DARK PEAK NEWS October 2007 Headbangers - Mackey and Stenson come to grief
Warts’ winter listings in full PRESS...NEW CLUB CHAMPS
STOP PRESS...NEW CLUB CHAMPS DATE...STOP PRESS...NEW CLUB CHAMPS DATE...STOP DarkDark PeakPeak NewsNews OctoberOctober 20072007 pagepage 22 Dark Peak Fell Runners est. 1976 www.dpfr.org.uk Club officials President: Eric Mitchell
Chairman Secretary Treasurer Membership Andrew Moore Rob Moore Lynn Bland, Gavin Williams 5 Silverdale Crescent, 2 Kerwen Close, 51 Hurleld Ave 41 Frickley Road, Shefeld Dore, Gleadless, Shefeld S11 9JH Shefeld Shefeld, S11 7EX 0114 2620087 S17 3DF S12 2TL 0114 2309227 [email protected] 07766 520741 0114 2646409 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Clothing and Eqpt. Men’s Captain Women’s Captain Website Richard Hakes Tim Austin Karen Davison John Dalton 454A Loxley Road 271 Dunford Road, 7 Ladybower Drive, 1, Cannon Fields, Loxley Holmrth, Hathersage, Hathersage, Shefeld HD9 2RR S32 1DR Derbyshire S6 6RS 07720 349299 01433 659968 S32 1AG 0114 2339912 [email protected] [email protected] 01433 659523 [email protected] [email protected]
Dark Peak News October 2007
* News, p6» * Adventures in time p28» * Events Calendar p8» * The dog’s diary p29» * Caption competition p11» * Kit page p30» * Beer Barrel Challenge p12» * Fashion page p31»
Editor: David Holmes Phone: 0114 2344186 Post: 615, Loxley Road, Shefeld S6 6RR e-mail: david.holmes@sheffield.ac.uk (work) [email protected] (home) Dark Peak News October 2007 page 3 The bit at the front
No Skyline? The deadline for races to be submitted for the 2008 FRA Fixtures Calendar is at the end of this month, and as things stand now there could be a prominent gap in the middle of March where the Edale Skyline should be. The plain fact is that we still have nobody who is prepared to organise DPFR’s landmark annual event, so we have no name to pass on to the FRA. Chris Barber and Jim Fulton, stalwart organisers for the last few years, gave ample warning that they were standing down after successfully staging the Skyline as a championship event this year. Since then they have been quietly reminding, cajoling and lobbying, hoping that somebody would be prepared to take the task on. So far to no avail. Can it really be the case that Britain’s biggest fell running club, with a talented and diverse membership of some 350 people, cannot produce a race organiser? Maybe there is a misconception about the amount of work involved? The club has traditionally had a whole team of people who take on delegated responsibility for the many components of the race, for example the marshalling, the catering, the car parking and the registration of competitors on the day. These people remain in place, but we do need somebody, or maybe another team of two, to take on overall control. If you do fancy it, I am sure the club chairman would love to here from you soon. While there’s still time to keep the show on the road.
Disappearing birds We have just reached the end of our rst summer “accord” with the owners of local grouse moors, which saw us voluntarily forsake our newly-won right to run at will over their land. We did this after talks with two local landowners who argued strongly that we would put sensitive wildlife at risk if we were to run in big groups across open moorland during the nesting season. The upshot was that we stayed off the moors as requested, a considerable gesture given that we could, quite literally, have dug our heels in and exercised our new rights. Looking back on this rst summer of abstention, we can say we did our bit and did what was asked of us. It is tempting, though, to ask what we received in return. One of the landowners decided to close his moors to all access for the maximum period allowed by law, a move which raised eyebrows in the local Peak District access forum. We also had an example of a farmer removing a stile that provided entry to the new access land. Not the end of the world perhaps, but not particularly helpful in fostering good relationships and a welcoming attitude. Away from these access issues we now have the worrying news, reported on page six, of “the worst year on record” for persecution of birds of prey on these areas of moorland. The report from the RSPB is not able to pinpoint blame for the disappearance of birds including the goshawk and the peregrine falcon. One would want to believe that the landowners themselves will be pursuing the culprits with the same energy and prole that they applied to stopping our Wednesday night runs. After all, it is the same wildlife that’s at risk. Maybe when we Dark Peak News October 2007 page 4 next meet them, we can discuss how we can help them to defeat those who are trapping these birds and destroying their nests. With scores of us out on the hills every week, we could be powerful potential allies if we keep our eyes and ears open.
The best laid plans... When I put the last edition of Dark Peak News to bed in May, I began work immediately on the next one, with the aim of getting it out towards the end of July. Hence you will nd the “Adventures in Time” section, written some time ago, focuses on early summer editions from the archives. Then, life kicked in. Two daughters to get through exams, one to be helped out of the nest and in to university. A bundle of urgent maintenance tasks to do on the house, with one involving some substantial and quite worrying structural work. An inspection looming at my wife’s school. Dark Peak News drifted on to hold, and suddenly summer was over and publication was well overdue. I told myself things would be OK, so long as I could liaise with John to get a new calendar up on the web, and then get the mag out reasonably well ahead of the club champs on November 17th. I have to confess I panicked a bit when Andy felt compelled to bring the champs forward by a month, and since then I’ve been busting a gut to get to press as quickly as possible. Even so, this edition will at best reach you just days before the event. You may get it on the morning of the race, in which case you can browse the course over breakfast. At worst, and with more postal strikes looming, you may receive it after the event. Whatever, I apologise for the delay. But it’s reassuring to know that, thanks to John, we now have such a great day-to-day news services on the website that can take care of our information needs when the pressure is on. Looking ahead, things are calming down considerably now at home, and I’m managing to nd time to do half an hour or so each day on the mag. I’ve even got some ideas for new features that you should see in the next edition, around the turn of the year. So I hope Dark Peak News will be with you sooner rather than later next time. Dave
Lucozade aid: see Dog’s Diary, page 29 Dark Peak News October 2007 page 5 Club championships
This edition is running late, there are more postal strikes looming, and the club championships have been brought forward by a month. So these details may not reach you in time to be much use in preparing for the event. But with a tailing wind we might just make it, so here goes. If this doesn’t reach you in time, think of it as a souvenir. Gavin, our course planner, has negotiated access to a eld at Higheld Farm, Upper Booth, Edale, which we will use as our rendezvous and parking point. If you don’t know this farm, you might recognise is as the last camping eld in the Edale valley. It’s on a prominent bend very close to the end of the road as it approaches Upper Booth. The checkpoints are as listed below. The location of the start, and the order in which you must visit the checkpoints, will not be revealed until the day of the race, so any recceing will be of limited value! The start will be a few minutes jog from the parking eld, so please allow ample time for this. You must carry FRA standard emergency gear. Distance will be about nine miles, with 2,500ft of climb. Estimated winning time is about 80 minutes. Staggered start, with the slowest runners off at 10am and the whippets at 11am
Checkpoints Broad Clough enclosure (western side) 066871 Brown Knoll trig 083851 Bridge at foot of Jacob’s Ladder 088861 Kinder Gates 088886 Woolpacks (east side of crag) 091867 Finish Highfield Farm 103850 Dark Peak News October 2007 page 6 News
Champion stuff GREAT NEWS to report after the nal championship fell race, Great Whernside, last weekend. We now have no fewer than three “double champions” in the club. Janet McIver is indisputably the best female fell runner in the land, having added the British Championship to the English Championship title that she clinched earlier in the season. Mike Egner and Dave Tait have also landed double championships in the V50 and V60 categories respectively. Everyone in the club will no doubt take great pride in this and will want to offer warm congratulations to them all. The results of the various team championships were still being worked out by the statisticians as Dark Peak News went to print, and the British Relay Championships were still to come on October 13th. We’ll have a fuller report on these wonderful successes in the next edition, when we look back on the 2007 running year.
