The Outrun Zone - or Big Leggy's Blog

The outrun season has started and Neil Jaggard, who for the sake of anonimity and his own safety prefers to be known as Big Leggy, has once again been persuaded (is that right?) to expound on the pleasures of being let loose in the countryside with a bunch of fearless running friends. And so here is the runner's world and beer guide according to Big Leggy (ed - typed bear guide at first but I don't think it gets quite that wild):

OUT RUN 13 -- THE CAPTAIN'S CHOICE -- 12 September 2007

With the recent spell of bright sunny weather a further outrun was planned, The Hoby Half Hash, putting off Grange Drive and West Avenue for another week. The popularity for the Summer runs has been terrific this year with 19 runners this week with the lads again out numbered 2 to 1.

Who said ' A week is a long time in athletics' or something like that. Just when the 100% award has been decided Phil throws a spanner in the works 'was this week an official outrun'. After giving the matter but a moments consideration the answer is no as it was not on the card. This in no way derides the performance and dedication of Celia and Ian who along with Julie completed 12 outruns and the same number of pints at the various pubs, although in Ians case possibly a few more.

Through the village and on a footpath towards Ragdale, once the first ploughed field was negotiated the going got a bit easier with a nice downhill section into the bullock field. Theresa who only appeared at 2 runs, the Ashby wild west bullock fest and Hoby, was thrilled to see the playful cows galloping along side us the whole length of the field. Turning right and back towards Hoby the leaders, once again making their own route up and missing the last half mile, we all thought this was strange as Chris never gives up, however the reason became clear at the pub where he was sitting in the best seat for the football!

Beer of the week was Sweet Chariot although with the barmaid's defective hearing 2 of us got a sweet sherry - mm nice!?!

I'm off to hibernate now but I will be out and about across the fields (being mindful of my bio security) looking for new routes for next season.

OUT RUN 12 -- THE WALTHAM WOBBLE -- 5 September 2007

And almost finally

The last scheduled outrun of the summer took place from Waltham and what a pleasant surprise I had. After weeks of titchy car parks we were greeted by one of enormous proportions, how I longed to don the flat cap and direct the traffic, I was beside myself. In fact the car park was so big I heard a rumour that some of it may be sold off to provide affordable community housing within the village instead of filling every available space with 5 or 6 bed houses. It is however as I said only a rumour.

Just when it seemed we were going to need a run off, bingo or chin chan cholla (stone paper scissors to those of you who never watched the Good Life) to decide the winner of the 100% award winner, Celia one of the last two 100%ers called to say she couldn't run as the builders hadn't finished drinking tea and eating hob nobs so couldn't get their work done on time. This left, I am proud to say, only the lovely Julie J as the winner. In order to provide a prize befitting this prestigious award I am now in the process of extracting some cash from Chris Genes which as usual is proving very difficult, I recently drew blood from a large stone which was a piece of p--s in comparison!!!

The beginners group was down to only Julie this week but our gallant club captain Phil stepped in to run with her because he had a 'dodgey leg'. We all think he was assessing her potential as for weeks he has been trying to get the beginners group to enter a race.

Both groups headed up the village after waiting for any stragglers, late comers and people who have already altered their clocks, and across the race course before splitting at Bescaby. The main group ran through the woods towards Sproxton before turning past the first of two lakes back towards Bescaby. Liz, smiling as usual, had by the half way stage almost fallen over 4 times. This is a significant improvement on last year when the stumbles would have been falls. Is she making a bid to be voted the most improved runner 2007? She certainly gets my vote.

Heading past the second lake, and it finally happened just when we thought we would get away with it, Darryls ankle went for the umpteenth consecutive week. The cure is more off road running to toughen up the sinew and more stingers so the pain of the stings take your mind off the ankle, I'll sort an extra special route for next Wednesday.

The night was closing in as we headed across the tip back to Waltham running through the waterfowl gardens and a sprint finish down to the pub, modesty forbids me from saying that Chris was left trailing in my wake. I know he let me but I will always remember this moment.

