Open Adventure - Open5 Series (South Yorkshire Dales)
A Day Out at Malham
James Thurlow (Open Adventure) / 09.10.2006
A early morning in Malham in the south Yorkshire Dales saw racers from across the country finding their way to the local primary school to register for the fourth Open5 event of 2006. Continuing the upward trend, the event had a record entry of 175 competitors; they were certainly not to be disappointed.For those not in the know, the event is five hours of MTBing and rnning – competitors have to visit as many controls as possible, if they stray over 5hrs they start loosing points. A simple format to challenge the beginners as well as the elite.
Running for the day was to take in the spectacular sites of Janet’s Foss, Goredale Scar and Malham cove – a pleasant day out walking easily complemented by a tea shop for the majority of visitors to Malham. Our racers barely took 90mins to take in these sights and that of the Malham Tarn some 3km further north.
Goredale scar is a spectacular gorge with a tricky climb (or scramble) out of the gorge, this proved a highlight for most competitors, so much so that many forgot to stop looking up and visit the control at the foot of the waterfall. For a few competitors the thought of the 20ft climb was too much though, resulting in a 4km detour.
Malham Cove, a 100ft cliff, proved a further navigational challenge with many competitors thinking from the map that they could take a short cut to the control at the foot of the cove. It wasn’t until they were at the top that they realised they needed to make a big detour or take up base jumping.
With the majority of competitors taking the run first, transition was busier that usual around midday when the transition staff were taking it in turns to check out the local delights of the tea shops. Two members of the transition staff who deserve a mention are Anna and Jenny – they were at the Open24 and known by most competitors as the pregnant ladies, this time they were carrying fledgling racers George and Freya whilst the dads were out racing with other women?See All Event Posts
