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Maumturks Challenge 2014 Tips for someone attempting for the 1st time
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2014-04-02 15:48 | |
Quote:
Originally Posted by davycc View Post
Anybody doing this this year Maumturks Challenge or have done it in the past?
Is it really as gruelling as they say
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Any tips for someone attempting for the 1st time.
As someone who has never done it, but who has volunteered to act as a checkpoint steward for a few years now, I'd suggest the following:
Navigation: vital - I don't use GPS, but some people pre-load the route into their devices and thus save a lot of time. If you are a committed map-and-compass user like me, you could always do a detailed route card in advance to save time on the day - having your bearings and distances all worked out would be great and though it would take quite a bit of time (since there are so many kinks and short legs), it would be great for a first timer to get the route down on paper (and into their head too...).
Remember that every walker whould be a competent navigator with map and compass in hand - if only one in your group can navigate, then you must realise that you cannot now split your group as the day evolves - this may be a significant handicap.
Terrain: Depending where you normally walk, the terrain in the Maamturks can surprise - it is rough and rocky, especially in the first half (starting from the Corcóg end), so don't think you'll be whizzing up and down grassy slopes as you would be elsewhere in the country...
Preparation: Get fit! Pre-register if you can in order to save time on the morning. Even if you can't pre-register, see if you can download the application form and fill it out before you arrive in order to save time at the start - you'll still have to join the queue for people who haven't registered, but when you pay your few quid and get your sticker, you won't be trying to fill in details on the bonnet of a car in the dark.
Gear: Choose carefully what you bring and what you leave behind - the weather will influence your decisions. Don't carry too much - don't leave essential stuff behind...
Pace: Keep up a good pace - don't go too fast to keep up with others and don't delay either. Don't waste time at checkpoints, on breaks, with photos etc etc - keep going steadily as best you can with few delays.
Safety: Make sure your mobile is charged and has credit. Make sure the organisers have your mobile number (on your application form). If you leave the walk before the finish, make sure the organisers know where you are. Ideally only leave the walk at Finishes 1, 2 or 3 - if you have to leave by a different route, tell checkpoint staff beforehand if you can. In any case, call Walk Control when you arrive down safely - otherwise all the checkpoint stewards on the hill after the last point at which you were last seen will be held on the hill until you are found...
Enjoy it - I'll keep a few sausages for ya!
DS |
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