A perfect 10 runners and an ace brace of cyclists made up this weeks not-so-dirty dozen to cover 8 km on a return to the Northern Slopes to continue the tidy up by Novers Hill

An almost spring-like morning greeted us as we met up at Roll For The Soul for another GoodGym Saturday run. Having been to Novers Hill just a few weeks before we knew what was in store for us today – lots of litter and a bramble onslaught – so preparation was key!

Warming up with a bit of light jogging on the spot, step climbing, squats and leg swings and a team talk focusing on the dangers of today’s opposition, it was then on with the game faces and down to business.

A steady run out along the Malago Greenway, saw us arrive in good time, with this weeks “Rocky” title going to Paul R as he flew up the steps to Novers Hill, cheered on by an adoring crowd – well, Matt and Paul B, to be precise!

Julia, our brilliant host today and Queen of the Northern Slopes Initiative, greeted us and armed us with our weapons of choice for today’s bout and outlined the challenge that lay ahead. Not only would we be clearing more litter from around the Novers Steps and taming the brutal brambles that had once threatened to overrun the whole of the Northern Slopes kingdom, but we would also need to take care to avoid the landmines that had been planted in our way in the form of piles of dog poo!

Fi and Deb opted for the heavy artillery in the form of Austrian Scythes, the sort of tool that the Grim Reaper would be pretty chuffed to own, and learnt all about the ergonomics and rhythm required to master the art of scything (scythery?).

Meanwhile, Darren and Sarah, clearly wanting to demonstrate their brute strength, selected slashers to lead the assault on the massive bramble forest that lay ahead, and seeking revenge for the injuries caused to Rich B by our foe a few weeks earlier. In fairness, I think that Darren was just trying to prove that he could slash in a relatively straight line!

Next our cunning quintet of Matt, Paul B, Will, Nick and Caroline took on the task of leading an initial foray with loppers deliver a few low blows to the prickly enemy and weaken it’s resistance.

I had the privilege of sweeping up the carnage caused by our whirlwind of winners with a double weapon of rake and pitchfork.

Whilst the main assault was going on, Paul R and Mark led an expedition down the flank, with litter pickers and rubbish bags at the ready, clearing the steps of all manner of evil debris.

An hour later and glory was ours and we celebrated our victory with mugs of mead and fistfuls of hog roast (oh sorry, no that was tea, coffee and biscuits). It had taken a little longer than planned, but we were all in one piece!

With a bye and thanks to Julia, we were back on our way home, with a spring in our step and stories of the battle to share.

Great running today by everyone, and a great victory on the slope! Nice one all!

Here’s to our next adventure!

Cheers!

Dave