DIM & DAMP CONDITIONS SLOW LATE STARTERS AT TED'S TUNKS TEMPTER
Overcast skies and a dampish drizzle greeted early arrivals at 'The Bodgies' Suspension Bridge thriller last Wednesday. Those that know the area, and the bushy sections, know that this is not a run to leave too late in the day, as negotiating the tracks can be tricky when the light fades. And fade quickly it did, with late starters probably not quite realising what fun was in front of them as they sloshed off into the gathering gloom. Sydney Summer Series....a sport for people that can see in the dark!
Well, it wasn't that bad for the majority, and most enjoyed a classic, if slightly damp, outing in this enjoyable area. A nice mix of bush tracks, parks and streets, with enough on the 'puff-o-meter' to remind you that the lungs are connected to the heart, and something else that makes the legs work - or not! Yes some nice steep material involved, mostly to be enjoyed as the train left the station, although the Tunks Trendoid's who went the western beginning, put off the inevitable for as long as poss as they ran like weird birds, heads craned upwards passing under the Northbridge Land & Tramway Company's bridge in a mixture of awe and nervous anticipation of what lay ahead (or 'above' probably more correctly).
It's been six years or so since the SSS caravan has worked Sydney's collective health from this spot, so it was with much anticipation that the Course Setting Review Committee plonked down the ten coppers and retired to the members bar to study the form. What had The Tedster been up to, what miracle had he wrought? Did it look a 600?, maybe a 500? - or a 'politician' (somewhere in the middle)?
First impressions were good, with a couple of good high up east/west links and some porridge to be stirred in the western section. As I mentioned there was also a gentle low westwards beginning, but those emboldened by a recent pay rise, could get straight into the climbs to the north or south - as most seemed to. The northern escalator found the most favour, with 21,1,11,22 and 12 setting up a nice 110 point opening round and a well warmed up motor. A long flog to #23 then made sense, with a few weaving back to include #7 along the way. The southerly starters had equal steepness, but made faster progress because of the road running rather than the tracks. Doing a 'Larry' to 30 was the right beginning for these ponies, then knocking off 10,18,29 and 17/19 worked as runners headed for the 'fieldwork/cartography' legend - and paid their dues to these worthies whilst pinging a thirty at the table.
Given the map scale was 1:7500, getting over towards the Willoughby Leisure Centre material had to be on the cards, and provided the means of linking the various loops together. A northerly start that then worked through the Willoughby's, and the 90 points in the upper creek and ruin, was money in the bag with a flyer home via 24 and 9 feeling rather like cocktails on the Eurostar. Good points and a great finish.
Many of our fancies did a bit of upstairs downstairs in the upper creek, although I think costume dramas were the last things on their minds as they worked the big rocks to 25 (yes, it was a long way down), dropped to 16, crossed the creek and then climbed to the 15/27/14 offering - or visa versa. Good point work with an 80 metre fee attached.
Looking at the deployment, number 4 seemed well out of loop (and may have been our lonely pot), except to that serial broom and pan man, Glenn 'The Lot With Sauce' Horrocks, who goes for 600 no matter what the challenge. 'The Sunflower's' route is a classic and bears description. Glenn began low and worked west for 9 and 24 before climbing to 4, crossing the bridge in the R1 class car, working the southern sector (17,30,10,18,29,19,8,28,20) before the aforementioned up/down (14,15,27,16,25) and then a swim at the WLC before returning back along the northern roads and the bush track descent to the wharf and home. I presume the man in yellow went 23,2,7,12 and note the contours again involved. Hats off to Glenn in doing all this for ten over - and still making one of only six runners in the fives! Bloomin' heck, this is racing with a capital R.
Actually, I'm wondering if #2 might have been the LP. 23-12 made sense and witnessed plenty of traffic, but trying to include #2. I don't think so. All else was on the table with few problems in stick insertion and the resulting, and comforting, beep. Runners approaching #14 from above (I wonder who?), wasted time, and there was something wrong with the track beside the golf course above #22. I think this was easier going uphill, with the track entrance and yellow areas inducing temporary drunkeness to those on a frantic descent. Terry 'Bob Brown' Bluett was one who went 'green' hereabouts, and lost time.
