After considerable effort through iced roads and knee deep powder snow, our intrepid team of ten made it to the top of High Pike.... and then quite rightly declared that conditions were far from perfect for any more Old Crown Round peaks.
Sadly, we had to retired happily to Hudscales and The Old Crown for excellent food and drink, but we will be back.....in better conditions.
Well done team ... to those who couldn't get there, we'll try again later in the Spring.
Joe
Ps - Only just got Broadband back after a ten day 'holiday'
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Monday, 21 December 2009
The Van is Sold. Bored. And fed up. Some News.
It's snowing, again, here and we have about six inches of snow in the lane which prevents us from getting out and about. Even if we could I have a nagging sore throat and a blocked nose. OMG (OMG!) this has become one of 'those' blogs....! Eek.
So, 'News:'
The van sold really quickly, once I had mastered uploading to Autotrader and ironically to an old friend who I hadn't seen for some while, but who lives just five miles away. Many thanks to all those who expressed an interest, good to talk to all the VW and Kombi people, and to Pete for buying it without any hazzle. I think he's got a bargain and know it will be put to good use by his family clan. However, it does mean I have to think about getting something else now.....
I was thinking of going green and biking everywhere in a lifestyle change, but I came off the bike on the ice last Friday and just don't think it is do-able every day. Perhaps, I need someone like Simon Gershon to tell me otherwise. But, I am looking forward to not driving all over the country with a van load of 'toys' and then faffing about with them for ages in the general name of 'adventure'.
Seasonal Cheer. :(
I'm not a huge fan of this time of year; it always seems to be one of frustration and impending tedium. The weather doesn't help, with very unpredictable conditions for any sport. 'No such thing as bad weather ....just inappropriate clothing' and in extreme cases, 'poor choice of activity'. Therefore, I'm confined the house, due to ill health, hence this blog posting. I'd be less grumpy if I hadn't been making an effort to get out runing recently; I even did hill reps last night, and haven't had a proper drink for nine days. Five more to go.
No doubt the snow will go at some point, and the media will find something else to report on. This has made me laugh - BBC local news has just report on 'Some People Ignoring Road Closures' by interviewing two, obviously, very experienced well equipped and determined C2C cyclists attempting Hartside, in order to get to their B&B in Alston. Yay, see the bigger picture; they are doing nothing wrong, unlike the hoardes turning up at St.Pancreas expecting to Eurostar-it to Paris. Attempting was the key word there, the male cyclist actually said they'd give it a go and may turn back and 'stay in that pub over there' Dear BBC, Cumbria is open for business .... would you prefer a family in a 4x4, whinging about things being a little disrupted? And then getting stuck with no food and drink and only a playstation to eat? A bike is a lot less dangerous, and less of a liability, than a vehicle.
Oh no, now it's turning into one of those 'other' blogs!
NAV4 Social Gathering
Coming up, on 2nd/3rd January, we have the now traditional NAV4 Old Crown Round/ Hudscales Camping Barn weekend. This comprises of a fell 'run' around the OCR on Saturday, followed by a meal and OCR beers in The Old Crown and a cosy night in the camping barn. And then MTB/run options for Sunday. There is about 12-15 people potentially in the mix and if you've missed out on your invite please speak up!
I wonder what the weather will do....
So, let's be positive - 'tis the season of good cheer, and I've several days of biking and snow shuffling, and good eating to do first.
Finally, looking way ahead, I've booked to do a charity bike ride from London to Paris next July. It's a two person relay in just 24 hours! Check out www.london2paris24.com and www.virginmoneygiving.com/kathandjoe for more info. Any sponsorship or support of any kind will be greatly appreciated. Many of you will know I'm not a big fan of such 'charity' things, but this one just had to be done! Ideally, I'd like to go huge with it and make more money for Shelterbox, in addition to what we need for Scope. The ride is very interesting as an endurance challenge and will be a great post- Hebridean Challenge wind down. All my Christmas budget will be donated to this charity so don't expect a Christmas card!
