Open Adventure Coast to Coast
An Ambition Fulfilled
Rob Howard / 28.08.2009
“Soon after Lisa and I were married we also bought a tandem and rode the C2C and it was inspirational, you will pass through three such beautiful and different National Parks. I really wanted to put on the race so others could see how superb scenery we have in this country.â€Â?
Unfortunately, he had some bad news as well, but it was no surprise. The wind was blowing strongly and rattling the rigging of yachts on the moorings, and outside the harbour wall the sea was a mass of whitecaps. There was no prospect of the planned paddle from Whitehaven round to St. Bees taking place, so instead stage one was a run up and over St. Bees Head.
At exactly 10.00 the race was set off with the competitors climbing the steps up onto the hillside above town and following the coastal trail. As soon as they’d left there’re was another exodus, a motorised one as the support vehicles headed off to St. Bees, the unused canoes racked on their roofs along with the bikes that they’d need to prepare for stage two.
It was bright and very breezy run, with impressive views along the coast, and the leaders set a fast pace, with Patrick Meldrum leading the way and arriving first in transition and setting off on the bike ride on country roads and cycle tracks towards the start of the first paddling stage on Crummock Water. (The rules of the race allow some free route choice but A and B roads are prohibited and there are some mandatory sections.) It’s was a fast road ride for the leaders and by the time they arrived at the paddle the clouds were gathering behind them and it was apparent some wet weather was on the way.
The paddle was the length of Crummock Water, and then after a portage, the length of Buttermere, to finish at Gatesgarth. The wind was whipping up white caps on the lake and squally winds allowed the leaders to surf at times but the rains held off as they headed for the portage, which was just over a kilometre. This proved to be difficult. Very difficult. With the river connecting the two lakes in spate and flowing strongly against them there was no prospect of paddling and the track was very rough and surrounded by boggy ground. It was long, long kilometre with portage trolleys largely ineffective, especially for the solo racers and those with heavy Nekeys. (The race allows the use of different classes of boat depending on kayaking qualifications.) When I asked one weary racer how much they’d carried their kayak he just said, “Too much!â€Â? A couple of racers did opt for a long route round using some of the tracks where they could run, and this could have been a quicker option.
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