The Ordeal

The Ordeal

 

Cycling can be a buzz, a strain, exhausting, uplifting or character building.  Sometimes it is an ordeal. 

Sometimes, it is a series of ordeals.....

 

Bob White (better known as his stage persona Ralph Merry) and I had decided that some mountain biking through Sherwood Forest was long overdue.  The first challenge for me was getting up, after being locked in the Local until 2.15 I seriously wanted several more hours in bed, but adventure called. Ralph and I both set off from home agreeing to meet at 10.00am, little knowing the ordeals that lurked ahead. 

 

Ordeal by waiting in the wrong place

 

After cycling round in circles for 10 minutes trying to keep warm we rang one another and discovered we were both there on time but in the wrong place.  At least one of us was in the wrong place.  The lesson is, that agreeing to meet on the corner it is best to absolutely nail down which corner.  Reunited, we pressed on to a tea stop at Sherwood Pines.

 

Ordeal by puncture

 

OK maybe not so much an ordeal as an occupational hazard but a frustration nevertheless when we were flying merrily through the woods, and especially once I discovered I had come without a pump. Fortunately Ralph was better equipped, and we both had fun trying to read its miniscule pressure gauge. 

Back in working order, we pressed on enjoyably through the forest into Clumber Park for a lunch stop at the Christmas bbq. Leaving Clumber behind we picked up a bridle path pleasantly across country towards Walesby.  After a road crossing the track dropped downhill and there were flooded patches which had to be carefully negotiated, until we came to a serious flooded obstacle.... 

 

Ordeal by water

 

After some careful examination of the best place to cross Ralph shouldered his bike and leapt through with dry feet.  I decided it could be ridden, but mid way through the front wheel came to a dead stop deep in mud.  I sprang off the bike, but to my considerable surprise there was no firm ground, just a seemingly bottomless trench filled with icy water.  I managed to stop about chest deep so didn’t completely vanish from view, but getting out proved something of a challenge. 

Although I had committed the cardinal sin of coming without a pump, I was equipped with a spare top and gloves so it was a quick change of the upper half, giving thanks once again for my Dad’s trusty waterproof underpants, left over from his days in the submarine service.

Waterproof top and spare gloves on, and then ride like mad to warm up.  Fortunately the day was not sub-zero but I did take the precaution of describing to Ralph, in a casual manner, the symptoms of immersion hypothermia should I suddenly come irrational, or at least more so than usual.  So we pressed on with all speed into some woodland and a picturesque wooden bridge until....

 

Ordeal by Lake

 

The track became increasingly flooded and rounding a corner we discovered it vanished from sight under the water.  Nothing for it, but to shoulder the bike and wade.  Ralph helpfully remind me that I was already soaked and should therefore go in front.

There was little clue to where the track might be but we pressed on until we were standing in the middle of a lake with no obvious route forward.  To our left the lake was full of bare, lifeless trees like something from Paschendaele. To our right, dense swamp like undergrowth of the sort beloved of the jolly country people in “Deliverance”.   Would we be adding “Ordeal by squealing like a piggy” to our adventures today I wondered. 

We waded on, and were eventually rewarded with the sight of the track emerging from the lake at the far side with even better a reassuring yellow way marker.  A short but rough uphill section generated some warmth when....

 

Ordeal by another puncture

 

This time it was a pretty hurried change but all went well.  At Walesby we were back on to tarmac and turned for home.

 

Ordeal by hill

 

We toiled up Nickerbush hill which I welcomed because it warmed me up, but my legs were feeling the distance by this point and I became irrationally cross at the pond weed hanging from my handlebars. 

Finally, back home, survived! ‘Fin always has plenty of spare gear’ they say. Well they’re not laughing now.

 

 

Fin

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New fellrunning boy band

At last, the identity of the new Fell Running boy band can be revealed

 

 

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e.surv – Yorkshire Three Peaks 29^th September

A group of e.surv employees decided to walk the Yorks 3 Peaks, as a fund raiser on behalf of “Jamie’s Match Ball” in memory of Jamie Marcus, the son of one of our Regional Managers. I was roped in as guide, and this is the rather florid account I put together for the company Extranet. It was an 11 hour epic, and I had to drag one or 2 of them round, but overall it was a brilliant day. The great thing for me was seeing the reaction of people who hadn’t really been far into the hills before, totally blown away by the environment and their achievement.

So it was, that at 6.30am on Saturday 29^th September, Team e.surv stepped out into the windswept darkness of the Yorkshire Dales, with many miles and many thousands of feet of climbing ahead of them. 

The team consisted of Karen Hailes, Rose Poulter, Jennifer Chambers, Bridget Charlton, Gary Dawson, Adam Griffin and Steve Hall, with Steve Rayers as support, coach, shopper, and masseur.

The route links the three prominent peaks of the Yorkshire Dales: Pen Y Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough,  covering 23.5 miles and involving 5200 feet of ascent, which is a mile up - and back down again.

The decision was made to start at Ribblehead, so the long steady climb of Whernside would be a good warm up for the day. It grew light as we followed the path up hill, leaving behind the iconic Ribblehead viaduct, and the creepy isolated house on the edge of Blea Moor, with sinister dolls peering out of the windows.