Many thanks... see you on the other side.
Grumpster x
It's Christmas (or is it?)
Don't send chocolate - donate at www.virginmoneygiving.com/kathandjoe
This blog posting was sponsored by Boredom.
No 'Nightnurse' or other drugs where involved. Honest.
So, 'News:'
The van sold really quickly, once I had mastered uploading to Autotrader and ironically to an old friend who I hadn't seen for some while, but who lives just five miles away. Many thanks to all those who expressed an interest, good to talk to all the VW and Kombi people, and to Pete for buying it without any hazzle. I think he's got a bargain and know it will be put to good use by his family clan. However, it does mean I have to think about getting something else now.....
I was thinking of going green and biking everywhere in a lifestyle change, but I came off the bike on the ice last Friday and just don't think it is do-able every day. Perhaps, I need someone like Simon Gershon to tell me otherwise. But, I am looking forward to not driving all over the country with a van load of 'toys' and then faffing about with them for ages in the general name of 'adventure'.
Seasonal Cheer. :(
I'm not a huge fan of this time of year; it always seems to be one of frustration and impending tedium. The weather doesn't help, with very unpredictable conditions for any sport. 'No such thing as bad weather ....just inappropriate clothing' and in extreme cases, 'poor choice of activity'. Therefore, I'm confined the house, due to ill health, hence this blog posting. I'd be less grumpy if I hadn't been making an effort to get out runing recently; I even did hill reps last night, and haven't had a proper drink for nine days. Five more to go.
No doubt the snow will go at some point, and the media will find something else to report on. This has made me laugh - BBC local news has just report on 'Some People Ignoring Road Closures' by interviewing two, obviously, very experienced well equipped and determined C2C cyclists attempting Hartside, in order to get to their B&B in Alston. Yay, see the bigger picture; they are doing nothing wrong, unlike the hoardes turning up at St.Pancreas expecting to Eurostar-it to Paris. Attempting was the key word there, the male cyclist actually said they'd give it a go and may turn back and 'stay in that pub over there' Dear BBC, Cumbria is open for business .... would you prefer a family in a 4x4, whinging about things being a little disrupted? And then getting stuck with no food and drink and only a playstation to eat? A bike is a lot less dangerous, and less of a liability, than a vehicle.
Oh no, now it's turning into one of those 'other' blogs!
NAV4 Social Gathering
Coming up, on 2nd/3rd January, we have the now traditional NAV4 Old Crown Round/ Hudscales Camping Barn weekend. This comprises of a fell 'run' around the OCR on Saturday, followed by a meal and OCR beers in The Old Crown and a cosy night in the camping barn. And then MTB/run options for Sunday. There is about 12-15 people potentially in the mix and if you've missed out on your invite please speak up!
I wonder what the weather will do....
So, let's be positive - 'tis the season of good cheer, and I've several days of biking and snow shuffling, and good eating to do first.
Finally, looking way ahead, I've booked to do a charity bike ride from London to Paris next July. It's a two person relay in just 24 hours! Check out www.london2paris24.com and www.virginmoneygiving.com/kathandjoe for more info. Any sponsorship or support of any kind will be greatly appreciated. Many of you will know I'm not a big fan of such 'charity' things, but this one just had to be done! Ideally, I'd like to go huge with it and make more money for Shelterbox, in addition to what we need for Scope. The ride is very interesting as an endurance challenge and will be a great post- Hebridean Challenge wind down. All my Christmas budget will be donated to this charity so don't expect a Christmas card!
Many thanks... see you on the other side.
Grumpster x
It's Christmas (or is it?)
Don't send chocolate - donate at www.virginmoneygiving.com/kathandjoe
This blog posting was sponsored by Boredom.
