Devon C2C Mini Adventure

Timings were to be a theme for the weekend and whether we were just plain damn lucky, or the precision planning by Rob, it made for a smooth no waiting weekend, albeit, not easy on my ticker at times.
Rob picked me up at 7am on the Saturday and we headed west down to Exeter via Sherborne to pick up Greg. To keep me pre-occupied from Rob's rally race to Exeter train station I took on the Badger watch challenge which unfortunately got into the tens of poor badgers not making it across the road.
Arriving in Exeter the station was, typically, on the other side of town and we had 15 minutes and no chance, we thought, of making our train.  Fortunately Rob was still on the case and triumphantly not only got us to the station and onto the train with 2 minutes to spare, but managed to remember to take a photo of the parking number to call in. Although he did forget his arm warmers and hat! A small price to pay to save us from waiting an hour for the next train.
A smooth journey to Barnstaple and we were set to start our Coast to Coast mini adventure. A 100 mile bike ride from North Devon to South mainly along an old disused train track or quiet country lanes.
We set off on the Tarka trail going west out of Barnstaple to Bideford. We decided to miss out on the Illfracombe section due to us not starting out till midday and we thought we had enough on our plates already. We were here to take on a challenge but, more importantly, enjoy it.
The weather was beautiful but the wind on our faces was fierce. It was a good start though, making our way along the River Taw looking out to the breath taking scenery and the mouth watering salted lambs enjoying their last summer. The miles ticked by sedately. So much so, we stopped for a cheeky beer at Instow to celebrate the start of our trip, mmMM Sharps Doombar!
Rested, we saddled up for the next section down the River Torridge only to be stopped in our tracks just a short while later by a disused train carriage serving cake near Bideford. Rude not to try some we thought. The happy cafe owners told us about a small music festival which was on our route and we promised to check it out.
The going so far had been pleasant, only having to contend with the biting wind. But we had decided to stop in Great Torrington to pick up supplies for the night and this resulted in us taking on some tough hills. We struggled up to town then went for the direct route back to the trail, ignoring the warning contour signs on the map, and so went steeply down to a valley bottom only to have to struggle up the opposite hill top and then finally down to the trail. We had our wine though.
It was then cruising mode to East Yarde where we fell upon the music festival. What a find.  A small gathering of people enjoying the multi talented musicians playing easy listening tunes whilst we enjoyed a few fine ales in the afternoon sun. With time drifting we reluctantly pulled ourselves away. We still had a camp site to find. The plan was to set up in a wooded area a few miles away. When we got there though, we realised that the planted forest was just too dense and continuing on we could not find any potential openings! Persevering, things started to open out and exploring an old disused track up a hill we eventually found an acceptable pitch and settled down to camp life. Clearing an area, Rob starting the food, Greg poured the wine and I went foraging for firewood. Very soon we were all chilled out and relaxing after a very enjoyable first days riding, eating a scrumptious supper of chorizo and pasta.
(D1 stats :  30miles +/-600m)

Some people just get up too early (especially if they go too bed early Greg). Rob and I, on the other hand, had enjoyed the evening with a little too much wine. Greg was up and raring to go at it.  Donning his lycra gear. Thankfully he slowed just a little and made us a much welcomed, wakening brew with a bacon and poached egg roll. Lovely.
With heavy head and legs, the camp was cleared and we set off for part 2 of the journey. This would be a monster of a day and so the early start was, in hindsight, a good thing. The morning brought a few short, sharp hills which only emphasised that I had drunk too much. I was struggling whilst Greg was easing up these hills, or could it have been the streamlined lycra he was wearing? This part of the route was on dead quiet country lanes all the way to Okehampton and the visible Tors of Dartmoor.
Once in town we restocked with food and water and set off up the thigh aching slopes to the railway line, quarry pits and Meldon. The views out onto the moors and surroundings areas from up on the viaducts were astounding and highlighted the limitless possibilities to explore. We soon descended away from the moors and took a welcomed break in a pub we happened upon. A comfortable lunch was washed down with a fine Otter ale. All too soon we dragged ourselves away before ordering any more ale and pushed on to Lydford where I (we) got our only puncture of the trip. A quick change with a fresh inner and a, soon to be broken, promise to fix the puncture that night and we were on our way again.
In the quiet sleepy village we came across a small medieval castle and stopped for a spot of sight seeing around this little piece of history. On exiting we decided to take the summer route. Good for me, not so good for Greg and his road bike as this was the first proper stretch of off roading. Once past this section we had our first dilemma. We had planned to stock up on much needed wine at Mary Tavy but it being a Sunday the shop was closed. What to do? Go to a bigger town of course! Like a man on a mission, Rob went flying down to Tavistock while Greg and I descended at a more leisurely pace with the thought that this descent had to be ascended again at some point. In Tavistock we failed to find the 'Flying Andrews' but before Greg could profane any more we finally met up again. Rob loaded up with our precious cargo.
Due to missing out on the Illfracombe top section we had decided if timings were right we would detour off the route and up into Dartmoor for the night. With the day still young we took on a 400m ascent into the National Park. Not wanting to make this too easy we first went the wrong way out of town just to get in an extra couple of miles! The hill was tough, it included taking a needed to stop, rest and scoff down as many sweets as possible to try and get some sugars back in the system. But the thought of camping on the moors, and the pub at the top, drove us on.
Unfortunately, a perfect bank holiday weekend and the pub was closed!! We waiting around for half hour for it to open but when we found out it wasn't to open for another one and half hours we resigned ourselves to just having some wine once we found a camp spot. We went for the biggest Tor around, of course, the views would be the best. This was a struggle and was close to being one hill too many for Greg. Patience was fraying but, before the toys came out the pram and he started demanding to sleep where we stood, a swap to pushing a lighter bike and an energy gel was enough of a boost to make it to the top of Great Staple Tor. And boy, it was worth it. Magnificent, stunning panorama views topped off with a perfect camping spot. Hopefully the pictures can do it justice :

Having taken stock of where we were we climbed on to a high rock and enjoyed a mug of wine feeling very content after a full on day. We then settled into our standard routine quickly, with Rob looking after dinner, Greg keeping us supplied with wine and me, hmm, there's no fire wood up here! With no wood around I took a stroll around the surrounding Tors.  What a place.  Promising myself to return soon and maybe tackle a long run, linking in as many Tors as I can manage in a day or so.

Back in camp and food was ready. These meals are so good. This time it was chicken, chorizo and cous cous. With full bellies and our mugs full we lay back and relaxed as the sun settled over the horizon. Perfection was narrowly missed due the lack of a fire and the moist air, ensuring a feeling of cold dampness.

(D2 stats : 45miles +/-1400m).

Morning dawned and the warmth of the day started to flow into our cold, tired bodies. Another brew, another cooked breakfast and unfortunately time came when we had to leave. There is always a feeling of sadness when having to leave a wild camp. Taking on small risks, small challenges, unknowns and enjoying good company in the outdoor environment all amounts to a satisfying adventure.
A body shaking fun descent moved us down off the Tor to a bridleway path we had decided to take (we saw a car use it the previous day). The first kilometre was fine on a rocky, old road but then this gave way to a track of dried mud and rocks which was good fun for Rob and I but resulted in Greg having to walk this section out. With a lack of drinking water we pit stopped to refill in a stream we passed on the way. Soon the tough path was replaced by worn tarmac and we peddled our way out through the valley on country lanes down to Walkhampton and finally back onto the C2C trail running parallel with the River Meavy merging with the Plym at Dewerstone.
This was a fascinating section. All downhill on an easy trail passing through tunnels, crossing bridges, in between cut out rock faces for the old railway line, all in a deep wooded vale, surrounded by the colours of spring. Just beautiful and it was shame to all of a sudden then to be within the city limits of Plymouth where beauty was replaced with the trash of poor living, old industry and traffic congested roads. We quickly made our way through the mass of tourists, uneasy with the sudden influx of crowds and noise.We made our way down to the Waterfront bar, a fitting end to our mini adventure, and enjoyed cold beers and pub grub. At some point Rob, realising the time, got us on our feet for a quick exit and a sprint through town to arrive at the train station with minutes to spare. Bikes stored away it was not long before we were all sleeping soundly until we got back to Exeter. With the car fully loaded we made our way home after a very rewarding weekend.
(D3 stats: 25miles +/-800m).

A super route for all bike types and nothing too taxing (if you stay on route) so we could enjoy the tour and take our time to take in all that Devon has to offer. I'm looking forward to the next adventure. Cheers Rob and Greg for being fantastic micro companions and for the organising and logistics.

Overall stats : 3 days, 100miles,  +/-2800m elevation, 10 beers, 6 litres of wine and plenty of food.