Strong winds and occasional rain meant that waterproofs stayed on most of the day.  The fast moving clouds, showers and sunny intervals meant the views were dramatic and constantly changing.  We reached the top of Whernside ahead of schedule and were rewarded with amazing views as the clouds rolled back producing shafts of sunlight into the valley.  Downhill to our first roadside checkpoint and refuelling stop after 3 hours, at the Hill Inn. Next, across the moor and a much steeper climb onto Ingleborough.  Here the distance and ascent began to really tell for the first time. 

On top the wind was fierce, and we clung onto the trig point for a team photo before a brisk descent followed by a long trek across the moor towards Horton in Ribblesdale and refuelling stop 2.  On the way Steve Hall explained the ecology of the limestone pavement, unique to the Yorkshire Dales, then finding a ruined barn gave a detailed talk on solid stone construction techniques.  The team were fascinated, and explained that they only fell asleep due to the very early start. 

Fail to prepare – prepare to fail: it is important to mention here some things forgotten by team members which could so easily have lead to disaster.  Bridget, in many ways an experienced mountaineer, turned up having forgotten her waterproof.  Being an HR professional she proposed to obtain one from the back of someone’s chair in the pub, but was saved by Jennifer having brought a spare. At £4.50 from Primark [NB. e.surv wish to point out there are a number of other budget retailers available] it was by far the cheapest waterproof in use that day, but did its job admirably well.  

Karen Hailes had forgotten a towel and there was much debate about how she would cope with a post expedition shower: should she run around the car park until dry, use toilet roll, a square of carpet or old newspapers; but in the end it was decided that the team’s Mr Fixit Steve Rayers should go and buy her a towel.   In a mountainous National Park this proved easier said than done, and Bridget’s advice to “visit a washing line” proved tricky in broad daylight.

The refuelling stop in Horton involved rather more sitting down, rubbing on of liniment, adjusting footwear and the odd application of blister plasters. Then it was time for Pen Y Ghent, literally onwards and upwards: a long steep climb up with some exposed rocky sections before the summit, that needed hands and feet. This proved quite testing in the strong winds and wet conditions, with a lot of miles in the legs.

Finally the last summit had been reached and we gratefully dropped down out of the wind. Waterproofs came off and we descended into a low, bright sun, picking out Ingleborough and Whernside in the far distance -  we’d come a mighty long way since 6.30 that morning.

At last.... the finish. We could sit down, ease off the boots, drink gallons of tea and eat a huge slab of cake. The aches and pains could be enjoyed as they were well earned. Back to the bunkhouse to shower & change:  Karen’s towel ‘got her mostly dry’ - as it was brand new it wasn’t totally effective. She pointed out that Steve could at least have stopped off at a laundrette to wash it.

Then it was time to wake Roy up (easier said than done) and head off to the pub to celebrate and to drink many a grateful toast: to Lex for their generous supply of transport; to Karen for setting up the sponsorship arrangements; to the company for its indispensible support from the very start of the idea and for the generous sponsorship following ‘e.surv in the Park’; to Steve Rayers for giving up his weekend to be our absolutely crucial driver and supporter; and to all our generous sponsors for the funding that kept minds focussed when it hurt.

The last word can go to Gary Dawson: ‘it’s not just the location that makes the trip, it’s the people - and it was a great bunch’. It was indeed. Details of the next team e.surv expedition will follow soon!

Steve Hall

Vitruvian Middle Distance Triathlon 2012

As usual for these early morning events, a good nights sleeps almost impossible. Have you got all your kit ready? Did you pack your goggles? How many gels should I use? When should I set off? etc….

Swim Start (Courtesy of Louise Hyde)

I could have set off at 4am, but I didn't, I left it until later, and the A1 was shut, and the mist came down, and I didn't have a map, and I got lost, so I finally got to Whitwell at 6am, just as the transition area was mean't to close. Fortunately, I wasn't the only one to fall foul of the A1 closure.

Once the rush was over, and the race talk began, I began to relax and compose myself. Even leaving my start gels in the car didn't phase me, who cares, I'll be fine.

As the sun rose, and the fast boys started, and the wetsuit was donned, it began to get exciting.Here we go, the race that I had been airing for all season. Having run a marathon, done a few bike sportives, got the Dambusters Olympic Tri under my belt, and a few 10miles time trials finished, here was the big one. The first Middle Distance Triathlon. Was I ready, course I bloody well was. A brief chat with Gerry and Bob, both having recent injuries, allowed me to hope for the best. I was confident that they Vitruvian wouldn't beat them.

I learn't from the Dambusters and took it easy at the start of the swim, I got kicked in the face in that one, and scratched my cornea, which nearly spoilt my race, so I stayed at the side and found my space, and soon got into a rhythm in a lovely 18C temperature. It was 2 laps of 950m, and the first lap took me 22 minutes, I had a touch of cramp in the water near the beginning, so I was a little concerned, but it didn't return until near the end, of the second lap, so I was fine. It took me 47 minutes in the end, which was a little over the 45 minutes I was expecting, but I was through it without any major incidents. 

Bob bike (Courtesy of Bob White)

My T1 was straight forward, apart from a bit of cramp again taking off my wetsuit, and I was soon off on my bike. I expected it to be a little chilly at just before 8am in the morning, but actually once you were going, it was okay. My plan was to take it easy on the first 26 mile lap, and then see how I felt. Starting out west was a little slow, and very difficult to keep away from other competitors. ( Drafting rules were in force, so you had to be 10m away for the bike in front otherwise you would risk a penalty, which was mostly impossible as there were 1000 competitors). However on the Eastern stretch, the wind was behind, and the speed started to increase, and at some points I was reaching 30mph. I must say that I was cycling with Gerry (but not drafting), who was out of the water at a similar time, and I think we were keeping each other going. The first lap took 1hr 17mins (3 minutes quicker than my Dambuster's bike time), so I was astonished really, but kept going with the pace. It was a lovely sunny day by now, and a pleasure to be out on the bike, so the miles went quickly, and we ended up doing a very presentable 2hr 29 minutes bike, on the 52 mile course. I was so happy, and quickly trying to calculate my half marathon time, to work out my projected time. I figured I could do less than 6 hours, and possibly near the 5hr 30min mark, but my unexpected bike time allowed me to rethink this. 

T2 was pretty straight forward, and I was soon out on the run, a little stiff, but I knew what to expect, just build it up slowly, get into the run pace that you are comfortable in, and keep going. It was nice to see the support of a few friendly faces at the start. It was getting warmer, but the water stations were frequent, and a quick cup of water over the head was enough to cool the core down. The first lap was over, and I started to feel the blisters forming on my toes. I could only put it down to wet socks off the bike, as I had never suffered before. Well, as we know pain is only a temporary thing, and you put it to the back somewhere for sometime afterwards.

Mark run (Courtesy of Louise Hyde)

The second lap was a bit warmer, and a bit slower, and it was so nice to finally cross the finishing line to the tones of the microphone saying "You are now a Vitruvian Man", it was nice to know that… and I got to the end and thought…Mmmm maybe next year.

Mark & Gerry Finish (Courtesy of Louise Hyde)

Mark time 5:06:02
Gerry time 5:03:20
Bob H time 06:26:19 ( after being injured and not running for months)

Written by Mark

Another Day at The Edge of the World.

 

Having dropped Stevie off at her mate’s in Congleton, on their way to Italy, I took the opportunity of a run around Macclesfield Forest on the far west of the Peak District. The area known as ‘Staffordshire moorlands’ has a uniquely wild and remote feel. It repays the extra time to drive from our side of the Peak.

 

For some strange reason I parked at the Cat & Fiddle, which was bleak in the extreme, with cold & driving rain. Having just come back from holiday in Turkey I was eager to get back out in the hills, but after 10 days at 40° C, wind, rain and 9° C was a bit of a shock.

 

I headed south from the Cat, passing groups of DoE hikers laden with dripping packs, and dropped down past Cumberland cottage, then up over the modest but elegant top of Shutlingsloe. On the summit I met two guys who needed directions back to their car at Clough House, and were about to set off in the opposite direction. They had been following a book of ‘Peak district walks’ but had lost it somewhere along the way, and had no concept of their location at all. Having pointed them in the right direction I carried on, glad to drop down out of the worst of the wind, and a while later found their guidebook and case beside the track.

 

I cut through the woods to Macclesfield Forest Chapel, a hamlet with the ancient and splendidly simple Chapel, used for some scenes in ‘League of Gentlemen’. Further on through the woods then down to the reservoir at Langley and a steep climb up to Tegg’s Nose. Here there is a fascinating partly restored stone quarry, but also this rocky hilltop forms the very edge of the Peak and there are unbeatable views across the Cheshire plain: at least sometimes. Last time I visited, walking with Jill, we were above a cloud inversion, creating spectacular views over an unbroken sea of white, which felt like the very edge of the world.

 

This time I looked out through the driving rain to an impenetrable wall of grey. Somewhere out there was Cheshire, Jodrell bank, eventually North Wales and Snowdonia. Maybe next time, or maybe this actually is the edge of the world.

 

I dropped back down into the valley and climbed up to the forest edge. Turning east into the wind along Charity Lane I was getting uncomfortably cold, and had to stop to put on an extra layer and warmer hat. My hands were cold but I looked at my gloves and thought, this is July, they are staying in the bag.

 

Heading back through ‘Bottom of the Oven’ I climbed back up to Buxton Road following a pleasant steep sided valley.  Finally back to the car and drove somewhere more sheltered, to get changed and head back to civilization.

 

Finn

 

 

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First time trial with Witham Wheelers

Endomondo Cycling Workout: was out cycling 11.98 miles in 34m:16s using Endomondo.

Wasdale 2012

Wasdale wasn't any easier second time round, but I managed to knock 30 minutes of my previous time and finish in 6.01 - 95th out of 144 starters. It was mostly clear all of the way round, not too warm (apart from the climbs) and mainly dry underfoot. I was going really well until Gable and then the wheels started to come off. I found the climb to the summit hard and felt like I was running on empty from Styhead only managing a steady walk to the summit of Scafell Pike and even though its all down hill from there to the finish the legs just wouldn't let me go that quick. Reflecting on my performance at the finish I don't think I ate or drank enough. I had plenty of gels and energy bars and a bladder full of energy drink. However I didn't fancy any of these and therefore wasn't taking on any fuel. I reckon I would have been better with some jam sandwiches, pork pie, nuts and raisins and just plain water. You live and learn and it means I'll have to have another go to test the theory.   The blurb on the back of the race map talks about Wasdale being the hardest race in the calendar and I'd probably agree. It's been along time since I've struggled walking up and down stairs after a race, but it sure beats a day shopping! Richard

L2P - I understand this is the cool way to write London to Paris

One of the reasons I’ve been spending so much time on my road bike just recently is that I keep falling off my mountain bike.

 

The other is that I entered the classic London – Paris Ride, finishing last Saturday at the Eiffel Tower. Apparently this is the obligatory pose at the end of the 300 mile event. Wish I had known that, I would have bought a lighter bike.

 

 

As soon as we set off from London (well Holiday Inn at Bexley) last Wednesday morning, I quickly realised I was short of experience in traffic. There’s only 1 roundabout here in Newark, and 3 sets of traffic lights, but on Day 1 we had 30 miles of it. And although we shouldn’t have had to use the map, it wasn’t easy to spot the yellow arrows as they were only 12cms long (that’s about 5 inches in old money), particularly when trying to negotiate traffic. We got used to it by the end of the trip and spotted most of the 900 arrows that were put out.

 

Once we escaped London it was into open countryside in Kent. Hilly open countryside and a pub lunch both booked by the organisers. Think I’d rather be a rider than an organiser with the responsibility of making sure that everyone got to the next check point, usually 20 miles apart. We were well looked after for the 4 days, with the 2 support vans leap-frogging each other to ensure they beat us to the next check-point, just. Finished riding at 3.00 pm Day 1, lots of standing around waiting for 37 riders to re-group, and further delay getting onto the Ferry caused by some Hi-Vis-Jobs-Worth. Tea on the Ferry and then 5k ride to Hotel Number 2 in Calais.

 

Day 2 from Calais to Arras should have been 71 miles, but thanks to a missing arrow, most of us made it 91 hilly, hot and windy miles. My Endomondo App on the i-phone suggested I had used over 5,100 calories that day. Fortunately the bar was open when we got there and I managed to put most back.

 

Day 3 from Arras to Compiegne through WW1 battlefields, passing several monuments and memorials, through lovely open countryside.

 

Day 4 Final leg to Paris. 30 miles of riding in London doesn’t prepare you for Paris. But riding as a team of 9 we were first to finish at the Louvre before re-grouping for the last time to ride as group of 37 along the Champs Elysees, round the Arc de Triomphe to Eiffel Tower for an emotional finish to our ‘Tour’. Some relatives were there to meet us; cheers, hugs, kisses and even a proposal! Some people just get carried away.

 

So it was fun, competitive, social and tiring. And there 100’s of photo’s flooding Facebook to remind us. Fascinating to observe the team formation too. Our Team WPQ formed on Day 2 and we worked so well as a Team of 9 and are already discussing another trip next year. I will be using examples in future training courses!

 

 

Bob

 

Leics Sportive

We all know that whether its running or cycling, sometimes you have a flier, sometimes you would have been better staying in bed.

 

My experience at the Leics Super Tour 115m Sportive on 16 June fell into the latter.

 

Felt tired the day before, not unusual before a longer event and I had done the training so should be okay. Arrived good and early, met Steve (Cropper) and we set off together at 8.15 in a field of just over 100. Far more where doing the 55 which started later, and some adventurous athletes where adding a 5k run to their 115 mile ride – er why?

 

Steve was clearly feeling good, chatting away on the first 10 miles. This was the first time we had ridden together and as far as Steve is concerned, its probably the last! I was struggling on the hills up through Charnwood Forest on a windy cold day and not wanting to spoil his event, I encouraged Steve to press on without me, which he did, taking the pressure off both of us.

 

That was until he made a navigational error and appeared again alongside me at around 15 miles, then off he went again. But wait, at 30 miles he catches me again having stopped at the first feed station at 26 miles. Sorry Steve, I had said I was stopping too, but decided to trudge on.

 

After that I got lost, twice, although only adding a mile. Chain came off at 35 and I had a puncture at 85. It was raining at this stage and the only time I saw any other cyclists between feed stations at 62 and 95 was as I sheltered in a barn to inflate my tyre with my new toy. I considered limping into the next stop at 95 with my tyre gradually deflating ( I know the feeling) and retiring there and eating cake for the rest of the day. No such luck. The cheery event mechanic insisted he would fix it in record time, while I had a tea. He whisked my Kona away into his van and emerged grinning 5 mins later having fitted a new tube. No excuse then.

 

There weren’t many parts of the day I did enjoy, but the last 20 home back – wind was easier. The final insult to a grumpy, tired, cold competitor is the lack of signage as you approach the finish and having whizzed past the gate, I gave some helpful feedback as I finally checked in just under 9 hrs. Awful result, but it was miles in the legs I guess, and there a few behind me and not everyone finished.

 

Well done Steve – great ride in 7.5 hours, I’ll try to be less than an hour and a half behind you next time!

 

It was a great route through quiet, hilly countryside and I get the feeling I’ll have to go back next year to put this one behind me.

