Supporting Billy Bland Challenge - Saturday 18th June 2016

I offer to provide road support to the Helm Ladies Vet Team in their attempt of the Billy Bland Challenge. This is a relay of the Bob Graham Round, run as a relay in pairs.

I often think that supporting can be harder work than actually running; once Kate and Ali set-off from the Moot Hall we head to Threlkeld, lights out soon after 00:30 and alarm set for 03:00.....and the flippin hounds keep us awake !

Then it's a quick hand over of the batten and Jo and Jayne head off into the dawn to run leg 2; for me it's a drop off into Keswick and then to Dunmail, and again an attempt of some sleep. This time it's lights out by 04:00'ish and alarm set 06:45....and this time the flippin traffic keeps us awake. 

But all is going to plan, the girls are running well and Carrie and Kath head off on the longest session (leg 3) ahead of schedule. For me it's a drop off in Threlkeld and then time to grab a monster breakfast in Keswick.......large coffee, porridge with honey and boiled eggs with soldiers, that does the job.

Then pick up Marie and Amanda, and passenger Craig, to head to Wasdale, an hour or so drive. 

Wasdale is a busy place on a sunny June Saturday, mini-buses block the road and I'm not my usual mild mannered self ! But once parked there is plenty of time to chill and wait for the handover; again this goes well and ahead of schedule and allows Kath and I sometime to relax....sneakily head to the campsite for a shower, tea and some food before packing up and the long, slow drive to Honister. 

Well this is where things get interesting, barely time to enjoy my icecream and like the classic scene from Zulu, Marie and Amanda appear unexpected over the horizon and are fast approaching the changeover ! Sarah and Sharron are baren't ready and hastily get sorted before heading off on the final leg, well ahead of the schedule. 

We pack up quickly and head to Newlands Church, a critical transition from fell to road shoes. They are a little later here than expected, but still well ahead, due to a misplaced batten......say no more on this ! Then the pair, joined by Kath run the road section to Keswick and we meet them at the Moot Hall, 17hrs 43mins after they set off......what an achievement and what a great day. 

Then to the Square Orange for a well deserved beer and pizza.