Record year for bird cruelty The goshawk and the peregrine falcon have been wiped out in a wave of illegal killings in the north east corner of the Dark Peak. That’s the depressing conclusion of a new report from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which tracks a relentless trend of shootings, trappings, poisonings and destruction of nests on shooting land on DPFR’s doorstep. The report, “Peak Malpractice Update 2007” adds to the work done by the RSPB in their original Peak Malpractice report which was published last year. The Update focuses on the summer of 2006, and reports “the worst year on record”. In the Dark Peak, there were two unexplained nest failures, seven cases of birds mysteriously disappearing, two shootings, two trappings, and two conrmed poisonings. In one widely publicised incident, the body of a squirrel had been smeared with strong adhesive and baler twine, and then placed on a wall as a lure for goshawks nesting in nearby trees. In the absence of rm evidence, the RSPB cannot lay blame for the many killings. But it does suggest that the persecution is clearly linked to moorland which is managed for grouse shooting, with the worst incidents focused on land between Strines and Langsett, to the west of the old Mortimer Road. You can nd the full report at: http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/PeakMalpracticeUpdate2007_tcm9-165094.pdf
Those headbangers… Tim Mackey and Mick Stenton suffered their magnicently photogenic injuries, (front and back covers), in the Ben Nevis and Half Tour of Pendle races respectively. Tim took a tumble on a ight of stone steps near the nish after safely navigating the entire mountain, and Mick tripped over one rock and headbutted another just below Pendle summit. He then laid down a helpful trail of blood, which team-mate Matt Hulley was able to follow for the remaining two thirds of the race. In true Dark Peak style, both managed to complete their races before being rushed to the nearest casualty units, where they were treated for their serious head injuries, certied insane, and discharged. Dark Peak News October 2007 page 7
Some You Win goes mainstream IT’S LOOKING likely that the “Some You Win, Some You Lose” race will become an ofcial FRA Calendar event next year. Organiser Jim Fulton has negotiated the Hope Showground as a race venue, with cross country access direct to Lose Hill, and now hopes to get Peak Park permission for the event. It forms part of his year as president of the Longshaw Sheepdog Trials, which will benet from any funds the race generates. He’s also hoping that Dark Peak might adopt the race as the club’s third “ofcial” event, joining Burbage and the Edale Skyline, (if it happens - see page 4). The course will begin with Lose Hill, then drop over the ridge just below Win Hill summit, before crossing the Ladybower dam wall and then climbing Win Hill via Parkin Clough.
Badge bonanza THE DARK PEAK badge machine has been working overtime since we reported the launch of the exclusive new lapel badge in the last edition. Richard Hakes has now produced no fewer than four limited edition collectors’ items. The rst is the classic Dark Peak “brown sky” club badge, the second features our Running Man cartoon, the third is a reproduction of the “Dark Peak trig” tee shirt motif. Those of you familiar with the Isle of Jura fell race might recognise the fourth as a Jura poster which has been rather cleverly digitally doctored to incorporate Dark Peak club colours. All are available from Richard for a nominal 30p while stocks last.
Vets’ captain MIKE NOLAN has kindly volunteered to take on the new role of vets’captain, which means we have someone to coordinate our increasingly strong vets team. One of his rst tasks was to organise the squad for the prestigious Ian Hodgson Relays in the Lakes. You can contact Mike on 01433 631788.
Diary date THORNBRIDGE 2008 will take place on the weekend of the 22nd to 24th August. Hats compulsory, (see page 31).
Boundary run THE BRADFIELD BOUNDARY RUN takes place this year on Saturday, December 29th. If you want to take part, you’re more than welcome but please let me know in advance as numbers were high last year and we need to know how much food and transport to lay on. The usual ver should cover costs. Dark Peak News October 2007 page 8 Events Club runs: Every Wednesday from the Sportsman, Lodge Moor, Shefeld at 18:30 or at an “away” venue (usually at 18:45 but check below). People run at different speeds but there are usually two or three stops to re-group. The weather can be bad on the moors, even in the spring and summer. So please be aware of the risk of exposure, and come prepared. Warts runs are in the dark - head torches, whisky and safety gear obligatory.
“Local races” are open events, usually entry-on-the-day with an entry fee and a few prizes. Full details can usually be found in the FRA Calendar.
“DPFR races” are informal events for Dark Peak club members, usually with no entry fee and no prizes. People running in “DPFR events” accept total responsibility for their own safety.
Sep Stanage Struggle, Hathersage Primary School, Sun 23 11:00 Local race 6.1ml/1200’ School Lane, GR235817. £5 on day only.
Sun 23 09:00 Local race Dark and White Peak District MM1. See: www.darkandwhite.co.uk Wed 26 18:30 Club run Sportsman The Royal Dungworth. Start from Dungworth Sat 29 11:00 DPFR race Playing Field, GR123456 Oct Wed 3 18:30 Club run Sportsman Grin and Bear It. £8 pre-entry or on day. Start 15ml/1950’ Sat 6 10:00 Local race from Langsett Barn, GR211004. See: www. or 23 ml woodheadmrt.org 11:00 Brit + Eng Great Whernside. £4 on day only. N.B. Sat 6 4ml/1555’ 12:00 champ separate start times for men and women. Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay, Brotherswater, Sun 7 10:00 Relay race Cumbria, (contact club captains if you are 25ml/8500’ interested in running). Wed 10 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 10 18:45 Warts run Snake Inn ‘FRA Relays’, Fell Foot, Lancashire, (contact Sat 13 10:30 Relay race 21ml/8700’ club captains if you are interested in running) Wed 17 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 17 18:45 Warts run Low Bradeld car park, GR263920 Club champs, Upper Edale valley. Precise Sat 20 10:30 DPFR race venue on website closer to the date. Dark Peak News October 2007 page 9
Wed 24 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 31 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 31 18:45 Warts run Fairholmes Nov
Sun 4 09:00 Local race Dark and White Peak District MM2. See: www.darkandwhite.co.uk Wed 7 18:30 Club run Sportsman The Roaches, Village Hall, Meerbrook, near Sun 11 10:30 Local race 15ml/3700’ Leek. £3.50 on day only. Wed 14 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 14 18:45 Warts run Upper Midhope, GR214995 Wed 21 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 28 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 28 18:45 Warts run Rowlee Bridge, GR to follow Dec
Sun 2 09:00 Local race Dark and White Peak District MM3. See: www.darkandwhite.co.uk Tanky’s Trog (Marsden to Edale), £8 pre- Sun 2 09:00 Local race 23ml/5066’ entry only. Wed 5 18:30 Club run Sportsman
Sat 8 07:00 Local race Round Rotherham Run, See: 50ml www.rotherhamharriers.org/events Sun 9 08:00 Relay race Calderdale Way 50ml/6000’ Wed 12 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 12 18:45 Warts run Strines Inn, GR 221909 Wed 19 18:30 Club run Sportsman, (carols at the Headstone) Wed 26 18:30 Club run Sportsman
Sat 29 06:00 Club run The Bradeld Boundary Run. See: 48ml/5600’ www.bradfieldrun.co.uk Jan Wed 2 18:30 Club run Sportsman Stoney Middleton. Meet at “Hugh’s Hut” Wed 2 18:45 Warts run opposite the Moon Inn. Moz’s Birthday Run, Start from Nag’s Head, Sun 6 10:00 DPFR race Edale Wed 9 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 16 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 16 18:45 Warts run Snake Inn, GR 112906 Burbage Nutless. Meet at car park at top of Sun 20 10:30 DPFR race Porter Clough, GR 285841. Wed 23 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 30 19:00 DPFR race Warts’ Winter Challenge. Venue tba Dark Peak News October 2007 page 10
Feb Margery Hill. Start from Fairholmes car park, Sat 2 09:00 DPFR race GR 186716. Wed 6 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 13 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 13 18:45 Warts run King’s Tree, GR 168939 Loxley International Mountain Marathon. Sun 17 10:00 DPFR race Further details to follow. Wed 20 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 20 18:45 Warts run Old Horns Inn, High Bradeld Wed 27 18:30 Club run Sportsman Rivelin Landmarks, start and nish at The Wed 27 18:45 DPFR race Sportsman Mar Wed 5 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 5 18:45 Warts run Monsal Head, GR 186716 High Peak Marathon (Derwent Watershed). Fri 7 23:00 Local race 40ml See: www.highpeakclub.union.shef.ac.uk Wed 12 18:30 Club run Sportsman Don Morrison Memorial Edale Skyline. See: Sun 16 10:30 Local race http://www.dpfr.org.uk/index.php?p=skyline 21ml/4500’ Wed 19 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 19 18:45 Warts run Strines Inn, GR 223907 Wed 26 18:30 Club run Sportsman Wed 26 18:45 Warts run River Westend, GR 155927
The Dark Peak calendar provides an unofcial service to club members. DPFR carries no responsibility for the details of events staged by other organisations. Details of local races are normally taken from the FRA Calendar, which costs money to compile and publish. All DPFR members are encouraged to pay their FRA subs to help meet these costs. Amendments to the calendar can be found on the DPFR website at www.dpfr.co.uk Please try to avoid amendments if possible, as members may set off for events using the dates and times they have read here, and may not have had the time or opportunity to check the website for last minute alterations. Race results will normally be published on the website within a few days of the event taking place. The next major revision of the club calendar will be in early January, when the new FRA Calendar is published. It would be helpful to have details of any new club events by then. Dark Peak News October 2007 page 11 Caption competition A much stronger response this time. Clearly you found the subject matter to your liking. The editor’s bottle goes to Chris Brad for “Lateral Stinking”. New member Neil Osborne pushed him close though, with “Novice time lord fails the parking element of the Tardis test”, and “At the annual Portaloo parade, one poor soldier is overcome by a terrible bout of wind”. Club chairman Andrew Moore gets points for crudity with “Now that’s what I call a fart!” Most obscure entry goes to John Blair Fish who suggested, (in the aftermath of the Scottish elections), “Is that really an appropriate place to put up a Vote Green placard?” And there were numerous also-rans who came up to me in the pub and suggested the obvious, but nonetheless witty, “Oh, shit!”.
