Big Shakeout Essential Updates
Big Shakeout 2012
The weekend of 12, 13, 14 October has been confirmed for this years Big Shakeout at Thornbridge Outdoors. Tickets will go on sale from the 1st June and we will be making announcements about the courses and entertainments in the coming months.
Big Shakeout Lowepro photo comp results
The Big Shakeout started out life as our event: we planned what was going to happen, who was going to be where, we even made timetables, but if there is one thing this competition has shown, it is that you guys really made it your own. There is so much that we missed, so many stories we were not part of, and that makes us bounce off the roof with excitement.
We challenged you with this competition to capture an image that would sum up the Big Shakeout weekend, a single super absorbent sponge of an image that would be saturated in everything that happened and give it all up when squeezed. Many thanks to Lowepro UK for putting up the prizes and supporting this comp. All entries can be found on Flickr tagged bigshakeout
© All rights reserved by the respective photographers. Click on their images for more details.
1st prize - Wins Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW
This picture immediately made the judges smile, and if the Big Shakeout is about anything at all it is about having a good time. A lot of people remembered the Alpkit letters, they were the first thing you saw on the chilly Friday evening, a reassuring beacon lighting a misty hillside after a long drive. We liked the simplicity of the image, the bright colours, the beautiful blue sky and soft autumnal sun which blessed us over the entire weekend; we are not going to forget that ever. The music and activities are represented in force by the t-shirt, and boy does that kid look proud to be wearing it. In short this one image captured more aspects of the weekend than any of the others. The only slight niggle we had was the shadow in the bottom right hand corner, but this could be easily cropped out. Good job.
2nd prize - Wins Lowepro Slingshot 202 AW
One thing we felt a lot of images lacked was a sense of time and place, but this image captures those with dramatic effect. The combination of the letters and the teepee mean this can only have been happening on the Big Shakeout weekend at the Big Shakeout. Technically the image is well executed, the flash exposes the juggler in an island of concentration as the chaos of the Big Shakeout swirls all around him. The vibrant colours are full and intense, recalling painted faces, burning fires and hot steps on the dance floor.
3rd prize - Wins Lowepro Apex 140 AW
We loved this image as it really captures the time of year very well, those who were at the event will appreciate the contrast between the cold, damp and misty morning and the warm bright sunshine in the afternoon.. quintessentially autumn. The framing is exquisite, the mysterious figures are planted like small trees, stationary but clearly working together in a team. It is clear a good deal of thought went into the image, it is sharp, and the short depth of field blurs the background into an undiscovered horizon of adventure.
Honourable mentions
Thornbridge Outdoors provided many great activities over the weekend for families and children and this picture captures that well. We liked how it was non-elitist and we were intrigued to know what had caught the first childs attention in the bush. It is clear the photographer has a good eye, and followed our advice to have their camera close at hand. The chance ordering of the children in height is nice, the bright colours are fun and vibrant, but we just felt the overall image was a little too busy.
If you put a bunch of climbers, boaters and riders all together in a room, close to a bar, at some point they are going to start up a challenge. The Alpkit stones came out late Saturday night. We love what is going on inside this picture, the intensity of the two groups in conversation, the focussed concentration on the jumpers face which is mirrored by the girl with red hair. The reason we didn’t rate this image higher was because it will only mean something to a relatively small number of people and does not capture the event as a whole.
The School of Adventure courses which ran offsite during Saturday and Sunday were a major part of people’s weekend. This lovely atmospheric image is a very good representation of Peak District bouldering in the autumn. Great image, it made us want to be there with a boulder mat on our backs.
The Alpkit letters were well photographed over the weekend and one of our favourites was this electrifying shot. We thought it was a lot of fun, but fun as it is, we did not think it said enough about the event to rank higher.
Others short listed by Alpkit staff
Lost Earth competition winner
A random ticket has been drawn from the massive pile of paperwork we bought back from the Big Shakeout to determine who won a days guided climbing in the Peak District with Lost Earth Adventures. Lost Earth provide trips away to far flung places with great itineraries from Nepal trekking, Morocco and climbing in and around the Peak District. And the lucky winner is… Dawn Bromley.
Big Shakeout Lowepro comp call for entries
Big Shakeout Photo Comp
Win a Lowepro Photo Sport rucksack
For those of you who attended Big Shakeout we really hope that you had a great time. So if you had your camera handy and were capturing proceedings along the way then you are in a prime position to win a Lowepro rucksack.
As this competition is only open to those who attended the weekend, we’re expecting the winning entry to really sum up what it meant to be at the Big Shakeout!
How to enter
Simply upload your weekend photos to your Flickr by midnight Tuesday 18th October and tag them bigshakeout
Check out the entries at:
The Gallery
Lost Earth Adventures Give-away.
Independent adventure travel company Lost Earth Adventures are kindly donating a great prize to be given away at our Big Shakeout Weekend.
During the weekend we will draw out one lucky person who will win a voucher for up to 4 people to get out onto one of their Day of Rock Climbing courses.
Lowepro Big Shakeout photo competition
We are pleased to announce that those lovely people at Lowepro have come on board for the Big Shakeout and will be offering out a prize for the best photo taken over the course of the weekend. Lowepro know a thing or two when it comes to looking after your camera equipment while taking photos in the great outdoors, so it’s brilliant that they felt they could support our event, as it is all about the adventure after all.
This competition will only be open to those adventurous souls attending the Big Shakeout weekend and so make sure you bring your camera along to capture the action. Exact requirements and details of the competition will follow and be available at the info desk.
What’s this top prize going to be? Well what better for the aspiring extreme sharp shooter than a Photo Sport in which to keep all your valuable photographic goodies together.
Film Premier- Made in Iceland
We were pleased to support the Shipwrecked Rambler on her solo trek across Iceland last month.
She was filming her trip. “In this documentary I want to show Adventure is still possible. and necessary. I want to show, that if you leave your everyday life, and do something different, you will have a more interesting and richer life. Another statement of this documentary is, that you just got to do things. That you, yourself have to make the first step. It is important to embrace change, to see the different and your true self. “The Story of a Shipwrecked Rambler” is for everyone who still believes in his dreams and ideas. And for all of those who don’t. To remind them of the necessity of dreams, hope, and the need of courage to change your life.”
Well she made it back and has just released a trailer of the film. We are chuffed to be showing the premier at our Big Shakeout Adventure Film night on the 15th of October. We’re hoping to get a Daring Deed of her trip up soon.
BSO weekend tickets closed
The deadline for weekend tickets has now passed. We are now in the process of finalising all the last minute details and are looking forward to meeting you next weekend. We have now closed the box office for festival tickets but there are still places available on some School of Adventure courses if you are still looking for activities to do over the weekend.
To save paper and postie’s legs we have decided not to send any confirmation details by post, instead we will be sending out all confirmation information, maps, meeting points etc by email in the next few days. You will receive one email for each event and course you have signed up for. If brought tickets on behalf of friends and family you will need to forward this information onto them.
Call for a MasterSheff
Nick rustling up a yummy one pot creation to keep the group morale up during a spot of snow shoeing.
A couple of days ago we ran a small poll on our Facebook page as to which was better…Tea or Coffee. It’s a subject that has divided opinion in the office since the first tea true tea drinker joined our ranks, so we threw it open to our faithful customers. In the end it was a lot closer than perhaps we had expected and, going against office majority, tea coming out on top. We obviously believe there’s plenty of room in the world to live side by side. Whether you like tea or coffee by the campfire, it is equally important to get your food right too. A little while ago we announced that the Guyrope Gourmet would be joining us at the to give a demonstration on fine campside cooking and judge our MasterSheff one pot wonder competition.
We’ll as it’s the final weekend of ticket sales for the Big Shakeout it means that it’s your last chance to ensure you are there and able to take part. So if you have a secret recipe that you think will blow us away make sure you don’t miss out and buy your tickets now. If you are still a little unsure then why not take a look at the last One Pot Wonder competition we ran for some inspiration..
We are looking forward to seeing those wonderful creations!
Andy Kirkpatrick off Troll Wall
After a gruelling time solo on the Troll Wall, Andy Kirkpatrick is back down at his car.
