ECKO SOL

[EddieH]

With the weather forecast for last Sunday I wonder how many clubs would have cancelled the SOL before the day. The water pouring off the hills would then have finished off the event with so many clubs and officials.

Fortunately ECKO are used to "bad" weather and it showed. The helpers were all cheerful and friendly despite some weather that was not pleasant to stand around a field in.

The controller went out early in the morning, assessed the state of relevant streams and a few last minute modifications were made to some courses to avoid the worst stream crossings.

I for one was so grateful for the determination to allow us to compete. (My only disapointment was that, at least while I was out, the weather became significantly more clement and the fog lifted off the hil).

I aso noted the excitement of 3 young boys who were collecting car parking money in the downpour. It reinforces my belief that "bad weather" is a concept taught by adults that want to protect their children from perceived dangers instead of realising that wild weather i a form of adventure for many children (and adults )

[Paul Frost]

It was interesting that only 2 people retired after starting, compared to the large number at the Yockenthwaite event, so the decision to go ahead seems to have been a good one.
Out of the 228 pre-entries 168 went out, many obviously decided not to travel in the first place and a few made a decision at the event.

A warning was sent out on Friday that a waterproof jacket were likely to be compulsory due to the forecast conditions, and the website announced that a decision about cancellation would be made at 8pm on the day before.

As a competitor myself I can confirm that at times it was very unpleasant, with heavy driving rain that was generally in short blasts. But as long as you were adequately clothed it was ok. But overall I really enjoyed the course and the experience, and it was satisfying to have completed it with any major errors. Many people I spoke to also said they were glad they went out, even though they weren't sure if it was a good idea in advance.

[Electrocuted]

We decided not to go out even though we were in Oban. It wasn't the thought of going out in the weather that put me off - as long as I can get back into a dry warm car after a run I don't mind the conditions during a run.

It was the thought of spending 4+ hours (split starts) in a car with a very mobile 14 month old in a field with no shelter. Our little tent would not have stood up to the wind and it wouldn't have been much fun in a car for that length of time. He has good quality waterproofs but would have been blown off his feet!

Swimming and soft play was much more fun!

[DaveR]

As a competitor myself I can confirm that at times it was very unpleasant, with heavy driving rain that was generally in short blasts. But as long as you were adequately clothed it was ok. But overall I really enjoyed the course and the experience, and it was satisfying to have completed it with any major errors. Many people I spoke to also said they were glad they went out, even though they weren't sure if it was a good idea in advance.

I agree with Paul and Eddie. The forecast was grim, the weather slightly less so, but the race was ultimately very enjoyable. Even my 8 year old, after a little gentle persuasion, went out and enjoyed her course.

Many thanks to the cheery helpers who must have had quite a day of it.

[Lard]

I also appluad ECKO for going ahead. Had I not had a 1 and 4 year old in tow I would have enjoyed the "Challenging conditions".
But wearing my "parents" hat I had to make the decision to not attend.

Great weekend, unlucky with Sunday's weather, keep up the great work!