This time? Well, it really has to be another image of the hapless Mick Stenton, resplendent in his blood-soaked nery after his fall at Pendle. I look forward to the e-mails... Dark Peak News October 2007 page 12 Dealing with the cask in hand Dark Peak News October 2007 page 13 Dealing with the cask in hand
OK, so we have various top relay titles under our belt, and a few prestigious team championships to our name. But can any of these truly compare to the glory of DPFR at last winning the Great Kinder Beer Barrel Challenge? The ordeals of this bizarre event make the average fell race seem like small beer. Now he’s sobered up, Pete Hodges reports... Dark Peak News October 2007 page 14
t all started in 1998 when Geoff Townsend, a local shepherd, found that the Old Nag’s IHead had run out of his favourite tipple. Instead of moving onto something from the top shelf he, no doubt drunkenly, offered to fetch a barrel of beer from the Snake Inn, some four miles away over a big hill. The landlord agreed that if Geoff and his mates lugged a barrel back they could have it for free. And so the race was born. The Great Kinder Beer Barrel Challenge where teams of eight would carry a barrel, weighing 54kg, from the Snake Inn over the top of Kinder and down to the Old Nag’s Head in Edale and the winners would get a barrel of beer. Team Gladioli, mainly fell runners from Matlock, won the race every year until 2006, setting a course record of 48mins. This year, Dark Peak decided to challenge them. As last year’s winners the Gladioli set off last, with teams starting at three minute intervals. It obviously helped entering as Dark Peak because the local prowess got us second to last start, with Gladioli chasing us up Kinder. Our team of Oli Johnson, James Hargreaves, Ben Carter, Neil Northrop, Andy Middleditch, Pete Hodges, Rob Baker and Rob Little was well prepared for the race. Rob Davison kindly lent us a ladder, which we attached our barrel to with nothing more than a piece of string and some sticky tape. As we watched the other teams run off through the woods towards Gate Side Clough, we knew we could run pretty well but still didn’t have a clue if we could actually get over Kinder with a barrel and 16 (mostly) scrawny arms. From the off we were moving at a fair lick, so much so that we had to shout warnings like “boulder”/ “hole”/ “tree” to save the guys behind from going arse over tit. We made light work of the stretch through the woods and across the river and started the climb up towards Blackden Moor. This was where it got tough and we slowed to a walk. But it was a clear day, and ahead we could see three teams stretched across the hillside trying to reach the top. We got to the plateau and headed along the rim path towards the Three Minute Crossing, but then things got rather heated with Neil ever so politely asking us: “Would you chaps mind awfully staying on the path and not running in the f***ing heather”. At this point the relentless pace we’d set up the hill took its toll on Andy as he dropped off the back of the ladder. We wouldn’t see him again until the nish. But with only the balls-out descent to come we had to have no mercy and carry on. Things soon were even worse as Ben, the muscles of the team – in only his second fell race - also dropped off the back, as he’d hurt his leg. Thankfully, he gallantly caught up, so we were seven strong across the Three Minute Crossing, passing another team just before we dropped like stones towards Grindsbrook. On the downhill we wasted some time fafng, trying to use the ladder as a sled, but it didn’t work. Instead we let the back end drag and lifted and ran with the front end. Well, James and Rob Little did a lot of the work while the rest of us attempted to stay out of the path of the marauding ladder and barrel combo. We nally met both the path at the bottom of Golden Clough and the crowds who had turned out to watch the nutters with the barrels. All that was left was a fast last kilometre into Edale and under the nish banner outside the Old Nag’s Head. We then had to wait to see if the undefeated Gladioli nished within three minutes of us. They didn’t and we had managed to win and in a new course record of 46:49, three minutes and twenty seconds clear of the eld. Dark Peak News October 2007 page 15
The best bit was yet to come as we’d won a barrel of beer – 72 pints – some of which were shared out to the other teams. So we sat outside in glorious sunshine enjoying the BBQ put on by the Old Nag’s Head and a few pints of ‘Well Hung’, an aptly named beer for the young Dark Peak team. It really is an excellent race, exceptionally well organised, marshalled throughout by the local tennis club, and good banter from the other teams. Especially the Gladioli team who were very gracious in defeat, after several hours of lamenting the unfairness of the fact that we were half their age!
Scraping the barrel: Most of the “team” have a rest while Little and Hargreaves try the sled technique, (one can only assume they’d stashed their club vests in the barrel to stop the liquid swilling around too much)
The second challenge: Just seconds off the hill and the team find themselves plied with celebratory pints of gin by the much amused and admiring locals. The booze clearly had an immediate effect on Northrop and Little. Dark Peak News July 2007 page 16 THE CENTRE SPREAD
Airborne... Mike McIver and Mark Salkild leap across Burbage Brook before tackling the first climb in the Burbage Skyline. THE CENTRE SPREAD Dark Peak News October 2007 page 17 Dark Peak News October 2007 page 18 Been there, done that...
Highlander Mountain Marathon, Sat. 1st March
A mountain marathon held in the Highlands of Scotland in March had the air of uncertainty about it. The organisers tried to entice competitors north by providing food in a heated marquee at the overnight camp along with a Scottish band to help pass the long dark evening away. A far cry from camping in some sphagnum bog on a remote windswept mountainside. Furthermore, no check points would be placed above 700m so hopefully reducing the impact of any late lying snow. Otherwise the HMM followed the usual MM format - four straight line course A-D and a score - but the A course competitors could take the controls in any order on the rst day. Despite all the concerns, 92 teams registered in the village hall in the beautiful Glen Strathconon due west of Inverness. On Saturday the A & C courses took a southern route while the B & D and score courses took a northern arc with all courses meeting up at the head of the glen. Having two starts split up the competitors and reduced crocodiles forming. In fact, we saw very few competitors and hundreds of deer. The weather was perfect with stunning views of the surrounding snow capped peaks and the terrain was excellent, being very runnable for almost the entire course. This resulted in some very fast times. The courses were well planned, needing accurate navigation but always with catching features if you overshot and lots of route choice. The overnight camp-site was a at eld bathed in sunshine and free of midges. The hot food provided was welcomed by all to supplement to the normal MM fair. We all enjoyed the ceilidh and those with enough energy danced the night away. The clear sky meant overnight temperatures fell to -5°C and ensured a cool, very cold or bl**dy freezing night depending on how competitive you were. Many teams were found warmed up in the marquee in the wee hours of the morning and the caterers did a roaring breakfast trade. The leading teams had a chasing start at 7am just as it was getting light. The cold morning soon gave way to another stunning day of excellent weather and fast terrain with the classes switching sides of the glen. There was a good selection of prizes provided by the main sponsor, Craigdon Mountain Sports, including a full sized broad sword for the winners of the A class, (Chris Near & Tim Higgeronbottom), who put in a very impressive performance. The organisation, location and weather during the HMM was excellent. BBC Scotland made a 30 minute programme about the event which conrmed that those blue skies, snow capped peaks and rm terrain were not a whisky induced illusion, especially after experiencing the Edale Skyline in the same month! I don’t expect the HMM will ever become as popular as the SLMM, OMM or LAMM due to its location and time of year but that may well become its real appeal. Steve Martin Dark Peak News October 2007 page 19
Ventnor Isle of Wight Series, Sat 22 - Sun 23 Sept.
