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