On your marks, get set ....UBC

Two teams representing the UBC Group took part in the the Hebridean Adventure. After Garth Arkell and Alastair Paul Macdonald's willing acceptance of the challenge, what followed was a gruelling but fulfilling race.  With over 20 teams taking part in a number of different groups, our teams UBC A and UBC B gained high rankings.  Team B came in 1st and Team A came in 2nd out of the 5 teams in their catagory and 7th out of the total 20 teams.

Running for six days from the 30th June, the race covered 700km from Barra through Uist, Harris and Lewis, the competitors ran hills and peat bogs, swam the sea, carried their bikes and even rode them once in a while.

The weather, always an interesting factor, went from gale force winds and horizontal rain to a beautiful sunny day to finish the race in Lewis.

These changeable conditions certainly made for added challenges, with heavy mist affecting navigation on the hills and the sleeping arrangements after their daily trials being decidedly luxurious one man tents.

Both teams completed the race unscathed (bar minor aches, pains, lots of blisters, mental scars!!), with UBC A showing particular sportsmanship in ensuring that UBC B got up and running when their bikes broke down - quite a feat considering day one had pushed everyone to their limits and left all wondering whether they would be able to sustain the same level for the duration.

However, duly completed, all had the opportunity to relax and unwind with the Ceilidh at the Butt of Lewis to celebrate another successful Hebridean Challenge.  The Challenge always gains widespread interest with its particular set of challenges laced with just a dash of complete unpredictability, namely the weather conditions as mentioned above! This year was no exception, with Radio Nan Gaidheal following events over the duration.

For a whole set of pictures from the entire event go to View UBC's Gallery - http://picasaweb.google.com/UBCInverness

Both teams would also like to add their thanks not only to all the communities along the route who provided much welcome food and showers keeping body and soul together but to Tina at Calmac in Tarbert who ensured that everyone had the right tickets to be in the right place at the right time and also to the marshals and organisers for ensuring a smooth running of events. 

Further thanks to everyone who supported both teams including Caley Timber, Wyvis Building Services, Craigdon Mountain Sport, Inverness, and of course family and freinds of the competitors and all within UBC.  

For a hit of more info on the events go to the hebridean challenge website itself on: http://www.hebrideanchallenge.com/

All proceeds from both teams’ exertions will go to UBC Employee Charity of the Year, the Highland Hospice, more information about which can be found following the link below: http://www.highlandhospice.org

…so far £1500 has been raised for this very worthwhile charity.  anyone interested in making a last minute donation should follow the link below: http://www.justgiving.com/garth-arkell