The Bridges weekend team Diana, Tony, John, Ian, Tom Duncan AICR representative, Alwyn, Rob, Zangbu Sherpa
The meeting cleared up a few ground rules for our attempt. The baton could be transported in vehicles, but only on public roads and ferries, (this was later limited to car ferries.) Otherwise it must be carried on foot. This ruled out taking vehicles along any of the numerous estate roads in the Highlands. It also ruled out taking a boat across lochs. We would start on a public road and finish on the last summit.
We required three vehicles. We had a transit van already promised by Swan Rentals, we required the use of a car, and we wanted if possible another sleeping vehicle. I said that I would try to get a luxury campervan at an acceptable price. Bikes were going to be used to get people into and out of some changeovers. Ian eventually came up with both the car, courtesty of Argyll District Council, and two mountain bikes leant by the bike shop in Campbeltown.
We were also still a runner short. We felt that six could do it, but that left no scope for injury. I was left to find the other runner.
The campervan turned out to be easier than the seventh runner. I rang up Colin Powell of Flexihol, who agreed to reserve three weeks for us at virtually no profit. He would provide his luxury camper (including hot shower,) and himself to go where we wished as we wished. Not only did he do this, driving at any time of day or night, but he also helped carry gear into and out of changeovers.
As for the last runner, I had no end of positive responses, but the majority were already by that time committed either to the Three Peaks Yacht race, or family holidays. For two weeks Kevin Hagley from Devon joined the team, but then work commitments made this impossible. Finally well into May I rang a name only vaguely known to me, who had been suggested to me by another unknown person, who had …. David Weir almost agreed immediately, and in three days had confirmed his inclusion.
The team had a trial relay over bank holiday doing all the Bridge's peaks in the Lake District. Neither Dave nor I attended this, but mostly it seemed to go well. They did not attempt to run overnight and the weather was good. Rob had a disastrous navigational error, leaving it for Tony to do the next day.
The four Scottish residents met up on May 19th at the Stuc a' Chroin race. Dave shot away from me early on and went on to win in a new record time. I knew I was having a good run and, after the turn, was very pleased to see Tony in the first ten with Ian not far behind. Then disaster struck as Tony sprained his ankle. Being a bloody minded sort he continued, finishing 15th just behind Ian, with enormous swelling. With a month to the start Tony seemed remarkably cheerful, but I for one did not expect him to do much.
As countdown approached Tony and I made final refinements to the route, John cut up and laminated maps for all the legs, Diana stocked up the store cupboards, and Tony and I fitted out the van as a mini camper.
There is no charge for reading this account but please consider donating to Worldwide Cancer Research, the new name for the charity that the ladies are running for.
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