Dave and i had completed the Open Adventure 5 hour mountain biking/running series through last winter as a mixed pair. The event last Saturday from Keswick was an Open 5+ (in a series with a 12hr and 24hr challenges) - as the organiser said at the start line it was more of an "open6" by stealth! You had to cycle to the mass start in Whinlatter forest before you even began. The first section this year was around the tracks & single track descents in the forest -- so no navigation -- but for me test of my nerves downhilling as fast as possible so you don't get mown over. After the forest we got the control scores for the rest of the 5 hour of the event - then it was up to you to plan the next bike/run/bike sections. The "+" bit turned out to be a pretty exhilarating Ghyll descent (timed out of your 5 hours). This involved getting very wet -- and after my initial nerves i did manage to do all the jumps. We were pleased to have dry clothes & shoes at transition & then headed out on the run. We opted out of the lake swim, but did the other "special" stages of a short climbing wall & mine tunnel. Unfortunately i took a tumble on rock on the run and a pretty sore knee slowed us down for the rest of the race (both run & bike). But we made the most of the road-based controls on our last bike section & were able to enjoy the race a bit!! Great scenery and terrain around Keswick. It was a nice atmosphere back in Keswick as everyone was finishing at similar times. A good thing to do on a pretty showery Lakes day! If you are interested in adventure racing check out www.openadventure.com for more info.
Should have been at a local fell race tonight but my knee still needs a few days off (am now getting a bit frustrated...) , but still a few weeks before the LAMM so should hopefully be back to training soon for that.
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