A quick change before sampling Kronenburg 1664 which was this week's beer of the week.

OUT RUN 11 -- THE HOSE POSE - ON SAFARI -- 29 August 2007

I couldn't quite believe it as I turned into the Rose and Crown car park on Wednesday. I was taken completely by surprise, there I was thinking that nobody would bother dressing up in fancy dress and there they all were. It was just like Notting Hill Carnival, brightly coloured, flambouyant costumes, steel bands, whistles, trumpets, etc. Then I woke up, it was just a dream, similar to the one I have about everyone running straight through the puddles and the mud. In truth this does occasionally happen, unlike the one I have about Striders having a commitee meeting which really never happens!!

Some people did get dressed up though and it was great to see. I was a bit concerned about Ian the Post's get up. His wig looked suspiciously like the fur the badger was wearing (see last week) and I am wondering if there is a bald badger wandering the hills, freezing his badgers crotchet off. I was also unsure about Clive's attire, as I think he wears that to go shopping and down to the pub, he actually looked like a stray from the ramblers association. The undoubted star was Nick Brown who wore a blue shirt, well done Nick. I did hear one of the girls say she had nothing to wear does that mean ' I am down to my last 40 dresses? '

The run took us past Mount Pleasant (sounds like an old peoples home) and across the rolling plains of the Serengeti with its vast herds of wildebeeste and zebra, being hunted by packs of hyena and prides of lions. It was Clive who imagined this but I think his braces were too tight! Up into the Harby hills and along the plateau before dropping down into the valley. There were one or two muddy gateways, there is no truth in the rumour that running through mud will strip the flesh from your foot like piranhas up the Orinoco. We had, unbeknown to us, left Nick, Emma and Chris behind and as we were all running so fast they never caught up.

Over the old railway line, we now encountered two frisky horses who thought Ian and his wig were in full breeding plumage and were flashing their eye lids at him. Strange thing was he didn't seem to be in a hurry to get away. The group now split, half for some reason decided to run down the road while the rest headed across the fields back to Hose.

The fancy dress competition was won by Clive for his bloke from Monty Python costume. A collection was taken amongst ourselves for the air ambulance and we raised £44, thanks to everyone.

Only two 100%ers left (Julie and Celia) with Ian the Post having missed only one.

OUT RUN 10 -- THE SOMERBY STRIDE - BALD AS A BADGER-- 22 August 2007

Another good turnout of 16 runners at Somerby where (unusually) nothing happened. It was just one of those nights where we all set off and all came back. Actually, now thinking back, there were a couple of things. We blocked the car park again - you're probably thinking I go on a bit about car parking but having failed in my application (much to Tim's relief) for a job in nuclear waste, I have now set my sights much higher and have applied to National Car Parks and Melton Car Boot Car Parking Group for a job. I will keep you posted.

We left Somerby heading across the fields towards Burrough with some beautiful views but alas nobody fell over, lost their shoe or put their foot in a rabbit hole. The highlight for me came in Burrough Church yard where I deliberately held back to let the leaders go through heading for the footpath which they took on the left, waiting until they had climbed the stile I called them back as the route took us over the concealed stile to the right. I know it seems trivial that I derive pleasure from you taking the wrong route but at my time of life the little things make a world of difference to my otherwise hum drum existence (only joking Julie).

Out across the open fields towards the Leicestershire Round and those recurring nightmares we headed up to the top of Burrough Hill. I must at this point thank Darryl who once again completed the course without complaining about the stingers and thistles. Thanks Darryl.

Through the woods on the Dalby Hills path and a short road section took us to the bottom of a very steep climb and views over to Pickwell cricket ground (no match) and an easy to follow route, so easy in fact that even Nick Brown and six others didn't go wrong. Whilst they were making up their own route the stragglers were wildlife watching. Ian the Post stopped suddenly as a Badger ambled across the track in front of him. It was clearly not bald and was in fact quite hairy indeed, if anyone knows the origin of the phrase please let me know, it might be useful.

