Friday saw the two of us doing our once a year road race the scenic and hilly (just under 1000ft) Caldervale 10. The promised rain held off until we were heading back home down the motorway, so conditions were good. I was very pleased to be within 40 seconds of last year’s time but felt stronger at the finish. Neither of us are any good at judging pacing so maybe could have gone a bit quicker between the hills. Legs felt heavy from last weekend’s climbing so 1.29.33 was a bit of a surprise coming 7 out of 14 FV45s. FSS has a more detailed race report and I know YJ will be interested in seeing the data posted there on splits taken from the Garmin via Sportstrack.
http://fss55at55.blogspot.com/2009/04/calder-vale-10.html
So it was with some trepidation I set off to the Lower Barn for our usual Saturday outing. YJ and EtU were paying their usual Easter respects to the highest mountain in England before the possibility of the Pike Race - TF had other plans (looking forward to hearing all about it guys). That left Nic’O, JtE and me.
It was decided to do one of our usual routes in reverse – out to White Coppice, Brinscall, Great Hill where we had a lovely sit in the sunny shelter, with none of us eager to move. At this point I was feeling much better for the leg stretch, the miles and the climbs made much easier by the easy camaraderie of good company, sunshine and the light breeze. I foolishly suggested descending Great Hill in the direction of Belmont, thinking no-one would go for that one! It was agreed quickly (too quickly). We found ourselves on a slightly different descent path at the bottom which seemed much better underfoot and discovered a mystery path higher up which JtE might research for us.
Back along the road to pick up the footpath to Spitlers. Once on the path we took an earlier detour along a trod to bring us, eventually, onto the Edge but a little too far along to pick up our usual short cut to miss out Horderns and the road. Reaching the road, then, at Horderns my legs finally petered out and it was a bit of a struggle to keep the momentum going to the end. But a great morning – let’s hope we have similar conditions next Saturday.
Route below gave us 13.99m (I think we’ll call that 14) and 1,873ft of ascent.
A quick dash home for a shower and then back to Horwich to marshall the Pike Race. Weather held good and after a gallant swap of duties by FSS, Nic’O and I found ourselves at the second gate along the track up to the farm.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time! Especially EtU fresh from his morning exploits.
Ed’s looking good off the hard training – oh no this one’s Andrew, son of Nic’O and David, storming home in 22.25 51st overall and 4th U18.
How was it for you Ed?
NLN
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