Cheese Rolling 2008
Watching cheese rolling down a hill at 70mph? I can think of better things to do with my time. Add in a couple of crazy people who want to be the first to get the cheese and you have entertainment. If you don’t catch the wheel of rolling cheese you may still get some hard cheese in the form of a twisted ankle or at least a few grass stains. When Monday 26th May 2008, first race at midday. Always Whit Monday / last Monday in May every year. Why No one is quite sure where it came from. Some say it dates back to Roman times. Other theorists suggest it relates to an ancient Pagan healing ritual. Who Drunk lonely guys. Women also compete. Where Cooper’s Hill Nature Reserve, Gloucestershire, England.
The Race When you get up the morning of the event taste the air outside…get a feel for the ground and of course wind direction…. Ok that’s going a little far, however the elements play a great part in this race. Wet conditions are in my view perfect conditions. When you arrive tell security you want to part in the race he will direct you via the master of ceremonies to the Hill. Find your place and meet some of your fellow runners and the rules will be explained by the master of ceremonies. The Master of Ceremonies Countdown
Another tough decision to make is whether you decide to roll, tumble or run down Cooper’s Hill. I rolled down most of it and staggered to my feet to cross the line. If you are rolling or tumbling make sure you guard your head. Don’t stop rolling until you have little or no momentum. When Cooper’s Hill is wet the grounds is soft. This means you can tumble faster because you will be less likely to injure yourself. If you are running lean backwards as much as possible. It is a sprint BUT with a savage gradient. Many runners sprint off, are fine for a few seconds the fall flat on their face. At the very of the Cheese Rolling race is a cottage and there is staff there to stop you in your futile descent. When these people stop you then get out of the way as there will be a mass of people tumbling in your wake. Decisions, decisions
There are up to 5 races. Don’t go straight into a race if it’s your first year. Watch a race - learn where the bumps to be avoided are and where most people end up on the course. What sections if any injure people. It’s best to get a part of the Cooper’s Hill where there is less people and more space, as things can get crowded. When you’ve found your spot relax, get to know you neighbours and focus. What to bring Knee pads, helmet, old tracksuits, gum shield ? Where to drink “The Cheese Rollers” is a popular pub for pre-race build up and Where to eat I was on a budget and can recommend Frankie and Bennies on the Where to stay I stayed in the Gloucestershire Chase Hotel. It was a healthy walk to
DONT MISS THIS The race of course. Remember the faster you travel the more chance of cheese sandwiches for the next month ! Dangers/annoyances This is a lovely part of England and there is nothing to watch out for except injury in the race and flying cheese wheels. In 1997 a spectator was seriously injured by the airborne wheel. Group Tours day trips available at Backpackers.co.uk
Find out about Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire, on the Gloucestershire Tourist Guide
Airports Gloucestershire has it's own airport. Serviced by many airlines. Getting here Try first great western train from London Coming from Gloucester take
Getting around Cooper’s Hill is about 3 miles away and is signposted locally. You can Internet I used International Linkers on Barton St - Gloucester Bank/ATM There is no shortage of bank machines in Gloucestershire Weather England in May what can I say, weather should be good but can never tell. Don’t expect it and you might get it. Remember you want rain for the race, so do your dance. Festival Pig Fact Stephen Gyde is the ultimate champion winning 21 cheeses in 14 years. During the Second World War and until 1954 a wooden wheel with a tiny piece of cheese was used for the event. This was due to rationing. Ouch.
Cheese Rolling Official Website
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