2448/20230813_131152.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHS1axagyj6y5jMK81m1A_FgtxUzlqKk7G0dEP_pVUe7Hvi4Gdp5t05pVumZUymf1nEp3zmdr3LvkOsK49qeJEasSgX2tmED7a3XotYf53yFCaEPc0y_DZo3pPmeJvn1uh7LP_A7xTjZo3WYY6XodWqDnADFFDtztuGyE-YVqo8EMG1aFWlnhiTmAFEMk/s320/20230813_131152.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wasn't raining before Dan turned up. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>We passed the majority of the rest of the field as we came down into Keld, and then faced the rather steeper side of Buttertubs. In all honesty, it wasn't as bad as expected, though the headwind was still there. Down into Hawes, and considering the next ascent was going to take sometime, I kept the waterproof on. We were going back up high, and the chance of a shower was considerable. By this time I'd lost Dan, so I just started up Fleetwith Moss and chugged my way up it. Into a headwind. </p><p>It's horrible. I mean, the last time I did it, I was bikepacking and it was at the beginning of my final day and it was horrible then. At 120k in, it's really really horrible. Unforgiving and brutal. There were times when I was sure I might have to get off- but it never came to that. Nonetheless, the climb was very very slow, and the main thought was "this is the last big one". </p><p>Finally over the top, I thought I took sight of a Short Eared Owl across the fields just before the descent started- the long descent into (eventually) Kettlewell. Somewhat ironically I was held up by an Audi for the vast majority of the descent, but at least I didn't try shouting/beeping/close passing at any point. As it was downhill all the way into Wharfedale, the speed was fairly decent (Audis not withstanding), and the average speed stayed pretty high. At Kettlewell I made a short stop to fill up waterbottles at a pub and bought a coke, took off my waterproof, and started out just as another audaxer came past. </p><p>We shared the load of headwind for a while, until she fell behind on one of the longer climbs. It was not all that far to Gargrave now, and I wended my way on for a while, until from behind came a pair of audaxers who I assumed were way, way ahead of me- having left Tan Hill about 20 mins before me. It turns out they had stopped elsewhere as well, and so we made good time as a triple over toward Gargrave, arriving in the village about 2 mins after the teashop closed- so we would have to get a receipt from Co-op as proof we had been there instead. </p><p>From Gargrave, only 35k remained and I was feeling pretty good. Well- not half dead. We continued on as a three over a variety of undulations and along b-roads. My legs kind of gave out on the hill out of Barnoldswick, but they were gents and waited for me. </p><p>On the run back into Burnley we picked up a fellow audaxer who had been on their own for 50k or so, and we belted along the A-road as a 4, and dropped into Burnley soon afterward, finishing up and around a variety of corners to finish in about 9 and a half hours. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD4ulfyzoZ3t3wka1b88XjpUSHQFe_IbdYZgQST3A7ZY9Il4qDbpSjaD4XD_x-l8YLe7hacAgXr113vdJRRq_Azs2ZfVsqX_ZtPyA-ofbF95l0pEYFkhFvo-7K6DZZKALV87pA6Fk5L6CvoUuok-KmOkgCZ51L6YoMhhbqGMtQGFnFSooFCKbakzHIR01/s3024/20230813_182026.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD4ulfyzoZ3t3wka1b88XjpUSHQFe_IbdYZgQST3A7ZY9Il4qDbpSjaD4XD_x-l8YLe7hacAgXr113vdJRRq_Azs2ZfVsqX_ZtPyA-ofbF95l0pEYFkhFvo-7K6DZZKALV87pA6Fk5L6CvoUuok-KmOkgCZ51L6YoMhhbqGMtQGFnFSooFCKbakzHIR01/s320/20230813_182026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rig at the end. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>There were tins of beans and spaghetti hoops and soup ready for those who wanted them- I just sat down with the small remainder of the food that I'd taken with me, and a very well earned cup of tea. Dan came in about 30 mins later and we spent time sitting there looking shellshocked before getting up, getting changed and heading off home. </p><p>What a day. Thanks so much to Andy for organising such a great day. (apparently he is a serial organiser of this kind of thing)- and I trust that the other 25 or so riders got home in a decent enough time to allow him to get home for a realistic time. </p><p>First Audax- yes. But probably not the last.
</p><div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-id="9641096479" data-embed-type="activity"></div><script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script><br /><p></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-30783332980910566672023-08-08T15:57:00.001+01:002023-08-08T15:59:33.661+01:00Tadpole round 2023 - 50b450<p> Here we are in August and only a couple of weeks before the time limit of Lynnes 50b450. Last year, one of the things she wrote on the list was "Tadpole round"- which is a short swim/run course in the Lake district. Short, it may be, but it is pretty daunting if it is something you haven't done before. It is even more daunting if you're going to be doing it breaststroke, not freestyle. There is a 450m leg and a 400m leg in consecutive bodies of water- and if you do it fast, you don't have to worry about it too much, but there is only so much speed that you can do doing breaststroke. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwCcuCm5TLYtz2KrFVfLpQNT3k4n76Pis8bGm41Djm3LDpxaN_z2tPfCt1BBmbsM3vheSzRaYD4DAF6dDTnALpmDWxQxXQ3wwuBdVOqbkd2_-2w-GHK9_5Vsw_yrGflc_fVBbp5Yn1XtpHHAkSeGtSMEvp0cZ-K3IU0KVdksSVZCE9U0hJsCh9K4kOuFs/s2448/20230804_092947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwCcuCm5TLYtz2KrFVfLpQNT3k4n76Pis8bGm41Djm3LDpxaN_z2tPfCt1BBmbsM3vheSzRaYD4DAF6dDTnALpmDWxQxXQ3wwuBdVOqbkd2_-2w-GHK9_5Vsw_yrGflc_fVBbp5Yn1XtpHHAkSeGtSMEvp0cZ-K3IU0KVdksSVZCE9U0hJsCh9K4kOuFs/s320/20230804_092947.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>The idea was not to go breaking any records, the idea was to get around in one piece. This has been put off for a good few months as the water would have been a fair bit chillier a few months ago. Maybe June would have been a good time, but there was *quite* a bit going on in June. (the 15 trigs was certainly big on the mind at that time). July was a washout, and so here we are with not a lot of time left. </p><p>The forecast looked pretty good on the Friday, though there was a freshening wind from the North West. Crummock has its longest fetch from the NW, so any strong wind is going to create some interesting "washing machine" like conditions. Not really what Lynne wanted. However, the forecast for the morning looked pretty good. Generally calm, no rain, and not cold. Perfect. </p><p>So up at 4 (why is it that everything I've been involved in for these challenges has involved being up/awake at 4am?!) and off up to the Lakes. A decent drive got us there for just about 7:30am. Although techincally you're meant to start the challenge from the shores of Crummock water and swim first, we parked in the main carpark in Buttermere and started there. A quick change and check we had all the stuff, and off we went. It was a little chilly to begin with- it being still pretty early, but we warmed up a little on the first climb up and over the hill (looking up to Whiteless Pike in the distance) and down towards Crummock water. There was a slight North Westerly, but nothing that was causing too much more than ripples on the water. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeBJIkjOUwidYHkgcmEEt9GRWnO1Z2ifAQWOOmpAz-HoHHCPyrb4r1uZkqYHpvVZBateg5jxovfXMHAMsBYUXboB27kFv8cFab_s2S536ndmHOe5WNd0jEzdf2N_HX4Wt9eODF3xWKSjiibCkwmIpoJQRf7Ybn6bYbaJ1ui5LN9Npn3Umhd8kaTZywdo0/s2448/20230804_081141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeBJIkjOUwidYHkgcmEEt9GRWnO1Z2ifAQWOOmpAz-HoHHCPyrb4r1uZkqYHpvVZBateg5jxovfXMHAMsBYUXboB27kFv8cFab_s2S536ndmHOe5WNd0jEzdf2N_HX4Wt9eODF3xWKSjiibCkwmIpoJQRf7Ybn6bYbaJ1ui5LN9Npn3Umhd8kaTZywdo0/s320/20230804_081141.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>A slight nav error on my part (on the official map, the start/finish has a red triangle on it... so there was me looking for a YHA... ) anyhow- we worked out that there wasn't going to be one, and went back the 300 metres back to where you get in at Crummock, and got fully changed into wetsuits. No, this was not going to be a record setting journey. (If I'd have thought about it, I'd have brought a flask of coffee as well!). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FQbGXTCM4d2uoXzNMvYJeECrHlmWxq8xR5_u2RZEGE3FapGGO1vEBYsA8PXhx6_CpQz8GLhXMrOlHPcn1GrSwTAlouqtR_FR-aEHQrDNjh7tfDlaH2gtyd64htbeOvivWViisQ7t-EmKguugmI_gipJ8TAlbOG0DLP27h1HZwp2KtjQpBjSWcm-4_yP-/s3024/20230804_085748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FQbGXTCM4d2uoXzNMvYJeECrHlmWxq8xR5_u2RZEGE3FapGGO1vEBYsA8PXhx6_CpQz8GLhXMrOlHPcn1GrSwTAlouqtR_FR-aEHQrDNjh7tfDlaH2gtyd64htbeOvivWViisQ7t-EmKguugmI_gipJ8TAlbOG0DLP27h1HZwp2KtjQpBjSWcm-4_yP-/s320/20230804_085748.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The swim across Crummock water was at a leisurely pace- but was quite a challenge for us. Keeping pace was ok, but when you aren't swim-fit, and doing a stroke that is different to normal, 20 mins in open water with a towfloat is still quite a long time. Sighting was very easy, not doing freestyle, but in the middle of the water there was a bit of chop which didn't make our lives any easier. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNBkNJH7Xn4suK98ZAr7gi1do6lfvoe4rF0vlZMynb41S9jq6cnMK1GSVSg0qt7Pbkm8QoSn-X9NutusulHpNl0oe9jBZU_VR_8KVOZyyz8HZWQTE3E2qWh1AoTISBpXLz-wL404_3yQkGOcE3lJ9qiXhAb7R4tcOMZDk4VS0dxdLxI5wxfWNRloIkpJ9/s4032/20230804_092218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNBkNJH7Xn4suK98ZAr7gi1do6lfvoe4rF0vlZMynb41S9jq6cnMK1GSVSg0qt7Pbkm8QoSn-X9NutusulHpNl0oe9jBZU_VR_8KVOZyyz8HZWQTE3E2qWh1AoTISBpXLz-wL404_3yQkGOcE3lJ9qiXhAb7R4tcOMZDk4VS0dxdLxI5wxfWNRloIkpJ9/s320/20230804_092218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQou3NssAbwFae_PGRrq2M__BuSD_uOmNSo4jinncTmYRli2jHXNVb-CcUZsVBrMV7gn1AKOSv4SxwiwDWvybP6XyyyonX1x8ocMVO26qDQ0Uik1JOwVRmaGHiYgyTVaJo7kB5MZb95xJXpi8PYgcz7kaHU0ovVJiyrjVQWnuEBY5PEnokZKhfvqZmIki-/s4032/20230804_092301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQou3NssAbwFae_PGRrq2M__BuSD_uOmNSo4jinncTmYRli2jHXNVb-CcUZsVBrMV7gn1AKOSv4SxwiwDWvybP6XyyyonX1x8ocMVO26qDQ0Uik1JOwVRmaGHiYgyTVaJo7kB5MZb95xJXpi8PYgcz7kaHU0ovVJiyrjVQWnuEBY5PEnokZKhfvqZmIki-/s320/20230804_092301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>However, after what seemed a very long time, we were within touching distance of the other side, and I forged on ahead to take some photos of Lynne getting out of the water. Once there, a full change again, and then off we went down the western side of Crummock. The going isn't particularly nice underfoot to begin with. You can walk it, but if you're running it and not in "fell mode" then it's quite possible to put your foot wrong fairly easily. Once down towards Buttermere the trail becomes a lot easier, and the surface becomes very trail like, speeding you on your way. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xdk9FkcKdpPNBvrTBCLEMA86Dgj899DtvJgIfhJmtZCpm_lxtaWY0LH6_3jKZPUSvBS9WwAs5nhRXbiQF2bpE4Ipr0Q4WycDGws-cnIK0Q-bKcBuf4pGfygkKHuOl-rNL2Ct4A9jjd0J_llzCsHdo-GtYFQmLE1RUVNgYSgXI8sA2E-K5PhWeDDe3LIa/s3024/20230804_095538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xdk9FkcKdpPNBvrTBCLEMA86Dgj899DtvJgIfhJmtZCpm_lxtaWY0LH6_3jKZPUSvBS9WwAs5nhRXbiQF2bpE4Ipr0Q4WycDGws-cnIK0Q-bKcBuf4pGfygkKHuOl-rNL2Ct4A9jjd0J_llzCsHdo-GtYFQmLE1RUVNgYSgXI8sA2E-K5PhWeDDe3LIa/s320/20230804_095538.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The get in point on Buttermere is a fair way down to the south, nearly at the other end, actually, and we shared the changing point with a few sheep. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUj-ko3HvLP-cjMSQ0qFxn7gc-FbW8ST0DmmKtQ8ZjrDeZAMAQPcWhXkghxaj6jvA--lUkiBT3rEVNT_lw8m3SvX4Jn7NHg-MfJ3BU4RxTyNXMRuNNXM1IJhJA9M6BvYMiXbdgcgJUDkzQiJSCScvkzQX3Tvb6iWJuV80P5rVlScWMUVrTa1_NIL84UJd/s4032/20230804_102029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUj-ko3HvLP-cjMSQ0qFxn7gc-FbW8ST0DmmKtQ8ZjrDeZAMAQPcWhXkghxaj6jvA--lUkiBT3rEVNT_lw8m3SvX4Jn7NHg-MfJ3BU4RxTyNXMRuNNXM1IJhJA9M6BvYMiXbdgcgJUDkzQiJSCScvkzQX3Tvb6iWJuV80P5rVlScWMUVrTa1_NIL84UJd/s320/20230804_102029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Putting on a wet wetsuit is not particularly fun, but it is more fun than attempting to swim 400metres in just a swimsuit. It took rather longer to put it on here than at the shore of Crummock, but eventually I was ready. The sighting across Buttermere is better than on Crummock water, mainly because it doesn't look as far or as daunting. I'm sure the fast people do the crossing in just a few minutes, but again, going slow, doing breaststroke, you're in the water for a lot longer- which means colder limbs, and more fatigue as you go on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbEfAj7iLTIOp3pYpD4UuJbqCVdZwyo1w_9NhnWDX5jzheu9GRlXafnHCg4XaAI5HVrSdZiyhe-gPzqYaKjj0nVKqejHeQkSfyVX4jitY5gPIQUN5PHpW490XoIYJjZApW554RS4kU2zkMUHyznv3OJzBsNIAti2Y4i2rbuihRcPhTa8ish6il6akuejC/s3024/20230804_103610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbEfAj7iLTIOp3pYpD4UuJbqCVdZwyo1w_9NhnWDX5jzheu9GRlXafnHCg4XaAI5HVrSdZiyhe-gPzqYaKjj0nVKqejHeQkSfyVX4jitY5gPIQUN5PHpW490XoIYJjZApW554RS4kU2zkMUHyznv3OJzBsNIAti2Y4i2rbuihRcPhTa8ish6il6akuejC/s320/20230804_103610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Still, the sun was out, it was a beauiful day, and we could see the other side slowly getting larger as we swam towards it. The perspective on this side is also better, because as you swim, you can see the house on the side slowly disappear into the trees as you get closer, giving a real sense that you ARE indeed getting there. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jn7bB77vzckMVe08l2Ut-rSTbUq5f4LDeiMzmMPlmR97bK6BKzi9eHcpppId2LbgAt5C0Cxe-yTd-o55oBJ1npJJm4OfQO9B4VZ4Se5lG5gkasLF4CEK-z0bwwlNU_kx5hPiMGf__K7dIAeDKIjg4EfjEnnTOlU3joWAPTXhffRvgIeoMAwJvS6avqoe/s3024/20230804_104748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jn7bB77vzckMVe08l2Ut-rSTbUq5f4LDeiMzmMPlmR97bK6BKzi9eHcpppId2LbgAt5C0Cxe-yTd-o55oBJ1npJJm4OfQO9B4VZ4Se5lG5gkasLF4CEK-z0bwwlNU_kx5hPiMGf__K7dIAeDKIjg4EfjEnnTOlU3joWAPTXhffRvgIeoMAwJvS6avqoe/s320/20230804_104748.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We changed on the field just out of the water, and set off on the final leg of the run, heading North on the eastern edge of Buttermere. We came back to the car at just a whisker under 3 hours, a lovely morning out, a decent amount of exercise done, another thing crossed off Lynnes list, and ready for a pie in the farm shop. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87ydJbHcTYcR2AGzg7zX-99c3K_-amzK295V-LcbklqzgxIn3DG-v_Jf7FjT2y826aisBJ7QPW-jBltbd_npvyXZAScKjfnQyIQXRbte4u6VV7ga9HTKnrOVD95HzAAOIMM3GHfYin0iESAhSyajdrsgRSJQTjAbjY8c_J5vS31ELguigNjxynwzwe6w3/s2448/20230804_110132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87ydJbHcTYcR2AGzg7zX-99c3K_-amzK295V-LcbklqzgxIn3DG-v_Jf7FjT2y826aisBJ7QPW-jBltbd_npvyXZAScKjfnQyIQXRbte4u6VV7ga9HTKnrOVD95HzAAOIMM3GHfYin0iESAhSyajdrsgRSJQTjAbjY8c_J5vS31ELguigNjxynwzwe6w3/s320/20230804_110132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>What a lovely day out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3v6Y9CzBt9OXJbHYw59_sdZib9iLBEaOpEP0szmCBqIQBDoeaWbrh6O7btFgE2rhr7KC03udCKCSQ-lWrcQvToP-ndAlJZt5FWIxtz2VzQgOkJX9Y-Tfo96u4Ls5D3T6_HkN24N585RUigI-cDYeBYrtX9I_R5mQNeG-OlXT3g8RtT5eEUnZ1iUsdb8dm/s3024/20230804_112405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3v6Y9CzBt9OXJbHYw59_sdZib9iLBEaOpEP0szmCBqIQBDoeaWbrh6O7btFgE2rhr7KC03udCKCSQ-lWrcQvToP-ndAlJZt5FWIxtz2VzQgOkJX9Y-Tfo96u4Ls5D3T6_HkN24N585RUigI-cDYeBYrtX9I_R5mQNeG-OlXT3g8RtT5eEUnZ1iUsdb8dm/s320/20230804_112405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-75178707880365413852023-08-03T16:16:00.002+01:002023-08-03T16:17:37.094+01:00Cracken Edge Fell Race 2023<p> Two races in as many weeks? Goodness, you'd almost think I was getting to enjoy them again. No, I can assure, I am not getting addicted, and there will not be a proliferation of race related blogs. The Cracken Edge Race is an important fixture in the calendar as it is run by Kinder Mountain Rescue- and there is the honour of the Buzz Lightyear trophy at stake. The fastest Mountain rescue team (or at least, their first 3 runners) gets the trophy. Unfortunately I was injured last year (calf strain/tear from over enthusiasm and "training error"), but others from Glossop MRT were there to fill in the gaps. </p><p>This year Glossop MRT managed to field 10 runners (it would have been 11 had covid not reared it's ugly head again), which I think is a record turnout for us... indeed for any Mountain Rescue Team. Also included in that we had 3 ladies, which would have made a womens team as well, which was absolutely amazing. </p><p>The route was the same as ever- very runnable (and I tried to make sure I ran as much of it as possible this time around), but very wet underfoot. It has been raining a lot recently- and it was raining right up until we set off as well. Although the kit requirements were "take what you think is appropriate"- which a lot of people took to mean "no kit", I took a waterproof and a bumbag to put it in- partially as this wasn't going to be an absolute eyeballs out effort, and partially because I would probably want a coat at the end when hanging around. </p><p>Knowing that my preparation for this race has not been optimal, mixing it with the fast lads at the front was not going to be an option. Ok- it was an option- but not an intelligent one. I can hold my own over a few hours, but on a short and fast course, no chance- so I started somewhat further back in the field. The initial uphill is always a killer, and quite a sorter, and going off full beans here would have certainly taken a lot more out of me than I'd have liked. </p><p>Off we went, and I slowly picked my way through the field on the way up, passing Chris J, and eventually catching Paul Skuse on the road up to the mast. First climb out of the way, and the pace settled a little. Going much faster was not really possible, and looking at my HR after the race, it does seem like I don't really have that ability to push into that extra gear/speed without massively overdoing the exertion. So I pootled along at somewhere around 150-160bpm with other people around me sounding like they were dying- but not really able to push on much faster. </p><p>For the first time in a few years I got to the stile and had to queue before getting over, which was a novelty- getting my breath back mid-race, and I made good on the road, passing Saul on the way to the next climb- which was very sogggy underfoot. On the way up here I started leapfrogging with a couple of Macc Harriers which would continue right to the very end. I never looked behind me, so couldn't tell you how close anyone else was. </p><p>Along from New Allotments down to the road was fairly swift, and on the road we caught and passed a guy in Hokas. I managed to lead the way down to the stile, but was quite quickly caught and passed on the ascent up to the quarry, not only by the battling Macc Harriers, but also by the guy in Hoka's who was climbing like a demon. I managed to run the entire race up to the final 10 metre section to Big Stone (not sure if this did me any good at all, seeing as the others around me were switching between walking and running on the ascent- but it did my ego good), and I continued onward in the midst of the Macc guys, who overtook me on the flattish sections from New Allotments (in the other direction) out to the final(ish) descent. </p><p>Still not really able to raise my heartrate all that much without blowing, I continued at my own pace, wondering why it wasn't raining and if it would have been better to leave my bumbag at the start, I came to the long downhill towards Phoside. Initially it is long and groovy, and pretty easy to run. Would I have gained much more distance in the past when I was better at descending? No idea really- but it seemed like I wasn't gaining much. Then the track peels right and becomes more technical, where I definitely gained some time, then it peels right again and goes down into the woods and is a lot muddier and slippier- first overtake on the way down to the single track between the gates- and now there is less than a kilometre to the end. </p><p>The first Macc guy is behind me, and I don't think he'll really trouble me again- but the other one, and the Hoka guy are in front. I just need to keep in touch in the last couple of fields as the final dash down the field to the end is genuinely my favourite part of any race, anywhere. They pull out a couple of metres on me, but stumble through the last stile/gate which enables me to get to a decent distance to them- we round the final flags and hit the descent to the finish- there is a clear, trodden track with long swishy grass everywhere else, so I take that and let loose, instantly overtaking the other 2 and leaving them for (somewhat damp) dust. </p><p>Maybe I was in the top 20? I don't really know, and won't until the results are out. However, the jacket that I packed and carried all the way around came in very useful as I wandered back up the course taking photos of the rest of the team as they passed me on the way to the finish, and encouraged everyone else in the race. </p><p>We did indeed retain the Buzzlightyear trophy, and good fun was had by all- I have to put out a special mention to all those in Glossop MRT who would not, under normal circumstances have entertained the idea of running around Cracken Edge of an evening. Well done- damn fine effort. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoUqP5alyMlXG92KKRMIZCYbTopwNcx5BCgWBty90nEQnkXKKARX4nmYeskmrsnihl-TlAtDzpbvH1Lwy4i2bzWy5Vi8uCN7ILub3z0jvb-TfSjT2Ikm9oOsmVmxJlHuDgH_3Ee6kR8RTfJ111JrsokGPNntT4oIvontzw6DV2Af3sAOWdfP2oT-n-v5l/s3024/20230803_161203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoUqP5alyMlXG92KKRMIZCYbTopwNcx5BCgWBty90nEQnkXKKARX4nmYeskmrsnihl-TlAtDzpbvH1Lwy4i2bzWy5Vi8uCN7ILub3z0jvb-TfSjT2Ikm9oOsmVmxJlHuDgH_3Ee6kR8RTfJ111JrsokGPNntT4oIvontzw6DV2Af3sAOWdfP2oT-n-v5l/s320/20230803_161203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-39412413772729177242023-07-31T12:50:00.000+01:002023-07-31T12:50:07.845+01:00Scarborough to Glossop cycle tour<p> The idea was to catch a train to Scarborough and then take a couple of days to ride home, most likely staying overnight in York. 100k each day. Various things such as train times/logistics/strikes... well, actually, mainly the train logistics- meant that a slightly different plan had to be planned. Eventually something was cobbled together, and, to be honest it was Catherines rather excellent knowledge of the railway system, and especially the way in which you can actually get bikes on trains etc. that enabled this to happen. </p><p>The plan was simple. Bike to Stalybridge, train to Scarborough, then bike to Whitby- staying over there for the night. Bike ride to Toms parents house near York, overnight there, and then cycle home. Job's a good un. </p><p>The exciting thing about it all was the weather forecast. As ever, in the UK in July, you can't be guaranteed of anything, except that it might well be ANYTHING. Rain was kind of forecast, but it was a bit of a "maybe, maybe not". What was *definitely* forecast was wind. A westerly, and gaining in strength through the weekend up to a Force 5-6 on Sunday. Pretty much a block headwind all the way home. Great fun! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-12WetGIeohyNBSd2OOCjLf4BS7ND-9d4IciUls5Ll0SVN2-EKU5dpHr5sg9RBn1YM_YW2VG806Bcn8HcyTmhjG1Y2q28-Y49xwXpzhjjqGpsmqF0mQan9xb5zJous1mGGQeptE_YKZj1U9JlMGGwj_AixTVxiloewPAigZ11QVSD52DFRFpUuRxY0MR/s3024/20230730_114112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-12WetGIeohyNBSd2OOCjLf4BS7ND-9d4IciUls5Ll0SVN2-EKU5dpHr5sg9RBn1YM_YW2VG806Bcn8HcyTmhjG1Y2q28-Y49xwXpzhjjqGpsmqF0mQan9xb5zJous1mGGQeptE_YKZj1U9JlMGGwj_AixTVxiloewPAigZ11QVSD52DFRFpUuRxY0MR/s320/20230730_114112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to the ride!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The route itself was made by Catherine, and was intended to take in as many cake and tea stops as possible, which is a most commendable ambition for a bike tour. The crux of the whole thing was getting on a train that would accommodate 4 bikes. Normally, the train from Manchester to Scarborough only has a small number of carriages, and so therefore only has 2 bike spaces. However, there are 2 trains a day that have twice as many carriages, and so therefore, twice as many bike spaces... a massive 4 bookable spaces! (Yes. the ability to transport bikes by train in this country is truely woeful. They say "not many people want to take bikes by train".... but it's a nightmare to book them onto a train, and even if you do, there are barely any spaces to do so. But I digress. </p><p>One of these magic trains leaves Stalybridge at 5:50am. Which means leaving home to ride over the hill to Staly a fair bit beforehand. Which means getting up really quite early. However, we'd rather be early rather than late, so off we trotted, nice and early, making FULL use of Lynnes thermal bidon for a decent amount of coffee. All 4 of us joined together on the road just up and past the Waggon and Horses, and convoyed down to the station- the train was caught without a hitch, and the journey to the coast simply flew by. I was expecting to get at least a little sleep on the way, but was utterly surprised when the tannoy told us we were approaching the last stop. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2l9MI1j6aK79NuzXum70rD6gD6amXJs-AcUP6IqnI7zCnbSO0urLkO4FiWx15u_a5o8fie5yn07aaY5iG0MYEUsyH33gMDDsXbPe2BIC1rEAil4rRDkQOtD9FWiAZcZeOSfyT48EDFuv52l2nWi0neDuRUBY1Eqwg_pLzvriuPQa5rAasycizv7jTBu1S/s2048/IMG-20230730-WA0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="998" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2l9MI1j6aK79NuzXum70rD6gD6amXJs-AcUP6IqnI7zCnbSO0urLkO4FiWx15u_a5o8fie5yn07aaY5iG0MYEUsyH33gMDDsXbPe2BIC1rEAil4rRDkQOtD9FWiAZcZeOSfyT48EDFuv52l2nWi0neDuRUBY1Eqwg_pLzvriuPQa5rAasycizv7jTBu1S/s320/IMG-20230730-WA0029.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic early morning shot<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>First things first in a new town at 8am on a sunny morning- find some more coffee. We spent some time touring around Scarborough looking for likely places for coffee, and ended up back at the place at which we started. After a delightful second breakfast we set about working out how to get to the Cinder Track, and work our way north toward Whitby, where we were staying the night. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtgyC6K7uKdin5p-JvIepPHEsTcMiboueoK036rv3IqkxdgaxApgaUKWZoYd-fFEelFHICxJ4Wt-KR0dI9z1VLHdplRhpuGgMCUIaeZS20MGNZm1c8Bw-L8epbltD4sNG9a0aaMG0F311_j0xWhpsO7YrsxaBpoRH8eq_5spSsEgkn4g6WyaYRj4P2U4L/s2448/20230728_080105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtgyC6K7uKdin5p-JvIepPHEsTcMiboueoK036rv3IqkxdgaxApgaUKWZoYd-fFEelFHICxJ4Wt-KR0dI9z1VLHdplRhpuGgMCUIaeZS20MGNZm1c8Bw-L8epbltD4sNG9a0aaMG0F311_j0xWhpsO7YrsxaBpoRH8eq_5spSsEgkn4g6WyaYRj4P2U4L/s320/20230728_080105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's fund us some coffee<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>3 Wahoos and a phone just about managed to get us out of Scarborough and the next few hours were spent on a splendid ride along the Cinder track (cycle route 1) - which had some nice bits, some muddy bits and some bumpy bits (that Lynne really wasn't a fan of). The sun was out, the wind was not against us, and we made pretty decent time to Robin Hoods bay, where we decided to stop for a cake and another coffee. Nevermind that it's down a 30% hill- we'll deal with that when we want to come back up. So down we went along with 30 million other holiday makers, and managed to bag a table at a cafe near the sea.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMmKhag2kpRPCz1pQQyvKPlcb4Qk8-OatCIFFXt3rdmFq1hd9EIFjv3TE_yXF7orwib_VS7Z8CG_N-CsvUCOgDs27J3zq5CnQ8IX3bPHtxWLCHKehWjUSql6qmnOIgLi-REm4kEOFcGjeK75BtNbMoM7goF01ErajiGns0KVzbjF8K5tagXPSmGq6vN76/s3264/20230728_103007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMmKhag2kpRPCz1pQQyvKPlcb4Qk8-OatCIFFXt3rdmFq1hd9EIFjv3TE_yXF7orwib_VS7Z8CG_N-CsvUCOgDs27J3zq5CnQ8IX3bPHtxWLCHKehWjUSql6qmnOIgLi-REm4kEOFcGjeK75BtNbMoM7goF01ErajiGns0KVzbjF8K5tagXPSmGq6vN76/s320/20230728_103007.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinder Track<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The tide was very very in, so Lynne and Catherine decided to postpone
their swim until later, when we got in to Whiby. We steeled ourselves
for the climb back out of the bay and attempted to weave through the