No 'Nightnurse' or other drugs where involved. Honest.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
VW Kombi T5 LWB 174 Van for Sale
I'm selling my van, which has been much admired by fell running and adventure racing folk. Perhaps I'll try to add a photo or two (it's about time I customised this blog!) but in the meantime the boring techno-spec if as follows;
VW Transporter T5 Kombi LWB, T32.
2007 57 reg 2.5 litre engine, 174ps, 6 speed, 33,000 miles, full service history, tax, rare LWB Kombi model. Off Road Grey metallic. Up to six seats in total; Drivers Comfort seat and fold flat dual passenger seat, with folding/tipping/removable split triple rear seats (2+1). Privacy glass on rear windows, towbar that has never been used, tailgate rear, abs, airbags, electric windows, electric mirrors and cruise control, radio/CD and dealer fitted iPod connection, central locking. One owner from new, excellent condition inside and out huge load area takes bikes full length without needing to collapse/remove the rear seat.
Currently fitted with neat and simple conversion housing twin birth sleeping platform and underneath storage, with ‘brew shelf’ unit opposite, but nothing is fitted or drill to internal structure and it will lift out within seconds. Includes VW high fitting rear bike rack and heavy duty Thule roof bars on factory fitted roof rack system, included at no extra cost. Rack system allows bars to be fitted anywhere along length which can be crucial for boats, bikes boxes, etc.
The van has just been serviced today, (30/11) and has new heavy duty winter tyres on the front. The preformance figures on this are amazing; I'll will cruise at top motorway speeds and overtake stuff anywhere and return 35mph.
£17,000 (no VAT) all inclusive.
This might seem a huge sum of money for a van, but it really is top of the range stuff and vans with half this spec and three times the mileage still go for £10k.
You either want one of these or you don't, and 'it only needs one buyer' said the VW salesman today.
Sadly, I'm selling it as it doesn't get used to it's full potential...and I need a smaller car pending a new job.
VW Transporter T5 Kombi LWB, T32.
2007 57 reg 2.5 litre engine, 174ps, 6 speed, 33,000 miles, full service history, tax, rare LWB Kombi model. Off Road Grey metallic. Up to six seats in total; Drivers Comfort seat and fold flat dual passenger seat, with folding/tipping/removable split triple rear seats (2+1). Privacy glass on rear windows, towbar that has never been used, tailgate rear, abs, airbags, electric windows, electric mirrors and cruise control, radio/CD and dealer fitted iPod connection, central locking. One owner from new, excellent condition inside and out huge load area takes bikes full length without needing to collapse/remove the rear seat.
Currently fitted with neat and simple conversion housing twin birth sleeping platform and underneath storage, with ‘brew shelf’ unit opposite, but nothing is fitted or drill to internal structure and it will lift out within seconds. Includes VW high fitting rear bike rack and heavy duty Thule roof bars on factory fitted roof rack system, included at no extra cost. Rack system allows bars to be fitted anywhere along length which can be crucial for boats, bikes boxes, etc.
The van has just been serviced today, (30/11) and has new heavy duty winter tyres on the front. The preformance figures on this are amazing; I'll will cruise at top motorway speeds and overtake stuff anywhere and return 35mph.
£17,000 (no VAT) all inclusive.
This might seem a huge sum of money for a van, but it really is top of the range stuff and vans with half this spec and three times the mileage still go for £10k.
You either want one of these or you don't, and 'it only needs one buyer' said the VW salesman today.
Sadly, I'm selling it as it doesn't get used to it's full potential...and I need a smaller car pending a new job.
What? No GL3Day 2010
It's true! GL3Day will take a break in 2010 primarily for two reasons;
a) After the huge success of 2009 we need a rest and what better year to do it other than the thirteenth year, but more importantly b) We are going to be very busy preparing for The Hebridean Challenge, instead.