Adidas Terrex Coast to Coast 4 Day Adventure Race

Being fairly new at adventure racing it was with a little apprehension that we decided to sign up to a 4 day challenge. I blame Jiri myself after meeting him at a QuestAR event and sold it to us. He was coming over from Qatar and doing it solo, so, we couldn't exactly not do it. The months flew by and the training went well but every time we thought we had a 3 person to do the event with something fell through. With time running out Jake had found the perfect partner, Ben, an experience adventure racer who could show us the ropes. He also had a support crew for us in Gill and so, we were ready for this big challenge that awaited us.

Heading up on the Wednesday in the driving rain and a half comatosed Jake. Gill was having second thoughts on crewing for us. She had an option of racing instead. This caused all sorts of panic and confusion as Ben and Gill were heading up tomorrow in a separate van. The morning brought better news in that Gill was happy to crew and look after us for the event. Good news and the weather was perfect, so we headed out for a pre race warm up climb. We were in the Lake District after all. Little Chamonix is an easy climb but so enjoyable and doable in short time allowing us to head over to St Bees and go shopping and set up my tent. We also met up with Jiri and his brother Jan and enjoyed catching up over a couple of beers. I had thought driving up from the south coast was bad but they had just driven near on 24hrs from the Czech Republic. That evening we enjoyed a short walk and watched the sunset over the Irish Sea. Ben and Gill arrived shortly after to set up there gear and for us to have a 5 minute race preparation. Agree on who's doing what stage, good. Don’t get lost, good and no slacking, sorted. The Adidas Terrex team must be quaking in their spd's.

The day of the race arrived. I had yet another lacklustre nights sleep. I had busted my ribs biking 3 weeks ago and have struggled to sleep well since and sleeping in a tent did not help one bit (even with a mat and 2 pillows). Although today was a comparative lay in at 7am get up. We drove into Whitehaven fuelled up in eager anticipation of the race. Ben managed to deflate this with a 'Sorry guys I left the oars back at camp'. D'oh, back to St Bees to pick them up. Let's start again. We had finally arrived at the start of this amazing race. The atmosphere was buzzing, competitors were to-ing and fro-ing getting those last minute adjustments done. The setting looked well organised and professional. People were taking pictures of people and the cameramen were following James Cracknell around (he is a superstar I have to admit, full of admiration for what this guy has done and achieved). A quick race briefing and we were soon slotting ourselves into our kayaks for the off.

From 2011 Coast to Coast

Stage 1 Kayak to St Bees 7miles 1hr6mins

A mass start in Whitehaven marina. Couldn't have asked for anywhere better. The weather was perfect and this just felt like a big event. We made a good start in our double Necky kayak. A few argy bargys and we were not far of the lead. Once out the harbour we just got a good rhythm and only a couple of the lighter faster kayaks managed to overtake us. Landing in the surf of St Bees we waded ashore for Jake to dib out and get ready for his bike turnaround.

Stage 2 Cycle to Loweswater 25.0mi, 1hr19min ^1549 v1230' (Transition 5mins. Lost 20+mins)

Boys nailed it - transition team didn't - lost 25mins because we arrived late. Extremely annoyed here as Ben and Jake and ridden their asses of only for us to negate any benefit due to us flaffing around back at St Bees. Forget about it and make up the time was the superb attitude from all.

Stage 3 Kayak Crummock Water and Buttermere 4mi, 1hr5min (T: 25mins. Lost 5mins)

A quiet paddle interrupted first by a huge downpour and then a portage over to another lake. This was about 1 km long over rough terrain. We had brought some portage wheels for the kayak but after every 10yards they just broke away and so after the 4th attempt we gave up and carried this bulk of a canoe. I think Jake must of been peeved as we boarded the next lake he decided to tip me in! Accident, I'm not so sure. Another carry to the dibber and we had completed a great kayaking section.

Stage 4 Climb Robinson 10mi, 2hrs40min ^4000 v4000' (T:8mins. Lost 10mins)

After drying myself off and getting new cloths on it was all up. A steep ascent. This section not only had seemingly vertical ups but the downs were no kinder. For me this was one of the hardest stages. The endless steeps was a killer on the legs and I had been on the go all day (Even the transition drive was stressful). Ben even tested my ability to hold my stomach contents in by first dry retching for an age and then abruptly pouring gallons of his contents over the mountain in front of me. I quickly averted my eyes and managed to contain myself. Phew, I was alright and Ben quite rightly apologised :) It was all down from here to Derwent and Ben quickly gathered himself and was flying again.

