Ridgewood Walk 2007
This was a first for the club on this Course. Wayne had designed it and then when he wasn’t there we had a few choice words about what he had done to us! Flat to undulating 2K loop – easy walking – sounded like a Tui advert when we walked round it in practice. It looked a shocker, we decided that this would be a once only course; slow times were predicted.
Conditions were perfect for racing. Overcast, slight breeze a shower to cool us down on the 4th lap, what more could you ask for. We must have a lot of walkers who are exceptionally fit, and love hills. Amongst those that actually raced (some like Dave and Marlene took it easy because of Nationals next week) there were lots of Season or Personal best times.
I personally took off very fast on the first lap and very quickly passed most of the ones ahead of me. I closed within 10 metres of Valda, who then took off again. She was absolutely on fire today as she opened a gap which I could never close again. (I only had 1 glass of Riesling on Saturday night so I will try 3 before the next event as per Gaylene’s training regime). Valda was first woman home in the 10K and second home overall in a new PB of 64’49. Jeff was king of the mountain though, taking line honours in a time of 56’56, a Season best. Both Valda and Jeff did 2 hours the previous day around the tank farm – so these were really fantastic times. Dave Wackrow (I love hills) was third over the line in a very fast time of 60’06. Fastest time on the day was Eric who did 53’26 (glad you were taking it easy prior to the Nationals!).
For the Master’s event I pondered long and hard on the handicap times. I was concerned the hills would have more of an effect on them than the rest of us. In the end I went with estimates as though it was a flat course, the same as I did with everyone else. I started Brian and Arthur together because they have been fighting all season with very similar times. I expected the original mountain goat Arthur to win today. I was wrong – Brian managed to pull away from Arthur, he was first across the line and took fastest time in the Masters event. Arthur was second and Ivor third.
Afterwards everybody said what a fantastic course! We all want to do it again next year, well done Wayne. It proved to be a very fast course. Next year we need to plan a different date, not so close to the Regional or National champs so that everybody can race it. By having some hilly courses and some flat ones it makes the points trophy more interesting, different people come through on different courses. Mike and Wayne would have loved this course.
Results:
