Rombalds Stride

[Notters]

Hello Notters.

Let us know how you get on!

I don't know that particular race, however my first ultra was fairly near there, at the Haworth Hobble. I jumped in after doing a number of fell races. Fell apart a bit after about 18 miles but made it home.

Hopefully you'll be alright if you've done plenty of training.

I've generally been doing ~30 miles a week, so should be just about ok. Managed 15 on Tuesday before darkness fell - beautiful conditions!

Ah, good Man. You have my sympathy living in Guiseley! I live in Otley and have done Rombalds at least 10 times - I'll be there again this year, in a Black and White Otley vest and I wear glasses and have a red bumbag. say hello.
Well what to say, lots of good stuff on this thread. Plenty of good food at the checkpoints - you don't need to carry much.
Hardest navigation is going through Menston, finding the correct snicket/alley off Fairfax Road - Just after Fairfax Gardens.
After jumping the Culvert (I used to when I was younger, but...), make sure you keep far enough left, soon passing a big rock and go along the edge of the moor.
Yes, the climb back up the Chevin from West Chevin road is hell - Slippery and steep, but it is the last climb.
Good luck. Happy to answer any queries you have.

Thank you! I'm technically in Yeadon, which is probably worse :-s
I shall probably have my Brighton beanie hat on unless it's unseasonably warm so you won't miss me!

I think I'm ok with those bits, found the big rock you mention on Tuesday and I've done the Menston bit a couple of times. Once you find the ginnel it's pretty much a straight line.
I guess my main concern is keeping going if soaked through from the start, may need to invest in a new coat next week.

And
Take plenty of clothes, the weather is often awful. I've often been cold and wet on this. The last few years have been really windy.
When you pass Keighley gate you now have to run on the right (North)side of the wall - watch out for the bogs along there. They are deep enough to swallow a person!

I thought the general wisdom was to keep left of the wall? I was planning on going down to Cowper's Cross anyway, as this seems to be the official route (being more of an LDW event)?

It was all frozen solid on Tuesday which doesn't half make life easier:

frozen.jpg