'Gratitude is the sign of noble souls'- Aesop
A strange world known as the 'Isle of Wight' is one of rolling fields perched on cliffs of chalk and clay, with waves crashing ferociously against these geographical wonders. For those who dwell upon the Isle of Wight, they saw something else on this bizarre rock bobbing a short distance away from the likes of Portsmouth and Southampton. Odd structures had once more been erected over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, and they were always a beacon for mainlanders to travel to the island. These marvels of architecture were not like the Needles, or Osborne House where Queen Victoria once presided. They were inflatable, and flags that bore the words 'Ultra Challenge' fluttered in the breeze. It was that time of year again.
Thousands crossed on the ferries, all seeking to 'Walk, Jog, Run' around the entirety of the Isle of Wight. Some were cautious and chose a smaller distance of 25 km, with the more adventurous attempting 52 km (or 54 km if doing the second half of the challenge). Insane members of the human race decided to do 106 km over the span of two days, daring to risk the horrors of stiff legs to reach the end. Then there were those whose minds had gone long ago, who were more machine than man now. They were the ones who wanted to do the whole thing in one go, whether it was walking, jogging or running. Some did a quickened pace over a smaller distance, but this was different. This humble blogger was one of those who had no fear.
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| Fun fact- I was really bloody tired |
After walking from London to Brighton at the end of May last year, it seemed fitting to once again strap on the boots, fill up a bag with snacks and water and tackle another one of the Ultra Challenges. Ten years had passed since a group of intrepid teenagers did their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award on the island, gleefully gallivanting through farmland and taking in the rays of the sun while strolling along the coastline. Now, this humble blogger would have no time to be a tourist, as there was a more serious challenge to complete. Last year, the terrain was a mix of grassland and roads, but now the Isle of Wight conjured up chalk footpaths just to make things more interesting. The prospect of walking beside the coast sounds lovely, but those tiny rocks are a bitch if they are jagged and get you right on the sole of your foot. That right there is an owie.
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| Tuna makes it better (also, it isn't an Ultra Challenge without a tuna picture) |
There's no point giving a blow by blow account of every single step taken or how this guy managed to do an entire lap of the Isle of Wight (spoiler alert, it was something along the lines of 'left foot forward, right foot forward'). Instead, the focus will be on why the completion of this challenge actually showed how awesome people are. Across the entirety of the long weekend, various members of society proved that there is still some good in a world plagued by environmental disasters, pompous politicians and kids who spend more time practicing
Fortnite dances rather than contributing to the community. Whether they had been close contacts for years or just a random encounter, there is still some hope for humanity yet. Fear not fellow humans, we might just make it through to 2020!
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| That's a Ben guarantee |
Let's start with the 'Keepers of the Ferries', responsible for shipping hordes of holidaymakers/ Isle of Wight escapees across the Solent. With thousands descending on the ports situated along the south coast, there is an increased amount of pressure on these companies to deliver a fully functioning service, intensified by having to achieve this over a bank holiday weekend. On Thursday evening, one of those mass texts was sent out to passengers to warn them to arrive at least an hour before departure to ensure they can board. Being a time-conscious person, rocking up at 12:00 on the dot was the first major victory of the weekend, made better by the somewhat sleepy steward happily ushering this humble blogger onto the 12:00 ferry. Rather than saying 'take a seat, young Goscomb', the gates were opened and the daunting fear of having to sit quietly in a ferry terminal for an hour was squashed in an instant. OK, having to rush around wasn't ideal, but one would rather arrive early than late. Hell, even on the way back, all Papa had to do was ask politely if his tired son could travel back with them (they were on a 12:00 crossing, this guy would have to wait until 13:30) and they were happy to comply. Happy bloody days.
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| Happy boy |
Thanks to Red Funnel and their happiness to allow an earlier crossing (which could be misinterpreted as a lack of security concerns), this young adventurer stumbled upon a gaggle of fellow participants and staff also making their way to the Isle of Wight. One was already aware of how Action Challenge staff functioned, i.e. helpful and insane, so it shouldn't have been surprising that a complete stranger was more than happy to find some space in her vehicle for an extra body to shuttle a new friend down to Chale. Rather than waiting until 16:30 for a bus, this adventurous spirit managed to arrive in plenty of time for early registration at 16:00, as well as get settled into the weekend accommodation. That spirit of comradery was fantastic and is a perfect example of the kind of people who attempt or volunteer on the Ultra Challenge series. We were all in the same boat (literally, in this case), traversing the same route and doing it for a cause close to our hearts. Everyone has a story, and we are all willing to listen to them. While the two lovely ladies joked of Ben being tempted into their vehicle with promises of sweet treats, there was no reason to be afraid. A small act of kindness can go a long way, so a heartfelt thank you to you all! Keep on being awesome.
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| Cheers Troy |
It was refreshing to see these faces during the expedition, even though one felt slightly guilty for doing a speedy overtake and only exchanging brief words as they were left behind. What was fantastic to see was how upbeat and positive everyone was, regardless of how much distance had been covered or how dark and chilly the night was ('the night is dark and full of terrors', after all). There was no judgement passed for somebody doing 25 km at a pace equivalent to a snail with a rather uncomfortable limp, as they are still doing it for a good cause and proving to everyone that they can take on such a challenge. Whenever one came upon a fellow participant, there was time for a clap and a cheer to will them on, which calmed any nerves that one had taken a wrong turn or was doing the Isle of Wight challenge on his lonesome. At every rest stop, the Action Challenge staff were bubbly and helpful, no matter the time of day, always there to encourage these weary souls over the line and provide as much sustenance as possible. You can't turn down the chance for a warm meal or a plethora of orange slices.
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| All needs were catered to |
The locals of the island, despite their shock at the swarm of mainlanders that had come in force, were also hospitable. Along the route, there were messages of support, including some petty vandalism on the side of a caravan encouraging all participants to do their very best. The youth were also out in force, sitting patiently with bottle of water or even doughnuts. This may have been down to poor Internet coverage on certain parts of the island, meaning that no video games could be played that day, but it was thoughtful of these scallywags to spend their Saturdays tending to the needs of these 'foreigners'. Perhaps the best example of support came in the form of a drunken woman stumbling out of a club just after midnight in Sandown, who sloppily clapped this tired adventurer through and managed to string a sentence together that more or less sounded like 'keep going, you crazy bastard'. Hey, in the dead of night, you should take all the support you can take.
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| Go team! |
Of course, the islanders who deserve a special mention are the ones who run
Butterfly Paragliding. To find a place only half a mile from the start/ finish is a damn good find, especially when you book right at the end of March since employment distracts you from these important details. Far away from the hustle and bustle of Newport and Ryde, it was the perfect place to both mentally prepare and wind down. It was refreshing to take in the sea breeze and kick back in the perfectly situated chair that overlooked a beach, perched at the end of the garden with only the sound of the waves for company. Dave runs an absolutely fabulous establishment, bending over backwards to make sure all guests are as comfortable as possible, even if they aren't brave enough to do some paragliding. To wake up to find a table already prepped for breakfast, with freshly baked bread on the side and a bowl of fruit well-stocked, it was another moment of joy as the challenge drew ever closer. Dave even called this guy an 'athlete'; one retorted with 'nope, I'm just crazy person who hasn't been caught yet'. How witty.
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| Stunning |
This challenge would not have been possible without a thoroughly committed support team, otherwise known as the Goscomb family. Amazingly enough, they were not deterred by acting as a pit crew during the London 2 Brighton Challenge and were probably more excited to go to the Isle of Wight than the guy actually doing the challenge. They would have the chance to gaze at the Needles and enjoy a round of fish and chips, patiently waiting for the youngest member of the Goscombs to plod through the check point. Every need was tended to, from providing snacks that would replenish energy to stocking up on socks to keep any potential blisters at bay. Papa jumped at any chance to cheer on any other participant, with the team standing at the finish line for around 3 hours and clapping through anyone who stepped into the paddock. To hear my father roar with delight at seeing his son emerge from the darkness to finish before 3 AM (which was the goal) was uplifting, with hugs from a relieved mother and a slightly inebriated brother just making that moment even more special. On the Sunday morning, overlooking the beach that lay beneath Butterfly Paragliding, mother and son enjoyed a coffee together and cemented the already known fact that the Goscomb clan are always on hand to help.
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| They're very handy for victory photos |
Finally, last and by no means least, is everyone who gave their best wishes or donated their hard-earned cash. No matter how big or small the donation was, there was a feeling of gratitude as an email arrived in the inbox to happily notify that someone had donated. Thanks to a skilful combination of guilt-tripping and providing baked goods, the digi.me team went above and beyond in the category of being charitable. It showed the team spirit that runs like a raging river through this company, even though this humble blogger has sat at his desk for just over 7 months and can still be deemed a 'fresh face'. Although it gave definitive evidence towards the statement that 'Ben is absolutely bloody insane', they were not put off by having a crazy person among them and happily contributed towards the £500 target. That has been smashed, and donations continue to pour in (*cough*
page is still open *cough*) which gets the mind racing on the possibility of reaching £1000. Stranger things have happened; Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-0, you know.
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| Scenes (EPA) |
So, people can actually be somewhat tolerable. What a revelation, considering
politicians continue to demonstrate their ineptitude, climate change is
a taboo topic and a
false accusation can ruin someone's life. Perhaps the negatives still outweigh the positives, which history can prove, but in a world that is going to shit there can be a ray of hope. Turns out that the Isle of Wight Challenge, an assault on both mind and body, would showcase the wonderful side of the human race. Complete strangers were keen to will on their fellow participants, all doing this challenge for a cause close to their hearts. Families would wait in hope for their challenger to cross the line and shower them with support and sustenance. Hell, even a surprise trip to see 'the best friend out of convenience' in the Boots in Westquay Shopping Centre gave returns of a damn good round of tomfoolery and free samples. Every last bloody step (literally, in some cases) was worth it when you know that you are surrounded by people who actually give a fuck about you. This tired and aching young adult cannot be more relieved to know this.
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| Blown away |
Ben G 😁 xo
P.S. Just for anyone who cares, here are some stats:
- Time: 18 hours, 39 minutes and 48 seconds
- Average Speed: 5.68 km/h
- Height Climbed: 1679 m
- Overall Rank: 94
- Overall Rank (M): 80
- First 8:20 starter to finish
- 585 Full Island Challengers at the start, 426 finishers
- 1510 participants, 1278 finishers
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