It never fails to impress, the dedication and commitment to keep on pushing through all sorts of mental and physical barriers in order to achieve a final goal. Blocking out external emotional factors can often be vital in order to keep focused on the task at hand and therefore safe. Yet when these thoughts break through, is it simply a sign of weakness or is there good reason why they crept in when they did and somethings were just not meant to go the way you had envisaged. It’s a subject that’s been following explorers, climbers, adventurers, right from the very start. Everyone having to make their own decisions about whether it’s the right time to push on or call it a day, go for it or let it lie. Enduring something for so long and getting so close to the end, taking that same strength to turn away can impresses equally.
Andy was faced with one of these decisions closing in on the top of Troll Wall, little voices catching his attention.
If you’ve not been following his recent exploits then why not take a read through his Blog
Andy will be joining us at the Big Shakeout and talking with Niall Grimes at the Friday evening Word of Mouth which is included in the weekend ticket, before passing on his life experiences during a day long big wall course on Saturday. There is currently 1 place left HERE.
School of Adventure - Courses confirmed and instructors Booked!!
Last week we confirmed the SofA courses that will definitely be running at the Big Shakeout 2011 and cancelled any courses that had little or no interest. We will be sending out course info, meeting points and equipment lists as part of confirmation emails over the next couple of weeks.
There are a few spaces left on some of the courses and we have made them available in the Big Shakeout online shop once again.
If you are into your mountain biking you can be shown some of the best trails in the Peak by mountain bike guru and guide Ed Oxley or improve your off road bikes skills with Campbell Coaching. Benji Haworth will also be giving away some of his secrets, that have seen his photos adorn the covers of mountain bike magazines to budding off road photographers.
If climbing is more your thing, due to popular demand, we have added another Plastic to Rock Bouldering course on Saturday afternoon which will be run by 360 Outdoors.
Have you have always dreamed of seeing yourself on the the worlds largest rock faces? We still have one place left to spend a day with Andy Kirkpatrick, when he gets back from Troll Wall as well some a few places left for Pete Rhodes Big Wall masterclass.
Are you prepared for if the worst should happen at the crag? If not, sort out your rope work with Ed Chard, or your mountain first aid with Mike Mowbray and Andy Clark.
You need to be the proud owner of a Big Shakeout festival ticket to attend any SofA courses, so if you haven’t bought yours already you need to have done it by the 2nd of October. As long as you have a festival ticket you can continue to book onto School of Adventure courses until the 13th of October.
Mountain Biking with Ed Oxley and Benji Haworth
Two of our Big Shakeout mountain bike inspirationalists headed out on a reccy ride recently. Ed and Benji have been out scouring the most suitable trails around the Thornbridge site to best suit their courses on offer, just so you can get the most from your time spent with them.
If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, or gain some invaluable advice on how to start smoothing out your riding, then talented skills trainer and guide Ed Oxley will follow closely to pick out relevant skills. You don’t have to be hugely experienced as he should cater for all levels.
Top bike photographer Benji Haworth will impart his years of experience too as you go on a ride, but he’ll be ‘focusing’ on getting the most from behind the lens, including all the key considerations needed for capturing the best from your time on the trails.
Ed and Benji will both be running two sessions over the weekend, so you have the option to choose the session that best fits around other activities you may be doing.
Check out Ed’s Saturday Afternoon Ride or Sunday Soother
Or to satisfy the photographer inside, then Benji’s Saturday Morning or Afternoon sessions
Don’t forget to get your Big Shakeout festival ticket by the 2nd of October.
Sugru Hack session
It was a chance encounter on the internet that led one of our product guys to the genius moldable silicone based stuff called ‘Sugru’. To ‘Hack Things Better’ is the aim of Sugru, and with skilled hands and a little imagination it can make your favourite pen more comfortable, give your MytiMug or MytiCup silicone handles for when the hot liquid inside is too hot to handle or it could make your stapler look like a cow!
We had a chat with the inventor and have invited them to come along to the Big Shakeout on Saturday evening to help people hack whatever they have handy.
Sugru is available from the Alpkit shop.
Beeley Hill climb on Big Shakeout Sunday
Fancy a Challenge? Are you coming to the Big Shakeout and suddenly find your Sunday looking a bit empty? Look no further, the Beeley Moor Hill Climb will get your blood pumping and probably your muscles aching.
We are not organising the event but we think it will be great fun. Grab a bike, join a class and see who can get to the top the quickest how hard can it be?
Here are some useful details - It’s a leisurely 11am Start and only £7 entry - you will need to enter with a cycling time trials entry form. The Course code for the entrey form is OHC/8. Send your form and a cheque for £7 to:-
C Myhill
39 Windsor Drive
Wingerworth
Chesterfield
S42 6TG
In order to enter you must be an affiliate of a cyclling time trial club, if you are not, don’t worry contact Mr. Myhill and he will be able to sort out a days membership with Chesterfield Couriers, just for the event.
To get in Contact with Mr. Myhill call - 07792891157
Good luck and enjoy the day out
Big Shakeout Activities deadline this week
The Big Shakeout is getting close and a lot of the courses are filling up quick and some have even sold out! We wouldn’t want you to miss out on that course you have been eyeing up over the last few months.
The deadline for the School of Adventure tickets is fast approaching and in order to make sure all the sessions take place and everyone gets the chance to try some great activities, here’s a quick list of some cool courses, what’s going on at the hub and what activities are filling up quick. Some courses will get pulled if there are not enough numbers to run them.
Courses with the ‘Pros’
Climbing Escapology with Ed Chard has only a couple of places left!
Andy Kirkpatrick’s “Get into the head of a Psychovertical” has only got one space left.
A whole host of Photo specific courses, from industry leaders to improve in the sport you love - Keith Sharple’s Underground Images, Lukasz Warzecha’s Bouldering Images and Mountain Bike Photography with Benji Haworth.
Lastly Bouldering master classes with some world ranked competitors - James Garden and Shauna Coxsey masterclasses.
Entertainment
We are on the lookout for bands to play on the Saturday evening, the bar is sorted and the food booked. Friday evening sees Word of Mouth lectures with Andy Kirkpatrick, Johnny Dawes, Niall Grimes and a bunch of Alpkit staff and customers telling the story of an adventure, either already happened or there ludicrous plans. All this as well as the Guyrope Gourmet, slacklines, a bunch of stunning walks and rides to enjoy and an avalanche transceiver trail.
Some adventures you won’t want to miss!
The Classic climbs tick-list, 1000ft of grit stone cragging.
Sky-ropes and High ropes sessions - amazing fun for all the family.
Lastly check out the Bike skills courses, to get everything a little bit slicker on the Thornbridge pump track.
Have fun choosing the activities and get in touch if you need some more info.
Jay
Back to School at the Big Shakeout
The kids are back to school so it is back into the old routine for some of us; the school run, getting up early to make lunches, making sure the uniforms are all sorted. School trips, letters home and the summer holiday seems a lifetime ago. So what to look forward to next - October half term, but then there is the question of what to do?
One option is to relax and put your feet up for a week - Valid after the hard work you’ve put in!
Option two is to get yourself off to the Alpkit Big Shakeout and spend the weekend having fun with the family or getting away from them on a masterclass of some sort?
Take a look at the Mini Adventure Course for your kids to get up close to nature and for you to sit back and watch, or you could share the fun on one of our Family Adrenalin Days.
If the kids would rather play in the tent all day or go sight seeing in the Peak District (Tideswell is great for food!!) then there are plenty of courses for you to escape to in the School Of Adventure.
Whatever you decide to do - have fun!
Yosemite Survival Guide and Big Wall Techniques
Pete Rhodes has been a regular face in Yosemite racking up an impressive list of ascents on El Capitan including: The Nose under 12hrs, Tangerine Trip, North American Wall, Zodiac, Triple Direct, Salathe, New Dawn and Muir Wall solo. He knows his way around El Cap!
But this workshop will be much more than how to avoid bears and which bus to catch, Petes other travels on his quest for big wall adventures have taken him to Patagonia, Norway, Verdon, Lofoten and closer to home Sron Ulladale.
Petes course will help you plan, prepare and learn what it takes to get up your biggest climb ever. With an array of big wall climbing gear on hand he will show you what to do with it, what to leave at home and how to survive beyond the valley floor.
Petes workshop takes place on Saturday morning at the Big Shakeout. Get your Yosemite Survival Guide tickets now.
More about Pete:
Big Wall Climbing Articles
Petes early solo adventures on The Scoop on Sron Ulladale
Climbing Cerro Catedral with George Ullrich and Mason Earle (featured at Kendal Mountain Festival in 2010)
Niall Grimes “Word of Mouth”
What better way to relax after your Friday night drive and start your Big Shakeout experience than to grab a drink, ease back and watch Niall interview his illustrious guest list of adventurists in Word of Mouth.
If you or your group have a story tell and 10 or so slides to illustrate it then get involved. There are no boundaries, so round the world cyclists, speed alpinists or cross channel swimmers can all apply. If selected you will be expected to attend the Big Shakeout on the 14 October for a 5 to 10 minute guest slot.
Those brave enough to take to the stage include Andy Kirkpatrick and Pete Rhodes. Do you think you could be a guest? Have you been on an adventure with a tale to tell or maybe you are planning an expedition and are looking to promote it to gain sponsorship and support? Then read on for details on how YOU can get involved…
Don’t worry if you can’t escape the daily grind to get there for the start, this is a style of lecture you can dip in and out of. However you’ll be gutted you’ll have missed a bit.
Lukasz Warzecha on Hoy
Lukasz Warzecha spent some time recently up at Hoy with the HotAches film crew to shoot top climbers Dave McLeod and Andy Turner as they took on the Longhope Route. With so many great shots of the Longhope project no wonder he landed not only a cover or Climb Magazine but also few more around the World. You can follow the whole journey from location to front cover in his Blog
Lukasz is going to be running a couple of ‘Lenses and Boulders’ photography workshops at this years Big Shakeout, so if you want to learn the ins and outs of getting great climbing images you can sign up now. You’ll be sure to learn a lot, and you don’t even need the top of the range camera kit either…
Alpkit takes to the Sky Ropes
Team Alpkit take a tour of the facilities that are on offer at Thornbridge Outdoors, from high ropes to mole holes. These activities are designed to encourage team work, trust, balance and confidence. Turns out there was a lot of heckling, but all good natured of course.
We were at Thornbridge checking out some of the on-site courses that are available at the Big Shakeout and these activities and challenges in particular are ideal for groups of friends or families. We are keen to make the Big Shakeout a real family friendly weekend, encouraging families to spend some time together getting involved in fun outdoor challenges. We are even running a Mini Adventurers activity for those younger kids wanting to break out on their own discoveries along with an fun Alpkids bouldering competition.
Hear what some of the team thought of the experience in a Daring Deed post Team Sky Ropes
There are plenty of opportunities to take in a session through Saturday and Sunday if you wanted to fit it around your own plans, but if you and the kids want to make more of it these activities are also built into our day long Family Adrenaline package. Check out the timetable for the School of Adventure
Shauna Coxsey and James Garden perform at the World Cup
It was a great weekend for GB at the bouldering World Cup in Munich at the weekend.
Our Big Shakeout bouldering ‘masters’ Shauna and James both put in great displays, with Shauna finishing 4th in her first world cup final and James narrowly missing the semi’s with a great 22nd spot. A report has gone up on UKC showing the strong GB presence at the weekend.
If you want the chance to learn some top tips from two climbers at the top of their games then join either of them at the Big Shakeout for a 3 hour masterclass.
There are two sessions available to choose from for both Shauna and James.
James Afternoon
Shauna Afternoon
New bike or old bike?
Have you just shelled out for a new mountain bike in the end of summer sales? Or maybe your current steed is feeling a little rough around the edges and not as sharp into the corners as it once was. With the age of suspension and disc brakes, maintenance of bikes has become increasingly more complicated. Leaving a squeak or a rattle for any length of time can end up costing a lot of money to repair. With bikes costing alot more than most peoples first car, knowing how your bike works and what you can do to improve the ride of it is more important now than ever before. Si and Matt at 18Bikes have tailored 3 courses to give you an introduction to crucial areas of bike maintenance that should help keep your bike out of the shop and on the trail.
