Basically, I got caught up with the N. Ireland Iplod this year and there was shortage of boys and girls prepared to man check points i.e. wander off into the Mournes on a Friday evening to a designated point...wild camp...register teams through on the Friday night/Saturday...wander off...all in the name of charity...
We could have done with extra teams at the Donard Saddle, Donard Peak, Bog of Donard/top of the bloody bridge path......any interest?
Join the ultimate endurance challenge - this walk is not for the faint hearted or ill-prepared. iPLOD challenges you to complete the gruelling 50km route we have designed for you in the magical Mountains of Mourne.
To make your challenge even more interesting you will begin your mega hike at midnight. iPLOD will probably push you further than you’ve ever been pushed before and just as you reach your physical limits we will throw in a few extra mental challenges to test you even further.
Whether you are a seasoned trail walker or just up for the experience of a big challenge then this is the event for you. iPLOD is all about your individual determination to get through, and getting through it is all about teamwork. Don’t miss out on the ultimate endurance challenge be a part of iPLOD.
Our endurance walkers will be helping to stop suffering in children. Every tough mile completed takes us closer to achieving our mission: to treat sick babies and tackle premature birth, to make life better for children with disabilities, and to target a group of rare diseases that together severely affect many forgotten children.
Teams can consist of 3-6 walkers, and one support driver. All will need guts and determination to take on the great outdoors. Team work will be an essential ingredient and you will need to keep each other motivated to get through the long night and the next day.
I'd definately consider it as long as they don't frown on me bringing as much beer as i can carry :D
I'd definately consider it as long as they don't frown on me bringing as much beer as i can carry :D
Is there any more information or plans for this event yet?
Any other takers?Count me in.
Any other takers?Count me in.
ps. some chatter here (http://www.action.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?id=725) from the folks taking part.
You might have to change me to a maybe for this :( Working saturday morning at the minute and I'm trying to weigh up whether the drive down for the night is worth it ??? I might end up turning up as a bit of a last minute thing but for the time being you'd be best on not really counting me. Unfortunately my weekend's belong to B&Q Hollywood for the time being :(
Hi All,
Jonno told me to join NI Wild as its all my fault ::)
I am a member of another forum..as is Jonno...and I was a marshal for the 2009 Iplod where we identified we needed a touch more help. Then AMR asked me to be Safety Officer for Iplod 2010.
Thing is, I live just north of Liverpool so I should have said....nah...but as my forehead is tattooed with MUG I said yes...and got hold of Jonno...who got hold of you guys...so many thanks in advance!
Iplod 2010 is much larger than 2009 and has 25 teams (about 125 challengers) this year. Not sure much that means it will raise...but do some arithmetic and its a lot!
The plan - briefly - at the moment is
Friday evening - 7 or 7-30, we meet in a hotel in Newcastle (think it's the Slieve Donard) for a light bite and a briefing. 8pm ish, minibus(s) leave the Slieve Donard and take teams out - drop offs at Trassey for those teams heading up the Trassey to Hares Gap, drop off for Bloody Bridge for teams heading to Bog of Donard and The Castles. You will be accompanied by a mobile marshal team headed up by a guy called Tim Robson...who has to make sure you are all happy campers, before telling me you are ready for invaders.
If we have enough of you, we would like to put in other checkpoints....Donard Summit anyone?
10-30 ish Mobile 2 (me and another guy) will shoot up Trassey to Hares Gap.
Midnight. Event starts with an orienteering section with first challengers expected at Hares about 2. Each Checkpoint will have a list of teams/challengers which needs to be checked as they go through. Last challenger through Hares at..err...3?
After that...depends what you want to do.
We will have a BBQ breakfast at Silent Valley...so you will need to get back to your drop off point for...? to be picked up, bussed round to Silent Valley and then back to the hotel for your cars.
There is a dinner Saturday night (I need to know who is going) - its informal - so if you want to be around to give a hand Saturday daytime...great. If you want to go home...fine...if you want to have some me time in the Mournes...thats cool.
Just a big thanks for all....without marshalls, Iplod wouldnt happen
One thing that is going to make this different from any other wild camp I've done is that we'll have to be up until at least 3am (read: 3/4/5am).../me puts on my Captain Obvious head on: it's gonna get cold up there...I don't know about you guys but when I'm out, once the eating is over, it's into the bivvy bag/tent to keep warm/sleep.
While I'm hoping for a hot and dry summers night, with no wind....What are folks thoughts about keeping warm 'til the wee small hours (esp: if it's chucking it down)? Will a couple of fire bricks/a camp fire with a couple of tarps for shelter keep each group going until the last challengers make it through? Perhaps a four person bothy bag for each group? A three person tent/couple of two man tents? Or do our own thing (ie. own bivvy/tent) and then 'regroup' at 2am?
It's probably best organised with each group as to how many tents would be needed etc. Usually we all bring a tent or bivvy each but sharing wouldn't be an issue.