“Ahh, now there’s someone in famous colours” came the call from one of the lads of Loughton AC. “Yeah and it’s the rst time I’ve raced in ‘em,” I replied. Small groups of runners in colourful vests were standing around the entrance to the Winter Gardens, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, having just struggled up and hurtled down the hill on the St Boniface Fell Race, (AS 3m/775ft). It was my rst fell race and I was pleased with my time at a shade over 24 minutes. But this was only the start of the weekend’s running. Later we would set off on the Ventnor Horseshoe, (BM 7m/1500), and on the following morning the Wroxall Round, (CL 13/1500). The series was the idea of Eddie Leal, one of the FRA founder members, and has taken place for the past 10 years. It draws a eld of around 100 for each of the races and this year 14 women and 66 men completed the entire series. The standard is good and the times on each of the runs are very respectable. Most of the clubs were from the south, but there was representation from Glossopdale Harriers, Dewsbury Road Runners, Clayton -Le-Moors and Holme Pierrepoint. Organisation for the event is in the hands of the Ventnor Fell Run Association, aided by Ryde Harriers. I was staying in Ventnor, at a BnB, with my training partner Ian Paintin who is currently unattached. We had a nice en-suite room with sea view. The trouble is Pax, (his nickname), does a great line in “Jazz” snoring, (you can’t doze off to its’ rhythm). I had slept poorly prior to day one and in the time between races I couldn’t doze to recover. My breathing was all wrong and I faced the second race with some nervousness. Back at the Winter Gardens we were soon off on the Ventnor Horseshoe, taking a more circuitous route up onto the Downs, then undulating near Wroxall before a at section on the old railway then a brutal climb onto Shanklin Down only to hurtle down St Boniface again. By the 3pm start the sun was shining and it was warm. I felt OK going up. I fell in behind lines of other runners, walking, jogging and then nally breaking out into a run. But I couldn’t nd a pace or rhythm and I began to struggle. It’s at time like these that you fall back on your training, physical and mental. Mine had gone well through the summer and I told myself that all would be ne, just keep at it. I was just having a bad day. At last the route found the old railway track and I was joined by other runners including Frank Makin of Holme Pierrepoint who was to beat the M70 record in all three races. He introduced himself with a “Hello Dark Peak” and once again my morale was lifted by wearing the vest. The group of vets M40-70 and a few of the girls made our way up the steps onto the Down and headed back to Ventnor. We became strung out and I found myself in a little world of my own with runners about 15 seconds ahead and behind. Back in Ventnor I came home in a disappointing 1:20:07, about 10 minutes down on what I expected. Up front, Dean Lacy of Cambridge Harriers had taken the record again, with 52:48, to go with his 17:02 in race one. Pax jogged home in 1:27:16 which he was pleased with, and we made our way back to our lodgings. I was shattered and not looking forward to the next race. Dark Peak News October 2007 page 20
That evening I called home to let them know that all was well. I had to use a pay phone as I couldn’t get a signal on the mobile on my network. The kids were splashing around in the bath and just said a quick hello. During the conversation I began to sweat and became really stuffy. The running and lack of sleep were taking their toll. In the Mill Bay pub we had a meal and two beers (because we were trying to be good). By 8.30 we were back in the room dozing in front of the TV. We had seen a few other runners out and about but I bet that they were also abed early. Sunday dawned fair, a little humid, but with a gentle breeze. Going downstairs was a little awkward but I didn’t feel too bad really. The tactics however were going to be conservative - just to get round and nish the series. But I had butteries, was a little nervous, which for me is an indicator that I am up for the race. At the Winter Gardens the scene was as it had been on the previous day with runners chatting about stiffness, injury and their hopes for the Wroxall Round. I decided to carry a bum bag with two gels, some water and a spare top. None of this was necessary as the organisers don’t insist on full body cover, etc. The undulating sea front start was gentler than the previous races. I could see the leaders hurtling off as the eld soon became strung out, but I wasn’t bothered, I wanted to get round. The route was easy to follow being marked and well marshalled which made life easier. I strolled onto Stenbury Down with some of the Loughton AC lads then found myself adrift, once again, on my own. I did battle with a local club runner who I beat on the ups and who beat me on the downs and then he too was gone. Nevertheless I was feeling good and really enjoying the scenic race. At half way I sped up a little along the railway which was used again. Then turning south for the steep ascent I got the rst hint of cramp. I stretched it off, then ascended quite well. On top of the Downs I could see runners strung out and I overtook two and was moving well until just before St Boniface when the cramp hit again. But I was nearly home and my time was far better than I thought I would do, in fact I thought I could have gone quicker. And so the route came off the Downs for the last time, through the steep streets of Ventnor and back to the Winter Gardens where runners chatted and told their tales. Heroes all! At 2pm we returned for the presentations. They began with a minutes silence in remembrance of Eddie Leal. Then the top guys and girls got their awards. The races are also the SEAA Fell Championships, so there are two sets of medals to get through. Dean Lacy of Cambridge Harriers won all three races, but Serpentine Runners took the team prize for the men. Jenny Moore of Wells City Harriers took the overall prize for the girls, with no team prize awarded (an appeal was made for more women’s teams to enter). Much applause, good wishes and thanks for a wonderful weekend. Then it was all over. Farewells and handshakes, with promises to meet again next year. All the training, planning, tactics and racing were over, gone. The journey had been made. In truth there are no fells on the Isle of Wight. But there are hills and lots of them. St Boniface Down rises 700 ft from sea level and I assure you it is a steep and hard climb. The steps up onto the Downs in races two and three are to be given respect and the Ventnor Horseshoe is no stroll. Anyone who completes the series has done Dark Peak News October 2007 page 21 well in my book, and it was certainly the hardest challenge I have ever completed. And that is what made it worthwhile and fun. Add to this, new acquaintances made, the scenery and organisation and you have an intense running experience. I would denitely recommend it. For Pax and I there was only one thing to do and that was to hobble like old men down steep Ventnor streets to the Spyglass Inn and a celebratory meal. The 2008 series takes place on the weekend of 20-21 September. Costs are £5 for each race or £12 for the series, (2007), teams free (three to count). Details will be on Ryde Harriers website in 2008. There is plenty of accommodation in Ventnor. Note that there is some discussion as to the real distances and ascents for the latter two races on the FRA forums at www.fellrunner.org.uk . The Ventnor Horseshoe is nearer eight miles with 1800 feet of up and the Wroxall seems to be nearer 12 miles with 2200 feet of up. A small point, but it makes me feel better!
Ratings Course Value for money Organisation Overall rating Neil Osborne
Winter Fifteen Trigs Round, Weds February 7th
St. Lukes Hospice has recently cared for a dear friend of mine and whilst out on the following adventure, I thought that I would seek retrospective sponsorship to raise money for this excellent centre of care. I appreciate this approach is highly unconventional, i.e. that people normally seek sponsorship for challenges they are going to be taking, not ones they have taken! And I also recognise that this is not, in any way, an organised event - again unusual. But if you do feel inclined to contribute, any donations will be very gratefully accepted. All money collected will go directly to St Luke’s Hospice in Shefeld. Thank you.
Introduction This route was rst suggested in an article by Tony Wimbush in ‘The Fellrunner’, (Feb. 2006) and was originally conceived as starting and nishing at Hayeld. The route represents “a continuous circuit of over 40 miles linking the four county tops of Derbyshire, (Kinder Scout, 636m), South Yorkshire, (High Stones, 548 m), West Yorkshire, (Black Hill, 583 m), and Greater Manchester, (Black Chew Head, 542 m.)”. Dark Peak News October 2007 page 22
The only other stipulation that Wimbush suggested was to cross the A57 Shefeld to Manchester road in two particular places, (on the outward and return journeys), one over the Snake summit and the other crossing near the Snake Inn.
