Cakes of Bread

Cakes of Bread on Wed 27th Apr 2016

Andy's RO report to follow anon. And in its absence, Graham writes:

"Another account of the 2016 Cakes of Bread race

It is, of course, the race organisers' prerogative to choose a route which suits their tastes and preferences and so it was for Andy Harmer's 33rd running of the Cakes of Bread. In deference to the nesting season, the race had been moved to earlier in the year which avoided any midge and bracken nuisance and indeed, far from it, as there was a slight covering of snow on this year's route. Starting traditionally from the meadow below the dam wall, this time in all our winter gear, the first check point was Pike Low thus reversing many years of it being the last check point. This provided a bit of a puzzle as there were at least three ways up to it of which only two were used. After going through the new access point, there was a split in the 30 or so starters, to the left and to the right, this latter one being used in previous races, as a descent. Initially it proved to be encouraging but, subsequently, a steep climb in deep heather rather spoilt that optimism. No choice now, so onward to the stile for a final climb to the top. Up to this point Moz and I were together but now our paths diverged, with Moz bearing off to the right into DovestoneClough which he thought was obligatory (it wasn't) whilst I followed a left line into Far Deep Clough. Another deep heather climb out of it provided a further challenge which was rewarded with a small sheep trod to the head of DovestoneClough. Distant figures climbing up to the edge gave a rough check on the direction and the rest of the climb was all a question of avoiding yet more deep heather. Going over the edge where I had my last view of both Andy and Moz, but had my first view of Mark who was being Safety Officer and sweeper for the race (thanks to him), the Cakes of Bread came into view. It needed a bit of a stint on the flagstones before cutting over the heather to reach them. Back over the edge, the next check point, the corner of a small wood above Near Deep Clough, appeared in what seemed like the far distance. Overhearing later pub conversations, some stronger runnerschose the direct line, down and out of Far Deep Clough where they encountered some hard and steep terrain. Whilst the alternative around the Cloughs involved some rough ground, there was less climbing and it did give a most magnificent distant view of a completely snow covered Lose Hill and the adjacent Back Tor. A dash (at least, I thought it was) to the finish from the obligatory stile completed the race back at the meadow where Penny, who'd finished the race earlier, was collecting finishing times. Moz, Andy and Steve (soon off to Brazil perhaps for some hot, humid training?) followed soon after. If the race does not become a classic, perhaps it ought to, because of the route opportunities (and Pertex ones!), the terrain, the height climb and the views. Overall, another goodsummertime DPFR race!"