So all up a great course, and with our top score a simply superb 560 from Andy 'The Oil Spill' Hill, right on the money with spread and climb taken into account. Thanks Ted and the GO crew, and all those helping move the heavy machinery that seems to be the lot of the SSS these days.
Seeing scores are already up, maybe slip into the commentary booth and a bit of Pork Pie? Ok, OK, out with the 2B stub.
Once again, Junior Matt 'Ed Hair' Hill worked the comb and brylcreme for a great 430 and a win from Houn on 400. Perhaps a more startling score is from 'The Dunkin Doughnut' - carding 390 at only age 11 (I think that's right Duncan). 390! This puts all the Legends to shame, and would have almost podiumed in the Super Vet Men. As the woman said in 'When Harry Met Sally', I'd like to have what he's having! Well, she said 'she', but you get the drift. Great running Dunk, you are on fire!
IN the Open's, Mark Schaefer trousered 500, with Tommy 'The Joss Stick' lighting up twenty more (and coming to the attention the Bali customs service). The 'Hangman' was ten back for another great run - and a 490. Lisa Grant carded 440 to squeek a tenner from Claire 'Booth Luce' Winnick and Gill 'Bannockburn' Fowler, equal seconds on 430. In the Masters, Richard Green wrote 530 to shade Timbo Rogers on 520, both a length clear of Glenn's 500. Kar-Soon and 'The Hairnet' followed with nicely weighted 460's and a spell on fresh bent. MW saw Cath 'Port' Chalmers work the waterfront cranes in unloading a tidy 430, well clear of rival Sue 'The Davis Cup' nursing her Maxply racquet for 380.
Michael Burton popped in for a tidy 480 in VM, and claims from apprentice Mal Bradley (450) with Andy Graham a length back on 410. Some good three's in this field, with Greg 'The Midnight Movies' Barbour only posting 360 - probably as a result of running mostly in the dark! Wendy enjoyed 420 to take the VW's, ahead of Ulla 'Dulla' Molin (340 points and a nice snapper for dinner). Eoin chomped on Wazza again (!) in the SV's, with both runners the only oldies to be over 400. Neil 'The Hawk' played hard for 390, and great to see Nick Dent down from Terrigal and working the panel beating hammer for 370. CJ was well clear in the SVW's, as was Janet 'Cetera' Morris in the LW's. Pieface just managed to hold of the Geringong Gent (370/360) in the Legends, with Jim 'Poppy' Merchant a touch off at 350 - but still well clear of A1 who came home in 'dim' time for 320. Heiko this time was off his oats, and maybe off the map, for only 100 points and an uncharacteristically low score for the Antarctic Kid. Mal was also back, and could only take home 73 for his troubles.
Finally, the walkers, and a real stir with Mel Cox reasserting his leadership after some brilliant and brazen recent walking from Andy Wizniewski. Mel pinned up 300 to be 30 clear. Great walking, but probably also, great planning. Dale Thompson (Walking), and who used to be just 'Dale Thompson', wacked on 220 tidy ones to take the cake in WaW, and the 100 points from KC (and the Sunshine Band). Those Mackies seem to have the Groups by the short and curley's, but I like to record Elva (or Elvis to her friends) Abrahams & Lorraine Cooke being awarded three points for a simply spirited 10 point score. Classic material from that book of life that is the Sydney Summer Series!
Next week sees the action move to the coast and the LM Graham Reserve at Manly - and where no doubt, old 'LM' will be there to welcome us. Ian Jessup will be putting aside the hockey stick as he takes and even bigger stick to our hope of more SSS magic. The '7 Up Shop' will no doubt be devising a cunning flogerooney that might just mix sand, sun, parky grass stuff and some great beach side scenery that demands this annual beachside tickle not be missed. Be there to give your aging body a decent work out. And with the words of Jerry Lee Lewis (I like to give the great artist what's comin' to 'em) in your ears, get ready to give Jesse James a very hefty pat on the back as we fly into round 8 at North Steyne. Sounds like a plan.