It was getting dark as we reached the pub, the girls who had completed the alternative shorter route around Knossington and Owston before returning on a section of the route which will from now on remain nameless, were already back and on the beer of the week - Slaters Summer Soother.

OUT RUN NINE -- THE REARSBY RAMBLE -- 8 August 2007

Four Wheels on My Waggon, Five Seats in My Waggon but only One Person actually in it. Stilton Striders brought the sleepy village of Rearsby to a halt on Wednesday as 24 of us went to the Wheel Inn for the latest outrun. The poor landlord didn't know what to say, he just stood there speechless (not a condition I have ever suffered with myself!) as every last inch of his (in truth very very tiny, some would even call it pathetic) car park was filled up. I had tried to inform him of our run but apparently the pub is ex-directory!!! Please try and share cars next time at Somerby on August 22nd as they also only have a small car park. Still at least he had a full pub which is probably something that doesn't happen very often on a Wednesday.

Due to Foot and Mouth in the country the original run which would have taken us through Farmer Grumpys yard was changed to a melange of three other runs to form a cracking 7.1 mile run - according to Julie Doolys GPS which was later confirmed by my more reliable o/s map and string technique.

The first 200 yards gave everyone the choice of the footbridge or running through the ford, and once again the tough Striders didn't mind getting their feet wet as all of us ran across the ford causing a tsunami which accounted for 3 ducks, 2 tiddlers and a partridge in a pear tree. Off up hill, past the church the short route turning left through the convent (its the nun thing again, see last week, maybe its habit forming) and along the road to Thrussington. The longer route was already becoming strung out as we headed across the fields admiring the views of the Wreake valley towards Brooksby. We stopped by the fishing lake to group up, I should have recognised the warning signs at this point as their eyes wandered towards the anglers. Into Rotherby and a left by the church took us over the railway and into bullock country, they seemed passive but were they just worried about F and M, this is not to be confused with S and M which I'm told is painful but not fatal.

Grouping up again whilst watching more fishermen we crossed the river and made for Thrussington and the only muddy part on the run. It was here where the route could have split but everyone chose to carry on with the long run so it was an uphill road section before a left and downhill back towards home. The easy to follow route allowed them all to run on ahead as I waited at the back to keep us all together. However on reaching another pond all of them had taken the wrong route and decided to go fishing and were looking for rods and digging up worms, its ok if you're bored with the route and would prefer the non stop action, extreme sport of fishing thats ok by me. This diversion allowed Liz and Lucy to take the lead, a position they did not want to give up and they set a hot pace as we reached the old mill, waving to Mr Smug sitting by the river with his chilled glass of chablis whilst reading Harry Potter. Back over the railway line and a nice green lane to the finish. Beer of the week was Summer Lightning and our old favourite Greene King ipa.

Voting is now closed for the September 5th run and the winner was the Waltham Wobble. Next outrun is Somerby on August 22nd and will be a different course this year.

Don't forget the Hose Pose on August 29th a prize for the flashiest gear. Its our charity night as well so if you would like to make a donation for the air ambulance at this run that would be appreciated. The landlord is collecting on behalf of his daughter (and my former secretary) Lisa who was tragically killed last December.

Must go now as I'm just writing my application for a job in the nuclear waste industry, I've always wanted to see Chernobyl in the spring, now where did I put those marigolds? I am actually writing this whilst queuing for a burger and profiteroles (which seem to be as elusive as Gary Postle). Its now 8am Saturday and I am told they will be done shortly although there is no salad left.

OUT RUN EIGHT -- The McGarry Meander - The Incedible Journey -- 25 July 2007

Twelve Striders crossed the county line and headed for the Granby Arms in Granby for the latest guest pathfinder route of the year and I thought I would be able to enjoy the run without the worry of getting you all home safely. How wrong I was.

