Dynamic Adventure
Mud and Glory
Simon Thomas / 12.11.2002
It was a battle between the weather and adventure racers – the racers won hands down!
The second race of 2002 took place in the wonderful surroundings of the Chilterns. Race HQ was in the village of Butlers Cross, and the village hall provided the ideal location in the wet and windy conditions. The weather had been doing its best to put off all but the most committed of racers, but by 9:00 am 42 competitors had hauled themselves from their beds and were ready to take the challenge.
The field was split between those teams making an early start to their training for next year’s Adrenalin Rush and others making their first entry into the world of adventure racing. Most people made good use of the facilities in the hall to mark up their maps, get advice from Dynamic Adventure staff or simply shelter in the hope that the rain would stop! First away was team 65 at 8:25am on the run stage, Fiona Paterson, Piers Constable and Leon Crowe. An early start was essential as they had kindly volunteered to go out again and collect the checkpoints once the race was over. Others made a wise choice and left it the last minute before starting at 10:00am by which time the rain had all but stopped.
The course made best use of the network of footpaths and bridleways that criss-cross the Chilterns, taking competitors through woodland and open spaces up high offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The going was tough as the last two weeks had seen a lot of rainfall and conditions were slippery and muddy. Race officials noted that one competitor was setting off in brand new trainers and we were all waiting to see their transformation on her return!
By the end of stage 1 about 50% of the competitors had returned within the time limit, the other 50% either getting weighed down by the conditions or they had been tempted to go for one more control and picked up time penalties. No-one cleared the course with the best performance from team 65 who only dropped three controls. By now the great HQ facilities were there to give the competitors a well earnt rest and chance to change into dry clothes for stage 2. Those that had come back within the time limit made the most of the one hour break between stages. Others were not so lucky, either being faced with a fast turnaround or eating into their own time as the clock was ticking!
Stage 2, mountain biking, was started in drier condition but the muddy bridleways were waiting to slow up the competitors. Lovely, clean and well oiled bikes left the start only to return a shadow of their former selves!. The riders didn’t fair much better, the mud doing its best to hide all expressions apart from huge smiles of enjoyment. Route choice seemed to sort the field out and with team 67, the tandem pairing of James and Lisa Thurlow with team mate Dave Sterry, making good use of roads to gain speed. The mountain bike leg proved to be very popular, several commenting that it was the most enjoyable ride they had had for ages.
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