Dales Trail series race 3 (40k), Semerwater – 26th Sept.

26/09/15 Dales Trail Series DT40/ Grand Slam decider

DT40 10th Ali Nash 3:40:18
GRAND SLAM 6th Ali Nash 8:32:29 1st MV40

Full results

The final race in the Dales Trail Series, a 40K race across the fells separating Wensleydale and Wharfedale to decide the winners of the Grand Slam of the Dales Trail Series – some 90K of racing and 8500ft of ascent….. Currently sitting in 6th place, after the first 2 races, with my main MV40 opposition only a few minutes behind there was everything still to lose!

In what can only be described as perfect racing weather – cool, overcast and absolutely still air, the start was ‘on the beach’ on the shore of Semer Water in remote Raydale. The first 3 miles were an uncompromising 1000+ft of climb across gravel trails and then moorland pastures, with the ‘race plan’ executed to perfection – sitting right on the arse of my opponent, continuing the (for him) infuriating following tactics down a fast and exceedingly rough downhill towards ‘Cote De Kidstones’ of Tour De France fame, where domestique duties were executed to perfection by Mrs Nash dishing out my first pair of bottles containing ‘tailwind endurance fuel’ – my fuelling was planned with military precision, with fluid drops every 8km to avoid dehydration and ‘the wall’. Rounding the White Lion pub at Cray the course headed up Langstrothdale towards the remote hamlets of Yockenthwaite (2 more fluids) and then Beckermonds at mile 10.
The main climb started here…..and between mile 10 and 20 the route maintained a pretty much continuous muddy climb – my sort of terrain! taking the opportunity to pass and demoralise my nemesis and drop the hammer on the way up beyond Oughtershaw (2 more fluids), up onto Cam Fell, where the route picked up the Pennine Way back towards Hawes. (No thanks to the kiddy assisting the marshal at mile 15 just after a stinking 600ft straight up the hillside ascent “only 10 miles left now……..” ) At mile 20 Mrs N was ready with the bottles containing the caffeinated ‘boost’ for the last big effort over the highest point of the race just shy of 2000ft up above Hawes, and with 3km to go, the just fabulous sight of Semer Water and the race HQ on its shores appeared. Downhill at last and a push on to maintain 10th place in the race, 6th place overall in the Grand Slam and the knowledge that I had just won the Grand Slam M40 age category! Got a bit emotional, before soothing demolished feet in the cool waters of the lake and a big nosh up from the free race canteen! Winners certificate (wooohooo!), medal (woohoo!)and a rather nice hydration pack as a prize (woooohoooo!).