Many thanks for all the offers of help to plan GL3D, but it takes a little bit more than just a couple of days planning and recce-ing of routes and control sites. Linz and I reckon on two full days over the Christmas period to identify start/finish and overnight locations, with another three days of route recce-ing, followed by six days devoted to the actual event. Hence we just can't afford the time in 2010.
But don't worry - GL3Day will be back in 2011.
So, enjoy a year off and do something else... if you do nothing else just earning family brownie points for a 'pass out' for future fun.
Joe
a) After the huge success of 2009 we need a rest and what better year to do it other than the thirteenth year, but more importantly b) We are going to be very busy preparing for The Hebridean Challenge, instead.
Many thanks for all the offers of help to plan GL3D, but it takes a little bit more than just a couple of days planning and recce-ing of routes and control sites. Linz and I reckon on two full days over the Christmas period to identify start/finish and overnight locations, with another three days of route recce-ing, followed by six days devoted to the actual event. Hence we just can't afford the time in 2010.
But don't worry - GL3Day will be back in 2011.
So, enjoy a year off and do something else... if you do nothing else just earning family brownie points for a 'pass out' for future fun.
Joe
Monday, 23 November 2009
Much Ado about Nothing ...
Another month goes by, seemingly with much ado about nothing?
It’s the time of year when it’s wet and windy outside and not a lot has been going on. It seems a long while since the OMM and with only the excitement on the sleepmonsters front (after much initial frustration) was following the Portugal XPD World Championship race.
A Massive 'Well Done' to Tom Gibbs and Team, excellently back up by James and Nicola. An equally massive 'Well Done' is due to Team Cruachan who, along with the two other British teams all finished the race. That’s an impressive performance for British Adventure Racing. Take a look at www.teamcruachan.blogspot.com for Pyro's excellent reporting.
New for NAV4 this month is confirmation of our Spring NAV4 course on 12-14th March. This is, once again at our regular Borrowdale YHA venue, where the 2008 OMM maps come into play. Full details of the course are now on the website, and as places are limited they will book up quickly.
Also new for 2010 are two special One Day 'Open5' AR Navigation Workshops, on each of the Saturday’s before the Sunday Open5 Events at Howarth and Sedbergh. The unique thing about these is that you can book onto one of these individually and join up with like minded people for great value tution and an insight in to the mysteries of AR nav specific to Open5 strategy. Personally, I will be staying at Howarth YHA prior to that event (Friday and Saturday nights prior to the event on Sunday 7th February) which is a great venue for a bike/run event. Let's make a weekend of it...as James says.
NAV4 'Masterclasses' which are specifically arranged on a date to meet you own race/team agenda continue to be popular although the hardest part is often just getting a date sorted with your mates!!!!
'The Heb' is also taking up some ‘office time’. The Entry form is now being finalized and on the website and entries being accepted. 2010 FAQ's have been there a while and there is a great buzz of anticipation for next year's event. If you've been inpsired by Portugal XPD The Heb is an excellent way in to multi-day racing, and the terrain, atmosphere and scenery is the best in the UK. Get your teams sorted now...and start building for The Heb 2010
Joe
It’s the time of year when it’s wet and windy outside and not a lot has been going on. It seems a long while since the OMM and with only the excitement on the sleepmonsters front (after much initial frustration) was following the Portugal XPD World Championship race.
A Massive 'Well Done' to Tom Gibbs and Team, excellently back up by James and Nicola. An equally massive 'Well Done' is due to Team Cruachan who, along with the two other British teams all finished the race. That’s an impressive performance for British Adventure Racing. Take a look at www.teamcruachan.blogspot.com for Pyro's excellent reporting.
New for NAV4 this month is confirmation of our Spring NAV4 course on 12-14th March. This is, once again at our regular Borrowdale YHA venue, where the 2008 OMM maps come into play. Full details of the course are now on the website, and as places are limited they will book up quickly.
