HeB2B Adventure 2011 - Entries are now open
Joe Faulkner, HeB2B 2011 Race Director / 01.01.2011
The HeB2B is not your every day 'adventure race'. If you like racing a 'real' adventure amongst stunning scenery in remote locations, this is the race for you. The race has a fifteen year history of exciting adventure racing and the 2011 edition will remain as the toughest in the UK calendar.When and Where
The 2011 Race will be from Monday 30th May – Friday 3rd June. The HeB2B route will travel the length of the outer of the Outer Hebrides from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis, and take you to the highest peak on every island, and other significant peaks. You or your team mates will ride the best MTB tracks in Scotland, swim some truly wild water, run the toughest terrain in the UK, and link it all together by majestic and spectacular road riding. The total distance is around 250km, and although the mountains are relatively small, with a high point of 799m on Clisham, even a 600m summit is big when it rises out of the Atlantic.
Getting to the Outer Hebrides is a journey in itself. Cameron McNeish recently described the Outer Hebrides as 'on the extreme edge of Europe ... an outdoor adventurer's paradise' and whether you race as a Solo, or with team mates, you will be on for a memorable adventure.
The HeB2B - Race Categories:
The HeB2B 2011 has classes for Solos, Pairs/Trios and Teams of Four. Primarily, it is a self supported race with each 'team' (Pair, Trio or Quad) working in relay and providing their own support via their team vehicle. However, it can also be raced solo; our 'Expert Solos' will be supported in the form of a communal baggage van. 'One Bike, One Big Bag … one Big Adventure'. Consequently, Solo places will be limited and only the strong and competent will find the route achievable. We like to use the term 'expert' rather than 'elite', as self-reliance, and all round competency is more important than elite speed.
The Pairs category will be a tough race with each of you racing solo most of times. The Trios worked well in 2010; 'Three Friends in a Car' was the strap line and is probably the simplest way to access the race, certainly in terms of vehicle logistics. Teams of Four will also return for 2011, making the physical side of racing a little easier, if you have a suitably large vehicle! Joe says, 'We've looked at every aspect of The Heb and made it is accessible, and as cheap, as possible. Keeping vehicles smaller and burning less fuel is a key part of our planning'.
Whether you are racing Solo or part of a 'team', you'll require the full range of skills and talents that a HeB2B journey requires; mountain running, navigation, MTB, road riding, swimming in wild and featureless terrain. The HeB2B is one of the toughest events in the UK calendar and by far the most challenging in terms of remoteness and terrain. It is not to be underestimated.
Key HeB2B Adventure Facts;
• The HeB2B is a 'stage race' with each race day will be around 8-12 hours racing. Each team member can expect to 'race-active' for around 60% of this time. The Heb is a self-supported race, so there's not much respite in between your race-active stages; you'll be busy recovering, then prepping and planning for your team's next stage. Not all team members have to do all disciplines (ie swimming) but it helps if you can all ride and run!
• Overnight camps are based at camp sites and community halls, along the length of the islands; these serve as Race HQ each night and create a great buzz and social atmosphere. They also give you the chance to soak up some stunning landscapes, sunsets and local food. Most racers choose to camp, although campervans are popular along with the occasional B&B.
• Strategy is paramount - good navigation and route planning can be crucial. Teamwork is essential. Your team must be 'self-supporting' so it really is a team race. You need a team vehicle and a sense of adventure. Not only is this a great race in itself, but an excellent team training event for other Expedition races.
Who's behind The HeB2B
The HeB2B is organized by Race Director Joe Faulkner, one of the UK's most accomplished adventure racers. Not only has Joe raced The Heb solo, paired and as a team, but he has vast experience of races from Open5, through ACE Races, to Wilderness ARC and World AR Series races including Terrex. Joe and his NAV4 team have a fine pedigree of staging challenging events, under their NAV4 'RAW' ethos – 'Real, Adventure, Wilderness', including GL3Day Mountain Trail and 'Le Tour'.
Joe says; 'If you want a true adventure race and to enjoy a brilliant long week away come and race The HeB2B. It won't be easy, and you won't come to you…. Get out there and enjoy. Race hard…smiles lots!'
Further details can be found via www.nav4.co.uk
