Relays
2007
Mary
Towneley Loop Relay
PENNINE BRIDLEWAY RELAY –
Sun 4th Feb 2006 (Captain Mick's Results at the end).
Gordon Thompson's Report (First Class
Mail)
Steve Jackson's Report including some
brilliant pictures
Chipping the ice off a car at 6.15am, having got up at
5.15 am did not seem the ideal way to start a
Sunday.
But, even at this early hour, there was the promise of a
good day in prospect. The foggy conditions of the previous day & night had
disappeared, although we had been basking in sunshine on Saturday morning
watching the Schools XC at Blackburn!
The only vehicles on the road en route to Karen's and
Sarah's seemed to be taxis and the only light in a house in Karen's road, was
Karen's house. Figures, I suppose. Oh well, at least the leg 4 and 5 runners
will still be tucked up in bed, we thought.
Sarah was the next pick up then round to Captain Mick's
and he drove us over to Waterfoot - we were nice and early arriving at 7.45am.
Dibbers collected, kit checked, we awaited the arrival of the Vets and Open
team. Early arrivals from other teams were also taking advantage of the free tea
and coffee to keep out the cold.
It's great to see that Adam, despite
injury was there at the start, supporting the team. But did you have your
porridge before you set off?
Open runners Chris & Matt were there and at 8.20 we
were starting to worry a bit.. where were Philippa, Alan, Dave and John? I rang
Dave, no answer.. Sarah tried Philippa - no reply. We got ready and it was so
cold, Sarah went back inside. From the hidden depths of Sarah's bag, a phone
started to ring. Karen & I frantically opening it to get to the phone... it
was Philippa , they were about two miles away. She said it was her fault they
were late, but they should be there. Later we found that Philippa had missed her
alarm... it`s really your worst nightmare and we had great sympathy. BUT, they
made it.. Alan and Philippa hurtling away in pursuit after everyone had only
just run off down the road and they started their march through the field.
The ground, once off the road, was frozen solid. It was
more like running on the road! Most runners started with hats and gloves on and
they stayed on for some time. Running through Lumb, onlookers and supporters of
the runners were offering encouragement.
We started another climb, then more hard undulating ground
as the sun made an appearance. I had recced the route two weeks ago, in hail,
and driving snow at times but this was wonderful. My legs felt tired as we
headed to the Burnley road, Sarah offering encouragement... but we were still in
contact with those we had run the first section with.
Passing the plantation near Clough Bottom Reservoir,
Thieveley Pike dominated the view ahead. A level section and a dog leg took us
round the A671, Sarah saying the hard ground was hurting her achilles. But we
were still doing well.
There was liitle chance of a fast descent alongside Easden
Clough as the ground was badly rutted, frozen like granite and with awkward
patches of ice further down. Recovering and getting stronger, past the
farmhouse, under the railway line and out on the track leading to the hamlet of
Holme Chapel. Urging each other on, ready for the "sting in the tail";
the ascent on road and open country to the Long Causeway, where the windmills,
acting as sentinels to guide us were very near our finishing point..not far now.
Getting our strength and poise, we walked five metres then
started again.. a long pull, keep moving, use the arms, work, breath, come on,
we`re still doing well.
Alan and Philippa catch us just below Merril Head,
Philippa looking purposeful and resolute - we offer encouragement all round.
But, horror, a voice from Ilkley Ladies, "Preston, you`re wrong.. it`s
here" It was, too..we had gone too far, missing the marker that would take
us to just above Green Clough. Alan grunted he had been following a Clayton
runner.. we didn`t see how they got out of it.
Feeling frustrated, as on the recce, I had figured this
was the one place where we could go wrong, it was a fast turn round, somewhat
off route, over a fence, into a foul bog, uphill and back on track. But it had
cost us time!
We worked hard on the last bit.. "Is this it
Steve?"
"Yes, Sarah.. level here, fast finish, come
on.."
Off with the dibber, round into the changeover, dib, go
Karen, go Mick!
We`d done it. After congratulating each other and pictures
taken of the four of us, looking suitably worn out, we made our way to the cars.
The views were fantastic... Black Hameldon even looked inviting. We had seen
nothing here last year because of a blanket of fog. On the recce, I had been so
cold and unable to feel my feet.. this was simply wonderful.
Sarah drove us both to Leg 3, Alan drove Philippa and they
went via Halifax as a turning or two was missed.
At the end of Leg 2, we managed to find a spot near where
the Wesham team had parked and we enjoyed a natter. We saw Borrowdale come
flying in, but just missed leaders Horwich. This leg crosses the A646 to the
changeover and is very dodgy.. the marshall was doing a magnificent job, aiming
to press the pelican button every time she could see runners approaching. But
there was one near miss as some drivers were just too impatient.
Vicki & Joe awaiting Karen &
Mick at the end of Leg 2.
Changeover Congestion
Dave Preston and John Rainford had a good leg and Dave so
enjoyed it, he asked when the next one was! Mick and Karen came rushing in,
after a solid run.
Jason Parker & Kevin Hesketh
waiting for Neil McDonald & Dave Watson, & there they are!
Leg 2 finishers. John, Karen, Mick
& Dave.
& Trust John to chat up the women!
Leg 3 Starters Steve & Roger
Eileen, Brian, Roy & Dave. Leg 4
Starters.& top team men (real) Steve & Gordon.
Sarah returned home with Philippa, John and Dave, so that
left Alan, Mick, Karen & I to move on to the start of Leg 4 near Calderbrook.
Part of the attraction of these events, is the wonderful atmosphere and team
spirit that it generates. A number of Harriers had congregated at the finish at
the Community Sports College and it was almost Spring like as we stood outside.
John & Willie & Pete & Roy.
I'm holding my ripped off number in
place. Sharon still looking cool! Neil McDonald kindly helped me off with my
little black bag. Pity about my hair out of place.
Guess whose knees?
Great support was given to John & Willie, Pete &
Jim and then Bob & Sharon as they came in. They had all worked extremely
hard.
We went to the Dog Inn (which raised a Sharon
smile ) at Belthorn for
much needed thirst quenching. Confusion between Mick and I contrived to send us
via the M65..but the beer made up for it.
Great thanks must go to Rossendale Harriers for organising
the whole event and to Mick McLaughlin for organising the entries, teams and
coming down to the track on Tuesdays to get it all sorted - thank you!
A wonderful day.
Steve Jackson
&
finally
Blogger's
View from his last leg(s) in the Mixed Team
It
was a beautiful morning as I prepared my porridge, safe in the knowledge that
Steve Jackson & Sara Gohil were slogging it out on Leg 1. Lots of
frost in the air, but just right for porridge making. Early morning ice
underfoot made it tricky for both Sarah & Steve, but imagine their thrill to
realize that they were only a minute behind Phillipa & Alan, & as they
handed over to Mick & Karen, I was taking in my last mouthful of a delicious
breakfast. Karen & Mick had the longest leg & did very well, during
which time I was showering etc.. Sharon my partner was feeding the husband &
family & all the other jobs these mothers do. Just as Karen & Mick were
handing over to Vicky & Joe, Sharon was dropping off the kids at her
brother's and dashing to the Mayor's Parlour. I was relaxing in my mental
preparation. Sharon arrived on time for the photoshot.
A
dubious but nonchalant expression from the Mayor when lining up for official
photo. Sharon looking good though still recovering from flu. Hoghton Tower in
the background bathed in winter sunshine. Joe & Vickie were working very
hard as this photo was taken! We boarded the Mayor's official transport, and
drove towards Whitworth. On the way with lots of time to spare we called in at
Waterfoot were the Pegasus Crossing is the main point of interest for visitors.
It's from this crossing that the last leg becomes a little difficult. It's
almost a mile uphill to the finish. Blogger thought it would be good for Sharon
to see what was in store at the end!
Sharon
was starving when we arrived at our starting point & soon tucked into her
butties & cake. Brian & Eileen were just setting off at this time. All
of us by now had had too much of this fabulous weather. I was praying for wind
& snow, I didn't want Sharon to think that all fell races are a piece of cake.
This
sunshine was just too bright. Gordon can't be seen inside the car, But Steve
Bamber manages a smile. They had ages before finished their leg in 42.45, a very
creditable time. Eileen & Brian were working very hard as Blogger wielded
his digital.
In
fact, he got carried away to some degree and Brian & Eileen had such a good
leg that taking snaps here there & everywhere, he almost missed the start!
Roy & Dave above, after finishing their leg in 44.20. A very good
time.