Heading out on the road towards Plungar, before a left across the fields to a flooded a track, all of us without exception ran through the water with none of us pussy footing around trying to find a dry route around the edge and along the verge as this would have been a bit weedy and not brave at all. Its the excitement of not knowing whether the next puddle will be the one with Dr Foster in it (wonder what he thinks of Gloucester now?).

Another bit of cross country before reaching the canal with the groups splitting at this point the girls (not Debbie) went right and headed for home with Kathrine and Imogen miles & miles (well a few hundred yards) in front of Julie, Lucy and Celia, who was nursing an injury. It was at the split point that the old mother hen in me came out and, as the main group headed towards Redmile, I went back to check on the last three girls who were ok but some way behind and I ran with them to the canal. I now had my own problems - where had everybody gone? Not being the pathfinder I had no map - not being Chris Southam I had no speed to catch up, surely somewhere locked up was the memory of last year's run. The thought of running it the wrong way round and meeting them near Redmile began to take shape in my mind. Landmarks became familiar - I was sure we went past that pond, I recognised that particular sheep! I was now on a roll, keeping Belvoir Castle on my right, I knew I wasn't far away but had they taken a different path? Doubts began to run through my head but then in the distance I was sure there was a movement, was it a trick of the light? No, they appeared to be human. Were they friendly? Should I risk it? Then as I got closer it was the rest of the group and I was safe once more. It was then I remembered the old saying ' You Can't Get Lost Around Here'.

A short road section through Barkstone and back along the flooded track to Granby to the fine selection of real ales on offer including Old Hop Head, MayBee, Golden something or other, Piscarola and Elsie May or Ellie Moe I can't remember it was getting late.

OUT RUN SEVEN -- The No Watch Race or The Best Night For Running Of The Summer So Far But Fewer People Turned Up Than Usual -- 18 July 2007

Not the snappiest title and it would probably not fit across the back page of a broadsheet newspaper but none the less true on both counts.Those of you who were unable to attend were the losers that night as an elite band of 9 potential winners lined up outside the Berkley Arms, which by a strange coincidence happened to be the winner of The Rutland Times pub of the year (see Manton Mash report), we are now searching for the bronze medal winner and would appreciate any information. Pint of the Week Green King IPA and Wadworth XB.

All the runners set out together for the 2 part race: the Novices ( I hope you don't mind me calling you this - I mean it in the running sense and not as if you were becoming nuns) running one lap and the rest carrying on for (a slightly different) lap two involving a bit of navigational cross country. The faster runners completed their first lap and it was only then that I noticed a clock on the wall opposite the start which gave them an indication of their time and they began to speed up or slow down to adjust their times, little did they know it was 10 minutes fast!!

The one lap group then came in with Diane, Julie J and Celia running, nay sprinting towards the finish crossing the line together in 34.49.

The rest of the field came in one by one with former winner but hopeless estimator Steve McGarry home first in 57.35, Chris Genes next in 59.37, Ian the Post 60.12, Clive 60.45, Gary next in 65.00 and last but not least Lucy who was unsure about running the long race but took it on and finished in 67.07and, most pleasing for her, beat her mum by over a minute on the estimated time.
Full Result:
1st Julie Jaggard @ 19 seconds, 2nd Celia Fox Mapletoft @ 1m 11 secs, 3rd Lucy Underwood @ 2m 07secs. Diane 3.49, Chris G 6.27, Ian 10.12, Gary 11.00, Clive 11.15, Steve 13.35.

Amid chaotic scenes at the finish with shouts of "fix fix " ringing across the pub car park the first prize was given to Celia. I did find something for Julie when we got home so she didn't go without.

A final point - the run was roughly 10k with a bit of off road on each lap so when you fill in your running log you might not be running as fast or as far as you think!!!

