Cabot Ten Tors

Hopefully now you’ve all recovered and all you have are treasured memories of a great Ten Tors Event.

A lot of work went into getting to this point and I’d just like to say thanks to a few of the people who made this possible before we delve into the event itself...

• Carey for making sure everyone does what they are meant to, when they are meant to and for picking up the pieces when they don’t!
• Laurence for sorting out all our finances and blessing us with his wealth of knowledge!
• The 'crew' who went down on Thursday to setup camp, taking two days off work to make sure everything was ready for you - Mark, Anna, Rich G, Sooty, Andy and me!
• Jenny for feeding everyone and tending to their every need – not an easy task.
• Mike for ensuring that on every hike you all started with full team kit - even if you didn’t always get back with it intact!
• All the other adults who I haven’t mentioned above but have helped to get you where you need to be in time for the event – Brian, Paul, Ray, Alan, Simon, Nat and Rich T.
• And lastly, but by no means least – all of you for your support and positive attitudes. It’s your determination and enthusiasm which keeps us old(er) people going.

So the event……

Friday went well, the teams were registered and once they turned up on site we quickly dispatched them to get their kit checked. This went really well with the 35 teams getting through quickly, the 45 teams both had a bit of a problem when they realised they’d left their packed lunches behind (fortunately before they had to present it)! The team briefing went off without a hitch and much to the dismay of those who have seen it before, the corny video was not being played!

Jenny provided a substantial dinner with some of the scouts coming back for seconds and even thirds of pudding and dinner! You were all promptly dispatched to bed because of your early starts, where you promptly chatted all night and didn’t get much sleep!

Woken at 5am by ‘Chariots of Fire’ and other inspirational songs you were all keen to get going. After a cooked breakfast and some team photos you were sent to the start, a slow walk saw you getting there just in time. A quick prayer and a shot from the cannon saw you on your way, we all promptly returned to camp for our breakfast and some sleep!

The weather throughout the event was great, the sun was out but the wind kept the temperature down, perfect walking conditions. All the teams made steady progress across the moor and we managed to catch up with some of you during the day to spur you on (it was just unlucky we had to wait at a pub for a few hours!).

Most of the teams made really good progress, getting the bulk of the mileage under their belts on the Saturday before bedding down for the night.

On Sunday the Brabazon 45ers were first back at 10.25! Great work, there was a complaint that there weren’t many spectators to greet them but that’s the price you pay when coming in so early (the bulk of the 400 teams get in about 14-15.00!).

Some of the 35ers weren’t far behind, Cabot getting in at 11.19 and hot on their heels, Spaniorum at 11.47. Next were the Polar 35ers at 13.06 and later came the BNW 35ers at 15.21 followed by the final 45 team BNW at 15.59.

We’re really proud of the teams’ achievements, as I’m sure they and you are. It’s no mean feat covering 35/45 miles in two days whilst carrying a third of your body weight! It’s always great to hear the individuals saying they’ll be back for more next year and can’t wait till they’re doing 55 as well.

So all that’s left to say is well done everyone and if you can spare a couple of minutes please give us your feedback so we can make it even better next year! –the 50th anniversary of Ten Tors.

See you at the BBQ on the 13th June; details will reach you in the post.

Until next time
Bryan