Polaris Summer Challenge
Peak Performance at the Polaris Challenge
Rob Howard / 14.06.2010
The checkpoints had been announced in advance, giving the keen the chance to put them into mapping programmes and sat nav’s, but there were many still using the tried and tested permanent marker pen on their 1.50,000 maps on Friday night. This was a return the ‘old days’ as in recent years under the ownership of Detail Events pre-marked maps were provided. Now the event is back under Polaris ownership and one competitor I spoke to commented; “We prefer it this way, which is the way it always used to be. After all it is a navigational event and correctly marking the map is part of the challenge.�
Come Saturday morning there was a short ride to the control give out for the day, to find out which checkpoints were active and how many points each would earn. The starts took place over 90 minutes and at the give-out on the High Peak Trail pairs were spread out along the trail and the old railway bridge as they planned their days ride in the sunshine. It was to remain hot and sunny all day, showing off the White Peak at its mid-summer best, with the fields a sea of yellow buttercups and ripening crops.
Not everyone got off to a good start. One rider arrived at the give out and began working on his pedals , saying his new cleats were not fitting. That was until the marshal pointed out; “You’ve fitted your cleats on backwards …!� Doh!
Competitors set off in various directions as all 36 checkpoints were active for the day, ranging across the Dales to the South and as far North as the new Polaris factory and HQ at Dronfield. (Any who made it there won special spot prizes.) There were a couple of CP’s straying into the Dark Peak either side of Eyam Edge but the bulk were spread on tracks and bridleways all around Bakewell. The highest points were widespread but there was a cluster just to the East of Bakewell which was a natural draw.
As the day drew on and the hours in the saddle stretched to 5, 6 and 7, the heat took a toll and the clock began to tick down, leaving some pairs to rue ambitious decisions and struggle back to the overnight camp. The fact that this was placed high up only made it more of a struggle to climb back to the first day’s finish. At least at the end the bar was open, good food was ready from the Greengages vintage van, and there was even an ice-cream van too!
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