hordes as we scrimped our way back up the hill to the Cinder Track. <br /></p><p> </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzXCLUBWSlZv5tzVVBtbnozb21Ny2ZDI-jW_xQYeL2of7D2Gk_7PmG65WFU0-Ef8UuuvVkDFOWn9vB4jugnDlKJ329Q-37YaRYW5v2jnLDy1wLsXF0MaM5v5FQVpMOb6v7E1LWqvolfY69yZlLVxVQxlLMZLMWopivpsgWjnCP70tKJZMhu6YJaT001Wo/s3024/20230728_120106(0).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzXCLUBWSlZv5tzVVBtbnozb21Ny2ZDI-jW_xQYeL2of7D2Gk_7PmG65WFU0-Ef8UuuvVkDFOWn9vB4jugnDlKJ329Q-37YaRYW5v2jnLDy1wLsXF0MaM5v5FQVpMOb6v7E1LWqvolfY69yZlLVxVQxlLMZLMWopivpsgWjnCP70tKJZMhu6YJaT001Wo/s320/20230728_120106(0).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting out of Robin Hood Bay<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p> Onwards and Northwards, we wound our way and in a relatively short time made our way into Whitby. We were a little early for the hotel to be ready, but they let us leave our bikes in a side room while we went out to explore the surroundings until the rooms were sorted. </p><p>"Explore the surroundings" basically means "wander around and work out if you've been here before". Whitby, it would seem, is very reminicent of every seaside town I've ever been to that has a harbour, amusement arcade, candyfloss places, an RNLI museum and crowds of people trying to by fish and chips. Lynne and Catherine got their swim/being hit by waves thing done, while Tom and I stood by and made sure the Seagulls didn't nick our stuff. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEQ3K7W3bBgA4sf5PeMnj1nXC5ozF89huYHSs9GMfsXC4xt5I6nNcCis22J0UPxjNpRxNx_GG4MeNLBQ06-eAvichT1p0huJtr06jow6MlwDeTPG8H7-91lHz_SS_U0QCnQcpSwJUuCYX3BUSFwd3cRhltVopc1v9xViH2kof2XWLMxxY8C6Blp5MRmMZ/s4032/20230728_131651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEQ3K7W3bBgA4sf5PeMnj1nXC5ozF89huYHSs9GMfsXC4xt5I6nNcCis22J0UPxjNpRxNx_GG4MeNLBQ06-eAvichT1p0huJtr06jow6MlwDeTPG8H7-91lHz_SS_U0QCnQcpSwJUuCYX3BUSFwd3cRhltVopc1v9xViH2kof2XWLMxxY8C6Blp5MRmMZ/s320/20230728_131651.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitby</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The evening was taken up by more wanderings, up to the Abbey, around the town (again), fish and chips, and a walk out onto the breakwater- which is fairly impressive. Bed time came early as we'd been up since silly'o'clock and there is only so far that much coffee can take you. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwU0F3FpnO1IAWsr_fHNC-IadFBpx7C963KI1iOl76uc8nj7L8C8qU4N9W3EBMDStoxfXuxT8zMH-YKhirEpkm82u5gnq1_W7CXKrUCxzqSEgyq2A9BvPFfD-zYM2MAOKFhJuaGlZArDcprIYyzLQjA9I23u97k9MVlxJTKFlPN8zjUAF5Fn7Sc88FIwW/s4032/20230728_174526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwU0F3FpnO1IAWsr_fHNC-IadFBpx7C963KI1iOl76uc8nj7L8C8qU4N9W3EBMDStoxfXuxT8zMH-YKhirEpkm82u5gnq1_W7CXKrUCxzqSEgyq2A9BvPFfD-zYM2MAOKFhJuaGlZArDcprIYyzLQjA9I23u97k9MVlxJTKFlPN8zjUAF5Fn7Sc88FIwW/s320/20230728_174526.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitby Abbey<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K2P7lRMdmfTIFz9c2dSc6gff3-EDiCSLi5AYxL_MEYZQ1MyC1qxfL7gK61-UqFU1uVyBYBM4gOZZNRbtWX5Xpxlw4sEAWQ7kw0tFCRhpgOz8-WAN4eedbSVvIIqlPmuWPHZXTGQ9WB0AujwAVInW94x6Bfwna4L9JQd45Oi9FPYDJ6jFeINsPh8ZnV2n/s4032/20230728_171708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K2P7lRMdmfTIFz9c2dSc6gff3-EDiCSLi5AYxL_MEYZQ1MyC1qxfL7gK61-UqFU1uVyBYBM4gOZZNRbtWX5Xpxlw4sEAWQ7kw0tFCRhpgOz8-WAN4eedbSVvIIqlPmuWPHZXTGQ9WB0AujwAVInW94x6Bfwna4L9JQd45Oi9FPYDJ6jFeINsPh8ZnV2n/s320/20230728_171708.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Off. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Day 2</p><p>A quick ride down the hill into town for a breakfast from the coffee shop that we made sure would be open in the morning. Whilst sitting there, routes were downloaded and synched into mapping units, and we were pretty much ready to go. The idea was to very much NOT go on the massive A64 out of Whitby, as it would be all kinds of horrible to do that on a bike. So the slightly more exciting/hard/challenging option of offroad was taken. (I could digress here into a bit of a rant about safe cycling provision in this country, but won't). <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChSzykygjcwJBJXJ8RfOQMerqdJh3AKT4BFMFb8BdfSKFGxDYYqs3eBTzsLi2yaebf16IeV1OZa7KZR0F6RHfveQK4Ju1XSj0x5rkqFT9XwtyaUYT7_K3pdpC6BzfLP3BdsKfzi-dYighTv-4VgnoiLiT_HWp--TFmQ0TsuAI7x-balwSQ_9oj-QNs1P6/s4032/20230729_090047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChSzykygjcwJBJXJ8RfOQMerqdJh3AKT4BFMFb8BdfSKFGxDYYqs3eBTzsLi2yaebf16IeV1OZa7KZR0F6RHfveQK4Ju1XSj0x5rkqFT9XwtyaUYT7_K3pdpC6BzfLP3BdsKfzi-dYighTv-4VgnoiLiT_HWp--TFmQ0TsuAI7x-balwSQ_9oj-QNs1P6/s320/20230729_090047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't want to join the trucks on an A road? This is the other option<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Anyhow, let's just say the ground under tyre was a little less than optimal, and our average speed was somewhat curtailed by it. It was a lovely route, and very well planned- heck, it was marvellous not to be on the A64 getting close passed by the various psychos in cars and trucks, but you'd think that if something says "bridleway" on it, you might be able to actually ride a damn bike down it... </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJChWF4eCwYOcCetMyXtQZT8xEpkS_DY4H6bTip_poNpgC09qRVODMTRPffCvNnE0hyBM4YRY9xmka8GNFM4b8LzCUvWwUuTFh8B0jLdkwNzPCFp1yY3XJtGbHigJJeovM2F1Fr615h99OPE1TvBW80EInf99a0HA6BplCY6V793gTrHoShf6w4lVS5RgH/s4032/20230729_090607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJChWF4eCwYOcCetMyXtQZT8xEpkS_DY4H6bTip_poNpgC09qRVODMTRPffCvNnE0hyBM4YRY9xmka8GNFM4b8LzCUvWwUuTFh8B0jLdkwNzPCFp1yY3XJtGbHigJJeovM2F1Fr615h99OPE1TvBW80EInf99a0HA6BplCY6V793gTrHoShf6w4lVS5RgH/s320/20230729_090607.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It *might* have been ok going downhill. Actually. No. It wouldn't. And people wonder why we don't always use bridleways. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>It took a while until we managed to get to much more rideable territory, but once there, the miles steadily ticked by. Sometimes on road, sometimes off- and at one point, the excitement of riding downhill at speed rather got hold of Tom and Catherine, and off they shot- only to be rewarded by a rather impressive rear wheel blowout at speed.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULMQjT8pMm51azWuQZGeNOTex5x94TOSM8vOQIIIplsMxbUfTV-PdzMrpsiYcuIJgKCh806op6cmk8FcEVpDByf3H6Kh0UPtrpOZuhlKjNyvXhruhvhUIYIWu3OJHUbU4d4MV75rA__Xh_sfwDi-X02MzXQrgjrtwLrzwLQyESA_LFTKqG4xH4JYOswbu/s4032/20230729_103832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULMQjT8pMm51azWuQZGeNOTex5x94TOSM8vOQIIIplsMxbUfTV-PdzMrpsiYcuIJgKCh806op6cmk8FcEVpDByf3H6Kh0UPtrpOZuhlKjNyvXhruhvhUIYIWu3OJHUbU4d4MV75rA__Xh_sfwDi-X02MzXQrgjrtwLrzwLQyESA_LFTKqG4xH4JYOswbu/s320/20230729_103832.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS is more like a bridleway<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p>The repair took a while- (I was rather confused as to why my pump wasn't pumping up the tube, and it turned out to have rather more holes in it that I realised, so there was no way it was going to get pumped up, no matter how good the pump). <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4boVNGWFAZDiXqO9iqdp85KnaaXJzQkBnnKMiehN7_usR59RjjEawNA6juvHROZnTJpHL8Rwi0p-RHXhuAma8C7HSBhwhQI48TrrM8KBcFe3me9Ne1C9cfMhTJKGS0jgr7In_Ee7HL5mXynWAnbVUcG31KPPLbIfBxckkMLQFV_ar8QD2Y0fMiG3TCa9/s2048/IMG-20230730-WA0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4boVNGWFAZDiXqO9iqdp85KnaaXJzQkBnnKMiehN7_usR59RjjEawNA6juvHROZnTJpHL8Rwi0p-RHXhuAma8C7HSBhwhQI48TrrM8KBcFe3me9Ne1C9cfMhTJKGS0jgr7In_Ee7HL5mXynWAnbVUcG31KPPLbIfBxckkMLQFV_ar8QD2Y0fMiG3TCa9/s320/IMG-20230730-WA0027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard puncture faff<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>We did indeed carry on, and lunch was had in a place that rather reminded me of Castleton. The cafe had the largest pieces of rocky road I've ever seen, but considering that there was going to be another cake stop in a bit, I decided to refrain. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhR1l3vfl8j-4hkvewci-Z_MCrjf_L7p-aWMNByp_xRTj67ldMQ_7bTrDGUPonZL2afX5IlCn4NPh7dURsd-J3I01nT2t3S-BxyNWbuWq2uJm3YgY_iuQFFHkza_MQHAJ2c986C4DPzRm3x7Ba4iZQKb0zj9Q1bZfFTfR1LcELQtzNXeiVMe68n6BCe_s/s4032/20230729_120411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhR1l3vfl8j-4hkvewci-Z_MCrjf_L7p-aWMNByp_xRTj67ldMQ_7bTrDGUPonZL2afX5IlCn4NPh7dURsd-J3I01nT2t3S-BxyNWbuWq2uJm3YgY_iuQFFHkza_MQHAJ2c986C4DPzRm3x7Ba4iZQKb0zj9Q1bZfFTfR1LcELQtzNXeiVMe68n6BCe_s/s320/20230729_120411.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some single track that Lynne *really* wasn't appreciating<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Onward and into a bit of a headwind, we wove our way south and westish and it was all a bit of a blur really. The route took us to where we needed to be, and that place eventually ended up being a cafe with white chocolate cheesecake. Marvellous. From there, it was not a long distance to get to Tom's parents, which has an amazing garden, and very welcoming hosts. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bX_9TUOwzr4JhAxt2MRJDSLLDW-qgnFXuxobL2q3YolEXqX0RRKwwJEKJAUwhqUgQ7N90Nrb8GiCiEyXraT5srJEeCCuhKcdFo_5Tm0FOTQYo7Pmhf5Y1zJ4qJWUHgzBB4rX3bNot-87457bQci5PwpLKecxtTx3tZ75CS0P6ulAXwbIFyNEJpZ4mdjD/s2448/20230729_102214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bX_9TUOwzr4JhAxt2MRJDSLLDW-qgnFXuxobL2q3YolEXqX0RRKwwJEKJAUwhqUgQ7N90Nrb8GiCiEyXraT5srJEeCCuhKcdFo_5Tm0FOTQYo7Pmhf5Y1zJ4qJWUHgzBB4rX3bNot-87457bQci5PwpLKecxtTx3tZ75CS0P6ulAXwbIFyNEJpZ4mdjD/s320/20230729_102214.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the moors. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Much food, tea, wandering around the marvellous garden, and a bit of bike maintainance was done. Lynne was a bit done in by the end of the day- this being her longest ride to date, so I did the gallant thing and tended to her bike for her, instead of asking "dyou think you might need to do anything to your bike this evening?". </p><p>Again, sleep came early. </p><p>Day 3. </p><p>A strong coffee set us up for the day- the ground was damp, so it was evident that it had rained overnight. The clouds were scudding across the sky in a somewhat unhelpful direction, but it was sunny as we set off. Always a bonus. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7QRp9Un2va9JK9YuDykgfHVUglXO6KQPP-nEnvl-JFhElL3fjbAHwuzneUP_xGYpsjlejR79munbmZsomp7kiV8Js_4Zd10hk2c6xq66CxCbmKyBmLmAyJ8PUd-rX1u9ImgviT46ubli2nQOharTF67O9TAwdSdtfhsilQy7nKImlSZP4nW3e1s6YFNi/s1024/IMG-20230730-WA0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1024" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7QRp9Un2va9JK9YuDykgfHVUglXO6KQPP-nEnvl-JFhElL3fjbAHwuzneUP_xGYpsjlejR79munbmZsomp7kiV8Js_4Zd10hk2c6xq66CxCbmKyBmLmAyJ8PUd-rX1u9ImgviT46ubli2nQOharTF67O9TAwdSdtfhsilQy7nKImlSZP4nW3e1s6YFNi/s320/IMG-20230730-WA0010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Today there was more promise of roads- not so much on exciting offroad adventuring. This was a day that was going to be over 100k, so again, Lynnes longest day on a bike ever (and by quite some margin), so what with the headwind, easier terrain under the tyres would probably help. As we left the delightful company of Tom's parents I took the lead and cycled into the wind at a steady pace. We managed somewhere in the region of 20kmph for the next decent while as roads and places and hedgerows passed us by. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lVkLCQVfb5nSGyun17MX9ta7ai8J_Z0ChWvkf7zYGUU6KWguFdQ-F4qHOUA_iN5HbfLevstX6qi5R7wQefusZpdvxJXcBfChPN9lqJRE-D47SOOGoCx6AwcDw3AmchfZhlc4ET0ReOKkMNKZuOKe0XFGiuyvkPNFnx9sF9YWxrX9XfQK_lBSPXJePj1b/s4032/20230730_104810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lVkLCQVfb5nSGyun17MX9ta7ai8J_Z0ChWvkf7zYGUU6KWguFdQ-F4qHOUA_iN5HbfLevstX6qi5R7wQefusZpdvxJXcBfChPN9lqJRE-D47SOOGoCx6AwcDw3AmchfZhlc4ET0ReOKkMNKZuOKe0XFGiuyvkPNFnx9sF9YWxrX9XfQK_lBSPXJePj1b/s320/20230730_104810.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee stop<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>A tea and coffee stop was had at an RSPB reserve, and once energy levels were restored to appropriate levels, we continued on into the wind. The weather stayed pretty decent, with only a couple of light showers occuring. Despite the promise of "mainly tarmac", there were a couple of areas of somewhat more interesting surfaces, including mud and standing water, but that in no way reduced the enjoyment of the journey. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPjEE6XLswrAvsWo1lKj3IeEbyupZeI0IUNvXeRgbOjbwnHC0WSM1Vamo4Z75GCm2sQcVJTVvqLxZNkMvedH-kpiv1nI9uuJa45jjkQGRaTLjacAxATEkESvfSP2EOoGBQ7PaZIm5BX4x84uXeLKl4thnPFCiFpFBfJmBTmiP6qzbqkyp53GD9fJ6SJiM/s2016/IMG-20230730-WA0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPjEE6XLswrAvsWo1lKj3IeEbyupZeI0IUNvXeRgbOjbwnHC0WSM1Vamo4Z75GCm2sQcVJTVvqLxZNkMvedH-kpiv1nI9uuJa45jjkQGRaTLjacAxATEkESvfSP2EOoGBQ7PaZIm5BX4x84uXeLKl4thnPFCiFpFBfJmBTmiP6qzbqkyp53GD9fJ6SJiM/s320/IMG-20230730-WA0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At one point a Red Kite flew alongside us, and decided it would dive in front of us to check out a tasty morsel by the side of the road, which was rather impressive, which took our minds off the headwind for a short while. The roads were flat and steady for the most part, bringing us into and through Wakefield where, after a bit of traffic dodging, we stopped for a very needed lunch stop at Pudneys park- a place I'm absolutely certain I've been before as that was where my Aunt and Uncle used to windsurf a lot, back in the day. <br /><p></p><p>Refuelled and slightly rested, we gamely carried on, trying to ignore the profile for the rest of the trip, which, while not resembling quite a dinosaurs back, certainly had a certain "humpiness" about it. Through Yorkshire Sculpture park (well, around it, I suppose), and up and down across the roads to the south of Denby dale, we slowly started to see places and place names that were more familiar. Holme moss transmitter mast appeared on the horizon as we steadily worked our way westward. At some point, I took Lynnes pannier from her as she was starting to feel the effects of 3 days of cycling, extra weight, hills and a headwind. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOJg9jvqkmn7knX3UV6O9VZMB0T8vrUEGPyL4Vr9wpngLm2X66hnAuUU8EZ0cVl7lEr3nA9mZq-gYCSvIzs4ouxvXRDj4_vuaPkwMJTWXcFu_HdemzLG04hPvgbyWvxg8OIDOHf283ZnMItJ971QTdLOmVUbgcWmlLMdpIQvRecIYbthS3fEAB92S5Mqg/s2448/20230730_134401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOJg9jvqkmn7knX3UV6O9VZMB0T8vrUEGPyL4Vr9wpngLm2X66hnAuUU8EZ0cVl7lEr3nA9mZq-gYCSvIzs4ouxvXRDj4_vuaPkwMJTWXcFu_HdemzLG04hPvgbyWvxg8OIDOHf283ZnMItJ971QTdLOmVUbgcWmlLMdpIQvRecIYbthS3fEAB92S5Mqg/s320/20230730_134401.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yorkshire Sculpture park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>As we got closer to home, the headwind seemed to intensify, (was it really coming from Glossop?!), but the number of hills was slowly coming down. We passed Woodhead mountain rescue base, which meant we were getting closer still- then the turning to Hade Edge, where we skirted down to Snailsden reservoir. A final pull up to the Woodhead pass, and then the downhill section to the Longdendale trail, where we hit 100k. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IyMf-twDddAdueygaEtN51m8kiuMdJJ8WEFWEkMP4U7DmjN9X0vA7DNFFMnmeFo9I29K6H_88a4-wnafTRAmEMAeeVLdcoiE-dOyj7KK9VDT_mnSZQB1odXzB6ivlgbY5l08HwClwXoSPxrqNy-hjYVrtJ1SGohGl2JKEhzP6OF2-L1MFJ0x5wFSjCBH/s2448/20230730_155107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IyMf-twDddAdueygaEtN51m8kiuMdJJ8WEFWEkMP4U7DmjN9X0vA7DNFFMnmeFo9I29K6H_88a4-wnafTRAmEMAeeVLdcoiE-dOyj7KK9VDT_mnSZQB1odXzB6ivlgbY5l08HwClwXoSPxrqNy-hjYVrtJ1SGohGl2JKEhzP6OF2-L1MFJ0x5wFSjCBH/s320/20230730_155107.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snailsden- nearly home<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The end was in sight, and we cycled along the trail and up the hill to Devil's Elbow, before rounding the corner to see Glossop below us. Home. </p><p>What a fabulous adventure with excellent company. As you would expect, there were a few dark moments thrown in there, with people experiencing lows at different times, but coffee, tea and sugar certainly helped us through. Although it would have been nice to do the original plan (especially if we'd have had THAT tailwind), this very much ticked the box. </p><p>Thanks to Tom and Catherine for enjoying the trip with us, and to Tom's parents for being such amazing hosts. <br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-17598946817260113622023-07-23T18:48:00.003+01:002023-07-23T18:49:23.702+01:00Holme Moss Fell Race 2023<p> It's been a while since I did a fell race. (The <a href="http://testedtodestruction.blogspot.com/2023/05/old-county-tops-2023.html" target="_blank">OCT </a>doesnt really count as it's a pairs race)- and it's been a real while since I did <a href="http://testedtodestruction.blogspot.com/2015/07/holme-moss-fellrace-2015.html" target="_blank">Holme Moss... it was</a> 2015- a hot day, and I was at the peak of my best year. Today was slightly different. </p><p>It's been raining (not just a bit of rain, but REALLY raining) for about 4 days now. The rivers a swollen, there is consistent rain falling through the day, and, as mentioned, I haven't raced in anger since last June when I did Kinder trog. In fact there has been so much rain recently that on Friday an email came out with a diversion on due to the fact Crowden Great Brook has so much water flowing down it that it would be dangerous to cross it once you've gone up and down Bareholme moss- even with a rope. It's a bit of a shame as the alternative route just goes straight to Laddow rocks up the Pennine Way missing out some of the best offroady gnarly bits of the race. Still- having seen the state of the river in spate, it was a good call. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3vBvcvWoapquAufqVP_LaPI31xuXqLtlK6NF5qgpIoG4nQY488dU1OnXwN0XPm7kPWVJeNKy_VHWetU0KNGCgsvveqQDBnp4-0Z8Zo4DCHQcjLJV8jBHkaO4UHO_LTjP-oMuqf9WQzrWqzjsNG_uKLMDRpU_4nG0UbMvx_iJNDwgitSGh4tdgHwQuLUx/s1280/greatbrook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3vBvcvWoapquAufqVP_LaPI31xuXqLtlK6NF5qgpIoG4nQY488dU1OnXwN0XPm7kPWVJeNKy_VHWetU0KNGCgsvveqQDBnp4-0Z8Zo4DCHQcjLJV8jBHkaO4UHO_LTjP-oMuqf9WQzrWqzjsNG_uKLMDRpU_4nG0UbMvx_iJNDwgitSGh4tdgHwQuLUx/s320/greatbrook.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It basically looked like this....<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Interestingly I've been up this way in similar conditions, and it was the river crossings on the Pennine Way just below Red Ratcher that were really quite dodgy- thigh deep and fast slowing- so it would be interesting to see what it would be like today. Especially considering that they simply weren't mentioned on any of the pre-race briefings. </p><p>We lined up in the rain, having had a kit check and a count through. There was a not insignificant breeze coming in from the West, whih promised to be a fairly challenging headwind on the way out. Some runners were opting for vests, the majority had waterproof tops on. I included my waterproof mitts to that as well. Although it wasn't actually all that cold, wet hands, at least on my part, means that I find it hard to be dexterous later in the race. </p><p>Off we went at 11, down the very straight start bit, and it was quite a pace to begin with. I settled in with about 4 or 5 other people at what seemed like a decent pace, we hit the road and kept the same pace, but as soon as we hit that right turn onto the moorland path the pace suddenly dropped like a stone. What on earth? Yes, the floor was a bit uneven, and yes, there was water running down the path, but it's not like there was anything to slow us down. So I overtook them and continued up the track. Just before we hit the rather exciting, muddy and slippy descent, someone came past in Hoka's. Interesting footwear choice for the day. Let's just say that by the time we reached the bottom of the hill he wasn't in front of me any more- though we would be in close touch for the rest of the race for a while. </p><p>Down and across the river, and then back up and onto the traverse-y upward kind of bit that takes you bit by bit across to Holme moss transmitter. There was a headwind the whole way, and underfoot was a combination of wet ground, very wet ground, bog, mud and full on waterlogged ground. The running was fairly challenging, and I was mostly on my own, trailing behind a series of 4 or 5 runners across here. There was a moment of "what on earth am I doing?" creeping into my mind- but being out on ths hill in a ridiculous amount of rain, with very wet ground... of course. I'm having fun! And from that point on, it was just a good time.</p><p>Just before heading up to the mast I thought "I must have something to eat"- but I think I forgot at that point, but made sure I had a drink from the fabulous marshals at Holme moss summit. </p><p>Crash down the side of the hill and into the clough, catching up with the Hoka man again at the bottom (yes, it appears he was faster than me along the traverse-y bit... this race is more runnable that I care for), and the first real swollen stream to be jumped. Finally, as I scramble up the steep side of the clough I remember to have some food, take off a glove and immediately put my hand on a bunch of thistles. Nice. The first thing I can put my hands on in my vest is a gel, so that'll have to do, and it gets sucked down pretty easily... however, as we make our way to the top of the rise it seems that I'm still hungry- so another delve finds the clif bar I opened at the beginning- so a chunk of that gets eaten. </p><p>Up and over a stile, and then a sloppy run through vast amounts of bog and footpath that approaches bog-state brings us over and eventually across to checkpoint 2, where I thank the marshals profusely for being out on a day like this, then a delightful downhill... but not downhill enough. My brain was expecting it to just go off and down to Crowden, but there is an extra bit of hill in the way that my brain just didn't remember. Oh well... carry on running, around and over and across, catching up the Hoka guy and someone else as we dropped, and then finally caught them at a slight junction. I hammered on ahead knowing that this would eventually drop us down to the path on Little Crowden brook- but wasn't entirely sure if it was better to stay high, or just take this path... However, standing around and wondering would mean it would take much longer, so I just ran. The downhill was really rather spicey, with lots of ruts, water filled holes, slippy sections and generally runnable/not runnable bits depending on your nerve, so off I went and eventually got down and across to the final descent to Crowden. </p><p>Looking around I couldn't see ANYONE... shit, have I missed a checkpoint? Have I inadvertently cheated? Hang on... I took off my bag to get the map out to check- and just as I was confirming that I was ok, another runner appeared behind me. All good, bag back on and drop to Crowden and onto the changed course. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16JnC1WnsFdU7FwfyzjPXgTf4WLxYCUO1eXLH_UEea8-AfK9wr3d0CoAlTs2GTX7YHxr3yrtIwmg5jqVspd2GXloWltljpnXJbuK05oSXaZ0saZp-3IwacrRfjR3D0hrqjQlpe_Dyy9Vja3r-EgX94aC0Io1NDN76tokxT2ySFW-FaOeC4GnHnswxv5-T/s2048/holme%20moss.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16JnC1WnsFdU7FwfyzjPXgTf4WLxYCUO1eXLH_UEea8-AfK9wr3d0CoAlTs2GTX7YHxr3yrtIwmg5jqVspd2GXloWltljpnXJbuK05oSXaZ0saZp-3IwacrRfjR3D0hrqjQlpe_Dyy9Vja3r-EgX94aC0Io1NDN76tokxT2ySFW-FaOeC4GnHnswxv5-T/s320/holme%20moss.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dropping into Crowden- thanks to Clare Higgins for the photo<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Grabbing a sip of water at the marshal station, it felt a bit odd crossing the bridge to the old YHA instead of hanging a right to head to Bareholme moss, but there was a bit of a climb now, and no time to really think about anything except keep going at a decent, but not too fast pace, and make sure I got around. Up the windy and wet paths to the Pennine Way, and then a blast along the very sodden footpath along, up and along and up towards Laddow. I haven't run up this path since the Spine in 2016, and I don't think I was running it then. Another gel went in on the way up to the top, and there were a couple of stream crossings that were true jumps. I couldn't see anyone else ahead of me- and the rule is, you don't look behind... it's a waste of energy that you could be using to go faster, and from this point on the only other competitor I saw was someone who had injured themself and was walking off the hill. </p><p>Up to Laddow along what technically is the Pennine Way, but could more accurately be described as a river, at the top I said hi to the Checkpoint crew- the rain was still dropping, and the wind was swirling around, almost coming in from the North West and then it was a drop down the Pennine Way on some - as ever, rain drenched "paths" (streams). The next section below Red Ratcher sees the footpath cross a series of meanders in fast succession. You can techincally go around it by going up and over on the true right bank, or, if you get across the first one and don't fancy the others, there is a very bog bashy way up the true left. I looked for the section where you go across and just waded in. It was, as expected, about mid-thigh depth and pretty fast flowing. It was about 5 strides wide, and on the 5th stride, I lost my footing and pretty much ducked myself as I lunged to the other side. I did not get any wetter than I had been previously, but I did have a little swim. </p><p>Out of the first one, a bit of a jog, and then the second presented itself- a little less of a worry as it is a tributary meander- so I just waded that one as well, again thigh deep. 4 steps, and then the final big one that was going at quite a pace. I got a couple of steps upstream of where I wanted to end up, braced, stepped in and made my way across and downstream to the exit, got out and just carried on. </p><p>From here, lets just say, you know the drill. It was wet. Underfoot it went from splish-splash paddling to full on knee deep water. This was on stone, mud, even and uneven ground. The main idea was to just keep running up the hill to Black hill without break. It's all even more runnable now, and there weren't really any other excitements to report except that by now I had actually shed BOTH gloves, so it was officially "warm". (but very damp).</p><p>From Black hill checkpoint the route across to the mast was flagged. Essentially it seemed like they had just found a river and thought "yep, we'll flag that for a laugh". So I stomped through the water (this is where I came across another runner who had injured themselves- checked they were ok, and carried on). Man. This section is LONG. Not only is it long, but when it is wet, the ground is boggy, sucky and very hard to run on, especially after the preceding, I dunno- hour and a half of hard effort. Still, if I was finding it hard, everyone would be finding it hard. The compass was out in case I needed it, but eventually the mast appeared out of the mist, and the interderminable run towards it continued. </p><p>Eventually, after a couple of lifetimes of running I finally made it to Holme moss checkpoint, grabbed a sip of water and continued. One of the marshals kindly called out that I was looking well. 7 steps later I twisted an ankle. Ouch. Still- have to keep running- this isn't the end. So in went another gel... one left... and the long and hard run back the way we came was begun. No -one with hokas to follow this time- there was literally no-one in sight as far as I could see. Slipping and sliding and swearing at my ankle, I attempted to maked good time back across towards the finish. The section seems to stretch as you run , with different cloughs and bits of hill appearing that you swear you didn't see on the way out. </p><p>On the final descent before the horrendous hill that *makes* this race what it is, the final gel went in. The climb wasn't going to be pretty. And it wasn't. Slow and steady, sliding every footstep or so I made my way up it, worrying about cramp. However, after a decent few minutes of promising myself that I should get better at climbing, I topped out, grabbed a sip of water from the marshals and put on my running legs for the last few kilometres. </p><p>Yes. That final climb really does make the race hard. But so does the grinding last few kilometres down a straight and undulating track. It's hard, but you've just got to keep going. I tried not to let the pace slide, and managed a final burst around the cricket pitch. Having switched my watch on at the beginning and hidden it under my coat I had no idea how long I'd been out. It turns out that coming over the line, I was 8th, 2nd v40 and the final runner to come in sub 3 hours. 2:59:24. </p><p>Not a bad day out. </p><p>Thanks so much to Clare Higgins for the support out on the course (and the photo!). Thanks to Neal for the lift. And Congratulations to Alice Willson-Culshaw for her winning of the ladies trophy!</p><p>The route was a little disappointing, due to the shortening- however, it was absolutely the right choice. This is still, in my opinion (even with the Bareholme moss bit) still quite a ridiculously runnable AL fell race. It seems that I need to practice my running. And my climbing. But then- that's always the case. And if you're wondering- this is what the strava looks like. (and yes, it is still raining)<br /></p>
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<p></p><p><br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-77811039748616466722023-07-10T12:14:00.003+01:002023-07-10T12:14:56.326+01:00Kinder Killer 2023 (summer)<p> I was meant to be doing Wasdale this weekend, however, there is a weather warning in place, and there is no guarantee that the race will e going ahead. Even if it does, there is no guarantee that we might get to Pillar and the marshals might have decided that it is unsafe to sit on top of a mountain in an impending thunderstorm (and rightly so), and might send us down a shortened route. None of this is the race organisers fault, don't get me wrong- but neither Chris nor I were particularly excited about driving for 4 hours to do a shortened version of the classic race. </p><p>We decided that we still wanted to get a decent run out, Chris needs the miles and ascent for training for a race he has coming up in 5 weeks time, and I'm just a sucker for long hard days out, it seems. The Kinder dozen was suggested, but what with the time of year, every ascent and descent would be covered in head high bracken. The Kinder Killer was taken as the next option 30 odd miles and 2500m ascent, which, although some of it would be covered in bracken, not ALL of it would be. </p><p>Great. </p><p>We started at the relatively relaxed time of about 7:30am (I was meant to be riding over to Chris's for 6am, so was very appreciative of the lie in). He told me that I was bounding ahead somewhat on the first climb, up Fairbrook Naze- which is always a surprise to be told that by him, so chilled my beans a little. The sun was out, and it was already pretty warm, but there was something of a promise for thunder later in the day, along with some rain. Still, we hit the top of Kinder and pootled along the northern edge, before plunging down William clough, and a left turn at the bottom, across the top of the reservoir, before gaining the somewhat bracken entangled path up towards Kinder Downfall. This was utterly un-runnable in this state. You couldn't see the floor, and so we resorted to fast walking. (and talking). <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VShpTw4NmOVWSriV-WBKeOH7zZ0Hzl2wEem6BhpkwDagACaYv_skBy549G4LfgHjt8LsQ4_c0Pk8FHLwbiydpnZOL55ZmzDJ3adL6bOM-vWvUsjmgdBdcKb9rk58gmFAmOzMGDE20vBhhznKclMqI_z4dPk8-VwhuI1-V19XWYZ4rwnxMJWvdLM7BXPB/s4032/20230708_143236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VShpTw4NmOVWSriV-WBKeOH7zZ0Hzl2wEem6BhpkwDagACaYv_skBy549G4LfgHjt8LsQ4_c0Pk8FHLwbiydpnZOL55ZmzDJ3adL6bOM-vWvUsjmgdBdcKb9rk58gmFAmOzMGDE20vBhhznKclMqI_z4dPk8-VwhuI1-V19XWYZ4rwnxMJWvdLM7BXPB/s320/20230708_143236.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You get the idea. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Up to the downfall, and we took a line up the crags on climbers left of the falls to gain the top, and ran across the top, and from there, down the Kinder Trog/Downfall line straight down the western edge to Kinder Low trig- follow the path, and the lovely descent off the nose, and then round the bottom and up to Edale cross and then join the rather busy tourist path that takes us straight down to the bottom of Jacobs ladder, where I fill my bottle up for the first time today. </p><p>(I have a salomon filter flask, which makes me very confident indeed about just picking water up out of pretty much any stream. I know we don't need to be *too* careful in the UK, but it is nice to have that peace of mind). </p><p>From there it was across the stream and up the hill to Crowden tower. I had a moment of hesitation as we looked over to the Woolpacks that we were going up the wrong side of a grough valley, but my initial route choice was correct, and we headed up and curved around the contours to get to a runnable section up towards the tower. It was getting hot on this section, as in hotter than we thought it was going to get- which might be a problem later in the day... however, it was meant to cloud over soon. A moment on top, before going straight down the clough. Although there are lots of paths on this route, they are not actually all that runnable. Far to many random bits of rock, stone and debris scattered around certainly make it an obstacle course rather than a "trail run". </p><p>At the bottom, a curve around the hill until we hit a vague trod going back up Grindslow Knoll- where it continued to be hot and sunny- and worries about being sunburnt by the end of the day, despite using P45 at the beginning of the day were at the top of my mind. The path up this side is long and a bit patchy. We ate as we climbed (I had some of Chris's "<a href="https://www.precisionhydration.com/products/#fuel" target="_blank">Precision fuel</a>" energy chews- which were very very good indeed). As we got to the top, my legs were pretty much only good for walking on the incline, while Chris skipped away up to the top. Definitely stronger legs than me at the moment. </p><p>Down into Edale in the sun, and we agreed to stop for a quick refill of water at the campsite, a fizzy drink and a calippo from the General store. (they had amazing sourdough bread as well, but I didn't have any space for a loaf). <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZTURDIzSyWobRU_bpB1V9K1zgpn8LRQfFExaNQDROk73iQE1zu06itRmx8OBEMgBfWWNOMIrFEyFhDHS6zEjkp5LJP8A7Z4Aou3-O8_aYMLCmXuoNYcbhC7sCrS0xK77XdfLMn0Nt1cP1z4cKtl8qGOuhYht6wdF2gLspOeYxcy02qFyljASBktzHIfl/s2448/20230708_111939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZTURDIzSyWobRU_bpB1V9K1zgpn8LRQfFExaNQDROk73iQE1zu06itRmx8OBEMgBfWWNOMIrFEyFhDHS6zEjkp5LJP8A7Z4Aou3-O8_aYMLCmXuoNYcbhC7sCrS0xK77XdfLMn0Nt1cP1z4cKtl8qGOuhYht6wdF2gLspOeYxcy02qFyljASBktzHIfl/s320/20230708_111939.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Fell running lark is hard work. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Then it was up the grind of the tourist path, certainly one of the most tedious portions of this entire route- followed by the next tedious bit- along the southern edge around to Druids stone before the drop down to the YHA- generally quite good fun. Today.... head deep bracken with not even a trace of a trod through the whole lot. The descent took almost as much time as it would have taken to ascend it in the autumn/winter/spring - this is the main section that really means the Killer probably should be avoided in the summer (unless you have a strimmer- or have "attended" to the line prior to actually doing it). </p><p>Once down at the YHA, we refilled bottles AGAIN, and then set off around the hill to Jaggers, which although has a LOT of bracken, also has a pretty decent trod up the side of the stream. Don't get me wrong, this is not runnable, but at least when you put your foot forward, there is generally a trod to go along, rather than having to wade through a tripline of bracken on every footstep. </p><p>Up to the top in rather humid weather, and then as we began to drop to Crookstone barn, the long promised rain started to fall. We very much welcomed it, but didn't bother to put on waterproofs- and it was indeed, over and past us pretty soon. Back to paths again round the bottom of Kinder, down Potato alley and along to the barn at the bottom of that horrendous climb- and then more bracken. The route continues around the bottom of Kinder to Blackden clough. Essentially this is through a ridiculous amount of bracken. Luckily, I'd kind of done this portion a couple of years ago when on the <a href="https://testedtodestruction.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-new-glossop-fell-race-al-tt.html" target="_blank">New Glossop AL time trial</a>, and knew there was most likely still quite a decent sheep trod all along the wall around to Blackden. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRBg12xwH1brnbBZrCmynwwwfKuVIgYvTm2Sys4PFUi_qsDKKlx8e1D2BRce2nQx3R5k1cUrK9Cz3ksWteMjjj6HHK5UygeY9EtPT8XJz1G4VNvQdxMCzX_Kv6knFJm_OJ40ijjL8Pl29LQ7xZZCG5ckih4eR1w1gCGDH5H-auo9MPiwiwbtJ86cJNn_q/s2448/20230708_143245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRBg12xwH1brnbBZrCmynwwwfKuVIgYvTm2Sys4PFUi_qsDKKlx8e1D2BRce2nQx3R5k1cUrK9Cz3ksWteMjjj6HHK5UygeY9EtPT8XJz1G4VNvQdxMCzX_Kv6knFJm_OJ40ijjL8Pl29LQ7xZZCG5ckih4eR1w1gCGDH5H-auo9MPiwiwbtJ86cJNn_q/s320/20230708_143245.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackden<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>So we stuck to the wall, and with head high bracken, hugged into the sheep trod, in and out of a few cloughs and eventually popped out at the bottom of Blackden- the final climb. Always a delight to head up Blackden clough, watching out for the dodgy bits underfoot (there is a section to the side of a pool and waterfall that is particularly ripe for giving way/ dropping you down a sizable fall). </p><p>All the way to the top, a short run along to the top of Gateside clough and a final drop to the bottom, and a well deserved leg wash in the bottom of Fairbrook. </p><p>It certainly wasn't the fastest Kinder Killer ever, but it wasn't meant to be. A longish day out with a friend, time on feet, and a whole lot of bracken bashing. Great fun. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhxwD0alP5no_fccqTlpQa76iYaarkZUwcjyxYGhxljiH8ZSnWtfl3xUqouh07khdfff6gt9j3Ew6qsK_p9rHpfSyNQ3783uuJF7gFxWf2RpJJYLHjfFemGouv4eowjTB71kfuUu_Rl1SgCh0GHTJX7hgRYTgCdsd05_BuwvebuxQGcMtki2TFcubYcgw/s2448/20230708_145913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhxwD0alP5no_fccqTlpQa76iYaarkZUwcjyxYGhxljiH8ZSnWtfl3xUqouh07khdfff6gt9j3Ew6qsK_p9rHpfSyNQ3783uuJF7gFxWf2RpJJYLHjfFemGouv4eowjTB71kfuUu_Rl1SgCh0GHTJX7hgRYTgCdsd05_BuwvebuxQGcMtki2TFcubYcgw/s320/20230708_145913.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for tea and cake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><br /><br /></p>
