Haglöfs Open5 Adventure Race Series #1 - Staveley
Halgofs Open5 Series Kicks Off in Staveley
David Johnson / 10.10.2011
Sunday 2nd October saw the first of the new 7-event Halgofs Open5 series kick off in Staveley in the south east Lake District. Staveley is one of those little gems as a bit of a hub for outdoor activity in part of the Lakes.For those unfamiliar with the Open5 format, competitors have 5 hours to visit as many control points as possible. The 5 hours is split into a multi-terrain bike and foot stages. Competitors choose whether to run or bike first. They also choose how much time to spend on each discipline. Each control is allocated a value and the person with the highest score at the end of the event wins. There are prizes for the top three finishers in each of the 5 categories (male solo, female solo, male/female/mixed pairs).
On arrival at Staveley the weather was a little gloomy with mist clinging to the fells northwest and northeast of the event centre at the Village Hall. It would test the navigation of those who dared to venture out onto the open fells during the run stage. However this wasn't enough to dampen the spirits of eager adventure races raring to get back to the trademark sprint series that started things for Open Adventure 6 years ago.
There was a buzz of anticipation around registration with old friends meeting new and the exchange of many an adventurous tale, before collecting race maps and numbers and heading back to cars for final preparations. when competitors get their race maps the controls are pre-marked on the map. They can't plan the routes too much though as some of each controls on the run or bike maps are 'no controls'!
So with final preparations out of the way it's off on a short ride north of the village to the start/transition/finish area. Here competitors leave any spare kit and bikes, helmet, pump etc (if running first) and make their way to the imposing start gantry. Competitors start at staggered intervals between 9.30 - 10.30am. Timings are done by SI chips and on 'dibbing' to start they get the control descriptions and values.
So looking at the queues to the start line, some are deciding to bike first and some are running. Looking at the results after the event the split between running and biking first appears very even. It's mostly personal preference as to whether to run or bike first. Some say that it is easier to warm up by running second on a cold day. Some say that it's better to get a good run in on fresh legs and have an easier time by biking second!See All Event Posts
