Mike “Zoolander� Poole & Stewart “Carthorse� Bailey / 11.11.2010
Photo; James KirbySometimes, everything comes together to produce a classic race – and this season’s debut Open 5 race was one of those memorable occasions.<P>
Bathed in crisp autumn sunshine, the race centred on Slaidburn, Lancashire, a thriving village nestling in the hidden gem that is the Forest of Bowland,an area that most people speed past as they head to The Lakes and they are all the poorer for it. In fact no Adventure Race has ever been staged here before, so those with local knowledge had a distinct advantage.<P>
Event planner, Emma van der Gucht, knows the area well and had set a challenge that was a real treat. Following her good form in the Terrex and solid result in the 2010 World Championships, she produced a course that simultaneously pushed the elite (no one cleared it, though a good few got close!); entertained the mid-pack (enticing them to try to reach that one extra checkpoint); and rewarded the 117 first-time and novice racers with all the thrills and spills in the Autumn sunshine.
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James Thurlow’s ability to pick top notch venues meant all the racers were welcomed to Slaidburn’s very impressive Village Hall – the result of the local community working hard together to raise funds without the usual Lottery handout. With a splendid position on the banks of the River Hodder and an endless stream of tea and bacon butties provided by the Hall committee, no one went hungry. It’s surprising what difference good facilities make to a race – with most of the competitors staying to the prize-giving to enjoy the atmosphere and swap race stories.
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The last piece of the jigsaw was the weather. Despite days of rain and wind the morning dawned calm and sunny – perfect race conditions. It felt like spring rather than the start of November. At times like these it’s a delight just to get out and enjoy the hills, let alone be racing in them.
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Emma’s course was fiendish in its simplicity. With permission from United Utilities to used otherwise off-limits tracks she led the bike route into Gisburn Forest to follow the Red Route. This might have seemed like easy navigation but the route demanded concentration with purpose built single tracks and great berms. It was easy to miss controls in the excitement.
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