Red Rose Ultra

 I had a free entry to this as a prize from last year. Jilly had me down for the Red and White Rose combined. I decided that just the Red was more sensible and I wanted to make sure I completed and enjoyed it. We drove across on Friday evening and I had spotted that parking at Slack Top would be straight forward and be less than a kilometre warm up in the morning on paths to reach Hebden Hey Scout Centre, the event HQ.

It was a glorious evening and I scoped out the paths. Easy and all downhill, which of course meant all up hill after the race. Bob had a plan to get some training in before P39 and knew he would have all day. From the van we could see across to Stoodley Pike.... it seems it is always there and would be in my sights for much of the race day too.

She Strides events have long cut offs and that meant an early start. I was up dressed and breakfasted soon after 6am and then down at HQ shortly afterwards. It was a small field even though the Red and the combined set off together. The forecast mentioned rain but it was already warm so I ditched my primaloft and soon took my long sleeve base layer off too.

Before 7 we were herded outside for a short briefing and at 7am we were off.

The different venue this year meant an easy start with the big access road giving us all space to spread out and get into our stride. Soon we turned uphill and followed woodland paths to the top of Heptonstall. Narrower paths eventually led to Colden. From here I remembered the route from last year. The moors were quite dry and although a couple of guys had shot off fast I was with the next pack. I was to run with a lovely Lithuanian girl most of the day as we took turns to lead and follow.  Two guys in green vests were also our pace; I had seen them on 15 Reservoirs.

I didn't really need anything at CP1 near Gorple Reservoir and used this as a chance to get ahead.  I was soon caught again and now another young woman joined us. We made good time on the big track to Hurstwood and the next CP. 

We dropped the new woman here and the four of us set off pretty much together as we headed towards Townley Park in Burnley. The route seemed to have changed and we stayed on the pavement for what seemed an eternity before turning off and leaving the traffic. 

The park was busy and as last year we got caught up in the Park Run. After the Hall it was quieter and this year I was more prepared for the uphill pavement on the Clowbridge road. Lena pulled ahead a bit but the green men were still behind me.

By the next CP above Holme Chapel I was keen to eat and so took a little longer. Lena made a small error near Thievely Pike and we were back together again with me showing the way.  The moor is lovely but the farm just before the Tod road is a disgrace and so is the litter along the main road. It was a relief to turn off onto Limers Gate although even this is spoiled by waste tiles, bricks etc used as aggregate. The moor before Trough End was damp but not awful and I knew the way here and on the descent towards Walsden. So many memories of past Calderdale Hike routes!

It was hot and sweaty but perhaps not quite as hot and sunny as last year. I grabbed fruit at the CP and refilled my water. I like the next section up to Gaddings Dam and then on to Stoodley Pike but today I felt I was slow. The Tower on the Pike was open today but I could not spare the time. 

I had promised myself to run all of London Road and I pretty much did. Once past Erringden Grange I lost Lena and ploughed on downhill and into Hebden. Fortunately we avoided the town centre which was heaving. I had to check the map a few times here but was still on my own. I crossed the beck and knew that there would be an uphill through the woods and then the access road again. The paths in the woods had been flagged at junctions thankfully and I tried really hard as I did not want to be caught now. 

I finished as 1st F on the Red Rose with Lena not far behind. 6hrs 37 so not so bad. It is only typing this now that I have checked my time from last year. I thought it was just over 6hrs and so was a little disappointed but in fact it had been 6hrs 50 and this years route is marginally longer! Result. 

Despite drinking loads on the race I was so so thirsty. I refuelled with endless cups of tea, soup and even some coke. I sat in the sun enjoying myself. I did then feel a bit guilty? and a bit of a wimp not going back out on the White Rose loop but not so much that I wanted to change my mind! Maybe next year.

After the prize giving I had a brief chat with Evan and then slowly made my way back uphill to our van. It was only mid afternoon so I lay drinking and resting before deciding to go out to meet Bob. 

On Sunday we cycled as a recovery day and called in our grandsons.