This was the fourth race in this winter’s Brooks Westward League and the wind and rain would add to the ‘enjoyment’.  We arrived in Bideford in good time despite stopping halfway up the Atlantic Highway to wedge in a few extra calories for the race.

After a team warm up, it was time for action although Hodgey’s preference was to get back in the warm and dry of the bus and get his head down!

Bideford always seems to get the smallest fields of the winter but the Carn Machine was lining up a full Vets team again with one to spare.  We’ve been doing okay in the Vet’s Team competition despite the strong presence of the South West’s finest.

At 2.30pm we were off and along the side of the river for the best part of a mile before we hit the mud.  Hodgey made a flying start and George and Barrie were locking horns once again.  Chris and Kev were running together and their choice of footwear came into it’s own on the muddy, slippery climb up through the steep orchard section.  Their Walshes were gripping in the mud as those who’d taken the road shoe option were weaving around to find the least slippy bits.

Hodgey (above) was leading the Carn boys.  Just behind George (below) was soon giving Barrie something to think about as he powered away, making the most of all his Grizzly training runs along the North coast. 

Kev (below) pulled away from Chris after the top of the long climb at halfway which had had him grunting with dismay as every turn revealed more uphill (much to Chris’ amusment)!

A long and slippery path brought us back to the edge of town and towards the finish in the park.  All five of us put in strong runs in the wet and windy conditions and racked up another good team performance.

Back in the Bideford AAC clubhouse it was time to enjoy post race hot drinks and snacks and discuss the action of our races.  George was remarkably subdued in his triumph of 38 seconds over Barrie.  Most likely as Barrie (below) was his ticket home and the long walk was not worth a raucous display of a victory celebration.  However, Barrie was quick to point out he’d be out for revenge next time.

With dusk approaching we hit the long road home with much club banter bouncing around the bus as another great club cross country outing came to an end.
Job Done. 
C’mon the CARN!!!!!!!!

28th Chris Hodge  31:30
38th George Williams 32:59
45th Barrie Cardew  33:37
50th Kev May  34:55
58th Chris Harper  35:51

Carn Runners were 3rd Vets team.

Next Race – Bovey Tracey 10th February.