Also new for 2010 are two special One Day 'Open5' AR Navigation Workshops, on each of the Saturday’s before the Sunday Open5 Events at Howarth and Sedbergh. The unique thing about these is that you can book onto one of these individually and join up with like minded people for great value tution and an insight in to the mysteries of AR nav specific to Open5 strategy. Personally, I will be staying at Howarth YHA prior to that event (Friday and Saturday nights prior to the event on Sunday 7th February) which is a great venue for a bike/run event. Let's make a weekend of it...as James says.
NAV4 'Masterclasses' which are specifically arranged on a date to meet you own race/team agenda continue to be popular although the hardest part is often just getting a date sorted with your mates!!!!
'The Heb' is also taking up some ‘office time’. The Entry form is now being finalized and on the website and entries being accepted. 2010 FAQ's have been there a while and there is a great buzz of anticipation for next year's event. If you've been inpsired by Portugal XPD The Heb is an excellent way in to multi-day racing, and the terrain, atmosphere and scenery is the best in the UK. Get your teams sorted now...and start building for The Heb 2010
Joe
Saturday, 24 October 2009
OMM - Better than ebay!
Just spent a very frustrating two hours wrestling with ebay/paypal trying to pay fees and claim the money I've made from selling a few items. I know I'm not an IT whiz but ....'Pants'... just absolute pants!
In contrast I've just booked 'Hudscales' for our, now traditional, 'NAV4' Old Crown Round jaunt as a means of calming myself down. This top secret mission is on Saturday 2nd January and if you feel you've missed out on an invite then you probably have! I'm being deliberately evasive because Hudscales is a pretty unique place and OCR not to be over done, although to be serious for a moment it is open to all friends and race mates who want to come along (and know what I'm rambling on about!)
Switching to the OMM via Rob Howard's excellent SM reports, I read with interest that,'if you can't navigate by contours you won't get far' to quote the planner. Brilliant; that's how it should be and is the key to all mountain navigation. Also interested to read about the 'bus pick-up points' for those deciding to 'DNF'? Whilst the logical is understandably I find this an interesting development and ponder if next year will be different again?
I'm happy to have a year off from the OMM; there is so much else to do and Portugal XPD was to be my focus. Looking forward to biking in Swaledale next weekend and watching, reading and hearing more about the OMM. Hopefully all race mates have 'Started Slowly, go Steadily in the right direction and finish Strong.'
Joe
In contrast I've just booked 'Hudscales' for our, now traditional, 'NAV4' Old Crown Round jaunt as a means of calming myself down. This top secret mission is on Saturday 2nd January and if you feel you've missed out on an invite then you probably have! I'm being deliberately evasive because Hudscales is a pretty unique place and OCR not to be over done, although to be serious for a moment it is open to all friends and race mates who want to come along (and know what I'm rambling on about!)
Switching to the OMM via Rob Howard's excellent SM reports, I read with interest that,'if you can't navigate by contours you won't get far' to quote the planner. Brilliant; that's how it should be and is the key to all mountain navigation. Also interested to read about the 'bus pick-up points' for those deciding to 'DNF'? Whilst the logical is understandably I find this an interesting development and ponder if next year will be different again?
I'm happy to have a year off from the OMM; there is so much else to do and Portugal XPD was to be my focus. Looking forward to biking in Swaledale next weekend and watching, reading and hearing more about the OMM. Hopefully all race mates have 'Started Slowly, go Steadily in the right direction and finish Strong.'
Joe
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
The Heb 2010 FAQ’s
These are the latest Heb FAQ's. They will be on the website asap.
1) What is the race format – Expedition or Stage Race?
The Heb is a relay so not all competitors have to do each stage/discipline. When I use the term ‘relay’ I don’t mean just one of you is active whilst up to four others are waiting around. Teams and HTC-Trios will find that long mountain running stages will be in pairs, whilst others take over for MTB or road cycling etc. As a rule of thumb, most team individuals find they are ‘race-active’ for 60% of the racing day, then there is driving, stage prep and recovery to be done, etc, etc. Time flies by it’s a hectic week, but is a ‘stage race’ with a fixed overnight camp each night.
