LDWA events

[Brotherton Lad]

Enjoyed the Troller's, though I'm still getting used to this eating on the hoof lark. Pleasant runnable route and not demanding on navigation, at least on a clear day. Finished in 3:35.
Interesting point about the designated route above. As I understand the protocol, it's a strict no-no to trespass or climb over fences or walls or leave a right of way. The area at Barden is Open Access land and there's a couple of ways to get from CP4 to CP5. You may have seen me. On the 25000 map you'll see the track and footpath I used hiding under the words Grouse Butts just east of Upper Barden reservoir. I'd consider that using my initiative, but not leaving a right of way.

[Trimm Trab]

Yes, it was.

Didn't actually get to see too many people today because Mrs BGSec was going very well, 2nd lady in 3.40ish and only a couple of minutes behind the winner (Helen Jackson I think).

Not too bad a day for it, not too windy, not too cold.

Well done to all.

Thought it was - Think I saw you three times - at Barden Bridge, Howgill Lane and New Road (by which time I was pretty shagged, I was the chap in the blue headband who went past just as you were pulling away). Mrs BGSec must have been one of the two ladies that passed me near Skyreholme (I finished in 3.43).

As for the route thing - as far as I'm concerned the route description is the route - if it says follow a path/track to somewhere, then that's what you do. If it just gives you a list of checkpoints to visit (i.e. like a fell race), then it's up to you how you get there. On quite a few LDWA events you can save time by taking a road instead of the described route, so no problem with rights of way, but it's a big no-no IMO.

[Muddy Retriever]

As for the route thing - as far as I'm concerned the route description is the route - if it says follow a path/track to somewhere, then that's what you do. If it just gives you a list of checkpoints to visit (i.e. like a fell race), then it's up to you how you get there. On quite a few LDWA events you can save time by taking a road instead of the described route, so no problem with rights of way, but it's a big no-no IMO.

I agree with that. I noticed a few people again go straight up the road after Barden Bridge rather than along the Dales Way footpath. I've never been able to understand why people who are as far down the field as me choose to run on the road just to save a few minutes.

Anyway, great event as always, really enjoyed it. It will be a great shame if this does turn out to be the last Trollers.

[Behind You]

In my view, if you short cut on a challenge route you're only cheating yourself so why do it? May be different in a point-to-point where prizes are at stake.

[MorganW]

Thought it was - Think I saw you three times - at Barden Bridge, Howgill Lane and New Road (by which time I was pretty shagged, I was the chap in the blue headband who went past just as you were pulling away). Mrs BGSec must have been one of the two ladies that passed me near Skyreholme (I finished in 3.43).

As for the route thing - as far as I'm concerned the route description is the route - if it says follow a path/track to somewhere, then that's what you do. If it just gives you a list of checkpoints to visit (i.e. like a fell race), then it's up to you how you get there. On quite a few LDWA events you can save time by taking a road instead of the described route, so no problem with rights of way, but it's a big no-no IMO.

I was perched on the gate post at the bottom of the climb up onto Barden Moor. I did pause briefly on the road where you turn off the Dales Way and cross the road before climbing up to Howgill Lane.

If you talk to runners who have done this plenty of times over the years, you will find that cutting that corner is common-place.

Suspect you were catching MrsBGSec towards the end; I ran down from the finish after parking the van to give her some support and she was about done when I picked her up.

Glad you had a good day.

[Twinkletoes]

Just going back to the 'taking short cuts' bit. I don't particularly have a problem with people cutting the corners off on Barden Moor as it is open access land. However, what I really disagree with is people going clearly off the public of right of way, onto and across private fields to join the route MUCH further down and cutting out a good chunk. The section I refer to is after Eastwood House checkpoint to High Sykreholme. The 'short cut' takes you direct to Middle Skyreholme. I saw a group of 4 runners ahead of me who did this. If I had seen them at the end something would have been said, as this is totally unacceptable and is most definately trespassing. Very unsporting - those that did this should be ashamed of yourselves. I not only work in public rights of way but am also a landowner, so felt the need to air my views from both sides.

If you were to be taking part in a FRA relay such as Calderdale or Pennine Bridleway and are caught 'straying' off the described route to follow, you are penalised 2 minutes...

[Brotherton Lad]

I agree entirely that the prescribed route should be followed.
The instructions clearly specify leaving the road after Barden Br and taking the Dales Way. The footpath from Eastwood Head to High Skyrenholme is also specified. There's no other right of way across the valley there. Anything else is certainly cheating and may also be a civil offence.
On Barden Moor open access land the instructions tell you to follow the track from CP4 to CP5. There's a couple of track options, after a detailed map recce I chose to take the shorter way rather than the longer way. It's marked on the map, though you do have to look closely.
The two in front of me forked left from CP4 to Pitshaw Top, though I'm not sure whether that was to slice the corner or a navigational error.
There are also 2 options from Lower Barden reservoir over Barden Broad Park. One of those will be shorter too or more runnable, but I couldn't tell from the map so opted for the northerly one.
Anyway, it was a grand day out. Would have been superb with today's weather.
BTW saw you perched on the wall at Bark Brow, and with the VW at Barden Br and New Road and said hello each time.

[Twinkletoes]

Has anyone found any results yet? It was mentioned that they would be available today...

[Trimm Trab]

The two in front of me forked left from CP4 to Pitshaw Top, though I'm not sure whether that was to slice the corner or a navigational error.

You must have been not far in front of me - I saw those two going off the wrong way there too - definitely a nav error as I ended up back in front of them by a fair distance! Spent most of the rest of the run with one of them (called John - nice bloke). To be honest I'm not that bothered about the shortcutting thing; since they're not really races I treat LDWA events as hard training runs and am only really bothered with my own time rather than anyone elses. 'Twas a good day out, that's the main thing, and will be sorry if this really was the last Trot.

[Jez Hellewell]

Mmmmm, interesting points. I was running down towards Barden from the reservoirs, on the track, and told that you can cut the corners off by heading straight down through the heather (this was hugely enjoyable considering the amount of paths & roads!). In effect running in a direct line as opposed to following the contours of the road. I was then told, by a different person, that you can follow the road up from Barden Bridge, cutting out The Dalesway path, so long as you reach each checkpoint. I did &, with the benefit of hindsight, now regret doing so. My Garmin said 24.4 miles & as such I feel I have not fully completed the race. I'm not "up" on the rules. I'm from the BOFRA train of thought though. Follow the route up & anyway down so long as you don't trespass ! I finished in 4.03 however & thoroughly enjoyed my run.

Speaking of trespassing, did anybody else get any verbals from the farmer ??