Calderdale Way 2005

Jason & John struggling with numbers at the start of Leg 3. Joe should have been wearing No 48! Colin Shuttleworth can be seen just over Joe's shoulder.

There was some mix-up with numbers which was far too complicated for my meager mind to comprehend, but when Jason was spotted in a Veteran Number, there was obviously something wrong. The problem dogged Joe & me all the way round Leg 3, I could hardly concentrate on my pre-selected Pennine bottom, but eventually got to grips, and settled in with Joe for a good leg.

Despite the Number problem, here come Willy Garner & Steve Bamber to hand over to Jason & John Griffiths.

Jason & John Griffiths spend no time greeting Steve & Willy. Off they jolly well go!

Steve Bamber then took over with the camera for a short while. I'm asking Steve Jackson has he seen Joe anywhere, John Carberry is searching him out.

Steve Jackson wants to know if we're taking the Portaloo with us, considering my major problem at the Preston 10, a couple of weeks ago! We waited & waited for Dave Simpson & Barry to hand over the baton to us, but they never came! Joe told me we were in for a mass start. Confused as usual, and an aging Catholic to boot, I soon began my old Altar Boy routine "Introibo ad Altare Dei", only to become the laughing stock of the fifty or more all lined up for the mass start! I then realised what it meant, nothing to do with a Latin Mass.

Joe & me at the end of Leg 3. An obliging competitor took over the camera. We had been under great duress throughout our leg. Mick & Nick, who were awaiting us had threatened murder if we subjected them to a mass start..................We got in with just 2 minutes to spare. Mick & Nick flew off at great speed!

The proof of the pudding.............they really did run after all! Simmy & Barry, you don't look tired enough!

Jason Parker sets a tough pace for our champion, John Griffiths, but he soothes his mind with thoughts of Sarah.

Nigel, you have surpassed yourself with this fabulous picture. It really was a great day for the race. Joe & me & the Portaloo can be seen fading into the sunset. This is what Nigel says, "A photo from Leg 3 of John Griffiths and Jason, plus one to show what a grand day it was. I am chuffed with that photo. Every one I normally take has a wheely bin in it!" (Not a Portaloo though Nigel eh?)

And now the end is near & so we face the final..................No not Frank Sinatra, but our own Stevie (Wonder) Bamber with his unexpurgated report on the number problem that worried Joe & me throughout our Leg 3.

I would firstly like to publicly apologise for the abuse I aimed towards Messer's Simpson and Nuttall on Sunday at the start of leg 2 , having limped to the start line and made sure my partner had equipment that filled his bum bag to look like the correct gear. my anxiety turned to disbelief when an official said to me "team and number" I looked at the list,team 48 open team 49 vets um I thought "team 48 please" sorry mate already gone "*********" I thought I sent Willie one way (the lad in running with not what you think)and I went the other not sure who I was looking for but knew the bob graham duo were bound to be involved, sure enough ,here they came a couple of minutes to spare simmy big smile before ash flew in , this is when I did my usual speak first engage brain second and simmy will tell you what I said but it was the usual tactful me .having ripped the numbers off them pierced my stomach rushing to putting the numbers on .!!!!!! "sxxx here they come Willie "as we set off up the hill I said what is the numbers on that baton ,those that know Willie he,s not one for straight talk

for the next 4 miles I was thinking "Gary Jason matt "Gary Jason matt "are all not vets I am right I know I am ( team 48 OPEN)but surely ASH (our leader never ever gets anything wrong he covers ever disaster POSSIBLE he had number and baton 49 ).

anyway as Willie and myself made our way down to the finish of leg 2 not a bad run I thought here goes never mind well "done lads" but what the XXXXXXXXX happened I see ash shrug his shoulders and to my relief john(love dove )Griffith and Jason with 48 PINNED ON THERE CHESTS, I am saved they cannot slaughter just me .

but guess who,s name came up in the conversation regarding which team was which you guessed it my good friend and yours I am sure (BARRY FROM WIGAN)he,s back long live king . *I know he's not at fault but it,s good to have him back.

Well that probably says it all on the Calderdale Way for another year. However there is plenty of room for more if our captains have further to add.