‘A tale of two flasks………’ or the Pennine Bridleway Relay SUNDAY 4^th February 2007

Awesome Scenery: 10

Atmosphere: 10

Organisation: 10

Value: 10

Beginner Friendly: 10

The Relay consists of five legs run in pairs, (i.e. 10 different runners), over a 47 mile circular route in the South Pennines. We entered two teams. The route takes in 6,300 feet of ascent and is mainly off road, running on paths and tracks. It’s fully way-marked, though a recce is strongly recommended. (Which we never do!) . This was our third year and we ‘discovered’ it four years ago whilst running the Rochdale Canal Relay – bit of a contrast!

It starts from Fearn’s Community Sports College, Rosendale at 8:30am. The route is dedicated to the memory of Mary, Lady Townley, who rode from Derbyshire to Northumberland to highlight the state of the country’s bridleways and campaigned for The Pennine Bridleway for many years.

Kit requirement: windproof, full body cover, map, compass, whistle, hat and gloves.

I set the alarm for 5:15am. We had to meet at The Fairfield at 6:45am and we were taking Julie Cruse, Lee Barlow and Phil Metcalfe. All went well till I reached Elswick. I was a little late and Phil had made his own way, and he also wanted to leave after his leg to meet a farrier. Michaela phoned his house and woke his wife up - woops!

We were the last to reach The Fairfield. Whilst removing her bag from my boot, Julie dislodged Lee’s flask and it dropped to the floor and smashed into little pieces. The coffee smelt lovely.

We set off in convoy to Rossendale. Captain Derek Buckley checked our bum bags in and Michaela, Bernadette and Phil Metcalfe and I lined up on the Start line. It was a glorious day and you could see for miles.

Leg 1 – Ferns School to Long Causeway

Our leg was 8.5 miles/1361 feet. Route finding was not really a problem on our leg as we all set off together, except you tend to follow the runner in front instead of looking for the way-markers. And at one point two Preston couples and an Ilkley couple carried straight on when the markers signalled turn right. A Clayton runner shouted them back and they cut down to the path we were on. Most of the climbing on this Leg is at the finish – a cruel sting in the tale. I’d never done this Leg before but knew roughly where the finish was as I recognised the massive wind turbines.

It was such a nice day, for February, so, after we got through the finish, we just sat on the grass and chilled!

We finished 34^th in 1:13:57; Michaela and Dette finished 46^th in 1:22:10.

Leg 2 – 12.5 miles/1560’ Long Causeway to Callis Bridge

Wesham A. - Derek Buckley and Lee Barlow in 1:31:47 and 21^st position.

Wesham B. - Julie Cruse and Carmel Sullivan in 1:58:49 and 52^nd position.

Mick Edge, Michaela and I walked up the route to watch our runners coming in. I brought Mick’s flask of Hot Chocolate to where we were spectating, but unfortunately held it by the cup – another flask bites the dust! The cost of the flask varied from £20 - £96 according to Mick!!

Leg 3 – 9.5 miles/1570’ Callis Bridge to Summit

Wesham A. - Russ Mabbett and Richard Davies in 1:11:16 and 16^th position.

Wesham B. - Mark Midgley and Graham Vickers in 1:21:49 and 48^th position.

Lee drove Mark’s car to this Leg, (after I misdirected him). Mobile phones and Alex came to the rescue. Barry Peatfield and Karl Lee weren’t quite ready to take over when the ‘A’ team came in, which must have stressed out Derek, (and Richard and Russ). I don’t think much time was lost. Peter Cruse came to watch after walking the Dewsbury 10k to ensure he got the T shirt, (and the mileage!). Some people are completely obsessed!!

Lee, Dette, Michaela and I walked up the route, which was another great, downhill finish. I was in charge of Mark Midgley’s expensive looking camera and was determined to do him proud. I tried to get one of Graham and Mark and a bridleway sign. Not seen it yet, but fingers crossed. There’s a good photo of Russ and Richard on our website, but Richard has let a lady runner come in between them! I saw Russ tonight at the club and said it would be a good one for the Gazette/LEP, but he doesn’t like it!

Leg 4 - Summit to Whitworth 5.5miles/753’

Wesham A. - Karl Lee and Barry Peatfield in 45:37 and in 16^th position.

Wesham B. - Julie Murphy and Jenny Salt in 56:24 and in 50^th position.

Unfortunately, we missed supporting this leg and went straight to the school for the finish.

Leg 5 - Whitworth to Waterfoot 11 miles/1390’

Wesham A. - Alex Rowe and Charlie Pass in 1:05:19 and in 7^th position.

Wesham B. - Kath Hoyer and Dave Waywell in 1:38:23 and in 61^st position.

Free coffee and showers at the finish. We beat last years time and everyone was well chuffed. I think all the PBW virgins loved it and are looking forward to doing it again next year. Maybe get three teams out? (The 1^st Sunday February 2008?)

Wesham A finished 14^th taking some serious scalps and Wesham B finished a highly respectable 51^st, (70 teams started). A huge thank you to Derek for organising it!

Written by: Martin Bates

Submitted: 7^th February 2007

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor