According to the website, the Devon Coast 2 Coast:
- "is a multi-sport traverse that journeys through some of finest landscape."
- "passes through two spectacular National Parks: Exmoor and ; and finishes in the sublimly beautiful Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the South Hams."
- "has become an absolute must-do, bench-mark event in the ."
So having been fully taken in by this compelling propoganda, and some persuasive friends, we decided to enter.
And then read what it actually involves...
Classic : 140+ mile (225+ km):
Stage 1: Running - 9 miles / 14.5km (mixed terrain)
This 'warm-up' section involves some lovely trail running alongside a wooded river valley, before gently ascending to give fantastic vews of this stunning coastline of . Sounds ok so far...
The route returns to the Event Base via footpaths and quiet tarmac tracks. By no means an easy run due to the undulating nature of the topography. Right, ok. Not sure I like the word 'undulating'...
Stage 2: Cycling - 55 miles / 88km (road)
The longest stage of the event has participants riding through the simply majestic . Expect to see expansive views over moorland with steep sided valleys cutting into it. Be aware of ponies and sheep on the roads as you climb and descend your way across the landscape. Ponies sound good, could give the legs a rest...
When appears on the horizon, look out for its highest peak - to later be negotiated, High Willhays (621m). Arghh, definitely have to hang on to that pony then...
Stage 3: Trail / Mountain Running - 4 miles / 7km (trail / fell)
A short run leads up to the summit of High Willhays, the highest peak in southern . This climb of over 1100ft (340m) passes over terrain typically found on . The coarse heather, grassy tusocks, and boggy moorland can make the going very tough. So I suppose running up a massive hill is too easy, they have to make it boggy too...
Stage 4: Cycling - 23 miles / 37km (road)
The route continues along the disused railway of cycleway 27, that contours the edge of . Cyclists return towards , with yet more climbing and descending. The final stretch of road works its way agonisingly towards Princetown and the end of Day One. Despite the glorious views across the expansive bleak landscape of , the final few miles are sure to hurt. Do they really have to use words like 'agonisingly' and 'sure to hurt'???
Overnight Camp
A fantastic spot, situated at the very heart of , and gives cause for a semi-celebration - half down, half to go. This is the perfect opportunity to relax in a beautiful setting, re-fuel, recover and socialise amongst other participants. Always a great atmoshpere and a highlight of the event. Because we're clearly we're going to be feeling in the mood for a party at this point...
Stage 5: Mountain Biking - 23 miles / 37km (mixed terrain)
A real mixed bag of terrain, allowing for some superb mountain biking. Technical in places, this section is a mountain bikers paradise and will require an aggressive tread on the tyre to cope with the conditions. Sounds great, if my legs were actually likely to be functioning still...
Stage 6: Kayaking - 8 miles / 13km (estuary)
A simply stunning paddle down one of the finest rivers in , the River Dart. Tree and flower clad banks will accompany you as you weave your way towards the picturesque town of . We covered 2km in a kayak in . My arms nearly fell off...
Stage 7: Trail Running - 19 miles / 30km (mixed terrain)
This run is a true epic. Brutal yet beautiful. This will sap any remaining energy from you, but will fill you will elation as you cross the finish line. Focus on the elation Gill. Do not focus on the fact that this is only 7 miles short of a marathon.... NOOOOOOO!!
So there you have it. Having had the horrible realisation that we now actually have to do all this, I figured at least someone might as well benefit from the pain - so Practical Action is the charity of choice for me. To give you an idea of what you could be helping to fund:
- £8 could buy a fireless cooker in to help reduce deadly smoke inhalation caused by traditional cooking methods.
- £20 could buy a Sudanese family a goat, providing enough milk to keep the whole family healthy.
- £40 could provide a water tap in , give families threatened by drought and cholera life-changing access to reliable water supplies.
- £72 could provide seeds, compost and a littleknow-how to help farmers in grow gourds and pumpkins on otherwise barren sandbars to eat, store and sell.
- £650 could buy a Wind Turbine in , bringing the huge benefits of an electricity source to a remote mountain region.
- £1825 could buy the electro-mechanical equipment (turbine, generator and controller) for a 3kW Pico-Hydro Scheme in .
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a taxpayer.
Thanks very much!! I'll let you know how it goes. Once I've recovered that is...
Gill xx
PS: My trusty team adventurer is Shirley - she's raising money for Action Cancer which provides invaluable funds for cancer research, detection, prevention and support for local communities within . To donate go to http://www.justgiving.com/Shirley-Pim/ Thanks!
