It doesn’t seem to matter what date we have this event, the bad weather follows us. Every year it rains and every year we turn up, this time we got a record, there are now 29 odd balls in Taranaki.
For want of repeating myself, but I think extra tuition is sometimes necessary because most of us are at an age where we seem to forget. Estimated time events (yes the odd ball event is one), means you put down a time and then try to get as close as you can to that time. Today there seemed to be 2 events going on – those that understand the concept of close to estimate and the others who seemed to think the winner would be who can be most wrong. Tony, Sandra and Peter – you are all old enough to know better, how many years have you been walking these events? The dunce’s cap though goes to Helen with a difference of 7 minutes 16 seconds! So the happiest person after this event is Helen’s husband who has had 5 weeks of living with Mrs Perfect – what a relief that life will now be back to normal!
Although we got wet before starting and a bit during, the conditions were virtually perfect for racing. In a mass start like this event we seem to do a lot of talking in the first K, until the usual pecking order is established. Eventually Eric shot off with Peter in pursuit and Rachel behind him. That is the way it stayed until Rachel pulled out after 4 laps due to the cold wind effect (note betting people, this filly likes good conditions). The usual battle between Phil, Dave Wackrow, Jeff and Vanessa was going on behind the front runners. Vanessa won the battle today (as she was taking it easy!) followed by Phil, Jeff and Dave. Everyone, whatever level, has a pecking order and you always try to maintain this. The particular rivalry I enjoy is the one between Mike and Harry. With each race, Harry is improving and Mike has to start looking over his shoulder – only 30 seconds separated them today.
In the Masters, Dave Barrett was clearly out in front followed by Arthur and Tom. Ivor seemed to fly thro’ his 3 laps and beat his estimate by 2 minutes 13 seconds.
Well done to Dave Wackrow who obviously understands what the race is about. He was only 2 seconds different to estimate – he obviously backed off from the race with Phil and tried to walk to his time (he even used a calculator to obtain his estimate). Mr Metronome himself was 2nd today with a difference of 10 seconds – well done Arthur you seem to always be in the first 3 places every time we have an estimated event – Arthur will be giving lessons prior to the next estimated time event – Helen, Peter, Tony and Sandra please book your seats! Obviously the battle that Phil had with Vanessa paid off as he was 3rd only 17 seconds away from estimate.
Many thanks to Jeff and Kay for a great morning tea and thanks Trevor and Sue for time keeping in trying conditions.
The Points trophy is now starting to take shape with Arthur and Mike together on 21 points closely followed by Helen.
Results:
