For a fell runner and triathlete, member of LDWA who only ever competes in the Hebden, 2011 was time to put something back.
Stood on the main road helping with the car parking at 0615, did I regret telling Alan I’d do anything to help, at anytime, hmmmmm, jury’s out! Seriously tho, after helping out at fell races, triathlons and cycling events, it was good to see what goes on behind the scenes of one of my favourite events (apols walkers, but I’ll say it myself, races).
Being at the church hall for 0600 meant quite an early start, but what an exciting day ahead, so much to do and so many happy faces, and that’s gotta be good.
My first project was the car parking with Nigel, Roy and John. I was given the project of standing on the corner of the main A629 guiding the traffic into Caldene Avenue for the Community Centre car park. Quite uneventful really. Waving to those happy folk and saying hello to all (and even chatting/getting a nice comment back from those of you bothered to talk to me/awake enough to communicate, even I’m human, thanks!). Bit of stress toward the end when the traffic started to back up on the main road, but generally went well, thanks for your patience all. A chuckle when the speeding motorists got twitchy after seeing my flourescent jacket, but I’m not a power crazy jobsworth when I hide being my hi viz, honestly!
0800 and back at the hall to watch the grand departure, ooooh, it’s so nice to be relaxed and not have the stress (enjoyment?) of having 22 miles to achieve in less than 4 hours. Good luck all!
Next project up to Old Town and checkpoint 1 at 0750....what’s this, it’s 0805, Alan is running around the church hall stressing with his head up his &*%£ (I do same for the 5 mile fell race that I organise, so an event of this size, complexity and magnitude, hmmmm, fully understand). Chris who’s coming with us is (too?) busy with his breakfast and maybe too chilled! Once up at the checkpoint (we still did have plenty of time to spare Alan?!) I came up with a new way of taking numbers, much to Steve’s protestations, “It doesn’t work Clive, we don’t do it like that etc etc”. Suffice to say Steve was correct, and I’d made a right chump out of myself as my system didn’t work once the eventers were arriving in their masses....oooooops, apols Steve, I’ll know for next time no to poo poo the ideas of someone who’s been helping for years!
The 3 of us trying to take numbers was at times quite chaotic. Especially when the competitors we knew would come up to us for a chat, but I’m a bloke, I can either do chat or take numbers, can’t multitask! Hmmmmmmmm. It was quite cold up there. Saw a few non-competitors I also knew from Old Town so was a jolly (why isn’t that great word used anymore) morning. Until that is we had the news of a potential fatality. Very very sad, but I guess at least the guy went doing something he loved. Thanks to all for your great help and sense of camraderie, I really really was impressed, especially with the lady who tried to assist by mouth to mouth, and everyone else who waited and communcated and generally helped - thanks and respect. Even tho my thoughts started to wander (I think that I’d rather say cheerio doing something I love if you know what I mean), this put a slightly sombre mood on things.
Once over at checkpoint 1, I scooted off to checkpoint 5 above Cragg Vale, via the church hall to taxi John for his next helping project. Once up on the tops, I noticed how much cooler it was than Old Town. Well as Brian and Ann had done their tasks at this post year in year out, I was merely a spectator offering words of congratulations and encouragement to the team (later beefed up by Steve - no, I’m not doing numbers this time you’ll be pleased to hear!), and to all you fabulous friendly super fit sociable competitors, hats off to you all, hope you enjoyed it, I certainly enjoyed seeing your happy cheery faces.
All was going well and we were quite near to saying adieu to the final walkers when all of a sudden a massive gust of wind (where did that come from?) ripped the tent from its guy ropes (??????? CG) and blew it over a stone wall and half over the next one into another field, the table went over as well with all the excellent food and drink...argggghhhhhhhhh. Eventually sorted everything, although at times I felt like Hornblower before he climbed the ranks, holding onto a sail for my dear life, to stop the tent travelling over the moors to Blackshawhead! See, it’s not all about standing, chatting, and admiring all you fit folk!
Anyway, after the sweeper arrived, helped with (some) packing away, and back home to Hebden via the church hall. Pondered.
A great day, and a great learning experience, if you’re a helper, thanks, now I know (some of) what’s involved.
