I visited the same steep Ochil slopes on Saturday for the Alva games race before I reacquainted myself with Maddy Moss on Wednesday (can’t add much to Mike’s race report, other than I had an excellent tussle all the way down from Andrew Gannel with the leader of the Scottish LibDems, and I was a bit miffed to find a new wee rise in the route after the eponymous moss).
Previously known as the BOFRA world championship race it has a reputation as the steepest race (30%) in the calendar (only Chapelgill rivals it). As it’s on the BOFRA circuit it’s one of those races (like Ben Nevis) you think you’re in the wrong country given the preponderance of English club vests. Another similarity to the Ben (of old) was Rob Jebb running away from the field for a clear victory (coincidentally, this race also has a 1980’s record still held by Kenny Stuart). Anyway, amongst the more local runners Carnethy’s own Dessie Flannagan had a great run up (and better descent) to grab 2nd place with a shod Brian Marshall in his first attempt at the race* rising (or more technically correct falling rapidly) to 4th, with Ochils Sarah Wiseman winning the ladies race. Back in my mid-pack position I employed what I now refer to as my “Lomonds of Fife descent cycle shorts” and bumslid my way past several road-shoed touring runners without serious mishap before returning to the games field to dodge the grass track cycling and big lads throwing things.
*it usually coincides with Glamaig hence Brian’s inaugural appearance
Results (and better report than mine) at http://www.bofra.org.uk/Alva.php
Bruce Smith