If you’ve just got your hands on your first mountain bike, their introductory course will give you a run through of what to check each ride as well as tips to keeping running sweetly each and every ride.
Have you ever wished you could hold a tighter line through a corner? Suspension set up is a black art to most riders but having your suspension set up correctly to your style of riding can dramatically change your bikes characteristics.
If there is one thing you need to trust 100% on the trail, it’s your brakes. We don’t like using them but we want to know they’ll work each and everytime we pull on the lever. Having them set up correctly can not only improve braking performance but improve brake pad life and brake fade.
School of Adventure tickets close 16th of September
With just under two months to go until the Big Shakeout, now is the perfect time to start thinking about the School of Adventure courses that are on offer. The bank holiday weekend coming up will no doubt see you out and about enjoying the great outdoors whether biking, caving, climbing or walking. Whatever you get up to it’ll be a great chance to get together with your mates and perhaps talk over what courses at the School of Adventure could help you gain more enjoyment from getting outdoors.
The closing date for signing up to the School of Adventure activities is the 16th September. This allows us time to confirm the numbers on all the courses and organise the distribution of instructors, all helping us put on a far greater variety of activities over the weekend.
If you want to keep up to date on any new announcements or changes to the Big Shakeout weekend then sign up for the Newsletter and keep an eye on our Facebook page
Canoe Safari Teaser.
Izzy had only ever been in a boat once before and didn’t like it at all, so when we suggested she should try a trip down the Derwent it was with some trepidation that she agreed. So overcoming a sleepless night and worries of being eaten by sharks, she embarked on an Inspiring Adventure of her own and found she rather enjoyed it after all. Which just goes to show that sometimes if you give yourself a challenge and overcome it, then it really does bring a smile to your face.
Read all about Izzy’s trip in her Daring Deed
Izzy navigated down a section of the Derwent which will be used for this years Big Shakeout canoe safari. So if you fancy a trip along the Derwent in Izzy’s footst…. canoe wake, then there are two sessions to choose from, Saturday Morning or Saturday Afternoon
Alpkid on the Blocs at Big Shakeout
Alpkid on the Blocs has accompanied us to a number of shows as a way to get the whole family learning about bouldering in a safe and relaxed environment. Aimed primarily at under 8’s, the format has run as both a friendly competition and as introductory sessions, where the parents are also hands on in learning about ‘spotting’ and using specialist equipment such as ‘bouldering mats’ and ‘chalk bags’.
We have taken our Alpkids wall to Cliffhanger, HVAFF and The Outdoor Leisure Show where it has been a great success and for further information you can read the Alpkid page.
It was also recently used for a Primary Schools climbing competition at this years Cliffhanger
As the Big Shakeout is equally intended for the whole family as it is for the lone adrenaline junkie, we will be running a parent and child version session of Alpkids on the Blocs into the early evening on Saturday. Running alongside the other evening events, parents and children will have to complete a series of routes set on the Thornbridge indoor wall. Spot prizes will be awarded through the night.
Guyrope Gourmet Demo and One Pot Wonder Competition
Saturday at the Big Shakeout will see a food-tastic afternoon when the Guyrope Gourmet invites you to spend a little time thinking about the possibilities that lay beyond many of the tinned, dehydrated and processed options available to campers today.
From experience gained from many years spent relaxing under canvas, in the early years with family and then with friends, and more recently with friends and their own families. The Guyrope Gourmet marries good food with good camping in a live demonstration of camping cookery to get your mouth watering.
This isn’t about fine dining sat outside your local Michelin star restaurant, it’s about a passion for good food in proper al fresco style
Camp Cooking with the Guyrope Gourmet
One Pot Wonder Competition.
If you’ve already got the passion and think you know how to whip up a good meal sat outside your tent, then grab your stove, take your marks and get cooking! In conjunction with the Guyrope Gourmet we will be running a competition to find the champion One Pot master chef.
The rules are pretty simple, 30 minutes, one pot, using whatever ingredients you feel fit. You’ll go head to head with other competitors to create your single pot culinary masterpiece, before putting it in front of our judging panel. Judges will be considering such things as portability, imaginative ingredient choice and of course that all important taste. So if you really want to keep in the spirit of things, imagine you would have to be carrying everything in your pack.