<div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-type="activity" data-embed-id="9412289732"></div><script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-49062741366866171502023-06-24T16:35:00.002+01:002023-06-25T09:13:38.527+01:00Pyrenees trip with GKV 2023<p>Rather than this be a blow by blow account of a week long holiday in the Pyrenees, it seems like it would be an idea to give an edited highlights of the whole thing. That being said- I'm writing this at the beginning... so have no idea quite what this will turn out like. </p><p>Let's start at the beginning:</p><p>A post went out a while back asking if anyone from Glossop Kinder Velo (GKV) would like to go on a cycling holiday, ideally somewhere mountainous. The pyrenees was suggested, 4 of us dibbed in, and at least 3 of us are on the "no fly if possible" camp, and so a bit of logistical jiggery pokery went on. A massive hat tip has to go to Bryn for sorting out a) logistics and b) the accommodation and c) everything else really. He was the teflon grease that made the whole thing work (and yes, that is meant to be a compliment). <br /></p><p>Sat 17th In order to make the holiday work without flying, trains were booked a decent way in advance,but it was decided that rather than trust our entire holiday to the whims of the UK train network, we would do the UK part in a car. Bryn (who had done a 100miler on Friday) drove around picking us up on what was *technically* saturday morning, but was more like friday night, and drove down to Folkestone to catch the Eurotunnel. 3 bikes on the roof, 1 in the boot, along with 3 more bike bags and our luggage made for a bit of a cramped car. <br /></p><p>Once through the tunnel we pitched up at a carpark next to the TGV station and had a rapid disassembly of bikes and packing into bike bags, locked the car, checked it was locked at least 3 times, and then headed for the station. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhfPoGZLilSe2IlCTWsRicr3Rl05H-_Whz04ZwwUxiT3MTpBDlcaGyN8vpwGmkpZz_LsJcJQiJVRw1hLwkucPZ_f0nTKFBbuBcnanuMInFMwcaZ77IxRN0J2xCzLmz3DtCdknCXzcMyUfemozxIFjQwi1SPhIJavtmWTDGlETfQA6bwSRqmOY-ZNmxs9f/s4032/20230617_093241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhfPoGZLilSe2IlCTWsRicr3Rl05H-_Whz04ZwwUxiT3MTpBDlcaGyN8vpwGmkpZz_LsJcJQiJVRw1hLwkucPZ_f0nTKFBbuBcnanuMInFMwcaZ77IxRN0J2xCzLmz3DtCdknCXzcMyUfemozxIFjQwi1SPhIJavtmWTDGlETfQA6bwSRqmOY-ZNmxs9f/s320/20230617_093241.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The TGV journey to Paris was very smooth, whereupon we disembarked at Gare du Nord and had a fairly frenetic Tube journey to Montparnasse Station. We only needed to take a single line, but on the Tube with bike bag and luggage and lots of people was a bit reminicent of London. We had 2 hours to make the journey, which took about 40 mins, and then sat for a short while before getting to the platform for the TGV to Lourdes. Again, relatively calm and stress free. Our bike bags (carefully measured beforehand) fitted into the luggage racks quite happily, whereas the Austrailians with bike boxes on the same train- could not. There were bikes *everywhere*. <p></p><p>As the train went south (the leg from Paris to Bordeaux is insanely fast) the train got more and more empty, and we arrived in Lourdes and were greeted by Andy from AllezPyrenees who transported us and our luggage to their guest house. And an amazing house it is as well. </p><p>Caroline had booked us into a restaurant, (where my sole regret of the holiday happened... that I didn't have the profiteroles), we got back, built up the bikes, listened to the rain and thunder and planned for our first day of riding. <br /></p><p><b>Sun 18th </b></p><p>Yes, it was raining and thundering when we arrived in Bagnieres de Bigorre, but that didn't put us off plans for rides. The most important thing was that today was Riccardo's birthday and he wanted to do the Tourmalet. Of course he did. It's literally just up the road from where we were staying. After a breakfast with VAST amounts of coffee we saddled up and headed off. The sun was out, though we still decided to take some wet weather gear. The forecast was all over the place. Normally it is very stable at this time of year, but the weather models were really not coping with the complex amount of stuff that was kicking around in the area. </p><p>Up the Tourmalet... 3 words. Let's just say it took quite a long time. The views were spectacular, the road was excellent, the top was brutal. 5 degrees and raining. EVERYTHING went on and I didn't hang around (to be honest, I didn't even see the gift shop/refuge thing). In order to get warm I figured the best thing to do was to keep cycling, so I went back down to find the last member of the team and would cycle up with them. Seemed like a plan- and by the time we got to the top it was still cold and wet, and we could see people in this structure above the road. There wasn't a lot in it, but it was a place out of the rain and wind. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jqFDQaBUnHE3iLYmaSwvmp3f9-j431dWBe2IfpV3Fj8fskPjq9jWP4wIb0UFxhDFNVT45nymZPw-qFbKcWqy3yXrVqmQxOGCYaQXeifxTezf28LUkgNQ3DKWb9OwnvqOGyMyfhp7HD3J8pyPR6f823FF9IeOQTfL1hSisYp9sHc5TbVDxW13892YEzXJ/s4032/20230618_112937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jqFDQaBUnHE3iLYmaSwvmp3f9-j431dWBe2IfpV3Fj8fskPjq9jWP4wIb0UFxhDFNVT45nymZPw-qFbKcWqy3yXrVqmQxOGCYaQXeifxTezf28LUkgNQ3DKWb9OwnvqOGyMyfhp7HD3J8pyPR6f823FF9IeOQTfL1hSisYp9sHc5TbVDxW13892YEzXJ/s320/20230618_112937.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryn on a moody (and cold) Tourmalet<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>A short team talk, and enough time to buy a buff each to kind of try to keep warm on the way down, and we went down. The other side. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQ44S2r7eQBzpJIipycNs2bceHZvNtXyeCaVR7UAxGbR-6sPe0vF_5t2GjtzmXW6p6zpcfCcoVgmsTG783_rQjaNU-UpOG8ACEBV8iBjCLMyIvtfOcEMgm96UiIcNwa-pxrh97RBVbBvQiYUZxpxJVajPZhwlvoUQGCWXzmVAZfJd86WYI1Yqzqgof2cX/s2016/IMG-20230618-WA0043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="2016" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQ44S2r7eQBzpJIipycNs2bceHZvNtXyeCaVR7UAxGbR-6sPe0vF_5t2GjtzmXW6p6zpcfCcoVgmsTG783_rQjaNU-UpOG8ACEBV8iBjCLMyIvtfOcEMgm96UiIcNwa-pxrh97RBVbBvQiYUZxpxJVajPZhwlvoUQGCWXzmVAZfJd86WYI1Yqzqgof2cX/s320/IMG-20230618-WA0043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>18k of wet and windy roads. Soaked feet, cold hands, drenched to the bone. I was cursing my decision to leave the mudguards at home. After looking through the food options in Luz Saint Saveur (the place next to intersport was not, shall we say, welcoming), we stopped in a small cafe and had Pizza to warm up. Steve went off to buy more clothing and Riccardo fixed a puncture. We stayed there, dripping, for quite a while, trying to get warm as the rain bounced off the road and pavement outside. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSJ89kDd7HujS5QnlQvIJ7sGRauvo3lLdlQyPqApIbnAey51N5sLa_-vAlo1-mmTYQQzC5hV9MXD6bU39kl3e3P0CgwEaHXYSwTA-yZ6uoVAUQECy15PaByrRNvHSoeufPX2k5wtIQYE4jdBWCTzauB5oSeFGrD7-wd4Kcqw7HsyjhDAg6aT7knO9oUlJ/s2048/IMG-20230618-WA0033.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSJ89kDd7HujS5QnlQvIJ7sGRauvo3lLdlQyPqApIbnAey51N5sLa_-vAlo1-mmTYQQzC5hV9MXD6bU39kl3e3P0CgwEaHXYSwTA-yZ6uoVAUQECy15PaByrRNvHSoeufPX2k5wtIQYE4jdBWCTzauB5oSeFGrD7-wd4Kcqw7HsyjhDAg6aT7knO9oUlJ/s320/IMG-20230618-WA0033.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refuel!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Eventually the rain (kind of) slackened off, and we headed off up the hill again. A few growls of thunder made me a little nervous (steel bike +lightning probably isn't the greatest and most intelligent thing to do), however, as we climbed, the weather became better, layers came off, and by the time we hit the brutal final kilometre, it was a fully beautiful day- what a contrast! More photos were taken- which looked a little less atmospheric this time, as the sun was out, before we descended back to home for a well deserved dry off and out for food. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8IpYNZM4RMNl4GmBa5EBHCvMMxF7z7IwN5mQl0nrd8c2v0nKCgNojDe13thmgSjIG16Vq8uizQEwU3ukx__Z-qP-GkIVneONDp6vm68DqbftT0qowMD8hb_n-pXxVrN4UDGeRWqWM_zyuE73npsfaOHNExPHjkiUeL9jG0I0aF2Gc6doUc0Ybv8WWC9E/s2048/IMG-20230618-WA0020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8IpYNZM4RMNl4GmBa5EBHCvMMxF7z7IwN5mQl0nrd8c2v0nKCgNojDe13thmgSjIG16Vq8uizQEwU3ukx__Z-qP-GkIVneONDp6vm68DqbftT0qowMD8hb_n-pXxVrN4UDGeRWqWM_zyuE73npsfaOHNExPHjkiUeL9jG0I0aF2Gc6doUc0Ybv8WWC9E/s320/IMG-20230618-WA0020.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how different the weather is this time!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>Monday 19th </p><p>So, having vaguely dried out from yesterday's epic up tourmalet, it was decided that we'd have a bash at the Hautacam today. To say it is a climb with a bit of a reputation is somewhat underplaying it. So many brutal moments of the Tour de France have played out here- so why not have a bash? </p><p>After an excellent breakfast (it goes without saying really), we took a very pretty back road route across to the next valley, picked up an excellent cycle way - flat and beautifully tarmacked, and flew down the valley. The weather, again was a bit changeable, but considering the length and distance of the climb, layers were stripped. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyrHr0QZ4HzF2NR3bQL85wIRtQSJT8i_tIaZPVT6eB3_67rtSZsE-fOKOkymb3D9vQLdV0Lfe9XVsGuHMihsVtlSvJZbCcfDzhB1vqw2RM79ktDW20aMQV9c5NxdnNV4CZ3m286GqTRDByiJvelpBzkl86jIS1zR6lPhIVlkF7NsIkPWg-hbA2uohNmVo/s3264/20230619_134356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="3264" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyrHr0QZ4HzF2NR3bQL85wIRtQSJT8i_tIaZPVT6eB3_67rtSZsE-fOKOkymb3D9vQLdV0Lfe9XVsGuHMihsVtlSvJZbCcfDzhB1vqw2RM79ktDW20aMQV9c5NxdnNV4CZ3m286GqTRDByiJvelpBzkl86jIS1zR6lPhIVlkF7NsIkPWg-hbA2uohNmVo/s320/20230619_134356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It's a beautiful climb, but the middle few kilometres are fairly unforgiving. You can't really see the top of the hill either, so I didn't manage to get any photos of it.... the signs also lie. The "top" of the climb is a massive carpark... but the road continues up for another kilometre or so. I wondered whether to stop at the "top" or carry on... well... if there is more road, you might as well cycle it.... so I carried on to the top top. </p><p>This was very much an out and back day, but we continued north into Lourdes for a minor sightseeing bit through the town. Couldn't find a cafe, so had an impromptu lunch from a supermarche, and then got refused entry into the huge church that is the main "bit" of Lourdes. I can't imagine why. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTTlfPfwAhbrB8Ak7JZhwV7aBH2Nac53dFMA1Vkgb_KPQb7wcUMT_RHXDBxrF19iMVf7iv7Xxt0E0lGAvt17sv7lqc8Y8GDUOwUjjkJ5pofHr5Oi1UwklwMETOigHm38YDk0KbHRToy14DisjX5o7hPifYiT1wP9zlIdgtQcBIS35LlJusom2R1E_bPt9/s2048/IMG-20230619-WA0018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTTlfPfwAhbrB8Ak7JZhwV7aBH2Nac53dFMA1Vkgb_KPQb7wcUMT_RHXDBxrF19iMVf7iv7Xxt0E0lGAvt17sv7lqc8Y8GDUOwUjjkJ5pofHr5Oi1UwklwMETOigHm38YDk0KbHRToy14DisjX5o7hPifYiT1wP9zlIdgtQcBIS35LlJusom2R1E_bPt9/s320/IMG-20230619-WA0018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Food in the evening was provided by our hosts who proved that they REALLY know how to cook. <br /></p><p>Tuesday 20th </p><p>Luz Ardidens was the aim for the day. A beautiful climb with a ridiculous number of hair pins near the top. It was a warm day which just got hotter. The same route to the next valley over provided us with a nice little warm up, and then we cruised down to the base of the climb, taking in a short coffee stop on the way. The climb starts out.... oh who am I kidding? I can't remember the bottom of the climb, they're all starting to mulch into one. What I *do* remember are the incredible swooshy hairpins closer to the top, the heat, and the ski station. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dNDP1gPl9jiFg-m3naOlXqWoaoHMLAIcjPkekNIQbCiV_R_zOqAGZquwJlDTCO0DVXZV73NUPVVHGRSMzQQycNrIrptr8l3sERdhUYrAIJ2ZTcesEvjD-BiJk0kLhAbuZ2WfJX80J_sKw9IIGmKd62ooJhmZjDXjhPDNe7gNnkKyW7VXgtjfj_8JE7LT/s4032/20230620_135151.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dNDP1gPl9jiFg-m3naOlXqWoaoHMLAIcjPkekNIQbCiV_R_zOqAGZquwJlDTCO0DVXZV73NUPVVHGRSMzQQycNrIrptr8l3sERdhUYrAIJ2ZTcesEvjD-BiJk0kLhAbuZ2WfJX80J_sKw9IIGmKd62ooJhmZjDXjhPDNe7gNnkKyW7VXgtjfj_8JE7LT/s320/20230620_135151.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryn on the hairpins at Luz<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Fantastic. What made it better was the fact we took a slightly lesser used route on the way back down that was a little, um... gravelly, which suited me just fine. (We set out from the top a little after a *very* fast Slovenian guy who shot off down the main route, we took it fairly gently down the other way, and were calmly standing around taking off gilets etc on the main road at the bottom as he came pelting past us with a somewhat puzzled look on his face). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZjiyrha8zXk1V55nG7ZpyF380mpslkXk-9SjKu90lw5n9SbVK_zscSUZeuQYnWkwHGT_aWvGdavfBGlcm07M-ruXsuwz_QxPE1HRIlqv4Q3iWpd5EYt3nDvhrJgWyKaKghcAd8bgeyENJwxeIYKHVCHh3KyvZjSqd9oCLWHLzj-gR2k4J_pmOsKMhPCf/s3264/20230620_141418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="3264" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZjiyrha8zXk1V55nG7ZpyF380mpslkXk-9SjKu90lw5n9SbVK_zscSUZeuQYnWkwHGT_aWvGdavfBGlcm07M-ruXsuwz_QxPE1HRIlqv4Q3iWpd5EYt3nDvhrJgWyKaKghcAd8bgeyENJwxeIYKHVCHh3KyvZjSqd9oCLWHLzj-gR2k4J_pmOsKMhPCf/s320/20230620_141418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A gentle ride back was punctuated by quite a shower which fortuitously arrived just as we stopped for lunch at a snack truck. Good timing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZBfFQejcMOYhFFsvW-sUNSoF6H1F0gxy1_lCk5isTqC3GvbeWX6YuVYnQTKC95YPLHVFFzOWtGkOM_zJkcc7wgziNx-kkrYCKCeQ0KPMHtvInEjJPZZ8FTcu0giFqEBh5PecV3CbM60p-RNbYSiL1pITdQAJs0Xb-7HAufV-y37Le0YmPknwnxFa6-0R/s2048/IMG-20230620-WA0014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1798" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZBfFQejcMOYhFFsvW-sUNSoF6H1F0gxy1_lCk5isTqC3GvbeWX6YuVYnQTKC95YPLHVFFzOWtGkOM_zJkcc7wgziNx-kkrYCKCeQ0KPMHtvInEjJPZZ8FTcu0giFqEBh5PecV3CbM60p-RNbYSiL1pITdQAJs0Xb-7HAufV-y37Le0YmPknwnxFa6-0R/s320/IMG-20230620-WA0014.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Wednesday 21st</p><p>Wed was a long day, and we decided to ask Andy for a lift over the hill to cut out the first part of the day. The climb up the Soulor was excellent fun. I had the bit between my teeth, and really nailed it up the climb. Again, it was somewhat damp, but hey, we're used to worse. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3NUJRaui6e9Kbv-5vBxZWLFgfGk9rHe-fgRMtfQSmyS97KQJRfq9MYvGnKyLyFXKRf3hMNU7tP-tmSlbIhwb8rjFCiZWHGX8Z5nCUXSzQ-UiH0_oSzMSOeAmK-70XlY0ENAJC0NXqbawefj9aO__LIdplDKV65GIOqxGOgfL6jZN23tj83ICWQVbQAG2/s1600/IMG-20230621-WA0045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3NUJRaui6e9Kbv-5vBxZWLFgfGk9rHe-fgRMtfQSmyS97KQJRfq9MYvGnKyLyFXKRf3hMNU7tP-tmSlbIhwb8rjFCiZWHGX8Z5nCUXSzQ-UiH0_oSzMSOeAmK-70XlY0ENAJC0NXqbawefj9aO__LIdplDKV65GIOqxGOgfL6jZN23tj83ICWQVbQAG2/s320/IMG-20230621-WA0045.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>Thunder still rolled sporadically, but the main danger on the climb was a cow that basically refused to move. (it was still there when I went back down 10 mins later), and a bunch of horses that were cavorting all over the road. After the obligatory photo and sticker stop we went along the truely delightful road that connects the Soulier to the Aubisque where we had lunch.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcz8Q9D5pUsBfkEjN7evLEOFQNCDRq8NblOPuLWU3oxnT7kyKaTasuPei13UdA9tJReExVWYievLTVACn1Uif7XoeC7giVJzm8RgZwj02_NsKbAzPqfUraoI3FwU6t0fWnTr2kf14r7ICt_MHs6ypZZZjWnJhGX4rUqTm9FMLUGkV14W5tbrESpRzWtpk/s4032/20230621_111508.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcz8Q9D5pUsBfkEjN7evLEOFQNCDRq8NblOPuLWU3oxnT7kyKaTasuPei13UdA9tJReExVWYievLTVACn1Uif7XoeC7giVJzm8RgZwj02_NsKbAzPqfUraoI3FwU6t0fWnTr2kf14r7ICt_MHs6ypZZZjWnJhGX4rUqTm9FMLUGkV14W5tbrESpRzWtpk/s320/20230621_111508.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cow that wouldn't mooooooove.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>There *was* an idea to descend and then turn back around and do the Aubisque from the other side, but we had other fish to fry. The Cauterets/Cambasque. A climb that is in this years tour for the first time ever. So post lunch, we wrapped up for the descent back to where we came from, went down the same valley for the third time in 3 days, and searched out the route to the Cauterets. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9enwadHudZIx-er9Q7QCfmEucDCWLlnjXQEg3WlnGIt34kmElYBY1IcVh8ML7Yt9eEvhxYlDxEe78sHByVvswKAUaJ0AUAAZr72_SW-JLsmioUYmiaD7GsLZ4_oacfFU-w4N5BN29tNiik-oI7qjqVSFDAhIJ3z8ssNo3zTSFRAQN95OQmOXuEThKfgRC/s4032/20230621_123954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9enwadHudZIx-er9Q7QCfmEucDCWLlnjXQEg3WlnGIt34kmElYBY1IcVh8ML7Yt9eEvhxYlDxEe78sHByVvswKAUaJ0AUAAZr72_SW-JLsmioUYmiaD7GsLZ4_oacfFU-w4N5BN29tNiik-oI7qjqVSFDAhIJ3z8ssNo3zTSFRAQN95OQmOXuEThKfgRC/s320/20230621_123954.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYM2UhvCWljbesLQFw2UNdlxgaid2RgEKzZHw72U-UYusw_8GaC4hd8wa3MM1z11KAtxoQ796yz7d18ZkmRLFidV5kNqzHHbfFDDJ4NqtvtrRFywgM8SJi2gle6TJ_-YFcqnKxJ6AfJvOjLsZYrXvTWAcrGyy0lr-FjeWkTtWW4Q3sjiCu_G5pCxPV8xY/s2448/20230621_124053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYM2UhvCWljbesLQFw2UNdlxgaid2RgEKzZHw72U-UYusw_8GaC4hd8wa3MM1z11KAtxoQ796yz7d18ZkmRLFidV5kNqzHHbfFDDJ4NqtvtrRFywgM8SJi2gle6TJ_-YFcqnKxJ6AfJvOjLsZYrXvTWAcrGyy0lr-FjeWkTtWW4Q3sjiCu_G5pCxPV8xY/s320/20230621_124053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Ok. So we've been going for a few days now, and this is not the first climb of the day, but it was long and fairly brutal. Some ramps were quite tough going, but the final kilometre to the ski resort is a lot less work, and absolutely beautiful.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmXfiZlrXyUcvKPrFTPWH0tJM2koahmL3qumrgTunFQb0_147Nn28O0xcLOCaZpLaau4HHe3S9AEIO7DDQpwkUPG_zpYhO1oDCMK9jFZ_SOcXrVFJkFk1HOtkA6_YXNapSMeHtJ6HBkE5tD05yE9JXB-Fc5l7PxKF7F2v3BOAoJvvlUBn5VxmzhKriGzg/s4032/20230621_163652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmXfiZlrXyUcvKPrFTPWH0tJM2koahmL3qumrgTunFQb0_147Nn28O0xcLOCaZpLaau4HHe3S9AEIO7DDQpwkUPG_zpYhO1oDCMK9jFZ_SOcXrVFJkFk1HOtkA6_YXNapSMeHtJ6HBkE5tD05yE9JXB-Fc5l7PxKF7F2v3BOAoJvvlUBn5VxmzhKriGzg/s320/20230621_163652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> On the way back I decided to take a bit of a detour to pick up some more Veloviewer squares. Some of the back roads are MUCH harder than the big name climbs- if only for their gradient, not their length. If you head out this way, there is a lot of fun to be had away from the main climbs.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDZ7mV9H9HwmzW_PtoSCKx3_2srzMkmz_4T_f-lJUHWKM6KYCZc9fgXgtAzqQYy1__kA7LtWEGY73PTpEkyLR6B1WH9YOBGPE3cWo-QO9fxAYDreqd9ieNVzSZFoaKrQgKwgd95Nd--KUbPVAbU3ZtZfO6cE1wffEaUHV8--o-dFr61uib1kpgMNtwVIx/s2448/20230621_191515.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDZ7mV9H9HwmzW_PtoSCKx3_2srzMkmz_4T_f-lJUHWKM6KYCZc9fgXgtAzqQYy1__kA7LtWEGY73PTpEkyLR6B1WH9YOBGPE3cWo-QO9fxAYDreqd9ieNVzSZFoaKrQgKwgd95Nd--KUbPVAbU3ZtZfO6cE1wffEaUHV8--o-dFr61uib1kpgMNtwVIx/s320/20230621_191515.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random church on the long way home<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Thursday 22nd </p><p>Final day of cycling and bums were getting sore. A short day at 70k, but still 2 cols. The Hourquettes, first, which is a beautiful climb through a couple of magnificent valleys. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjpiF9yYg24cbMuEguzkVWB1qWZvuLxOyVr9wcpt8-oIOqQIRhXRWIrpYmmv9SEKZgrxOYSLSk6wqRW2PWtbRVq5-jwuVllrQIAEZO0Goq-GYOhEOdo8QuQtVJm0dLW-84Vl_gLtyYONgCl5biTU0JB3DvBSYbgzWOBaLSCGHIh2xyZQtgCOD3Nkqum9d/s3024/20230622_120641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjpiF9yYg24cbMuEguzkVWB1qWZvuLxOyVr9wcpt8-oIOqQIRhXRWIrpYmmv9SEKZgrxOYSLSk6wqRW2PWtbRVq5-jwuVllrQIAEZO0Goq-GYOhEOdo8QuQtVJm0dLW-84Vl_gLtyYONgCl5biTU0JB3DvBSYbgzWOBaLSCGHIh2xyZQtgCOD3Nkqum9d/s320/20230622_120641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1kfLMyF3s4dK5WfTkuHx7mFUrz9IbMrsMBBfHLxSRyKHIXeXavGcX8FPFJFiQDgMD4NuPCil97nWqxtjxMJ9-m_hTYAjsQEODZrBF1FjF93bEFToGde7JuNdG3PECE0ihF3Diy2s2E4FJ8zOxzS7QLzwc5LpufqAy4EmrVp9KqcFr_HXn3p5c95Tcxe7/s3024/20230622_115232.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1kfLMyF3s4dK5WfTkuHx7mFUrz9IbMrsMBBfHLxSRyKHIXeXavGcX8FPFJFiQDgMD4NuPCil97nWqxtjxMJ9-m_hTYAjsQEODZrBF1FjF93bEFToGde7JuNdG3PECE0ihF3Diy2s2E4FJ8zOxzS7QLzwc5LpufqAy4EmrVp9KqcFr_HXn3p5c95Tcxe7/s320/20230622_115232.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hourquette gravel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When we were there they had been road dressing, and they appear to have been taking leafs out of Derbyshire county councils notebook. Loose gravel for about 3km. I was quite happy on my steel gravel bike- the others on their carbon road bikes, not so much. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2VO3tDU5i-QUFZ8dm-boRbnxA-nM2Qgfw_mJ6fyVZy6sB6SgHL-zr-suDRAZp2yy7FqIlxftHUbc_zfHs6FdK98C2q8reXkWC0H-uugEegO72zem5DtEazwJ98LEhvCFutYoq3PwItpdIYpzeflDn-h0WrPEw5P6ZkT4y39II7nQJfc-bR6MU3Z6GlzV/s4032/20230622_150553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2VO3tDU5i-QUFZ8dm-boRbnxA-nM2Qgfw_mJ6fyVZy6sB6SgHL-zr-suDRAZp2yy7FqIlxftHUbc_zfHs6FdK98C2q8reXkWC0H-uugEegO72zem5DtEazwJ98LEhvCFutYoq3PwItpdIYpzeflDn-h0WrPEw5P6ZkT4y39II7nQJfc-bR6MU3Z6GlzV/s320/20230622_150553.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjc9APHMd1IBCzmJIBahbArXh2f1WDdpWOHCGQXBDt_OmpfZ5ue51IFGsQbINSmvLbcOuK4rwaPsWv1ODB2wt6ZvAEMJf9wnvas7-p3Rm34PtdCuakSWm6t2cVx3yNu6C1mesr_LHLo8LUCWo2ttHdvVerqEsSWVGn1CgopYRk6Qdn3U_12DcnbvOCrB_/s2016/IMG-20230624-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="2016" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjc9APHMd1IBCzmJIBahbArXh2f1WDdpWOHCGQXBDt_OmpfZ5ue51IFGsQbINSmvLbcOuK4rwaPsWv1ODB2wt6ZvAEMJf9wnvas7-p3Rm34PtdCuakSWm6t2cVx3yNu6C1mesr_LHLo8LUCWo2ttHdvVerqEsSWVGn1CgopYRk6Qdn3U_12DcnbvOCrB_/s320/IMG-20230624-WA0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCfdvrMstvhU0z6XuSkgIip62CWs5SVaJInuhMJIkfjYjmxIcPNR_Ow2ShPgE3KYR_Rd5cLpuB69tHZnxAAHTUH7I-R_ic80TJ_trVln3Cf06HMFckgdHcvhrcbF52Hj4KPERipOclbYTgUCW71PFBHb3NMBSaJdyPxgPK55VAQQzL-K41-fZi9Gl3Kwz/s2048/IMG-20230622-WA0035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCfdvrMstvhU0z6XuSkgIip62CWs5SVaJInuhMJIkfjYjmxIcPNR_Ow2ShPgE3KYR_Rd5cLpuB69tHZnxAAHTUH7I-R_ic80TJ_trVln3Cf06HMFckgdHcvhrcbF52Hj4KPERipOclbYTgUCW71PFBHb3NMBSaJdyPxgPK55VAQQzL-K41-fZi9Gl3Kwz/s320/IMG-20230622-WA0035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Up, over and a decent descent, followed by the longest wait for 2 pizzas ever, and a final climb up the Col d'aspin. Sun blazing, amazing weather- what a way to finish a holiday, followed by a very very quick blast back into Bagneres on the tail of Bryn who was putting out some serious watts. <br /><p></p><p> </p><p>Friday23rd </p><p>Early up- the bikes had already been packed away the night before, and then a return to the train station (via a wonderful boulangerie to pick up lunch), train to Paris, a slightly frenetic trip back across the Paris tube network, and then train to Calais, find the car, head to the eurotunnel terminal and a drive back up the M20 and M1 to get home at 2am. </p><p>Quite a holiday. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT4uJqefNgFx552UYiytkYFH6-LNCCk_xXrnvTpXT6Fh4SdrLZAWxV9_I2cC4RyIz-NAyHFRA4XTeK2E1VmtfNiTPda3-h_Rbp8IFSFX30hiCcd2kdnwWCscO8tTM-Of8PlcP2As8D9Ai5WgN1wUFz4FpgOZzKAqmFjBHgd3pY3fa6hMuB0ry9N3wyATU/s2048/IMG-20230618-WA0016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT4uJqefNgFx552UYiytkYFH6-LNCCk_xXrnvTpXT6Fh4SdrLZAWxV9_I2cC4RyIz-NAyHFRA4XTeK2E1VmtfNiTPda3-h_Rbp8IFSFX30hiCcd2kdnwWCscO8tTM-Of8PlcP2As8D9Ai5WgN1wUFz4FpgOZzKAqmFjBHgd3pY3fa6hMuB0ry9N3wyATU/s320/IMG-20230618-WA0016.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Thanks so much to Andy and Caroline at <a href="https://www.allezpyrenees.com/" target="_blank">allezpyrenees</a>. They were amazing hosts, have fantastic knowledge about the area, are great cooks and provide such excellent add-on value to the holiday that I can't even express it here. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending their services to anyone. They are *that* good. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu0u8dTxLFBNapCuvp4DJ-9toc52ghzI9IdFiht6y0sBNQp3EGvZ1s32cPT3Luxb7R0kgUW1RY9d7Gg641SPmNw_A2fQAN2QlUBh7DfYbAPVW6mzIrzEtM6xgdOHISrb--TVjG-otHt7xHJRVfIQer3H2w3zEHEdbkTeiU6qWfCeSxS3TIMralioqoRPi/s608/vvp.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="608" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu0u8dTxLFBNapCuvp4DJ-9toc52ghzI9IdFiht6y0sBNQp3EGvZ1s32cPT3Luxb7R0kgUW1RY9d7Gg641SPmNw_A2fQAN2QlUBh7DfYbAPVW6mzIrzEtM6xgdOHISrb--TVjG-otHt7xHJRVfIQer3H2w3zEHEdbkTeiU6qWfCeSxS3TIMralioqoRPi/w400-h385/vvp.JPG" title="Stats for the week" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There you go, it wasn't so bad was it? Just a taste of what it was like.... It was excellent. <br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-46666656905245178652023-06-09T13:26:00.007+01:002023-06-09T13:28:42.287+01:0015 trigs 2023- 50b450 <p> Lets address the title first. Yes, this is indeed the 15 trigs- the same thing I did with <a href="http://testedtodestruction.blogspot.com/2019/12/midwinterish-15-trigs.html" target="_blank">Chris in 2019</a>, and back in <a href="http://testedtodestruction.blogspot.com/2011/07/dark-peak-15-trigs.html" target="_blank">2011 with Andy, Jules and Dan</a>, but this time it's different. </p><p>Lynne has mentioned over the past few years- since at least before lockdown- that she wanted to give it a go- either as a full one time effort, but walking rather than running, or as a 2 day challenge with a camp in the middle. So as part of her 50 things to do before 50 project, that has been going on this year, one of her things was the 15 trigs. </p><p>To be honest, I thought this was *quite* ambitious, but still pretty do-able. In the past few months she has been getting out and recce-ing various sections of it and was due to do it next weekend with a friend. Next weekend though, I'm not going to be around to help if necessary, and also the weather might end up crapping out. Doing the 15 trigs as a walk is going to be hard enough as it is- doing it in the rain would be horrendous- or it might not happen. I happened to have a day where no-one had booked in this week and so suggested that we might as well get on and do it this week anyway, that way we'd get to have a long walk together, I could help without being external "support"- ie. with a car. </p><p>She called up the person that was meant to be doing it with her next week and got the blessing to do it early with me, we spent half a day working out what we needed, Lynne wrote up a quick 24 hour schedule and 15 mins after my final appointment of the day at 1645, we set off. </p><p>This was going to be a little different to the other times I have done this route. The 2 main differences were that we were doing it as a walk rather than a run, and that it would include an overnight portion. </p><p>Off we set, and took off up Cock hill, bagging the first trig in short order, being careful not to go too fast up the hill. Lynnes 24 hour schedule had an average of 4kmph, so going much faster than that would have been nice, but you don't want to blow up too early. Walking sticks were out- might as well make it as easy as we can as early as we can. The idea of eating every half hour or so was also there- not too much, but just a few mouthfuls. In anticipation of this, we had bought a LOAD of food with us, but not just your standard sweet stuff and energy bars. There were sausages, porkpies, sandwiches, apples etc. so quite a lot of choice. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23ZxN6l0bgOFTRxp4Buzz_EyXyQlFkSaNWzKjeoQyeg1fWyKTV1jaY9BgGRyOpqOsOfqxLgws6_0VmnabtaaTCEwsWSnV1esct60FPq3Kk3PZ6kUyzToa9ue01tOdZtgT7AROUz1-vBI_biBH0MG51pxkKLSPIUGwV84bAW9U5E-nNtq1t94mWR2fEA/s4032/20230607_171720.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23ZxN6l0bgOFTRxp4Buzz_EyXyQlFkSaNWzKjeoQyeg1fWyKTV1jaY9BgGRyOpqOsOfqxLgws6_0VmnabtaaTCEwsWSnV1esct60FPq3Kk3PZ6kUyzToa9ue01tOdZtgT7AROUz1-vBI_biBH0MG51pxkKLSPIUGwV84bAW9U5E-nNtq1t94mWR2fEA/s320/20230607_171720.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cock hill<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Across in the late afternoon sun towards Dog Rock and upward to Shelf stones. It was quite warm, but there was a fair old breeze blowing from the East. Cool, but not chilly, and by the time we were at Higher Shelf trig we were already a sizeable chunk up on Lynnes Schedule. Useful. I was fairly sure we'd get around in under 24 hours, but by how much, I wasn't sure. A brief photo stop at the trig (getting a snap at every trig was one of my primary jobs), and off we went, West, past Overexposed, the B29 wreck, down into Herne Clough and onward. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40JbsDS_M6yf8EFYTvy0LfENXL3YDvi2c2yG9Sem_ZdlUQbGJ-g5rb6ho8Es8r4qCCU2YrLpZCeSzNd8zwmFs5JTqt-v6tzAtLh9t-d3rpZZVKVfEMvoHBoVFmJNQaDMa9aQ-HCGNez9QVdOey_Xf6bP8IkpWM_ZPhf0jd2N54Gh7nJtHaUaVm0VfUQ/s4032/20230607_180801.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40JbsDS_M6yf8EFYTvy0LfENXL3YDvi2c2yG9Sem_ZdlUQbGJ-g5rb6ho8Es8r4qCCU2YrLpZCeSzNd8zwmFs5JTqt-v6tzAtLh9t-d3rpZZVKVfEMvoHBoVFmJNQaDMa9aQ-HCGNez9QVdOey_Xf6bP8IkpWM_ZPhf0jd2N54Gh7nJtHaUaVm0VfUQ/s320/20230607_180801.