This is one for you Graham...Im not really bothered about opinion from the forum. If I enter the solo class this Autumn (ive stopped working abroad so fancy getting back to doing the Polaris) do you allow goretex bivibags in lieu of a tent...if not what length of coathanger and bivibag constitutes a tent! I know its an old chestnet but i couldnt find the definitive answer...i would always chose a bivi over a tent regardless of if polaris or not for warmth etc.
Si
Thanks Graham. I look forward to the misery!...Ive just gotten back from a coast to coast jaunt across the tops of the pyrenees and im hoping the 7 kg I lost in weight on that trip means i will be able to carry a trailer tent and barbeque without any signifiacnt in my gross weight. see ya soon
Is that a definive ruling then Graham ?
The entry forms have been printed so we will confirm the rule in the final details.
The only really daft kit rule I always thought was the waterproof trousers one. I never use them, preferring stuff like thick powerstretch tights. In the past, when I've not had a pair to hand, I borrowed by partner's wife's waterproof trousers to satisfy the rules - they don't specify that they have to fit :)
I knew i should have sent the email to you directly Graham!
Re: Soap box & getting down - I'd e-mail
Ben
Si, referring to you original message, what is the purpose of the 'chestnet'. It doesn't sound weatherproof to me. Is it a Pyrenean vetement? You're not getting into my tent when your nipples get moist.
muchobligedpostcardrecipientoutwest,
I eneed to know as this is an inspected item
Si
By GrahamL ( - 80.6.68.85) on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 11:54 am:
It is entirely up to you and your own comfort. There is very little difference between a bivvy bag and a competition tent.
As an experienced Challenger you will know that you will have to stay in camp for a long time and need shelter to cook, dry out a bit etc so you choose.
I don't think there is much difference in the weight.
I know the rules state a tent9not a bivvy) but perhaps we should review them in the light of event tents being more readily available now.
I suppose a tent can be a sheet of plastic strung between 2 bikes or whatever.
We will check kit and if it is fit for purpose then there will not be a problem but it must be there at the finish and not dumped.
By si ( - 195.232.29.12) on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 06:07 pm:
By Mike Hart ( - 144.87.143.3) on Friday, August 22, 2003 - 05:37 pm:
You say "I know the rules state a tent9not a bivvy) but perhaps we should review them in the light of event tents being more readily available now."
Are you saying that this rule will definitely be changed in time for Autumn 03 event ? Will you be letting everyone know about the rule change ?
Regards
By GrahamL ( - 80.4.61.20) on Saturday, August 23, 2003 - 09:26 am:
I personally don't really care what you carry and feel that we should drop all of the kit rules apart from some basic safety essentials.
Essentially we should give a list of recommended kit and if you carry it then it is up to you. People who enter the Challenge should have enough experience and common sense to know what is required. It is down to your own level of comfort.
But in today's world of litigation and claim chasers we have to be careful. The PC is supposed to be a representation of a minor expedition and risks have to be evaluated, risk management and kit choice is all part of the Challenge.
The rule was instigated to cover the fact that teams could not consider a polythene or foil survival bag as a tent, a gortex bivvy bag in my opinion is acceptable.
Is that clear or more muddy?
Bottom line, you choose, you have to survive the night which could be wet, windy and cold, cook a meal, dry out and ride 5 hours the following day, if you can do that in a goretex bivvy then fine. Does anyone remember -7C in Galloway?
By Ben Cornwell ( - 195.255.225.190) on Saturday, August 23, 2003 - 12:45 pm:
By si ( - 212.211.97.13) on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 06:45 pm:
IMHO and more from climbing (alpine and winter stuff) a goretex bivvi bag will provide more warmth and than a tent for 1 person...a 2 person bivvibag is too heavy and a bit too camp! As you say really the judgement should be down to competitors, so long a every person has sufficient to 'survive' a night out (which should be just the same for any singleday 'challenge events' that do not follow a set course). Anything beyond this is down to user preference, comfort e.g. the affect not sleeping for a night has on your next days performance. The new lightweight tents are excellent but given that the Sup'air tent (the pioneer of these lightweight tents) was specifically designed for 'vol bivouac'-multiday paragliding trips in hot sunny bits of Europe, it needs experienced and capable hands for it to perform adequately when UK autumn/spring conditions are at their worst...and we havent had it really bad for a while as far as i know...I supect a there are quite a few people who have bought one of these who will get a rude, wet, cold shock one of these days.(Good gear, and experience in using it is only tested when you really need it in bad conditions...not in average condition)...now then...how do i get down off this soap box.
By We're not worthy ( - 217.42.18.144) on Monday, August 25, 2003 - 05:05 pm:
Graham direct on that one Si, or we'll all be
making suggestions.
By GrahamL ( - 80.6.68.85) on Tuesday, August 26, 2003 - 10:57 am:
DON'T GO THERE PLEASE
THIS SUBJECT HAS BEEN DONE TO DEATH AND IT IS BORING
YAWN
LET'S ALL DROP IT
By muchobligedpostcardrecipientoutwest ( - 195.92.168.176) on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 04:09 pm:
By si ( - 212.211.109.43) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 06:57 pm:
when did you get back assuming you are muchobligedpostcardrecipientoutwestandabitnorthofkeswick? and how did it go?