 

Nice picture, clearly I’m lost or last

 

 

 

 

Bob

 

I know theres a view somewhere behind all this clag....

Sorry it’s been so long since my last confession.....

 

I had been looking forward to the Jubilee as I had planned an extended running trip up to the lakes to do a couple of races and recce the extended BGR route.  As it turned out, after some car trouble my plans to go up to the Lakes over the Jubilee period were thrown into turmoil so in the end I borrowed a car and went up for the day on 3rd June and entered the Helvellyn and the Dodds fell race.  This is a new course and only the second year they have run over this route which is basically an out and back along the BGR route from Threlkeld Cricket Club.  So it’s up Clough Head, along all the Dodds, etc, Lower Man, spin around the Helvellyn trig point before returning the same way enjoying some fine views.  Well that was the plan....... halfway along to Great Dodd we disappeared into the cloud and that was it for the next 3 hours, and boy was it windy, particularly up Lower man where even Pythagoras would have been impressed by the angles to the ground we were making!  All it all, it wasn’t the most pleasant day out but this was more than made up by the magnificent spread laid on by Keswick AC, maybe even better than Caythorpe, so I’m definitely going back for more sandwiches next year.  Finished in 20^th out of about 72(?) in 3.08.06. 

 

Back in the flatlands, Captain Bob suggested a mid week 10k race out at Ropsley, only to ring me back later to explain it was a fun run not a race so we decided to search for alternative activities.  I ended up doing an 8.88 mile race in the Wolds at Croxby organised by Cleethorpes AC, nice little road race on a challenging and hilly (for Lincolnshire) course.  It was a two lap race of a 4.44 mile circuit and my splits were very consistent with 30.29 for lap 1 and 30.00 for lap 2.  Ignoring the winner, who flew around the course in just over 52 minutes, I was only 3 minutes off second place, finishing 8^th out of 42, so as this is a series, if I’m up mid week when its repeated, I will have to try harder!

 

Having retrieved my car after almost a week in the garage, I spent last weekend in the lakes and again was ‘blessed’ with another day of inspecting the inside of clouds for the whole of Saturday.  In my quest to ‘get some hills in’ I volunteered via the FRA forum to pace leg 4 of the BGR.  Parking up at Honister I made my way across to Wasdale via Moses Trod which was really tough, with no visibility and continuous squalls all the way over.  Meeting my fellow pacers we waited for Roger to arrive and he did so looking tired and almost 40 minutes down on a 23.52 schedule – not good.  The weather continued to be poor but with less rain for the next 5 hours and we got him across to Honister with less than 3 hours to go.  Dale, the navigator was brilliant and hardly put a foot wrong, which given the weather was impressive.  Roger pulled out all the stops and made it to the Moot Hall with 4 minutes to spare, which I have to say is a fantastic achievement on a such a poor day.  I’m sure he would of been 90 minutes quicker on a dry day, that said, he wouldn’t have all the great stories to tell, such as the one where he left his pacers behind at the River Caldew, as they couldn’t get across due to the volume of water.  He only persevered getting across himself as he didn’t have time for the detour!  Sunday, I went around Leg 1 pulling in the extra tops of Lonscale Fell and Skiddaw Little Man.  I have to say, I haven’t been across to Great Calva for 25 years and there is now a large eroded path all the way from Skiddaw – very surprised to see this and quite mixed emotions as it’s only BGR people that have caused this erosion.  At last though, I got to see a view, although reaching the top of Blencathra the heavens opened and Halls Fell Ridge was a very slippery descent into Threlkeld.

 

Until next time, happy bounding!

 

 

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Ivanhoe Runners

Back in 1985 when the original Bounders were in their prime, I was helping to found Ivanhoe Runners in Ashby de la Zouch and having recently got back into their club races, felt compelled to do the Corn Dolly 7 on Sunday at Hickling nr Melton Mowbray.

The name of the event led me to expect to be asked to wear bells on my ankles and wave my hanky as I ran, and to find an entry form for the Wicker Man 6 in the goodie bag. But apart from some strange categories in the dog show (Dog that looks most like your tractor) it all seemed fairly civilised.

Problem was it interfered with my bike training, and with just over 2 weeks to go to my London  - Paris trip (for those of you who would like to make a donation to cancer research, please see http://www.justgiving.com/bobwhitecycleride ) miles are important at this stage, so I cycled there. Nice steady ride through Staunton, Bottesford, Harby – 33 miles of warm up.

More than 20 Ivanhoe runners there in a low key event, but good fast, flat course. The Race Director was clearly under the influence of something stronger than the ribena in my drinks bottle when he put the mile markers out, as according to those who ran with the appropriate technology attached, the marker for 2 miles was actually at 2.3 and 3 was at 2.8, which explains several claims for 1 mile pb's on the day.

Not to worry, it was 7.2 miles in total and was I pleased with my 56.04 and the vast amount of tea and cake that followed. Great photos on my facebook page,http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/bob.white.944

you can only see them if you are my 'friend' – I don't have many! L

A steady sun – tanning ride home and now off to the pub. This is what weekends are for.

