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Frequently asked questions
In an attempt to help you and save everyone time, here are answers to some of the more commonly asked questions in relation to 70 Wild Miles. (If you have any more questions you need answers to, please contact
amy.fisher@clicsargent.org.uk ).
Q. What sort of bike should I use?
A. We would suggest you use whatever you are comfortable with; the course is all on good surfaced tarmac road, so a mountain bike will make it harder for you. We would suggest using a racing bike, if you can get your hands on one.
Q. What will happen if the canoeing can’t start due to bad weather?
A. We take the weather conditions very seriously and are advised professionally by the Mallaig lifeboat crew. If they say it is too dangerous to go ahead, we take their advice. The other sections will still go ahead as normal and we would transport everyone wishing to continue with the running section round to Glen Etive by road or by boat depending on the conditions.
Q. What would be the ideal boat for me to use?
A. We would recommend a sea going Kayak, this is the safest way to paddle in Loch
Etive, it can be very choppy, it is a sea loch and as such, it is possible to have severe conditions!
Q. Do you mean I have to have a sea kayak?
A. No, but we would advise the use of a sea kayak. It really depends on your own ability. You may be a very competent canoeist and the conditions may start off fine and calm for you to use a more unstable racing boat such as a river racer or a K1. But, as we have said, the conditions can change very quickly.
Q. What would be the worst type of canoe for me to use?
A. Again, it depends on your ability, but some people turn up with short slalom type canoes. They are making it difficult for themselves by doing this, these type of canoes are difficult to keep in a straight line and a lot of energy is wasted correcting their stroke to stay on course.
Q. What if I can only get a shorter slalom type boat?
A. All is not lost; you could fit a small skeg on the rear of the canoe. This can be done very easily by cutting out a small piece of old tin can or aluminium in the shape of a rudder and sticking it firmly on to the rear of the canoe with waterproof tape or similar. Make sure you stick it exactly in the middle, this will help greatly with keeping you going in a straight line. Alternatively, tie a short piece of rope (about 4 or 5 feet) to the rear of your canoe and let it drag in the water behind you, (it does work!)
Q. How much training do I need to do for the canoe section?
A. As much as you possibly can so you are comfortable with extended periods of time in rough water. It is also very important that you are comfortable with and have sufficiently practiced in the canoe you intend to use on the day. Make sure it has sufficient buoyancy in it to keep it afloat in the event of a capsize. Buoyancy can be as simple as foam or polystyrene wrapped up in poly bags and stuffed hard into the bow and stern. If you have a canoe club near home, book some basic lessons and get their advice. They may even be helpful in allowing you to borrow a club canoe for the event if you are having trouble getting a hold of one.
Q. Can I take part as a soloist or as part of a team?
A. Whatever you are comfortable with, we have spaces for both and a relay team can be made up of two or three people. The normal way to do it is for a relay team to be made up of three people with each doing one of the sections, however, we can accommodate a team where for instance, one team member may want to cycle and run but would rather not canoe, so they bring in a second person to do this.
Q. What if I want to be a soloist but want to do the canoe section in a double canoe with someone to help me along?
A. Okay, this is a charity event, so you can do this if it means it will allow you to take part, however, you better not “win” the event, or this would cause some problems with the second placed soloist who has done the whole thing by him/herself.
Q. Where do I put my Gear on the day?
A. Make sure you put your canoe equipment in the vehicle marked (No.1), your canoe will go onto one of the canoe trailers. Put your canoe recovery gear and your running gear in the vehicle marked (No. 2) Leave something warm for after your run in the vehicle marked (No.3)
Q. Given that the event is open to all (competent) abilities, how long have I got to complete the various sections?
A. As long as you stay safe, this is our main concern, you can take as long as you need. You can look at our
Results section to see past participant completion times.
Q. What is it best to wear on the day?
A. Dress for the worst conditions possible, i.e. wind, rain and cold. We have been very lucky in the events 20 year history and we have never had anything too bad weather wise. However, it is far better to be overdressed, than underdressed! You can always take things off. Take all your warmest gear with you, you may find we are lucky once again and we have a period of settled weather. The weather in this area can change very quickly, so the best advice is, be prepared for anything!
Q. If my entry is accepted, what amount of money may I be expected to raise for CLIC Sargent?
A. On the entry form for 70 Wild Miles, we ask you for an estimate of your sponsorship expectations. It is only an estimate, we would be delighted if you go way beyond this! Please, please do! All we ask is that you make a serious effort to raise as much as you possibly can..
Q. Can I transport my own gear around the event?
A. You can do so if you wish, however, the Glen Etive road, which we use for the running section will be closed to normal traffic. For this section, you must allow us to transport all your equipment. If you intend to use your own transport arrangements for the trip to
Taynuilt, you must follow directions for parking given by our marshals; there will be a designated field for this at the end of the cycle section.
Q. What is the accommodation like in the area?
A. There are two very good campsites within walking distance of the Glencoe Hotel and a great many guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments.
Q. What happens after the event?
A. As a good old 70 Wild Miles tradition we always have a good knees up after the event in the evening at a local venue in Glencoe. We urge you strongly to get accommodation in the area and stay the night. The evening function is usually good fun and it is the time we award the prizes etc.
Q. Can my friends come to the party on Saturday night?
A. Of course! The more the merrier! All are welcome. This is a good family weekend and children are always welcome at 70 Wild Miles. (most of us think we still are children!)
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