OUT RUN SIX -- RETURN OF THE RUTLAND MONSTER -- 27 June 2007

Just when you think nothing amazing can happen on an out run something so outrageous does that you wonder what is going to happen next. It may not seem important to the sensible ones amongst us but what happened to the girls in the woods I wouldn't wish on anyone else (this is actually a slow news week and I am trying to pad the report out a bit).

The 12 of us on the longer run were completely unaware of the frightening events unfolding in the other group. All we had to contend with was the Mark Thatcher type mapreading of Chris G (anybody know what I'm talking about?) who managed to miss the first footpath after 200 yards, but I promised not to mention that. Doubling back the narrow path took us onto a very boggy field where once again Chris G's elastic laces were not up to the test and he lost a shoe. Some questioning and intense research has revealed. Chris G did indeed have mittens on elastic as a child (see last week) but I can reveal that he was not the only one with several of the more wealthy members able to afford elastic, mittens and of course the duffle coat without which the first two are pointless. During this research I think I may have stumbled on the reason for Chris G's elastic laces: he never learnt to tie his shoelaces properly, he always wears slip ons for work or buys casuals with velcro (this may not be true, but as I said its a slow news week).

Taking the track we headed for Egleton village and then into Gunthorpe across the railway line and the long climb to join the Macmillan Way. Chris said that the climb wasn't that bad when he rec'yed it as he ran it downhill. A nice run into Brooke and a short road section. I may be wrong but I think we were told the route was about 6 miles and we should have been suspicious when Chris, Emma(2), Julie and Martin said they were cutting off and thrust the map in my hand to guide the rest of us through uncharted wild Rutland. I cannot condone this blatent error as I would never say a run was 6 miles when it was nearer 9. (In reply, Chris says he has GPS'd the long route and it was 8.1 miles and the shorter route via Brooke was 6.4 miles.) Brooke was the place where there was tension in the air as Emma and her dad Nick were involved in a domestic over which route to take. This was soon resolved and off we went together.

Heading along the Braunston road we turned left along a footpath before turning uphill towards America Lodge across some lovely countryside to the Medieval Village of Martinsthorpe (anyone spot it?) and back to the Horse and Jockey at Manton for a couple of refreshing pints of Timothy Taylors Landlords Bitter. Other beverages are available - see the radio times) - the pub was 2nd in the Rutland Times pub of the year awards - if anyone knows the winner maybe we could do a run from there.

The other group of 6 girls were huddled around their table recalling the terrible events of their run. At Egleton the group split in half with Helen, Diane and Sally turning back and heading for home, how they must wish they had all stuck together, as they entered the woods chatting away completely oblivious to anything around them they were inextricably and without any warning STARTLED BY A PIGEON. Yes I know what you're thinking: why couldn't we have been there to help. Well not to worry I've been on the web and contacted the ''Startled by a pigeon helpline and counselling services" who will run a class as part of our 25 year celabrations. (I've booked it).

Even though it was a slow day I can still manage 5 paragraphs of drivel (does anybody read this stuff?) Thanks to Chris for organising the run.

2 weeks off to let the nettle rash subside and we will all meet again for the NO WATCH RACE at the Berkley Arms Wymondham on 18th July. There will be a long and a short route map provided on the night. Will we see last year's winner Stuart back to defend his title? We hope so.

OUTRUN FIVE -- DALBY DASH -- 20 June 2007

Girls Girls Girls (rpt)
Well they made 'em up in Hollywood
And put 'em into the movies etc etc.
(Sailor No7 October 1976)

Have all our men gone soft? A week of heavy rain, the prospect of a little mud, maybe a puddle or two, long grass, stingers and brambles and the men? are conspicuous by their absence once again as they were outnumbered by 2 to 1. Girl Power rules at the moment.

