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Have to take a few days holiday in the next 2/3 weeks...quite fancied a low key BGR. In shape generally but in no way trained to required levels, I'm not particularly obsessed by times, etc. I just fancy a good, low-key day (plus) plod in the hills and having a crack. Don't want military planning etc. and not all that bothered if it take 25 or 30 hours. Flexible on dates -- weekday or weekend -- anytime next week or week after, possibly week after that. Wouldn't mind company. Anyone interested?
Bucket, in no way "anti", just trying to be original! With such a low key, casual " ain't interested in actually getting into the BG club" attitude (which I quite admire ), why do the actual BG? Why not devise a round of your own that has similar figures to the BG and just bumble your way round it at a pace that suits you? Take time-out to smell the flowers, listen to the birds singing and liesurely drink sweet fresh water from the tumbling becks.;)
Why do it? Honestly? Because it's there. The fact of its existence simply defines something that I think is worth doing. It give shape to a particular challenge. Your question is totally misplaced in my view because it implies the only reason worth doing the BGR is to qualify to join the club. But I want to do it on my terms, and if I value smelling the flowers and the club means I can't do that then why on earth would I want to join a club whose principles mean foregoing the things that give me pleasure in life. I'm happy to do it my way; not someone elses. I suspect running up Dale Head at 3am is no less rewarding for having 25 hours on the clock rather than 21.Quote:
Originally Posted by wheezing donkey
As to why not make up a round of my own, at some point I quite likely will. My mind is already working in that direction generally. But for now I quite fancy a competent bumble round the BGR in 22 or 31 hours...who knows which? Frankly, who bloody cares? Why don't you join me and we can argue the case on the way? :-)
Wheezing Donkey, that picture of the bucket brings back memories!
Good luck to Bucket.
Yiannis
Yeh, that's a posher bucket than the one WD keeps in his van though... Bet he's quite envious :D
I like your style Bucket - that's the way to do the BG - but don't forget that it's only "there" because someone invented it in 1932. Bob Graham was doing something that only a small minority of ultra fellrunners do - devising his own challenge. So I do understand where WD is coming from and I hope you do go on to invent your own route in the future.
Good luck! :)
My loose goal one day, at some stage, ifs buts and maybes not withstanding, is to just solo the Bob Graham route. No sherpas, no time limit and maybe no recces before hand. Call me anti social but I love running in the hills alone, navigating in my own 'special way' <cough> and overcoming (or maybe not overcoming) whatever is thrown my way. It sort appeals to the Spartan in me.
Added to that if I did it, only I would know what I did, how and when.
Bucket you've got the right idea I reckon. I was planning on doing the BG last year with just my dad to help out at the road crossings (does that make it "solo supported?"), partly because I didn't really know any other fell-runners at the time, but mostly because I got it in my head that doing it that way would mean more somehow. As it happened I got glandular fever this time last year which put a stop to it, but it's still something I intend to do, maybe even this year. I'd love to accompany you on your round, but other commitments over the next few weeks mean I can't.
Good luck!
Bucket - I will be at Fairfield Horseshoe on May 17th, so might be of minor use on 18th in Dunmail to Langdale area...
do keep us informed as to date, and how this pans out...:)
I too have a (VERY) vague idea to one day attempt a "low-key" BGR:
odd bit of "social" company (no sherpas/navigators)
little bit of road support (nice to at least say hello to Lady Slugge/Sluglets en route!)
Stolly - no recces! :eek: - blimey, that's one thing I'd never considered!
Good god the man has asked for help You lotQuote:
Originally Posted by Bucket
Bucket, i am no where hear fit enough, due to op in feb but i could meet you on top of clough head and guide you through leg two, i have done it many many times, will chat all the way to Dunmail you can go on your tod up Fairfield but count me in brother!
am in Munich next week so it would have to be in a few weeks time for me but am here if you need me!:cool:
No he hasn't. He said "wouldn't mind company". Keep yer shirt on me old credit card... :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by Amex
This is great. There's a fine line between help -- which I don't want -- and company, which I wouldn't mind. Part of the pleasure, I think, is the relationships you forge and the people you meet along the way; shared experiences twice as good and all that...otherwise I'd get my head down and run a fast marathon in London or something.
I will put a date on it over this weekend. Need to have a think tonight. Thanks for the replies...more welcome to join!
Dear Bucket
Hope you achieve this, but dont underestimate how dificult the BGR is even at a sub 24 hour pace. last year I pulled the plug at Honister after 21.5 hours as I knew I was heading for a 24.5/25 hour time. On reflection I wished I had finnished it and I wouldnt have put myself through it for more punishment this year. I only had my dad at road side crossings and lonliness is tough when you are up there. However I was pretty fit and had the miles in my legs, but just slow. As I say it is really tough however you do it, and smelling flowers was'nt an agenda I could have attended to even at my slowish even pace. I think you will need to be really focused in making it your goal to get round at all costs other wise its too dam easy to pull the plug when the going gets really tough.
good luck
Simon
Bucket, have a great time. I'll be supporting an attempt that same weekend that takes a more orthodox appraoch, much like my round, i.e. getting help, roadside support etc.
There's no right way or wrong way, just whatever takes your fancy! I like that you're doing it your way, good on yer.
Regarding support, I loved the fact that I had a bit of a posse there, the atmospehere was great and I was humbled by the help I received. It made it possible for a midpacker like me to do it and I loved it. I still had to work hard for 23.5 hours mind you, no bugger carried me!!
If we see you (will you carry the bucket?!) then we'll be sure to say hi, pass on a jelly baby or two etc! Have a fantastic time.
ST
Did you read the PM bucket?
Checked! Apologies for late reply -- I was travelling at the end of last week and had no Internet access for two days. I have replied to the PMs.
Update: There seems to be some interest in this. I have at least 3 people up for doing some or all of the BGR in a low-key way ranging from "mountain marathon" style (over 2 days, effectively turning it into a full-length recce) to continuous.
I think we are probably looking at next weekend or thereabouts (in that window) and I am trying to co-ordinate something that suits whoever is up for it. Anyone reading this who's interested, by all means PM me or post here. Could actually evolve into a bit of a minor classic at this rate :-), the sort of memorable run I always had in mind.
A little off topic but on Sunday just past I found a Harveys map and someone's notes for a 23 hr round (on Friday 18 April) just before Ill Crag. Map and notes are currently drying out in my living room. Just give me a "PM" shout if they're yours !:)
Shame i didn't refer to them more as I then got lost in the clag between Ill Crag and Broad Crag...