Has anyone got a route description so that I can plot the route instead of buying another Pete Bland map?!
Cheers
Helvellyn Race Next Week-
Has anyone got a route description so that I can plot the route instead of buying another Pete Bland map?!
Cheers
Last time I did the race which was 2 matbe 3 years ago they have us a black and white photocopy with the route on it. Just about adequate to navigate by
If you had a description of the race beforehand that did the rigours of the race any justice, you'd just want to lie down
Quite simply it's St John's in the Vale, straight up to Calfhow Pike, then weave between the summits of the Dodds and over Sticks pass to Raise Summit, then onto Helvellyn summit. It's an out and back so them's the facts.
The first climb is lung bursting and hellish, the descent by the same route from Calfhow is terrifying and at times you wonder whether it's for real and whether you're going the right way. You are if it's straight down!
It's mad and brilliant
ST
I couldn't agree more.Originally Posted by Swiss Toni
If you had a description of the race beforehand that did the rigours of the race any justice, you'd just want to lie down
The first climb is lung bursting and hellish, the descent by the same route from Calfhow is terrifying and at times you wonder whether it's for real and whether you're going the right way. You are if it's straight down!
It's mad and brilliant
ST
In the case of heavy rain prior to the final descent the following, tried and tested (by me) technique, can be applied:
1. Sit on arse
2. Raise feet to descend
3. Jam feet into ground 15m before requiring stop.
It's a lot less painful than running and (in my case)faster too.
Tip: Don't wear your best shorts.
Do what you like, like what you do
Or your best pants, and if you go for the slide down on your bum method, keep an eye out for the razor sharp rocks
Tip: Don't wear your best shorts.
Good advice, it can be difficult trying to explain a pair of lacerated cheeks to a non fellrunning (and highly sceptical) wife
Do what you like, like what you do
Sounds interesting!
My introduction to fell racing in the Lake District was last Saturday's Fairfield Horseshoe. I managed just over 2hrs 5min, which I was pleased with as I'm not the greatest climber but can get down quick. When I was scrambling down rocks though I thought I must have chosen the wrong route.
Up to that, having only starting running 3yrs ago, I had stayed local on Winter Hill routes and over Todmorden way, oh and the Howarth Hobble.
I now realise that Winter Hill is a mere lump on the landscape after ascending to the summit of Fairfield.
I bought the map for the Helvellyn race from Pete Blands and saw how close those contour lines are at the start. Talking to people at Rydal on Saturday I was advised to bring a sledge or black bin liner for the last descent!
I really enjoyed Fairfield and so will definitely give this a go.
Go for it, in spite of the steep ascent/descent it really is a great race.
Do what you like, like what you do
I still have nightmares about the Helvellyn "drop" to the finish . My poor butt was burnt and red for a week !!
I was actually very cross with myself that I could not stay upright . A tin tray would be a useful piece of kit if you can fold it into your bum-bag .
Nice and sunny, cool breeze, fine conditions for a fast race...Men -Mark Roberts (Borrowdale FR) 1.39.01, ladies -Jo Waites (Calder Valley) 1.59.36.
A few photos here.
Last edited by stevenh; 24-05-2009 at 11:03 PM.
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