It's probably best organised with each group as to how many tents would be needed etc. Usually we all bring a tent or bivvy each but sharing wouldn't be an issue.
That to me would be the most sensible idea. I'm going to go light for this one and try out some new kit before my South American adventure.
Any word on the groups yet?
If its not too annoying ill take the Hares Gap direction!!!
Thanks guys, perhaps I was being a bit over cautious.
Don't forget that the Hares Gap actually has the longest walk as we're all meeting at Bloody Bridge the next morning so whoever is there will have to walk across and down early on Sat ::) Bog of Donard will have the shortest walk (but the latest finish - talk about not hobsons choice ;))ooh scrap that the lol i was of the impression that there were two drops one at trassey and the other at bloody bridge?It's probably best organised with each group as to how many tents would be needed etc. Usually we all bring a tent or bivvy each but sharing wouldn't be an issue.
That to me would be the most sensible idea. I'm going to go light for this one and try out some new kit before my South American adventure.
Any word on the groups yet?
If its not too annoying ill take the Hares Gap direction!!!
Don't forget that the Hares Gap actually has the longest walk as we're all meeting at Bloody Bridge the next morning so whoever is there will have to walk across and down early on Sat ::) Bog of Donard will have the shortest walk (but the latest finish - talk about not hobsons choice ;))ooh scrap that the lol i was of the impression that there were two drops one at trassey and the other at bloody bridge?It's probably best organised with each group as to how many tents would be needed etc. Usually we all bring a tent or bivvy each but sharing wouldn't be an issue.
That to me would be the most sensible idea. I'm going to go light for this one and try out some new kit before my South American adventure.
Any word on the groups yet?
If its not too annoying ill take the Hares Gap direction!!!
"8pm ish, minibus(s) leave the Slieve Donard and take teams out - drop offs at Trassey for those teams heading up the Trassey to Hares Gap, drop off for Bloody Bridge for teams heading to Bog of Donard and The Castles. "
Just to mess things up.....
The hotel we are meeting at is the Burrendale, not The Donard
Shelter - something is a must - at least a bothy bag, but a tent would be a touch more comfortable since you could be there for up to 7 hours. Bothy bags are great for a few hours...but not much fun when you actually want to be horizontal - that said, if someone wants to trial lightweight gear and a different way of doing things, go for it.
If it all goes pear shaped, I am sure all your best buddies will be full of sympathy and be fighting as to who will open their tent to let you in first. Maybe - or is this just a reflection on my friends?
Pickups. If you want a pickup at Trassey and Bloody Bridge, we can do that. What would be kind of handy is if a couple supported Tim Robson by helping sweep through from Hares to Bloody Bridge, if only to tell straggling teams to get a shift on, they are between you and breakfast
;) If you all sweep through - thats fine too.
I am hoping it wont get too chilly - last year (when I ran the Bog of Donard and Loughshannagh checkpoints) I just slipped a belay jacket on and was fine. If the weather is really poor, it will be surprising if Donard Summit will be used - but we will need to "staff" the Brandy Pad a bit more heavily. Swings and roundabouts.
Camp fire. well...if it is hoolying and chucking down, no harm to you, a fire wont be much use. And if it is a nice still clear summers night (do they exist) you'll be visible from Mars...
A pocket rocket and 200 PG Tips T bags seems the trick to me.
Pickups. If you want a pickup at Trassey and Bloody Bridge, we can do that. What would be kind of handy is if a couple supported Tim Robson by helping sweep through from Hares to Bloody Bridge, if only to tell straggling teams to get a shift on, they are between you and breakfast
;) If you all sweep through - thats fine too.
Afraid its a no go, we're loosing 3 to the new store so will be understaffed for a few days while the transition happens.
Any news with teams and team locations yet?
(We'll be selecting the teams on Wednesday this week.)
Any news with teams and team locations yet?(We'll be selecting the teams on Wednesday this week.)
I suspect it will depend on who's still talking to who after an evening tramping around Meelmore ;D
(http://www.vogue-ltd.com/images/products/Dora-The-Explorer-Cutlery-Set.jpg)
is this available in titanium? ::)
(http://www.vogue-ltd.com/images/products/Dora-The-Explorer-Cutlery-Set.jpg)
is this available in titanium? ::)
is this available in titanium? ::)Not that I can tell...let's get the BackPackingLight.co.uk product development team on the case. Perhaps we'll get a box of skittles for the suggestion :)
is this available in titanium? ::)Not that I can tell...let's get the BackPackingLight.co.uk product development team on the case. Perhaps we'll get a box of skittles for the suggestion :)
Groups are as follows:
1) Hares Gap - MatthewrBlack, Dowser
2) The Castles - AndyD, Chuck
3) Bog of Donard - MG1, J
4) Donard Summit - 666, MikeD
I've tried to make sure that every group has 2 people that know each other. If anyone has any issues with these then PM me.
Grand Job J
MatthewrblackIplod Marshalling18th - 19th JUNE 2010Sorry Matt... Just wanted to make sure its in your Diary!
