Erm, I think sugar loaf is less track-like than the alternative that was to be crychan forest! And the original race, pen cerrig calch is probably faster downhill than sugar loaf!Originally Posted by Grubby
Erm, I think sugar loaf is less track-like than the alternative that was to be crychan forest! And the original race, pen cerrig calch is probably faster downhill than sugar loaf!
Simon Blease
Monmouth
Yes,
oh dear,
you're right !
This is probably why i've done much better up in the land of pies and pints than down here.
Time to take up golf and fishing, me thinks.
I have been toying with an idea of a race up and down Black Hill... tricky thing is, although only a few miles North of Longtown, it would be wholly in England rather than actually crossing the border on top of the hill, as my Longtown race does... However, we'd go streight up the side of Black Hill (otherwise know as the Cat's Back) run along the narrowing ridge to the end, down the steepish bit, turn sharp left at the bottom before the stile and run along the bridleway for a mile or so to finish on the bridleway... Start would be in a farmers field just underneath the bridleway. Must get round to plodding it myself with the Garmin and see how far it is and how suitable, because so far it is just an idea...
“the cause of my pain, was the cause of my cure” Rumi
Good idea! One less for me to worry about in my perennial (and hopeless) quest to finally win an age group in the SWWL! I think we are all toast next year when Hagley moves up from o40's!
Simon Blease
Monmouth
Final race will be sugar loaf 15 April, details on wfra website!
How much is that doggie in the window.........?:w00t:
OK, so now we have to bow the (entirely sensible imho) decision to use Sugar Loaf as the final counter, lets gather the positive force from Grubbies Grump and generate a list of new contenders for the SWWL.
Skirrid from Skirrid Inn. Great race in prospect.
Blaengarw Bunny. Too rough and tough to be ignored. Also better for an even geographical spread.
Torpantau (does it follow the old 3 feathers route??)
Other suggestions??
Simon Blease
Monmouth
Grump removed.
Smiley face installed.
Thanks to Andy Blakemore for a fine day out at Torpantau.
I might see if I can spot another potential race for the SWWL.
Incidentally wheeze, at 6miles, is the Skirrid a little long ? Should I shorten it ?
I dont know the race at all but 6 miles sounds a decent distance. There are too many short races imho.
Paul C.
... continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Looking at the finishing times for Torpantau, I'd say its too long for the winter league.
Also, having recently revisted Skirrid, I'd agree that the route you gave me is likely to be too long as well. I think it would work if you took the steep north slope up, ran down the ridge to the next subsidiary tump (where the angled track hits the ridge from the east side) then ran back down the west face into that nasty rocky old quarry. The track that skirts the base of the hill as you return to your descent route is also wet, muddy and rough which increases the gnarly quotient. I plan to go back soon and run it hard to give me an idea of race time but if it takes me about 40 mins then that will be about right.
Simon Blease
Monmouth
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