Midsummer Madness

[RichK]

Glad you enjoyed it, Rich.

Missing cut-off times is always an emotive issue, and it certainly led to some disgruntled folk.
The cut-off times were not a disqualification, instead they were a sort-of short course - for the 7 people who got to checkpoint 5 after the cut-off time, their race position was based on the time they got to that checkpoint, and it was intended that that was their finish line.
But for next year, on the suggestion of the Springfield Striders, I intend to have an early start option, so anyone who thinks they may not get inside the cut-off time can start, say 45 minutes earlier than the rest of the runners. How does that sound?
It does of course mean that they'll be navigating from the front and laying down the studmarks for others to follow!

And then I didn't get an easy ride on Sunday either, with 14 people in a bunch taking an inadvertent short-cut. That's the thing - once someone at the front of a bunch goes the wrong way the folk behind are just going to follow along. It sounds as though several of our flags may have been removed or flattened (despite being put out only a couple of hours before the race).
But it always impresses me the honesty of fell-folk. We're competitive within ourselves but hardly any of us look for an unfair advantage. All the people who'd taken the shortcut came to me at the end to say they had. I added 2 minutes to their times, which I worked out as about right based on the time they gained.

See you next year!

PS: all results, including checkpoint/summit positions now on the CVFR website.
Well done to Andy Thorpe and Jackie Scarf for holding onto their leading places in the series.

Sounds like a good idea. I wondered why a couple of the flags were flat on the ground - I tried to stick one back in the ground because the guy behind me was a fair way behind and I was worried he might go wrong - but I only ended up snapping the pole (sorry about that - I owe you a pole!)

[Stagger]

(sorry about that - I owe you a pole!)

Don't go bringing Illegal immigrants to sweeten Bill up, that will not work Rich.

Mrs Stagger was a culprit of taking the shorter route. Her defence is she was following some blokes, I explained where that could lead her.
Tut tut tut following instead of studing the course details.

Well done Bill another excellent series.
Thanks from all at Stainland Lions.

[Peter M]

Thanks to Bill for some excellent races, Just finished drinking Mrs M's prize from Friday (very nice wine!). I was working Saturday so could not do that race. Hopefully back next year for full series with some more of the Radcliffe crew.

[Leeds Rhino]

Stagger, I was discussing route choices near the end of Reservoir Bogs with Mrs Stagger,seems she took the right option and I took the wrong one
Enjoyed the series though ! Well done Bill

[invisible]

Thanks Bill and your 49 helpers from all at Springfield. I made a point of thanking all the marshals that I recognised as top runners giving up their time for a plodder like me. It's what fell running is all about. Thanks for the spot prize too.

You already know we'll be back next year.

PS I thought it was the best Reservoir Bogs race ever, quite a bit tougher than before, great stuff.

My knee is fine thank you RichK.

[Stagger]

Stagger, I was discussing route choices near the end of Reservoir Bogs with Mrs Stagger,seems she took the right option and I took the wrong one

It was the Tom Tittiman where she was given time penalties Rhino, her and a few others could not get Saturday out of their system and appeared to still be on the direct route policy.
Bill sorted them out as honesty kicked in and they all came forward to admit the error.

[LM]

Thank you Bill and your army of helpers for organising the 3 day series, I really enjoyed it. On paper it looked reasonable, mileage wise, but in reality it was quite tough, my legs were very heavy by Sunday. It's Stagger's turn to do it next year!

[Tussockface]

Sorry to Tussockface - I repaid his kindness in getting me through some navigation nightmares by bashing the back of his car this morning - PM if it turns out there was any damage (I really, really, should not be allowed behind the wheel). Either way, I owe you a few beers!

I think I helped get you into at least one of the navigation nightmares to begin with! I'm sure we shouldn't have gone tumbling down that gully full of bracken; it certainly didn't feature in my race plan.
The car seems fine. It's the rain pouring through my lounge ceiling that's the current worry, but I can't blame you for that.
Would never refuse an offer of beer, though...

It was good to meet up with a few other forumites too, such as Stagger and Mrs Stagger, and Invisible, who finally materialised. Turned out I'd actually been talking to him without realising it. Now That's What I Call Invisible (vol.43).

Thanks to Bill for another fine series and a splendidly wicked Bogs route.

[BillJ]

Any forumites planning to do all 3 races next weekend?
We've got some excellent engraved glasses as mementos for those who do complete all 3.

In the 5 years that I've done the results, we've had a different overall winner and a different ladies winner each year. It'll be interesting to see if there will be new names again this year or a repeat winner.

(winner / 1st lady / 1st vet):

2003: Adam Breaks / Anne Johnson / Philip Taylor
2004: Karl Gray / Carole Waterhouse / Chris Smale
2005: Chris Smale / Jo Smith / Chris Smale
2006: James Logue / Sandy Grimes / Chris Smale
2007: Andy Thorpe / Jackie Scarf / Dick Ballantyne

[Tussockface]

I might have a go, Bill. I qualify after last year's marshalling duties, though if you're desperate for help on any of the races let me know and I might be prepared to forgo the pleasure.