;D
MatthewrblackIplod MarshallingSorry Matt... Just wanted to make sure its in your Diary!
;D
HA HA that's brilliant, I suppose i do deserve that. Better than my diary it's in my girlfriends too, she never forgets. I have it in my phone, school diary and e-mail planner too.
There are just that many things on for me before we break for summer.
Early professional development submission
Year 8,9,10 school reports
cover for the last three days of school
final marking for the year
checking booklets for next year
injections
first aid course
packing
kit organising
17 pupils travel plans
The list goes on
Over the last two weeks I have been getting two injections a day for travelling and the knock on has been total lack of sleep even though I'm actually shattered.
i will be using my tarp as most of you will be using yours for this as the weather is going to warm and dry (fact) ;D so what set up will you be using. i have been looking through the site at a few pics and on line and i the best one i have manged to do my self is the easy one with walking pole. easy in back garden and no wind
i really liked Tims http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/orcryst01/Binian%20Summit%20Camp/100_1851.jpg
Dont forget your sense of humour - I know they dont weigh much, but some people think they are too heavy to carry ::)Crumbs, you are a happy puppy ;)
Dont forget your sense of humour - I know they dont weigh much, but some people think they are too heavy to carry ::)Crumbs, you are a happy puppy ;)
Anyhow..more tarp pr0n here (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/shelter/tarpology-setting-up-your-tarp-in-different-configurations) as well, complete with a couple (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/images/tarpology/Tarp-Configs1.jpg) of drawings (http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/images/tarpology/Tarp-Configs2.jpg) . I fancy the look of that Tipi one just for giggles...don't fancy trying to fit myself in there. :)
Forecast for Friday/Saturday as of 8-00am this morning.
Much the same as I gave you before. Friday night conditions look to be nigh on perfect and I suspect we will get a late darkness and early dawn due to clear skies - sunset around 10pm with sunrise around 5, but I expect false dawn to kick in around 3am.
Only a crescent moon, but it will cast a bit of light.
UV index has risen for Saturday from 4 to 5. Be Aware of this.
Simon Barry
QuoteForecast for Friday/Saturday as of 8-00am this morning.
Much the same as I gave you before. Friday night conditions look to be nigh on perfect and I suspect we will get a late darkness and early dawn due to clear skies - sunset around 10pm with sunrise around 5, but I expect false dawn to kick in around 3am.
Only a crescent moon, but it will cast a bit of light.
UV index has risen for Saturday from 4 to 5. Be Aware of this.
Simon Barry
cool
See Y'all Friday night!
Good time had by all I hope - my 'high' point - was 'Radio Donard' - such a laff - go 666 u mofo!
my 'high' point - was 'Radio Donard'I see what you did there. :D
thats one plump fox.
I enjoyed it good crack. You can count me in for next year.
This amazing 50km team night walk attracted 26 teams with around 150 walkers. The weather was perfect, and all the teams made it to the finish, if not all the walkers!
You should all be really proud of the achievement, it was a great weekend’s walking in the beautiful Mourne Mountains and I hope everyone got a really great night's sleep on Saturday night!
Congratulations to the 2010 iPLOD Champions Team GRG!
Check out and purchase images from the walk at http://www.modafoto.co.uk/contactsheets/iplod/
Email chris@motofoto.co.uk to purchase images. The price is £2.00 for a high resolution electonic image to be emailed and £5.00 for a 6x9" glossy image to be posted.
(snip)
We would like your feedback. Please feel free to complete the survey below to help us make iPLOD even better for next year. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/iplod
Need another challenge? We have many more challenges, be it walking through the night, cycling 100 miles, running marathons or racing canoes from dawn to dusk.
The next challenge event in Northern Ireland is the Finn MacCool 100 bike ride. A 100 mile bike ride from Belfast to Coleraine along the coastal road.
Anyone remember the fire in Annalong Wood the night of the iWait? Was down there today, serious amount burnt. Bracken and whin bushes are fecked...but the grass is growing back at a fair speed already.
... they were being strategic about it - let the grass etc burn out, but keep it out of the trees at all costs.Another thank you note to the Fire service is in order I think: link (http://www.nifrs.org/feedback.php?sec=5974)
I'm heading to annalong wood this Thursday night with four boys from work for an overnighter :) we will be well away from track and shall be sensible and of course wat ever we bring we leave with , 3 have bought hammocks which will be fun watching them putting them up , do you think we will get any hassle as I'm sure the locals will be keeping an eye out due to fires and do you think we could get away with a small camp fire
Hit me with your address (or their address) and I'll stick my jacket in the post.
Washed ;D
That sounds like you have the same problem I have: a wife that thinks all walking kit should be machine washed after every use (I regularly catch her machine washing her jacket & waterproof trousers..she now wonders why they are not waterproof any more...)
Andy it sounds like your another one of these guys that get s there new gear delivered to work ;)