Thursday, February 10, 2011

"I'M A VALLEY GIRL" SING RUNNERS FLYING THE BUSH TRACKS AND CREEKS AT DAVE'S DUNDAS DASH

After a week of temperature torture, it was sweet relief to get into some decent summer series action in beautiful cool conditions last night at Dundas. Course setter Dave Stitt was our choir master, administering torture of a different kind, as we returned to this delightful venue for the first time in eight years. And, despite its modest suburban street/housing setting, the D Valley actually provides a considerable amount of 'yellow' areas, creek paths and bush tracks to run on - a feature well exploited by 'The Stittfieldthunderbolt' last night.

The course was presented in landscape format, and included the heights of 'Carlo' at the expense of the lower Kissing Point material. Of interest is the historical note included when Baz 'Luhman' Hanlon produced the maps first edition back in the mid 90's. It is interesting to see how the creek disappears at #8, to re-emerge near checkpoint #22 - presumably piped under the old quarry site below #11.

So, what were we up for? the north corner (or puff corner as it is known) had a fair dollop, as did the middle creeks, with only the easterly watercourse failing to feel DLFD (deep love from Dave). The outlier was obviously #17, missing from almost all cards (except Glenn and Andy of course), although checkpoints #4 and #20 were also easily avoided, and may have spent a lonely afternoon. The puzzle was how to get amongst the top points in something approaching a circular loop. Thirty ruined an outer circle, but was a 'must have' when linked with the central funnel (26,7,8,11). Getting across to #20, say via a nice start (2,23,12,13) had initial appeal, although the legs 13-20-21 needed the flog meter to be fully engaged. I think few took this route, with most turning north after including #12, or 13.

There seemed to be equal numbers (maybe more) beginning clockwise (2,22,1,3,25) - and hoping to be able to exit near #5 to get to the juicy #24. Easy as it turned out, with no green bush problems as alluded to in the days instructions. Also curiously, the tracks along the western creek were highways, and very runnable, not 'less distinct' at all. The track to #29 however, did fit the description, although no one reported problems here to my knowledge.

The westerners had good bail out options, with the modest scores taking the 14,30 route to the middle slide for home, whereas those with a bit more petrol added the next circle (29,27,9,26) before turning south. The pants men of course, had to push the contours, and do battle with the 110 points in the northern bush sector. There are tales of missing track junctions, and temporary discombobulation (the open area between #18 and #28 for instance) here, although there is nothing like bagging a twenty or thirty to make it all worthwhile. Not sure how many pushed higher for #4, but I suspect most let it go after (for the anti clockwise runners) getting into very low gear after the 19-15 climb, and settling for 28 and 18 and a bit of downhill.

The vibe seemed to be very positive, with most nags enjoying the off street running sections. Nice for a change, and much appreciated by Dave Lotty's knees and achilles. I suspect Dave Stitt thought 600 would be a shade too hard, given the generally slower progress in the bush, but no! Series stars Andy Hill and Glenn Horrocks (there may have been others), both beat the clock, with 'The Man in Yellow' creaming it in 41.34 to claim from the WHO stallion (43.20). Of interest is Glenn's route, that saw him go the inverted 'U' before a sweeping outer circle. His route began 2,22,11,8,7,26,30,3 and then continuing 1,25 (not sure how the 'Gee Spot' bagged the next few), the northern pots and finishing 21,20,13,12,23 and home. Amazing running. Another high scorer was Steve Ryan 'S Daughter', who worked the blue runners for 560 points, being one over after leaving out #20 (completely understandable) and #5 (a very odd leave). I suspect there were many differing routes and takes on this great night of Summer Series fun. Big thanks to Dave and the Garingal helpers.

Now, lets look at some more scoring to get a feel for the night.

Our juniors are singing again, with Matthew Hill posting 520 to claim from Aidan (510). Young Chris 'Mas' Annetts had 330 presents to unwrap, seemed the next best, although The Porkster didn't see young Dunk 'Island' Currie on the magnetic. He may well have gone higher (and Duncan turns out to be 10 not 12! - 'well strike me handsome' says PP). In the young fillies, the ding dong battle between Rachael and Michele continues, with 'The Spanner' reversing last weeks result and taking 'The Helicopter' 460 to 440. This is great racing from these two stars, and well worth a spare copper at the tote. Next time your passing of course.

At the other end of proceedings, how about Tina, Sarah and Anna posting 190 in the group category, and Michelle Lindsay keeping up our tradition of scoring purity with a perfect zero! The walkers, or should we say 'power walkers', also had fun, with Kathryn Cox's 290 shading Jo (and presumably baby) on 260. Julie 'The Beach Inspector' Cossell got 200 for a spray tan to round out PP's notes in this sector. Mel Cox strode purposefully for 320, but may have been beaten by Jim 'Not More Beans Ron' Merchant. Not sure if Jim was walking or running, as he lights the fuse that will lead to glory in Perth at Easter. Maybe still walking, although I think he is easing the joints into action at the Monday sprints.

The legends always make for entertaining reading, especially when Ronny is caught napping (I almost said 'with his nappy on' - just as well I didn't). And so it was last night, with Chippy, brush firmly in the turps, taking the 100 points with a blistering 460 to cover Ron's 440. The 'Kettle' chased your correspondent all the way home from #15 and looked in top form, failing to yield on the bush tracks, and taking the ribbon on the final leg. Go Chippy!

Other legend scores to note, were Teddy off the pace a touch with 410, but still having the wood over Ken "Porta-Loo' Jacobson and Dave Lotty - both holding 390's. Heiko failed to claim after pulling up seven minutes late. His mind is on colder things at the moment. Bryony sounded pleased with her LW outing (score not recorded unfortunately), as was Bev Johnson with a tidy 220. Sue Thommo had a quieter night (200) to be well back from Bryony, and also Janet Morris, who saw 250 points and duly noted them down.

The open nags were their usual selves - high scores, free running and no knee problems. Their time will come I hear you say! After Andrew, it looks like Mark Schaefer (560 - and three minutes early), and Steve who I have already mentioned. Nathan 'At' Lowe had a new suit with extra trousers in his tidy 430, to shade the only other 'open' noted, Matt 'The Church' Bell - peeling somberly for 390. The opens, being eager working types, often front quite late in the evening just as the Reschs caravan is leaving the station, hence the poor reporting of their scores. Apologies guys and girls. Speaking of girls, there were fives aplenty here, with Lisa Grant and Gil Fowler sharing 540's and looking to start a hairdressing partnership together, with customers 'I De' Claire Winnick and Catherine Murphy both pencilling 530. Sue Davis went wide on the turn for a 490, but was still good enough to take the carrot from Deb Noble - gaining speed with a 470, and reminding her sister who rules!

Glenn leads the masters of course, with Pete Annetts running second with 550 ahead of Kar-Soon and Fergus 'I Find The Defendant Guilty As Charged' Dixon on 520 apiece. Shane 'Liz' Henry had the curtains pulled for 470, claiming from Martin Conway and Stuart 'The Bean' Deane on 460's and Gregor Riese 'Ing To The Occasion' with 440. Tidy work from these family men. The MW's were in four mode, with Cath 'Your So Chalming Mr Fawlty' Chalmers taking ten from a great run by Linda Sesta (460/450). Nicole Sellin made $380 for the old LP on ebay, and may look to put up the cat next week.

Are we done? Oh, the vets. Can't forget them - especially when we note that Greg Barbour took the lollies last night, heading Mike Burton, and maybe spoiling the stargazers late run for the sun badge. Greg's 580 was a sensational score, and I think got Mike by twenty. Larry 'Wee Wee' Weiss discarded the nappy, and flew the course for an excellent 510 (initially posted as an awesome 540!) to be the next best I think (the 'Leathers' might have been higher, not sure). Mike 'The Spaniard' Halmy had the cape flying for a nifty 490 to head old rivals Pete 'The Battery' Marshall (470) and Jimbo 'The Dentist' McLean (460). Greg Nibbs ordered the underarm ball for a nice looking 390 and Rod 'Stewart' Eckles mixed humour and song for 340. Good to see these vets looking so good on the burst as the first tinge of grey invades the temples.

