Pennine Bridleway Relay

[Lefty]

Believe me the section that we have been talking about is unrunable to just about everyone at the moment. I have been running that section everyday for the last couple of weeks ( you can when you are retired) and I would not yet want to risk anyone running let alone racing it. I have been fell racing for 45 years and organising fell races for just about as long so I do have some experience in our sport. These type of events attract non fellrunning clubs and with that inexperienced people and we have to take that into account. (I get emails from people asking for advice on what type of shoes to wear ) If I have sounded pessimistic its probably because I have been anxious for the last couple of weeks, this type of event takes a lot more work to organise that a standard fell race which is a doddle in comparison and all of the work has been done already, if It had to be called off I would be devastated but I have to safety concious first and foremost, hope you understand that.

[Brummy John]

Lefty,

Just as a thought, if the only remaining icy section turns out to be the quarry, an alternative to cancellation would be to finish the race this year at Lobden (end leg 4).

[Stanners]

Or could the quarry be cut out by coming down Rooley moor road?
A little bit more road.
Just seems such a shame with all the work that Lefty and his helpers have put into planning the event

[AndyA]

... if It had to be called off I would be devastated but I have to safety concious first and foremost, hope you understand that.

Fully understand, you have my support. Not reccied Leg 5, although other Clayton members have, and found it a bit dicey!

here's hoping it all clears over next few days.

[Lefty]

Certainly I could " alter " the route if possible to avoid and dangerous bits although it could prove problematic it is something we could look at. I am still hoping that the troublesome sections will be ok come the day though and I am just about to don my trusty Walshies and get out there to do my daily check !

[Richard Head]

I see on the relay website it says the icy bits are improving day by day. Given that are you still going to make a descision on the 27th as to whether the race can go ahead or if its looking touch and go on the 27th might you leave it a couple of days to see if it improves further?

[ukhursty]

Looks like I'll be running this now.

[Richard Head]

Latest news on the race website is that the ice is no longer a problem and the race can go ahead Could be a busy weekend of reccying out there. Early start in the morning for us to recce leg 4

[Lefty]

Blimey I only posted that notice on the event website a few minutes ago and its been seen already.......the power of the website !. Well yes as it says I had my daily trot out on the worst affected part of the route yesterday and in my opinion as race organiser its now safe to go ahead much to my relief !
The remaining patches of ice which may still go with a week to go can be avoided or safely negotiated.
Last chance for a recce this weekend so if you have never done your leg before get out there and have a look at it. It is still fairly well waymarked and if you were walking around with a map you wouldnt have a problem finding your way but you know what its like in a race, the signs can easily be missed.

[ukhursty]

Nice bit of ice all adds to the spice mix