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Higher Shelf Stones<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>We took a diagonal line up to the top just before Miry clough and up towards Alport- which stays hidden for a long time, until it pops into view only about 200m in front of you. Still very much daylight here- we were indeed making good time as we dropped down from Birchen hat, muching away on various snacks and discussing the various route choices ahead of us- and looking at the horizon, realising just how far away Back Tor trig looks to be. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTZoU4i_seoMPHVed7lzD5T4nGMbDjzsjvX78N2Uz_zq9uJ4dWXOJEiP650K0IxX80h8PuMHPYitcUhQ1VVqH0ZK1wPExnfWn1xS_TVRlkP64_C_YtO29b3YBDprW2KdgYIrRa2jrVsBZR4n8TR4aQkofL5fl_xP2cLg1P6Hex4IGCgOixve0xdWCzA/s3264/20230607_190949.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="3264" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTZoU4i_seoMPHVed7lzD5T4nGMbDjzsjvX78N2Uz_zq9uJ4dWXOJEiP650K0IxX80h8PuMHPYitcUhQ1VVqH0ZK1wPExnfWn1xS_TVRlkP64_C_YtO29b3YBDprW2KdgYIrRa2jrVsBZR4n8TR4aQkofL5fl_xP2cLg1P6Hex4IGCgOixve0xdWCzA/s320/20230607_190949.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alport</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Down to the boring walk to Kings Tree and across to Slippery Stones, maintaining the "mobile picnic" attitude, but it seemed like I might be getting a blister on my left heel, so just before the ascent towards Outer Edge, I stopped (in a place out of the wind... but, it seems where the midges congregate), and put on a compeed that had been fortuitously placed in my kit only about 6 hours previously. I haven't used compeed in years, but was very glad of the foresight that led to it being packed. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJmqpMOxA4cf-IClPdyglRkBs_CIePVD0zgRY_PrG7hcDUybSFHWdvibnLjgqZPbUuqzTjNwPyJF2vru02Qhj7RmG_wRKn2JR6pi9s79ujqoH4GgozvOatTjG3DECgoDqZYUTwqfhJFQYxQIIj-ELoTirCWROLLl7JduJsaUki4iX7BbHMOLFDw0mXg/s4032/20230607_211308.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJmqpMOxA4cf-IClPdyglRkBs_CIePVD0zgRY_PrG7hcDUybSFHWdvibnLjgqZPbUuqzTjNwPyJF2vru02Qhj7RmG_wRKn2JR6pi9s79ujqoH4GgozvOatTjG3DECgoDqZYUTwqfhJFQYxQIIj-ELoTirCWROLLl7JduJsaUki4iX7BbHMOLFDw0mXg/s320/20230607_211308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outer Edge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Up to Outer Edge as the sun was setting (behind a cloud, so no amazing photos) and back along the boundary path, which was really quite dry and free from immense bog monsters towards Cut Gate and Margery hill. It was this part, and the bit to Emlin that were playing on my mind. You don't want to fall in a bog at the beginning of the night section where it is going to be colder, it sets you up badly. The nav across Emlin was going to be a bit grim in terms of heather bashing- and I've neved done it in the dark, so that was a concern as well.... however, we got to Margery Hill while it was still twighlight, so the first of the worrisome bits was nicely done without head torches. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDGYFzdNrlW-Iqhwz_cbJtwHQZ4i3FUkSsfLc5g1DZCOPxhdXn2UK1oZBQe0edaJ7O7nik4btTWFFoHwyjoWP0gDAjSD-F366jJ20u6M14vD2drhHKpam8UxYFzL84gDsSgK_mKRxJda1sV17QCPRLST6y-ClFrT-MemEpf5OaUC7xmumHO9SxJnrXw/s4032/20230607_213324.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDGYFzdNrlW-Iqhwz_cbJtwHQZ4i3FUkSsfLc5g1DZCOPxhdXn2UK1oZBQe0edaJ7O7nik4btTWFFoHwyjoWP0gDAjSD-F366jJ20u6M14vD2drhHKpam8UxYFzL84gDsSgK_mKRxJda1sV17QCPRLST6y-ClFrT-MemEpf5OaUC7xmumHO9SxJnrXw/s320/20230607_213324.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margery Hill<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Now for a long leg, the reverse of the "new" HPM route down and across the moor to the slabs and then south for the "in and back" of Back tor. Head torches on heads, but not yet on, we made our way down the moor, crossing peat dams and into the grough proper where a variety of semi-trods ended up becoming "the" trod that I knew. The wind was blowing in from the East and it was getting time to turn my warm layer inside out from "breathable" to "windproof"- but I figured I'd do that at Back tor. </p><p>We hit the flags, which were very white indeed and reflected what light there still was in the sky, and so despite the dark we scuttled across the flagstones without headtorches, successfully getting to Back tor Trig just as it was pronounced "ok.... its proper dark now". </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD1xixVxyK-uEeiEwyNjKtLokDBRViG79juwyk0YCfjCOEBTfiIjCtqp3QX_hSNmqxgCcjmkqM1iizfagycxi-sAmFSR_yyDV1MWlNOdlbWkmL6BPjf8Iy8iwCNqA1tP3Nvihx2yrxm9IRaRXym233XgdaxFsX-sGNR1s_jOlxjT8ceXh6jpXuk2B9w/s4032/20230607_225610.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD1xixVxyK-uEeiEwyNjKtLokDBRViG79juwyk0YCfjCOEBTfiIjCtqp3QX_hSNmqxgCcjmkqM1iizfagycxi-sAmFSR_yyDV1MWlNOdlbWkmL6BPjf8Iy8iwCNqA1tP3Nvihx2yrxm9IRaRXym233XgdaxFsX-sGNR1s_jOlxjT8ceXh6jpXuk2B9w/s320/20230607_225610.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Tor<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>We sheltered in the lee of the stones for a bite to eat, sort kit etc. and headed back to the path where it became apparent that it was a) dark and b) a whole lot colder. Despite wearing a primaloft layer and having primaloft mitts I was cold. Either I'm getting more sensitive to cold, my primaloft stuff is a bit old and isn't quite up to muster, or we were moving at a speed that was a little slower than I'm used to and I wasn't able to keep my core temperature up. </p><p>It was about to be the section to Emlin which was playing on both of our minds - so we worked back down the flagstones to the little lumpy bit where Emlin is about ENE in a line, where my poles got put away, the BIG torch came out, as did the compass, and we set about navigating across to the trig. Now, this isn't all that much of a deal, but there are no decent lines here, the ground isn't all that forgiving and it is quite a broad hill with not a lot of features. Essentially, its a 3k dead reckoning bearing. There were a couple of lights in the distance that we could use as markers, and after quite a while stumbling across various bits of heathery moorland the short uphill to the trig finally appeared and we bashed on up to the top. Emlin- great. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDsq3qU3RIs5cLiqkheHpXuA13Q4FsEmc5Ewk21rvPzFNseZtQqTLJ4sHK5NrGgXcOEaI5KZ3pB0rmcMqf4aq4wcuotWqKceVzH3gpYUAGTrbgCqvfBkHXw_OvXVQoLN3XfxPAV_GRQ3aOWn7XXmr9l4RIFg25WLlExrK9Hzob7Fe5uv3G1fj1G9DQA/s4032/20230608_002433.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDsq3qU3RIs5cLiqkheHpXuA13Q4FsEmc5Ewk21rvPzFNseZtQqTLJ4sHK5NrGgXcOEaI5KZ3pB0rmcMqf4aq4wcuotWqKceVzH3gpYUAGTrbgCqvfBkHXw_OvXVQoLN3XfxPAV_GRQ3aOWn7XXmr9l4RIFg25WLlExrK9Hzob7Fe5uv3G1fj1G9DQA/s320/20230608_002433.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emlin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The getting off was a bit of a challenge as I totally missed the very easy line off and took Lynne down a much worse line through heather and burnt vegetation. Oops. We got off though, and had a coffee from the flask I was carrying to celebrate. </p><p>Lynne had been here to recce just a couple of weeks ago, so she took over the directional orders from here. There seem to be a few different ways to get from here to Rod Moor and over to the Sportsman. She knew what she was doing, and I just let her get on with it. The main thing to note about this route was that I lost a bloody waterbottle on this section. No idea where it was, but it was between Gibralter rocks and Rod Moor. Very annoying, and has done nothing to reverse my dislike of this section. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-jYix3BDzvMmT6k_PjNj51l8yUqoY4K5mWyYIE2RV3RWoxnPy_rhBkJWTuBIw3v_wqoa-8FLLqL_qpLaF7Mi8DsniZqgNC_v4CjExhafav-ceA_8azqMrini9zY3olOk9uuRK594XYj9BPusD_lPxw3ezU9MMcnr4ftASXRlDYReYL14nm6Od2ErYA/s4032/20230608_020632.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-jYix3BDzvMmT6k_PjNj51l8yUqoY4K5mWyYIE2RV3RWoxnPy_rhBkJWTuBIw3v_wqoa-8FLLqL_qpLaF7Mi8DsniZqgNC_v4CjExhafav-ceA_8azqMrini9zY3olOk9uuRK594XYj9BPusD_lPxw3ezU9MMcnr4ftASXRlDYReYL14nm6Od2ErYA/s320/20230608_020632.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rod Moor<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>By the time we got to the Sportsman it was something like 3am, so unsurprisingly, it was shut. They do have an outside tap, which Lynne had asked if we could use, should we get there at some point when they were closed, which they didn't have a problem with. We had still been moving well at this point, eating up the miles in a slow and steady way, though I was still not warming up- so swapped my old, somewhat threadbare Berghaus primaloft layer with Lynnes less battered Inov8 one, along with a waterproof over the top, hopefully this would improve things. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR7rGBCYUbIZaWOoPg6E1_-ai7F1iLsk-qIVoqAQ-PFof_GLaslppz12YdqYWEdKNpbfSHvctrv-g9vtkgYTGlJpeCkUIOQWX8aT4slP_kwZd6QHfUlSHVWP3pr5i1ONSVM1ADeuInQhmSulR3b5Qgmg8FvA8JN2e0N9V6JhqBmTiiTKM75T3RMdJqg/s4032/20230608_031100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR7rGBCYUbIZaWOoPg6E1_-ai7F1iLsk-qIVoqAQ-PFof_GLaslppz12YdqYWEdKNpbfSHvctrv-g9vtkgYTGlJpeCkUIOQWX8aT4slP_kwZd6QHfUlSHVWP3pr5i1ONSVM1ADeuInQhmSulR3b5Qgmg8FvA8JN2e0N9V6JhqBmTiiTKM75T3RMdJqg/s320/20230608_031100.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sportsman (closed at 3am)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>A short stop to organise some food, top up water, and make sure everything was ok, and off we went up the road toward Stanage. By the time we had passed Redmires it was becoming daylight, we took off headtorches as we passed Stanage Pole, and it was full daylight as we reached High Neb. Lynne acquitted herself well with the small scramble down off Stanage, but by the time we got to the carpark I was getting a bit of a hot spot on my other heel, so a short faff ensued while compeed was applied. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GB4IT_ZsBcPcssJ6g5xfDer78OTNe9HyG5XlsQqr9X4RJr-UwXpaHJswfhCfMPePy0yCx5D2P3lwv7ImVXkCHdY-w2C7puO_w3xpAACaCmJtU3f__5FGLcadArIFnBjvFufpX-CB5Wn3djf0phljEKJEmIaOVV4kXxywNRUTFW0wUQ6HTcDrqeHm9w/s4032/20230608_043337.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GB4IT_ZsBcPcssJ6g5xfDer78OTNe9HyG5XlsQqr9X4RJr-UwXpaHJswfhCfMPePy0yCx5D2P3lwv7ImVXkCHdY-w2C7puO_w3xpAACaCmJtU3f__5FGLcadArIFnBjvFufpX-CB5Wn3djf0phljEKJEmIaOVV4kXxywNRUTFW0wUQ6HTcDrqeHm9w/s320/20230608_043337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Neb<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The next road section was fairly tedious, and as we got towards Yorkshire bridge the inevitable conversation about "if we had a support vehicle here, or if we'd have left the van here with extra water in it, would we have just caved in here?". The answer was that it was good not to have any other option than to just keep on going as the temptation to stop here would probably have been too great. Especially with Parkin clough a mere 100 metres further on. </p><p>Up we went- the most brutal climb in terms of height gain vs distance travelled in the whole thing, but less than 30 mins later we were at Winhill trig point surveying everything we had done, as well as looking toward Kinder and thinking "well, it isn't far to go now". </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAZt0y6Q0zBMfca0IUg72aMT8XXPL5Lj4mzbAB5l6N0AEHhfU2B9LZyvmXxRCXMkkyEe0Qk--V8evoIEzhC66a2xrS5yB6P6_119lY5I0gpiHNiHIHmejdiCBID92rvyoEaJkEN66Fh_KEmqLmpa8uAbEtLOAMyaPvwucg__StwQHXyIhwbgp544cfw/s4032/20230608_061205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAZt0y6Q0zBMfca0IUg72aMT8XXPL5Lj4mzbAB5l6N0AEHhfU2B9LZyvmXxRCXMkkyEe0Qk--V8evoIEzhC66a2xrS5yB6P6_119lY5I0gpiHNiHIHmejdiCBID92rvyoEaJkEN66Fh_KEmqLmpa8uAbEtLOAMyaPvwucg__StwQHXyIhwbgp544cfw/s320/20230608_061205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winhill</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Still the wind kept battering us- but this time from behind, so at least it was "helping" us along, though it didn't feel like it. Down to Hope Cross, and then the slog up to Kinder and through some fairly dry bog to Kinder East (1957) trig. From here is a long leg over to Brown Knoll, and the distance and time on feet was starting to tell. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZ-OrbUgws76iqabcCuknWqA0_UxdeXFmcynBAg_JOFStUdW9HEK23XmJLrDfI3TBYW107hQDwX_hYAG9m4DXb00qg3Oh_BTZpSGkG6FRBRnLXhJUWQhZw8l_q38SainMPxpA2125RFLRhHWSIu5I_cBvQ8rxfwCja3a_oeygrWzrgJH8d3xoeZ2faQ/s4032/20230608_075053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZ-OrbUgws76iqabcCuknWqA0_UxdeXFmcynBAg_JOFStUdW9HEK23XmJLrDfI3TBYW107hQDwX_hYAG9m4DXb00qg3Oh_BTZpSGkG6FRBRnLXhJUWQhZw8l_q38SainMPxpA2125RFLRhHWSIu5I_cBvQ8rxfwCja3a_oeygrWzrgJH8d3xoeZ2faQ/s320/20230608_075053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1957</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The pace along the south edge was slowing a bit, my shoes were filling up with dead bits of heather (I thought there was a bit of a stone in my shoe, so took it off and was semi-surprised to find nearly the entire shoe was full of heather). The rocks and stones of the southern edge are not conducive to speedy travel, even though there are sections of flagstones and it seemed like it took an age to reach Brown knoll. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61IRPiCzJcFAwSE9kn0tK7VppJxQiTVnamD-V7A7qJGtdJ3wxzNZghM5KghLdSTMdxW-gK7dR-SBvOn2_P39JuzaPmO9YiopFSWub5fVwYw_1l9hQMwKDwc_bVNxSg7YIL9WdT-iKTfFsEHS4KYBYwPdcn4G971Qq_zOiUnmeVs4lNcD1r8ktgY33xg/s4032/20230608_093719.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61IRPiCzJcFAwSE9kn0tK7VppJxQiTVnamD-V7A7qJGtdJ3wxzNZghM5KghLdSTMdxW-gK7dR-SBvOn2_P39JuzaPmO9YiopFSWub5fVwYw_1l9hQMwKDwc_bVNxSg7YIL9WdT-iKTfFsEHS4KYBYwPdcn4G971Qq_zOiUnmeVs4lNcD1r8ktgY33xg/s320/20230608_093719.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown Knoll<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Now it was a significant proportion into the morning, people were on the hill, and the wind was getting up- a significant breeze from the East- our right- was making it quite difficult to walk well, especially with our levels of fatigue. I still wasn't warm, despite the sun coming out, and was only just holding off being a bit shivery. Up onto Kinder and Kinder Low trig, followed by the long and indeterminable walk around the edge to Kinder Downfall. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuTKe6A7m_3ZpvacolYWtqUF1-vzjgrN74n4v1XSRObnX8dNNVYclFcnAOCzjwQuB0tlPEffTeTDOUjm9mEQZtcwNZ0NDubiTCzRTAFTEpUE8vh5kZETqW8sJgbw5R81YnDQeGLCyY-MN8-8nSOZiML1rl08hRP0azDAZxFw0G2Y9fVSMdEVftaOS8g/s4032/20230608_100658.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuTKe6A7m_3ZpvacolYWtqUF1-vzjgrN74n4v1XSRObnX8dNNVYclFcnAOCzjwQuB0tlPEffTeTDOUjm9mEQZtcwNZ0NDubiTCzRTAFTEpUE8vh5kZETqW8sJgbw5R81YnDQeGLCyY-MN8-8nSOZiML1rl08hRP0azDAZxFw0G2Y9fVSMdEVftaOS8g/s320/20230608_100658.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinder Low<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I was beginning to fade quite a bit by here. Up until now I was the one trying to buoy up the mood, making sure that we were eating and drinking etc. but by now, the wind was really taking its toll. Head down and keep walking, check up on Lynne every so often to make sure we were in touch with each other and nav was good. Out to Sandy heys trig, and now only one left to get. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJHyF5dQPco3LNlAyJOwJZZoa0dwOeXZ1TzHVzX8lRT8fEJ1MpVLvtCCDnXj7VunmDNuy4UODY9vrsdrq5FiIlXLCda21744VI4rEKGCrCCOwlh8HbJvedqlAogojC5KFlrn4U6ZqG1do6_Vcs7VpGUgMzphcrrLWT4jGYB1VPxmEwH6MAsAp8zeXXA/s3264/20230608_105252.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="3264" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJHyF5dQPco3LNlAyJOwJZZoa0dwOeXZ1TzHVzX8lRT8fEJ1MpVLvtCCDnXj7VunmDNuy4UODY9vrsdrq5FiIlXLCda21744VI4rEKGCrCCOwlh8HbJvedqlAogojC5KFlrn4U6ZqG1do6_Vcs7VpGUgMzphcrrLWT4jGYB1VPxmEwH6MAsAp8zeXXA/s320/20230608_105252.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandy Heys<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The journey off Kinder corner was torturous, and the leg to Harry Hut was pretty much the slowest that we did. Sun beating down, so theoretically warm, but with a strong wind blowing, so actually kind of cold. Still trying to eat and move but with a really strong sensation of just wanting to sleep. There were a couple of moments where I caught myself dozing off midstride- but not far to go now. </p><p>As we approached Harry hut my watch buzzed- I looked and it told me I had an appointment coming up in 30 mins. No. What? Hallucination? Apparently not. Someone had somehow managed to book an appointment on our online booking form despite it being blocked out for the entire day. How on earth? No idea, but the priority to was to call them and somehow make sense while talking to them in a severely sleep deprived state. But... not enough signal to get a coherent conversation... so on the way up to Harry Hut I was there trying to type a message while dodging holes and heather and hold it all together while trying not to fall asleep. Great fun.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3tLrlms1RzuuPP5L0_7BYx1BlzRpxYIC6huGUgs8o2Sk2-SFnNkyPYXKsNkH4iFmIWNn8YiE5aApvDOZOgYsL0Kwxr1giqOmfvs28S-gZw9RYPRxGKcSXFHfcntTOV8bNXMeFeuLWawefcMX6VKnqcevbYDPwPSv7YWepwfW2SSvemJKAvhX_Cy7hw/s4032/20230608_115243(0).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3tLrlms1RzuuPP5L0_7BYx1BlzRpxYIC6huGUgs8o2Sk2-SFnNkyPYXKsNkH4iFmIWNn8YiE5aApvDOZOgYsL0Kwxr1giqOmfvs28S-gZw9RYPRxGKcSXFHfcntTOV8bNXMeFeuLWawefcMX6VKnqcevbYDPwPSv7YWepwfW2SSvemJKAvhX_Cy7hw/s320/20230608_115243(0).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Hut<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I sent the message as we hit the trig- took the obligatory photo- and noticed there was a note under a rock on the trig, but thought nothing of it. As it turns out, it was a note left for Lynne by the person she was going to do it with in a couple of weeks congratulating us on the round- she had been following our progress on GPS the whole way around... but it was just a note and I had no thought or inkling that it might possibly be for us! (how British... don't want to pry into other peoples letters....)</p><p>What followed was pretty much a sleepwalk off the hill down to Derbyshire level. Our targets were getting smaller and smaller. Instead of "just need to get to that trig", it was now down to "just get to that road", "just get to that tree" etc. </p><p>Derbyshire level took a while... it was still hot/butcold/buthot. Sleep deprivation was high on the list of "not goods", and although getting home was a bit of a blur, it did not go fast. </p><p>Finally we got to the door- 91kilometres in about 20 hours 15 mins. We had done it!</p><p>Neither of us in a good state- but remembered to turn off the garmin and save the activity, followed by a really bad shivering fit, a brief shower and I think I was literally asleep AS my head touched the pillow.</p><p>I'm so impressed with Lynne for her ability to keep going through this challenge, despite her doubts and misgivings. I never thought that we wouldn't get around, but had no idea about what kind of time we would do it in. It was never meant to be a run, but more of a "just get around" round. Our speed never really dipped much below 4kmph, so the early slightly faster kilometres certainly helped with the overall time being less than 24 hours. </p><p>As for me- having done this before, I was surprised at how beaten up I was at the end and how much I needed to dig into my reserves for the last few hours. It appears to be an indication that yes, the distance is indeed a factor for me, but not nearly so much as the amount of time awake. I'm certainly not going to rush to do something else where I need to be awake and alert for anything like 24 hours- 17 or so is my limit for peak awareness, ability and enjoyment. Beyond that it becomes a death march. And although I know I can do that, there is no pleasure to be derived from it. </p><p>Despite doing this in the midst of summer, I spent much of this being cold. Something to do with not moving fast enough to keep me warm? Maybe I rely too much on the ability to move to burn energy to keep me warm, rather than actually carrying enough to keep me warm? Interesting, and something to look into and be aware of. </p><p>Still, now all is said and done, all is grand. We finished, Lynne has another one ticked off and I was glad to be of help in completing it. <br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-52715744484601539952023-05-21T20:13:00.000+01:002023-05-21T20:13:09.145+01:00Old County Tops 2023<p> It's the one event that gets booked into the diary a year ahead. The Old County Tops. 38 miles of fun with a bit over 3000m of ascent. My race calendar doesn't exactly revolve around this race... my race calendar now <b>is</b> this race. This was the 7th year of running it for me, and the 4th with Chris. We won the V80 award last year, so this year was going to be an interesting one. We knew it wasn't going to be easy, mainly because Chris has just come off the back of a 2:42 marathon. Now this might appear to be a good thing, but he ran it a fornight ago, and for the past 5 months he has just been road training. His aerobic capacity is huge, but his time in the hills has been rather curtailed. Alongside this, his 80k+ weeks have been matched in equal measure by my 20- 30k weeks- with no real consistency. I'm not putting excuses in early, just setting the scene.... I haven't run this distance since this time last year, and haven't raced since last June, so let's just say we were going into this somewhat undercooked in terms of fell fitness. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7tBx9I6C5FEl78--o8XQXjPg-B0bugh958G56pX-gew7CPlkU1IskopKUMCGjAcDudzxrcBL5erJFLYkgp0B5-5xHJTZRfgicQoU7JzVOr1PFt6iSKvOgxC9GcrLaOXSs3mstmV9uZkNpNqgDDVINX-uF1-tM86Jul1HF8_nAzfa6MdbbTb3eps9FQ/s3264/20230520_075419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="3264" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7tBx9I6C5FEl78--o8XQXjPg-B0bugh958G56pX-gew7CPlkU1IskopKUMCGjAcDudzxrcBL5erJFLYkgp0B5-5xHJTZRfgicQoU7JzVOr1PFt6iSKvOgxC9GcrLaOXSs3mstmV9uZkNpNqgDDVINX-uF1-tM86Jul1HF8_nAzfa6MdbbTb3eps9FQ/s320/20230520_075419.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful day. It's about get get ugly(er)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>As ever, it was a day long smash and grab. Up at 4am for coffee and breakfast before heading across to pick Chris up, and the 2 hour drive to Langdale. We hit the carpark at the optimal time, and zoomed through kitcheck, finishing up just as the hordes of other racers descended on the tents. </p><p>Despite having had breakfast at 4, I had another bite to eat, but wasn't feeling all that awake, which was a bit strange. We kitted up, going with t-shirts over long sleeves- it looked like being a hot and sunny day, and slathered on the sunscreen. A bit of a jog down the road and back to loosen up the legs, check to make sure we had everything and got back to the start with about 5 mins before it all kicked off. </p><p>It's ALWAYS the same. I get to a race and look around and think... wow, all these people look really serious and fit. How are we going to measure up against this lot? We're total amateurs in comparison. Still, Chris Lloyd gave his starting speech and set us all off at 8 on the dot, and we mooched off down the bridleway in 3rd. </p><p>It's always nice to start with a bit of a flat jog, and the OCT is no exception. There were no insanely fast guys here today, so the opening few kilometres weren't at a ridiculously frantic pace as they have been the last few times, however we still found ourselves near the front. The issue is that when you remember the OCT, it's always the big names- the Helvellyns, the Scafell Pikes etc. that you remember... but you have to get over Silver Howe first, and the first 5k can be a bit of a handful, to be honest. You still feel good as it is the very beginning, but you can't go out too hard. </p><p>Over and down into Grasmere, and up the road to the turning that takes you up the grand valley to the col below Fairfield and I started to feel a bit odd. Nothing specific, but more of a general overall systemic fatigue. My heartrate was bouncing around at the high 160's which is not a good thing. That is where I should be for a race lasting maybe an hour or 2, not one that is going to be at least 7.5 hours long. </p><p>Chris and I were communicating well, making sure that we were generally ok with the tempo, and being very aware of just how hot it was. We didn't want to be one of the teams that blew up later in the day from overdoing it too early, so we backed off a little. Teams overtook us, but still my Heartrate remained far too high. Up over towards the climb up Dollywagon, I was starting to struggle- remembering back to the 2014 OCT with Alastair where he was unprepared for it, and he was struggling at that point. I remember remarking to Chris that I felt very much like a statue- not a pigeon and today was not going well. And this is before we even got to the first real summit. </p><p>The great thing about this race is that even if you ARE having an awful time of it, it is still such an amazing day out in the Lakes. You see so much of the place- and today was no different. The views were spectacular, the air was clear- a genuinely astonishing day in a beautiful place. </p><p>Onward and upward, and still an elevated HR. Not great. Certainly not great when coupled with feeling systemically off. Chris remarked about how in cycling, people have days when the legs are "good" and days when they are bad- yet in running, we're almost expected to have good legs *all* the time. Today was not a good day at all. Food wasn't really going well- it was too hot for Clif bars- they turned to grit in your mouth, but I battled on with them. I had 5 gels and a bag of Tangfastics... if I was to get through the day they would need to be used very strategically indeed. </p><p>We slowed the pace a fair bit to the top of Helvellyn, hitting the checkpoint in our slowest time as a pair- about 1:50. The descent wasn't bad, but it wasn't great and I was feeling pretty ropey by the time we hit the feed station at the bottom. The day wasn't just hot- it was going to be *really* hot, and so along with how I was feeling, the idea of a fast time kind of evaporated. We had a conversation about how the day was panning out and decided to settle into just ticking along, trying not to be the ones who ended up quitting due to over exertion or heat exhaustion rather than worrying about position or time. No more attempts at anything other than walking or "ultra shuffling". Which was good news as I was still feeling pretty bad. To be honest, there were a few times on the previous ascent where I just felt like sitting down and stopping, but realised that wasn't going to help things at all. However, the next bit was Wythburne. </p><p>Even on the best of days, the ascent of Wythburne is a long slog. On a good year we manage to run some of it. This was not a good year and walking was, at times, almost too much for me. Chris was being his normal jovial and encouraging self, and to my credit, not once did I try to throw him in the river. A gel was taken, and the water bottles were filled a number of times. It was turning into one of those days where you HAVE to drink a lot, but there is a careful balancing act- because if you drink too much, then you end up with stomach cramps and stitch. With the ascent going on in a deep and hot valley, spreading into a bog there were, again numerous times where just sitting down seemed like a good option. Thoughts of stopping at Angle Tarn went through my head- but then... I'd recced a pretty decent line off Scafell Pike. If I quit at the Tarn I wouldn't have a chance to use the knowledge....</p><p>Onward and upward through the bog, along with another team who we were playing tag with. The next nearest teams ahead of us were so far away as to be out of sight. The traverse around and down to Stakes Pass went well, and we ended up getting to Angle Tarn ever so slightly ahead of the other team. Heads dunked in water for refreshment, a glass of water, and onward... except that team had now overtaken us and we were the "chasers". I use inverted commas here as I was not in any way, shape or form chasing anyone. However, the pace over to Angle Tarn had been such that my Heart Rate had finally dropped to something like normal- 140 or so- for this kind of effort, and I was finally beginning to feel something approaching normal- for 15 miles and 1500m of ascent. </p><p>The slog up Esk Hause and onto Scafell was nothing if not purgatory. Watching the other team ahead of us slowly pull away, knowing that if I went any faster, everything would fall apart- so keeping the same pace was simply the best way. There were a simply incredible amount of people on the mountain, and we were dodging and shifting around hordes of people up to the top. Running out of water- we hit the summit- but knowing that at the bottom of the mountain lay a river, and over the hill from there, another- where we could dunk and drink, so we turned and headed for the direct line. To be honest, the moment I had been waiting for. </p><p>I came up in March and recced this line about 6 times in an afternoon, and hoped that I would remember the route and sequence to get off. It was a surprise to see one of the teams that had been so far ahead as to be out of sight still very high on the mountain. I led Chris down, and we nailed the line to pretty much perfection (well... it was slightly out, but missing the entrance to the scree path by 4 metres ended up being neither here nor there), and by the time we had dropped down the mountain we were ahead of 3 teams, 2 of which we hadn't seen in miles. </p><p>Although we were ahead, there was still a long long way to go, and the maximum speed I was moving at was "ultra shuffle". Normally, the next section would be quite fun and runnable, but not today. Still feeling iffy- but slowly getting better, we took stock and figured that it was going to get hotter still, and going any faster than I was currently coping with would have been silly. More food in, heads dunked in rivers, we got on with the slow progress. The 2 teams directly behind us caught and overtook us pretty quickly- and made good on their speed. Distances grew, but there was never going to be a chase. Up and over the next hill, through the bog (with a rather unexpectedly deep bit that I discovered at some speed), and down to Cockley Beck. The checkpoint of legend, tea and egg butties. </p><p>We came into Cockley Beck, me feeling fairly ruined, 2 gels left and with the closest 2 teams having come, been and gone. We were in 7th place. We've been in that position before. The top 6 get a mug to take home, 7th doesn't. Damn. </p><p>Cheese and Pickle sarnies and a gulp of squash, I moaned a bit to the Achilli Ratti crew that I knew from the club before Chris hit me with a metaphorical wet fish and told me to get on with it- and so we started the climb up Grey Friars. </p><p>Grey Friars- like most of this race- on it's own is a pretty decent climb. When you've already got 2500m of up and down in your legs, it takes on a completely different feel. It is a monster. You can see people ahead of you, but they never get any closer. The air is still, the heat is baking- and you're in this effective hot house putting one foot in front of the other, feeling horrendous, for about half an hour. But it feels like a week. </p><p>Ahead of us, one of the guys from the team closest to us starts walking like John Wayne. He's been hit with cramp pretty hard. He stops and stretches, and carrys on. Although our pace never slows, again, it feels like we make no progress on catching them at all. On and on we climb. I take a gel- one left. I've had 5 already and have no idea how this is all going to affect me and my guts- but right now it's the only thing (apart from the severely diminished stock of Tangfastics) that is keeping me going.</p><p>Finally, after about a week of climbing we get to the top, get onto the trod and resume the "ultra shuffle". Again, this should be a run, but- no. That isn't happening today. But the guys ahead of us are walking, and we slowly catch them- cramp having overtaken them significantly. Into 6th. No way. </p><p>A few hours ago I was thinking of sitting down and crying and then walking off the hill feeling utterly horrendous. Now, I'm feeling a little less horrendous- and we're in 6th? No way. Chris and I chat about maintaining the effort, just tapping out the pace as we have been since Angle Tarn. No words are spoken about our place in the race- only casual conversation, and check ins to make sure each is ok. </p><p>(an interesting aside here- a lot of the teams on OCT do this- you hear a lot of "you ok?" "yeah".... but very rarely do you hear someone reply "no". Unless, of course, you are Chris who basically spent the entire day listening to my very honest replies to his well meaning "how are you doing?" enquiries. Sorry Chris). </p><p>We're on the out and back now- and a couple of the leading teams come past us on their way to getting off the Old Man. We plod on, measuring our output. Techincally, it isn't far to go now- not in the grand scheme of things, but if you forget to eat, or think that it's all over then things can still come crashing down. Across the tops to the Old Man there is no shade and no water source, so we dilligently just kept on going, trying to keep the other team behind us. To the peak, a gulp of water, and then turn around and head back. To my surprise the other team had been moving well, despite the cramp... crikey. I know we can't move much faster than that which we have been... but we're hanging onto 6th by our teeth. I resolved to just not look back. If I can imagine someone just behind us, it'll push me faster than anything that might be real. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxVLLfYlGzYtLtJfsHiBAh4NklROZIKz3V48PxX4fuyAs65o8lbpxTOAkDpmrjXI4KD2pfp6YpNGPi7udryWqCI4pjfruHsRz7ZJN5TQZ2rBz7YCARUBNNN8duHS8xWMyUKhVFxKHXCpT8unzPqwf4XXfBAdQ3gABf1Ip33PtV3yHY6XQlG9eZx3x7g/s2048/top%20of%20consiton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxVLLfYlGzYtLtJfsHiBAh4NklROZIKz3V48PxX4fuyAs65o8lbpxTOAkDpmrjXI4KD2pfp6YpNGPi7udryWqCI4pjfruHsRz7ZJN5TQZ2rBz7YCARUBNNN8duHS8xWMyUKhVFxKHXCpT8unzPqwf4XXfBAdQ3gABf1Ip33PtV3yHY6XQlG9eZx3x7g/s320/top%20of%20consiton.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Coniston<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Finally, I'm feeling semi-ok. The main ascents are all out of the way, it's only really descents now... but EVERYTHING hurts. We can't go too fast, or risk the same cramping fate as those behind... I'd already felt- but staved off calf and hamstring cramp in the last mile. My abs were hurting, quads were killing, and nothing really wanted to go. Grit teeth and carry on- at least we're not going up Helvellyn again.</p><p>Direct north and then down the line and off the end to 3 shires stone. A slight miscalculation took us off the line at the beginning of the descent, losing us potentially precious seconds. The downhill was punishing, and we were looking forward to the water at that final checkpoint. Still not looking behind, all I could envisage was the other team bearing down on us- and so it was head down, and get down. </p><p>3 shires stone- water! And the knowledge that we really weren't that far from home, the final gel was taken and the hot run down wrynose pass was commenced. Far in the distance we could see the team ahead of us- certainly not going to try to catch them- again, all about the measured effort. None of the fast crazy endings here. Down and across the odd patch of land that takes you to Blea tarn and the blessed shady bit around the western side, and then back to the scorched landscape to the final road crossing. No-one behind us? Chris doesn't think there is- and we take the descent to the final path nice and steady. </p><p>Along the path down through Langdale, and we appreciate the fact that we are finally here.... just about ready to be finished, thankyou very much. The final 800 metres, and my energy levels are rapidly dipping. I'm out of gels, I'm out of haribo and the bonk is on the doorstep. Thankfully, this is it, we have no further to run and I hold on to the end. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob-qkCgpG8y8mabcXnaNXoozP_AVcnaCWDXfHmbIaHs0INzcFWSkWncgJWKXhsXYB-JGayw5SBTvV8HigrcazJHF8rZIThZsdC88i5Esmk9eSEDBE697clvWH6HWhEQEOpluCYO1Zy0ulCM6BuiHH2ctK6vh_UFzF3YXrCLjhLWfCZBkKmMKUsRPPjw/s2048/end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob-qkCgpG8y8mabcXnaNXoozP_AVcnaCWDXfHmbIaHs0INzcFWSkWncgJWKXhsXYB-JGayw5SBTvV8HigrcazJHF8rZIThZsdC88i5Esmk9eSEDBE697clvWH6HWhEQEOpluCYO1Zy0ulCM6BuiHH2ctK6vh_UFzF3YXrCLjhLWfCZBkKmMKUsRPPjw/s320/end.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>8:15. Our slowest OCT to date- and, no doubt, the hardest. We came through a lot of really tough places, managed the pace incredibly well, got the effort right and came through. There were genuinely a few times where I was close to throwing up, sitting down and generally calling it a day (though I don;t think Chris would have accepted anything less than sunstroke/heat exhaustion/ broken leg as a valid "we're not finishing today" excuse. </p><p>No, we didn't retain the V80 trophy- but were only about 10 mins off- And flipping heck. We still got a mug. Unbelievable. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2L2XZDmaB2vOl4XWXJ3qgwmpT83YZfHLozPEhFCqJsag1nkJUh6NzRpy4FAuoO_qZV1M2dtpKI5CE0gj1OEWs5NKACtagOBb5u8kaHxduQ4co8Vj9KEADAgWhBj-K-jGtqnMcKNPVRfp23tokySpVW4cyG0NOTCPBv8ROqZZdW8OrbXp5tOQDAGKrPA/s4032/IMG-20230520-WA0009.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2L2XZDmaB2vOl4XWXJ3qgwmpT83YZfHLozPEhFCqJsag1nkJUh6NzRpy4FAuoO_qZV1M2dtpKI5CE0gj1OEWs5NKACtagOBb5u8kaHxduQ4co8Vj9KEADAgWhBj-K-jGtqnMcKNPVRfp23tokySpVW4cyG0NOTCPBv8ROqZZdW8OrbXp5tOQDAGKrPA/s320/IMG-20230520-WA0009.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>So I drove us back down south, and as Chris gets out of the van to get his car, he turns to me and says "same again next year?". </p><p>"yup". </p><p><br /></p><p>Post script:</p><p>Lynne said this morning "I have a confession". Oh yes? "The coffee you made yesterday- it was the first scoop from the new pot wasn't it?" Yes. </p><p>That's decaf. </p><p>Ah. <br /></p><p><br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-838549599123581402023-05-06T21:05:00.003+01:002023-05-10T09:57:40.378+01:00Cycling Hadrians Wall 2023<p> You'll note that this is not a "coast to coast" cycle ride- although it is very possible, indeed it is an encouraged route to do. Initally our plan was to do such a thing, but logistics, trains, times and other bits and pieces meant that it was easier to plan and do if we stuck to "hadrians wall". For a first foray into cycle touring, simple was certainly preferable. I'm a great believer in making things simple if it means you are more likely to do it. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceKh1sK5kWjey3_PEU6mP-jJFcQ_Ck4NAUE0d03vDvrTcF6SLSC15CZy_D6SVw8VU8U0fMq3pyeiVUFL_ROpJTi1fQQnnkcuAnnuDBlwmOeOtJQkL-ZJBJg3SpiaAh-YgR1eg3k7h52-VQ8v79znxYB_BaDFJLcNX8wwkbwIadho8UZinf7aP0oOtKA/s4032/20230424_085516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceKh1sK5kWjey3_PEU6mP-jJFcQ_Ck4NAUE0d03vDvrTcF6SLSC15CZy_D6SVw8VU8U0fMq3pyeiVUFL_ROpJTi1fQQnnkcuAnnuDBlwmOeOtJQkL-ZJBJg3SpiaAh-YgR1eg3k7h52-VQ8v79znxYB_BaDFJLcNX8wwkbwIadho8UZinf7aP0oOtKA/s320/20230424_085516.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prep for leaving<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Initially we had the idea of driving to Whitehaven, dropping the van there, cycling to Newcastle and beyond and then working logisitics to get back to the van. All well and good, but there was also the possibility of doing the route by train- low carbon. We looked into trains and taking bikes and various options and it appeared that the easiest thing to do was attempt to book the train online, but then get on the phone and talk to someone at the train company AS you are booking the train to make sure there is a bike space, and that it is allocated to you. A bit of a phone/computer/creditcard/calendar juggling match ensued, but it got sorted. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFzA20mCRZfkfKPWbOct_fXDEIflzfQF4LE9nsr_oSDMYUMLyAWePQZpPSdDROKR0sIGp3ReYxJ1WycsLm4pHl4kUuhIrVwp4vyDCojepdIA5BsJ0Kdx46MQvxHficoXvDFl0jvLxFUKzA9c9en6RnBKHd_nz4feJgMmGWGxZzkuVvUX7Jlw67e6Y3w/s4032/20230424_101629.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFzA20mCRZfkfKPWbOct_fXDEIflzfQF4LE9nsr_oSDMYUMLyAWePQZpPSdDROKR0sIGp3ReYxJ1WycsLm4pHl4kUuhIrVwp4vyDCojepdIA5BsJ0Kdx46MQvxHficoXvDFl0jvLxFUKzA9c9en6RnBKHd_nz4feJgMmGWGxZzkuVvUX7Jlw67e6Y3w/s320/20230424_101629.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting at Picadilly<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>We figured on a couple of 80km days and a shorter day at the end- the long days would be Lynnes longest in the saddle, but effectively we'd have all day to do the distance, so it shouldn't be too much trouble. The hotels would be Travelodge, because you are allowed to store your bikes in your room (apparently Premier Inn also allow this). </p><p>Now, despite us having "all day" to do 80km, the best train with the least amount of changes at the lowest price (a princely £13.20 each) to Whitehaven left Glossop at just past 9am- which got us to our destination at 1340... so not exactly a full day in which to do 80km to Carlisle. Added to which, there was a lovely fresh breeze from the North East, pretty much a direct headwind for the majority of the ride. We genuinely had no idea how long it might take us to do the distance- we both had a pannier- which was "relatively" light (I still brought a massive D-lock, partly as I'm paranoid), but we were full of beans as we'd just been sitting on a train for the past few hours. </p><p>The wait in Carlisle was odd as we knew we'd be back there later that day. The breeze through the station was brisk, and we had a hot chocolate to warm up. Soon enough the train came to take us down to the coast, and we rattled our way down toward Whitehaven. To be honest, we couldn't be bothered going all the way there and got off a couple of stops early at Maryport to save on some flat coastal riding. The distance all told on that first <strike>day </strike>afternoon would be about 80k instead of 100. </p><p>Off the train, onto the bikes, switch on the nav computers and off we cycled. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6YgFUx5I6MBxX-DzVH4YSzETqbfLFUV8TI8bhsVSo6kJXQhXYMfsAx1V0eQn_l4VujBGhwwF78bOVcxissvuoTDjp8ubj8ZZfN8EDtes-5gCKfqNQzBXyKGU-HzC4laHgNnNRvBLaKoMCuCh23gpU76I6MA91a1PfFMOftfGovHf52HqR4Phxk8Uxg/s4032/20230424_134910.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6YgFUx5I6MBxX-DzVH4YSzETqbfLFUV8TI8bhsVSo6kJXQhXYMfsAx1V0eQn_l4VujBGhwwF78bOVcxissvuoTDjp8ubj8ZZfN8EDtes-5gCKfqNQzBXyKGU-HzC4laHgNnNRvBLaKoMCuCh23gpU76I6MA91a1PfFMOftfGovHf52HqR4Phxk8Uxg/s320/20230424_134910.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally! We get to set off.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>We went prettt much straight to the coast and then struck north along what was initially a road and then turned into a cycleway. For the rest of the afternoon, the roads were generally pretty quiet when we were on them- and occasionally we were treated to cycleways as well, but not very often. Our landmarks were fairly clear- to the north were the hills (and rain) denoting Galloway), and to the East were the hills (and rain) of the Lake District. The route that we were taking was somewhat wandering and we were amused (alarmed?) to see these land marks wavering wildly from one side of us to the other as we wended our way around the flatlands of North Cumbria. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTmdJpiXZXgEcXoow5ARys5p4eE6vc3E6mS2NcdZWWIe3M_jRHGdxiQWlz_oArJOVrGq5k2LkmrZy4048kzaQMauRyUkhPb_VFri04j1WqSOt7FTOxjZUxyP6t5YlXNgle3S_axcENTDGjZGHZtx7HE9GapbtZj-zoRsuUqRChvnP4izhad_iaXCpmw/s4032/20230424_141251.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTmdJpiXZXgEcXoow5ARys5p4eE6vc3E6mS2NcdZWWIe3M_jRHGdxiQWlz_oArJOVrGq5k2LkmrZy4048kzaQMauRyUkhPb_VFri04j1WqSOt7FTOxjZUxyP6t5YlXNgle3S_axcENTDGjZGHZtx7HE9GapbtZj-zoRsuUqRChvnP4izhad_iaXCpmw/s320/20230424_141251.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>As mentioned, the headwind was fairly brisk and I spent a lot of the afternoon being a windbreak, but we kept up a fairly steady and respectable speed all the way through towards Carlisle. Several layers were needed as flat riding through windswept Cumbria is apparently pretty chilly- so the warmest layers were deployed as were fully warm gloves. All good fun, and Lynnes longest day in the saddle to date. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2eghwnMUpD9oZNKpS3d3uEw1S-rkyA56ir31uYgxHL5wkAjm6s4olhQoBa4z-EdP9LfaDbroKsYS-7WItBBXtlZP1uEjRl-GtVIqbTqzbou-zLnhXF_XJNlXKdENVIJH1wc8B3Gw1YI3KzKn2FSJtSmIeHhYNTCiNVV5hTmOk3E0s5M7Jv10-O4ZhQ/s4032/20230424_153302(0).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2eghwnMUpD9oZNKpS3d3uEw1S-rkyA56ir31uYgxHL5wkAjm6s4olhQoBa4z-EdP9LfaDbroKsYS-7WItBBXtlZP1uEjRl-GtVIqbTqzbou-zLnhXF_XJNlXKdENVIJH1wc8B3Gw1YI3KzKn2FSJtSmIeHhYNTCiNVV5hTmOk3E0s5M7Jv10-O4ZhQ/s320/20230424_153302(0).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>We got into Carlisle in good time, well before darkness, and had an interesting time picking our way through roadworks and dual carriage ways to get to the Travelodge in the centre. We didn't take long to have a shower and get changed once there, keen as we were to find somewhere to eat. </p><p>Now it appears that monday is not necessarily a happening place to be on a Monday evening. Also, I know some people have a problem with Pineapple on pizza, but I didn't realise that the centre of this weirdness is Carlisle where it seems to be against their belief system or something. Anyhow, we eventually found a place that actually did something resembling a Hawaiian pizza, picked up a load of carbs to eat and scuttled back to the hotel to refuel and sleep. Thankfully the rain that had threatened from both Galloway and Cumbria had failed to materialise and so we were blessedly dry from the days exertions and didn't need to dry any clothes out overnight. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mgLmnnVNdtTiiix0XKY6Is3m6MRnaALkTv3P-lNE9GKZ99jRBP-kQbJ4iiqWJ3EI93bRSdIPCpeYQ6WUNs5W0wUMNWLj-C3VM2T2fmXdd2ZT3EajSlso9p0e42lL9gL2N3OAvS8hvmWVAJZYzgF9RH_ztypolxI6al1BRoOQL1CdeKNN4MiDmizQIA/s3024/20230425_075236.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mgLmnnVNdtTiiix0XKY6Is3m6MRnaALkTv3P-lNE9GKZ99jRBP-kQbJ4iiqWJ3EI93bRSdIPCpeYQ6WUNs5W0wUMNWLj-C3VM2T2fmXdd2ZT3EajSlso9p0e42lL9gL2N3OAvS8hvmWVAJZYzgF9RH_ztypolxI6al1BRoOQL1CdeKNN4MiDmizQIA/s320/20230425_075236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a lot of room for luggage- yet still managed to make a mess</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>Day 2 was all about the hills. The true bit of Hadrians Wall... which we hadn't actually seen anything of thus far. Carlisle to Hexham promised to be a lovely day- again about 80k, but with 1300m of ascent... Lynnes longest and hilliest day on the bike thus far. (We don't like to do things by halves). It was fairly chilly as we set out, so again, full warm layers were used at the beginning. Getting out of town was only slightly problematic what with one way streets and cobblestones, but once away from the busy streets things calmed down somewhat and the journey fully began. Food stops were frequent in order to keep up energy, and the thermal bidon full of coffee proved itself to be a very useful item which I would highly recommend to any bike tourer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjE0FI2H7i_K6reC_l2u0LkSYbFQuUPiu9aPfX6AoVuCJll5p2htqYrcc4nsK5s4V4DgeZOMBbxyVID4Qp5a5FmaNtkDOLPY28HGeoeTPf0mOGi3e_Pv4sJoE6DDto_pqG3k7g1kPZ9tt2VAzv5vSIsHlkTAiS5RXMaenK0Gcdcqj2_uhIvGBUFxCfA/s3024/20230425_081047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjE0FI2H7i_K6reC_l2u0LkSYbFQuUPiu9aPfX6AoVuCJll5p2htqYrcc4nsK5s4V4DgeZOMBbxyVID4Qp5a5FmaNtkDOLPY28HGeoeTPf0mOGi3e_Pv4sJoE6DDto_pqG3k7g1kPZ9tt2VAzv5vSIsHlkTAiS5RXMaenK0Gcdcqj2_uhIvGBUFxCfA/s320/20230425_081047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4oDkd26uMi7f-5o9OoCbAshFuAqS7xb4eOGXXpKzc7F0TFJXyhv8GCeIVOz9xRgx7hnX7orcR7PHGksI6n2UNjHZX_e7wQVYQj45oIcdEpoVxnul4jdRlRcJfM87G-VETkj7ppv-IQ8KOUPwyDoB0QW5YselDkwvilCFBr5R7xZ5AkR8GIZenz0HmA/s4032/20230425_082310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4oDkd26uMi7f-5o9OoCbAshFuAqS7xb4eOGXXpKzc7F0TFJXyhv8GCeIVOz9xRgx7hnX7orcR7PHGksI6n2UNjHZX_e7wQVYQj45oIcdEpoVxnul4jdRlRcJfM87G-VETkj7ppv-IQ8KOUPwyDoB0QW5YselDkwvilCFBr5R7xZ5AkR8GIZenz0HmA/s320/20230425_082310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We made our way through the back lanes over to Brampton where a stop in an independent coffee shop was conducted- espresso and a MASSIVE scone were very much on the menu there. The sun had come out and so layers were shed, winter gloves went away and we carried onward, sunning ourselves in the Spring sunshine. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKoPbxuw69EHlKGGBdd5HAVXnh4rCkZpV31BJP4FjFyHEPW3tUnYmfmpHClg5Z7jTvmEzfRYNXafElMNTa00Wm1s_fOEncaDkCNKOjcTVdktMNiGZw5j0k_g-zEcxah9IAjm7qCxPebVevsZL6UROWVCFXzia3BxOLcynd-KM0qUPw5e9U39wdzKjXw/s4032/20230425_095252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKoPbxuw69EHlKGGBdd5HAVXnh4rCkZpV31BJP4FjFyHEPW3tUnYmfmpHClg5Z7jTvmEzfRYNXafElMNTa00Wm1s_fOEncaDkCNKOjcTVdktMNiGZw5j0k_g-zEcxah9IAjm7qCxPebVevsZL6UROWVCFXzia3BxOLcynd-KM0qUPw5e9U39wdzKjXw/s320/20230425_095252.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK6BD3q5vVtBAWbUIIXH3QroBVbEKK8fCsS-2L_K-cB2AbkKpeiRtQppcs_zoevtLNbovnKrq91WoBlHI0YIGDWLeZ0NG5JgchQ3LTTC6rLxf9lgl1bLwmyYd2dyEYHQzxcXHVnnS4ox6KdrWUFrw9-7OZSNS8yJTzFbYrIH54t03BXJf6GN840007Q/s4032/20230425_100916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzK6BD3q5vVtBAWbUIIXH3QroBVbEKK8fCsS-2L_K-cB2AbkKpeiRtQppcs_zoevtLNbovnKrq91WoBlHI0YIGDWLeZ0NG5JgchQ3LTTC6rLxf9lgl1bLwmyYd2dyEYHQzxcXHVnnS4ox6KdrWUFrw9-7OZSNS8yJTzFbYrIH54t03BXJf6GN840007Q/s320/20230425_100916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />From Brampton onward there are a plethora of Roman heritage sites and areas of interest where we stopped to admire various items of archaeology in varying stages of decay/being dug up. <br /><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPG16HPYEiID1aQtlQ8j5uOe3LujqN4vTbL2qf3hITRdwYTAZ2ytAzN2-9IlATMCQXJq_Vh5cJKJh3_WTS7fO3d96-8qz5UJZ3mlxeK_nR-nRPpfrMwDguW1qS7rdJk4C-4wooh2eoXFE4YHhpHXlgnAFIT7pi1dEY3tQVIp2l9VUN-opjcqXnIwmSA/s4032/20230425_103906.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPG16HPYEiID1aQtlQ8j5uOe3LujqN4vTbL2qf3hITRdwYTAZ2ytAzN2-9IlATMCQXJq_Vh5cJKJh3_WTS7fO3d96-8qz5UJZ3mlxeK_nR-nRPpfrMwDguW1qS7rdJk4C-4wooh2eoXFE4YHhpHXlgnAFIT7pi1dEY3tQVIp2l9VUN-opjcqXnIwmSA/s320/20230425_103906.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was so much to see I actually forgot that we went to see this lovely Abbey- that was made from suspicously good stone... (and no wall to be seen anywhere near...)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> If you're a member of English Heritage you'll probably make your entire year subscription back just from visiting the sites on this cycleway... it would have cost us about £70 to go in everything along the way. As it was we satisfied our Roman hankerings by standing around old bits of wall adjacent to the road. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k64Ty9GHyBKa-gusAF6S5nR1goE4tAwm3STfdGvQJVbv5_8GJSfZ9BXFZCaL3UIl-cWayinEhzQECTWVWvIYqQtn_L-IjE3GqR44W532Gf13DYcTbDcTDvd3otjZwAKQf98D18EWccBDF0KMjHDi3WNY4InaEYeCAAI0fXdSoSultJsAZqzc8qi6zg/s3264/20230425_112923.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k64Ty9GHyBKa-gusAF6S5nR1goE4tAwm3STfdGvQJVbv5_8GJSfZ9BXFZCaL3UIl-cWayinEhzQECTWVWvIYqQtn_L-IjE3GqR44W532Gf13DYcTbDcTDvd3otjZwAKQf98D18EWccBDF0KMjHDi3WNY4InaEYeCAAI0fXdSoSultJsAZqzc8qi6zg/s320/20230425_112923.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actual wall!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVMUAvJVmZIM0huVADH3t43IWYWYahG3Ep51mIvI6KRikrlR-x0l55Y2FZjdEYE0YHprTIy5bU9KcGM3yUZHbpW8RtnIt_ERshIRBsCTi6qH_2BUh9ggJovnFNXUqRkWo88ryYhsWMmAMTJViOhxV7_zU_aUR7YSAgcCzm-YEa-HVf8L4pzYVTpgGTA/s4032/20230425_111028.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVMUAvJVmZIM0huVADH3t43IWYWYahG3Ep51mIvI6KRikrlR-x0l55Y2FZjdEYE0YHprTIy5bU9KcGM3yUZHbpW8RtnIt_ERshIRBsCTi6qH_2BUh9ggJovnFNXUqRkWo88ryYhsWMmAMTJViOhxV7_zU_aUR7YSAgcCzm-YEa-HVf8L4pzYVTpgGTA/s320/20230425_111028.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More wall....<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>As a friend once pointed out- when you're near the wall in some places, you can't see it at all... yet all the old houses and castles and churches see to be made of very good, sturdy stone. Which seems like a bit of a coincidence.....</p><p>As we went across towards Hexham the sun continued to shine, we had lunch in a very nice place in Greenhead, ended up in a pottery in Bardon Mill, stopped off at the Sill for a bit of a poke around, mooched past an excellent roman camp (Vindalandria), which I'd certainly like to go back to visit properly at some point- (and it has a vicious climb out of it as well..... as did Greenhead, come to think of it). </p><p>The final turn into Hexham was a little of a come down after such a delightful day on quiet roads and cycle paths, but all good things must come to an end. An evening meal in a pub, and a quick noting down of the bakery for the morning were the main points of the evening before heading back to the Travelodge for a well deserved rest. </p><p>(There were numerous other places which looked like a true delight to stay in. We passed some dinky little places, full of character and charm, but had already got our reservations in the hotels sorted). </p><p><br /></p><p>Day 3</p><p>You have to start the day well, and so we went back up the hill into Hexham to get a loaf and a couple of Chocolate Babka Buns from the Bakery (the Grateful Bread). In hindsight we should have bought a couple of the buns each- they were simply amazing). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy-42yjpivoaZ8gGdP1oCzcw7BncsKZo3KqEnJ4TpoPa3hQU4lIkUQzQFIxQQbpKMkzQWRZPMZi7K9qvWxftFLYZC61keTb8G-yuz1uHAmZz-DkH1riddmqreVnGLPR3M3urEqTjmBSJADJAtzTEA1dPD4JwKJzCqvgNRIouDJTdJYKXSk5hkGO7TIw/s4032/20230426_100302.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy-42yjpivoaZ8gGdP1oCzcw7BncsKZo3KqEnJ4TpoPa3hQU4lIkUQzQFIxQQbpKMkzQWRZPMZi7K9qvWxftFLYZC61keTb8G-yuz1uHAmZz-DkH1riddmqreVnGLPR3M3urEqTjmBSJADJAtzTEA1dPD4JwKJzCqvgNRIouDJTdJYKXSk5hkGO7TIw/s320/20230426_100302.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Babka buns. Watch out for these on Toasted to Destruction.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Getting out of Hexham was a bit of a chore- what with rush hour traffic and A-roads, though the tarmac was a pleasure to ride on. After a not insignificant amount of time, we were getting a little tired of all the cars, and thought a change would be nice- and the route diverted off to the right on a B-road. Finally. </p><p>For the next few kilometres delightful country roads were the order of the day, but soon enough they gave way to the slowly burgeoning outskirts of Newcastle, our final destination. The final few miles were along the river Tyne, and it seemed that all of a sudden we were finishing, heading up the road from the Tyne bridge to the station. After a couple of 80km days it was a surprise to be finishing after only 35 or so. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiN8e3nERMo-Wxb-PxXE7jckXLBD2HMZghfGN82Un0LimpZUrHJsDYssnWh4SclXWOCfAp8KXkbR8Qfrxtzc4IWtE66d9YQ7qX-NOxkhyQo1E916L_eACvNCe1WeIdaCeiDATb4yX32mlcIfLabxaE1Y7OcS2_nDU98W_ZAaq6vjhzBgaSjQqzeUxbQ/s3264/20230426_114112.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="3264" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiN8e3nERMo-Wxb-PxXE7jckXLBD2HMZghfGN82Un0LimpZUrHJsDYssnWh4SclXWOCfAp8KXkbR8Qfrxtzc4IWtE66d9YQ7qX-NOxkhyQo1E916L_eACvNCe1WeIdaCeiDATb4yX32mlcIfLabxaE1Y7OcS2_nDU98W_ZAaq6vjhzBgaSjQqzeUxbQ/s320/20230426_114112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookee at that. It's a bridge. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Unfortunately we couldn't change our train tickets, so it was a long, chilly wait for the train back to Staylybridge (which was a battle to get the bikes into the bike storage), before the final ride back over the hill. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL2MCg5rmcX0e75pxjfrAl6_QWSB1oDx9NMklaRAXNBdNNZaXLCWXvHVLvhKT9JDElbY1AODYebGPmV0EwCEKD59F01SdjMz9ioivyFuaa6KkDG3EVy-dLL4OmaBLDGgVoaVTegJOdWf7ZFUhgs4MUgl5Kn_rC_yM0IA_rqfrM4S3eQFOr_DytThiyg/s3264/20230426_131542.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYL2MCg5rmcX0e75pxjfrAl6_QWSB1oDx9NMklaRAXNBdNNZaXLCWXvHVLvhKT9JDElbY1AODYebGPmV0EwCEKD59F01SdjMz9ioivyFuaa6KkDG3EVy-dLL4OmaBLDGgVoaVTegJOdWf7ZFUhgs4MUgl5Kn_rC_yM0IA_rqfrM4S3eQFOr_DytThiyg/s320/20230426_131542.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well deserved Waffles. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>So. What can I say? It was a really good few days out. We weren't actually away from the house for longer than about 60 hours or so, had an amazing time, clocked up 2 of Lynnes longest days on the bike, had a load of laughs, saw a chicken with fantastic trousers, lots of wall, and ate a truck load of food. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMNnbBXbWPX-wdyU8aJYWHi3pLFbzgUwd6_3d5h6Oub_5ir8xxKV32VSOf2O-RgnqkwQ_s0NOLZGWAdl0fOAEDoi8iUzpSpQvh4SR6LfpGC39Sb7SLB305hCt1rBvpBXtuBqRTF7ESvOlDjhDRL5elKOJlwjvXrOxu-_g-7kPBxTohsv_1KykSN3mMQ/s2016/IMG-20230424-WA0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMNnbBXbWPX-wdyU8aJYWHi3pLFbzgUwd6_3d5h6Oub_5ir8xxKV32VSOf2O-RgnqkwQ_s0NOLZGWAdl0fOAEDoi8iUzpSpQvh4SR6LfpGC39Sb7SLB305hCt1rBvpBXtuBqRTF7ESvOlDjhDRL5elKOJlwjvXrOxu-_g-7kPBxTohsv_1KykSN3mMQ/s320/IMG-20230424-WA0007.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken with fantastic trousers...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Before this I'd never been on a train with a bike, never used a pannier for touring, never stayed in a hotel where we were allowed to take bikes in, and had certainly never done a tour which started and finished on a train. All new adventures. I suspect we'll be doing more. <br /></p><p><br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-41126864393744923082023-04-28T21:45:00.000+01:002023-04-28T21:45:16.418+01:00An embarrassment of tools<p> A somewhat different post. </p><p>I've recently been back to the Isle of Wight and brought back a large amount of tools from what was my Grandpa's workshop. I previously brought back a lathe and a load of woodturning stuff as well, with full intention of getting on with a whole load of woodwork. </p><p>And yet it hasn't happened. </p><p>This time around I feel somewhat at a loss. There is so much stuff here that I am simply bedazzled by it. He was something of a polymath when it came to handicrafting. Tere are tools for cabinetry, carving, metalwork, boatbuilding, housebuilding, plumbing, gardening and some handbuilt bastardised tools which I simply have no clue what it was for. </p><p>As far as it goes, Im absolutely game to just jump headlong into trying to work things out, but there are strong pulls that are stopping me, and it wasn't until today that I kind of realised what they are. </p><p>The first is the sharpness of all the tools. The last time they were sharpened was by my Grandpa. They hold an insane edge. An edge that was created by long hours of practice and one that I can't even hope to attain. To start using these tools on wood- and most likely mis-using them- would blunt them and I'd have no hope of bringing them back to their current state. </p><p>Along with this is all the things I ever read about sharpening tools.... don't do this, don't do that, whatever you do don't do this or you'll ruin your tools etc etc. You can be assured that given half a chance, I'll probably do all of those things and, in all likelihood, ruin a tool that has been well loved and cared for, and that stays my hand from even trying. </p><p>Another issue, closely linked to the sharpenss thing- and alluded to in the paragraph above is the concern that I'm simply not using the right tool for the right job. There is a lot of import seemingly placed upon that concept... the issue is, I have so many tools, and have no real concept of which tool should be used for what. Which ones are the lathe tools? Which are cabinetry? How, exactly does this thing fit into that thing.... and was it meant to in the first place, or did it go into this one? </p><p>With this is the question of "do I have the right thing?" I can't tell what grit the sharpening stones are. I have no idea if I buy something that eventually I'll find out I have something else that would actually have done the job. Is it better to have a single tool that you know how to use? or a multitude of them that you simply are perplexed with.... <br /></p><p>Alongside all of this is the fear of messing up. Of taking a decent bit of blank wood that *could* have been turned into something beautiful, and just hacking it apart into sawdust, shavings and bits of mishapen wood. The potential for a piece of wood is ALWAYS there, but once you've attempted to make it into something, that's it. It's gone, as has the chance of making the thing that it *could* have been. </p><p>The main thing I have been doing is asking a lot of very annoying questions to the few people I know that *might* have a clue as to what things are (sorry Tom and Phil), but although I vaguely know *what* things are.... knowing *how* to use them is a different matter. YouTube is coming in handy in terms of trying to understand the usage... but actually getting on and doing it is a completely different matter- generally due to those fears and thoughts detailed above. </p><p>I'm not really sure how to get over this- apart from just get on, do things wrong and break things- which I am really loathe to do.... perhaps better a tool to be used and abused than not used at all? </p><p>It'd be better if I could use them properly though. <br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-36153041689799280492023-04-06T20:53:00.000+01:002023-04-06T20:53:14.689+01:00Gravel riding in South Scotland<p> I bought a book a while back. Gravel Rides in Scotland. While I was getting on with my MSc, all kinds of plans were hatched as to what I'd get around to doing once the whole thing was finally finished. There were grand ideas to take off the entire of April and just go and do stuff. </p><p>Unfortunately financial reality means that isn't really too much of an option, but we did get a short week away just recently. Lynne has a new gravel bike- if you count last August as new: a flat bar Vitus which seems to be the most comfortable bike I've seen her on. The idea was to take both bikes to Dumfries and Galloway after work last thursday and do some riding. Hopefully getting Lynne on some of the smoother and easier gravel before I headed off alone for some bigger rides. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Gatehouse of Fleet:</h2><p>We stayed in the van in the Spar carpark in GoF. The Spar was very well appointed (Apparently it is hilarious that the bit that I look at first/judge a shop is the home baking section. But there you go). Anyhow, it is a good Spar, and the toilets in the carpark are open 24/7. </p><p>We took a roadride in on the first day, going over to Kirkcudbright, cycling into a headwind the whole way. A few coffee stops were taken to get there (with the new vacuum bike flask), and a few wrinkles were ironed out. I attempted to get waffles in Kirkcudbright but was thwarted by the fact that they were still "out of season", and wouldn't be back on the menu until- well... next week. Great. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUNyNPo9xTP78cQQov9fLoeiRz7lLzbm3TtlwXjJPjLPSD0DDagPokFje01zb2M8sUGaSWp2cOdnxHS2obGERB6Y14gEZ782Pc8w51d9NKcYycmNyp1CU9GmTc0M01ybqFEcN4dYp9pJdQTcjeFaK2SYI5pHdEul1kYTBeuKUxWbSAnacOSdfJkAsxA/s4032/20230331_130753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUNyNPo9xTP78cQQov9fLoeiRz7lLzbm3TtlwXjJPjLPSD0DDagPokFje01zb2M8sUGaSWp2cOdnxHS2obGERB6Y14gEZ782Pc8w51d9NKcYycmNyp1CU9GmTc0M01ybqFEcN4dYp9pJdQTcjeFaK2SYI5pHdEul1kYTBeuKUxWbSAnacOSdfJkAsxA/s320/20230331_130753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The ride home was a lot faster, considering that we had a tailwind. </p><p>Day 2 was the gravel ride in the Book. It went North from GoF up Route 7- the cycle route that seems pretty ubiqutous around this part of Scotland - on a decent and quiet road for a fair old way. Eventually the road gave way to some fairly small gravel which was very rideable and proved to be a lovely introduction to what was to come. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSfc-7oP59ZmpIT6rjVtq8JU3taMKkm3GJVBpPFjIXjR81rIznasg8h2MuCrVNJtQsP9TammSV1z2M3uCY_igfzQOGZVKwyiaJ7YgPmhpunvtfa9d53PTHSKRKcQWicLFRx5F9Keol2D8Agcj1BF3mtCBBU6E3q67TXonINpSFYo8ck0bbVLtvS8now/s4032/20230401_085752(0).