The ladies stand featured Wendy, alone for another stunner (550 I believe), and well clear of Karin Hefftner who put on a strong 440 to be next best. Robin Cameron was there with a four hundred, twenty up from 'The Reading Lamp', in turn ten up from Barb 'The Beach Boys' Dawson. These scores were goodies, and very much pointier than the supers - with Dale holding the cup with 330, ahead of Helen 'Field Marshaling Yard' Murphy (3120) and Mary Jane with 260. I keep thinking Dale is going to put on the afterburner and give this category a good rattle (as in prior seasons), but she seems to be preparing for something - not sure what.

The SVM's once again sat back and let 'The Singlet' take the onions. Waz held 520, by no means sensational, but enough to claim on the day. Steve Flick and Ian Cameron both had late runs, finishing almost together for 510's. They finished from different directions, so presume this was not a tandem outing. Gordy was around five, James Lithgow failed to front after being tempted away by the 'world of art', leaving Rosscoe maybe the next best with a nice 480 and in a minute early. Great to see Graeme 'The Bus Driver' Hill back with us, scoring somewhere in the fours after a five minute over outing. Nick Dent joined us for 480 - no doubt working up to a top run at Killcare on Sunday (the Central Coast's concluding summer event). John Anderson's pants were obviously not a drag on performance, with his 470 giving him a left board position. 'Hans Christian' is a fast man here, and not far off the top bunch. Others noted in SVM were, Ted 'The Face Side' Woodley, twirling the spokeshave for 450 (a score also taken home by President Paul), Ian Miller working well for 430 loaves, John Giles back a bit with 360 and Ross 'True Grit' Duker up to page 340 in the original western novel. Davy Dash and Davy Bowerman were a conspiracy of Davey's, showing their hands at the finish for 310. Modest work by these old stallions that have been higher on the beanpole. Better feed needed perhaps.

As I mentioned earlier, there are always late runners that no doubt deserve a bit of reporting, but hey, when the roast at the 'West Ryde' gets in the nostril - it's off we go! And indeed off we go from this weeks race report. A top night, cool conditions and a very enjoyable course. The eight year wait has indeed been too long here at Dundas and it's Quarry.

Next week brings on another completely new area and map. We move up to St Ives/Pymble and the home of the Flying Fox. Alan Tilley 'Lamp' will be shining a light on things there and promises a night to remember. Could be nice parks, could be a bit of hill work. I'm told there are even 'extensive' views! Always a bonus, especially when puffing hard and beginning to think of mother. One slight conundrum to understand is the limited parking at the assembly venue in Peace Avenue. Big Al has posted lengthy instructions of how to get there on the OANSW weekly alert web page issued every Tuesday, and I'm sure will be still there next week.

Parking streets suggested are Hope Street and Telegraph Road (left after coming up Mona Vale Road from Pacific Hwy), Macquarie Steet (right from Mona Vale Road and then via Bromley, Kulgoa and Woodlands Streets). If coming from St Ives, try left into Vista Street. Peace Avenue apparently is narrow with very restricted parking. Consult your Sidway and bring your teddy for good luck. What sounds complicated in getting there, will be more than made up for in the quality and fun of a new area. All in the Pork Pie office of sports commentary can't wait to try it out. Be there!

Having chewed the correspondent pencil to the bone (a curious expression Mr Pie Chops), Porkie is going to have a little lie down. SSS event # 20 is just round the corner, as is the next Monday Sprint - Olympic Park this time. Should be a blast.

2 comments:

Fly on the Wall said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fly on the Wall said...

Another generous course with high scores on offer. And great not to have much running on roads. Went 22-1-25-16-5-24 (across creek, very easy)-14-29-9-27-6-18-28-15-19-21-26-7-30-8-11-2-23 for 490 in 43 minutes, that worked out at 6.9km. It might also be the first time I have bagged all ten 30-pointers.
Lost some time doing an in-out at 29 instead of going straight on to 9 - after in-outs at 16, 5 and 14 it was on my brain! Prob had time to come home 11-12-23-2 for an extra 20 but was well tired by then - and picked up 8 pots for Dave, then played a game of hockey at 9.30pm at Homebush afterwards!
Needless to say the old calves are Wallaby Bob's brother today !
When Michael Burton came in with only 560 I thought it was an 88 - only to find about some burglar who popped up with a 580. Swab !

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