Striding Out on the Fan Dance

Doesn’t it sometimes seem like everything has to be ‘ultimate’ or ‘extreme’ ? Well in this case it’s justified, and if you are genuinly looking for the next big challenge, this could be it! If your background is in trail/ fell running, mountaineering, armed forces, adventure racing or anything else…

 we’re confident this will test even the most seasoned professional.

Before you read on, it’s important to point out something important - this is a purely civilian event so you don’t have to have any military experience to have a go at this- some have, one or two may still be serving and some just want to test themselves against an accepted high standard. All routes followed are representative but of our own design.

North Ridge Adventure’s motto is Experience: the next level and unless you have personally done the hills on Special Forces Selection this is going to deliver. For the confirmed civvie, you can take part in any normal mountain kit and we’ll make you feel right at home OR if you only have green kit that will be good too.

You have my personal assurance that no-one, will ever be able to question your fitness or determination if you complete this challenge. If anyone tries just ask them “what have you done?”

Since I was asked to take over the running of this map reading and endurance event we have taken steps to make it more of a competitive event and now North Ridge Adventure are looking to open this up to a much wider audience. We have had guys (and a few girls) who have previously completed the Marathon des Sables, OMM (KIMM) etc. toughing it out next to serving soldiers and it is our ambition to see it evolve into a full blown endurance event.

The FAN DANCE is legendary, and involves various permutations on a theme - the theme being racing over the summit of Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons, not once, but TWICE whilst carrying a 35lb bergen on your back. To be done in boots, it’s quite a test to do it inside the time limit.

Ultimate Endurance (Long Drag) is many times more severe. I’ve called it Ultimate Endurance for a reason, and it could give candidates some insight into the nature of Special Forces selection. Carrying a 55lb bergen, candidates are expected to navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint until told to stop - and that maybe not for a long time - you will be out in the dark, for sure! Since we revised this course in 2007 I can honestly say we are waiting for a candidate to come really close! Full respect to those who have given it their best shot, and it’s not to say it’s impossible, but it is tough. Are you tough enough?

So here’s the bottom line - we’re running these events back to back from the 25-27th September 2009 .and they’re open for bookings now IF you’ve got the right experience. Either submit a CV telling us of prior experience or attend a warm up weekend where we’ll take you through all the mountain survival skills, map reading etc that you’ll be likely to need. Please be under no illusions - being a good runner does not necessarily mean you’ll be fast with all that weight on your back, but we’re here to help and our advice is free and ongoing to anyone who steps up the the challenge.

Charity Events and Groups. If you have a group that may be fit enough, but lacks the mountain skills and would like to be guided round, just let us know. Similarly with charity events - we have some experience with this and could help you plan a successful event from start to finish (including web exposure etc)

Your Assurance: the event will be staffed with instructors and helpers of the highest caliber and integrity, all 1st aid trained and more than capable of helping you succeed. The overall event manager is Duncan Clark from NRA who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

Ultimate Endurance - yes it is.