Ace Races 2002 - a report by Nik Cook

Ace Race adventure series

20-21 April 2002 Cannock Chase

In between training weekends, getting certified for horse riding, sea kayaking and rope work Team Putney Speedos, in preparation for Adrenaline Rush 2002, actually managed some racing. After a successful 3rd place in the first Quest race of the year (read miserable day on Marlborough Downs) by the three male team members we settled on the first of the two day Ace Race series to compete as a full team.

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Unfortunately team android and relentless pace pusher Jon had buggered his knee up during a 9 hour training run over the Peak District (he wanted to work on his endurance) so we opted to draft in Lisa (an experienced Kiwi racer) to join myself (team new boy), Chris (captain/navigator) and Sonya (2nd part of Dynamic Kiwi duo). Not a bad team on paper but, not wishing to put too much selection pressure on Jon, we looked forward to the weekend as a good low key fitness builder……

Arriving at “Ace Base” at 1900 I was the first Speedo to make an appearance. Finding a wonderful (last one left) campsite with en suite (next door to porta-loos) facilities I set about clearing fir cones and registering the team. Quick tip for anyone doing one of these races in the future, don’t be the stupid sod who registers the team as you’ll be lumbered with the check-point (CP) key and destined to spend a large proportion of the weekend in brambles, gorse and up to your knees in ditch water. Eventually the rest of the team arrived and before long the campsite was set up. After a superb feed courtesy of Wilf’s Catering Team Putney Speedos made their first monumental tactical decision, the ground was actually hard and dry so a frenzied period of tyre changing followed as the semi-slicks made their first appearance of the year. Always guaranteed to precipitate torrential rain-fall but as both of the girls had turned up with motor-cross tyres on we felt it was worth the risk. It was then that Chris and I noticed quite how palatial the girls tent was and quite how poxy ours’ was in comparison. However, even after prolonged whinging on our part, they weren’t going to swap. So, Chris and I settled down to a night of kicking each other in the head.

Being greeted by a chirpy Kiwi, looking immaculate and well rested, informing you that you look like shit is the perfect way to start your day after one of the most uncomfortable nights sleep on record. Tent manufacturers are either compulsive liars, sadists or do all their testing with dwarfs. After breakfast and a quick briefing we were finally able to get on with the race. Looking round we recognised several other teams but knew that Team The North Face would be setting the pace.

The first discipline was a 4 hour foot orienteering leg. After plotting the CP’s on the map we made our way to the start for 0911. After clearing the electronic scoring key (being used for the first time on this race) and then checking it through the start box we were off. A quick sprint took us to where we found out which CP’s were dummies and which was the compulsory activator. Having plotted these we were then able to spend a few minutes planning a route before heading off to the first CP proper. Having found the approximate area of a CP you then rely on your route card description to find the small electronic box. Such a description will usually go along the lines of “tree 15m NW of track junction” but, in reality, it failed to mention the delightful, and often very prickly, flora that you’d have to pick through to get to it. This provided much amusement for my team-mates as I quickly started to acquire and interesting collection of cuts and scrapes on my legs. The run was going well and we were making good progress over the terrain. Although hilly it definitely wasn’t mountainous and allowed for continuous running without too much energy expenditure. Also, it was dry underfoot and boded well for our semi-slick choice on the bikes. Reaching the activator (obviously on top of a hill) we thought we were doing well and Chris was having a blinding day on the navigation front, keeping us convinced the whole time that he knew exactly where we were. The most unnerving factor though was that the sun was out….was this really a UK Adventure Race? With an hour or so to go we were heading home and picking up CP’s as we did so. One last CP collected and we were able to comfortably trot home with no need to rush to get inside our cut-off time.

Tagging in we had collected 19 CP’s and the official seemed to think this was pretty good so we settled down to a bit of food before the bike leg feeling pretty good. Ten minutes or so before our start we were all helmeted up and ready to go having plotted the bike CP’s it was then I realised my back tyre was completely flat! I must have pinched the inner when changing it last night. A quick panic, rapid use of tyre levers and auto-inflates and we just made our start time.

The bike followed the same format as the run ie 4 hours navigating to CP’s. Once again the dummies and activator were only revealed after your start time so route plans had to be made quickly. The CP’s were clumped in two distinct areas. We decided to collect the ones in the area with the compulsory activator and then see how we were doing for time before starting on the second area. A quick road section followed before turning off to bridle paths and to the first CP. Once again as the tag holder I was due for more fun and games with the first CP cunning hidden in a ditch. The next CP appeared to have vanished and after a few minutes of taking and re-taking compass bearings several teams were milling around the area all searching in vain or the mystery CP. A quick phone-call (where would adventure racing be without mobile phones?) to Ace Base, a description of the area and then confirmation that the box had indeed been removed but we would be credited with it. As always a break like this disrupts a teams rhythm and it took a little while to get back up to speed but, after having bagged a few more CPs, we were back up to race pace. The riding was superb, including some excellent single-track descents and technical climbing. I’ll definitely be returning to ride without the inconvenience of navigation and finding CPs. All the first zones CP’s collected, including the activator (at the top of Hell’s Hill!) we pushed on the road to try and get as many of the remaining CPs as possible. The road drag hurt, especially a long uphill, but before long we were on the CP hunt again and enjoying some more superb off road riding. Time was getting a bit short but we were confident of our ability to pick up a few more CPs and still make it back without accumulating any penalties. A roller-coaster of five steep technical descents followed by lung searing un-rideable climbs took us to our final CP before heading for home. One more superb long descent and a short road section and we were back at Ace Base with a good few minutes to spare and 19 CPs in the bag. We now had 3 hours to recover, re-fuel and prepare for the 90 minute night navigation leg.

