Latest News... April 2008 Update

Time is flying by and Spring is very nearly here, and whilst there is nothing really exciting to report life has been good and busy for a few months. I’ve certainly enjoyed the fell races and Open5’s I have done and some good days out training, whether on bike or foot. The outdoor swimming season is also looming fast …. argh!

 

Our recent NAV+art course went very well, with the everyone doing very well especially considering the snow flurries experienced during the day and steady sleet during  ‘night nav’.  Conditions were very difficult at times but the experiences people gained were well worthwhile judging by the feedback we have received.  The key to these very successful courses are the contribution from tutors and clients and the ‘hands on’ practical nature of the programme. Several existing clients are considering coming along again for our September course in preparation for the OMM five weeks later, as they have learnt so much and know they will progress further still.  Details of NAV+art September are now up on the website; note it is based back at Bampton on a self catering / camping basis, so as to be specific to mountain marathon or AR events. It also means we can use our stocks of original OMM maps from 2005 and have immediate access to an excellent training area. Places are limited for this course and bookings are being taken now.

 

NAV+art ‘Masterclasses’ continue to be popular. These are bespoke day(s) specifically tailored to an individuals’ or small groups wishes. The programme for ‘Masterclasses ‘ generally revolves around navigation on foot, and discussion on associated techniques. Sometimes these have included short ‘workshops’ on MTB navigation as well. All ‘Masterclasses’ are arranged by negotiation and so as Tutor availability is limited, early booking is highly recommended.

 

A new development is the availability of what I have provisionally entitled the ‘NAV+art Technical Skills Day’. This is a one day programme, covering kayak paddling skills and Abseil/rope skills, in a pm/am split. The programme is structured for a pair of people, working on a 2-1 ratio as per your typical AR race such as Open 24 race. With the provision of this, and the availability of MTB skills courses, I believe we can offer everything you may need to further your AR performance, what ever your level of experience and aspiration.

 

The past few weeks have kept me busy with GL3Day preparation, which is only a few weeks away. There has been a huge response this year to the increased distance and challenge. The event is well over subscribed and even with a few of the inevitable ‘DNS’ we won’t be able to accommodate anyone from the reserve list at this late stage, sorry.

 

In contrast to the three day epic, the Dockray-Hartside is a short 6mile fell race – details in the FRA calendar – Wednesday 7th May at 7pm. From Dockray village; usual fell race rules including ‘kit requirement’ apply, please. Parking and registration at The Qaury Carpark down the road towards Aira Force as last year.

 

As a team, Team NAV+art do not have any mammoth races this year after a couple of years of expedition races, but continue to be active in many events such as Open5’s. Personally, I am aiming towards a stead return to fitness focusing on many smaller and more realistic races, including 70 Wild Miles, Open24, the Big Ben Tri and the OMM. An annual trip to the Hebrides is essential of course, but I may be competing or helping out… I’m not sure yet.

 

I believe it has been a bit of a strange year for UK AR following the big hit of last year’s UK hosting of AR World Championship, but I’m already looking forward to 2009 and thoughts of what might be around the corner.

 

Keep smile … have fun and be fit.

Joe