Goyt Moss Fell Race

Summer Series
Race 13

WednesdayJuly 25th.

I knew the race started from near the Cat & Fiddle but it was only when I actually arrived at the Snake Inn, that it dawned there had been a glitch in the software. Lack of time for usual pre-race preparation was eased by a downhill start. I was again deserted by my drinking colleagues. I'd missed Tony's preview of the race, they précised as too hilly and too dangerous. I lost a shoe in one bog  in the first k and fell in a second having spotted a better route than the rest of the field, but felt there was minimal threat to life and limb. I'm not better at these races than other 'senior' members, just more desperate for the points. I also find the variety more enjoyable than the same bit of tarmac for the third time at Llandudno or Great Warford. A limitation is that the narrowness of the course means that, for long stretches, overtaking is difficult, but overtaking was not a priority.

Malcolm strengthened his challenge for the 2012 title, as first Wilmslow runner in 6th. place, Andrew was 15th. , Tom 20th. and Mike 22nd.

Diane McVey brought our ladies home and was third overall. Diane Bygrave cemented her status as second lady and was the race's 1st.L35. Kate and Nicky were supreme in the race for the slightly more mature. Sally doesn't get to race as often as she'd like but made the most of the opportunity coming-in ahead of Janine, Sharon,Julie and Carolyn – but can I hear whispers of 19+ miles on Sunday (the training day "suitable for everyone")?  Nina and Sarah both run this type of course well. Cat travelled-up specially from Bournemouth, what price the mug and T-shirt? Angie had a problem, she and Gail kept the sweepers interested. The Ladies took the team prize.

Allan chalked up another division 2 first, followed by Diane and, on a course that suits his talents, Jon. Then Tony, Richard, Geoff and Jeremy.

Matt stepped-up a level in division 3 to beat Steve, who thrives on this terrain. Then the ladies split by Chris, maintaining his early season improvement, and John. My shoe loss meant I'd ground to regain. I caught Sarah and Nina near the top of the long descent and Don near the bottom. He sent me off in pursuit of Carolyn and Julie. Julie was working hard trying to keep ahead of Carolyn, she was very aware of where I was and I was focused on trying to close on her. Well, at least, until Nina re-appeared just behind me. In the end we all finished where we had been at halfway. A very pale-looking Andy emerged just in front of me in the final 400m before disappearing again, begging all and sundry for chocolate.

Further ahead was Sharon, another division 4 60 points, with success adding to her confidence. Trevor took 1st.M70.

Just as Roaches was for points and Bollington for pride, Great Warford is a very different challenge and, for those of us who already have seven races, the spoils for the week are already are probably already safely counted in.

Ian