Thanks again for turning up to compete. It makes the efforts of the planners and helpers more worthwhile. Jo, Ian and Sam had worked hard to plan a challenging course in a small wood - and they definitely succeeded. I prefer the larger maps but enjoyed the different format. The navigation was more important than usual as you had to be more precise and lots of riders got caught out. #12 was a bit dubious due to some extra paths and the ride at #23 was overgrown. If anybody had said that you couldn't find them you would have got the points.
Route choice was also critical because you didn't want to be pushing or carrying up muddy single tracks. You couldn't just set off and expect to get round without planning. I spent a couple of minutes at the start when I picked up the first and second maps working out my route - not what I usually do - and then amended my route on numerous occasions on the way round.
I only walked for 5 short sections - up to 16 after 13 - part way from 6 to 21 - across the gully at 20 - up out of 30 - up the ride to 23
I finished thinking 'What a brilliant sport and event'. The planners had done well to make it last 2 hours without going past later controls on earlier maps. There was an accident during the event that could have been avoided. Please keep left when passing other riders and downhill riders should give way to those flogging their way uphill - especially on single tracks. A few of you managed to slip through without joining the TCA. Technically you are not insured so please make sure that you register properly next month. If you joined at Dalby please collect your cards from me at Wass. There was a pump left at registration. Please let me know if it is yours. Nigel Clarkson took some photos at Gilling. You can see them on this link. file:///C:/WINDOWS/Desktop/Website/WS2/ws9/WEBPAGES/photo%20gallery%20link%20page.htm Don't forget that the event at Hamsterley this weekend is a North Yorkshire League event as well as part of the North East Series. It is on SUNDAY, registration opens at 10.30 with the first starts from 11.00. Please send your entries to Paul Thornton - not me.
The Wednesday evening summer treasure hunts start next week with an event planned by Brian Kelleher starting in Pickering. Please email your entries to me. The venue of the June event has changed. Please check out the web pages.
Steve Willis