Rochdale Three Day Event    9/10/11th June 2000

A chance remark by Bill Buckley after  training one Tuesday night resulted in the Over 50's Dream Team turning up to do this classic event.   It comprises of a six mile road race on the Friday evening, a six mile cross country Saturday afternoon and a six mile 1000ft fell race on the Sunday morning.

Team members in age order were Bill Buckley (57),  Neil Shuttleworth (53 nearly 54), Carl Buckley (53) and the young Rob Poole (51).

Friday night   Cool, damp and overcast, ideal for me (CB).  This turned out to be my best race.  Not renowned for my fast start or climbing ability, I was quite surprised to pass Bill about halfway up the two mile climb from the start.   I was feeling quite strong.   However, this feeling lasted until about the five mile mark  when mental strength had to compensate for physical  ability.   Nevertheless, I was quite pleased by the result with about a minute each between Rob, me and Bill.   Shutt was carrying an injury, but under normal circumstances he would have given us all a hard time if he wanted.

Saturday Afternoon   Very hot, about 22C when the race started.   Another up hill start, Rob disappeared very quickly,  Bill was also in front somewhere.   Neil had decided on a quicker start and tried to engage me in conversation during this first mile.   I was breathless and could not respond.   Eventually Shutt slowed up and not long after I also began to labour.   Desperation began to set in;  Bill disappeared from view, runners I had beaten on Friday night passed with ease;  Dave Lewis (winner) passed on my second of three laps.   I was glad to finish, get in the shade and then get in the pub for a cool drink.   Rob and Bill had good strong runs and looked very relaxed by the time I collapsed on the grass.

Sunday Morning Fell Race   Race preparation on the Saturday night was as follows:  Shutt, Bill and me  -  no alcohol, early bed,  Rob - pissed on lager, got to bed 1.00am.   Pre-race warm-up discussion - would rather stay in bed (me);  quiet cup of Earl Grey tea reading the newspaper (Bill);   already been for a run (Shutt);   feeling strong and sprightly (Rob).   A quick perusal of our two-day cumulative times showed I had a ten second lead over Bill.   This was eventually reversed into a three minute gain by Bill.

We were pleasantly surprised to  see the glamorous young Glossopdalers  turn up for the fell race:  Andy and Nuala Bardsley and Jackie  Purvis.   Modesty prevents me revealing their ages but, Gerry Moss (48) was with them !!!

This race threw up a few surprises.  Nuala proceeded to give Rob and Gerard a hard time.   Despite turning her ankle after only ten minutes, the gritty lass would not concede to the male duo.   Only in the very final stages was she pipped at the post.   In fact, Rob also pipped Gerard who had surged too early,  Gerard was not very happy.   A few choice expletives were directed at Rob.   He didn't care, his main concern was to get in the Brown Cow for some Guinness - well, he he hadn't had a alcoholic drink for nearly eleven hours by now !!!

We all eventually settled in the pub eating chip butties, supping ale and gazing at the star runners.  Well Jackie was, she proceeded to point out the fellas in the pub she fancied for different reasons asking what my thoughts were on her selection.   Well,  I didn't fancy any of the fellas, but at the same time I could see why they would appeal to Jackie.

The main highlight though,  was Bill receiving the winner's prize for first V55 - an inspiration    us all.

I really enjoyed myself over the three days, the banter in the car and the pub, the cheerful nature of all the runners and organisers.   The day was complete for me watching footie in the "Cheshire" with Rob and Laura.  Rob had now reverted to lager with Guinness chasers, followed by a Chinese take-away, more footie and then bed.

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