Now that the pain has started to subside I thought I'd put up an account of the first CCAR adventure race of 2008 so here goes...
On Saturday 23rd Feb 2008 we gathered at Castlewellan forest park carpark for the race. It was a bit nippy and windy but it as dry and as decent a day as you could expect for the time of year. There was a fairly big crowd which was good to see, made up of some familiar faces from previous races as well as some new ones. After Ivans usual pre race briefing it was up to the maze for the start.
At the start one team member had to run into the maze to get our maps and checkpoint cards which is easier said than done given that its the worlds biggest permanant hedge maze [http://www.peacemaze.com/]. In previous races we have been used to orienteering maps with the checkpoint positions already marked but for this race we had an Ordanance Survey map and grid references and we had to mark our own checkpoint positions. This was a bit daunting at first as the chances of being way out seemed fairly likely but most of the coordinates where at a road junction/top of a mountain etc so seemed likely to be correct. In actual fact this was a much better way to do things as it added something to the race. It seemed much more satisfying for some reason and I would welcome it for future races.
Map marked, we headed out of the forest park to the town for the first two checkpoints. This was followed by some cattle trails between fields and then a nice rolling bit of road leading out opposite the entrance to Tolleymore forest park, picking up checkpoint number 3 along the way. We followed the road along the edge of Tolleymore towards Moneyscalp where I had a fair idea what was coming. My suspicions where confirmed on spotting bikes lying at the bottom of the off road skateboarding park where we had to complete a short course on the off road skate boards. I had never been on one before but by some miracle made it to the bottom without falling or stopping. Checkpoint 4 marked we headed towards Meelmore lodge [http://www.meelmorelodge.co.uk/] at the bottom of Slieve Meelmore [http://mountainviews.ie/mv/index.php?mtnindex=138]. This cycle was fairly hard and was the first time we really noticed the wind affecting us - It made the climb seem twice what it actually was.
On reaching the lodge it was off the bikes and onto foot. As I have said before, I am a cyclist and Chris is a runner, but Chris is a much better cyclist than I am a runner so this was where I started to slow the proceedings down after what we both thought had been a strong first leg for us. I ran to the wall that we had to follow westish after picking up checkpoint 5, started to experience a lot of back pain (note to self - start training with a backpack) which was not helped by running into the wind which was fairly vicious by now. checkpoints 6 and 7 where fairly close together just as the route turned upwards towards the Meebeg/Meelmore saddle. This was strictly walking terrain for most but some where still faster than others and we got passed by quite a few teams who where not as strong cyclists but had me licked on foot. There where one or two boggy points and I lost a shoe in knee deep mud at one point but the main issue was the wind which was fairly crazy at this point and made putting on a coat lots of fun. Once we hit the wall the route became even steeper to the summit but we eventually made it.
There was a fair bit of cloud but that did not completely spoil some cracking views which always make a trek up a mountain so worth it. The only thing for it now was down and we made good progress straight off the edge of the mountain using the point in the Mourne wall [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mourne_Wall] as an arrow pointing the way. This descent was fairly steep and rocky but we made it to the abseil in good time. There was a few teams in fromt of us meaning a 20 minute wait at the abseil in shorts! Fairly freezing and stiffened up by this point but the abseil was good fun and we where soon warmed up again on the run back to the bikes. When we where starting our abseil there was a good lot of teams waiting behind and some must have had to wait the guts of an hour which cant have been fun.
Back onto the bikes for another good long cycle towards Lough Island Reavy Reservoir [http://www.uklakes.net/lakeinfo.php?WBID=50009] This would have been an easier cycle except that the most obvious route to me involved using the Bryansford road which is a fairly main road and I didnt think the route planners intended us to use this! So at the junction of the Moyad road and Bryansford road we headed straight ahead instead of right onto the main road. Our route choice started out as a rough track of a road marked as a dashed red line on the map but quickly turned into a boggy, rocky, bramble covered hell of an old disused cow track between fields. The lack of other bike tracks or foot prints confirmed that this was not in fact the intended route. This brought us out at Kilcoo and we headed towards the far end of the resorvoir (partly along a main road - DOH). We managed to miss Checkpoint 11 at this point partly because our route took us the wrong way round a hill and partly because this was the only point we marked wrong on our maps.