NB – When I use the term 'teams' this generally applies to Trios and Pairs as well with appropriate amendments.
2) Is The Heb just for Elite athletes – what standard do we need to be?
The Heb is certainly not solely for ‘Expert or Elite’ athletes in terms of speed, but we do require some degree of experience and endurance fitness in order to enjoy and complete the task safely. Naturally, your Sea Kayaking team member needs to be experienced and qualified although I have known people train up for this over the course of one winter season. Some mountain running sections will be amongst the roughest terrain in the UK, and will require very good navigation and fitness. Consequently, The Heb is not suitable for complete novice teams, and some degree of Mountain Marathon, fell running or Adventure Racing experience is normal. However, the Heb is ‘do-able’ by a mixed skill/ability team – in fact is can be an asset.
3) Do we need a support driver?
No – an additional driver or support team is not allowed, nor necessary. All classes are 'self-supporting', ie one of your team will act as driver during each stage. Every team member races each day.
4) What and Where is The Prologue?
The Prologue will be on the Island of Barra during the late morning-afternoon of Sunday 4th of July. Barra is a magical island just a short ferry ride from Race Base, and that’s one reason we go there. The Prologue is a chance for all Teams/HTC-Trios/ Pairs to get ‘up to speed’ and sorted for the race proper which runs from Monday to Friday. The Prologue is ‘competitive’ and does count to your overall race time. Barra is a short ferry ride for foot passengers with or without bikes, and should be racing with about 3-4 hours all four* team members runnning/cycling on Barra. Your Sea Kayaker will paddle across from Race Base as their first group paddle; again this is so that they get to know each other and the Sea Safety Officer who will suss the strong from the not so strong. *Pairs and HTC - Trios will also take part, of course, but there will be one or three of you respectively.
5) So where are we based and how do we get to Barra?
The race all starts with registration, camping, kit checks and Sea Kayak skills testing taking place from Race HQ which will be on Eriskay, at the southern most tip of South Uist for Saturday and Sunday nights. We aim to offer camping space adjacent to each days’ finish although some teams do choose to resource B+B.
6) Where are the overnight locations?
The actual race route is not finalised yet and does depend on confirmation of our overnight locations. More details of these will be announced as soon as we can, but expect Monday night to be on Benbecula, and Tuesday to be on ‘Berneray’, on the northern most tip of North Uist joined by a causeway. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights will be on Harris and Lewis.
7) How long are the stage distances?
Again, it is difficult to say at this point. Stage ‘distances’ could range from just 20mins to 3hours or more for the big mountain runs or MTB legs; it is easier to talk in time rather than distance as distance can be very meaningless on such rough terrain. However, road cycling is a real blast as the surfaces tend to be very good and the gradients ‘entertaining’ to say the least!
8) What skill level and mix do we need to have in our team?
The relay format does allow for ‘mixed ability/skilled’ teams and so having some lesser experienced, (but competent!) teams members is quite normal and is what makes The Heb such an Adventure for you and your friends. You will also need to note that in order to qualify for the top Team trophy, then your Team of Five needs to be of mixed gender. Sea Kayakers need to be qualified (or have exceptional sea kayaking experience and ‘passed out by The Sea Safety Officer)
Teams of Five will usually have one specialist sea kayaker, and one specialist open water swimmer, with the three remaining team members being bike/run specialists. However all five team members may decide to run, MTB or cycle when necessary.
HTC-Trios will probably have one swimmer and all three members running, MTB and cycling.
Pairs will probably have just one specialist sea kayaker, with the other team member swimming and both team members running, MTB, cycling.
9) Are there different categories for different sex of teams? And what are the prizes?
