New Zealand

We have just returned from a fantastic holiday in New Zealand. Lots of hiking, biking, kayaking etc. Check out some of our photos here

go4awalk

Check this site out. Hundreds of great walks - download a pdf for 15p and also receive waypoints to download to a gps - perfect

Kilimanjaro

About 22,000 climbers set out every year to conquer the Kilimanjaro peak. Several well-marked hiking routes lead to the summit of the mountain. To use the word "climber" is not always correct. Although none of these hikers routes really requires mountaineering skills, hiking to the "roof of Africa" is physically and mentally demanding and should not be under estimated. As much as 40% of those who set out to climb Kilimanjaro turn back before they reach Uhuru peak. Today, hikers make up the bulk of all those who conquer Kilimanjaro, and the mountain is in fact one of the highest peaks accessible to hikers in the world. Of course there are extremely severe climbs available, including some grade 3+ climbs, but those we leave to the professional alpine climbers and experienced mountaineers. The information on this website is primarily concerned with the hiking routes, which "the average hikers" can follow successfully. With the adequate preparation any reasonably fit person above the age of 12 years can reach the summit successfully, in fact the oldest person to date to reach the summit was a Frenchman Valtee Daniel at an age of 87!! Preparation both physically and mentally is the keywords for success-- this web site contains valuable and comprehensive information obtained from 9 years of experience and through the feedback from more than 4300 clients. We believe it will positively contribute to your chances of successfully conquering Kilimanjaro.

NIKE MK HALF

Just in case anyone was worried that this site had been hijacked by a GPS salesman...

Milton Keynes half marathon - Sunday 12 March 2006

The running of the Nike Milton Keynes Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 12 th March 2006. Come and join us in what promises to be a fantastic event.

Details [here]

West Highland Way on a bike

The West Highland Way is 152km (95 miles) long. The walk links Milngavie to Fort William - from the outskirts of Scotland’s largest city to the foot of its highest mountain, following the shores of its largest freshwater loch.

I have walked it and it is fantastic. I read a magazine artcile a while back about people who were riding it in a day (or two) and thought that it would be a perfect challenge.

I can't see how you can cycle the banks of Loch Lommond so I am not sure of the route. Does anyone have any info?

Flitwick 10k - Sunday 9th April 2006

Sunday 9th April 2006

Fast, undulating, scenic, accurately measured and well-marshaled, based on the original Flitwick 10K course

Event site [here]

Welsh 3000s

I have always fancied this one - perhaps over a weekend although we could try for 24 hours.

The route is about 30 miles (48km) long, with an overall vertical ascent of over 11,500ft (3,500m).


Jeremy has a book about it, which I have just ordered from Amazon: The Welsh Three Thousand Foot Challenges, by Roy Clayton and Ronald Turnbull (Grey Stone Books)

Questars

Questars adventure races attract people of all levels from beginners right through to some of Britain's best adventure racers due to the way our adventure races run. The courses accommodate all comers.

1 April 06 Brockenhurst, New Forest
27 May 06 Brecon Beacons, Wales
8 July 06 Poole Harbour & Isle of Purbeck Dorset (2-stages only)
16 September 06 The Wiltshire Downs

The Questars Trio race is divided into three stages – trail running, mountain biking and kayaking. The Questars Duo is a two stage race over the same course without the kayaking. For those who prefer just to get muddy and not wet.

More info [here]

LAMM 2006 17th/18th June Scottish Highlands

A Two-Day Mountain Competition for Pairs with Overnight Campsite

It’s time to think ahead to LAMM 2006. It will take place on 17/18th June 2006, the same weekend as last year. As usual, the venue will be a fine and undisclosed location in keeping with the Connoisseurs Mountain Marathon! This year the event will be further north than Isle of Mull 2005.

ENTRY forms for October 2006, the 39th OMM ORIGINAL MOUNTAIN MARATHON will be posted third week March and available here for download. Our new web site will open at the same time and you will be redirected automatically. .

ACE races - 2006 Calendar

ACE Races was set up to make Adventure Racing (AR) accessible to anybody who enjoys running and biking and wants to try a new challenge. If you are new to Adventure Racing, see the "Getting Started" links on the navigation bar above.

4-5 February
The Full Monty (replacing XXX)
1-2 April
Training Course
6 May22 July2 September
1-day Series
24-25 June12-13 August23-24 September
2-day Series
27 May - 3 June
Wilderness ARC
18-19 November
End of Season Ball

The Big Black Mountains Challenge

SATURDAY MAY 20th 2006

James and I did this two years ago and it was great. Well organised, nice route and a marque full of little old ladies serving tea and cakes at the end... what more do you want?

"The Big Black Mountains Challenge consists of a choice of three testing walks/runs; 43k, 27k or 16k, between them taking in 15 summits over 660m around the breathtaking scenery of the Black Mountains, which form part of the Brecon Beacons National Park.The Black Mountains offer fifteen summits over 2000 feet and most are included in the 43 km walk. Each route is arduous, however, and for reasons of safety, participants require a suitable level of fitness, need to be adequately equipped and have confidence in their navigational skills. The route is fully marshaled, however, and refreshments are provided in as many locations as we can manage".

To obtain an entry form click here: Entry Form(pdf format)

Website [here] but it isn't particularly good

Garmin Forerunner 305

I have been looking at the new Garmin Forerunner series (205 and 305). They look excellent.

"It continuously monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. It tracks your every move with a super-sensitive GPS that even works on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings. Receive a detailed post-workout analysis on the PC with included Training Center™ software".

However, I don't think that they provide you with details of your longitude or latitude / or grid ref, which seems like a major flaw... the battery life also looks a bit weak...

The Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show 2006

Europe's biggest outdoors show. Trade stands, interactive events and speakers... opens 10-6pm friday 17th March / 9-6pm sat and 9-5 sunday. Costs £11 adult (in advance) £14 on the door.

I fancy it... check it out [here]

2:09 Events

2:09 Events are organising various events this year. Jen and I are running the 10km race at Woburn on the 19th Feb. See below for details:

5 Feb 2006
SiS Longleat 10km
19 Feb 2006
SiS Woburn 10km
5 Mar 2006
SiS Dunsfold Park 10km
11 Jun 2006
SiS South Downs Marathon and Marathon Relay + Family 5km Run
15 Jul 2006
Port Lympne 10km Run & Charity Bike Rides
10 Aug 2006
SiS London 10km
1 Oct 2006
Jersey Challenge
15 Oct 2006
SiS Poppy Hill Trail 10km & 3km Family Fun Run, Sandhurst Academy, Surrey