By Bob White

Woodhall Spa Sprint triathlon

The Woodhall Spa Sprint Tri was held on the Queens Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Along with many other organised events on the Sunday, sunshine was expected. As always, the British weather let us down, so it wasn't just wet, it was cold, 9 Degrees Celsius, after a week of heatwave temperatures, so what do you do as a True Grit Triathlete, not turn up? turn up and decide it's too cold, wet, difficult. No. You grit your teeth, roll up your preverbal sleeves, and embrace it….Sod it, its cold, it's wet, but your arms still work, your wheels still go round, and your legs still do that back and forward motion. Well, Woodhall pool is unique, although it's outside, it's warm and lovely, and when you get in, it gives you a sense of security that you immediately embrace. You've prepared for your swim so it's great, my experience was that I immediately enjoyed it, and set off in great gusto, 12 laps in 25 Degrees, awesome….

Okay, that was the best bit, getting out wasn't that bad, running to the bike wasn't that bad, as you start putting on your bike shoes, you become aware of the driving rain, then the cold hits you. Rainproof Jacket on, gloves on, Helmet on, Glasses on, off you go…Glasses off, can't see a bloody thing, Clip in, get comfortable, ok, not too bad, get into your stride and then start drinking. 

Well it is wet and cold, but come on, just get your head down and grind it out, 15 miles of burning your thighs and it's all over. You soon got used to the head wind, you've done it in training, keep going, think nice things but concentrate, watch out for pot-holes, and keep your rpm going. Eventually, it gets cold, hands get numb, as well as feet, but on the way back the wind turns, it's behind you and slightly downhill, time to burn…..

Transition 2, hands are so bloody cold, can't get my helmet off. Was thinking of running in the damn thing and looking a right T**t, but suddenly, my brain seems to coordinate, and my fingers deftly remove it. Phew. 

Ok, now the running thing. Actually getting going is, erm, hard, legs are cold and numb, so just keep going, they will loosen up eventually, well they didn't, not until I finished and get back to the car to change.

On the whole, it was a harsh days racing, looking back it was a great day.

As they keep saying….

"Pain is temporary, failure is forever"

Mark

Lincoln Sportive 2012

The 100 miles ride through the Lincolnshire wolds, with a total climb 4,692 feet, and total descent 4,678 feet.

http://www.itpevents.co.uk/events/the-lincoln-grand-prix-sportive.html

Check out the route http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=eloaiyxfqgckokrp

There were 5 of us participating, Bob White, Bob Haworth, Steve Cropper, Gerry Hyde, and myself. 

This was the start where we all look nice and fresh. Everyone is still smiling.....

Was a lovely day, that was until Nettleham Hill, which was at about 70 miles, just when you didn't want to see it. A real thigh burner.

The end was awesome, Micklegate Hill on cobbles right up to the castle square in Lincoln.

And look what a handsome lot we are, hardly any perspiration in sight.

Fellsman 2012

Fellsman 2012

Report by Roy Jackman and Richard Andrews.

What an epic day – the 50^th event started looking good in cold weak sunshine, but hit a near freezing Northerly wind, which remained a continual strength sapping feature of the day, combined with the sodden ground conditions after so much rain. As night drew on conditions worsened to such an extent many competitors were falling victim to hypothermia, and checkpoint staff were increasingly at risk. Problems of cold and tiredness on the high fells were compounded for some by blurred vision from the relentless wind leading to complete disorientation. 

For the first time in its history the event was stopped, at about 1.43am. It was decided to credit those compelled to stop with a notional finish time, to reflect the likely time they would have taken to walk to the finish.

Richard made it all the way in 18.14, a superb 102^nd place out of the record 438 starters.  Roy got as far as Cray (45 miles) before the event was halted, and was credited with a notional finishing time of 24 hrs. An excellent performance from both Bounders.

Roy commented “It was the Fellsman from Hell, as if anything could make the event harder. One of the pleasant surprises was the checkpoint at Kingsdale, manned by the Waby family which provided an excellent range of sandwiches, cakes, jewellery, silver ware, car radios and second hand bikes.  A surprise of a different kind was the Dent checkpoint, manned by men in smart uniforms who turned out to be Italian Police.  Imagine our surprise when they dragged us off into the bushes and bummed us, with many a florid Latin curse.  Nevertheless I shall certainly be back for more next year”

Edited slightly by Finn

The Fellsman 2012

2012 was the 50^th anniversary of the event and the 500 places had sold out and there was a waiting list. I had opted to spend the night before the event at the finish in Threshfield and be bussed to the start the following morning. I arrived about 10pm, registered and got my kit checked. I had been watching the weather all week and was pleased that Saturday was forecast to be dry, at least overhead, but considering the amount of rain that had fallen over the preceding days I was not expecting to keep my feet dry. There would be a strong north to north easterly wind though and I had therefore decided to carry an extra fleece and my Buffalo mitts just in case things cooled down during the later stages of the event.

After a reasonably comfortable night on the school sports hall floor I had my breakfast and waited for the buses. It was at this point that I bumped into Roy Jackman and we chatted about our goals for the day. Arriving at the start in Ingleton the wind was blowing hard and having sought shelter behind a wall for a while we got back onto the bus until it was time to start.