Also note that this coming Sunday is the Socialgaine in the upper meanders of Middle Harbour, the first Central Coast Summer Series event at Chittaway Bay, and not to forget the Tuesday Southern Series run - this time at Scarborough Park just in behind Sans Souci at Ramsgate. A nice flatty for those that like to keep the foot/leg angle at 90 degrees!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
LOW SCORING AS HEAT AND HILLS TAKE TOLL AT PYMBLE HORROR
Sydney turned on one of those listless afternoon stinkers yesterday, with the mid thirty degree temperatures just hanging around, and then hanging around some more. A hottie event it was to be and a hilly one too, with the combination keeping the start unit at Summer Series event #6 underwhelmed until quite late in the proceedings - and competitors adjusting their saline drip feeds, and on the chat instead of on the flog. At least the assembly area was a pleasant one with plenty of shelter and tree cover. A delightful spot at which to postpone the pain to come.
And we all knew that this was a different venue to the original Bannockburn Park proposal, but what we didn't know was the course remained as the one set for the Bannockburn start, despite the very different take on things when commencing from Robert Pymble. You can now see the reason for the northerly deployments that had most folding their maps in half and hoping for a two and a half - or a two. Forget about threes and fours, especially given the toasty conditions.
Scanning the A4 revealed a rather awesome scatter across a three kilometer vertical aesthetic. Excellent cartography, although, sadly, no Pymble Golf Course to add meaning to the event title. Hmmmm, this looks a bloomin' tiger thought many, as they neatly folded away the plus fours and ordered orange-aid and terry towling. Runners cowered in their cars, chatted nervously, made numerous dunny visits - all to avoid the pain to come. But, in the end you just had to chuck in your lot with Sydney Water - swig a pint and let battle commence.
As I mentioned, it looked a huge ask to get much further north than Pentecost Avenue (#3), with most of the string twirlers fiddling with the two basic east or west circle options - or the 'up the guts' route via 8 and 29. This latter seems to have been the difference from taking home gold, silver or bronze in many classes, and I think was where the smart money went.
A 250ish circle proposal that many chased went out via 2 (many made use of a non mapped gap between shops exiting this), 30,22,12,23,4,5,28,3 and home via the twenty pointers and either 21 or 29/8. Going east first had the small benefit of being in the shade flogging around the 30-22 loop and up Mona Vale Road, whereas Triangle to #21 (come in Major Tom) meant a very hot beginning up Pymble Hill. At least exhausted starters on this western punisher could take mental (if not physical) comfort from checkpoint #21 being atop a water reservoir!
The middle beginning looks the go in hindsight, with the up, down, up to 8 being followed by a bit of the dreaded 'in-out' to 29, and then a nice run of twenties (14,15,16) before deciding if you needed to return the wrung out body for servicing - or you had a bit more puff in you, like 'The Chip-heater', who popped another pill and added 25,10 and 17 before the twenties and return (Chippy was on an anti clockwise scribble as you might be imagining).
We normally like to identify a lonely pot, but there must have been many checkpoints who only briefly flirted with an electronic tingle last night - such was the stretch in the setting. The 'lonelies' were probably were all in the north, with possibly #26 the outlier. I imagine if you made it to #9 you had to plough on and scoop in 27,20,19 and 18, but 26 might have been just too far off the port beam. Closer in, #13 was out of loop and may have been given a wide berth. Maybe #1, maybe the 7/11 'Fred' couple.
With a winning score of 420 points, this would have to be the lowest scoring SSS event ever held. Only two runners into the fours tells a story, and only 22 more (of the 189 entries) managing to card in the 300's reinforces the stretch between beeps that was 'The Pymble Putter'. A toughie, a hottie, but a great way to loose weight!
Just getting up to Telegraph Road in the heat from old Robby Pymble was enough for most, let alone contemplating working the sand wedge in the north. Glenny probably had his longest run in the series so far, needing 69 minutes to clear the bag and suffering a 250 point penalty into the bargain. Still an amazing time. Another runner who likes the kiss of Volley on asphalt, Graeme 'The Spreadsheet' Hill, went north for 430 points in 62+ and must have wondered if he had entered a half marathon by mistake. Gray copped a 180 for his trouble.