Anyway, on with the waterproof leggings and into the kayak for an hour or so of hell. This was a fairly small body of water compared to some other lakes we have used for the races and I make it about a 5K kayak but the wind made it heart breaking. The waves splashed into the kayak gradually filling it up and increasing drag. This also meant that at the back I was sitting in 6" of water making the water proof trousers fairly pointless. At one point we seemed to have been level with the same tree on the shore for about 10 minutes and seriously discussed turning round but we eventually made it. Chris lifted the front of the kayak to tip the water out but neglected to wait until I was completely out of it. I lost my balance and ended up falling into the water which was fairly nippy! After getting the two checkpoints at the end of the reservoir we headed back to the other end at breakneck speed due the the wind now at our backs. We beached the kayak but I forgot this was a reservoir and that the man made shore would be steep. When I stepped out of the back of the kayak, about 3 feet from the shore, it was into waist deep water.
Freezing cold at this point we headed back to checkpoint 11 (yes slightly out of order we know) and after a bit of land skiing eventually found the checkpoint in the underground tunnel. We where on the last leg now and where both tiring. Chris' knee was also giving bother so we didnt go too hard. Checkpoint 14 came and went but we missed the turn for 15 and took the next turn towards 17 and 18. This was the hardest hill of the day so we where a bit anoyed at this. After 17 we got 18 then headed back with a crafty plan. We got 16 that we had also missed then went back up the hill for 15. Round the assault course and then stamped the checkpoint card with our very hard earned 15. Looking at the map and fairly wrecked at this stage it seemed much easier to go back past the road 14 had been on and down into Castlewellan via the main Bann road. This turned out to be a good move as it was a much easier cycle. We didnt feel that this was cheating as we had already cycled 80% of the way from 15 to19 and did not want to do it again particularly as it was getting fairly dark by now. Through the town and past the forest park entrance to get 19 then back up the hill to the forest entrance and the final checkpoint. Then back to the start to hand in our checkpoint cards and stop our clock.
There was lots of home made tray bakes/fruit/coffee and soup and bread at the finish which was very very welcome. This was inhaled rather than eaten and still only just made a mark!
We did not have a watch on so are not certain what time the race was started but it was around 11am which gives us a time of about 7 hours 20 minutes which we are happy with.
All in all, a brilliant race and we cant wait until the next one at the end of march. A huge thanks to Ivan and the team for their enthusiasm and hard work in organising/marshaling etc this fantastic race. I know they had a lot of hassle geting this race sorted out and I hope they continue to get the support they need to make the rest of the series as popular and allow it to continue into 2009.
We will post some pics as soon as they become available.
On Saturday 23rd Feb 2008 we gathered at Castlewellan forest park carpark for the race. It was a bit nippy and windy but it as dry and as decent a day as you could expect for the time of year. There was a fairly big crowd which was good to see, made up of some familiar faces from previous races as well as some new ones. After Ivans usual pre race briefing it was up to the maze for the start.
At the start one team member had to run into the maze to get our maps and checkpoint cards which is easier said than done given that its the worlds biggest permanant hedge maze [http://www.peacemaze.com/]. In previous races we have been used to orienteering maps with the checkpoint positions already marked but for this race we had an Ordanance Survey map and grid references and we had to mark our own checkpoint positions. This was a bit daunting at first as the chances of being way out seemed fairly likely but most of the coordinates where at a road junction/top of a mountain etc so seemed likely to be correct. In actual fact this was a much better way to do things as it added something to the race. It seemed much more satisfying for some reason and I would welcome it for future races.
Map marked, we headed out of the forest park to the town for the first two checkpoints. This was followed by some cattle trails between fields and then a nice rolling bit of road leading out opposite the entrance to Tolleymore forest park, picking up checkpoint number 3 along the way. We followed the road along the edge of Tolleymore towards Moneyscalp where I had a fair idea what was coming. My suspicions where confirmed on spotting bikes lying at the bottom of the off road skateboarding park where we had to complete a short course on the off road skate boards. I had never been on one before but by some miracle made it to the bottom without falling or stopping. Checkpoint 4 marked we headed towards Meelmore lodge [http://www.meelmorelodge.co.uk/] at the bottom of Slieve Meelmore [http://mountainviews.ie/mv/index.php?mtnindex=138]. This cycle was fairly hard and was the first time we really noticed the wind affecting us - It made the climb seem twice what it actually was.
On reaching the lodge it was off the bikes and onto foot. As I have said before, I am a cyclist and Chris is a runner, but Chris is a much better cyclist than I am a runner so this was where I started to slow the proceedings down after what we both thought had been a strong first leg for us. I ran to the wall that we had to follow westish after picking up checkpoint 5, started to experience a lot of back pain (note to self - start training with a backpack) which was not helped by running into the wind which was fairly vicious by now. checkpoints 6 and 7 where fairly close together just as the route turned upwards towards the Meebeg/Meelmore saddle. This was strictly walking terrain for most but some where still faster than others and we got passed by quite a few teams who where not as strong cyclists but had me licked on foot. There where one or two boggy points and I lost a shoe in knee deep mud at one point but the main issue was the wind which was fairly crazy at this point and made putting on a coat lots of fun. Once we hit the wall the route became even steeper to the summit but we eventually made it.