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSfc-7oP59ZmpIT6rjVtq8JU3taMKkm3GJVBpPFjIXjR81rIznasg8h2MuCrVNJtQsP9TammSV1z2M3uCY_igfzQOGZVKwyiaJ7YgPmhpunvtfa9d53PTHSKRKcQWicLFRx5F9Keol2D8Agcj1BF3mtCBBU6E3q67TXonINpSFYo8ck0bbVLtvS8now/s320/20230401_085752(0).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Under a viaduct and onward northwards through varying grades of gravel, the biggest and gnarliest of which never really lasted for very long. Northwards past Loch Grannoch towards Clatteringshaws Loch and the turn East along the forest road- which was still being kind of dressed and prepped for the motoring tourist season. Essentially it's an unmetalled road that relies on people driving slowly in order for it to stay well made. (that, and issues with environmental washing away)- so we momentarily shared the road with some pretty significantly heavy rollers and road equipment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaJBoTPlv66d_PuIp3Aya7WHeb25GOQuQ5qshmxfk6aR0xkFn2HD37HBGP5H4zUIjtSPLCiJRzLWmmjzxlHMfNnHXNqcrSnrz8PXGk5bQ8vJ587zNCd5ErBGFZYODFxDSeXiB15SlnvqGHTVrGMqcnatRp3hO5NYJh2KhIxaE6xSJS7BAgGl-2gTyrg/s4032/20230401_092512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaJBoTPlv66d_PuIp3Aya7WHeb25GOQuQ5qshmxfk6aR0xkFn2HD37HBGP5H4zUIjtSPLCiJRzLWmmjzxlHMfNnHXNqcrSnrz8PXGk5bQ8vJ587zNCd5ErBGFZYODFxDSeXiB15SlnvqGHTVrGMqcnatRp3hO5NYJh2KhIxaE6xSJS7BAgGl-2gTyrg/s320/20230401_092512.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The surface was pretty decent, though without mudguards we'd have been pretty covered in crud by the end of the road. Although we stopped at the Otter pools, we saw no otters except the stone one. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhF_0cEI7aF9KthyMVSUe9WhCkiaS7rRGWquB3LcQkKHV9jPMmIai2Z_0ZNU1II8qRYZylMFqrboNzExskzdm1YMH-ut-yYhpaIbIZbXUW24vF8FzWDXRRhfXamFe1eQnLpR7EjDWefjMZjtkL1SlgazZw_vAZIEnhNGWTPB3hWaQJHZT46HnenpV2w/s4032/20230401_104655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhF_0cEI7aF9KthyMVSUe9WhCkiaS7rRGWquB3LcQkKHV9jPMmIai2Z_0ZNU1II8qRYZylMFqrboNzExskzdm1YMH-ut-yYhpaIbIZbXUW24vF8FzWDXRRhfXamFe1eQnLpR7EjDWefjMZjtkL1SlgazZw_vAZIEnhNGWTPB3hWaQJHZT46HnenpV2w/s320/20230401_104655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuRLew05NWNufiWnWNSSselC-39xzJGz90iy3kyvLnjjdQ7MXhEMsxeLI7znKiXmlrPDjHbwPFYVJidG-n-JCjLBOhXHNoJ8QST_sN3nRmTciMKZFV1H5buiuNWxu4Iz_JqnuFqRayKn0JITIN4F8i9HYAaluWVVg4xHNGT-nh7Zi9j0l287WjL5h6Q/s4032/20230401_104639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuRLew05NWNufiWnWNSSselC-39xzJGz90iy3kyvLnjjdQ7MXhEMsxeLI7znKiXmlrPDjHbwPFYVJidG-n-JCjLBOhXHNoJ8QST_sN3nRmTciMKZFV1H5buiuNWxu4Iz_JqnuFqRayKn0JITIN4F8i9HYAaluWVVg4xHNGT-nh7Zi9j0l287WjL5h6Q/s320/20230401_104639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>On the way back was the worst section of gravel of the day- we were on a dismantled railway, and part of it was pretty much like they had just taken the railes and sleepers away and left the hardcore with nothing else on it. Fairly uncomfortable, but only lasted a short amount of time. </p><p>Stops became more frequent as we got towards the end and fatigue took over, but we were a very happy pair who dropped down into GoF at the end of the day. Lovely day out. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Aberfoyle</h2><p>I dropped Lynne off at Carlisle in the morning and continued north to Aberfoyle. It's a place that has re-christened itself as "gravelfoyle" for the large amount of riding around it. There is a decent 60k loop in the book, so it seemed like the right thing to do to blast around it in the afternoon. And yes. It was brilliant. The vast majority was easy going gravel. Fast underwheel, easy to ride, generally wide open double track, and although there were plenty of people around, it still felt pretty empty. I didn't spend too long taking photos as I was just having too much fun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8Q17y9IaswpjVD0fOZK3HPpx0qZ0GTJFITI4z7K_YfMZ9dTt9gO5C2Eui_HLv2-8gkym44NArkPhEpccZ98NhaBI1SGCkqh-XaIgcYqYpuj6jwQxE3W7XBOtLyjwJ7mG15aHEvef0iPfEOQ48t0tJILYRNIQExM4a3t9EXcaYM4kwzUje9-1BagOog/s4032/20230402_140433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8Q17y9IaswpjVD0fOZK3HPpx0qZ0GTJFITI4z7K_YfMZ9dTt9gO5C2Eui_HLv2-8gkym44NArkPhEpccZ98NhaBI1SGCkqh-XaIgcYqYpuj6jwQxE3W7XBOtLyjwJ7mG15aHEvef0iPfEOQ48t0tJILYRNIQExM4a3t9EXcaYM4kwzUje9-1BagOog/s320/20230402_140433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Stuc a Chroin</h2><p>Took a rest day from the bike and attempted the Stuc a Chroin Fellrace route. Don't really know it, so took a map and a gpx on my garmin for nav through the forest. What I *DIDN'T* know is that my garmin was set to re-route itself to the most "popular" route whenever I left the original route, and there was a fair amount of forestry work that had gone on around the place. So I spent a frustrating few hours attempting to follow a gpx route on my watch through a forest- where the forest AND the GPX kept fecking changing without me realising it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgljFUZRhvUicXsdL6ut8WMC6BjhHpJCCntEJa50Yqv2R46dwgzO1gDeaEqdJNGNvbbeXmTam6IBDwsL9Sy4qVESTwxcK8P3EoUYjAwpnYgjAzT5fN0l2VYW9Hic2KFxz6K3SZV-8Ay6Hj2lvM-4zhVBvhfhRYwg9MiJeQOq02lKGwkmC-SQFxzncqA/s4032/20230403_123903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgljFUZRhvUicXsdL6ut8WMC6BjhHpJCCntEJa50Yqv2R46dwgzO1gDeaEqdJNGNvbbeXmTam6IBDwsL9Sy4qVESTwxcK8P3EoUYjAwpnYgjAzT5fN0l2VYW9Hic2KFxz6K3SZV-8Ay6Hj2lvM-4zhVBvhfhRYwg9MiJeQOq02lKGwkmC-SQFxzncqA/s320/20230403_123903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9DQlB4djEfJP5G7WdG76QeIdKb0KML3X6IuaJw4Br7eVG7flsjQOYyvU-wIVSgQvS1VZaYWsqYtc9bSbRTVhxD7Hte4BtSwuAcItrBAeaycvw3V4_fEDpdXiR9BKrD0dMgEtl1PS1fzepMz_cfg04VqUEuzB6xqSHiEkXaiRczdw8p3wV0-dDUz0pQ/s4032/20230403_115712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9DQlB4djEfJP5G7WdG76QeIdKb0KML3X6IuaJw4Br7eVG7flsjQOYyvU-wIVSgQvS1VZaYWsqYtc9bSbRTVhxD7Hte4BtSwuAcItrBAeaycvw3V4_fEDpdXiR9BKrD0dMgEtl1PS1fzepMz_cfg04VqUEuzB6xqSHiEkXaiRczdw8p3wV0-dDUz0pQ/s320/20230403_115712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmCcrve8aXYp9-9SwbBVLLAvfmbnVJvlOTV7xWgNklT9q2qu-Jhb-0jcAQtQZ3DPJbLAhwC77Q3JWCsdkLaI2fp0t9P2uInTom0MWFYQPh-K2Mf6az_CdeqKA6F7bB_18wlMhusBmzWnpyzpIuG2--L8g4u4TponStLMvoL9V_q4pnIWw8MB_UMHcBA/s4032/20230403_113909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmCcrve8aXYp9-9SwbBVLLAvfmbnVJvlOTV7xWgNklT9q2qu-Jhb-0jcAQtQZ3DPJbLAhwC77Q3JWCsdkLaI2fp0t9P2uInTom0MWFYQPh-K2Mf6az_CdeqKA6F7bB_18wlMhusBmzWnpyzpIuG2--L8g4u4TponStLMvoL9V_q4pnIWw8MB_UMHcBA/s320/20230403_113909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_gZ8tKFgeYNmZUicNinWadcfS0mdZFrBbqbUsnVx7BB0DD1YLegK9G06Cyk-ZyciyjqDN4qM3U716TWDCN1HdHDpY39HQVjaiBQ61R57hpTydo_rKgRocsG6kSzpeaE3ylfjzAbY-U8k0RHBh5_E16QYB77ZovFPrx-Zk_HtZYRivUd6lGkDweCrFw/s4032/20230403_102030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_gZ8tKFgeYNmZUicNinWadcfS0mdZFrBbqbUsnVx7BB0DD1YLegK9G06Cyk-ZyciyjqDN4qM3U716TWDCN1HdHDpY39HQVjaiBQ61R57hpTydo_rKgRocsG6kSzpeaE3ylfjzAbY-U8k0RHBh5_E16QYB77ZovFPrx-Zk_HtZYRivUd6lGkDweCrFw/s320/20230403_102030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Oh I cursed. Once out of the forest nav was fine and I blatted over Stuc and Ben Vorlich and back, and I ignored the GPX on the way back as well and just kind of followed my nose. A lot easier on the way down. But Jeez! That garmin thing had me totally flummoxed and doubting everything. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Callendar Monster Loop</h2><p>At 130k of gravelly goodness, I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to get around this entire loop without cheating especially after 5 days of increasingly heavy exercise. (no, I wasn't going to have a rest day, this was the last day of decent weather). Downloaded the route onto the wahoo (no, I havent had any issues with that- only the bloody garmin), and headed off from Callendar (all day parking for £3.20) into the hills. </p><p>The road uphill soon gave way into Gravel, and within 30 mins I could have been in the middle of absolutely nowhere. The section from here towards Comrie was fantastic. I was fresh, eating every 35 mins thanks to the alert I set up on the wahoo and the gravel was rideable and remote.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHrWU0Q4VV4jM3wIa_MKXy-ywLi3FTcfyn1X9lgIdXugpwZafgKdn8h5BXAaKUOpQdZkx3g31BH1LHspErXAC2kr5-aYBL-xbIrtgBwzQOKxcyQ-z4eZE5ayxBnS4VVG6KmHa9U-AmW7gOfjv6CTLOZGakH6iydsf6QI28IrEBS8elQx_PQLY2RdvIQ/s4032/20230404_082423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHrWU0Q4VV4jM3wIa_MKXy-ywLi3FTcfyn1X9lgIdXugpwZafgKdn8h5BXAaKUOpQdZkx3g31BH1LHspErXAC2kr5-aYBL-xbIrtgBwzQOKxcyQ-z4eZE5ayxBnS4VVG6KmHa9U-AmW7gOfjv6CTLOZGakH6iydsf6QI28IrEBS8elQx_PQLY2RdvIQ/s320/20230404_082423.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFScX2kCtP6dWffTxQfOIz-KuMEKfVSM-6TZ14izHXCRDvzqJB1Zs1n6OgtgIwick74abs0MBRXhMrntrWso1aOQI_JRbsrStfvjFtLqnwgKgKaA-HZCrDHCvrRwAVHmdC5nG-lDHY4cg24wF8RK5vpSn1tvT9n1t_4ROKWoNYSIg_LzZoV3zqcKjsPg/s4032/20230404_084321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFScX2kCtP6dWffTxQfOIz-KuMEKfVSM-6TZ14izHXCRDvzqJB1Zs1n6OgtgIwick74abs0MBRXhMrntrWso1aOQI_JRbsrStfvjFtLqnwgKgKaA-HZCrDHCvrRwAVHmdC5nG-lDHY4cg24wF8RK5vpSn1tvT9n1t_4ROKWoNYSIg_LzZoV3zqcKjsPg/s320/20230404_084321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gXDcKVif4B8bsYHyPJ8PvyCEtg-Yr8GClJ-7UCa8Z2VXLzMWN_RHIq6uuWRcGRyjz9wlODoE5KiCzRD1o0D1Er_-SrR1Dy77tIPu-tnVb4W73Q0Rz9D2RD-ShLZxct2IXAx51uQAKP3TTGo1TbpUNgNNbHpvTCk__5sdGJ5oh1u8M22FolTRDQas6w/s4032/20230404_084341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gXDcKVif4B8bsYHyPJ8PvyCEtg-Yr8GClJ-7UCa8Z2VXLzMWN_RHIq6uuWRcGRyjz9wlODoE5KiCzRD1o0D1Er_-SrR1Dy77tIPu-tnVb4W73Q0Rz9D2RD-ShLZxct2IXAx51uQAKP3TTGo1TbpUNgNNbHpvTCk__5sdGJ5oh1u8M22FolTRDQas6w/s320/20230404_084341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Simply amazing riding- and once the gravel had run out, it was quiet back lanes down into Comrie before a short main road section before jumping onto estate paths up and over the hill towards Balmenoch. Some of these sections were pretty steep and had me right into the red- other sections were steep AND loose which was an additional uphill challenge. <p></p><p>Despite having gone through the relative civilisation of Comrie, it was soon as if the moor was the middle of nowhere again. The remoteness of the landscape was incredible. What was fantastic was that the day before I'd be on the tops of the hills looking into the Glens, and today I was biking through them at quite a pace. It's great to travel in both places by different methods. </p><p>The Dam at Loch Turret came and went- with me expecting to see a few more people... thus far, on the moor, I had seen a grand total of- uh- no-one. And thus it continued- basically for the first 3 hours of the ride- except for the short section through Comrie, I saw no-one. It was only after joining the A-road north towards Craignavar that I saw anyone else. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWzJPT8rtmz4sPZcPqbuMSZh5bQZfY27x6Vn841zfH8JOpsNY7gssXhkA06iNmYCn-PnPFAUj2NivElTvkYLwQl56Ph7S2psH4zKJ0DxrW1K0_06v_VZ6m0haC1kSminucmWK722a9NzoKyG_Aiwz0Tj-KS7SPsKDa3EWM_TQwHjZotSZAsGWVZVFxQ/s4032/20230404_100933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWzJPT8rtmz4sPZcPqbuMSZh5bQZfY27x6Vn841zfH8JOpsNY7gssXhkA06iNmYCn-PnPFAUj2NivElTvkYLwQl56Ph7S2psH4zKJ0DxrW1K0_06v_VZ6m0haC1kSminucmWK722a9NzoKyG_Aiwz0Tj-KS7SPsKDa3EWM_TQwHjZotSZAsGWVZVFxQ/s320/20230404_100933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Despite it being an A-road, the views were still incredible with stonkingly high hills on either side as you ride down the glen to the turning along the glen over to Loch Tay. Inevitably into a headwind. </p><p>There was also a farm at the entrance to the glen which had about 6 tracked vehicles (Hagglunds) outside. The track, at present, was fairly decent to ride along. Was it about to get a whole lot harder very soon?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5Z8eiVBMT3bxbzmlFaNP5iyLz3YKfsW2hWJfrFotE6DUp3UmVdmL19hqXWjlZBoisczxbdL8soTdiC5_BIrqVC4GSFwYTB_fvHv_WluBFhf6dCFnUx28Q12OFGYMkZXASkdUMrKOjoJ4qD6wvOPgKzb8Kjz3apEO_T7YfQn7neTxcpBh5SkRWvm2Ew/s4032/20230404_111927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5Z8eiVBMT3bxbzmlFaNP5iyLz3YKfsW2hWJfrFotE6DUp3UmVdmL19hqXWjlZBoisczxbdL8soTdiC5_BIrqVC4GSFwYTB_fvHv_WluBFhf6dCFnUx28Q12OFGYMkZXASkdUMrKOjoJ4qD6wvOPgKzb8Kjz3apEO_T7YfQn7neTxcpBh5SkRWvm2Ew/s320/20230404_111927.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Well, the answer was yes- but only in a headwind kind of way. Under tyre it was pretty rideable the entire way to Loch Tay. It took a while, and the scenery was breathtaking. Some of it was gravel, some was grass. There were the inevitable uphill slope, but nothing horrendous (apart from getting increasingly tired</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsp74ZzY6q08yRUejP4eVKNIUWpvR0x7mFm10Ybsou0ou73mkN07Et8n8NLEKXoegfTmqrBP7EqncUkjtdKjlfKBbQQ_JYy6ny-Zuelsees830whuGwsQ-I6m2UKc3_yA3848xj2trHWqtMdgqx2jQNtft9DIobU2bY7MsbSbrSbDudz0xMPt-rYDJQ/s4032/20230404_112904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsp74ZzY6q08yRUejP4eVKNIUWpvR0x7mFm10Ybsou0ou73mkN07Et8n8NLEKXoegfTmqrBP7EqncUkjtdKjlfKBbQQ_JYy6ny-Zuelsees830whuGwsQ-I6m2UKc3_yA3848xj2trHWqtMdgqx2jQNtft9DIobU2bY7MsbSbrSbDudz0xMPt-rYDJQ/s320/20230404_112904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrqb2x_2fGeTUXrv5eFqcwqWaBtlUm4MqoGlkC0IJysZ3eEOVKpq-i_dmBQh-NDWTJzsa7S4UVX5z92xrOQaYcf3vwa4XZKeekVxHQz1uXi7_GPX-i3Dqg9V5bIKKtZf1aIBkIDF-IZwa3PwoOYQeIWAfCyr9bHzXWyF1jXtL0XN7VTvECRiH0KyEvA/s4032/20230404_120731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrqb2x_2fGeTUXrv5eFqcwqWaBtlUm4MqoGlkC0IJysZ3eEOVKpq-i_dmBQh-NDWTJzsa7S4UVX5z92xrOQaYcf3vwa4XZKeekVxHQz1uXi7_GPX-i3Dqg9V5bIKKtZf1aIBkIDF-IZwa3PwoOYQeIWAfCyr9bHzXWyF1jXtL0XN7VTvECRiH0KyEvA/s320/20230404_120731.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The ride down to Loch Tay was superb, and then a hard left onto a very quiet road- all the way back along the Loch towards Killin. It's a long long way along that loch, but once I got to Killin I had the bit between my teeth and didn't want to stop. Not far to go now!<p></p><p>The route 7 comes through here, and there was a fairly long, but steady climb along a disused railway before a superb long and easy descent to Lochearnhead. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa9ROjrmG_nLYVjNMKt_5Jv4DTU_4hI432ylns0e7WHxEPKPmos4lUI6avABxSF2QsxO_zSWkzZzQfmXs5V2YaVuXrbayYWqPfLUEUEfURp83w_Q1UJMOk9cyLLKKYOXmskRHcK8qdlzZyJvDJ9kF_hoeDIcCvg6pbvgdMMHOLL5yKGuYQUxvifZXNw/s4032/20230404_134111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa9ROjrmG_nLYVjNMKt_5Jv4DTU_4hI432ylns0e7WHxEPKPmos4lUI6avABxSF2QsxO_zSWkzZzQfmXs5V2YaVuXrbayYWqPfLUEUEfURp83w_Q1UJMOk9cyLLKKYOXmskRHcK8qdlzZyJvDJ9kF_hoeDIcCvg6pbvgdMMHOLL5yKGuYQUxvifZXNw/s320/20230404_134111.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br />By now there are only 35km to go. You could take the easy route back along route 7, but I figured that seeing how the rest of the route had been so much fun, I should continue with the marked route from the book. <p></p><p>Minor mistake. The next 3 km up Glen Almond were utter purgatory. Even if I was fresh I don't think it would have been bags of fun. Maybe I had been spoiled by the quality of the riding thus far, but crikey. This was like being on a grassy, boggy, gnarly XC course that needed fairly regular expressions of brutal power to get up short inclines before sending you down to the bottom of the next one. It was here that I finally had to walk a section that was simply too brutal for my legs to cope with.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3exFruTGwGkOP3up51yPvqf0vVnBjeFelZHwS_v1fTgfY696Mc8QJYQNCyW4euPCjiIb1Vl0mCFJkrKtHvqGUzUeWVOZLviMIyapFNdRJrjW73mDgBY_Ue71pWU3xK0g8Mg46xBPzqJ3J2PS0ALE3atDLJGeWo2xmJBHUqHUz9j2jOu4gLIY78RoSPA/s4032/20230404_145440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3exFruTGwGkOP3up51yPvqf0vVnBjeFelZHwS_v1fTgfY696Mc8QJYQNCyW4euPCjiIb1Vl0mCFJkrKtHvqGUzUeWVOZLviMIyapFNdRJrjW73mDgBY_Ue71pWU3xK0g8Mg46xBPzqJ3J2PS0ALE3atDLJGeWo2xmJBHUqHUz9j2jOu4gLIY78RoSPA/s320/20230404_145440.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Still- once up and through this section (which took far longer than I would have liked... I needed to have a bit of a talk to myself)- the downhill through forestry roads back onto the 7 felt so easy, as did the final run in to Callendar. A superb, long, brutal and excellent day, capped off by the fact I got to the bakery 20 mins before it closed. Good times. <br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-16557200416838770272023-03-15T15:19:00.003+00:002023-03-15T15:19:42.664+00:00Competitive sport and the environment<p>As a runner and a cyclist I like to think that my hobbies are relatively low carbon. I try to run and bike from my house as much as possible, and am able to reach some pretty cool places simply by virtue of where we live. (to be honest, that was partly why we chose to live here). <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorbBnQ52q5rSmi1c5nn2jBzQoxuRc660QHQNuMIaQIxj2CDUOBNXxv-4sKcqNczqD1rsHrJS8Q8U5USDLt2ioBmjIV24awa_YJUdFELrUC8rzvDYhtSVx8RKDW1ZKpOStJBiHk8vc-VeeYS5l_2km0SgG-V8BF13liJbCh9LSrAqg8zeuRBrdbG5ghw/s2448/20230211_105055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorbBnQ52q5rSmi1c5nn2jBzQoxuRc660QHQNuMIaQIxj2CDUOBNXxv-4sKcqNczqD1rsHrJS8Q8U5USDLt2ioBmjIV24awa_YJUdFELrUC8rzvDYhtSVx8RKDW1ZKpOStJBiHk8vc-VeeYS5l_2km0SgG-V8BF13liJbCh9LSrAqg8zeuRBrdbG5ghw/s320/20230211_105055.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running from the door. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Over recent years, as you will be able to tell from the way these blogs have gone, racing has slowly, and then quickly dropped out of my focus as a runner. It was never really a focus as a cyclist, I am under no delusions as to my position in the ranks of the cycling pantheon. This is partially to do with becoming a grumpy old man who wants nothing more than to be left alone to bugger off into the hills to escape other people, but, more recently, has been more to do with the fact that going racing, no matter the sport, seems to be in complete opposition to the low-carbon nature of the sports that I do. </p><p>This year, a huge contingent of UK runners have gone to race the Berkley marathon over in the USA. There is no low carbon way to get there. Carbon offsetting does indeed exist, but really, that's kinda bollocks. ("If Im rich enough to pay for my carbon, I'm allowed to fly"- just doesn't cut it). The carbon footprint of anyone who headed over there to race is going to be pretty big, so it doesn't matter who you are, or how many green credentials you think you might have, by flying to another continent to race, that kind of opens you up to a whole range of criticisms. </p><p>Now, I understand that to be a "high level racer" you need to get out and do the high level races, and that means doing things that are not on your doorstep. It means travel- and this is not just limited to running. Cycle races are all over the place- (and even worse- they have legions of cars and a massive entourage, and when televised, they have multiple helicoptors and planes etc... carbon footprint? MASSIVE). To do these things and be good at them means that you have a larger profile- and having a larger profile means that you get a bigger audience to broadcast to. </p><p>Lewis Hamilton has a massive audience- and he wouldn't have that without racing insanely fast cars in multiple locations around the world. Not exactly a low carbon sport. He uses his platform to talk about climate change- now *that* is quite a way to do things. Certainly you can't call motorsport low carbon... but to talk about it afterward... is that massively hypocritical, or is that a good thing because he is drawing attention to the problem?</p><p>Bringing it back down a notch- saying that you are concerned about the environment and going around doing an environmentally friendly sport- but competitively- means that you are probably going to be burning a fair amount of carbon. Getting to races, getting home again. Kit that breaks and wears out (because it is, by its nature, lightweight and fragile)- it all adds up. </p><p>I'm coming to the conclusion that you can't *really* be a competitive athlete AND an environmentally conscious person with a conscience without some serious doublethink going on. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwnAhNWqfZDv-E1yC7sC3wCctkF7wG3JuPzlmshqVZXXE5jde9ZCyVwL6oHrqKzRpKgT2WlLXqh40zAuET5QgeOrJBxOKCEFWH33xCqguGGEArCRRiwCeHfTXiC_PHUAc8DQ_TvcFS5459UfUcYTxvBeqwk60Wu4RRBEoVps0J5Y-Byl3WNNJ--mx-g/s2448/20230310_214220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwnAhNWqfZDv-E1yC7sC3wCctkF7wG3JuPzlmshqVZXXE5jde9ZCyVwL6oHrqKzRpKgT2WlLXqh40zAuET5QgeOrJBxOKCEFWH33xCqguGGEArCRRiwCeHfTXiC_PHUAc8DQ_TvcFS5459UfUcYTxvBeqwk60Wu4RRBEoVps0J5Y-Byl3WNNJ--mx-g/s320/20230310_214220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only boarding I'm doing now. Once every few years I get to walk in from home.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Yes, it might be a laudable aspiration. No, it isn't possible without a whole LOAD of critique being rightfully sent your way. But equally- skiers and climbers who fly off to ski 4,5,6 times a year and then complain about environmental upheaval and the depressing reduction in glaciers and snowfall... who dyou think is to blame?</p><p>No, the biggest polluters are not necessarily the "little" people like you and I. That is what the big corporations who are massively polluting the world want us to think. It is something that we can collectively do to save the world... whilst all the time they are pumping god only knows what into the sea and the air and making vast sums of money doing so. But we all have some kind of responsibility. </p><p>Don't we? It's a hard call. I don't want to sound like I'm against doing stuff, and getting out there and challenging yourself- but the optics of being an evironmentally sound person taking longhaul flights isn't great. </p><p>Tis quite the conundrum. <br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-59688291887318960372023-02-22T13:14:00.000+00:002023-02-22T13:14:44.130+00:00Acquisition of skill. Learning to learn. <p>When you get to a certain age, you feel like you should be good at stuff. Looking at people who have mastered their art- those who are skillful- they are about my age, and granted, they have spent 20 or 25 years perfecting what they do. So why do I feel like I should be just as good as them at what they do?!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8yS_596gTm0h901xJBlwNaPtM_FrHKE-h1X35Pe7baPY57BoosgNtDg2rvoZh8qE0qKJWGimBZfrPYQHw9XKZfOcy7U0bBYh9t3iLcc3iBWlxaCVm0JPwrifc30SYLoun5F4yLJNhZVfE1HppaoqS57ezr4T3qRsEix8qwcIyEPwxbNcygkNJgnTdQ/s2048/IMG-20230218-WA0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8yS_596gTm0h901xJBlwNaPtM_FrHKE-h1X35Pe7baPY57BoosgNtDg2rvoZh8qE0qKJWGimBZfrPYQHw9XKZfOcy7U0bBYh9t3iLcc3iBWlxaCVm0JPwrifc30SYLoun5F4yLJNhZVfE1HppaoqS57ezr4T3qRsEix8qwcIyEPwxbNcygkNJgnTdQ/s320/IMG-20230218-WA0042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Mike for the photos of me attempting to windsurf.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>We like to feel accomplished. The feeling of easy skill is rewarding. The knowledge that over many hours, over many years, the ability to do a certain thing is refined to the point of unconscious competence. It is hard, as an adult, to go back to the learning stage- both in terms of having to start from incompetence, and the frustration of getting it wrong over and over again. </p><p>There are many articles and studies that talk about the delight of the "learning mindset". The ability to work on something and learn new skills. When we are young, the ability to learn is pretty much hardwired into us, simply because every experience is new and unique. We have to learn, it is simply the way we interact with the world around us. As we age, everything we do tends to follow the same pattern, more and more. There are fewer surprises and we react to things with a narrower and narrower set of viewpoints. We stop learning, and try to railroad things into previous skills and experiences, which quite often works.... that is how we are seen to be "skillful". </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB0LiJVygO0Ff_xwOaFlNkQa3U2i8aOICIJEm1DQqbD4ncYzP9bfjDgPN0yEh1yi8nuq2dSZUiV5KVuntatHSWpHdxo_R8Un5uT0dGBSoI0hO-_w0NTEq5Wdl8b620MbQA_DSxjEO_XjHwIN0p0_LmZBI4nsVPGCrAj-EerJI0Nf30v7Sfken-dFCGg/s4032/20220828_142608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoB0LiJVygO0Ff_xwOaFlNkQa3U2i8aOICIJEm1DQqbD4ncYzP9bfjDgPN0yEh1yi8nuq2dSZUiV5KVuntatHSWpHdxo_R8Un5uT0dGBSoI0hO-_w0NTEq5Wdl8b620MbQA_DSxjEO_XjHwIN0p0_LmZBI4nsVPGCrAj-EerJI0Nf30v7Sfken-dFCGg/s320/20220828_142608.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to do electronics AND woodwork. (neither of them particularly high level, but it's a start)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>It is rare that you see someone of an age embark on something completely new, where their skillset is absolute zero. Actually- that isn't entirely true... I suppose a lot of us try new things, but when we don't progress "fast enough", when we stagnate at a certain stage and feel like "this is just hard work"... that is the point when we tend to give up. The learning process doesn't feel as easy as just doing the things you are good at. By just doing the things we are good at, we forget how to learn which makes it very easy to think "ah, that's never going to work" and just stop. </p><p>We forget how to learn. </p><p>We forget how to make mistakes and learn from them. </p><p>I certainly have this problem. I *hate* making mistakes and have this ridiculous innate feeling/belief that anything I pick up, I should be able to master within a very short time. How silly is that? Having seen someone *do* something- who has incredible skill as a result of a lifetimes dedication, I have this thought that I can simply do exactly the same thing, with the same skill level- be it computer programming, woodwork, speaking french, working with electronics, baking.... the list goes on!<br /></p><p>Part of it is down to the belief that "it's just muscle memory"- if you can make your muscles do exactly the same thing as the other person, then the result will be exactly the same. Technically, I suppose this is correct- but other things have to be taken into account- and of course- I don't. I try to do the thing, realise I can't do it to the same level as the skilled and seasoned professional, and then- give up. </p><p>Shocking. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Q_SlQ6eFdqOPcuFAR6ZCX9SIKE6IyNJqs2iGe-h96UEAuQ2TbbKAcFpEgVvGZE3LG_fY1wG73c05O8lOppUa12rp6uq6t98SGHYTlNGt2AfoQn7U3fbPC3KDvDGKeCMXock1rJ1wkVq5ks27YQkdUls9wKhNAG8RN1tkoWhGvMJOw9rd7I4Jpw1l9Q/s2048/IMG-20230218-WA0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Q_SlQ6eFdqOPcuFAR6ZCX9SIKE6IyNJqs2iGe-h96UEAuQ2TbbKAcFpEgVvGZE3LG_fY1wG73c05O8lOppUa12rp6uq6t98SGHYTlNGt2AfoQn7U3fbPC3KDvDGKeCMXock1rJ1wkVq5ks27YQkdUls9wKhNAG8RN1tkoWhGvMJOw9rd7I4Jpw1l9Q/s320/IMG-20230218-WA0036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope- you'll not get any more photos of my attempted woodwork!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>So this is why I started to learn windsurfing. Or at least- attempting to learn to windsurf. It is not a thing that comes easily or naturally. A lot of my time is spend getting thrown off the board and trying to work out what happened. And that is the point. Trying to put my head and body through a new experience to remember how to learn- to adopt that beginners mindset and try to hone skills in order to get better. I'm hoping that this will have a knock on effect upon other areas of my life as well. Recognition that I *do* need to get better at certain things, that time and practice is important. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSbbZxUEbLbR08aTpa_0x5aDvRFBrtYJOXQsRwya2kRtPcvp99oFa4cfMcoAMPAr4Vbmeq_RUyKlzdKGtFJkohJ8BfZVrvwgftto5gPpUONd1EFChVA9H79j0LNSvlUOW23C2V5xPZe0pL5nTPBEygfugA9vnY7UAXLWtCgaOIwFGqdzY3737dACOfQ/s2048/IMG-20230218-WA0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSbbZxUEbLbR08aTpa_0x5aDvRFBrtYJOXQsRwya2kRtPcvp99oFa4cfMcoAMPAr4Vbmeq_RUyKlzdKGtFJkohJ8BfZVrvwgftto5gPpUONd1EFChVA9H79j0LNSvlUOW23C2V5xPZe0pL5nTPBEygfugA9vnY7UAXLWtCgaOIwFGqdzY3737dACOfQ/s320/IMG-20230218-WA0037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Genuinely I have no idea where this misplaced belief that everything I pick up I should be able to do- it's literally never been the case, but trying to get out of that mindset is unbelievably hard.</p><p>Next up.... French? Maths? Maybe that's a step too far....<br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-73826854591977956512023-02-12T19:24:00.003+00:002023-02-12T19:43:48.423+00:00Explorer tiles over t'other side of t'moor<p> As racing isnt really happening at the moment- for quite a while really, other stuff might as well get written about. If you've been reading this blog at all, you'll probably be aware of the concept of "explorer tiles" as mentioned in a decent amount of detail over Christmas and the various explorations of the <a href="https://testedtodestruction.blogspot.com/2022/12/veloviewer-isle-of-wight-challenge.html" target="_blank">Isle of Wight</a>. </p><p>Well, the coverage of the Peak District area is going pretty well, but there were are few gaps over toward the Eastern side that needed plugging in order to increase the overall largest square. These gaps were on the moorland, so cycling wasn't an option- the only way to go through them was by foot. Ideally, this would be on a run from home (the lower the carbon footprint the better), and so the idea of doing a fairly long running loop out towards Sheffield swiftly took shape. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZmUagzolbWJg4Sa5hVp1NuKa0BTQnvLlPLqXSXQkwO9vI3He7rg2JTA2fSYZnE_QvH4Bk57pW1orOzzljABFSLME_VTXp1MhtdwZCpYVc_5Fh56AT2rTiiDBHKgRy1neLGciGhESVEvOqwH_f15o0FL6FgyA6opwCeuTRbar-SdzfJ9Ibf3RElzy9g/s380/to%20be%20got.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="380" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZmUagzolbWJg4Sa5hVp1NuKa0BTQnvLlPLqXSXQkwO9vI3He7rg2JTA2fSYZnE_QvH4Bk57pW1orOzzljABFSLME_VTXp1MhtdwZCpYVc_5Fh56AT2rTiiDBHKgRy1neLGciGhESVEvOqwH_f15o0FL6FgyA6opwCeuTRbar-SdzfJ9Ibf3RElzy9g/s320/to%20be%20got.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Squares! These are the ones I'm aming for. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>Maps were printed and drawn on with the approximate areas of the missing squares. Specific locations that would take me to a definite point within each square were identified, and the overall route was planned on an OS map. Considering the route over to Margery Stones was fairly well known, and the route back from the Blacks was also known, it was decided that the full OS map didn't need to be taken on the route. Rather, it was just a couple of sheets that had been laminated, with the sections that were most important... ie. the bits where squares *needed* to be got. </p><p>Distances weren't really important- this was simply a "long" run, which was going to take quite a long time. 4 hours would be ridiculous. 5 would be incredible. 6 would be fast. 7 hours... hmmmm. 8? Maybe. A headtorch was packed as well, just in case. </p><p>The initial route went up Lightside and across to Wainstones to Bleaklow head. From there, across the plateau over to Bleaklow Stones, Grinah Stones and down Lower Small Clough, past the cabins and into the Derwent valley. A short run down the valley, and a sharp lefthand turn up the hill in Broadhead clough to the top of the hill- where Outer Edge trig lies to your left, and Margery Stones to your right was about on the 2 hour mark. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxmln4aEQrMq3BLGxTbnqbzRa-t4nt0GV4yfUPx7O9A0D3MNRNxyHWkVoO5FudNwvnyAYHDjqwX2Cg638mEAhYd2lvjd6Xkxcwv3olqMVeZsiKZqzLklwtgcS7nUfK1FetOmHFt-YS2pYmNefI6G4wyo5y_sbbZ2QHb9SgE_PYpaSXqOjdh6qv9E-7g/s2448/20230211_085154.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxmln4aEQrMq3BLGxTbnqbzRa-t4nt0GV4yfUPx7O9A0D3MNRNxyHWkVoO5FudNwvnyAYHDjqwX2Cg638mEAhYd2lvjd6Xkxcwv3olqMVeZsiKZqzLklwtgcS7nUfK1FetOmHFt-YS2pYmNefI6G4wyo5y_sbbZ2QHb9SgE_PYpaSXqOjdh6qv9E-7g/s320/20230211_085154.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiley at Grinah<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Across Cut Gate and the first human of the day was spotted, and soon left behind as Margery Stones trig was attained. Now came the beginning of the square bagging.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aCsDHSqv1Iatvir3qxCqbaTN1NUjH2bTrygZ3ZcXiQx1CFDhvn2lalB7DHIy0scjG3gsy7DTVek1cfi3vsDY8LBUehmei3A3J9qIV0OKIpUnFkNfzr61VOIOSpTG9qwM09jaZRk5RvFn_KazOdK2G8VqZv1uzcsFWtgAW4D1M59IKy6sgvFeXvHeEA/s4032/20230211_095211.