Photos online at last

After much faffing around, there are hundreds of our photos now on the web: http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/andymcp_photos/SIPR/

 

A

 

Totally knacked but happy!

And more important, in the bar at Troon!
A
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Finished!!!!

2nd in class, 9th overall. Yee-ha!!!!!
A
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Troon marina. The end is nigh!!!
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Troon!
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Troon in sight

Hi all
Think this will be my last blog before david and I make the last run to the marina office.
Boys recovering well and andy will be flaking out the minute we arrive!
We were becalmed at lamlash and I forgot to say we had to put david up the mast to sort out the lazy jacks just before the runners came back. The last day has been according to our current form - not smoothly!
Wet through but cannot wait for some champagne and a shower.
Your messages have kept us all going and the donations all worth while - well done you too.
C xxx
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Arran

I am never going there again. That run and climb was the hardest thing I have ever done. There is zero left in the tank. Can't even sum up the energy to eat. But in a couple of hours we will be arriving in troon and finished. And then, finally, I can think of beer :)
A
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We're off!!

Boys made a remarkable sprint and came onboard at 0615. Dave ok and tucked up warm in bed.
Another marathon run with poor visibility wind and rain.
spirits back to usual Ogun highs!
c
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Were not out yet!

Quick update can't change runners would mean disqualification.l this has motivated the boys who are now running and will be here in 20. Cosy beds await and soup ready.
We may even catch the others in super Ogun...
C
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Not going our way

Still waiting for Andy and Dave to return and Dave struggling due to cold. It started raining more or less when they left the boat and you could see the cloud gathering around goat fell. The weather has certainly not been kind to us and I think our luck may just have run out.
Andy speaking to marshalls about possible swap between Dave and David to get is home.
In the meantime 2 boats we think in our class have come in dropped off and picked up and left in last half hour.
The boys aren't far away in brodick so don't worry they are safe although exhausted wet and cold. They are well supplied and will be ok.
Gutted we got this far. Can see troon in the distance.
However its not over yet!
C
Ps Jill David has misplaced his phone so prob best to keep an eye on the blog.
Pps granny and grandpa sime will be a wee bit longer than anticipated. Will phone once we know what's happening.
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Runners at the ready...

Feeling some pangs of panic as andy taking the phone away to get a photo of the summit. How I'll cope without blogging every 2 mins I'm not to sure probably wise to wean me off this thing slowly!
Wind has dropped a bit but getting there. No rain here yet but coming in along with some wind so we should make troon ok.
P
Can't see who's in but know 1 all rounder is there. Fingers crossed no others!
Allowing about 6hrs for run so its gonna be a long night - but we have gin :)
Catch u all soon reading out the comments keeping us all laughing.
C x
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High drama at sea

Whilst eating the next batch of soup (mum this time dave thought the cauliflower soup like the cappucino of coffee and he's now undecided which one was better) have heard a pan pan call on the vhf from the troon ferry someone is overboard about 3 miles away. Not us at least! Hot off press! Casualty back on board helicopter on way...

Anyway all ok here.. Can't keep up with all the action!!! Gps just died ... Will be re-charging batteries asap!!!!

Dave well up for running think just keen to get off the boat! Going well - fingers and toes crossed that's the drama over with!

Alison - think how we look when we've just finished running then add 2 days of unwashed everything... L'oreal good but not a miracle worker :)

We all send our thanks for the comments keeping spirits high

C

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Almost round pladda

Just overtaken the army boys (again) and approaching the lighthouse, desperate to get round that final run. Looks like we might summit in the dark and have a night sail to Troon but who cares?! Last time we checked nobody from class 3 had arrived arran. In total it seems like 29 of the 42 starting entries have retired so just making the finish line will be immense if we keep going. Everyone has given 100% to this and kept their heads when we got into tricky spots - amazing teamwork. But what has really kept everyone going has been the ability to read your comments and share the fun. Its been a great comfort when wet and cold! Just one more night to go....
A
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Coming up to pladda on arran

8.4 miles to bottom of arran raining heavily and wind a bit fluky but ogun taking all in her stride.
I've had a row from my mum re my language so I'm very sorry everyone :) will behave now!
Dave is currently in hiding we hope to get psyched for run but he's had a bit of bother with seasickness (no wonder!) So poor david is thinking he may have another run to do.
Bequia now finished 5th overall and 4th in class which is well deserved after sailing through last night and having 1 injured runner (knee prob). Well done guys!
Andy on full adrenalin rush as we are now racing someone - could be some poor bloke trying to get home but that apparently doesn't matter there is a smell of a win in the air - or os that just me?
C
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Leaving the mull behind us

We're through safe! Pretty wild ride and big seas but all sights now on arran. Last we heard there were only 3 class 3 boats left racing and none have checked in for goat fell. Dare we think the unthinkable?!
A
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Round the mull...