At 9 o clock we set off for Ingleborough the first summit of the day. I had decided to pace myself and was aiming for an average of 4 mph which should see me round the 61 miles and 11,000 ft of ascent in about 15 hours. As we arrived at the summit the full force of the wind was felt and it was a relief to drop down towards the Hill Inn and cross the valley to Whernside. The run along the Whernside ridge was straight into the wind and this really set the tone for the rest of the day as the course heads in an Easterly direction for most of the way. Dropping down into Kingsdale the temperature climbed, but the wind and cold were back as the next ridge was crested and traversed to the summits of Gragareth and Great Coum. The next roadside check point is in Dent and I was feeling pretty low as I left it and started the long gradual climb up onto Blea Moor. Even the sausage roll from the checkpoint couldn’t lift my spirits. It was along this stretch that I got talking to a guy who said he had been told the event had three distinct sections, the hilly bit, which we had just done, the boggy bit, which were just starting and the dark bit, which was still to come. For anyone reading this that is considering having a go at the event, a word of warning, it would be wrong to consider these sections as being entirely separate, in fact they are cumulative i.e. it starts hilly, then gets hilly and boggy, and continues hilly and boggy all the way to the end which unless you’re going to get round in under 12 hours will be in the dark! Anyway I plodded on and Blea Moor came and went and I made my way to Stonehouse at the other end of the Dent valley. Here entrants were treated to pasta, tomato sauce and cheese and I took the opportunity to fuel up in preparation for the second half of the course. From Stonehouse the route climbs (I told you) back up the fellside, passing under Arten Gill viaduct on its way to Great Knoutberry.  Having visited the checkpoint by the trig point its back down and across to the next roadside checkpoint at Redshaw and from there on towards the Cam High Road and Dodd Fell. 

On reaching the summit of Dodd Fell we were treated to a 360^o panorama of the Yorkshire Dales and it was a real pleasure to be there, although I was starting to feel really cold and it was good to get down and into the tent at the Fleet Moss check point. It was here that I donned my spare fleece, my long tights and balaclava and swapped my gloves for mitts. Suitably attired I set out with Tony, the guy I had been running with since the Redshaw check point, onto Fleet Moss the part of the course that everybody talks about and which has such a reputation. We opted for the southern route which avoids the worst of the bogs and joined forces with another couple who to be fair did most of the navigation and delivered us to the check point on Middle Tongue just as the light started to fade. The plan was then to take a bearing to a wall and use this as a hand rail to the next check point at Hells Gap. This nearly went to plan but we went a bit high and need to correct ourselves. Dropping down to Cray it was evident that the couple we had teamed up with were struggling with the cold and they decided to drop out. In fact on entering the tent one of them was shivering uncontrollably and was quickly wrapped in foil blankets and extra coats. As it was now dark we needed to wait to be grouped with other entrants to form a group of at least 4 which took about 20 minutes. Our next objective was Buckden Pike and we found the checkpoint staff huddled in a tent sheltering from the wind. From here we made our way to Top Mere and on to the last roadside point at Park Rash. After a quick drink we set off on the last climb of the route up Great Whernside. On arriving at the summit ridge we were walking straight into the wind which by now was now very strong and very cold and the ground underfoot was just starting to freeze. Not wanting to hang around any longer than necessary we had our tally cards punched and headed down towards the final two check points. These came and went without incident and we finally arrived at the edge of Grassington and managed to jog back to finish at Threshfield where we arrived a 3.38 am on Sunday morning, 18 hrs and 38 minutes after leaving Ingleton. It was here that we learnt the event had been stopped at about 1.40 am and that teams still out on the course were being stopped at the roadside check points, there tallies removed and then returned to the finish by bus. Apparently too many entrants were suffering with the cold. We must have made it through the last roadside check point before the event was stopped and it a great feeling to know that I had completed the course.

It’s a great day out and the route takes you on a high level tour of some of the best country the Yorkshire Dales has to offer. Having done it once I’ll definitely enter again to see if I can improve on my time in hopefully less challenging conditions.

Richard

Caythorpe Canter - 14 April 2012

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and whilst I was warming up like the professional athlete I am (well I did a nice stretch when I reached down tying my shoe laces), Bob was seen reclining in the front seat of his car reading the paper - no doubt studying the form for the Grand National later in the day.  Ahhh, we Bounders make fine role models to the younger generation................

I had decided to run the long course and Bob the short as he had to get over to the football in Sheffield in the afternoon.  It was a small but beautifully formed field at the long start and after the first mile or so I tucked in about 3/400m behind the race leader and followed him (as I couldn’t catch him) for the next 13 miles, although I felt pretty good at this point.  At mile 14 the route took a few twists and turns and my memory let me down so I resorted to the running notes and route map for guidance (two weeks running I’ve now used a map – this must be a record for me) and my pace slipped with the occasional stop / start at unmarked junctions whilst I considered my options.  After 21 miles we reached Ancaster and turned for home straight into a head wind, which combined with some small inclines and tired legs, required significant will power to keep at a decent pace.  I managed to complete the course as runner up in 3.16.45 which I was really pleased with and Bob turned in a fine performance in the short course in 1.56.17

The post race shower, teas, sandwiches and cakes were up to the expected Caythorpe high standards we have grown to love, so until next time.........