Stage 5 Swim Derwent Water 500m and 1mi Run (T:7min)

The changeover and jumping into the lake was fun. But soon after the body was tiring and it was hard work trying to crawl in a wetsuit and sore ribs. It could of been worse we overtook one fella holding on to a support canoe in pain from cramps. The short road run into town was infact a mile mainly on rocky tracks, which killed my barefeet. Lost a load of time here, which was extremely frustrating at the end of the day. Although the finish was a good emotion running up Keswick highstreet with the supporting crowds.

Day 1 Whitehaven to Keswick 7hrs23mins 40miles ^5413 v5164'. A solid start only wishing we got the second transition right. With all things going for us we could of saved at least a half hour.

A relaxing evening with Gill cooking up some lovely pasta. I then had to leave them all to set up my tent. Both Jake and Ben were sleeping in their vans (I either need to buy a van or stay in B&B's from now on when I am out with them) and Gill just had a small pop up tent, which goes anywhere. I have to say that out of all 4 days this was the most knackering for me. I felt drained and only wanted my bed but we had to hang around for an age for the 9pm race briefing. After this I went to bed as it was up early for 3 consecutive stages for me.

Stage 6 Cycle to Thirlmere 5.56mi, 27min ^869 v446'

A 7.20am start and quick road cycle to the lake. Uneventful apart from one big hill.

Stage 7 Kayak Thirlmere 4mi, 46min (T:4mins)

From 2011 Coast to Coast

Wow, stunning scenery all around. An easy enjoyable kayak in the morning dew. Only incident here was Jake keeping hold of the dibber and so Ben having to run back up the slope to take it. Once we had finished the kayak it was a quick pull and carry through the boggy wetlands to the end of the stage.

Stage 8 Climb Helvellyn 8.5mi, 2hrs ^3100,v3100' (T:9mins. Lost 5mins)

Awesome section. A longer transition as we had to change into dry cloths for one of the tougher stages. The climb started near on immediately, steep and constant into the windy clouds of Helvellyn. At the top visibility was poor and we missed the cairn and so descended the wrong way for a 1/4mile. We made our way back up begrudgingly and descended down swirral edge. This was fast, exciting and non-stop to the end. My day was done and a deserved rest after 6 straight legs.

Stage 9 Kayak Ullswater 8mi, 1hr32mins (T:4mins)

The last and longest kayak and it was a great oar from the boys. And a deserved platter of goodies awaited them. What foods to have out is a difficult choice as on these races your appetite can change all the time. So rather than just leaving out a biscuit or banana etc it's always best to leave a big selection. On the table here we had Ham and Cheese rolls, Pot Noodles, a selection of cheeses, crisps, tomatoes, biscuits, pepperoni, coke, tea. The bonus here is that they don’t have time to eat most of it and so it’s left for me to polish off.

Stage 10 Cycle over Shap Fells 25mi, 2hrs29mins ^3400 ,v3100' (T:10mins. Lost 20mins)

What was looking like a great ride from the guys but unfortunately took a poor track over great Ashby scar, which put the breaks on their time. We ended the day in Kirkby Stephen high street and made our way to set up camp in the local school. That night we ate out to save us cooking yet more pasta. Again after the 9pm debrief everyone made quick exits to bed. Tomorrow was an earlier start of 7am.

Day 2 Keswick to Kirkby Stephen 51miles, 7hrs49mins, ^6500 ,v6100' A better day for me, just overall more enjoyable and I didn't feel beat up at the end of the day. Think the others were tired though.

Stage 11 Run over Nine Standards Rigg 11.5mi, 2hr37min ^2014,v1424' (Lost 10mins)

Another great run - hilly, muddy and boggy and great views all around. Ben aggravated his knee so had to take it easy on the way down from the top. Also took a minor wrong turn and so lost a few minutes, worse was that we had to climb back up a steep hill to regain the missed path.

Stage 12 MTB along Swaledale 15.5mi, 1hr51min ^2000 v2250' (T:3mins)

After a quick half pastie, it was on the bikes. This was a superb mtn section. Some tough hills but with great descents. Although I am still a little nervous on the steep rocky descents - I continually feel as though I will fall over. My ribs still hurt from crashing 3 weeks ago are a constant reminder of how easy it is for me to fall. I think I will bin my Spds technical sections in future. Lost time with Jake helping out a fellow competitor with a puncture. All in the good spirit of the event. The finish was at the spectacular Castle Bolton and a smooth transition - we were starting to get better at these - saw the guys fly out.

