Tanky's trog

Hey ZHR,

I'm sure IDP won't be too bothered by the tone of your email, at about the time of your last post this morning he was setting off on a club race, Warts Revenge, and when I saw him at the end he was all of a quiver, shaking with cold, but ecstatic. It was his first win in a DPFR club race, in pretty poor conditions over very mixed terrain. Needless to say he's probably still ecstatic. BTW, has he posted anywhere tonight?

Back on thread, I agree, there should be a single repository for the race information for such a high profile, serious outing. It's alright going off the info in the calendar for a 5miler in east lancs somewhere but as you say, to assume that everyone who is in will know what they need to through prior knowledge or from word of mouth is a little flakey. A single page on either Woodhead MR, DPFR or Penistone sites would suffice. Just so everyone knows the minimum...

Oh, well done Ian, that was cold and wet.

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Originally Posted by grimmer

It was his first win in a DPFR club race.

Oh, well done Ian, that was cold and wet.

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Aye, well done Ian, bet he was smiling;)
Can't see owt upsetting Ian, he's such a great bloke that if you did a poo on his head, he'd ask you if you needed some toilet roll:cool:

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Originally Posted by grimmer

Hey ZHR,

I'm sure IDP won't be too bothered by the tone of your email, at about the time of your last post this morning he was setting off on a club race, Warts Revenge, and when I saw him at the end he was all of a quiver, shaking with cold, but ecstatic. It was his first win in a DPFR club race, in pretty poor conditions over very mixed terrain. Needless to say he's probably still ecstatic. BTW, has he posted anywhere tonight?


Oh, well done Ian, that was cold and wet.

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yes I have ;) todays training...

Very happy with the win today, took a few scalps so they say:o

Cold and wet doesn't do it justice. I was fine whilst we were running but the minute I stopped........:( thank god for the flask and dry clothes....

... and the pint of landlord afterwards:D

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Originally Posted by merrylegs

Aye, well done Ian, bet he was smiling;)
Can't see owt upsetting Ian, he's such a great bloke that if you did a poo on his head, he'd ask you if you needed some toilet roll:cool:

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hmm not sure about that:rolleyes::D

Gotta say, it's the first time I've run seriously in the Peak.

What a place it is, really magnificent.

I think ZHR is a bit out of order. I am a 'local' and I recce'd some of the route yesterday, but still treat it with respect and would like to know it even better. My point is thatI never expected to find detailed info on any of the long races I have done in the Lakes but recce'd them as far as I was able and studied the routes in detail. However, Tanky's seemed very much an 'underground' event when I first did it, I only heard about it by word of mouth and it wasn't mentioned very much even on the early days of the forums far as I can remember. Eee.. I remember t'days when an entry form fo' Tanky's were worth its weight in jelly babies. I reckon that just added to its allure. I would guess the route is fairly acessible for peolpe to be able to recce in sections, compared to the Lakes races. And it's great that Ian and Andy have kept it going.

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Originally Posted by Grouse

I think ZHR is a bit out of order. I am a 'local' and I recce'd some of the route yesterday, but still treat it with respect and would like to know it even better. My point is thatI never expected to find detailed info on any of the long races I have done in the Lakes but recce'd them as far as I was able and studied the routes in detail. However, Tanky's seemed very much an 'underground' event when I first did it, I only heard about it by word of mouth and it wasn't mentioned very much even on the early days of the forums far as I can remember. Eee.. I remember t'days when an entry form fo' Tanky's were worth its weight in jelly babies. I reckon that just added to its allure. I would guess the route is fairly acessible for peolpe to be able to recce in sections, compared to the Lakes races. And it's great that Ian and Andy have kept it going.

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well ok grouse, I'm fairly new to this lark. I don't really know how races are organised or the difficulties involved for organisers.

I'll learn. :rolleyes:

As far as the route goes: we pretty much followed the one posted above on this thread. It was tough in snow and poor visibility, but great fun.

All pretty straightforward as far as Black Hill. Then, the direct route down to Crowden Little Brook seemed to me worthwhile: the ground is rough, but not so rough as to negate the advantage.

We went round Torside and becasue we were gassing away missed the right fork up on to the ridge, and kept along the brook until the path ends abruptly, so we had a steep climb up the clough to get back onto the PW.

At the point after Torside castle (which we couldn't see) where the PW swings east, we headed s.e. on a bearing aimed at hitting Hern Stones (which we couldn't see). It's a bit of a leap of faith that, got to be careful with running on the bearing and make a note of timing or pacing. The terrain is v v rough though, we were probably going at about naismith pace, and I'm not altogether sure it saves much time over the PW, once you take into account messing with compass etc.

Also you've got to watch out for actually hitting the PW again and not running right over it thinking it's just another grough (in the snow anyway).

The shortcut from the PW down along the brook to Snake does seem worthwhile though - less rough than previous and cuts off a good section of road.

The crossing of Kinder: from the path round the edge of the plateau it was tempting to go off too early, mistaking one rocky outcrop for the actual one further on where you head south as the path swings east. And then we went the wrong side - to the right, or west - of the rocks on the downfall which is heavy with bracken and a right treat for tired legs. Best to make sure you're left of the outcrop there.

I hadn't reccied any of the route before I did the race in 2007, and just worked from the map and compass. Seemed fine to me.

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Originally Posted by ZootHornRollo

We went round Torside and becasue we were gassing away missed the right fork up on to the ridge, and kept along the brook until the path ends abruptly, so we had a steep climb up the clough to get back onto the PW.

At the point after Torside castle (which we couldn't see) where the PW swings east, we headed s.e. on a bearing aimed at hitting Hern Stones (which we couldn't see). It's a bit of a leap of faith that, got to be careful with running on the bearing and make a note of timing or pacing. The terrain is v v rough though, we were probably going at about naismith pace, and I'm not altogether sure it saves much time over the PW, once you take into account messing with compass etc.

Also you've got to watch out for actually hitting the PW again and not running right over it thinking it's just another grough (in the snow anyway).

The shortcut from the PW down along the brook to Snake does seem worthwhile though - less rough than previous and cuts off a good section of road.

The crossing of Kinder: from the path round the edge of the plateau it was tempting to go off too early, mistaking one rocky outcrop for the actual one further on where you head south as the path swings east. And then we went the wrong side - to the right, or west - of the rocks on the downfall which is heavy with bracken and a right treat for tired legs. Best to make sure you're left of the outcrop there.

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Sounds like you did fine except for your detour at Torside. As you'll know from the debate earlier in this thread, the real choice is which route to take over Bleaklow. I've finally made up my mind which way I'm going to go, and I think it's the quickest, but can't be certain!

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Originally Posted by Marvin

I hadn't reccied any of the route before I did the race in 2007, and just worked from the map and compass. Seemed fine to me.

Sounds like you did fine except for your detour at Torside. As you'll know from the debate earlier in this thread, the real choice is which route to take over Bleaklow. I've finally made up my mind which way I'm going to go, and I think it's the quickest, but can't be certain!

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I'm told that some of the "quicker routes" are so wet that it might negate any of the advavtage;)

PM me your route then Andy:)
I hope to go for one last run/walk later in week if car is fixed to make a final descision.

I haven't decided yet. Might follow Grouse.

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Originally Posted by PlumBum

A race of this magnitude at this time of year shouldn't need anybody to spell out the potential dangers and therefore all runners should be aware a kit check will take place.
As last year the specification for quality / quantity of kit carried will be determined by the prevailing weather conditions. Any one not having adequate kit will not be allowed to compete.
As IanDP has specified, there are 2 checkpoints you need to pass through, what you do in between is your choice, except for the area under Rollick Stones where the shooting occurs.
There is a large area of open moorland to be crossed, and dependant on the weather, it will be "easy"or difficult.
We do not want anyone going permanently astray.
Be safe and enjoy. :D

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Is Torside Reser out of bounds?;)

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Originally Posted by Rollerblader

Is Torside Reser out of bounds?;)

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Not for Jesus;)

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Originally Posted by Rollerblader

Is Torside Reser out of bounds?;)

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Of course, if you're thinking of taking the reservoir route, then you need to refer to the little-read nautical section of the FRA handbook. This lists the extra kit you need to put in your bumbag: distress flares, life raft, Aldis lamp and most importantly a big tub of goose fat.

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Originally Posted by Rollerblader

Is Torside Reser out of bounds?;)

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you may laugh but that is my sailing club and I have had offers of a lift across:p

I think a few years ago some one did go across when the res was drained but the mud in the middle is VERY deep, not reccomended

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Originally Posted by grimmer

Hey ZHR,

I'm sure IDP won't be too bothered by the tone of your email, at about the time of your last post this morning he was setting off on a club race, Warts Revenge, and when I saw him at the end he was all of a quiver, shaking with cold, but ecstatic. It was his first win in a DPFR club race, in pretty poor conditions over very mixed terrain. Needless to say he's probably still ecstatic. BTW, has he posted anywhere tonight?

Back on thread, I agree, there should be a single repository for the race information for such a high profile, serious outing. It's alright going off the info in the calendar for a 5miler in east lancs somewhere but as you say, to assume that everyone who is in will know what they need to through prior knowledge or from word of mouth is a little flakey. A single page on either Woodhead MR, DPFR or Penistone sites would suffice. Just so everyone knows the minimum...

Oh, well done Ian, that was cold and wet.

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by the way, thanks for that Grimmer and well done IDP too, top work! :)

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Originally Posted by merrylegs

Aye, well done Ian, bet he was smiling;)
Can't see owt upsetting Ian, he's such a great bloke that if you did a poo on his head, he'd ask you if you needed some toilet roll:cool:

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And sell you a case of Rescue Ale

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Originally Posted by Rollerblader

Is Torside Reser out of bounds?;)

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Only if theres any water in it!!:eek:

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Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak

The Rescue Ale has now arrived and has been labeled up. don't forget you all get a free bottle, IF/WHEN you finish;)

I'll be taking a few extra cases if any one wants a case(or two)

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I'll take one! are they still £20?

