Is it climate change or are my legs getting shorter? These were my thoughts as I fought through some more high bracken and other vegetation (bilberry, grass, reeds, heather, thistles and various unidentifiable species) whilst simultaneously struggling uphill through some very soggy moss of precariously unknown depth. This was what faced the DPFR competitors on the second Olympic event in only two years. Though the 2020 Olympics were postponed until this year, the DPFR “Olympic” race around Blackden was run in both 2020 and now in 2021 and previously in 2012 and 2016 which, of course were proper Olympic years.
Upholding what seems to be a tradition of Andy’s races, there were three start times of 6.15, 6.30 and 6.45pm, for the 16 starters and there was a 6.00pm start for the sensible 8 or 9 non-racers. The four 6.15 starters made a brave effort up the demanding Dean Hill. Disappointingly the “Olympic” flag which had been carefully positioned on the previous Saturday, lay flat, wet and dishevelled in the tussocks. However, it’s time was to come, later. Fortunately, the tussock dodging beyond Dean Hill was avoided by a small trod going towards but not all the way to Blackden Edge. Whether this trod was sheep or human made by DPFR Olympians remains an unanswered question though, in comparison, the trod up from Rowlee Bridge to Crookestone Knoll is almost certainly DPFR made after 75 Knoll races! Up to Madwoman’s Stones the vegetation severity was moderate (my classification!) but beyond the Stones it was easy, as we headed on the path (?) towards the Blackden trig. But it was then back to moderate, as the path was left for the descent to the bracken-obscured wall end check point, the third of the seven race CP’s.
There are a series of misleading semi-summits to be climbed over mainly moderate ground before reaching Bob’s Rock from which route choice would appear to be critical with claims of 3 to 5 minutes advantages being made. The crossing of upper Blackden Brook brings some severe vegetation (head high, therefore serious!) to be negotiated whilst simultaneously climbing steeply, though despite these hindrances, this line has been used in previous outings. From the mid Blackden Brook, there are bracken free sections which are boggy and thistly and, in my case, then lead to some deep bracken and reedy swamp which I rated as extreme vegetation. This is where my thoughts turned to leg length and climate change when more warmth and rain encourages growth, but not, unfortunately, of my legs. A further option is to descend to the lower parts of the Brook and climb out to the wall which leads, eventually, to the Dunge Clough/wall junction CP. This seemed to be the favoured one. There is, of course, the no-climbing line around the head of Blackden and down to Dunge Clough, this doesn’t seem to be popular because whilst it avoids any extreme bracken and any serious climbing, the distance is greater.
Having extricated myself from Blackden Brook and from extreme into moderate vegetation, I now enjoyed the very brief company of some of the 6.30 and 6.45 starters as they scampered lightly over the tussocks and bogs to the deep, dark Dunge Clough/wall junction CP. This wall then leads directly to the holly tree (CP6) in Blackden and by avoiding the deep bracken surrounding part of the wall, it does fortunately provide a guide to avoid the cliff descent immediately above the holly tree. The great advantage of being at the back of race is that the leaders have fought their way through the jungle of deep bracken to the stream, making it relatively easier for the followers, with the vegetation rating now changed from extreme to hard. The further advantage of being at the back, is that I could bring the flag back from the summit of Dean Hill. It was no longer dishevelled but proudly flying the DPFR colours thanks to Tom (W) who had time, whilst passing during the race, to put it back in place. Having now been promoted to Olympic flag carrier, I imagined a tumultuous welcome as I brought it back to the car park. No such luck, instead I was asked if I had done the full course! Yes, and I had the scars to prove it!
The Yorkshire Bridge Inn provided the venue for a long analysis of the race which ended with a suggestion of possibly repeating it at the time of the winter Olympics, there may be snow but the bracken should be down.
A good idea??
Graham