My own account Having been considering this route for a little while now - ever since two Dark Peak friends managed a winter traverse - I decided to have a go on May 9th, but for convenience and transport purposes chose to start and nish at Fairholmes car park.With daylight just dawning and a chill in the air, I left the car at 5am. I was soon cursing the weight of my rucksack, but realised that it was likely that much of the storehouse of energy-giving gels, sarnies, chocolate bars, and litres of drink was likely to be consumed during the day’s journey. And traversing the route solo, I thought it wise to carry enough warm gear to deal with any unforeseen mishaps. I didn’t see another soul on the fells until I arrived at Black Hill after I had been going ve hours and 20 minutes. The ascent to the rst of the tops unfolded reasonably, interspersed with loo stops, (getting the system going!), and putting on and taking off the Pertex top to get the temperature right. A slight mist enfolded High Stones as I arrived, underlining a sense of splendid isolation, (one hour and fteen minutes). The breeze was also decidedly fresh. I then followed the high level route of the Derwent Watershed, taking me via Margery Hill, Outer Edge, Howden Edge and Shepherds Meeting Stone, and descended into the Woodhead Pass via Far Black Clough. The trafc on the Woodhead Pass was horrendous, after having been in silence for several hours. I then took an impure fell running line up the A6024, (well, I am a veteran and 40 miles is still a long way!) I branched west across the moors at Holme Moss mast to Black Hill. A short break there of ten minutes and a ham and beetroot sandwich revived my spirits, as did meeting up with a fell runner who tops this particular hill three times a week in his training schedule. I reached the third top, Black Chew Head, at 11. 15.am. Next came the section that I hadn’t really been looking forward to - the long traverse across Bleaklow followed by crossing the road at Snake summit and nally, via Mill Hill and Kinder Gates, to reach the fourth top, on Kinder Scout. Climbing up Torside from the Woodhead reservoir was not as painful as I had expected it to be- probably because I wasn’t under the pressure of attempting to race up it - as in the Marsden to Edale fell race. This climb set the pace for the rest of the journey. Slow. Over Bleaklow, I met two walkers bravely setting out on the Pennine Way with large rucksacks and bundles of optimism. I hope the rain that came down later in the day didn’t dampen their ardour. Dark Peak News October 2007 page 23
Finally, I reached Kinder Low at 4pm, having discovered, whilst putting on a heavier anorak with the approaching rain, that mobile telephone reception was possible at Kinder Downfall. I rang home to let them know I was OK. My pace had slowed by now and the trek back to Fairholmes via Edale was beginning to feel a long way. I opted again for the low level, (aging veteran’s), route that promised a beer stop in Edale, I nally hauled back into Fairholmes via Hope Cross and Hagg Farm at 7.35pm. I greedily consumed a hot bath and a good meal when I got home, having completed the circuit in 14 hours, 35 minutes. If you would like to sponsor this run in the Derbyshire hills, despite its retrospective nature, then please contact me at: [email protected] All contributions made to St. Luke’s Hospice in Shefeld. Many thanks. Colin Lago
SDC Cumbrian Traverse, 23-24 July 2006
Late last July, a select little group of friends legged it over a lot of Lake District Hills for fun on a route known as the SDC Cumbrian Traverse. The run was devised by Dick and Sue Courchee and includes 21 tops, 46k and 3700ft of ascent (ref: The Fellrunner Feb 2006). Dick Pasley, Alison Shepherd, Alan Yates and me, ably supported at road crossings by Colin Henson and Alison’s Dad, (Roy), had one hell of a time not only on the route, but also during the more restful pre-event supper, victory dinner and morning-after deliberations. In the true spirit of adventure the preparations consisted of the best Cumberland sausage in the Lakes, (including gravy!), at The Neweld Inn, Seathwaite, several pints of Hawkshead best bitter, a few hours kip in High Moss, the Rucksack Club hut, and then up at 4.30am to Dick’s nest hand-made porridge. The start from Broughton Mills at 6.15am was incredible. The Lakes at their best – early morning light, warm breeze and scenery to rival anything I’ve seen anywhere. The Broughton Fells are superb, with grand little summits and grassy paths, and nobody else around. In fact we didn’t see anyone else until the Old Man of Coniston. Apart from a brief rice pudding stop on Caw we maintained a good pace until nally leaving the Duddon Valley views at Great Carrs, we turned and skipped gleefully down to the Three Shire Stone at Wrynose Pass. Obvious signs of supporter revelry were evident: Colin and Roy each with a ‘post-fry-up’ grin provided us with cups of tea whilst unsuccessfully trying to conceal a rather large frying pan. The next leg is long – no support until Honister and the day was warming up considerably. Alan took a better line than the rest of us to Cold Pike; we unintentionally circumnavigated Red Tarn but joined him rather embarrassedly to much chortling on the summit some ve minutes later. By Crinkle Crags it was stinking hot and water was getting low. A brief stop before Bowfell then on through the rocky ground to Esk Hause, Dark Peak News October 2007 page 24 where Dick left us and went ahead to Great End whilst the rest of us called at Calf Cove to ll water bottles. We reached Styhead at 2.30pm after over eight hours of fun. I do mean fun. Although the run is quite demanding, it was obvious from the banter that we were all enjoying this little ramble. Spirits were good then, but the climb up Great Gable loomed in front. Alison and Alan set off without a stop here; Dick and I had ve minutes for afternoon tea and scones by the stretcher box before following. Meanwhile back at the ranch, or Keswick in this case, Colin and Roy were wandering around pretending to be shopping for the evening meal. Actually they did rather well, especially in the wine department. After the Gables and along the ridge of Brandreth and Grey Knotts we never saw Alan – apparently he had the urge to make haste for his tin and a pipe of sardines, or was it the other way round? Colin and Roy met us again at Honister, where the ‘ying’ Doctor (Moseley) joined in - at least we would be safe now. We lounged around for 25 minutes with no sense of urgency, drinking tea and eating Nellie Wytkin’s treacle apjack. Alan didn’t nd his sardines but was contentedly pufng away on his pipe like a Windermere Ferry whilst accusing Colin of eating them. With the doc on board, obviously fresh and like a coiled spring, (I do believe in credit where it’s due), we set off up Dale Head like loonies, round to High Spy and on to Maiden Moor. The doc’s knee soon had him back to a sensible pace. Cat Bells was deserted, the afternoon visitors having gone home - it was fantastic in the evening light. The views and colour layers of the Sailbeck hills to the left were perfect. On our right was the full length of Derwent Water with Keswick beckoning across the other side. Through the woods now with Colin, who joined us at the road, for the jog through Portinscale, and the run up to the Moot Hall. We did it in 12hrs 49mins. We could have easily been well under twelve if we hadn’t had the rather unusually relaxed interludes, but so what - it was all part of the fun. The evening meal, in Salving House, Rosthwaite, was prepared, cooked and expertly served by Alan. His previously undisclosed culinary skills the envy of fellow hut residents, and surpassed only by the wine and mirth course which extended into Sunday morning. So, you may just detect from this brief précis that this modest little tour was fairly OK, and worth the effort. As we said to each other at the time: “They don’t come much better.” Dave Lockwood
Bullock Smithy, Saturday September 1st
The Bullock Smithy is another one of those challenge walks/fell runs organised by a scout group (3rd Hazel Grove). The notable others being The Fellsman and The Long Mnyd. It started in 1975 and for the past two years it has also been part of the Montrail Ultra-running Championship. The rst thing to mention is that it is dead easy to get to Dark Peak News October 2007 page 25 and is on a main 192 bus route out of Manchester city centre. It also starts at the very civilized time of 12.00 noon on Saturday. It is always the rst Saturday of September. There is sleeping space available and nishing in just over 12 hours means that I had a decent kip, a bit of breakfast and got back to Nottingham just before lunch on Sunday. The organisation was brilliant, even down to waitress service at the end of the race. There was a lot to eat and drink at the checkpoints with everything from Cliff bars and doughnuts to hot dogs and soup. I would to say that the scouts run these events really well indeed. The course might not suit some fell running purists and you would certainly not want to run it in a pair of Walshes. It is 56 miles and takes in a real mix of terrain with quite a lot of extremely hard, rocky tracks. The route goes out from Hazel Grove through the Hope Valley to Castleton. From there it is down to Miller’s Dale and Earl Sterndale. Then the course heads to the Maccleseld Forest and back to Manchester. I must say that I found the whole event this year a lot more pleasant than the previous year and did manage to nish two hours faster. However, this might have had something to do with the group I was with and also the ridiculous quantity of Energy Source Xtreme that I drank. These long races can be very sociable events because you are out for a long time and running at a pace that allows you to have a chat. This time I found myself in a group with three other runners at Earl Sterndale and I ended up enjoying their company so much that I stayed with them until the end of the race about four hours later. We got on really well, were spot on with the navigation and really helped each maintain a cracking pace right up until we nished. We all came in together at 12.36 am. I would certainly recommend the Bullock Smithy, but choose your shoes carefully. Last year I was wearing a pair of Montrail shoes that are almost bomb proof. This year I went out in a pair of much lighter Mizuno shoes that have left most of my toes looking black and frost-bitten.
Ratings Course (the minus point being the road sections) Value for money (loads of free food and free accomodation) Organisation (really efficent) Overall rating Dominic Fletcher
Longshaw, Sat September 8th
Nice weather for running on the hills: no rain, not much wind and a tad cool. No records today though. Unfortunately, about an hour before the race, a helpful soul was walking the moors and cleared about a mile of “litter”, i.e. all the tape that the course markers had put out the previous evening! What can you do?! Dark Peak News October 2007 page 26
Simon Harding won for the second year and improved his time. Early leader Jon Morgan was just behind him, having been hampered by the wombling activities of the helpful soul mentioned above. He got the V40 trophy. Jenny Johnson got the cup for rst lady. Tim Ray won the newly inaugurated prize for rst runner who arrived by tractor and Elizabeth Bridgen was awarded the much-coveted and prestigious prize of the President’s Spurtle (honestly… it’s not in the Concise Oxford but try Googling it), for the runner with the muckiest legs. Thanks to all of you who ran and marshalled - hope you enjoyed it. For those of you that didn’t turn up this year, hope you enjoyed what you were doing half as much as the rest of us did. If you see a bloke on the hills with a load of red and white tape sticking out of his rucksack please throttle him with it. See you all next year. Dave Moseley
Lake District Mountain Trial, Sun September 9th
The 55th Trial (held at Hartsop Hall, Patterdale) was a cracker. Good weather for running, (warm with a fresh wind and some low cloud on the tops in the afternoon). The courses were tough but offered good route choices and a lot of climbing. Mens trial ‘ideal’ route was 22.6 km with 2700 meters of ascent. The womens trial was 17.5 km with a height gain of 1710m visiting checkpoints two, three, four, six and seven used in the mens trial. The short course was 14.2km with a height gain of 1450m. Jim Davies of Borrowdale won the mens race in 4hrs 12mins. Dark Peak runners put in some great performances with John Hunt in fourth and seven of us inside the top 35. We were also second team, narrowly losing out to Borrowdale. The womens race was won by Karen Nash of Preston Harriers in 4 hrs 3 mins. Kirsty nished fourth, ably supported by Nicky, Julia and Jo. Ambleside won the womens team prize. Ben Stevens of Ilkley Harriers won the short race. A good showing from Dark Peak with nine nishers. Richard Asquith, author of ‘Feet in the Clouds’, presented the prizes, (after completing the short race), and the tradition of a free pint for competitors was revived this year courtesy of Jennings Brewery. I’ve put the results and prize winners on to the Trial website (www.ldtma.org.uk). I’m hopeful that in the next week the winners’ routes will also be available. Finally, entries were up 40% this year and we reached our limit a week before the closing date. If you are thinking of competing next year, (and you really should do - this is a race ALL fell runners should attempt, including our chairman, although tight tting leopard skin lycra is banned), then make sure you get your entry in early. Entries open in June next year...... Simon Patton Dark Peak News October 2007 page 27
The Royal Dungworth, Sat September 29th
Autumn is ofcially here. DPFR’s joyful ritual celebration of mellow fruitfulness was well attended, (with numbers back to usual levels, thanks to grass-roots resistance to renewed attempts to airbrush our race out of history). We had a good mix of star turns, newcomers and old stagers (including the Harmer/Berry double act of former winners), with a welcome leavening of participants from far aeld, upholding the established ‘international’ avour of the event. Well done to Tom Webb who took the coveted Granville Harper Trophy for the second time, (previously claiming it in 2005 in a memorable dead heat with Rob Smith), holding off strong contention from Darren, Mick, Gavin, and dark horse John Slate of Hallamshire. The Moose Head went to the rst ladies team of Pat and Mandy from Totley AC, an award greeted with much vociferous approbation Controversy surrounds the disqualication of Andy Howie and Ann Watmore. The role in this scandal of Chris Barber, marshalling at Ughill, will be investigated by ofcials. Without prejudice to their formal report, Hiro’s Fan, (gross simulacrum of), is now in the joint custody of Andy and Ann, thus bringing further distinction to the Rucksack Club. Andy’s disqualication left the eld open to cagey old Phil Wheatcroft to snatch the mantle for 2007 as club champion of Knott Fell Runners, (The Royal Dungworth having been since time immemorial their championship event). At the debrieng the matter was raised of placings in the Loxley Valley Rough Running Series, (of which The Royal Dungworth is the culmination). It remains unclear whose hands will be on the grotesque neo-fascist Brugarolas Cup this year, but Tim Ray’s name was mentioned by those in the know, (John Gunnee). Watch the website for a formal announcement. Grateful thanks to all at The Royal Hotel for providing us with such warm hospitality, ne beer and glorious pie. Also to be thanked are Arthur Bright who opens the car- park gates for us, John Edwards who supplied punctilious assistance in marking the course, the kind man who strims the footpaths for Bradeld Parish Council and, last but not least, David Sanderson of Woodside Farm who continues to allow us to invade his privacy and trample his elds all the way up to Jones’s Corner. Date for next year (a premptive strike against the would-be saboteurs): Saturday, September 27, at the usual time of 11am. Alan Yates We’ve ended up with an awkward space at the bottom of this page, so here, by way of ller material, is a picture of John Keats. If you’d like to sink deeper into his season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, follow this link: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/313050.html Ed Dark Peak News October 2007 page 28
Dark Peak advent ures in time...