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aCsDHSqv1Iatvir3qxCqbaTN1NUjH2bTrygZ3ZcXiQx1CFDhvn2lalB7DHIy0scjG3gsy7DTVek1cfi3vsDY8LBUehmei3A3J9qIV0OKIpUnFkNfzr61VOIOSpTG9qwM09jaZRk5RvFn_KazOdK2G8VqZv1uzcsFWtgAW4D1M59IKy6sgvFeXvHeEA/s320/20230211_095211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margery Hill Trig<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> An eastward trajectory was followed down the moor, past a very out of place bush down into the junction of Stainery Clough and the aptly named Boggery Slades, followed by a fence line just to the north of Eweden Beck, keeping as low as possible in order to graze into the squares. There was a very nice trod to follow for the vast majority of the way around to the corner of a sheepfold that had been earmarked. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkiVvqJVIRJtyBliE1Z8a8Cm3TYzQSZk0hNX3P6RVD_6wlGbxgek0StyWu3ed4OMzel1ybw3aJ6xo-2l8xfT1U-k3Z8t0uPofAygIv748JlE7JZrZh0nXZXDFxvymIlyftGde11Y_HarxqenDkVvyMiDJ_RHIfZP-ESOYr3k0cNikuMq8K6AUsqSdVA/s4032/20230211_095728.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkiVvqJVIRJtyBliE1Z8a8Cm3TYzQSZk0hNX3P6RVD_6wlGbxgek0StyWu3ed4OMzel1ybw3aJ6xo-2l8xfT1U-k3Z8t0uPofAygIv748JlE7JZrZh0nXZXDFxvymIlyftGde11Y_HarxqenDkVvyMiDJ_RHIfZP-ESOYr3k0cNikuMq8K6AUsqSdVA/s320/20230211_095728.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the hell is that Bush doing there?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>On getting to the wall corner and consulting the map it was decided to drop to the stream and back up again, *just* to be on the safe side of getting the square. Post-run analysis showed this wasn't strictly necessary, but it was good to do it anyway. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBjtCuZrBAmgrXHKChh6aXdl_wURgOi-mr7V27JOtA8Qr6J2Y1jF20jyz2WQuQ8HtR9HdeYYXCDmmBvb1Ev0Srrvj1NqGAeyR9hjD3ON8Di2IcZeT4VXX7aldQZpkrVunA1ii-14cFx6Y_j1WtVIlTkl6196K1wLmdzq3Lk5hD406NtDMyM0WqIJODQ/s4032/20230211_100437.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBjtCuZrBAmgrXHKChh6aXdl_wURgOi-mr7V27JOtA8Qr6J2Y1jF20jyz2WQuQ8HtR9HdeYYXCDmmBvb1Ev0Srrvj1NqGAeyR9hjD3ON8Di2IcZeT4VXX7aldQZpkrVunA1ii-14cFx6Y_j1WtVIlTkl6196K1wLmdzq3Lk5hD406NtDMyM0WqIJODQ/s320/20230211_100437.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah, I stumbled on an aircraft wreck as well. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>3 hours in now- and at the point furthest away from the house- but with a fair amount of "interesting" nav to be done yet. 6 hours would be generous. </p><p>Northwards now, up and over some fairly tough ground- deep heather- gaining an intermittent wall line and over to a junction that was fairly indistinct. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DCEru_ydHxvoRJ0K-CQni7WDTufIqBzV28XCUyXItaaDNaoOri526-jkVsGzZlL4oq4cCR2EbMGUYu-sg8VrjdKJlfeT8lhO6yPoINh4R1jRpLzO20kJdnSK6EE4TpIDh7u-QgTvZXQtUEne70VrypU2ziBOg85EoUkzNZHQptDTz9xZo7LACYwESw/s4032/20230211_105111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DCEru_ydHxvoRJ0K-CQni7WDTufIqBzV28XCUyXItaaDNaoOri526-jkVsGzZlL4oq4cCR2EbMGUYu-sg8VrjdKJlfeT8lhO6yPoINh4R1jRpLzO20kJdnSK6EE4TpIDh7u-QgTvZXQtUEne70VrypU2ziBOg85EoUkzNZHQptDTz9xZo7LACYwESw/s320/20230211_105111.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS wall junction<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Slow progress here, but good visibilty- which meant that everything on the ground was pretty well identifiable and nav was relatively easy. From here, a navigational jump from a wall corner to another one across some fairly inhospitable ground with heather and bog made for quite slow progress. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws-ImlkktwhZTkzMC_4Lm3kaQHlluWiH6_ogRcyEHxsPtJm6zraVwyRqc3DniJHUd9dQhc4zmhLR2mGERS6e9MM1ank3RZlTm326tcZZCAJVaQ4FGWD0z7OhynAcsR1ll_WQizQwZ5y6YoX5xG_fg9AcR7pOz7DficoWaPXd2awcdeJoCL8biBBkCpw/s2448/20230211_105055.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws-ImlkktwhZTkzMC_4Lm3kaQHlluWiH6_ogRcyEHxsPtJm6zraVwyRqc3DniJHUd9dQhc4zmhLR2mGERS6e9MM1ank3RZlTm326tcZZCAJVaQ4FGWD0z7OhynAcsR1ll_WQizQwZ5y6YoX5xG_fg9AcR7pOz7DficoWaPXd2awcdeJoCL8biBBkCpw/s320/20230211_105055.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the "wall" junction. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The wall corner at Ferny Common was a point where the route reckoned on a direct line across to Sudgen Clough. <br />The ground did not look inviting, and there is a fairly decent trod from Pike Lowe back to the Mickleden Edge path. Oh- and another thing- there was a headwind from hell coming in from the West which hampered progress to a considerable degree.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLCrG2SgUhQd9kjfA6IvIaM6smvvNnHONun47eHXbe3P79nW0JFBhkhjUKe6riUdjPgJaQw0w1UlbQ5HNd2lhA6denp41XuB3f9i6jJvsVY1nWXzusu-1uG7NLFzvECRgNqOeh0d4eJcYU-ZmEN2ly4125MfH9gTh1SO7neGwcEzL7C1qUD9N2L4rGg/s4032/20230211_105059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLCrG2SgUhQd9kjfA6IvIaM6smvvNnHONun47eHXbe3P79nW0JFBhkhjUKe6riUdjPgJaQw0w1UlbQ5HNd2lhA6denp41XuB3f9i6jJvsVY1nWXzusu-1uG7NLFzvECRgNqOeh0d4eJcYU-ZmEN2ly4125MfH9gTh1SO7neGwcEzL7C1qUD9N2L4rGg/s320/20230211_105059.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"the ground did not look inviting". To be fair, this is looking North. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Looking at the map now, the hop to Sudgen clough seems totally do-able. On the day, ascending to Pike Lowe was a MUCH better option than hacking across 500metres of thigh deep heather. <p></p><p>So up to Pike Lowe and across the old boundary path back to the Mickleden path- breaking off early in order to go down and across the illegal road up above Mickleden Beck. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrF6RpNuL0H6LA5VzkiL1SAaZCmBkDzNlmZPBbIMu_3zAAj8GLWxSdJzNyLvUBbpRh53E9LWDUdgKc69VATuXnnD2T9vRXjCxC00rm9-NkIdAKjfVjG5YjXUS0LmYzHU-bL9RI7bnlPjXkSDePI2-rnJcSnTpMqYYt0Gl6F7u9NLZ4_nZOLyrt-zOtw/s4032/20230211_113450.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrF6RpNuL0H6LA5VzkiL1SAaZCmBkDzNlmZPBbIMu_3zAAj8GLWxSdJzNyLvUBbpRh53E9LWDUdgKc69VATuXnnD2T9vRXjCxC00rm9-NkIdAKjfVjG5YjXUS0LmYzHU-bL9RI7bnlPjXkSDePI2-rnJcSnTpMqYYt0Gl6F7u9NLZ4_nZOLyrt-zOtw/s320/20230211_113450.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illegal road. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>(Illegal road, I hear you ask? Yes- it's a plastic road laid down by the Moor owners without planning permission about 5 years? ago, who then sought to gain retrospective planning permission for it- which was refused, (2?3? years ago)- and they still haven't removed it. I suspect they haven't been fined or otherwise punished for walking roughshod all over planning laws... but there you go, that's the problem when your ruling party is a party of Game bird killing enthusiasts who turn a blind eye to this kind of thing.... )</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4X8Y3c0HvwAK_04xKZDPT2UmNXibZAId27ca62W1CehilvxnHiKSPVgO1obhTa7bMzAj5dNXk-Dd33KC4LbKKCPxzUPkx6XGw-jI_DChwFzgUL7XajYYOd8kkDBa1MQF1Htg3bwexaF8EIL-V3KsDl3l3RengBHEEjss7BCtPr66tZX_MSGlVpr7JA/s4032/20230211_113454.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4X8Y3c0HvwAK_04xKZDPT2UmNXibZAId27ca62W1CehilvxnHiKSPVgO1obhTa7bMzAj5dNXk-Dd33KC4LbKKCPxzUPkx6XGw-jI_DChwFzgUL7XajYYOd8kkDBa1MQF1Htg3bwexaF8EIL-V3KsDl3l3RengBHEEjss7BCtPr66tZX_MSGlVpr7JA/s320/20230211_113454.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illegal road. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>ANYHOW...</p><p>Up onto the edge via a very interesting bunch of rocks and some horrendously deep heather, and then a run down a trod to get to Mickleden Pond- a brand new place for me. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYDmvMeaY0JJWtQoz1XpCfFzy1zgw_yk9s4ZJlLKAFt5GweuhVUc_ON77_tCb0592MTpMuCCOtp4Kq_m9HGvQ0VAZv1SpxQMoryFa6lXZVZWUFT612-IeYmqCN9DvDgl982Wc1O52-EZC7IYu9pAFkDHbskldEdQGv7TjnlXJSuYoDzeMLgVIPhGCIA/s4032/20230211_114010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYDmvMeaY0JJWtQoz1XpCfFzy1zgw_yk9s4ZJlLKAFt5GweuhVUc_ON77_tCb0592MTpMuCCOtp4Kq_m9HGvQ0VAZv1SpxQMoryFa6lXZVZWUFT612-IeYmqCN9DvDgl982Wc1O52-EZC7IYu9pAFkDHbskldEdQGv7TjnlXJSuYoDzeMLgVIPhGCIA/s320/20230211_114010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funky rocks<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMhpjwDDwfEjWcf0yvD2SrcyHUihazImAqmkLdVnl6So4iKESziccB-Vlq8UtNX2kFcj6I_mwnF0GHL1zCSRNbxtXgMqeIWVlgoWOL3CgD35dnDd78OwQt5ScGw8_b9afOimhwLFO2OmK6hS-28VT3g7dkL57RPOetTtfX2tGORuDSDJ8iRlkavmPGw/s4032/20230211_115143.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMhpjwDDwfEjWcf0yvD2SrcyHUihazImAqmkLdVnl6So4iKESziccB-Vlq8UtNX2kFcj6I_mwnF0GHL1zCSRNbxtXgMqeIWVlgoWOL3CgD35dnDd78OwQt5ScGw8_b9afOimhwLFO2OmK6hS-28VT3g7dkL57RPOetTtfX2tGORuDSDJ8iRlkavmPGw/s320/20230211_115143.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickleden Pond<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br />Then onward down perhaps the worse running line in history to the East of Bradshaw clough where "running" very much took a back seat to "attempting to get through more thigh deep heather than is good for you"- a slow, slow, slow downhill kilometre to a stream crossing and the most well fortified sheepfold in existence. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIarSYQCxtSR9tn3ehTvOJoCqA1vVXgh27MM6BVJVfQzmfGgVhRvQogLvrTnOmrnsX-xnPdhf4reGOwVJvdKsMbqSyzBe7lVUF3UB4gDV_rg301f0dZmiEr57sh9dwpHoAGe_7WZ_H1oWSOSSozPLMu2sBTMwn9kRbCzaJqfILXQhW4kSTgyqMUSM4-w/s4032/20230211_120848.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIarSYQCxtSR9tn3ehTvOJoCqA1vVXgh27MM6BVJVfQzmfGgVhRvQogLvrTnOmrnsX-xnPdhf4reGOwVJvdKsMbqSyzBe7lVUF3UB4gDV_rg301f0dZmiEr57sh9dwpHoAGe_7WZ_H1oWSOSSozPLMu2sBTMwn9kRbCzaJqfILXQhW4kSTgyqMUSM4-w/s320/20230211_120848.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sheep fold with crenellations. I mean... what?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Now onwards and upwards on "Hordron road", past the second human of the day, and up to the A628. 1230. 5 hours in. Shoes off to get rid of excess internal peat, picked up over the last few miles, the second of 3 gels I have for "extra" energy.... I've been going through food very well so far- but the next section is directly into the wind and up a 2km long hill. Fine under normal circumstances, but this is 30k deep and there is a decision to be made. After the trig point... continue West down the Snow road and back to the Blacks and home- or turn North and do the extension that will get another 5 squares...?</p><p>The long drag up the hill is... well... long. Traffic streams past just over the rise on the A628, but there is enough of a barrier not to really take much of a notice of it. Up to the trig point, a quick photo, and, dyou know what? Straight down the Snow Road is only a kilometre less than the extension, so it might as well get done. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVLophfVqi0tHpNP3PQTmZEJQU3jFsXCWEoHyFXgc68k8SzBBiEpCNyieSuTcsnWoNhKjUIlabIKnkZyi_IYmOTo-1-yF5RyMLllQGyWMXgxnRdeLeIF-1lY8ngL2AJgdUXs4I3MOVzn7Km1ptsu3ZDjDR6qFCf0EYbZ9cmsR6xBbXyZFwp4w-W-jaQ/s4032/20230211_125221.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVLophfVqi0tHpNP3PQTmZEJQU3jFsXCWEoHyFXgc68k8SzBBiEpCNyieSuTcsnWoNhKjUIlabIKnkZyi_IYmOTo-1-yF5RyMLllQGyWMXgxnRdeLeIF-1lY8ngL2AJgdUXs4I3MOVzn7Km1ptsu3ZDjDR6qFCf0EYbZ9cmsR6xBbXyZFwp4w-W-jaQ/s320/20230211_125221.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That stupid trig you can see from the A628<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Idiot. </p><p>Northwards on the bridleway (well, through a few turks heads/ peat hags) to the bridleway and then north, up to the road and across onto some of the grimmest running landscape I've had the misfortune to "run" across. First up, a bash across inhospital heather/bog scape to Dearden clough, and a fabulous scramble up a crumbling grough to the grough corner to bag the first of the squares here. </p><p>Grouse butts were spied- which generally means some kind of trod, so after a bit of a bash up Dead Edge a very very thin trod was attained- which kind of- but not really- made it's way towards the fence line on Dead Edge End. More heather bashing to get to the fenceline where another trod- dead into the wind and very boggy continued to the trig point. Square 2 on this section. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ27DwJdme5lzxQezEeNjQBr4R81z8OWcQCcDnPIXfT6PsmeU9Y_gnJ00WbTfKLp-pM2EWwFRCWWSiPFplJCh30wSztJB4UKxTPKaCis701EU22oeJQJhdap7acahKf81lk_AamfVXrME2HbgF_rK3MINzROkx6yf0O9U4B92_LOqVm3SscoKvycrUA/s2448/20230211_134017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ27DwJdme5lzxQezEeNjQBr4R81z8OWcQCcDnPIXfT6PsmeU9Y_gnJ00WbTfKLp-pM2EWwFRCWWSiPFplJCh30wSztJB4UKxTPKaCis701EU22oeJQJhdap7acahKf81lk_AamfVXrME2HbgF_rK3MINzROkx6yf0O9U4B92_LOqVm3SscoKvycrUA/s320/20230211_134017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Edge End trig. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Looking at the map, it was suddenly apparent that if I made way directly to the planned sheepfold, a square would get missed. Which would mean having to come out here again. No way. This fence line continued on the ridge up into the missing square, just to the east of Withens Edge, so I stayed high for much longer than initially was necessary before dropping directly into the clough. </p><p>Well. Directly.... kind of directly through knee high turks heads- which slowed the pace down to a crawl- but at least it was a downhill crawl. It was a laughing matter, or else it would have been a crying one- and eventually the sheepfold came into sight over a slight hummock. Touch the sheepfold (not fortified like the last one)- and a look south down the clough to the next one. The entire hillside was basically turks heads. The whole thing. Sheep were dotted around, and so there were a couple of trods that were about half a sheep wide (no idea how they did that- but that's the truth) and so very very slow progress was made down the clough to the second sheepfold. </p><p>Right. Enough of this now. From here, it is a basic bearing from here to the Blacks carpark. Easy. </p><p>Take a sighting. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlrwCj-zNrixRenvqRLlMKFjUxlZED5OaEh6xM07pqlNlnUizE1gBlcUkV87QP20JXh5Rd6huN6FtZnByeSC2o-v0q0pkxBVSLAZV_FX_HyAWzmsmc9CWECfZEHYZBpTEf1HkabcelBAXOdJ8Zl5VwptieLMx6VEzGy_z1lhEPgUTPLx_CJkHc4lPvg/s4032/20230211_140746.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlrwCj-zNrixRenvqRLlMKFjUxlZED5OaEh6xM07pqlNlnUizE1gBlcUkV87QP20JXh5Rd6huN6FtZnByeSC2o-v0q0pkxBVSLAZV_FX_HyAWzmsmc9CWECfZEHYZBpTEf1HkabcelBAXOdJ8Zl5VwptieLMx6VEzGy_z1lhEPgUTPLx_CJkHc4lPvg/s320/20230211_140746.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup. You're going that-a-way<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The terrain you have just been going through was a cakewalk. THIS is where it gets really grim. 44km in, down to the last 2 bars, there is a hillside you have to go up across and over. The entire thing is knee to thigh deep turks heads. There are NO sheep trods. There is no easy way. Have a short talk with yourself, become convinced that if you just go for it, it'll only be about 10 mins and strike out on the bearing. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURELqvTs73AzJ9QEw78-sUc2hstnK3LQVerV0-AyKV9U8_incHjD23V9X1wCIrHP6rg2DUqkeO23jA_3Y2x00rgyR0tkTAZ3QqwdS34uqoDJxPAijpIdPa7-orG-lUmDHArwZH1YQW2hxz-BpjZKTy6aFuIxZqFVQYg5oUz4YSt-Yz_JxMILv-YH2zw/s4032/20230211_141428.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURELqvTs73AzJ9QEw78-sUc2hstnK3LQVerV0-AyKV9U8_incHjD23V9X1wCIrHP6rg2DUqkeO23jA_3Y2x00rgyR0tkTAZ3QqwdS34uqoDJxPAijpIdPa7-orG-lUmDHArwZH1YQW2hxz-BpjZKTy6aFuIxZqFVQYg5oUz4YSt-Yz_JxMILv-YH2zw/s320/20230211_141428.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are many words that spring to mind. Most of them 4 letters long. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>This is just step by high footstep slow progress across treacherous ground. Running doesn't happen here. Not even a hovercraft could make decent progress across this terrain. (maybe?). Eventually there is a stile ahead- 100 metres away, yet it takes an age to get to.... and when you get there, it doesn't even go over the fence! At least it marks the high point of this section of Pikenaze moor and it is downhill turksheads to the Northern Horse Route, and the Blacks. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa976yAHCSo3RcriKwPkmc9Z-_-OahTiafcg1VC9J0UdLKsBoHjs1d-3d_NW8KfY1moTuVAQdTUnlpICQmw_chU9m9CsghImOVixgQf9GuEYxmyjHyrbg7SfTGMLb5mbPSdHQAC9PdjpYsIzRonTnOkKJjyoCjehniZQUMpOFaWurCNUTtWgy1-kaNg/s4032/20230211_142221.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa976yAHCSo3RcriKwPkmc9Z-_-OahTiafcg1VC9J0UdLKsBoHjs1d-3d_NW8KfY1moTuVAQdTUnlpICQmw_chU9m9CsghImOVixgQf9GuEYxmyjHyrbg7SfTGMLb5mbPSdHQAC9PdjpYsIzRonTnOkKJjyoCjehniZQUMpOFaWurCNUTtWgy1-kaNg/s320/20230211_142221.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They put in a stile, but missed the fence. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>All squares (hopefully) got, and a homebound route needs to be decided on. Over Near Black and across Bleaklow, or down the Longdendale trail and back up over Torside? Considering the fatigue and lack of food, the trail wins out, which although it means no immediate hill, it does mean a monotony of steady kilometres to be tapped out to Reaps. The final piece of food gets eaten at the bottom of the hill, and the climb goes as well as can be expected. Heavy legs on the way down Glossop Low, and Lynne has walked out to meet me as I come off the hill. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsf3li5qcHnI0r_kQmZaZqN-EPMNe0WBRX6dcWrYJ4zysNeSbUkSwiZKV7c2G7voa7D61V8JrymM9g80CGzhITLGf5PapIi_jm9LhVppydW9IseLmfvm8ewZucfMYC6m_1KDSAV6nEEz0YIJ49i4JcSrsyQLEC8WdDywUyyCEbACLeHmE80l6sdsO2A/s2448/20230211_153528.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsf3li5qcHnI0r_kQmZaZqN-EPMNe0WBRX6dcWrYJ4zysNeSbUkSwiZKV7c2G7voa7D61V8JrymM9g80CGzhITLGf5PapIi_jm9LhVppydW9IseLmfvm8ewZucfMYC6m_1KDSAV6nEEz0YIJ49i4JcSrsyQLEC8WdDywUyyCEbACLeHmE80l6sdsO2A/s320/20230211_153528.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glossop Low. Out of food and water, but just downhill to go. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Well then. 58km and just over 2k of ascent- 8 and a half hours of foot time- but importantly- ALL the squares got filled! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbilcRVt7XnPrhnBHVHwNyq1S8TIwGlEj46oQn7QlzB4q2Pe3MH3LP897RWMtH_vVIWV829H3jrxxhZMGU38X4JAfw1IBeADbwbrD2YelZ86H61quxqaRMiSXsBL8TlxVp4nhazq0XoaC-EuddducY-VAlYVtgE-9Pn7Za-DMPAQCBNGK8L0xhAS6jQ/s312/done.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="312" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbilcRVt7XnPrhnBHVHwNyq1S8TIwGlEj46oQn7QlzB4q2Pe3MH3LP897RWMtH_vVIWV829H3jrxxhZMGU38X4JAfw1IBeADbwbrD2YelZ86H61quxqaRMiSXsBL8TlxVp4nhazq0XoaC-EuddducY-VAlYVtgE-9Pn7Za-DMPAQCBNGK8L0xhAS6jQ/s1600/done.JPG" width="312" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Now.... onto the next section.....</p>Oh go on then- have the strava track as well....<br /><div class="strava-embed-placeholder" data-embed-id="8543700891" data-embed-type="activity"></div><script src="https://strava-embeds.com/embed.js"></script><br />zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-54978862637172680712023-02-02T09:30:00.005+00:002023-02-04T14:11:27.363+00:00Active travel provision around Glossop<p> Yeah yeah. Another blog about cycling around Glossop. I know. It seems boring, doesn't it? However, there are a number of reasons why more people don't cycle around Glossop, and having thought about it for a while, I thought it might be useful to pull together some of my thoughts. </p><p>One of the unmodifiable factors of cycling from Glossop is the fact that no matter which direction you go in, it's uphill. Yes, e-bikes are making things a bit better in terms of people being able to deal with these, but they are still there, and still provide a significant barrier to people wanting to travel actively. </p><p>It isn't *just* that is it uphill, it is the fact that all the uphills to get out of Glossop are on pretty horrible roads for cyclists. There are NO cycle lanes to be seen (protected or unprotected)- no matter which direction you go in. Is this a problem? Well... it certainly puts people off. Let me show you why. </p><p>Let's travel in each direction out of Glossop</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">North</h2><p>Ok, let's cycle North from Glossop square- straight uphill onto the B6105. It goes Up, up, up and turns into a national speedlimit road that heads East up the valley past the reservoirs, across the dam and bang! There you are on the A628, national speed limit, massive wagons using it as a cut across from the M1 to Manchester, if you want to go further north, its a climb up and over Holme Moss. Yes, THAT Holme Moss. Again, national speedlimit, motorists blatting over there at 60+mph. Not exactly enticing for a cyclist. - If you decided to go over the A628, well, jeez. I mean, you *could*, but no. </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="450" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d37995.019013477744!2d-1.8905037033691463!3d53.47402358593294!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1674652698975!5m2!1sen!2suk" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe></p><p></p><p>What other options are there?</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">East</h2><p>Why would you want to go East?</p><p>Well, Sheffield is over there. As is Ladybower, Hope, the rest of the Peak district. How to get there? There is indeed a road that goes east- its the A57, Snake pass. I quite enjoy cycling over it, but every time I'm on it, on a bike or in a car, I see at least one dodgy overtake that could have led to serious crash/death. On a good day, its lovely and quiet. On a bad day, you get passed by people doing between 60 and 90mph, get driven at by people overtaking coming towards you, get close passed, and generally it's a relief to get to the other side. A cycling route? Yes, but really not for the faint hearted, and certainly not one that you'd get nervous cyclists on. <br /></p><p>What options are there?</p><p>- uh, none. (ok, there is the TransPennine- but... well, see below). <br /></p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="450" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d19013.31503742648!2d-1.896254359497075!3d53.43870894295703!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1674653186058!5m2!1sen!2suk" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe> <br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">South</h2><p>Why would you want to go South? - </p><p>Well, Hayfield, Edale, Congleton, there are some lovely cycle ways down there. There is a whole load of Mountain biking just over the hill in hayfield... yet to get there... You guessed it- main road. The A624 (Chunal Lane) goes south straight out of Glossop and up a 10% hill. Any provision for vulnerable road users? Hah. Chance would be a fine thing. Up out of Glossop and straight onto the hill in what is actually a 50mph zone, but tends to be somewhat ignored by those who have motors. In with the traffic, and off you go- same road all the way to Hayfield. Once in Hayfield there are a few options, but to get there- A-road all the way. Nervous riders? Carry on, nothing to see here. </p><p>You *could* decide that you don't want to go south to Hayfield- but instead you want to go to Marple Bridge. Technically, there is the NCN62 which wends its way around Gamesley and then joins- you guessed it- the A626 for a few miles until you get through Chisworth, where upon it climbs up a 15% hill onto the (generally) nice quiet roads over to New Mills. If you want to go to Marple, you could go that way, or, to be a little more direct you need to... ah, yes. A626. Bike provision? Nil. Ride with the traffic baby- ride defensively. </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="450" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d19014.870749718546!2d-1.9451778519287157!3d53.43523210850094!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1674653148797!5m2!1sen!2suk" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">West</h2><p>Why would you want to go West?</p><p>Well- Manchester is over that way- and a fair few people work over there. Surely there has got to be some kind of cycling provision to get out of Glossop and head over to Manchester.... right? <br /></p><p>What options are there?</p><p>Out of Glossop down to Woolley Bridge, with all the traffic, up Woolley Bridge road, again, with ALL the traffic. Hang a left, onto the dual carriage way section up to the top of Mottram where half of the traffic is *mostly* at a standstill, and the other half is *mostly* going at break neck speed, and trying to merge with the standstill lane further up the hill to avoid waiting. Cycling? Well, you *could* go up the pavement, but that's kind of not exactly legal- but is the safest option. Beyond that, it's dodging 2 lanes of cars, get to the top, and then dodge cars and lorries down towards the Hattersley roundabout where they all head onto the M67 and you carry on down .... ah yes- the A57. Cycling provision... uh. Zero. </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="450" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d19006.749647693185!2d-1.9955604660644584!3d53.45338009573077!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1674653050219!5m2!1sen!2suk" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe><br /></p><p>So, of the options out of Glossop on road, you basically have A roads in all directions. There is a single NCN cycleway which shares a few miles of A road, and other than that....</p><p>ah- hang on... there is of course the Transpennine trail. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNOlJ60d3li8jI8Upu2jLMulv-xmR23iBensHR6XMWyDowl4MTyjW_Fj57KcbBkNS_7kf2rEpHTudq94AftuSyvVs77avpsKpP0oTFMKcO_D3YkB22RmdKdSZWSaJkkTHhz2syutE1uq2TUnq_SNK6q3BnUtZWclJI1BzNmP5zXIj4PffjSePHaJDzA/s4032/20220717_195727.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNOlJ60d3li8jI8Upu2jLMulv-xmR23iBensHR6XMWyDowl4MTyjW_Fj57KcbBkNS_7kf2rEpHTudq94AftuSyvVs77avpsKpP0oTFMKcO_D3YkB22RmdKdSZWSaJkkTHhz2syutE1uq2TUnq_SNK6q3BnUtZWclJI1BzNmP5zXIj4PffjSePHaJDzA/w312-h640/20220717_195727.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>Yes there is. It's very pleasant to ride down the trail to the tunnels at woodhead, at which point, if you want to go further towards Sheffield, you're going to need either a fairly decent mountain bike, or a gravel bike and some good legs- and expect to get muddy. It's flat long the Longdendale trail, and then goes up onto the moor- it's a gravel path with steps in which gives way to an uphill slog on grass.<p></p><p><br /> This way is not an easy cycle- and it goes across a moor- it isn't until you get to Dunford Bridge that it really resembles anything that looks like a cycleway. Imagine if you were in a car on a road, and all of a sudden that decent road just gave way to a muddy grass covered trail that you can only really get a 4x4 down. That's the feeling you get. Useful for cyclists? Maybe, but not really for useful and predictable transport from one place to another. <br /></p><p>Take it in the opposite direction and it is a random maze of roads that make no real sense at all. It's almost like someone has said... uh- here ,we need a bike "trail" to run through here... quick, get a highlighter and see what you can do to link it up. Not great. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1IHc8Ny-EFHSfiJJxAwWJhXcJkzuNa7LvnviYB511COSTMmubN6d2lRifii4pCta8L29kwoLJKvK04ONvFi6FlqQVqcMns-LPN7EeMlC925UNx_tG-VksmMV5Ni5T7TW9PS_nBwwSQIht5Pqn9-Tnk4iJ8giR30LqHnQxfrU0eUuhAmUFecobSJDgA/s829/tpt.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="829" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1IHc8Ny-EFHSfiJJxAwWJhXcJkzuNa7LvnviYB511COSTMmubN6d2lRifii4pCta8L29kwoLJKvK04ONvFi6FlqQVqcMns-LPN7EeMlC925UNx_tG-VksmMV5Ni5T7TW9PS_nBwwSQIht5Pqn9-Tnk4iJ8giR30LqHnQxfrU0eUuhAmUFecobSJDgA/s320/tpt.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes. Thats the "direct" route of the TPT from Hadfield Westward. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Oh- but what about the Great North Trail? The cycling Pennine Bridleway. Ah yes, what about it. If you look carefully, it has a great section to the south, and a decent section to the north. Try to cycle into and through Glossop and what do you have? Roads. Any concessions to bikes? None. Any cycleways? None. Anything at all? None. <br /></p><p>Hey cyclists - come to Glossop. Play with the traffic. Try not to die. <br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-26086004556827821442023-01-27T10:30:00.001+00:002023-01-27T10:30:00.167+00:00Skin. The un-written problem<p>In the years that I've been racing and competing in fellrunning and endurance events, there is a common thing that has either stopped me from considering some challenges, or really destroyed me after others. That common factor is not fatigue, it isn't injury and it isn't the inability to push through when it matters most. That thing is my skin. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24nNAE_CilO-Mkn0p60UN5_nT5quYEY88tya55XZdCPN8EKP2YCXEgPbeQy0UefVhOMs8B2axNdG8IaEh7L0739PxUI3RtQ4hnMGVu6ir6EUucM9owPR86OBB9IowD1GYSFovbXVATsz6q4yym2Hq5C9Ne8yUobXgQdguZt04hbcEAMPBuPwGMX6Vrw/s3264/20221211_121347.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24nNAE_CilO-Mkn0p60UN5_nT5quYEY88tya55XZdCPN8EKP2YCXEgPbeQy0UefVhOMs8B2axNdG8IaEh7L0739PxUI3RtQ4hnMGVu6ir6EUucM9owPR86OBB9IowD1GYSFovbXVATsz6q4yym2Hq5C9Ne8yUobXgQdguZt04hbcEAMPBuPwGMX6Vrw/s320/20221211_121347.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irrelevent picture!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>For as long as I can remember, ecsema has been an ever present part of my life- to a greater or lesser extent. Sometimes flare-ups happen, sometimes they don't. But what I can predict with utter clarity is that if I'm out in wet conditions for a period of time- my skin is going to suffer for some time afterward. Not only that, but if I run hard for a day and try to go to bed without a shower- covered in sweat and grime- I'll itch for the entire night, not get any sleep- and although I might be able to "race" the next day, the following 3 weeks will be utter misery from a skin point of view. </p><p>This isn't just hands, or just legs or whatever, this is full blown, entire body itch to the point of - and beyond- bleeding. It isn't pretty. And this is the exact reason why I'll always opt for a LONG event where you just don't stop- like the Spine, over a 2 day event where you "sleep" in the middle. If there isn't a provision for showers and dry clothes the next day- uh-uh- that race isn't going to happen for me. </p><p>It's kind of annoying with long distance walks and cycles as well. If I'm doing a multiday cycle or fastpack, not having somewhere to stop at the end of the day and get clean is a real bind- and I haven't really found a way around it. If you look back to my attempt to <a href="https://testedtodestruction.blogspot.com/2021/07/bike-packing-grroad-to-north-yorkshire.html" target="_blank">bikepack to Kielder</a>, it was at the end of the first day when I'd gone pretty hard over the hills, and camped in a random field- coated in sweat, that sleep simply didn't happen. This subsequently meant I was knackered on day 2, and kyboshed me (along with ridiculous temperatures) for a full attempt. </p><p>So. It screws you up. What can you do about it? </p><p>For years I have been trying various lotions and potions... trying to ignore it- and for years it has really screwed me up. Part of the awfulness of recovering from long and wet days in the hill hasn't necessarily been the physical tiredness, but the feeling of trying to rip my skin off, and the consequent inability to sleep and rest. </p><p>I have gone through the usual arguements with a lot of people (and dermatologists)- I'm not allergic or intolerent to foods- my diet can stay the same for a lengthy period and my skin will go through phases of good to horrendous. </p><p>The shower gel I use, I have used for literally decades- for the very reason that it seems to be ok and doesn't destroy my skin on a regular basis- so it isn't that. </p><p>Equally, I've probably been through more than my fair share of versions of treatment. For anyone that tells someone with ecsema to "swim in the sea"- basically- shut up. You know how the phrase "to rub salt in a wound" means to make something more painful... having ecsema is like having an entire body of wound. Sticking that in salty water is like bathing in stinging nettles. Don't suggest it. </p><p>Also- moisturiser... the eternal "this is what you need to do" thing. All well and good until you sweat, and then you have sweat trying to get out of blocked pores, and building up in an incredibly itchy layer inbetween your skin and the cream/oil based moisturiser- and no. It is not pleasent at all. <br /></p><p>Steroid creams are de rigeur and are a necessary part of skin recovery. They aren't great- yet, they do work. Last year I saw a dermatologist who finally listened to me and realised it isn't my diet, my soap, my fitness regime, or anything like that- it appears I'm kind of allergic to my own sweat. Well, not exactly- it's water, or dampness on my skin for long periods of time. That starts the itching, which causes an itch/scratch response, which self perpetuates until I can get it dry and get some steroid cream on. </p><p>There was a suggestion that there might be a medication that might help. Not to the point of a miracle cure (though at one point in a flare up, they did put me on Prednisalone for 2 weeks, which was LITERALLY a wonder drug in terms of clearing up my skin, but is really really NOT something you want to be on long term). The drug was methatrexate- a Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) and is generally used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis and other things of that ilk. It can be a pretty potent drug and I was given the warning that it is metabolised by the liver, so it would probably be a very good idea not to drink alcohol due to the fact THAT is also metabolised by the liver- and you probably don't want to make it work too hard due to the fact you only get one....