Ian

Edale Skyline 2012

It's been a few years since I entered the Edale Skyline as it's held the weekend before the 4 Inns. However having felt really strong during the event last year I wondered if I could do both? There was only one way to find out, so this year I put my entry in.

Checking the forecast the day before it looked like there wouldn't be any problems with route finding, with a clear sunny day on the cards. As it turned out I couldn't have picked a warmer day, great for sunbathing not so good for a 21 mile fell race!

The organisers had changed the requirement for full waterproofs to wind proofs, but you still needed a long sleeve top. I was wearing mine, black to absorb the heat and had only brought waterproofs! 

The start was the usual melee and it was nice to get going and catch the breeze on Ringing Roger and then follow the very dry path along the edge of Kinder. I stuck to the tree line along the ridge to Win Hill to make the most of the shade and was going well into Hope. The pull up Lose Hill was as stiff as ever and when I got to the top a young marshal informed me I was 219^th! Arriving at the top of Mam Tor was like being on Skeggy sea front; I've never seen so many people up there. The support was welcome though.

Crossing Brown Knoll was a bit of a slog (as you can probably tell from the photo) and I managed to lose both shoes in close succession.

 Once back onto Kinder the focus was on reaching Grindslow Knoll and then making the return to Ringing Roger which always seems such a long way on tired legs. On the advice of Steve I had planned to take it easy to save the legs for the following week but still managed to cross the line in 4hrs 20min 36sec, 214th out of 299 finishers. Along way off the front - 2hrs 41min 55sec but 17 minutes faster than my previous time.

The race doesn't get any easier and the legs were a bit sore for a few days afterwards, however I still made it to the start line of the 4 Inns and had another cracking day in the Peak.

Richard

An Abandoned BGR Leg 2 Night Recce and Easter Monday on Hellvellyn

An Abandoned BGR Leg 2 Night Recce and Easter Monday on Hellvellyn

8/9 April 2012

With the BGR season fast approaching I’m trying to get back up to speed with a couple of legs, one of which is Leg 2 from Threlkeld to Dunmail Raise which will be the night section for Ian Haigh, the chap I am supporting.  After agreeing to take Jake for a scramble up Striding Edge on Easter Monday I had the bright idea of going up Sunday night, and then running from Threlkeld to Hellvelyn and back once it had got dark.  As we drove up the sky grew darker and the road wetter and by the time we arrived at the campsite, the monsoon season had arrived with a vengeance.  We were both cold and wet by the time we had the tent up so at this point sanity took over and I decided Jake really needed to be introduced to Theakstons Old Peculiar and the chip shop in Keswick, both of which were to be had in dry and warm surroundings, rather than being left on his own for a few hours! 

After a blustery night’s sleep we drove around to Glenridding, put on every piece of kit we had with us (the monsoon was still in full flow) and headed off up the track past the YMCA/YHA/etc..  Once at Red Tarn we were in the mist and a very wet and slippery scramble ensued.  I tried to paint a picture of the views Jake would have seen if we weren’t in the middle of the aforementioned monsoon (which had now started to include occasional driving sleet showers), but he wasn’t convinced!  At the top we paused for a nanosecond and headed off down towards Hellvellyn Lower Man.......or that’s where we should of gone.......  With my head down, and not paying close attention I realised we had missed the path off to the right and were on the one down to Thirlmere so 15 minutes later we were back at the top of Hellvellyn and this time with compass out and map in hand to make 100% certain, headed off on the correct path!  A good lesson for us all here when conditions are really rough, don’t just trust your knowledge, but get the compass out to provide back up.

Back in the valley Mountain Rescue had laid on a charity duck race for us and so I obligingly bought tickets for all the Bounders (you all now owe me a pound).  As the ducks came paddling (sorry floating) past I realised the one in second place was 2261, which was mine (no, it wasn’t any of yours and yes I have the stubs to prove it – and yes, you still all owe me a pound).  Jake at this point suggested I check my ticket to be sure but I was already chasing it down towards the finish where it came a very respectable 4^th place.  I was already planning which prize to secure (for us all of course) when upon checking my ticket stub, I realised mine was in fact 2281 and not 2261 (Jake at this point had that ‘I told you so’ look on his face)!  2281 had in fact gone off looking for food and was last heard shouting “where’s Fin, he always has some spare grub”

Hope to see you all at Caythorpe next weekend......

Ian

Four Inns

Bounders in sensational Four Inns record breaking success
The Bounders team comprising Roy(mad dog)Jackman, Richard(iron man)Andrews, Mark(crimper)Wilson, and self.
After dramatic last minute withdrawal of Finn after strange and mysterious episode with his Indian clubs, the bounders are reduced to a rump of four, Crimper returning after a 30 year sabbatical recorded a four hour personal best(one assumes the years were wisely spent erradicating torpor from his muscles) and Richard also proudly boasts a new seven minute personal best. Remarkably, the bounders are only seven minutes slower than 25 years ago and at this rate will still be below 10 hours in our 80th year!
The conditions it must be said were drier than fading memories can recall which set us up for one of the finest four inns outings ever. Roy although questioning his resolve to carry on after this, his 30th year, still put in a fine captains innings(marred only by the occasional onset of cramp).
Hope that this memorable outing will fire us up to a sub 9 hour time next year!
Bob