Only Five Person Teams need to be mixed sex – Pairs and Trios can be of any mix. It’s ‘the taking part rather than the winning’ which is important at the Heb and although The title of Heb Champions is much sought of we don’t offer prizes for mixed pairs, vet, etc. This is because everyone is a winner out here and we are not elitist. We will award discretionary prizes for outstanding performance in the general categories, depending upon entries.
11) The new HTC–Trios looks great, I can see why you’ve dropped the Land Based Fours, but can you tell us more about it?
‘Three mates in a Car’ sums it up. I am very keen to make The Heb more accessible and cheaper to more people. To be blunt we need more entrants if we are to sustain this great event. Four people teams invariably needed a hired vehicle, hence more expense and fuel consumption. The HTC-Trios is achievable in the typical hatch back car, with just two bikes on the roof. The three of you will run, MTB, cycle and swim amongst you, with one of you stepping down to drive on each stage. It’s no ‘soft-option’ just easier to get a team together. The format has been proven by a number of Adventure Races, not least Open Adventure’s C2C race last August.
12) So, ferry prices aren’t included in the race fee - What happens about booking ferries?
No ferry costs and bookings aren’t included – you need to take responsibility for your own vehicle booking; there is just no way we can be involved in this for a variety of reasons. Ferry prices have dropped dramatically in the last year. The 5metre vehicle rule is still strongly advised as a guideline, especially for pairs and trios, but we understand that some teams just can not get a vehicle with seats for five people that is less than 5metres. Most cars are around 4.5-5metres in length and CalMac ferries use this as a pricing point before increasing their ferry charges; hence why we have introduced the HTC-Trios. If you choose to use a vehicle of more than 5metres you will have to pay the correct rate when you book. You will have to pay extra for this .. it's your call!
Go for it - it's a brilliant week.
Joe
1) What is the race format – Expedition or Stage Race?
The Heb is a relay so not all competitors have to do each stage/discipline. When I use the term ‘relay’ I don’t mean just one of you is active whilst up to four others are waiting around. Teams and HTC-Trios will find that long mountain running stages will be in pairs, whilst others take over for MTB or road cycling etc. As a rule of thumb, most team individuals find they are ‘race-active’ for 60% of the racing day, then there is driving, stage prep and recovery to be done, etc, etc. Time flies by it’s a hectic week, but is a ‘stage race’ with a fixed overnight camp each night.
NB – When I use the term 'teams' this generally applies to Trios and Pairs as well with appropriate amendments.
2) Is The Heb just for Elite athletes – what standard do we need to be?
The Heb is certainly not solely for ‘Expert or Elite’ athletes in terms of speed, but we do require some degree of experience and endurance fitness in order to enjoy and complete the task safely. Naturally, your Sea Kayaking team member needs to be experienced and qualified although I have known people train up for this over the course of one winter season. Some mountain running sections will be amongst the roughest terrain in the UK, and will require very good navigation and fitness. Consequently, The Heb is not suitable for complete novice teams, and some degree of Mountain Marathon, fell running or Adventure Racing experience is normal. However, the Heb is ‘do-able’ by a mixed skill/ability team – in fact is can be an asset.
3) Do we need a support driver?
No – an additional driver or support team is not allowed, nor necessary. All classes are 'self-supporting', ie one of your team will act as driver during each stage. Every team member races each day.
4) What and Where is The Prologue?
The Prologue will be on the Island of Barra during the late morning-afternoon of Sunday 4th of July. Barra is a magical island just a short ferry ride from Race Base, and that’s one reason we go there. The Prologue is a chance for all Teams/HTC-Trios/ Pairs to get ‘up to speed’ and sorted for the race proper which runs from Monday to Friday. The Prologue is ‘competitive’ and does count to your overall race time. Barra is a short ferry ride for foot passengers with or without bikes, and should be racing with about 3-4 hours all four* team members runnning/cycling on Barra. Your Sea Kayaker will paddle across from Race Base as their first group paddle; again this is so that they get to know each other and the Sea Safety Officer who will suss the strong from the not so strong. *Pairs and HTC - Trios will also take part, of course, but there will be one or three of you respectively.