So, even though we have low scoring, we still have competitive behavior - and some excellent results. How about a round of applause for Steve 'The Sandal' Ryan putting up the winning score and keeping several aging but nippy beetroots at bay. OM Steve posts 420 to nip a great run from MM King Dick (410 after suffering a minus twenty, ten of which was a three second over - cruel, cruel this Si stuff) and some great work from Veterans Greg 'Bay Rum' Barbour (390), Mal Bradley (380) and Wendy 'Ive' Stevenson - enjoying her greens for 380. Mal actually finished a touch early, not that common an experience last night, with probably over half the field 'enjoying' the minus maths.
Four other classes had winners in the threes, with the most stunning being Matthew 'The Last Supper' Hill chewing an amazing 330 and 90 points clear of the next JM (Dave 'Up The Creek' Bulbrook). 'Sir Edmund' also scaled 330 in the SVM's (shading Eoin by the slimmest of margins, although 'The Copper Miner' was in the dismount yard two minutes early for some reason), Lisa Grant went a tenner better at 340 in Open Women and Mary Fein holding ten over Sue Davis in Masters Women. Excellent scoring from all these fleet foxes - and good listening.
Down a bit, Legend star, Heiko 'The Shaver', reprised last weeks flattie at Concord with another excellent coffee. A brew titled 270, and one not to be sneezed at, given the numbers nipping at the Kincumber Kids heals. Jimmy and Terry worked well for ten back (260's), while Chippy and Pork Pie were well done on 250's. Kenny had the cubicle door open for 240, as did 'The Tedster' - showing a clean shoe to Ronald on 230, and Malcolm, well back last night but sharing a singular 190 with brother Lloyd.
LW star Bryony 'Roy Orbison' Cox, somehow managed to pop the ton pill again despite much pre race protestation and coming home in 35 minutes!!. Bryony's 170 was still well clear of rivals June 'January Jones' Stanley and Janet Morris' 150's and Sue Thomson's 140. The walkers might have been onto something given the heat, with Wiz putting up 200 in the WaM and Alison 'You Are Passing Another Fox' Pearce 150 in the WaW's. The best group looked to be the 'Mack Trucks', with Fergus and Amanda using plenty of diesel for an outstanding 240 points. I also like to check the tail end charlies, and award a million points to Cheryl Bluett - enjoying the steamy heat and the north shore real estate for minus 130. Excellent stuff. There were also several 'miss-punche's but not sure why/how. No Si??
Anyway, despite the heat which usually kills the attendance, we had a whopper at The Putter. When you add the groups and the kids course, we are looking at over 200 on a scorcher. Great work The Feet, and Gill for working us like the Titanic on four boilers. We will not forget you.
And so, we move closer to the city next week for Sydney Summer Series #7 with a reasonably rare visit to Tunks Park and Cammeray/Northbridge. Ted 'Not That One' Woodley has worked up something from nothing at 'The Suspension Bridge', and shouldn't disappoint. For those that will be first time at 'The Tummy Tuck' (I mean Tunks!), you are in for a treat - especially the bits when you run downhill to the finish. The big park and the actual bridge above is kinda a fun place to move one foot in front of the other, so mark the date - and be there! One thing to note is the parking - not a lot in the grounds itself, so be prepared to use the streets close by if things get chokka. There is a touch footy booking adjacent to us, and I suspect a few of them might come by GTHO. Well they used to in my day said Pork Pie!
Before closing, and chasing a nice Shiraz, I should also mention Souther Series #3 next Tuesday at Clovelly (should be a cracker along the coast with all the joggers with jewelry to watch) and mention the twin tempters next Sunday (20/11) - and they are of course, the Socialgaine being set by our very own Wazza and Neil, and the initial Central Coast Series event at Chittaway (now, now James) Bay.
Like President 'Wobbly Legs' Paul last night, Pie Face has collapsed from post race exhaustion, and has retired for a good lie down.
Sydney turned on one of those listless afternoon stinkers yesterday, with the mid thirty degree temperatures just hanging around, and then hanging around some more. A hottie event it was to be and a hilly one too, with the combination keeping the start unit at Summer Series event #6 underwhelmed until quite late in the proceedings - and competitors adjusting their saline drip feeds, and on the chat instead of on the flog. At least the assembly area was a pleasant one with plenty of shelter and tree cover. A delightful spot at which to postpone the pain to come.
And we all knew that this was a different venue to the original Bannockburn Park proposal, but what we didn't know was the course remained as the one set for the Bannockburn start, despite the very different take on things when commencing from Robert Pymble. You can now see the reason for the northerly deployments that had most folding their maps in half and hoping for a two and a half - or a two. Forget about threes and fours, especially given the toasty conditions.
Scanning the A4 revealed a rather awesome scatter across a three kilometer vertical aesthetic. Excellent cartography, although, sadly, no Pymble Golf Course to add meaning to the event title. Hmmmm, this looks a bloomin' tiger thought many, as they neatly folded away the plus fours and ordered orange-aid and terry towling. Runners cowered in their cars, chatted nervously, made numerous dunny visits - all to avoid the pain to come. But, in the end you just had to chuck in your lot with Sydney Water - swig a pint and let battle commence.
As I mentioned, it looked a huge ask to get much further north than Pentecost Avenue (#3), with most of the string twirlers fiddling with the two basic east or west circle options - or the 'up the guts' route via 8 and 29. This latter seems to have been the difference from taking home gold, silver or bronze in many classes, and I think was where the smart money went.
A 250ish circle proposal that many chased went out via 2 (many made use of a non mapped gap between shops exiting this), 30,22,12,23,4,5,28,3 and home via the twenty pointers and either 21 or 29/8. Going east first had the small benefit of being in the shade flogging around the 30-22 loop and up Mona Vale Road, whereas Triangle to #21 (come in Major Tom) meant a very hot beginning up Pymble Hill. At least exhausted starters on this western punisher could take mental (if not physical) comfort from checkpoint #21 being atop a water reservoir!
The middle beginning looks the go in hindsight, with the up, down, up to 8 being followed by a bit of the dreaded 'in-out' to 29, and then a nice run of twenties (14,15,16) before deciding if you needed to return the wrung out body for servicing - or you had a bit more puff in you, like 'The Chip-heater', who popped another pill and added 25,10 and 17 before the twenties and return (Chippy was on an anti clockwise scribble as you might be imagining).
We normally like to identify a lonely pot, but there must have been many checkpoints who only briefly flirted with an electronic tingle last night - such was the stretch in the setting. The 'lonelies' were probably were all in the north, with possibly #26 the outlier. I imagine if you made it to #9 you had to plough on and scoop in 27,20,19 and 18, but 26 might have been just too far off the port beam. Closer in, #13 was out of loop and may have been given a wide berth. Maybe #1, maybe the 7/11 'Fred' couple.
With a winning score of 420 points, this would have to be the lowest scoring SSS event ever held. Only two runners into the fours tells a story, and only 22 more (of the 189 entries) managing to card in the 300's reinforces the stretch between beeps that was 'The Pymble Putter'. A toughie, a hottie, but a great way to loose weight!
Just getting up to Telegraph Road in the heat from old Robby Pymble was enough for most, let alone contemplating working the sand wedge in the north. Glenny probably had his longest run in the series so far, needing 69 minutes to clear the bag and suffering a 250 point penalty into the bargain. Still an amazing time. Another runner who likes the kiss of Volley on asphalt, Graeme 'The Spreadsheet' Hill, went north for 430 points in 62+ and must have wondered if he had entered a half marathon by mistake. Gray copped a 180 for his trouble.
So, even though we have low scoring, we still have competitive behavior - and some excellent results. How about a round of applause for Steve 'The Sandal' Ryan putting up the winning score and keeping several aging but nippy beetroots at bay. OM Steve posts 420 to nip a great run from MM King Dick (410 after suffering a minus twenty, ten of which was a three second over - cruel, cruel this Si stuff) and some great work from Veterans Greg 'Bay Rum' Barbour (390), Mal Bradley (380) and Wendy 'Ive' Stevenson - enjoying her greens for 380. Mal actually finished a touch early, not that common an experience last night, with probably over half the field 'enjoying' the minus maths.
Four other classes had winners in the threes, with the most stunning being Matthew 'The Last Supper' Hill chewing an amazing 330 and 90 points clear of the next JM (Dave 'Up The Creek' Bulbrook). 'Sir Edmund' also scaled 330 in the SVM's (shading Eoin by the slimmest of margins, although 'The Copper Miner' was in the dismount yard two minutes early for some reason), Lisa Grant went a tenner better at 340 in Open Women and Mary Fein holding ten over Sue Davis in Masters Women. Excellent scoring from all these fleet foxes - and good listening.
Down a bit, Legend star, Heiko 'The Shaver', reprised last weeks flattie at Concord with another excellent coffee. A brew titled 270, and one not to be sneezed at, given the numbers nipping at the Kincumber Kids heals. Jimmy and Terry worked well for ten back (260's), while Chippy and Pork Pie were well done on 250's. Kenny had the cubicle door open for 240, as did 'The Tedster' - showing a clean shoe to Ronald on 230, and Malcolm, well back last night but sharing a singular 190 with brother Lloyd.
LW star Bryony 'Roy Orbison' Cox, somehow managed to pop the ton pill again despite much pre race protestation and coming home in 35 minutes!!. Bryony's 170 was still well clear of rivals June 'January Jones' Stanley and Janet Morris' 150's and Sue Thomson's 140. The walkers might have been onto something given the heat, with Wiz putting up 200 in the WaM and Alison 'You Are Passing Another Fox' Pearce 150 in the WaW's. The best group looked to be the 'Mack Trucks', with Fergus and Amanda using plenty of diesel for an outstanding 240 points. I also like to check the tail end charlies, and award a million points to Cheryl Bluett - enjoying the steamy heat and the north shore real estate for minus 130. Excellent stuff. There were also several 'miss-punche's but not sure why/how. No Si??
Anyway, despite the heat which usually kills the attendance, we had a whopper at The Putter. When you add the groups and the kids course, we are looking at over 200 on a scorcher. Great work The Feet, and Gill for working us like the Titanic on four boilers. We will not forget you.
And so, we move closer to the city next week for Sydney Summer Series #7 with a reasonably rare visit to Tunks Park and Cammeray/Northbridge. Ted 'Not That One' Woodley has worked up something from nothing at 'The Suspension Bridge', and shouldn't disappoint. For those that will be first time at 'The Tummy Tuck' (I mean Tunks!), you are in for a treat - especially the bits when you run downhill to the finish. The big park and the actual bridge above is kinda a fun place to move one foot in front of the other, so mark the date - and be there! One thing to note is the parking - not a lot in the grounds itself, so be prepared to use the streets close by if things get chokka. There is a touch footy booking adjacent to us, and I suspect a few of them might come by GTHO. Well they used to in my day said Pork Pie!
Before closing, and chasing a nice Shiraz, I should also mention Souther Series #3 next Tuesday at Clovelly (should be a cracker along the coast with all the joggers with jewelry to watch) and mention the twin tempters next Sunday (20/11) - and they are of course, the Socialgaine being set by our very own Wazza and Neil, and the initial Central Coast Series event at Chittaway (now, now James) Bay.
Like President 'Wobbly Legs' Paul last night, Pie Face has collapsed from post race exhaustion, and has retired for a good lie down.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
HIGH SCORING AMONGST FRENCH EXILES AS COMPETITORS CONQUER CANADA CLASSIC
The 'Indian Wedding' created a cracker last night at Concord, with well over two hundred nags on the nibble - and five runners carding perfect six hundreds. Scoring in general was higher than recent outings, with the stewards flagging a fast track and the 'Tuza Dwellers' bursting at the seams to put the pedal down. This they did to good effect, with (the absent) Pork Pie noting sensational scores from many classes - including our Juniors, where Rachel 'On Wheels' Noble shaded her dad for 460 and Luke 'Skywalker' Petterson punching the light speed button for 500! Amazing running from these two stars.
