Independent Networks Adrenalin Rush
Settling in in Inverness
Rob / 24.05.2003
Saturday was a day of preparation as the final teams arrived. Some had been in residence at the Burght campsite beside the river Ness for a couple of days but others arrived after a long overnight drive. On a holiday weekend the traffic was heavy and for teams from the South of England it’s still a 500 mile drive northwards, though nothing like the journey teams from France and Poland have made by vehicle. Inverness is a long way north and even the international teams flying into Glasgow had a long drive.The journey was a chance to take in the grandeur of the Highland scenery, and for some to drive alongside the length of Loch Ness, which they’ll be paddling during the race. The impressive granite architecture of the city of Inverness with it’s many towers either side of the broad river was a welcoming sight for those who saw it in daylight, and this far north there is only a couple of hours of true darkness at this time of year.
The camp site is close to the river and the Caledonian Canal, and next to a sports centre so the facilities are ideal. The climbing assessments were on the indoor wall of the centre, and the kayak and river crossing tests in the canal. Teams had to set up their own 6 man Vango tents at HQ, their base before and after the race, and with everyone in one place it’s a sociable gathering. It’s a good chance for those new to Adrenalin Rush to talk to the hold hands, and for meeting old friends met at other races around the world.
The camp site was busy, but not frantic, with plenty of time Saturday and Sunday morning to complete testing. The climbing was taking a while as racers were not familiar with jumaring up, then descending a single rope. (They won’t do this in the race though.) The kayak testing involved demonstrating control of the Necky double kayaks, then rolling, re-entering and performing a rescue. It was very cold and some wore the wetsuits they’ll use for the swim in the race. (The French team hadn’t got the message about bringing wet suits but fortunately enough spares were found.) With the potential for rivers to rise into spate very fast instruction in river crossing as a team was given and everyone had to get into the canal to show they’d understood what needed to be done.
As a reminder of how suddenly the weather can change the bright sunshine that had been on the campsite all day disappeared in late afternoon and the heavens opened. The campsite quickly developed pools of water in the downpour and everyone took cover. This is typical of the local weather pattern lately, frequent and very, very heavy showers which could make life extremely difficult in the mountains.
In the evening everyone will find out which mountains they’ll be crossing as the route and maps will be given out. They’ll be marking the course and studying it into Saturday night and on Sunday morning, when the final packing has to be done and gear boxes and bikes will be moved out onto the course. Then Sunday afternoon will be a nervous and tense wait for the start on foot at 21.00.See All Event Posts
