First across the line

Rob / 15.04.2002

Just as the sun began to set Team Parrot made a triumphant return to Glenmore Lodge to the cheers of the waiting crowd. Although not ranked after losing John Lowther through injury, completing the course in just 43 hours 57 minutes was an incredible achievement for the family team.

The Davies’ are renowned for their strength in the mountains and sped round the high level course on the second day, pulling steadily away from Goretex Golite during the afternoon. As always they remained modest about their achievements to the extent that Phil was astonished everyone involved in the race had turned out to cheer them in!

All of them had enjoyed the final afternoon climbing across Braeriach more than any other part of the course. Nicola said, “We were with Goretex Golite almost all the time right from the start and one of the great pleasures of these races is to be out there with just your team, so this afternoon was great.� Her 2 brothers felt the same, though Jim was a bit nervous about running through some white out conditions, mindful of falling through cornices. The weather had been mixed all afternoon so the tops weren’t always cloudy, there was a lot of strong sunshine too.

The sun was still shining as the made the final paddle across Loch Morlich close to the Lodge, before coming ashore on a sandy beach and running in to the finish in the company of Course Planner Gary Tompsett, a close friend. They were full of praise for his course. Cheerful and stoic by nature they didn’t really have too many low points in the race, though getting up to continue this morning was difficult. Phil found the paddling uninteresting and Jim didn’t enjoy the road running. What got to Nicola most was the squeaky break disc on her bike!

Their 4th team member John Lowther was there to give them a hug on the finish line, no doubt with some mixed feelings, but he’s vowed to give it another try next year. Tonight the team enjoy the comforts of the lodge, and they’ve plenty of time to rest up for before the party tomorrow night.

The next 3 teams at least are expected in during the night, with the rest due to tomorrow in the hours of daylight.

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