Viper Marketing

Active Year Ahead

Author: Jim Hardcastle

Originally Jim trained in graphics and design but realised he wanted to work in the countryside just as much. He stopped being a ‘Ranger’ to help other public and private sector organisations.
Jim specialises in facilitation techniques to engage and involve people.  He responds well to outdoor adventure, savoury snacks and good coffee.

I recently turned 40 and I’ve promised myself a properly active year. No slouching, I haven’t even got a pair of slippers. As a result of my 40th this year I’ve got to do a bungee jump, train to be a spy for a day, learn to uni-cycle, do an off-road duathlon, do two mountain marathons, the CLIC24 mountain bike endurance event and a Boxing Day Road Race. I’m just trying to keep up with my dad anyway. The photo shows the three generations of Hardcastle’s doing the local Boxing Day Road Race. Never too old or too young to start.

Here’s a short list from a very long list of activities you could try in the next few months on and around Mendip. Failing that just go for a walk. 

Thurs 11 March Adrian Boots will be doing an Arctic Trip Talk in aid of Survival International (donation £5 per person), to book go to www.walkthemendips.com

How many laps can you do? The CLIC24 mountain bike endurance event takes place 8th - 9th May. An amazing event that has raised £270,000 for the CLIC Sargent charity. For more details go to www.clic24.org.uk

Get you ropes out or just bring a deck chair and watch which is probably a lot safer! Saturday 15th May Crag Attack in Cheddar Gorge  www.cheddarcaves.co.uk

Cheddar Gorge Challenges – Sunday 16th May, Killer Climbs Road Sportive and Mountain Bike Randonees. David Moore the organiser of the original Cheddar Challenge cycling event is organising this so it should be great. The road sportive has a designed route incorporating a few flat sections but it is about a maximum output with searing climbs and fast descents, indeed the start is “in” the gorge, a notorious killer climb.  Another three Gorges feature on the 80km plus route! Cheddar is the spiritual home of Mountain Biking with an unmatched pedigree. The randonees will be a series of rides for all abilities around the area. For more details go to www.cheddarchallenge.com

Sun 30th May Mendip Outdoor Pursuits are running a couple of events for all to have a go at. 10:00 - 12:30 Assault Course in Hewish and at 14:00 - 16:30 Bushcraft in Burrington Combe. These are just two activities from the huge list organised by Mendip Outdoor Pursuits, for more details www.mendipoutdoorpursuits.co.uk

Fancy a run? Mendip Mash Up Saturday 19th June at Charterhouse Centre. Famous and fun orienteering event around some beautiful areas www.mendipmashup.org.uk

Do it legally at the 4 x 4 Show. Massive 4x4 show booked for June 2010 at The Royal Bath & West Showground. Trade stands, offroad course, arena demonstrations. Updates to follow at www.bathandwest.com

In July there is EUROPARC Junior Rangers Camp, organised by Mendip Hills AONB Unit, Goblin Combe and Fernhill Farm. A closed event for young rangers across europe to attend but we thought we’d let you know it’s happening as very exciting!

For more details on these and other events go to www.activemendip.co.uk

Stay active

- Posted on Friday 15 Jan 2010 at 12:31 by Jim Hardcastle

Tags: active mendip (6), adventure (12), clic24 (6), duathlon (5), mendip hills (7), outdoor (2)