As
ever, I was in a bit of a rush on Wednesday night. Picking up Fraser
from skiing at 6 and getting to Arthur's Seat was always going
to be a bit of a rush. But poor injured Cali stepped into the fold
and Willie Mykura was there on time too. When I got there
at
6:29 there were no parking spaces and a heap of bikes.
It was a lovely night with a warm sun and no wind. By the time
Richard Robertson started there were over 20 people and they were
still arriving. I had to wait 30 minutes till my start by which
time we had 35 starters.
I always find it surprising how complex a hill Arthur's Seat
is. I was glad that the previous Wednesday's club run had turned
into
a handicap reccie as I set off chased by Derek Bearhop. It was
hardt on the first ascent running into the sun, but there
were lots of bodies ahead to follow. Most people headed up the
dry valley and then straight to the top. It was a difficult scramble
off the summit to get over to Crow Hill. Derek seemed to take
a minute out of me on that section. Keith Burns didn't race
(preparing
for the World Vets), but instead was the Pied Piper leading people
off route from the top missing out Crow Hill (how many followed
and who they are I don't know -they probably don't even know
that they went wrong!).
The descent to Dunsapie was either thick grass or a longer loop
right or left. People were appearing on Dunsapie Hill from both
directions. I took the north-east route off Dunsapie (a short
cut) and made up a little time. Heading over to Salisbury Crags
was once
more into the sun, but what a gorgeous view over Edinburgh.
I chased Gordon off the top and managed to be just behind him
by St Margaret's Loch, but he heard me and sprinted. Then Olly
overtook me and I had to be content.
Bill Gauld won the race by 3 minutes (his orienteering knowledge
of the hill being put to good use) from Irene Schierloh, who
just held off Win Rampen.
The timekeepers did a marvelous job of keeping tabs on all 35
runners, so thanks to Cali, Moira, Ian and Anne.
Then we went off to The Sheep Heid for a couple of pints and
some good food.
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