From 2011 Coast to Coast

Stage 13 Cycle through Vale of York 28mi, 1hr29min ^1000 v1750' (T:2min)

The boys were thrilled with their ride. Minutes away from the top elites and this was on mtn bikes and not highly specialised cross bikes. Take a bow. This awesome ride gave us a sniff that we could win our category tomorrow, we were now only 15mins down after being over half hour at the start of the day. Finishing in Northallerton town centre parking was hard so I just did a pick up and run with the guys and the bikes as we were staying at the leisure centre a mile away.

We ate out again that night in which I had a 3 course meal so that I wasn't lacking any calories for tomorrow’s final day.

Day 3 - Kirkby Stephen to Northallerton 54miles, 6hrs, ^5000 v5500'

From 2011 Coast to Coast

Stage 14 Cycle through Vale of York 10.5mi, 41mins ^984,v860'

Easy morning ride to get the legs going after 3 hard days racing and another early rise for a start time at 6.32am.

Stage 15 Run over Carlton Bank 9mi, 1hr42min ^2100 v1950' (T:2min)

Jake took over running duties with Bens knee not 100percent. And for a person who didn’t want to do any running he sure did start out quick and didn’t let his pace slacken at all through the stage, especially as I was trying to take it easy as I was dreading the next mtn bike section.

Stage 16 MTB across North York Moors 19mi, 2hrs9min ^2000 v2000' (T:3min. Lost 25mins)

I was not looking forward to this ride. I expected a lot of tough hills and unnerving descents. thankfully there were very few. Hard hills but all extremely enjoyable and with this being my final leg I pushed my legs hard to stay with Ben. It was all going to well, overtaking teams and being in a fine place for biking. We then went to far down a road and then choose a poor route over the moors. this cost us twofold in that it took us to the top of the hill (could of been avoided) and then the path disintegrated into a bog and so was unridable. It took an age to regain a decent path by which time most of the riders we had overtaken were now back in front. So valuable time lost and realisation that we wouldn’t win our category. The end of the ride was all downhill, fast and fun. A good way to finish my work.

Stage 17 Cycle along Esk Valley 14mi, 1hr11min ^1400 v1250' (T:27secs. Lost 10mins)

Final leg. Ben and Jake are fast but not enough to catch any of the teams above us and by missing a turn added distance and time to their journey. Once they did arrive we all donned shoes and sprinted to short distance to the finish in Robin Hoods bay. An exhilarating finish in a breathtaking location with great support from all around.

Day 4 - Northallerton to Robin Hoods Bay 53miles, 5hr51min ^6400 v6400'.

My post analysis/lessons learnt.

We did well there is no doubting that. For a team put together and meeting up at the last minute organisation and pre planning would always be inadequate and proved a major factor in losing time and frustrating us all. All in all with what we had I'd say we could of been 2 hours quicker if things went for us on the days. As for the disciplines, I was heading into the unknown, untried and untested. In hindsight now (and for future races) and to give us a better competitive edge I would for the kayak - use a lighter fibre glass one and we wont be far off the elites. Running - hill training hill training hill training (hard when you live in Hampshire). Mtn Bike, get more confident on faster descents. Road bike - boys smashed this but get road tyres, could and would overtake the elites. Navigation - more pre planning, lost a load of time on missing turns and using wrong paths, local knowledge was a massive benefit for a lot of people. Transitions, probably our worst discipline - could of and should of been an hour better. Again better organisation on getting the right foods and equipment ready to get us out the blocks fast and not to be late at any CP.

Still it was an unknown race style with a new group of people so all in all plenty to improve upon, which is also a pleasing factor but, what a great experience and superbly run by Open adventure. I race with Jake and we work well together but it was a pleasure to race with Ben, very motivated and a great person to be out in the hills with, totally dependable. And Gill, who crewed for us. Always a word to keep us going. Like a drill sargeant she keep us on our toes and never slacking off. Thanks for the help and support you gave us all during this race.

We just missed out on the prizes this year but I would like to give out some in-house prizes:

Jake = best beard.
Ben = best puke.
Gill = best socializer.
Andy = best moaner.

Adventure racing allows you to train hard in a multitude of disciplines and then complete against great athletes, professional teams, likeminded teams, yourself both physically and mentally. To sum up it is intensely satisfying. Next years event is a non-stop 4 dayer in Scotland. Sign me up.

From 2011 Coast to Coast