Hebridean Challenge
The Race Director’s Heb Challenge
Stephanie Sargent (Photos Steven Epstein) / 02.08.2007
SUNDAY JULY 1 Rushing towards the deadline of 16.30 ferry across the Sound of Barra, for some (no vehicles, thank God), kayaking for others and racing on Eriskay for the remainder! Jeff Allen (Safety Officer) has now seen the kayakers strut their stuff and is very happy with most. I wish I was paddling with them, but the company on the ferry is cheery despite grey, indecisive weather. Forecast is now for mostly light winds and the ‘blow’ set for Tuesday seems to be going to miss us.A short break on arrival at Barra, while folk throw tents onto the croft we’ve been lent. Then I set off the bikes and the runners. Those on foot will bag a few hills and belt back –bikes need to zip to a CP on Vatersay and also circumnavigate the island –it’s a great bike road!
First back on the bikes are Pair 7, closely pursued by Pair 9 and then the first team T05. From the hill it is Pair 5 then Team 17…wonder if this will be the shape of things to come? 23 bikes and 26 runners are all back by 19.32. Late arrival Richard Lang does a commendable solitary bike-whizz in just over the hour, finishing at 22.00h. And so to bed – or should that be groundsheet on damp croft? Ferry Terminal café owner Peter Brown has done a good job of feeding us all so we are replete and happy in our slumbers …
MONDAY JULY 2 Sleep ends for me at 04.20. Rain is pounding on the tent but we’re dry and comfortable. Meli is out cold next to me or I’d commend her on her choice of site, which is on higher ground than most and the torrential rain is running away unhindered. Peter opens the café and loos at 06.00 but not so many takers –they are asleep or cowering in tents, peering out throough sheets of rain and mist. Not promising, but at least it is not cold.
The ferry leaves at 07.15 and I have to holler at some sleepy campers. They are stiff and reluctant! Kayakers leave a little late and get the sharp end of Jeff’s usually gentle tongue, too. Late starts, we know if they don’t, have a horrible knock-on effect throughout the day. Paddlers set off to bag the little ‘summit’ of Fuday innocent of the fact that it can be a hard slog through deep undergrowth. Our ferry departs with a deck full of sleek road bikes and only a couple of cars. The lounge is sauna-like with steaming racers and a few Joe-publics regarding them with amazement. Ferry crew cheerful and helpful as ever (bless ‘em) and there’s lots of craic.See All Event Posts
