Challenge Preparation for First Timers: Challenger Spotting

At some point, early on my first TGO Challenge, I had slightly disorientating encounter. If you are preparing for your first Challenge this is an experience you will almost certainly to sharing shortly.

I was approached by a man — obviously a hiker — of a certain age. He was dressed in “full Paramo” and carrying a rucksack that was almost bigger than my house. He was waving a waterproof folder in his hand and brandishing a pen. He greeted me”

“wasyurnumba?”

“Pardon?

“wasyurnumba?”

“Sorry, what did you want?”

“WASYURNUMBA?”

It then suddenly dawned on me. He was asking for my number. Computing all of this quickly I realised he meant my TGO Number. This is the number that you are allocated when you get a place, and the number you use when phoning in to Challenge Control. I duly gave him my number. He appeared appreciative and hunted in the folder.

He brandished a copy of the the TGO Participant list, searched down the columns, made a tick and then gave me a big smile. Andy Howell. Birmingham he grinned.

I’d been spotted. Of course, there are ‘spotters’ everywhere and I suppose one of the problems with the Challenge is that there are few opportunities for train spotting, although I’m sure the high level route through Corrour Station is a popular route ‘spot’.

By now you will beginning to realise that there is — how can we say diplomatically — a certain eccentricity about your fellow Challengers. A few weeks studying of the Challenge Notice Board will now doubt have left you feeling a little intimidated. So, take this as a warning and be prepared!

Nothing can quite prepare you for that first encounter with Challenge kind.

Most likely you will meet them at Glasgow Queen Street. (You may also meet them at Inverness Bus Station but their numbers will be suitably diluted).

The foyer of Glasgow Queen Street will be heaving with walkers. Ruscksacks will take over every conceivable bit of public space. Ordinary commuters will be looking stunned and shocked. The Challengers will be dancing around and shouting for joy as they meet long lost friends. It is an odd thing this. They will appear to have known each other for years, and many of them will have — even though they only meet once a year.

It is difficult to know what advice to give you about etiquette on this occasion, other than possibly make sure you don’t get crushed in the rush for the train. I suppose you could always put on a smile and just ask individuals for their number. But that might be a tad extreme.

But it gets worse. Once you get on the train.

The train North from Glasgow is a little train which splits so that half of it goes on the line to Mallaig and half to Oban. By the time the train pulls out spirits are really high and the adrenalin is really pumping. People can’t sit in their seats for longer than a minute or two. Conversations are going on all over the place. Enquiries are made about fellow Challengers and you’ll no doubt recognise one or two names in the middle of all this.

You could just join in with the mayhem, though admittedly this is hard (and not for the faint hearted). It might be easy to just sit their, enjoy the stunning scenery and go with the flow. It is a little easier to start getting to know people at the start location as they are generally in smaller groups and have begun to calm down a bit.

From then on it is all plain sailing. You only have to worry about little things, like falling into a bog or slipping off the side of a mountain.

But – during the first few days — why not play a ‘spotting game’ yourself? Here’s a short introductory guide.

The Trim Beard

This Challenger is pretty ubiquitous and a very social beast and you’ll encounter him by the time you get to Braemar if not before. His beard will be immaculate and his clothing garb neatly chosen; he will hardly look as if he will has been trudging through bog for a week. His name will be Sloman. Basically, this is a harmless creature but you should take some extra care when near a hostelry.

Spot value = 5 points.

 

The Northern Trim Beard

Sometimes confused with the standard Trim Beard. The Northern version has a more local accent and often wears specs. He too is an exceptionally social animal and is often to be seen dispensing pastural care. Responds well to the call of “Morning Vicar”. This is the Rev. David Alban.

Spot Value = 5 points.

 

The  JJ

A very unassuming character and another very sociable beast.  The JJ was the first Challenger that I met. There’s nothing really to fear here but just beware that he is likely to burst into song or poetry at any time – and he will insist that you join in. Goes by the name of John.

Spot Value = 5 points.

 

The Cashmere Sweater

This is a walker who always wears a stylish, light blue, cashmere sweater. The sweater is easily identified by discreetly placed ventilation holes. This Challenger can be difficult to understand and confusing if encountered more than once, as it adopts multiple personalities. Sometimes known as Humphrey. You may not meet Humphrey, but you will hear a lot about him. This could be a very valuable spot as he is currently well down the standby list. We may not see him, but somehow I think we might.

Spot Value (could be difficult) = 20 points.

 

Lilo Lil

This one is very difficult on account of it’s ability to completely change appearance every year or so. You will probably recognise him when he identifies himself as ‘Lilo’. Yes, do ask why he is called that !!!

Spot Value = 15 points

 

The  Pidgeon

Best spotted during the morning. My last ‘spot’ was on the road to Braemar. The Pidgeon was walking in crocs and appeared to be pregnant. Closer inspection showed that his waterproof was stuffed full of cans of some kind of strong brew. One other clue to this being the Pidgeon will be the bottle of single malt sitting in his pack pocket. If encountered in the morning the Pidgeon will have you crying with laughter.

Spot Value = 5 points. 5 bonus points are available if you can ascertain his previous occupation in life.

 

The Cartwright

This beast is even smarter than the trim beard. His hiking gear is effectively colour co-ordinated. There is no danger in the Cartwright but you may find yourself being forced to sit through endless gear demonstrations if you linger too long. His rucksack is like a tardis. The Cartwight might be a very good spot this year as he didn’t enter. But there is some talk about him appearing in a van somewhere en route.

Spot Value = 30 points

 

The L & T Combination

This is, in fact, two spots. This is Lee and Tony although increasingly they seem to be morphing into one personality. You can spot them during the evening — there will be two light grey American Tents. You can spot them in hostelries on account of them only drinking black beer with a frothy top.

Spot Value = 5 points

 

The M & G Combination

Very different to the above combination on account of one being of the female species. However, the female is easily to spot as she will be brandishing graphs and charts and spreadsheet print outs to all who make the mistake of feigning interest. M is a calm and laid back Challenger who will cause no problems. G is a little OCD in behaviour terms, but nevertheless reasonably sociable.

Spot Value = 5 points

 

The Egg

Another member of the female species. The Egg sounds a bit posher than many of us. But don’t let that put you off as she is great value for money. The Egg has lived a life of amazing and daring adventures. This accounts for the split spot value.

Spot Value = 5 points

Plus 2 bonus points for every adventure story you can coax out of her.

 

Little Sam

I know this is Dicken’s anniversary, but this is nothing to do with that. Sam can easily be recognised by some key characteristics. Can down amazing amounts of alcohol during the evening but will be up and out before anyone else next morning. Walks long and hard. Not quite as common a sight on the Challenge these days but sure to be around this year. Might be having a crisis if the Hungry Highlander in Braemar has not re-opened.

Spot Value = 10 points.

 

The Liddle (no not the Supermarket)

A Challenger of the female variety. Might confuse you as she seems to live en route — you might think she has taken a wrong turn somewhere and not stopped walking. But fun and good company.

Spot Value = 5 points

 

The Lawman

An interesting spot this as the lawman has probably the most weird route. It seems to involve taking a sleeper to London and then returning the next night. Surely, the sending of a food parcel would have been an easier re-supply tactic?

Spot Value = 5 points

 

…. and finally

 

The rare CT

This is a very challenging spot. Nothing to be frightened of in terms of behaviour but incredibly difficult to spot on account of taking routes that are high, wide and lonely. Can go on about different types of stoves for a long time. Very knowledgeable on water proofs. A spot at the Challenge Dinner does not count.

Spot Value = 20 points.

 

 

That should do you. Let me know if you need more Challengers to put on your spot card. I may not have upset enough yet !!!

If you are ‘experiences’ feel free to share your favourite spots!