MCNUTS Black Mountains Adventure Race

Warm up

Travelled up to Shropshire on the friday to scope out a few miles for the long race I am doing next month. A few things came to light in that there are a lot of tough hills and navigation will be hard especially as I lost my way a couple of times in the daylight and I will be covering this ground at night. Still a good recce and hill miles in the legs.

14 miles 2hrs 45mins.

After this I headed south to the Black Mountains for the next round in the Might Contain Nuts 12 hour Adventure Race series. 

The morning of the race arrived and the team gathered, Jake, Melissa and myself and made tactics. Not particularly looking at the big picture we decided to go for the  big points on the first stage.

T1 Run 15 miles 1000m elevation 4 hrs

What an introduction to the Black Mountains, some serious hills taken in, stunning scenery and fun induced cross country which didn't suit all but I was loving the differcult decents. An annoying 20+mins looking for CP didn't help our cause. Although we got the points we had seriously underestimated the terrain and how long it would take us over the high ground as we crossed over a reservoir and 'sprinted' to the transition missing out on a point CP due to not having a spare 10minutes. The additional hour it took us to complete this stage meant we were now playing catch up for the rest of the race.

T2 Bike 25miles 1000m 3hrs

Chasing time for the kayak cutoff we decided on the best direct route available, more roads than desired and less points to go for, this still encompassed 25 brutal miles of hills. One a near 600m of ascent over a few miles. Gruellingly hard. But a justified reward with the best descent of the day over tough steep technical ground marred only by missing a cp and having to crawl back up 100ft to tag in.

Then Jake's bike caught a branch which broke his chain, luckily just on the link so was quickly fixable. Some luck at last. At the transition we agreed with RD Matt to bike the remaining 3miles to the kayak so that we were not late and so could enjoy the 3rd discipline (40miles 2000m 7hrs).

T3 Kayak 5.5miles 1hr

All 3 of us boarded a canadian canoe. Jake steering/relaxing whilst Melissa and me put all the dogwork in. A good paddle down a beautful stretch of the Wye. Jake even managing to pull a 360 in one of the mini rapids. Tranquility and rest was soon aborted when trying to get out the river where 20 other people were lingering with boats etc strewn everywhere. Soon out and painstakingly working the legs to a sombre run through Hay on Wye to the bike transition (45.5miles 8hrs (1mile run 20mins)).

T4 Bike 5miles 1hr 40

Not over yet. With tiring bodies and sore backsides it was back on the bikes for a strength sapping 500m steep ascent the only saving grace was that it was on minor roads, although they went on and on and on.

(51.5miles 10hrs 2600m)

T5 Run 5miles 1.5hrs 200m

With light fading and bodies failing it was just an 'easy' jog home. Running below the stunning peak and superbly named Lord Herefords Knob. Jake was too enamelled with the glorious views of sunset and so missed another CP. This was one strike too many and so he was dismissed from map duties as I faultlessly took us home. The ground was tough in failing light and broken ground from the countless cattle that had somehow passed through these narrow tracks and left there mark. Once through the farmlands it was just a matter of 3km downhill road run back to camp and the excilleration of the finish line.

56miles 11.5hrs 2800m

A tough race but as the Race Directors explained these aren't for the faint-hearted and looking back I'm glad it was hard, you get more from pushing yourself than from keeping things easy. There seems to be too many ARs now that are 'easy' in that the course is completable for the best and so route finding and decision making is redundant. The top athelte scored only 2/3rds of points available a monumental effort from my perspective but good in being an AR for both elites and for regular outdoor folk like myself who can both enjoy the course/area but take part in a race.

So a big thanks to Might Contain Nuts team. I hope these races pick up in popularity (only a little though) so that they remain on the calender. I wont say any more on the Black mountains as this should remain a secret.

Might Contain Nuts Adventure Race Brecon Beacons

With the focus this year being on running I had made one token effort a couple of weeks back to get on the bike. Mainly to see that it was all in working order. Check. So just had the saddle sore to look forward too.
I had signed up to do this AR early in the year as part of the training planned in doing a 5 day AR in Scotland. I am no longer doing that event but that's no reason for not taking part in this one. It had the makings of a classic. Glorious location, multi staged multi disciplined and a long distance/time to contemplate.
Arriving in Talybont on the friday I set up the tent in the rain. Nice starting off wet and cold so I made my way to the pub for a beer(s) and curry. With the rain ever present I made a 'team' decision of just completing the non navigational point to point option. This would still be an undertaking, 50 miles over rough mountainess  terrain.
The morning didn't start of too well. Not only did I forget my bike helmet, I had realised on my long journey up and luckily picked one up in Abergavenny. On the way to the start I remembered I had left my wallet in the tent. Back I went. Then again, on my way I remembered I had forgotten my camera and ipod. Back I went. It must be down to pre race nerves or a complete lack of preparation and readiness. Finally I got to the race start and registration was quick and simple, the briefing clear and straightforward. We were all ready. A surprisingly small field for what promised to be a testing AR. Most ARs are 5hours or multi day so this was a great inbetweener.

