 Okay, how would you like to spend a day trying out Gore's newest kit in the mountains of the Lake District plus get the chance to ask all those difficult questions about PTFE membranes that you've been saving up for years?
Well, that fantastic dream is about to become reality. OUTDOORSmagic has fixed up a Gore test mountain weekend in the Lakes for the weekend of 5-7 October. It'll be like a normal OM Meet-Up - which means it's open to all OM members - except that on the Saturday, some of the guys from Gore UK will be coming along with lots of test clothing - some not even on the market yet - that you'll be able to try out for real. Yes, even you Baga.
You'll also be able to chat with the Gore guys and ask those difficult questions about fabric care, breathability and what Gore has up its sleeve for next year, not that they'll tell you, but you can ask anyway.
We're going to be based in Patterdale at the foot of Helvellyn and St Sunday Crag so the walking and scrambling should be excellent as well with classics like Striding and Swirral Edges and Pinnacle Ridge just round the corners, plus there's some good mountain biking in the area as well if you fancy taking to two wheels on Sunday.
Accommodation
For once we've decided not to camp, instead we're reserving around 16 places in the Patterdale YHA for Friday and Saturday nights. See this link for details. We'll also be taking out group membership so you won't have to join as an individual. It's a little more expensive than camping, but it will make things easier to organise and potentially drier too.
If you're determined to camp, there is a site at Side Farm, Patterdale (017684) 82337. And if you're a totally committed wuss, you could always track down a bed and brekky in the area.
Glenridding Tourist Information is on 017684-82414 and offers an accommodation booking service.
Want to come?
We're limited to 16 places, so if you want to come along to the Gore Meet-Up, please e-mail me - jon@outdoorsmagic.com - and let me know as soon as possible. That way if we are over-subscribed, we can look into alternatives.
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 From experience can I just say that Patterdale is one of the best YHA's around as it's a purpose built reasonably modern building (probably late 60s or something), the beds are even built into the walls and made from soild wood rather than the normal squeking metal affairs.
Can't vouch for many of the other facilities as we ate in the pub and it was sunny all weekend.
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A very pleasant dale it is too.
<|:-)
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 Hmmm. Calendar, diary et al, are being checked (and possibly things cancelled). I would love to come but I'll have to get back to you.
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 Jon
Yes In a word...can you pick me up from Stockport?
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Yep, don't see why not.
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Jon - an interesting test may be:
construct a one-piece for demo purposes
A 1-piece sorta sorts things out re breathability
<|:-)
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 We (10 of us from the Shepshed running club) will be staying at the Patterdale YHA the following weekend 11/12/13 October, so if you would care to leave some of the kit behind we would be willing to extend the testing. Afterall you cannot test durability over just one weekend!
We plan to do Pinnacle Ridge and return via Helvellyn and striding edge on Saturday, and Sharpe edge Blencathra returning via Halls Fell ridge on Sunday.
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Ha, nice try Richard, but it's unlikely to be feasible. Sorry mate, but have a great weekend anyway. I may be able to leave some chocklit pudding for you instead. Will that do?
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 By some small miracle it looks like I now have this weekend free and should be able to make it. I need to get away from London for a weekend and breath some really air... can't think of any better way to do it than testing gear in the lakes!
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 Can't come to the meet - but wouldn't mind some chocklit pudding.
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David, I'll add you to the list then shall I? Only a couple of slots left.
Cath, I'm working on the puds right now, I think there's still some left over from the first ever OM meet when Wayfayrer generously supplied some.
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 Damn, forgot about those puds. Think theres one festering amongst my kit somewhere... will have to check it all.
Don't think I can make this meet either.
Damn.
Si(C)
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Jon... don't worry about a slot in the YHA just in case my work plans change!(I wouldn't want someone else to miss out) If there's space left in the inn on the day. then I'll take it, if not I'm more than happy to tent it.
Thanks
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 Jon, I shall be there too.
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Oh, and I can also quite happily tent it, if no room in hostel, but would prefer to be tenting near friendly tent rather than alone.
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 Still coming but don't need accom!
I do need choclit pud mind you!
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Sod it. I'm gonna say I can come!
However I would appreciate if someone could offer a lift. Worcestershire area, but willing to train it to elsewhere.
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Drew, I'll add you to the list then. I reckon I'm looking at a fullish car now with Dave Olney, Maria and potentially Cullen on board so can't help on the lifts front I'm afraid.
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Glossop's a fair train journey anyway.
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