As we ate, stretched and massaged each other results started to filter back and it was with shock that we learned we were leading the event. North Face had collected the same CPs as us on the foot leg but we had returned 1 second quicker and so won the leg. On the bikes we had collected one extra CP and so had a narrow lead. The stakes had suddenly risen and not only were we in with a good chance of a top three finish but also with taking the scalp of a very experienced and well funded team.

Donning head-torches and necking Red Bull we made our way down to the start quietly focussed on trying to hold onto our lead overnight. Again the CPs were distributed in 2 zones. The first being very close to the Ace Base but the second being further away and carrying a warning of only for experienced teams. However, the high points value of the CPs in the “Forbidden Zone” made a visit mandatory if we were to stay in the hunt. Having found out the dummies and the activator we opted on a route that took us through the first zone picking up CPs before an incursion into the Forbidden Zone for at least one high ranking CP. On the return leg we would then pick up as many extra CPs as time allowed. The legs felt good and before long we were in the area of the first CP. Annoyingly we wasted valuable minutes searching for that first CP which we eventually found hanging off a log over a stream. Setting off again (with very soggy feet) we knew we had to push and make no more mistakes to stay in the hunt. Chris, again navigated superbly, and after a tough climb had most of the zone one CPs, our “Forbidden CP” and were heading for home. 8 minutes to go about 1km from home, a short detour to one more CP…..do you go for it? We opted for a safe no and cruised comfortably into home pleased with our performance but wondering whether we could have picked up that last CP. As the results came in we were pleased to find we had come in second but unfortunately The North Face had blasted it picking up two high scorers in the Forbidden Zone. The “extra CP that might have been” wouldn’t have effected the rankings but would had put us to bed a little nearer to the North Face who were now leading the race.

No problems sleeping, it’s amazing what a little bit of exercise can do, we woke up feeling refreshed, if a little sore in the legs, and ready for the second day. The first leg was a straight forward 5km point to point, picking up the location of the next CP along the way. As a simple race against the clock the team worked well together putting in fast running on sore legs. We then faced our nemesis. In the Quest Race earlier in the season we had won the run and bike only to drop to 3rd paddling the glorified lilos that masquerade as kayaks in so many of these races. Once again we consigned ourselves to the task of inflating these confounded craft before then trying to propel them for 8kms. As we set off upstream, to begin the purgatory, things were going reasonably we were going forwards and, most importantly, not too many people were passing us. If we could just put in a half decent performance a top three finish was on the cards. After the upstream leg a brief portage took us onto a canal where there were a few hairy moments involving barges and nesting swans. A final portage back to the river, then downstream to the start finish, for the transition to the final 10km point to point running leg.

Cold and wet after the paddle we were keen to get running but having tagged in at the start we soon realised that running could be a problem. Both Chris and myself are on the tall side and the best part of 2 hours cramp in kayaks with someone sat on your ankles does little for your running stride. Excuses aside we were running like old men and definitely holding the girls back who were flying. As the run went on and the hills took their toll Chris’ legs seemed to ease a bit but I was not having a good time of it. I convinced myself of the poxy nature of 10kms and resigned myself to an hour or so of discomfort. The team worked fantastically well together with Sonya giving me a much needed push up a few of the more severe hills. Cresting the final hill we pushed for the finish and posted, what we hoped, would be a good enough time to keep us in contention.

More food, breaking camp and we settled down in the sun to await the results. As the organiser came to the team section I felt the butterflies in my stomach. This “relaxed training weekend” suddenly meant something. The third place team was read out and went up to get their prizes. Had we screwed up the kayak so badly that we’d dropped out of the top three? Relief came as Putney Speedos were confirmed in second place behind the North Face. We had come in 4th in the Kayaks but 19 minutes back, which is a long way. However, our running had once again been strong winning both the 10 and 5km. There were no real feelings of what might have been but don’t be surprised if you see the Speedos frantically practising on a river near you soon!
,br> The Ace Race was superbly organised and allowed competitors to concentrate fully on racing without having to worry about administrative cock-ups that so often mire the sport. From the superb course and CP system to the excellent choice of caterer this was a race series that we will be definitely competing in again. With separate solo and pairs categories as well as the traditional teams these races are an ideal introduction to multi-day multi-sport racing for competitors of all abilities.

For more information about the Ace Races visit www.aceraces.com

Putney Speedos will be competing in the 2002 Adrenaline Rush and I will be reporting on our experience for www.eventrate.com We are keen to find a sponsor to help us with the cost of racing, if any companies are interested please contact me nikalascook@hotmail.com There would be no problem with changing the team name!

Nik Cook

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