Stage '1' was a short 3 mile run to a local hill but in this short run the day was set. Sunshine, showers and stunning scenery. With the field spread out we were on the bikes for stage '2' (12miles). I first got muddy, then wet, then knackered as I pushed my bike up a steep boulder field which strangely had motorcycle riders tearing downhill and telling us to get on our bikes and ride. They would know the lazy slobs! After a few 'river' crossings to completely soak us for the day it was onto a fast road section. A little to fast for the couple of guys ahead of me who veered down the steep road. Glancing at the map it didn't feel right so I stopped and took check of my location. The non nav course was to be fully marked but at the junction there were no markers (found out later that some scumbags had removed it and thrown it in the hedgerow). Still, I trusted my judgement and followed the track up a steep incline soon wishing I had followed the others down the road. Not really, as the next part was some of the most enjoyable downhill all day. Once at the valley bottom though only meant one thing, you have to go back up and a hard slog uphill brought up the next transition. Taking in a ham and cheese roll I was back on my feet for Stage '3' (9m) and going through some beautiful woodland. A highlight of the day in descending a steep ravine then having to approach a large waterfall and pass behind it. A memorable experience and I must of been taken aback that much as the marshal had to remind me to go back in and stamp my card. The second half of the run was interspersed with between bog 'running' and hill 'running'.
The start of stage '4' (5m) was a gruelling bike ride up a long steady incline that seemingly went forever but, in reality was fairly short. Then a fast descent into the woods and to the next transition for another short running stage '5' (4m). I definitely started to get tired through these sections as some of the trails seemed to drag and hitting the wetlands I certainly cursed a few times as my feet plugged into the unavoidable bogs.
The next stage '6' was just a short sharp kayak (1m). I was looking forward to this as I do enjoy this discipline and was happy to rest my legs and work my arms. Once on the lake the wind blew across and did its best to point the kayak in the wrong direction with each stroke. After an endless paddle I reached the island, stamped and turned around. Thinking the wind would be working for me I was completely wrong and it now hit me full force and had a funny way of kicking up the waves and lifting the front end and continually battering it down. Testing conditions but head down and by keeping those arms going it was soon all over.

Back on the tired legs for Stage '7' (9m) and nearly there but the hardest section awaits. More wetlands followed by the long and arduous ascent up to Pen y Fan. I would like to say that this was an enjoyable hike up but, condition's turned for the worst, gale force winds and rain that hurt and into the clouds I went. Luckily navigation is easy up here and a quick photo at the top heeded a quicker descent. On heavy legs this wet, rocky track was stressful going. But, down on the flatter parts I picked up the pace and towards the end finally meet up with another competitor, Chris, who I had briefly chatted to on the first bike stage, all those hours and hours ago. We got on our bikes and headed off on the final stage '8' (8m). The track all to soon turned into a narrow sludge pool. Chris eased away as I made hard work of getting through the mud pools, my front tyre being a magnet for any large rocks. Again testing my resolve as I fought hard to stay on the bike. This was another neverending test piece, finally getting on the reservoir track and picking up speed and thinking of dry warm cloths and beer. The final path down into Talybont was like a badly made cobblestone street I honestly thought that my bike would literally shake apart at any moment. Making it into town and cycling past the pub it dawned on me that there was still a little ways to go. I honestly thought the finish was the pub. Rats. But, I had another mile or so to go. The last CP I found hard to spot. The description confused me as I searched longingly for it at the front of this house only to give up and go around the corner to see it blazingly there. Blaming my tiredness now as I high tailed it out of there onto the road and to the finish line where it was spookily quiet. The organisers were there to greet our triumph with Chris who had just finished, with Ben and Richard who unluckily both had been unable to continue racing due to illness and injury.
So a top 3 finish in around 8 hours covering alot of ascent, over 2000m and 50miles. Exhaustingly satisfying. A hot shower and drink and it was down to the pub to celebrate with the usual beer(s) and curry. 

A superb event run by The Might Contain Nuts team of Matt and Barry and their splendid team of marshalls. It was enjoyable and demanding, it pushed you hard but was visually and mentally rewarding.

Quest Adventure Race - New Forest

Getting the excuses out of the way. Zero training in February due to a bad winter virus. Then getting a stinking cold last week meant that i have done the smallest amount of training in a fair while. So to get me back into to swing of things then what better than signing up to do an adventure race in the New Forest.
I decided not to do the kayak stage so as to just give me a chance, although with the superb weather I was a little disappointed not to be kayaking down Bealieu river.
Team tactics was that I was gonna have to do all this on my own and so, i decided to try and clear the running section and see what time i had left for the biking. Being given the points and clues list at the start i realised that my plan was a little disrupted by a few checkpoints (CPs) being dummy'd out of the game. After a little flaffing around I changed my first CP and decided to make up the route as i went (which worked well as i only got lost the once).
The first couple of hours went well. Legs were fine, weather was something else and i was ticking off the CPs. Then it went wrong, had terrible heartburn for the rest of the run, legs got very heavy and my route finding took some blows. Times like this you wish you had a partner to give you a kick etc to stop you from walking too often. Finishing the run in 3hrs10 i was puffed out and my legs had taken a beating but i had achieved clearing the route (something only 2 other teams managed, both category winners).

Taking way to long in the transition i finally figured out a route and set off. This is definitely where i missed my partner as i was constantly having to check my map on where i was going. This first slows you down and then in most cases brings you to a complete stop (i will make a proper map board for my next outing). I also ended up taking the wrong route and so missed out on a couple of CPs. But i wasn't to bothered as by the time i finished my legs were finished as well.

Came 6th in category. Happy with result just needed to crack on better on the bike.


All in all another great race, well organised, beautiful location, a good turn out and as a bonus i got my car cleaned.

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