Goodbye 2014! … and what a fantastic way to end the year. Bowstones is a new race to the Belle Vue calendar and a very welcome addition it is too.
In our first outing in official club colours, the 7 mile course was taken on and successfully conquered by 14 Belle Vue Racers. With the race starting on an uphill section of pathway, careful footwork was the order of the day, with uneven surfaces, patches of ice and cattle grids to negotiate. As the race moved into more open space and the steeper climbs commenced, we were spoilt with some cracking views of the Cheshire Plain hiding under a smattering of snow. The small number of stiles and walls to climb over (and giant snowman marshal!) provided welcome respite.
It was in the downhill sections that some of us got taught a harsh lesson as the hard-earned metres gained in the uphill efforts vanished in a flash as more hardened runners of hills and fells cracked past us, in particular over the steep, icy and slippery section out of the frighteningly fast (but ridiculously fun!) woodland descent. Staying on two feet might help.
Well done all: Ruth, Fiona, Lisa, Catherine, Barry, Steve M., Andy, Annie, Steve W., Jason, Vicky, Ali, Andrew and Nigel. Fantastic also to see Lynda in the home straight. Thanks again for the cake and encouragement, Coach!
All told, a brilliant way to end 2014. Thank you Bramhall Runners and a Happy New Year!
Next race: Manchester XC League – Heaton Park – 10th January 2015. See you there. AT