If you would like to enter please email us showing your interest, we will then allocate you a space on our competition table.
Big Shakeout Friday’s Entertainment Announced
We are pleased to confirm the entertainment for Friday night at the Big Shakeout.
Presented by Alpkit & Verabrate Graphics “Word of Mouth” will be a night of discovery and inspiration hosted by Niall Grimes.
See Niall interview his illustrious guest list of adventurists live on stage as they plug their “holidays” to far off lands. Random, sarcastic, usually offensive but more often than not simply brilliant, Niall will ensure he digs deep to find out where that sponsors money really went. Fast paced and ever changing, Word of Mouth is ideal for the Friday night. Some guests you may have seen before, but we can guarantee you’ll hear stories never told before. Don’t worry if you can’t escape the daily grind to get there for the start, this is a lecture you can dip in and out of. However you’ll be gutted you’ll have missed a bit.
Do you think you could be a guest? Have you been on an adventure with a tale to tell or maybe your planning an expedition and are looking to promote it to gain sponsorship and support. If you or your group have a story tell and 10 or so slides to illustrate it lets us know by the end of August. There are no boundaries on the activities, round the world cyclists, speed alpinists or cross channel swimmers can all apply. If selected you’ll be expected to attend the Big Shakeout on the 14 October for a 5 to 10 minute guest slot.
If you would like to be one of Nialls guests, claim fame and glory and the trimmings that go with that please send a short 100-200 word summary of your trip (or propsed trip) together with some imagery that portrays the feel of your adventure to info@alpkit.com.
Aidan Harding Joins the Shakeout Team
We are delighted to announce Aidan Harding will be one our friends helping us out on the Bike Packing lecture at the Big Shakeout. A veteran off-road adventure cyclist with the Tour Divide and 1100 mile Iditarod Trail International under his belt he is at the forefront UK bike exploration. As the cyclist’s alpinism, adventure biking is all about problem solving. Minimising your gear by eliminating redundancy and using multifunctional equipment helps keep the bike as light and maneuverable as possible, allowing you to travel further. Aidan has become a master of these skills and during the session he will share with you, through stories and anecdotes, the systems he has used to successfully complete some of the worlds toughest and longest bike races.
You can read more about Aidan’s exploits on his own website.
If you would like to attend the session you can book your place here.
After the session we expect some riders to load up and take a short ride into the Peak to experience riding a loaded bike before heading back to the Shakeout campground for an overnight bivi.
We will also have some Alpkit demo sleeping bags, bivi bags, dry bags and titanium cookware available for you to borrow if you don’t yet have your own equipment. This is strictly on a first come first serve basis.
Keith Sharples Cave Photography and Painting with Light.
Experienced caver Sharon from Thornbridge Outdoors was pleasantly surprised to discover what kind of results were possible on a recent reccie with Keith Sharples for the Big Shakeout. She had never considered taking her camera caving before, but now knows she doesn’t have to go far to get some great images.
If you’ve been caving many times before but never thought you could get decent images because you don’t own a top end camera, then think again.
Even without an array of flash guns, slave units and other expensive camera equipment, there are plenty of opportunities to gain some lovely shots during your adventures underground when you start painting with light.
This course will open your eyes to what’s possible whether you are looking into buying a new camera, want to try out your new flash units, or simply want to see what your compact can do. It will also give you the chance to get some nice pictures of yourselves underground, something you may not have had a chance to do before.
Keith has followed up the trip with some great images on his Blog while Col found it all very exciting for his Daring Deed
Get your Keith Sharples Underground Images
Morning Tickets Here
Afternoon Tickets Here
Spend a day with Andy Kirkpatrick on the Road to the Nose
A day in the company of Andy Kirkpatrick is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed if you are planning on a big wall adventure and you want to get into the head of someone who has been there and done that. Andy has put together a practical and theoretical programme of activities which will cover basic leading, seconding, big wall belaying and basic hauling.
With only 4 tickets available… in the world… this is an almost truly unique opportunity to learn from one of the worlds finest adventurers.
Later in the evening Andy will be presenting a warm up to his forthcoming lecture tour and book Cold Wars published by Vertebrate Publishing.