There was a fair bit of cloud but that did not completely spoil some cracking views which always make a trek up a mountain so worth it. The only thing for it now was down and we made good progress straight off the edge of the mountain using the point in the Mourne wall [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mourne_Wall] as an arrow pointing the way. This descent was fairly steep and rocky but we made it to the abseil in good time. There was a few teams in fromt of us meaning a 20 minute wait at the abseil in shorts! Fairly freezing and stiffened up by this point but the abseil was good fun and we where soon warmed up again on the run back to the bikes. When we where starting our abseil there was a good lot of teams waiting behind and some must have had to wait the guts of an hour which cant have been fun.
Back onto the bikes for another good long cycle towards Lough Island Reavy Reservoir [http://www.uklakes.net/lakeinfo.php?WBID=50009] This would have been an easier cycle except that the most obvious route to me involved using the Bryansford road which is a fairly main road and I didnt think the route planners intended us to use this! So at the junction of the Moyad road and Bryansford road we headed straight ahead instead of right onto the main road. Our route choice started out as a rough track of a road marked as a dashed red line on the map but quickly turned into a boggy, rocky, bramble covered hell of an old disused cow track between fields. The lack of other bike tracks or foot prints confirmed that this was not in fact the intended route. This brought us out at Kilcoo and we headed towards the far end of the resorvoir (partly along a main road - DOH). We managed to miss Checkpoint 11 at this point partly because our route took us the wrong way round a hill and partly because this was the only point we marked wrong on our maps.
Anyway, on with the waterproof leggings and into the kayak for an hour or so of hell. This was a fairly small body of water compared to some other lakes we have used for the races and I make it about a 5K kayak but the wind made it heart breaking. The waves splashed into the kayak gradually filling it up and increasing drag. This also meant that at the back I was sitting in 6" of water making the water proof trousers fairly pointless. At one point we seemed to have been level with the same tree on the shore for about 10 minutes and seriously discussed turning round but we eventually made it. Chris lifted the front of the kayak to tip the water out but neglected to wait until I was completely out of it. I lost my balance and ended up falling into the water which was fairly nippy! After getting the two checkpoints at the end of the reservoir we headed back to the other end at breakneck speed due the the wind now at our backs. We beached the kayak but I forgot this was a reservoir and that the man made shore would be steep. When I stepped out of the back of the kayak, about 3 feet from the shore, it was into waist deep water.
Freezing cold at this point we headed back to checkpoint 11 (yes slightly out of order we know) and after a bit of land skiing eventually found the checkpoint in the underground tunnel. We where on the last leg now and where both tiring. Chris' knee was also giving bother so we didnt go too hard. Checkpoint 14 came and went but we missed the turn for 15 and took the next turn towards 17 and 18. This was the hardest hill of the day so we where a bit anoyed at this. After 17 we got 18 then headed back with a crafty plan. We got 16 that we had also missed then went back up the hill for 15. Round the assault course and then stamped the checkpoint card with our very hard earned 15. Looking at the map and fairly wrecked at this stage it seemed much easier to go back past the road 14 had been on and down into Castlewellan via the main Bann road. This turned out to be a good move as it was a much easier cycle. We didnt feel that this was cheating as we had already cycled 80% of the way from 15 to19 and did not want to do it again particularly as it was getting fairly dark by now. Through the town and past the forest park entrance to get 19 then back up the hill to the forest entrance and the final checkpoint. Then back to the start to hand in our checkpoint cards and stop our clock.
There was lots of home made tray bakes/fruit/coffee and soup and bread at the finish which was very very welcome. This was inhaled rather than eaten and still only just made a mark!
We did not have a watch on so are not certain what time the race was started but it was around 11am which gives us a time of about 7 hours 20 minutes which we are happy with.
All in all, a brilliant race and we cant wait until the next one at the end of march. A huge thanks to Ivan and the team for their enthusiasm and hard work in organising/marshaling etc this fantastic race. I know they had a lot of hassle geting this race sorted out and I hope they continue to get the support they need to make the rest of the series as popular and allow it to continue into 2009.
We will post some pics as soon as they become available.
1 comment:
well done, chaps, and good report. how the blazes do you remember all that stuff? you carry a dictafone round or something? i can barely remember my name on race day!
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