Have had word we may be only boat in our class left so many have dropped out but not confirmed yet. Huge boost altho boys seem in their element surfing the tide and waves whilst going round the mull. Me - I may barf on their hotdogs if I don't get out this galley soon.
Another top tip for you all - if you need to diet come with us on Ogun and you'll never feel the need to eat again. Unfortunately nausea a side effect of this diet. (Effects are marvellous tho)
C
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Round the mull!

Just passing mull lighthouse. Would send a pic but conditions are interesting!
A
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Jill...

David sends love. And kisses to you and rachael. Don't get ready for troon for a long time! Hoping to be in through tonight/ early morning but will need to see how long this leg takes us. Seas freshening and getting quite exciting now. 11 miles to mull lighthouse but tide with us.
Will keep u all posted.
C
Ps dave has some colour back!
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Mr Gibson the skipper!

Not only does this man run hills, he sails at full race pace too!
A
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Carrying on

Forecast in 5-6 reducing to 4 so on we go. Bit bumpy and dave sick but feeling better.
Don't think will be blogging much today and will keep you all posted as much as poss.
David enjoying messages from home and feeling pretty good after his runs. Dave is a bit green...
Hanging in there and all in good form.
C
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We're on our way!

Having had a team chat have decided to give the mull a go. Wind blowing 5-7 so shouldn't be as bad as last night...
The 2 daves had an epic run yesterday that sounds as though they shouldn't have been there. Sounds as though they grouped together with others and was team effort. They then had a good night in the hotel and are back for more!
5 boats have finished 22 retired and 12 sat it out in craighouse.
1 boat ahead of us so not the only mad ones!
Bequia made it eventually in to lamlash at 0500 and sound completely traumatised by their night!
Wish us luck - sun is out and tramping along at 5 knots. Will be a while :)
C
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Still on jura!

Sat out a very rough night on the moorings, woken to a slightly less windy day. 12 other boats did the same, some now looking like they are about to leave.
Have called the hotel to rouse the boys, they should be back on board inside the hour and we will then come to a team decision on whether to head for the Mull or retire. Advice from those already round Mull is bias towards not going - think Bequia had a pretty rough time of it last night!
Off to re-check tides, will check back in later.
A
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Runners are in

Conditions terrible still but runners are in and will sit it out in hotel until safe enough to row back to boat.
Boats coming and going as they test conditions. One more retiral (cause unknown) but all fine otherwise. Have clean hair again so general smell not quite as bad!
C
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Dinner time!

Chaos all round with the weather but that's no excuse for not having a proper meal!
A

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Weather is having fun with us!

All safe and well, just had text from guys to say they are descending from last summit. Yachts are returning for shelter, we know others have bolted to gigha to ride things out. Are going to get the boys back and hole up till the worst is past, then its race time! Should prove fun as it packs the fleet back together!
A
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Decision made...

Just hear from bequia who are being hammered on way to mull. They're stopping in gigha for some respite so we've decided to sit tight in the meantime to let things cool down as forecast predicts.
All well and want to keep it that way!
C
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Forecast is in

Force 5-7, occasional gale force 8 then decreasing to 3 or 4 later over the coming 24hrs. Would prefer 4-5 all the way, but I'll take this forecast and be happy!
Had the force 8 been forecast as persistant we would have stayed in Jura to either ride it out or retire. As things are, game on!
A
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Still on Jura

Woke up to sound of wind and rain, getting used to that on this race! Couple of hours of sleep under the belt now and feeling a bit more human. That's a whole 3 hours since Friday morning and unlikely to be any more till we finish - thinking of starting a series of stupidity leagues for the team
: Member With Least Sleep, Member With Longest Worn Pants, Member With Smelliest Sweatiest Thermals (hotly contested that one) etc etc.
Estimate the boys should be over half way round by now - the relentless climbs and descents will give their legs a bit of grief. Still about 20 boats in harbour so we are doing ok. Bequia had gone when we woke so presume whatever drama their runners had has been sorted.
Now just a case of waiting for a safe return then head to the Mull with a tiny rag of sail out and hope the tides are kind.
A
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Arrived craighouse

J
Arrived about 20mins ago and dropped the 2 ronnies off and they're away.
Surprised to see bequia still here as we know they had a great sail down and arrived at 0530. Runners not been seen and concern is growing a bit. They did take a while last year so let's hope all ok.
Having more tea and fruit loaf before a wee sleep to be ready for the mull tonight.
All well here!
C
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Dave packing for next run... Or trying to find more soup!
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David reserving energy for next run
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Tony protesting at having pic taken
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Andy at helm
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Not quite there yet!

Making good progress and have taken a few scalps along the way which is boosting morale.
Maybe about 2hrs to go yet winds quite light for now and waiting for force 8 later...
Spending my time feeding this lot altho not sure how dave will take the news that the blanket soup is finished...
C
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For all those who use mascara...

After a night of getting wet I think its important to let you all know how good l'oreal waterproof mascara is! None down cheeks and in with unwashed hair sweaty wet clothes I may not look glamorous but bloody hell the lashes do :)
Just fed the troops with bacon rolls and tea. Andy in bed at last and tony catching and passing the opposition.
David feeling good after run yesterday and raring to go again.
Haven't seen bequia since salen but think they will be miles ahead!
So from the smelly lashes - see ya!
C x
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We are alive!!

Good morning bloggers! We've had quite an eventful night with wind coming and going other boats flying all over the place and wet runners to look after.
We are at the back but not last and spirits are quite high and trying to get through past coryvr.
C
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Ben mor and back

Were so shattered when we got back that we didn't post. Made it safely home just as all the wind died and caroline and david jad to row us out into the sound. Spent the next few hours under pressure as the wind filled in and we had to reef and avoid other yachts in the dark. All went well until Duart where the wind died and we are now becalmed.
Massive kudos to David W for getting us up Ben Mor and passing a few teams along the way. We made a couple of beginner errors along the way but in the mental winds it was epic to just make it round. Winds gave problems on the boat too with plenty having to reset anchors.
Still, enjoying the peace now and might even get my first sleep of the race soon.
A
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Ben mor summit!

Made it, 7:16pm!
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Andy and David at the summit of Ben mhor!!!

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Boats are circling...

People getting ready to go. All looking impatient and boats circling the pick up point like vultures. As long as I get my 2 boys back well be ok! Rain now on and wind strong. Hankies will be out for sailing later.
C
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Sorry false alarm! It was a youth team away who run a shorter course!

Wind picking up again but anchor holding... Engine is on just in case!
C
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First runners off the hill at 18 30... 24 miles in approx 3.5 hrs...

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Hairy moments

Had to re anchor 3 times. Gusty wind and seaweed bed not making a happy stop. Thank goodness bequia there to guide me! When the chips are down Col Ian and Jeremy there 100%. Wish I could have a gin... Stomach in knots and very glad ice got lots of loo roll and clean pants. Need to go and check anchor... C x
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Arrived at salen

Arrived at 4 and David and Andy off ashore for first 24 mile run up Ben mhor.
Tony Dave and I anchored quickly whilst others fannying around. Weather dry and windy. Having a cup of tea to celebrate with some of mums fruit loaf. 2nd time she's saved the day after veg soup revived dave - apparently like a warm blanket mum!!!
All well on Ogun :)
C
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Part one, oban run

Top run from dave and david, back on board with no dramas. Leading boats left oban in a gale, we got stuck in a wind hole and had an interesting encounter with the Calmac ferry while completely unable to move. Pretty sure their gestures weren't formal seafaring signals...
Now well on towards Salen, enjoying fair winds and made up 3 places. So now third last :-)
A
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We're off!

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Were off!

Waiting for runners with a tiny dinghy!! I really don't know how well fit and other rowers loving it!
C
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Getting ready...

Well the runners have gone to the start the boat is getting last minute checks and were all wrapped up in our thermals and wet weather gear. Its blowing 35 knots which is a Tad blowy!! Not looking forward to rowing in for the runners! 20 mins to start...
C
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Getting closer....

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Race day!

Not sure if its nerves or excitement, but the whole team are a bit quiet this morning. Good forecast, cloudy just now and to rain later but good sailing conditions. Morning briefing is a hive of activity while C and the Bequia boys make a last minute Tesco dash. David's brother has text to say its looking good for a fly-past to see us off!
BBC are floating around - our reliable sources tell us they will have a film crew on each island. Maybe we should have showered this morning....
Next update from the start!
A
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Checked in & ready

Been to check in and have passed inspection. What kind of half cocked outfit let's people like us into the race? Minor mishap on arrival in oban, I like to think of it as giving the next door boat a hug. Insurance probably has it down as a collision but what do they know? No damage done.
Seen the competition. They look fast, fit and keen. But we have nicer polo shirts and a better team name so its game over. Dave G is so focussed on the race he left his phone on the boat while we went for dinner to avoid interruptions. Nothing comes between Mr G and his food. Sorry Eleanor.
Time for night nights, big day tomorrow. Sleep tight blogosphere.
A
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Setting off!

Peaked Too Soon are off!

A

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Arrived!

Well onboard the boat and everything stowed away. ALL the boys... Shopping!! Setting off soon once they've all bought their accessories :)
Caroline
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We've had our glitch for the mission

Mr Gibsons focus was interrupted by an impatient taxi driver this morning, and he has managed to leave his phone behind - so checking the twitter site may prove a touch uneventful.
But the team are on our way on the Peaked Too Soon bus heading north for Croabh. Feels good to be moving.
A

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Mr Gibson has done a twitter too!

http://twitter.com/davrosstavros

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What's the race?

Someone kindly pointed out that there was no link to what the race actually is on this blog. Well, now there is:

 

http://www.sipr.zetnet.co.uk/

 

In simple terms:

1. Run round Oban, then row little dinghy out to yacht
2. Sail to Salen on Mull
3. Run 24 miles up Ben Mor (and back)
4. Sail to Craighouse, Jura
5. Run 14 miles up a few of the Paps (and back)
6. Sail to Lamlash, Arran
7. Run 18 miles up Goat Fell (and back)
8. Sail to Troon
9. Run to the marina office. Then the pub. Don’t come back. :-)

 

A

Gotta love this preparation thing

Brought the car into work today (so I can go collect last minute supplies at lunchtime), spent the traffic jam into work mentally ticking items off the list. C is ‘working’ from home today, via LIDL and Makro, while simultaneously cooking a giant chilli. On arrival at work there’s a bright orange survival bag on my desk – another item off the list. Still pondering the wisdom or not of getting a handheld GPS as backup. Or do I spend less money on a video camera? Decision, decisions…..

At this rate we might even be ready to roll on time tomorrow!

A

 

Almost d-day

…and the main relief will be that the shopping is over! Was reading this morning in the Times that there are definite signs of an economic recovery. No bloody wonder. I think a small micro-economy has been generated from this race, shared between Tiso, Greaves, Run4it and Kip Marina chandlery, with all showing marked improvements in turnover during the last 2 months. The team did a show-and-tell on the remaining things we need to acquire before race day, and I think it’s now down to a mere 10 items each.

 

Still, our nominated chief rivals, the rather damp squib ‘Team Bequia’ on the entry list (they assure us they have a far better name now, but somehow I’m not expecting much) emailed C today to offer to double their sponsorship donation in the unimaginable – their word – event that we beat them across the line at Troon. Having checked the SIPR rules, there is no mention of sabotaging competitors boats being a penalised offence…….

 

Good news on the sponsor front – Cancer Research now over our £1000 target. RNLI showing a healthy £873 and Maggies doing well too on £638. Some people have offered to double their money if we keep this blog updated during the race. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed so far. If you feel the need to shell out more, the link as ever is http://www.justgiving.com/idoxpeakedtoosoon

 

A

More progress.

Boat insurance checked - we are now clear to race! Transport arranged with special thanks to West Coast Motors for delivering us to Croabh the day before the race. If we can only now sort out the weather to be a repeat of last years sunshine it will all be good!

A

Peaked Too Soon is born

First post, although not the start of the story. Somehow we have convinced ourselves to do the Scottish Islands Peaks Race in 2009, and this is where we will be ableto post updates on training, preparation, and other general larking around that leads up the race day on the 15th May 2009. Some silly people did mention that they would double their sponsor money if we posted updates, so here we are! Donate away on http://www.justgiving.com/idoxpeakedtoosoon and help us support some nice people that do nice things with your money.

Cheers,

A