I gather the course had a westerly circular offering with 150 points, with the rest of the map (many new bits I'm told) evenly and deceptively weighted. Effort = reward, seemed to be the name of the game - a familiar SSS conundrum. My spy tells me there didn't seem an obvious route with many tempters getting the string brigade tied in knots. Something to be celebrated of course, and at the heart of good SSS course setting. Classy stuff from DM (the non power car) seems to be the word.
Without being there I'm not able to give a descent review, but understand we had clear and easy to find controls - including four 'telegraph poles'. This had me thinking of orienteering in the steam tram era... Well, not really.
With the results already up on the UR site, there is no need to get into a detailed scoring report - other than to mention a couple of category killers that took the old blokes eye. The aforementioned Chinese 'Gang of Five' was made up of three bigs and two smalls (wait up Rosscoe, your not watching 'Letters & Numbers' now!). I mean two Open and three Masters, with Andy Hill taking the onion in a shade under 44. Following line astern, and all taking home 600 Freddo Frogs kindly donated by Uringa were Glenn 'The Fall of the House of Usher' Horrocks, Richard 'The Reverend' Green (in the conservatory with the candlestick), Dave 'Shep' Shepherd and Tim Austin 'Seven'. What a group, what scoring. Flemington in November doesn't get as exciting as watching these dudes skimming the Bent.
Also noted were a couple of 100 point rewards in Open Women and Super Vet Men, with Lisa 'Land' Grant and Eoin 'The Copper Kettle' Rothery piling on 550's to the despair of their nearest and dearest. The Legends also seemed to throw off the deck chair blankets, with LM fancy, Heiko 'Of The Antarctic' Schaefer, skiing home with 460 to keep Jim Merchant 'And Bee' in double figures; and LW star, Bryony 'The Chrysler Building' Cox, finding some Manhattan magic in a pumping 320, to just pip Sue 'Merging Early' Thomson (one out, one back for 310). A great contest from these two Belvoir babes.
There looked like lots of other outstanding runs, and scoring, with Porkface somewhat wistfully 'wishing I had been there'. Hats off to Dave & Jane and all the Uringa helpers for another chapter in the sport of kings. A great event, and a great roll up - maybe a record at this track (212 actual entries, with probably 220/230 ponies in toto).
Turning to next week, we move back up the north shore where Big Foot have mapped Pymble railway station and points (or bushy gardens) north. Note the change of start location to that originally advised - now at Robert Pymble Park close to the station. This brand new area sounds excellent, with some great parks and mansions to run on and gaze upon (in that order). Pork Pie's golf clubs are at the ready, and will be fully deployed next week at 'The Putter'. Don't miss it; and the chance for a nice roast afterwards at the adjacent Pymble Hotel.
Finally, a couple of notes from Mr Guitar Fingers.
I mentioned Mel Cox's excellent 90 continuous SSS events last blog, only to subsequently learn that chief SSS web master, David ' Your Majesty' Noble, has gone one better - and is currently on 91, and rising!! Stupendous devotion David, we all salute you.
I also note that the inaugural Southern Series event on the Canals map ran last Tuesday, attracting a small following of mainly Wednesday devotees. Although a modest start, it is to be remembered that the Wednesday SSS began with less than that number - and look at us now. Event two for those that can't get enough is in totally new territory at Cronulla, and should prove a draw card with experienced setters in Ian & Sue Froude at the helm. A great excuse to visit your Shire friends as we well and truly expand the cunning running fun to southern Sydney.
Cheers from sunny Toowoomba!
The 'Indian Wedding' created a cracker last night at Concord, with well over two hundred nags on the nibble - and five runners carding perfect six hundreds. Scoring in general was higher than recent outings, with the stewards flagging a fast track and the 'Tuza Dwellers' bursting at the seams to put the pedal down. This they did to good effect, with (the absent) Pork Pie noting sensational scores from many classes - including our Juniors, where Rachel 'On Wheels' Noble shaded her dad for 460 and Luke 'Skywalker' Petterson punching the light speed button for 500! Amazing running from these two stars.