5) So where are we based and how do we get to Barra?
The race all starts with registration, camping, kit checks and Sea Kayak skills testing taking place from Race HQ which will be on Eriskay, at the southern most tip of South Uist for Saturday and Sunday nights. We aim to offer camping space adjacent to each days’ finish although some teams do choose to resource B+B.
6) Where are the overnight locations?
The actual race route is not finalised yet and does depend on confirmation of our overnight locations. More details of these will be announced as soon as we can, but expect Monday night to be on Benbecula, and Tuesday to be on ‘Berneray’, on the northern most tip of North Uist joined by a causeway. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights will be on Harris and Lewis.
7) How long are the stage distances?
Again, it is difficult to say at this point. Stage ‘distances’ could range from just 20mins to 3hours or more for the big mountain runs or MTB legs; it is easier to talk in time rather than distance as distance can be very meaningless on such rough terrain. However, road cycling is a real blast as the surfaces tend to be very good and the gradients ‘entertaining’ to say the least!
8) What skill level and mix do we need to have in our team?
The relay format does allow for ‘mixed ability/skilled’ teams and so having some lesser experienced, (but competent!) teams members is quite normal and is what makes The Heb such an Adventure for you and your friends. You will also need to note that in order to qualify for the top Team trophy, then your Team of Five needs to be of mixed gender. Sea Kayakers need to be qualified (or have exceptional sea kayaking experience and ‘passed out by The Sea Safety Officer)
Teams of Five will usually have one specialist sea kayaker, and one specialist open water swimmer, with the three remaining team members being bike/run specialists. However all five team members may decide to run, MTB or cycle when necessary.
HTC-Trios will probably have one swimmer and all three members running, MTB and cycling.
Pairs will probably have just one specialist sea kayaker, with the other team member swimming and both team members running, MTB, cycling.
9) Are there different categories for different sex of teams? And what are the prizes?
Only Five Person Teams need to be mixed sex – Pairs and Trios can be of any mix. It’s ‘the taking part rather than the winning’ which is important at the Heb and although The title of Heb Champions is much sought of we don’t offer prizes for mixed pairs, vet, etc. This is because everyone is a winner out here and we are not elitist. We will award discretionary prizes for outstanding performance in the general categories, depending upon entries.
11) The new HTC–Trios looks great, I can see why you’ve dropped the Land Based Fours, but can you tell us more about it?
‘Three mates in a Car’ sums it up. I am very keen to make The Heb more accessible and cheaper to more people. To be blunt we need more entrants if we are to sustain this great event. Four people teams invariably needed a hired vehicle, hence more expense and fuel consumption. The HTC-Trios is achievable in the typical hatch back car, with just two bikes on the roof. The three of you will run, MTB, cycle and swim amongst you, with one of you stepping down to drive on each stage. It’s no ‘soft-option’ just easier to get a team together. The format has been proven by a number of Adventure Races, not least Open Adventure’s C2C race last August.
12) So, ferry prices aren’t included in the race fee - What happens about booking ferries?
No ferry costs and bookings aren’t included – you need to take responsibility for your own vehicle booking; there is just no way we can be involved in this for a variety of reasons. Ferry prices have dropped dramatically in the last year. The 5metre vehicle rule is still strongly advised as a guideline, especially for pairs and trios, but we understand that some teams just can not get a vehicle with seats for five people that is less than 5metres. Most cars are around 4.5-5metres in length and CalMac ferries use this as a pricing point before increasing their ferry charges; hence why we have introduced the HTC-Trios. If you choose to use a vehicle of more than 5metres you will have to pay the correct rate when you book. You will have to pay extra for this .. it's your call!
Go for it - it's a brilliant week.
Joe
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