Starting at the Royal Oak the whole group headed up the hill (was that tough or was it just me). We soon turned off through an overgrown path and through the horse field to the Burrough Road, the group now stringing out as we headed up hill through sheep mown fields to the next stile which was guarded by the expanse of the Grimpen Mire responsible for mysterious disappearances of unsuspecting livestock, ramblers (who cares) and runners over the millenia. The slower runners were guided around the edges but fortunately Chris G misread the signal and ended up losing his elasticated trainers (did he have mittens on elastic in his school duffle coat?) in the deepest part. Still climbing we hit the brow and turned left downhill to the Moscow Farm junction. The 2nd group could be heard some way behind laughing and joking and generally really enjoying themselves.

Left along the aptly named Moscow Farm track which was little more than a waterlogged lane, we cut across a field of long grass where the leaders missed the foot bridge and were attempting their first brook jump of the night. Just in time the bridge was located and we headed for the Little Dalby road. It was in this field we had our first faller. Now I know what you're thinking - "Liz has done it again!" - but it was 'pop-it-in-pete' our 2nd flying postman Ian who fell (we all thought he made a bit of meal of it like an overpaid footballer).

Right through a gap in the hedge and a short cut across the field back into Dalby and the half way point. We were to learn later that this last footpath was the highlight of the run for the 2nd group who misread the map and stayed on the footpath which took them through an especially muddy part and as I had omitted to tell them to skirt this bit they have put a curse on me. We did laugh about it later though didn't we girls?

Cutting through Dalby village on footpaths we crossed the Kirby Road over the old railway line and downhill where we all had to jump the brook (the leaders missed the path) along an excellent Green Lane to the Ashby Road. The terrain was now easier but the stiles were overgrown with brambles and nettles and we all compared battle scars at the end. A final uphill section into Great Dalby and back to the pub and happy, smiling "pleased to see me" faces of Helen, Lucy, Celia, Sally and Julie who had all changed into their best gear and clean shoes that we all know are essential when facing an off road run.

The next out run is the Manton Mash from the Horse and Jockey with a 7.15pm start. Guest path finder is Chris G who promised us 'a dry night or I'll buy you all a drink'. Thanks Chris - bring on the rain.

No watch race details on next weeks report.

Votes are already flooding in for the last run of the season - the Runners Choice. U N officials are already on hand to ensure a free and fair vote. Number of votes cast so far is less than one - keep them coming in please.

OUTRUN FOUR -- BUFFALO RUN -- 6 June 2007

Home, home on the range, where the deer and the buffalo play, where seldom is heard a discouraging word, especially when the Striders offer to pay. ( I dont think this scans very well but I never said I was John Lennon.) Thanks to the commitee and the treasurer for financing this years buffalo run, where 25 striders ran on what weather-wise turned out to be a chilly night. Two groups set off on a 4 mile or a 6 mile run and, if the handicapper got it right, they would enter the final stretch through the livestock at the same time.

At the first junction, the 4 milers turned left up Green Hill towards Saxlebye while the 6 milers turned right for Old Dalby and set off on a long off-road climb through the horses to the top road. Meanwhile the 4's reached the top road carrying straight on before the left turn on the track to Wartnaby. The 6's, working hard to close the gap, headed off across the fields to Saxlebye along the same track to Wartnaby, still some way behind. Through Stonepit Spinney and over the top of Broughton Hill with home in sight and the 6's in hot pursuit, a shout from the 4's signalled that they were being caught. With Nick and Emma Brown leading the chase, one by one the 4's were picked off until only Julie Jaggard remained. She glanced over her shoulder to see Nick and Emma closing in with 300 yards to go. From somewhere she found a turn of speed she never knew she had and led across the line. Everybody finished within 3 or 4 minutes before heading off for the barbecue.

After 4 runs we have had over 40 members at various times and I am sure if we try hard we may get upto 50 before the end of the season. Only 6 100%ers: Neil and Julie, Liz, Celia, Phil and Ian.

Next Out Run is on Wednesday 20th June from the Royal Oak at Great Dalby.

OUTRUN THREE -- LADS, WHERE ARE YOU? -- 23 May 2007

Two amazing events happened on Wednesday 23rd May, something I never thought I would see in my lifetime, the ladies outnumbered the men on an outrun. Where are you lads. Regulars like Steve, Chris, Ron, Stuart, Christian, Richard, Darrel, Clive and John Cresswell were nowhere to be seen. Your Country Needs You.

Twenty one set off down Buckminster High Street before turning along a track towards Coston. On reaching the road, the group split, with the 4 milers branching off towards Sproxton and a long rutted track with an uphill finish back to the village. The main group headed down towards Grange Farm passing a lovely pond which was a credit to the farmer as were his well-marked paths. This was also the second consecutive cattle free run. A short road section and a left back towards Buckminster along tracks (who was that man in the nice lime green shirt and slacks?) and alongside woodland, reaching a green lane turning right adding a bit extra on towards Sewtern before the last fields home. It was along here that a number of us got stung (I can still feel it now) by a race of supernettles; it was real chemical warfare stuff and the only cure was a couple of pints of Timothy Taylors Landlord bitter which was available at the pub.

The Tollemache Arms was in complete contrast to last week's pub which was last seen in an episode of The League of Gentlemen. The Tollemache had subdued lighting, soft furnishings, gourmet food (cheese roll £6.50) uniformed staff and classical music, much too posh for the likes of us, so we headed off outside into the garden. The second amazing event? One of the girls (Haley) rushed home to catch the second half of the football. What is the world coming to?

OUT RUN TWO -- DARRYL, WHERE ARE YOU? -- 16 May 2007

The contenders for the 100% award was drastically cut this week (maybe they don't want a tee shirt) with even last years winner, Steve absent. But despite the atrocious (what an overused word) weather conditons 16 runners met at the wheatsheaf in Langham. Three in Diane's Posse and without her to lead them had no problems on the 3.5 mile trip through Barleythorpe and back on the footpath to Langham. They did report a strange encounter with some mysterious travellers, 2 alsations and a suspicious truck!!. See a member of the posse for details.

The rest set off through the village and the grounds of Ranksborough Hall and the horse fields before Phil said "anyone seen Darryl?" We stopped looked around and sure enough he wasn't there. Somebody then said he'd nipped back to his car and we must have left without him. Apologies to Darryl but we hope to see you next time where we can leave you behind at Buckminster. Carrying on through increasingly muddy fields we hit the road at the bottom of Cold Overton hill for the long climb to the village across some paddocks crossing the Langham road, more fields and horses before turning on the Knossington road uphill and back across the fields to Langham, to find Darryl, gone. For the 2nd outrun Liz managed to stay on her feet. Can she acheive the hat trick?

Not the most relaxing pub in the county but they did serve a nice Batemans XXXB.

OUT RUN ONE -- A LOAD OF BULLOCKS -- 2 May 2007

The old adage of facing down your fear was in use at the first out run of the year from Ashby where a record breaking 29 runners blocked the car park (PLEASE TRY TO SHARE CARS IN THE FUTURE RUNS). Two groups set off towards Barsby, 20 in the main group and the rest in Diane's Posse on a shorter easy to follow cross country route of about 3 miles on well marked tracks and no possibility of going wrong - they went wrong but after turning the map up the right way and a bit a free running under the government's right to roam scheme they all returned safely after covering about 4 miles.

The route split after crossing the midshires way and headed into bullock country it was like stepping into an episode of rawhide with stampeding cattle everywhere. The look of fear on Theresa's face was a picture but in true western style we circled around her (and others) to make it through. She has now confronted her fear and faced it down to become a fully fledged cowgirl, a real Doris Day. Out through Twyford and more bullocks towards Burrough before turning back to Thorpe Satchville and more bullocks, up the long hill and more horses (I bet you thought i was going to talk bullocks again) under the old railway and back to Ashby around 7.5miles. An excellent turn out with around 20 staying for a drink afterwards. Beer of the week Green King IPA.

Regards Neil aka Pathfinder aka Big Leggy