</p><p>It wasn't much of a decision to be honest... the prospect of having better skin and not being able to drink alcohol, or continue on as normal. I stopped drinking- not much of a hardship to be fair- and that was August/September last year. </p><p>So how are things going? </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuWZ9aIZCZxlUpyqNU855uCpwSoClSmvpTlaKys5BhNJmSNt1QzuVRGCQO6gNTnMfy64fG_TDilk0i_Ln9LilD3mxBewIia9R17tNiprbKh9fhFHlbmdNm7coBilpqvMwAC-32f3-gxFFrQAyW4fBb2nvHCF8UvFWeVs7YKVLl_Fjfe6IEvBowhasoA/s4032/20210716_044203.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuWZ9aIZCZxlUpyqNU855uCpwSoClSmvpTlaKys5BhNJmSNt1QzuVRGCQO6gNTnMfy64fG_TDilk0i_Ln9LilD3mxBewIia9R17tNiprbKh9fhFHlbmdNm7coBilpqvMwAC-32f3-gxFFrQAyW4fBb2nvHCF8UvFWeVs7YKVLl_Fjfe6IEvBowhasoA/s320/20210716_044203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worst nights "sleep" ever<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Well, I would be lying if I said that everything was hunkydory and I have no issues with ecsema now. Depending on the season, how stressed I am and what I've been up to, it does come and go. I haven't really had the opportunity to get out and do multiday expeditions this year because of one thing or another, but am hoping to do so pretty soon next year. With any luck, the combination of methatrexate and judicous amounts of steroid cream, I should be able to get through a few days without tearing myself apart. </p><p>I'm a year in now- has it been worth it?</p><p>Yes, I think it has. Ok- I get a monthly blood test to make sure my liver function is fine (I then put everything into an ever expanding spreadsheet- so I'm treating it as a variable that I can track through my training as well). My skin is generally better- though it has to be said, I have had a couple of major flare ups- one in August and one in November- and while this can be attributed to stress and weather etc. it is a good reminder that the issue isn't completely cured, and still needs to be monitored and have adjustments made for it. </p><p>One other thing that was a game changer was a podcast about ecsema, which I have since directed numerous other sufferers toward. If you have ecsema- whether you are a sports person or not- the PCKP podcast No.67 should be on your mandatory listen list. Find it <a href="https://www.pckb.org/e/eczema/" target="_blank">HERE</a></p><p>Dr Rachel Hilton is one of those dermatologists you wish all dermatologists were like. She appears to actually know what she is talking about- and there are some real knowledge gems in here. (Yes, it is aimed at medical professionals, but give it a listen- even if you aren't, you'll take something away from it). </p><p> </p><p>So am I cured? No. </p><p>Will I be doing any Mountain Marathons? No. </p><p>But hopefully I should be more comfortable doing consecutive day travel, running or cycling with less repercussions. We shall see. <br /></p><p> <br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-5726286570451559812023-01-23T14:24:00.001+00:002023-01-23T14:24:58.031+00:00Waterproof Trousers. Pointless?<p>I was talking with a friend about the "how to buy waterproofs" blog that got published recently, and the conversation turned to waterproof trousers- which I didn't really address. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN2X9VttqvNfFx8eUbgmy6eOZRZ-6w0R9jeva0OMtwJFJIEwzsUqcA37_rkrkbfm-5R-5-CZfSGuwZIzVdRCi9QOJf7BFkusXk5bf4nVVuQlwK4wsK74j9UEs8JEzTA883uuIApbEzuOf6DIak5EqpYVfsdP1SsDSRCRzkoLf50g2iMgolmdTZLrpIw/s960/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKN2X9VttqvNfFx8eUbgmy6eOZRZ-6w0R9jeva0OMtwJFJIEwzsUqcA37_rkrkbfm-5R-5-CZfSGuwZIzVdRCi9QOJf7BFkusXk5bf4nVVuQlwK4wsK74j9UEs8JEzTA883uuIApbEzuOf6DIak5EqpYVfsdP1SsDSRCRzkoLf50g2iMgolmdTZLrpIw/s320/snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me. As standard. Very little use for waterproof trousers. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Waterproof trousers are an interesting one. For YEARS I hated the concept, hated the item of clothing and simply wouldn't wear them unless in the *direst* of circumstances. There were many reasons for this, and the primary reason was because I had cheap, shit waterproof trousers. </p><p>You know the type. They're *kind of* expensive- but really, the zips on the legs (if there are any) only come up to mid calf height, the fabric itself is barely breathable, they're a nightmare to get on over boots or shoes, and you end up just as wet from sweat inside as you would have been from rain anyway. These are some of the many reasons why I just run in shorts all year. Skin dries quickly, it doesn't get too hot because of excess layers etc etc. </p><p>So for a long, long time waterproof trousers were something that was on a kitlist and stayed at the bottom of my bag, only to be disturbed for a kit check. </p><p>What made me change my mind?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FhwraWhd-ES-gM6r9OdUceM6HiS7eLj48Q-6D5REn0CfLNxhNEJVpZa1h6dcVR8xN04Rnd_PE7xJk10XgAHmqfatxxo0ejmjNWhRoEpgMMUoB8g0hDCNaOudza6gj67MNEr0vR4rjkz_TklSRIKIPhF8l_mkUTuBZMSGiacx8TY9VF121y9DNhNBrw/s1600/spineRS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FhwraWhd-ES-gM6r9OdUceM6HiS7eLj48Q-6D5REn0CfLNxhNEJVpZa1h6dcVR8xN04Rnd_PE7xJk10XgAHmqfatxxo0ejmjNWhRoEpgMMUoB8g0hDCNaOudza6gj67MNEr0vR4rjkz_TklSRIKIPhF8l_mkUTuBZMSGiacx8TY9VF121y9DNhNBrw/s320/spineRS2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where they really come into their own. Berghaus Paclite (reviewed below)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>First things first. When you consider the construction of a waterproof jacket, the main part of it is the body, with the arms being tacked onto the outside. Ok- it's not quite like that, but the main "body" of the garment is indeed, the body. With trousers, the main part of the garment is generally the leg- the appendage- the bit that is doing ALL of the movement. Making something that fits that is going to be a bit of a challenge. Especially as we all have different lengths of leg etc. </p><p>The second point is this: Waterproofs work really well if you have the right kind of layering system underneath it. Close fitting wicking fabric means that sweat wicks away from the body into the environment in the garment- which hopefully- will then "breathe" that moisture out. Put the wrong layers on underneath and the whole thing goes pearshaped and you end up wetter from sweat than you do from water ingress. </p><p>So it is the shape, the material AND what you wear underneath that makes or breaks the trousers and their ability to perform well. </p><p>What makes a bad pair of waterproof trousers?</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Summer "decathlon" pair<br /></h4><p>Here we have a pair that are my "summer racing" trousers. They cost the princely sum of £10 from outdoors magic, have taped seams (which is essential for them to be deemed "waterproof") and are made from polythene. There is nothing breathable about these. The crotch is a horrendous mis-mash of seam tape and fabric, the leg zips come up to about half way up my calf, and you can't get them on without taking off your shoes- (let alone boots). These are a pair of trousers that stay in a bag. I have never worn them. I never intend to wear them. They are for summer races where there is literally no chance of rain, but kit check demands you *have* to have a pair of waterproof trousers. This is their only function. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cNHoXBecV-0-wooezfVTu-J2l0x4h-0SeqIpJ8Ol_4TXn4rsjE0G5xW3gmvdbmGPXMLVgj1S4mFiVetOQMMzUqTsucXdIHI7dAk78lOrpbHfnioOzsEpcihP2E31mHjDiafToDORGZH7LN_euHfeeaQhLCatHwBdQE0bi8pzjl4dEtkJh2VdVeBUvw/s4032/20230123_131933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cNHoXBecV-0-wooezfVTu-J2l0x4h-0SeqIpJ8Ol_4TXn4rsjE0G5xW3gmvdbmGPXMLVgj1S4mFiVetOQMMzUqTsucXdIHI7dAk78lOrpbHfnioOzsEpcihP2E31mHjDiafToDORGZH7LN_euHfeeaQhLCatHwBdQE0bi8pzjl4dEtkJh2VdVeBUvw/s320/20230123_131933.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterproof trousers with pockets? That's surely a bad idea. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWjdvYEcyGRA9aY8BCsfQ45D5NhhjnE9rigQQULZhL-f7lge5BDQeEKUP2mzty33xQD5ExuCITvQRJUw_iU8no4Jn6DtOShHczUcF0BcRBTdGyt6tgmm8JEjdseVQj8YirobyuSlD0LF_OSgPTYPg3bPf30IHx1CEr1ACtfOMfjD6fjkgyaLKrtIITw/s4032/20230123_131924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWjdvYEcyGRA9aY8BCsfQ45D5NhhjnE9rigQQULZhL-f7lge5BDQeEKUP2mzty33xQD5ExuCITvQRJUw_iU8no4Jn6DtOShHczUcF0BcRBTdGyt6tgmm8JEjdseVQj8YirobyuSlD0LF_OSgPTYPg3bPf30IHx1CEr1ACtfOMfjD6fjkgyaLKrtIITw/s320/20230123_131924.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a lot of zip to get your feet through the legs. And VERY crinkly material. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Regatta? trousers <br /></h4><p>Next up is a pair of *slightly* better trousers. The main difference is that they are green(!), are made of a slightly nicer fabric than polyethelene, they're taped and the zips on the legs are still pretty much the same- but probably come up to knee height. Neither of these trousers have waterproof zips, so they rely on a fabic gusset behind the zip to keep that bit "waterproof"- all very nice, but it absolutely limits the ability to get your foot through the leg.... thus you either have to take your shoe off and use someone else to hold onto while you put your leg in the hole, or you sit on the sopping wet ground to put on your trousers, rendering the waterproof abilities of said garment fairly pointless. </p><p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nQa58Dc9-iJd0iVPKYqfZSPz_EYpTOBtodzGFx4sH8nP9eT2DcX3mG1veobXrlrVMKxgrdy_WnlX0-NtRvL9tEcnnhoTxZkx-OgN8Be9bDMupJy9fAZOKr678k9JTr4XQyyQsP9D93gFOndg-WvLA8aHgOnUzIzUOpUnFYWtECCdPkcQQE42837Ksg/s4032/20230123_131955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nQa58Dc9-iJd0iVPKYqfZSPz_EYpTOBtodzGFx4sH8nP9eT2DcX3mG1veobXrlrVMKxgrdy_WnlX0-NtRvL9tEcnnhoTxZkx-OgN8Be9bDMupJy9fAZOKr678k9JTr4XQyyQsP9D93gFOndg-WvLA8aHgOnUzIzUOpUnFYWtECCdPkcQQE42837Ksg/s320/20230123_131955.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Challenging access if you have shoes or boots on. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> I think I took these on a DofE expedition and was fairly miserable with just how wet I got wearing these. Partially to do with the crapness of the trousers, and partially to do with what I was wearing underneath. I can't imagine that my normal leg wear was particularly wicking or breathable, and 2 layers of trousers - in ANY situation isn't really all that comfortable. So yes, these do a job, but to be honest, they might as well be the really really cheap ones as they just sit in a bag and will literally *never* get used again. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-HgefYXuwkcfkir_FOemQqSDqyBTY-OAviy1SgxMWPxeNe6b3Vii0h12zaAmK4evdy9rnvfU-B4cBfSoTBT5VXDrEq0V9bbWIldtiH6Y_ReDcTfg9mZLxxt0XfAvw885yetrRBe4C0kMm8ziaFyV7D7ADx52IZ8vXRHv6v1Cfr4-EVTso9iC5J5R_w/s4032/20230123_131959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-HgefYXuwkcfkir_FOemQqSDqyBTY-OAviy1SgxMWPxeNe6b3Vii0h12zaAmK4evdy9rnvfU-B4cBfSoTBT5VXDrEq0V9bbWIldtiH6Y_ReDcTfg9mZLxxt0XfAvw885yetrRBe4C0kMm8ziaFyV7D7ADx52IZ8vXRHv6v1Cfr4-EVTso9iC5J5R_w/s320/20230123_131959.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe I spent 3 days wearing these. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>What makes a GOOD pair of waterproof trousers?</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Mountain Equipment- I can't remember what model they are... <br /></h4><p>Now we have the pair of waterproof trousers that made me realise what waterproof trousers are *meant* to be like. I can't remember why I bought these- but I suspect they were in a sale and I knew I needed something for a Mountain Leader assessment that was better than the stuff I've already written about. These are *hardcore* waterproof trousers. Bib/braces, goretex, internal gaitors- heavy duty things that must have been bought more than a decade ago (I have a suspicion they might be an old version of the ME Kongur- but don't really know). They have zips ALL the way up the leg (bottom to top and top to bottom), zip pockets in the bibs, a zip in the middle- easy to get into and out of whilst wearing boots (though because of the bib/braces you have to take a jacket off to get them on). They are heavy- expedition weight. If these are being worn, they're being worn from the start- I don't like carrying them to put on later. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5I_elWSqSCIsf2_MHyD3x0--hC4ms34mJO2uQF7JsOnz2e6civGDUIQV1fnB8CMaYNcJx1eHV_a4CkdUhi0L74w6yWbHPrCdBZ3CNNqLcHZyc7X2cMN1mDL53r61H_ppDHzWRNcga4rxLQtkAF0uNlrX5EgrmIA7rIXmuOiwaF2VEpoeUVZnAOVh5pQ/s4032/20230123_132526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5I_elWSqSCIsf2_MHyD3x0--hC4ms34mJO2uQF7JsOnz2e6civGDUIQV1fnB8CMaYNcJx1eHV_a4CkdUhi0L74w6yWbHPrCdBZ3CNNqLcHZyc7X2cMN1mDL53r61H_ppDHzWRNcga4rxLQtkAF0uNlrX5EgrmIA7rIXmuOiwaF2VEpoeUVZnAOVh5pQ/s320/20230123_132526.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The zips go all the way to the top. And then some.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWcXdR3zInwhAa9zLqz6HG2aOmvwAwxmBO_STr6xZfWLU02BOJdMXLKT7Xtankhj_Y0qfMqTDhAXiXY0LvGhuaSfmjcaLaOA3wFnOj4hf5OT1hSmiAYMC7DUv6SFxB4jO08DwvhbhC2wStgDZW4ZgG2vKbenHb_FUTP2GHLv90g5_pfYhhr4WBaQ33A/s4032/20230123_132448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWcXdR3zInwhAa9zLqz6HG2aOmvwAwxmBO_STr6xZfWLU02BOJdMXLKT7Xtankhj_Y0qfMqTDhAXiXY0LvGhuaSfmjcaLaOA3wFnOj4hf5OT1hSmiAYMC7DUv6SFxB4jO08DwvhbhC2wStgDZW4ZgG2vKbenHb_FUTP2GHLv90g5_pfYhhr4WBaQ33A/s320/20230123_132448.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pockets on the front. Zips all the way down. Internal gaitors. These are the bomb. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Why were these such a revalation? </p><p>I realised that with these, they are pretty much THE layer that should be worn as a trouser. Why wear 2 trousers over each other- that seems silly. A pair of tights underneath to keep your legs warm- that wick sweat away from you- and then these over the top. It's like wearing a thermal top with a waterproof jacket over the top- it's an efficient way of staying warm and dry. They're easy to vent if you need to- and if you want to take off/ put on at any point- as mentioned, the zips enable you to do that with relative ease. Yes, they are expedition weight- but if you're going walking in the rain- they are amazing. <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokyeucr04jsB8VKGyCPyp0rEa5WxYRk870lO5Y1i35XzaQlocER_zhAtO8k_vmnmmNv4Zit6ThYsSzA9Qg0b2_Y6K_v4NubYXjKynsakQHAkkw8-_LIfrsCHVuikvN0pmqYa_vkSvXrFQiFYplmLyeHkeF7TVBuSl-J26Z15IDFiiIw9bpgDNgLBo7g/s4032/20230123_132504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokyeucr04jsB8VKGyCPyp0rEa5WxYRk870lO5Y1i35XzaQlocER_zhAtO8k_vmnmmNv4Zit6ThYsSzA9Qg0b2_Y6K_v4NubYXjKynsakQHAkkw8-_LIfrsCHVuikvN0pmqYa_vkSvXrFQiFYplmLyeHkeF7TVBuSl-J26Z15IDFiiIw9bpgDNgLBo7g/s320/20230123_132504.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of the back part of the braces are fleece lined as well. Toasty. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>However- if you're running, or even walking and want something to carry in case of rain, you don't necessarily want something that weighs more than a kilo, just in case... what do you do then? Enter the next revalation in my waterproof trouser odyssey: </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Decent running trousers- eVent or Paclite. </h4><p>The first ones I owned were eVent- Astro Ascent trousers from Montane, and were followed by the Berghaus Paclite ones- which are actually Lynnes. The Astro Ascents have zips that go 3/4 of the way up your leg, don't have bib/braces, and, importantly- *feel* like a normal pair of trousers once you have them on.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgz7FBDp086yoEkiJbRetbE2lrl5t4J4xmDksUtyxQzqOjKEHqcTRxZUy5DC7EIyrCqoqtDtywTF3QhCDVcFwVYJwEAn-itcTpjtuUOcjgTPp_xDcvN78PIlE_HKBRs0BJH-h5hLitEZMnjgYG_vo1LDlO1gSuTKhy0VAxLYlp_2mKlQe7uleddJMMQ/s4032/20230123_132052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgz7FBDp086yoEkiJbRetbE2lrl5t4J4xmDksUtyxQzqOjKEHqcTRxZUy5DC7EIyrCqoqtDtywTF3QhCDVcFwVYJwEAn-itcTpjtuUOcjgTPp_xDcvN78PIlE_HKBRs0BJH-h5hLitEZMnjgYG_vo1LDlO1gSuTKhy0VAxLYlp_2mKlQe7uleddJMMQ/s320/20230123_132052.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane Astro's. They literally don't make them any more. Shame. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /> (I suspect it might be a different story if - as ever- you have another pair of trousers underneath them)- but with tights on- they're brilliant. Because of the robust nature of the zip, they don't fold down particularly small (they fit into a 1 litre drybag)- so they're ok for walking and the like, but are a bit bulky for lightweight running. However, because of those decent zips- I've never had an issue doing them up in the rain. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZsBFITL_mAPDMWaxHmBhk_STE9isZ_afTY_o64AMmnbCCNB4IUIe-jqyyNfKqF8uCPIiS94RY6cV2YGsfSV5gt8-ebLD3_CBJ_zRYgXq_LXYsrNmqdw5nrLHuyeQwnvBQl3z76UPFzxd9L3neFtnmavOrYGQH8rNCba3cv-Fe-nfEazgKPlka-Ny2g/s4032/20230123_132046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZsBFITL_mAPDMWaxHmBhk_STE9isZ_afTY_o64AMmnbCCNB4IUIe-jqyyNfKqF8uCPIiS94RY6cV2YGsfSV5gt8-ebLD3_CBJ_zRYgXq_LXYsrNmqdw5nrLHuyeQwnvBQl3z76UPFzxd9L3neFtnmavOrYGQH8rNCba3cv-Fe-nfEazgKPlka-Ny2g/s320/20230123_132046.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montane eVent trousers- big zips!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>The Berghaus paclites have a lighterweight zip, so yes, they pack down smaller, but the zip *does* get caught a lot on the fabric and can be a right pain to zip up in extremis. Or even just normally. However, these are my go-to waterproof trousers if I'm heading into the hills on a run and the weather looks a bit dodgy and I might be using them to actually be water/windproof. Again- excellent with tights on. Not so great with trousers.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCT3Sl0dSMwsVkY-eZyGmUpas8e37FXhlkUJzuOHN9Kus8Gihd-jxHdpApBYQzkd1vf_pxsPY136-FhCvixWq9buCDlPQYCkqf2CfTbq2poas4_Cn2bzt1JDRyRMhQJJcmv8lf_kLF-VAVoJBC7upUMRWXDEphQ5FlGe2oLnqHsab5ulTsZPj7L3Dhw/s4032/20230123_132022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCT3Sl0dSMwsVkY-eZyGmUpas8e37FXhlkUJzuOHN9Kus8Gihd-jxHdpApBYQzkd1vf_pxsPY136-FhCvixWq9buCDlPQYCkqf2CfTbq2poas4_Cn2bzt1JDRyRMhQJJcmv8lf_kLF-VAVoJBC7upUMRWXDEphQ5FlGe2oLnqHsab5ulTsZPj7L3Dhw/s320/20230123_132022.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berghaus Paclite trousers. The main difference to the eVent is the skin facing fabric<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQm6VfivpQPRxNwMwfq-HblD9FwAYhM5rSVnWIksIOZsCKK1gwVFe42OQMngoBnXXLU-8LGmJzBTqHtJ0NgHJ3p9BVti6i5i-nDDOu9QC2ZcbkDC3IlHp4eksdu6M0SFo2apX2ktEDBqeRXMeyRdYzJHQnsNdgQhCsYAlb2IQx2SM9r6hJGnrhWWKoA/s4032/20230123_132116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQm6VfivpQPRxNwMwfq-HblD9FwAYhM5rSVnWIksIOZsCKK1gwVFe42OQMngoBnXXLU-8LGmJzBTqHtJ0NgHJ3p9BVti6i5i-nDDOu9QC2ZcbkDC3IlHp4eksdu6M0SFo2apX2ktEDBqeRXMeyRdYzJHQnsNdgQhCsYAlb2IQx2SM9r6hJGnrhWWKoA/s320/20230123_132116.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Difference between the Montane (left) and Berghaus (right) zip sizes<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Mountain Equipment Karakorum <br /></h4><p>The last pair in my collection are my MRT issue ones- which are braced Drilite trousers. Robust- and will do the job. They pack down smaller than the insane expedition ones, but will stay up when you're using a rucksac due to the braces. Leg zips go all the way up and down- which is essential for this kind of thing. Again. Bombproof- though not as mountaineering focussed as the Kongur which ME market as the Mountain Rescue specific waterproof pant. I'd like to have a pair, but these are more likely to get trashed than any other pair, and it's much better to replace a £200 pair than a £500 pair. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxejN29ztO1fVWeL5V20NdNRpIMNO_rRWi_CbX0a-wic7sPivbICLa0fgOJcmMDC92PbHNEKKErER82OII5jVt9G8L9g09uNnxG5sNFNEeOYUxOszTcWxr6wGfdejCzoDMfdA0rTiElDrgG9-InFtVkCQXt2nNbkqgGVfd3eeezayCjem0JBASMzjkw/s4032/20230123_132148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxejN29ztO1fVWeL5V20NdNRpIMNO_rRWi_CbX0a-wic7sPivbICLa0fgOJcmMDC92PbHNEKKErER82OII5jVt9G8L9g09uNnxG5sNFNEeOYUxOszTcWxr6wGfdejCzoDMfdA0rTiElDrgG9-InFtVkCQXt2nNbkqgGVfd3eeezayCjem0JBASMzjkw/s320/20230123_132148.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We use the ME Karakorums, not the hyper expensive Kongur MRT waterproof pant. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>So the main takeaways from this- I guess: if you're going to wear waterproof trousers, a pair of tights is much better to wear underneath for comfort than a pair of trousers. At this juncture I must apologise to those in MRT who have to suffer me prancing around in a pair of thermal tights for half the year. (the other half of the year its shorts). But I'm over 40 now and I don't care any more. They're perfect for hacking around on the hill and if it rains- waterproof trousers go right on over the top and I'm still comfortable and able to do what needs doing. </p><p>If you're going to buy a pair of trousers and intend on using them- go with as long a side zip as you can for easy access/taking off. </p><p>If you're going to buy a pair for "race kit check" be *damn* sure you aren't ever going to use them if you're going for the crappest lightest thing out there. If you *are* going to use them- ie. in a race that is long, arduous and the weather might change at any point- spend more. Get a decent pair. They might be the bit of kit that is the difference between finishing and quitting. </p><p><br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7027504924823552435.post-36696937679782222132023-01-02T09:18:00.000+00:002023-01-02T09:18:06.699+00:00Waterproofs.... how do you choose?!<p> This is a question for the ages.... how on earth do you choose which waterproof to buy? There are so many out there on the market these days. They range from something you could barely tell the difference between and a polythene sheet (technically waterproof... but... um), and all singing, all dancing jackets that cost upwards of £600. Yes, the range is quite insane, but what should make you part from your hard earned cash? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wt5pZrTa1woPYQAXd-FDiJ2KIE-1lWEtNP_6W2OKYOSWgOtM821dNxgVaha0YRigynH-mhfu-omKy2osgLAvzv9w7n-2NzHKNuu-IWCF8OulrhQoFujcaYH2U-j27y5WDkU-YXVsryNJ2OIybZeTD8L-vRwI_YK32DcVyAn-x8L-Ir-s-w_qIbMuCw/s2048/fra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wt5pZrTa1woPYQAXd-FDiJ2KIE-1lWEtNP_6W2OKYOSWgOtM821dNxgVaha0YRigynH-mhfu-omKy2osgLAvzv9w7n-2NzHKNuu-IWCF8OulrhQoFujcaYH2U-j27y5WDkU-YXVsryNJ2OIybZeTD8L-vRwI_YK32DcVyAn-x8L-Ir-s-w_qIbMuCw/s320/fra.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Harking back to when I actually worked in the outdoor retail industry- which I fully appreciate is more than a decade ago- there was a single brand that reigned supreme in everyones head. Whether that was because of the price point, or because they were actually better- was Arc'teryx. They boasted better fabric, better cut, smaller seams (and therefore better breathability), better hoods, better zips... and a price point to match. The Alpha SV was £400. A clear £70 more than anything else around at that time. </p><p>One of their favourite things to do was get out a USB microscope to show you just how good the facefabric was- all geometrical grid patterns and no stray threads anywhere. In comparison, other jackets might have had a few stray threads- which would "disrupt the beading process, and make the jacket wet out faster". <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDx_mURoF8iXeuBHlI6k0tGtmOFg-Nzo3Nm_uFyM8fXgq3zGfLlpzxxg9ecTnMqAKMO_p88p_h_wCPbfNqRPjVr9YfKMWuAvTu5r9ChDNv2nyP07WLArRieaBypgqCV2yeERIoLd63yHJhVFvvmQ1EBjvXeiobonstKY_26An0SCegrmuZNC3ZLoS1A/s1600/spineRS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDx_mURoF8iXeuBHlI6k0tGtmOFg-Nzo3Nm_uFyM8fXgq3zGfLlpzxxg9ecTnMqAKMO_p88p_h_wCPbfNqRPjVr9YfKMWuAvTu5r9ChDNv2nyP07WLArRieaBypgqCV2yeERIoLd63yHJhVFvvmQ1EBjvXeiobonstKY_26An0SCegrmuZNC3ZLoS1A/s320/spineRS2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What are you going to use the jacket for?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Anyhow- what makes one jacket better than another? </p><p>Goretex- or the membrane that makes things waterproof and breathable. There are now so many different types of goretex I've kind of lost count. You also have eVent which is made by another company, and does much the same thing. Each big clothing company has their own proprietry version of this membrane. Some work better than others due to various variabilities. </p><p>None of them will work if they are dirty and covered in crap. Note- this is the membrane. You can't normally see it as it is sandwiched between layers of other fabric. In the case of the soon to be retired Shakedry- the membrane was on the outside... brilliant for breathability- but somewhat fragile. </p><p>The fabric on the outside of the jacket is the facefabric. It comes in many many different versions. Some are tougher than others- better for dragging up rockfaces in the Scottish winter. Others are lighter-weight but less robust- etc. etc, you get the idea. Again, these fabrics are fairly essential to the waterproofing and breathability of the jacket. If they get dirty, the crap clogs the pores, and enables water to bead less well on the jacket, wetting it out sooner - meaning it becomes less breathable, and you get wet inside the jacket. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsmYMqttCZe3O7oHK4VlBDnED7DrLSWtcFrjpBLeYZYBmlKzDa0MCbq8IBPghUvMvP713jytRiAJnnbC6BK6pepNtAtkE0WLzhR74aVS_GdMDy0tFr6lMOOLCgH33ElM8XtQCN_ijxwpJ76ot-gdVE-cInooOIJX71bRPFiJ0U8hLNsES6bwNB7daaQ/s3264/20221217_105801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsmYMqttCZe3O7oHK4VlBDnED7DrLSWtcFrjpBLeYZYBmlKzDa0MCbq8IBPghUvMvP713jytRiAJnnbC6BK6pepNtAtkE0WLzhR74aVS_GdMDy0tFr6lMOOLCgH33ElM8XtQCN_ijxwpJ76ot-gdVE-cInooOIJX71bRPFiJ0U8hLNsES6bwNB7daaQ/s320/20221217_105801.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><p>All well and good- but I still haven't said which jackets are better etc.</p><p>So here is the point. </p><p>A guy walks into the shop and asks for the most expensive jacket we have- considering that the more expensive the jacket, the more waterproof it should be. Ok- standard assumption. But the expense doesn't just go into making it waterproof. It's the cut, the hood (the most expensive bit of the jacket), the pockets, the closures etc. At £400, the Alpha SV was the most expensive, and, by his standards, the most waterproof jacket we had. </p><p>Problem:</p><p>I was invited to a "test" weekend by one of the highest profile brands. It turned into a classic wet weekend in Wales, so pretty much the best conditions you could want. There was a minor issue in that the only jackets available were in XL. I am very much not an XL. Nor were quite a few of the other guys, so what happened was actually quite good. I wore my Mountain Equipment Changabang, someone else had a Rab Latok, there was an Arc'teryx Beta AL... basically from personal kit as well as the test kit we had pretty much a permutation from every major brand at the time. </p><p>The day was set to be an easy scramble up something pretty easy in Ogwen valley. Luckily, it rained the entire day so we could have a decent idea of just how good each others waterproofs were. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy0iHUDRZ6gYPrJ21q2BYW7p4eZ2Kvq-aEwbRxRO3qajqbAsnOF4xrXGeNEFk52bLY2ydhj0mqfkp8Qighi058JwEqvQJE0yK44FnS_cWse12_La8FLV7d5woyZau7U98Avd0yA7qgIRTFlDT4SYlkJlTfB24vSTAQFVu0jAzjpD6acdv3eqXQUO7kw/s604/in%20use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy0iHUDRZ6gYPrJ21q2BYW7p4eZ2Kvq-aEwbRxRO3qajqbAsnOF4xrXGeNEFk52bLY2ydhj0mqfkp8Qighi058JwEqvQJE0yK44FnS_cWse12_La8FLV7d5woyZau7U98Avd0yA7qgIRTFlDT4SYlkJlTfB24vSTAQFVu0jAzjpD6acdv3eqXQUO7kw/s320/in%20use.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup- this was that day<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>At the end of the day, it turned out, there was only one person who was dry. They were the person who was ferrying everyone around and had stayed in a car or a cafe the entire time. Everyone else, no matter what brand of waterproof was fairly damp through. Whether this was from water ingress- which happens eventually, or sweat- which certainly happens sooner rather than later- it wasn't clear, but there was not a dry person among us. </p><p>So what does this tell us? That it doesn't matter how much or how little you spend on a waterproof, you'll still get wet? </p><p>Well- kind of. I have no doubt that if I was wearing a £30 poncho on that trip I'd have been wet, cold AND miserable, rather than damp/wet and able to move and work in the mountains. </p><p>If you're buying a jacket, perhaps the main things to think about are: </p><p>What am I going to use it for? How good a hood do I want? Are the pockets useful? What is the fit like?</p><p>I, for one, don't get on with Arc'teryx. The mens Small has shoulders that are simply too big for me. There is a load of wasted space. Other people might get on well with that shape. Also, I don't really tend to drag myself up slabs of granite in the rain any more, so the face fabric doesn't need to be so bombproof for me- I'd go for something a little less thick and heavy. Equally, the hood needs to cinch down well, and move with my head. The Mountain Hardwear hoods just don't do it for me- yet the Mountain Equipment hoods and the OMM hoods seem to be much better- (I have a small head, and some hoods, it seems just don't work). </p><p>That being said, other people have different needs. </p><p>Last word, I suppose- is if you're in the market for a jacket- don't just look at the label and assume that more expensive is better. Try the jacket on. Does it fit? Put the hood up, does it work for your head? Are the pockets in the right place? Can you fit an OS map in a pocket if you need to? Can you fit a warm layer underneath if you have to? </p><p>And remember- the most reliable way to stay dry in the mountains is to stay in the pub. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclaEawQ0dc4wJazWI2u3pid8jQE4fcdHS91pbuB6D4ASFHkvslppKNtGLDBh1lvtGvc2aO-HEeMAcuEVGSdZ2-kQN218aV42e6h5_wnemlNl5Rewc-aPICVaZmjub7nXgCO5TNtu0yMMw-4JVPP6pweZysWmA0AEjDLqFWT1mpITiXC8H9lsW6ScAwQ/s1024/changed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclaEawQ0dc4wJazWI2u3pid8jQE4fcdHS91pbuB6D4ASFHkvslppKNtGLDBh1lvtGvc2aO-HEeMAcuEVGSdZ2-kQN218aV42e6h5_wnemlNl5Rewc-aPICVaZmjub7nXgCO5TNtu0yMMw-4JVPP6pweZysWmA0AEjDLqFWT1mpITiXC8H9lsW6ScAwQ/s320/changed.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best way to stay dry?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p>zephrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11119723564120514848noreply@blogger.com1