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Originally Posted by IanFitz

I'll take one! are they still £20?

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I should have a few. if you are running weds I might be able to pop down to the Ladybowyer

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Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak

you may laugh but that is my sailing club and I have had offers of a lift across:p

I think a few years ago some one did go across when the res was drained but the mud in the middle is VERY deep, not reccomended

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They certainly did - someone from Pennine, it was. He reckons it saved him at least 20 minutes.

It was very very Bleak at Bleaklow Head today. I met a crafty dark peaker coming down and we had a chat;).

Snow on top and my feet were like ice blocks.
It will be cold on Sunday and for those that suffer easily in the cold you should expect to take plenty of gear for the Bleaklow crossing. Its very easy to get lost on there and the path can easily be lost in the snow if we have anymore.
Your very tired as you make the crossing.
If anyone is unsure dont be afraid to ask advice from those of us that know the route fairly well. You will find this race is very friendly and runners will help each other.
Anyway ive stashed two ham sandwiches at a strategic point.
There really is only one quick way across bleaklow. If you just look at he map its fairly obvious:)

I don't like ham. Can you do marmite and fish paste next year, Daz?

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Originally Posted by daz h

.
Anyway ive stashed two ham sandwiches at a strategic point.
There really is only one quick way across bleaklow. If you just look at he map its fairly obvious:)

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Drive:D
Crowden-down the road to Glossop and back over the Snake:rolleyes:

You'll find it tough to eat frozen sandwhiches daz:p

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Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak

I should have a few. if you are running weds I might be able to pop down to the Ladybowyer

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in Cardiff this week but am driving/supporting at Tankys so that would be better for me - although I think Helen is warting and I doubt she'll be able to drink a whole case!

She's what? :confused::eek:

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Originally Posted by Grouse

She's what? :confused::eek:

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'Warting'-Verb derived from Stalwart. meaning to go running through the night over the roughest terrain what ever the weather might bring.

Often associated with the hardiest of Dark peak runners:D

Always wondered what warts meant Ian? :eek:

I have some orders for Rescue Ale. Will there be plenty available on Sunday please? :)

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Originally Posted by Derby Tup

Always wondered what warts meant Ian? :eek:

I have some orders for Rescue Ale. Will there be plenty available on Sunday please? :)

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If the cars fixed:(. I still need to pick up numbers from Stu

I was wondering if anyone has supporters in a car at the start that will be driving to Edale for the finish - that I could chuck a rucksack in to pick up at the end?

I'm staying at Marsden on the Saturday night, and will be getting the train from Edale to MCR after.

So I just need to try and get my spare gear to Edale somehow.

Ta. :)

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Originally Posted by ZootHornRollo

I was wondering if anyone has supporters in a car at the start that will be driving to Edale for the finish - that I could chuck a rucksack in to pick up at the end?

I'm staying at Marsden on the Saturday night, and will be getting the train from Edale to MCR after.

So I just need to try and get my spare gear to Edale somehow.

Ta. :)

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they'll be lots Zoot. If you havent found any one by the time you've registered come and see me and I'll point you at someone.

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Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak

they'll be lots Zoot. If you havent found any one by the time you've registered come and see me and I'll point you at someone.

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cheers Ian, will do

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Originally Posted by daz h

There really is only one quick way across bleaklow. If you just look at he map its fairly obvious:)

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the PW? ;)

A bit of info on the Dark peak site

most of which has been on the Forum

http://www.dpfr.org.uk/#newsTabid556

Also spent 20minutes watching a cormorant fishing in the outflow yesterday.
There was a massive amount of water coming down from Woodhead Dam.


Remember folks be careful on that nasty snake road bit and also the crossing at Crowden

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Originally Posted by daz h

Also spent 20 minutes watching a cormorant fishing in the outflow yesterday.

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You sure it wasn't a shag?

hi ian

entry form cut off for snake is 14:30

on that link it is given as 14:00

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Originally Posted by ratfink

hi ian

entry form cut off for snake is 14:30

on that link it is given as 14:00

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I've double checked that

14.30 is the correct time, I'll get the DP site to change it.

ta! :)

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Originally Posted by Rudolph Hooker

You sure it wasn't a shag?

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no im quite sure
i didnt seem it anyway. I think I possibly should ask the Pennine Birdspotting Co ordiantor about this mind.

Is that part of the world good for a shag ?

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Originally Posted by daz h

Is that part of the world good for a shag ?

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it seems not

Shags are goose-sized dark long-necked birds similar to cormorants but smaller and generally slimmer with a characteristic steep forehead. In the breeding season adults develop a dark glossy green plumage and prominent recurved crest on the front of their head. In the UK they breed on coastal sites, mainly in the north and west, and over half their population is found at fewer than 10 sites, making them an Amber List species. Shags usually stay within 100-200km of their breeding grounds.
Where to see them

During the breeding season at their large Scottish colonies on Orkney, Shetland, the Inner Hebrides and the Firth of Forth. Elsewhere they can be seen commonly around the coasts of Wales and South West England (especially Devon and Cornwall).