Blogger
had to chase after Jim & Peter to get this picture, they'd set off so
quickly on their last leg, I bet they didn't notice the llamas.
Steve,
Dave & Roy line up with my star partner Sharon.
By
now Brian & Eileen are within sight, somewhere behind this crowd at the
changeover point.
Then
Joe arrived & Roger & Robyn. Steve Forster, Robyn & Roy pass the
time of day. My last picture before panic stations. I'd been so calm up to this
point! Everybody seemed to be shouting "They're here". Sharon, calm
throughout, took over at the right time. She went to meet Eileen & Brian who
had done a brilliant leg. I was struggling to get my little backpack in place.
Oh & was my hair straight? Roger & Robyn sorted it for me. Then whoosh,
Sharon shot by, & I, wimp like, followed. Her first Fell involvement, maybe
my last!
The
love birds
looking remarkably well after such tremendous effort. Robyn, Roger & Roy
look on. Probably still laughing at my rather demeaning departure. Joe took the
above picture, having missed Sharon setting off (too fast) & me (too hassled
& disheveled, Joe knew I wouldn't like it).
Despite
having flu during the week, Sharon set off at a good pace and we soon settled
down and made decent progress. Leg 5 is a bit messy.
It
soon leaves the golf course area, passing a field full of llamas on the right
(it's true) and drops through an estate of modernish bungalows, then across a
main road and though a nature reserve.
A
gateway on route, through which not much has passed for some time!
Prickshaw
Village is worth a closer look, but not when you're trying to keep up with a
star!
Storm
damage was to be seen, if you had the time! The above pictures were taken on a
recce/walk during the week before. Meanwhile back at the race! All was going
well as we were climbing the two mile drag to the highest point on the Mary
Townley, when literally out of the blue I took a tumble. Really my pride was
hurt more than anything else. All I did was scrape a scab off my left knee, put
there on the Friday before in a gentle training run with Joe. Sharon showed
concern, but trying to be macho I shrugged bravely & set off once again.
About two miles later we were going very well, I fell again! This time doing
both hands & my right knee. I was quite annoyed to have tumbled twice. I was
more annoyed when Sharon slung me over her shoulder & set off at an even
faster pace! I struggled to convince her to put me down and let me at least
finish with some dignity! She finally relented but told me she would crucify me
if I fell a third time! (It's my Jesuit upbringing you know). And so we
approached the point where all Waterfoot visitors like to meet, the Pegasus
Crossing. As we approached we were taken by surprise by another pair of runners.
How they'd caught us I don't know. It must have been when Sharon stopped to put
me down, & I needed to straighten my bag & hair. They overtook us just before the crossing, but were a bit nervous of
the traffic. Meanwhile we threw caution to the wind and nipped across the road
between cars, snatching back our lead. However this is the start of that mile or
so to the finish & it's all up hill! They overtook us within the first 200
mts. Our only ray of hope was that one of them seemed to have had enough and was
walking. His partner went too far ahead & we ended up splitting the two of
them. Then they were both ahead again. Even at this late stage the most grueling
part of the race was yet to come. They both started to walk. Sharon & I must
have worked like a perfect team, both of us sensing that now was the time of all
times, to really rub it in. Slow by now maybe we were, but we ran & they
walked. They gradually started to run again and looked & felt dangerous.
But
in our favour, we had one final secret weapon, it was Alan Appleby who came into
my blurred vision, encouraging as ever. (You can see him in blue on the left)
That last lift to our endeavor was all that was required.
Then
I saw Joe the last corner cameraman. Look just how close they were, but behind us! Then a
left turn & there was Steve Jackson equally supportive. The end was
brilliant for both of us. So much fantastic support, the other two didn't stand
a chance. I'm still clinging on to the route sheet that had fallen from my bag 6
miles earlier! Look how distressed I was at the end! Look how cool Sharon was! I
put it down to her new fell socks. Where did you get them Sharon?
.................. So it can only be well
done Sharon! I hope it won't be your last fell race.
Mick
our captain said it would be a good knees up for me! Looks more like a bad knees
down!
If
anyone is still reading & wondering just what I'm whittering on about being crucified &
Jesuit upbringing you could read more at the Bottoms Up
Full
Results
thanks to John Schofield who told me how to find them.
The
3
Teams Results (from Mick Mack)
Preston
Harriers Fell Section
:- fellblog