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| | | Posted 28. Jul, 2008 | | Open 24 |
A big \"thankyou\" to James & Lisa, and all the marshalls & techs who made the Open 24 such a superb event once again. Always the highlight of my race year, this 24 was right up there with all the previous editions - another seamlessly efficient, variety packed
tour de force, in a stunning location. And the weather helped a bit as well...
Echoing some views from Warren\'s thread I wish there were more longer, continuous races in the UK. The 24 format is very accessible introduction to long races, but if a race of this calibre doesnt attract a field large enough to keep the accountant from breaking out in a cold sweat, then there dont seem to be enough racers in the UK keen on this length of race, and I\'m very grateful for James persevering in spite of all economic good sense.
For those that might be tempted for next year, but baulk at the entry cost, we entered in January this year when Open were offering some seriously
discounted fees.
| | |  Andy Wilson
Surrey
UK | | | | Posted 28. Jul, 2008 | | Loving the adventure |
Open24 was my first attempt of adventure racing and I have to admit I loved every minute of it!
The weather, the venue, organisation and all the helpers made it a day for me to remember.
Next stop, to learn from my mistakes and find me some more events to enter! | | |  Neal Dunkinson
Surrey
UK | | | | Posted 28. Jul, 2008 | | Full marks |
I\'m kicking myself for having never done an Open 24 before - I can see why it\'s scooped the best race award. Can\'t really put my finger on what made it so good (much preferred it to the 12 for some reason), but it just all seemed to work well. Bearing in mind how disappointing it was that our own race performance was spoiled by illness, it really must have been something special to come away with such a good feeling.
Summed up I suppose by the fact that when James asked me afterwards what he could have done better I couldn\'t think of a single thing (I\'m working on it though, James - you won\'t have anything to improve if you don\'t get any negative feedback :-)) | | |  Chris McSweeny
Worcestershire
UK | | | | Posted 28. Jul, 2008 | | Here Here,,, |
Dam right dude, its was top dog!!! Id say the best event ive ever done, period!
PS, Chris mate, you really pulled though at the end mate, good show... (we had to have had fastest bike-swim transition, LOL)
| | |  Tim McDowell
Leicestershire
UK | | | | Posted 28. Jul, 2008 | | One of the Best |
Totally agree with the previous comments about the quality of this race. I think everyone who was racing will want to thank James, Lisa, and all the hard working marshalls for making it so.
What made it especially good for beginners at long races was the option to short course the initial paddle, and the technical MTB. Many are put off long races by the thought they won\'t get to the end, and so become unranked. The short options allowed most teams to make it to the end, and still with a ranking against the big boys and girls. The early finish for many was possibly due to the canyoneering being towards the end of the course- a number of teams wanted to make sure they got there in time to do it, and not have to bin it in order to avoid time penalties with a late finish. I don\'t think it was because the whole course was too easy!
Thanks again everyone involved - and that should include all the other teams- few other sports engender the same cameraderie between competitors on the course as AR -and long may it continue!
Looking forward to the Open 72 in the future (although that is really part of another thread on the Forum). | | |  Paul Cooper
East Sussex
UK | | | | Posted 28. Jul, 2008 | | Got one |
Hah! One of your comments, Paul, has made me realise something James could have done better. I suspect his reply might be that it was deliberate and had the desired result though!
The question with an Open72 is whether you should actually have a death march and a significant bike carry on such a long event to separate the men from the boys, or should it all be enjoyable? | | | Chris McSweeny
Worcestershire
UK | | | | Posted 29. Jul, 2008 | | Open tour |
3-5 races in 3-5 days, over a bank holiday, a 5 friday pm a 12 saturday, a 24 sunday/monday??????? but hey thats just me thinkin out..
luvin the sound of the uk coast 2 coast though...... | | | Tim McDowell
Leicestershire
UK | | | | Posted 29. Jul, 2008 | | Open 24 |
Totally agree with the comments above and congratulate James, Lisa and all those involved in putting togther yet another great race. The organisation and planning is second to none and the cunning filtering of information prior to the event allows for endless speculation as to what we are letting ourselves in for.
Only wish we had spent more time taking in the views and spectacular locations (CP17 Stage 2 to name one of many)
Maybe that might be the plan for next year........ | | |  Simon Enderby
Cheshire
UK | | | | Posted 30. Jul, 2008 | | O24 film preview |
Just to let you all know that Steve is locked in his editing suite and that the preview to the O24 film will be on YouTube by the end of the week. The plan is also to make a longer version and make it available to competitors on DVD (for a small fee). We showed the first cut to some non race friends last night and they said it made them want to sign up for an AR straight away. that is the aim of the films - to encourage more particiopation in something we all love (and to help race directors pay the bills...) | | |  Sue Fisher
Derbyshire
UK | | | | Posted 30. Jul, 2008 | | so many views, so little time |
Thanks to James, Lisa and team for another great race. How do you always manage to book the weather? Sweet kayaking up the coast in the sun, sunset and amazing moon views in the Pumlumons and a cunning 11am finish so we didn\'t have to race through the heat of Sunday You even ensured everyone finished nice and clean before relaxing on the beach so as not to scare the public ;-) Looking forward to next year already... | | |  Andrew Mitchell
Wirral
UK | | | | Posted 31. Jul, 2008 | | Cheers |
Nice words, thanks for the encouragement. More planned for 09, will sort the weather out as well. | | |  James Thurlow
Cumbria
UK | | | | Posted 31. Jul, 2008 | | Another vore of thanks |
A great weekend was had, probably even better than last year. Unfortunately I was ill for the second year running, so there\'s a target for next year right away.
Turn up well.
Andy and I have decided to do the series next year, and base our year around it. I think this is the most amazing value for money, and the whole experience makes me want to come back as soon as possible. | | | Chris Morris
Please Select
Please Select | | | | Posted 31. Jul, 2008 | | One to remember! |
James & Lisa
Thanks for a memorable event guys. My first 24 and you\'ve convinced me to do more. You can book my name down for next year\'s event already.
Great planning, variety and test of adventure. More, more, more...pretty please! | | |  Gary Davies
Glamorgan
UK | | | | Posted 04. Aug, 2008 | | Additional Comment |
Truly fab event - thanks to James and all the support.
I have such great memories.
Here\'s looking forward to more.
Ali | | |  Alistair Morris
Yorkshire
UK | | | | Posted 05. Aug, 2008 | | seamless |
Aside from the stunning locations and excellent content, which has already been complemented, how many races have you done which are seamless, have no racers moaning about something at the end (like a wrongly placed control or a pointless stage) and require no mid race changes/intervention/rethink by the organisers.
I can\'t think of many races that fit into the \'seamless\' category but this years open 24 is definitely one. | | |  Dave Smith
Surrey
UK | | |
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