10 years ago... There were tributes to former club chairman Tony Trowbridge, who had died in his sleep from extensive but undiagnosed heart disease, aged 54. Just hours earlier, he had completed a gruelling hill session with Clare Crofts, who he was coaching at the time. Graham Berry paid tribute at the funeral, praising Tony’s generosity, determination, thoughtfulness and commitment. The AGM approved a Tony Trowbridge Memorial Trophy, which would be awarded to the rst V50 in the Edale Skyline. Howard Swindells stood down as Equipment Ofcer. His parting gift to new man Richard Hakes was the “Baumeister Box”, containing the last remaining DPFR white tracksuit top. The AGM reinstated the Triple Crossing for every third club championship, with the two intervening years being run as a “mountain trial”. Colin Lago completed only the fourth DPFR circuit of the “Eleven Trigs” on the Harveys White Peak map. He clocked the second fastest time: 10hrs 40mins. 20 years ago...
The “slow group” found bullets whistling over their heads on a Wednesday night run near the Headstone. The farmer was shouting that he had shooting rights and had chosen to exercise them. This was the latest of several confrontations over trespassing around the conduit between Redmires and Moscar. The club decided to run elsewhere pending talks to try to thaw relations. Dark Peak News was just going to print when news came in of Andy Harmer’s record for the 15 Trigs: “On a ne sunny day with a cool breeze and the going good-to-rm, Andy stormed around the trigs in 10 hours, four minutes and 23 seconds, knocking 54 minutes off Bob Berzins’ record.” Andy’s superb run prompted suggestions that a sub ten hour might be possible. Twenty years on, the record still stands. Will McLewin reported on the inaugural “Four Corners Race”, in which teams travelled to the four corners of the OS Dark Peak map and then raced to the centre. It was part of the club’s tenth birthday celebrations. A re-run was mooted for the twentieth birthday. Did it ever happen? Dark Peak News October 2007 page 29
The Dog’s Diary
hil Crowson has chalked up a Dark Peak rst by managing to get lost between Pregistration and the start of a race. Mike Nolan took pity on the witless Phil and gave him detailed instructions for negotiating the half-mile to the start of the Mount Famine race. He then rather foolishly let him out of his site, whereupon Phil nipped into some woods to lighten his load, lost touch with the rest of the runners and missed the start after going walkabout. He was later seen trying to regain the quarter-mile he lost on the rest of the eld on the rst hands-and-knees climb. You’d never catch Kev Saville being so disorganised. He drove up to the Lakes in such good time for the Dunmail to Wasdale leg of the Bob Graham Round that he had time to get his head down in the car for some kip before the runners arrived. Unfortunately, he parked a little too far away from the point where the runners cross the road. So far away, in fact, that nobody knew he was there. The runners came through, got fed and watered, changed their supporters and headed off up Steel Fell while Kevin slept blissfully on before waking alone some hours later. My ear has been bent by club chairman Andrew Moore. He felt - strongly - that the reference in the last edition to his reckless custody of the Skyline timekeeping equipment was, to quote, “a pack of lies”. Harsh, and not something I take lightly. I have been back to my sources, (there were several), who insist that my account of events was, well, broadly accurate. All I can do really is leave you to make your own minds up. I do not wish to damage Mr Moore’s reputation, and should probably now leave him alone for a while. But I can’t resist passing on a snippet that reached me recently about his early career aspirations. It seems he tried to get into the RAF but failed to pass some key tests. The job he was after? You guessed it... a navigator. Interesting new Bob Graham diet technique from Mark Harvey. I’m told his intake on the hills was next to nothing, augmented with a chicken curry at Wasdale while the other contenders walloped down the traditional stodge. This lack of carbohydrate induced the mother of all bonks, with Mark simultaneously losing the powers of movement, speech and thought. His supporters had to keep themselves amused while Mark ambled aimlessly behind them like a trappist zombie. If you’ve not yet seen the video of his trance-like meanderings on the hills, treat yourself now: http://www.youtube.com/user/FellrunnerJim Wuff The Dog’s Diary consists of assorted snippets collected by Chase the dog while out running. Whisper your titbits in his ear, or e-mail him in his kennel: [email protected] Dark Peak News October 2007 page 30 The kit page
Why go running in your mother’s old swimsuit when you could kit yourself out with all this excellent Dark Peak gear? For details of latest kit stocks, contact Equipment Ofcer Richard Hakes: 0114 2339912; [email protected]
Neoprene socks £12 For keeping your tootsies warm on those cold winter nights.
30-year t’s £8 In a full range of sizes, from XL to VVVVS.
A l u m i n i u m sleeping bags £16.00 Just what you need if you come across a hyperthermic old man in his mum’s bathing costume. Stick him in one of these and leave the rest to mountain rescue. Dark Peak News October 2007 page 31 The fashion page Henley, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, Thornbridge - the social pinnacles of British high summer. All with an ostensibly sporting theme, but all equally well known for their cuisine, their ambience and for their peacock displays from the country’s most talked-about socialites. Dark Peak News took its camera to Thornbridge to bring you unparalleled access to the chaps chapeaux making the fashionista pace this summer... Front cover: A black-eyed and bloody-nosed Tim Mackey after falling in the Ben Nevis race. This page: Mick Stenton makes a mess of his vest after headbutting Pendle Hill in the Half Tour of Pendle.