The big surprise in Kielder Forest on September 17th-19th was the sight of about 700 competitors from 128 teams participating in the 18th Reivers of Tarset Kielder Business Challenge.
Among them were two teams of keen and enthusiastic individuals from Entec. Drawn from offices as far apart as Edinburgh and London, the teams began to gather together on Friday evening. Though most had not met before, through a combination of good luck and a yellow car (?) everyone managed to find each other, and after a few drinks in the bar, were on friendly enough terms to share tents for the night.
The new friendships were put to the test on Saturday morning as the day started at 6am followed by a full day of krypton factor style mental, logistical and physical challenges. 8 half-hour challenges were completed (or more accurately attempted!) at intervals along a 10 mile route through the Kielder Forest. The tasks usually involved something simple like building a complex toy whilst running blindfolded through the forest; or getting yourself, your team and a beer keg through/ over/ under an obstacle course without touching the floor, the obstacles or the beer keg.
By the end of the day everyone was inevitably ready for a hearty meal followed by a comfortable bed. Unfortunately we arrived at our site to find a bucket full of uncooked food and pile of timber! A couple of tired and hungry hours later the teams were equipped with a surprisingly comfortable and extremely cosy Ray Mears style bivy shelter.
Sunday saw yet another early start, a beautiful dawn and a mad dash through the forest, orienteering in search of clues for the crazy puzzle completed the night before. With approximately 700 individuals running, walking and falling through the forest and peatlands, it was great to witness the fantastic sporting spirit between all the teams.
By lunchtime everything was over and everybody
was reunited in the central marquee for a well deserved meal and a free
bar whilst waiting for the
results. Entec fared pretty well but more importantly everyone had a
brilliant weekend,
with a great team spirit throughout. Many thanks go to Ruby Barker and
Steve Humberstone for organising the two teams.
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