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November Newsletter

Mountain Hardwear Open 5 series

Sunshine in Slaidburn

What a great start to the Mountain Hardwear Open 5 series, high turnout, great route and sunshine all the way. Thanks must go to Emma for planning such a great course taking in the swirling Hully Gully, the epic but rewarding climb up to Bowland Knotts, and the muddy but scenic running route. Races are a great way to discover new areas for adventure and there was hardly a trail left untouched after the event - No doubts we will be back. It was a fantastic start to the winter season. Race report, results, free photos.

Remember, Remember the 5th of December

Did you have so much fun at the last race that you can't wait to get out there again and improve your score? Could you have done better at Slaidburn and are itching to prove yourself at the next event? Well make sure you have signed up to the next event in the North York Moors.

Mountain Hardwear, Open 5 Series
Sutton Bank, North York Moors - 5th December
Kirby Stephen, Northern Dales - 6th February
Bakewell, Peak District - 6th March
Grizedale, Lake District - 3rd April

note despite the weather we are still planning to run the Sutton Bank event with a modified course - please check the website

Suunto Core

Andy Sallabank is the man behind most of Special Stages with Open Adventure (yes he does have a crazy sense of humour). As a full time Outdoor Instructor and the Deputy Team Leader of a Mountain Rescue Team, he is particular about the kit he uses. As a big fan of Suunto we got him one of Suunto's new CORE watches.

We asked him why the CORE?

• Big friendly readable numbers, very accurate altimeter and simple compass
• The Menu system appears complex at first but is really simple once you get used to it
• Warnings that your compass needs re-calibrating, unlike the older Suunto models
• The Time is clearly visible in all modes
• Love the Sunrise/Sunset information

Any negatives Andy?
On the down side Altitude Log system access is more complicated than the Vector, and it's not as simple to switch from Altimeter to Barometer, but the Auto-switch system kind of works for that if you are stopping for any period of time. It's also a bit of a big watch on my skinny wrists!
Basically it's a great watch. Oops mustn't call it that - Suunto say it is a "wrist-top computer", it is!

How to get your very own Suunto from Open Adventure
Sabrina Verjee was the lucky winner of a Suunto M5 at the last Mountain Hardwear Open 5 event. Sabrina won the watch at the raffle after the event - wise move staying behind for the results, so be sure to hang on for that extra cuppa!

Kayak Skills

We can recommend our water experts to help you with your preparation for our events.

Wales - James Stevenson is the Open Adventure Water Safety advisor. James basically makes decisions on all things involving a paddle at our events. So if you need to get up to speed for the Coast to Coast kayak awards or you are interested in additional kayak tuition then why not check out his website - www.adventureelements.com

The Lakes - Windermere, Canoe and Kayak is the Lake Districts premier paddle sports service. WCK are very familiar with all things Open Adventure, so if it is skills you are after or buying a kayak then check out their website www.windermerecanoekayak.com

Be a part of the Team - Got an injury or perhaps you are coming to watch your partner at the next race? We are always looking for volunteers to help us at these events so if you think you can lend a hand please contact us.

Well thats all from us - look forward to seeing you at a race soon.

James Thurlow

PS New kayak event next year (22nd May) to be run on the day after the Open5+ in North Wales in association with Adventure Elements. Details in next newsletter.

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