That time already?

 Under grey skies and grey mood as Spotty the action Berner was not with yours truly for the first time in 5 years, the BBMC 2016 starter with two non Steves. We posed for the obligatory start pic and headed off into the wilderness

 which was full of like minded gear rats and kit zombies intent on finishing the annual Big Black Mountain Challenge organised by the Longtown Mountain Rescue bods to raise cash for a new command and control vehicle. Off we trundled along the familiar trails, some 1000 of us on 3 different length routes.

 It does get pretty bleak at times

 and soon we reached the highest peak of the day in good shape.

 But as we descended problems arose for one non Steve who's toes started hurting. 12 miles in out of 27 there was no option but to press on, slowly.

 Taking in the views

 enjoying the solitude

 the food

 and sucking up the pain.

 The other non Steve started to have a technical issue with his footwear

 and at the halfway point yours truly was firing on all cylinders while

 the rest of the team were in bits, literally in this case as his boot fell apart.

 This was bad as we were a long way from the car, it being at the base of the mountain in the far far distance.

 At a checkpoint we found a gear rat with gaffa tape so effected repairs.

 But the best vet in the world couldn't help this poor pony.

 Gospel pass saw both non Steve attempt skin grafts to brutal looking blisters

 while the mountain rescue bods provided water and ferried the non finishers back to camp.

 We pressed on and found an alternative way of enjoying the views

 but decided that keeping our sore feet on the ground was the best bet.

 Non Steve by now was really suffering

 but was a brave soldier at mile 27 when we were told there was a route change and we had to get another 3 miles done before tea and cakes.

 The views were magnificent but the blisters on the non Steve's were now massive.

 Finish line crossed still smiling

 and we did our bit raising money for another one of these.

Damage done to boot.
A great event, as ever, and this time I was in good shape at the end so training is paying off. Very sad to think that Spotty wont be joining me on this epic trek again, 15 miles is now about his limit. Roll on 2017 and this time we will know that its 30  miles not 27!