I gather the course had a westerly circular offering with 150 points, with the rest of the map (many new bits I'm told) evenly and deceptively weighted. Effort = reward, seemed to be the name of the game - a familiar SSS conundrum. My spy tells me there didn't seem an obvious route with many tempters getting the string brigade tied in knots. Something to be celebrated of course, and at the heart of good SSS course setting. Classy stuff from DM (the non power car) seems to be the word.
Without being there I'm not able to give a descent review, but understand we had clear and easy to find controls - including four 'telegraph poles'. This had me thinking of orienteering in the steam tram era... Well, not really.
With the results already up on the UR site, there is no need to get into a detailed scoring report - other than to mention a couple of category killers that took the old blokes eye. The aforementioned Chinese 'Gang of Five' was made up of three bigs and two smalls (wait up Rosscoe, your not watching 'Letters & Numbers' now!). I mean two Open and three Masters, with Andy Hill taking the onion in a shade under 44. Following line astern, and all taking home 600 Freddo Frogs kindly donated by Uringa were Glenn 'The Fall of the House of Usher' Horrocks, Richard 'The Reverend' Green (in the conservatory with the candlestick), Dave 'Shep' Shepherd and Tim Austin 'Seven'. What a group, what scoring. Flemington in November doesn't get as exciting as watching these dudes skimming the Bent.
Also noted were a couple of 100 point rewards in Open Women and Super Vet Men, with Lisa 'Land' Grant and Eoin 'The Copper Kettle' Rothery piling on 550's to the despair of their nearest and dearest. The Legends also seemed to throw off the deck chair blankets, with LM fancy, Heiko 'Of The Antarctic' Schaefer, skiing home with 460 to keep Jim Merchant 'And Bee' in double figures; and LW star, Bryony 'The Chrysler Building' Cox, finding some Manhattan magic in a pumping 320, to just pip Sue 'Merging Early' Thomson (one out, one back for 310). A great contest from these two Belvoir babes.
There looked like lots of other outstanding runs, and scoring, with Porkface somewhat wistfully 'wishing I had been there'. Hats off to Dave & Jane and all the Uringa helpers for another chapter in the sport of kings. A great event, and a great roll up - maybe a record at this track (212 actual entries, with probably 220/230 ponies in toto).
Turning to next week, we move back up the north shore where Big Foot have mapped Pymble railway station and points (or bushy gardens) north. Note the change of start location to that originally advised - now at Robert Pymble Park close to the station. This brand new area sounds excellent, with some great parks and mansions to run on and gaze upon (in that order). Pork Pie's golf clubs are at the ready, and will be fully deployed next week at 'The Putter'. Don't miss it; and the chance for a nice roast afterwards at the adjacent Pymble Hotel.
Finally, a couple of notes from Mr Guitar Fingers.
I mentioned Mel Cox's excellent 90 continuous SSS events last blog, only to subsequently learn that chief SSS web master, David ' Your Majesty' Noble, has gone one better - and is currently on 91, and rising!! Stupendous devotion David, we all salute you.
I also note that the inaugural Southern Series event on the Canals map ran last Tuesday, attracting a small following of mainly Wednesday devotees. Although a modest start, it is to be remembered that the Wednesday SSS began with less than that number - and look at us now. Event two for those that can't get enough is in totally new territory at Cronulla, and should prove a draw card with experienced setters in Ian & Sue Froude at the helm. A great excuse to visit your Shire friends as we well and truly expand the cunning running fun to southern Sydney.
Cheers from sunny Toowoomba!
Friday, October 28, 2011
HATS OFF TO 'THE DOUGHNUT' AS LARGE CROWD ENJOY CLASSIC CURRIE AT THE CREEK
A cool evening, a map extension and a quiet grassy assembly setting were welcome ingredients in another classic Sydney Summer Series dining experience last Wednesday - this time at leafy western Annandale and with a different take on the Glebe focus of previous seasons. The 'Doughnuts' (young Duncan and dad Colin) are fast getting a reputation for excellence in course setting with much to commend this superb example of 'connect the circles' - chief amongst them being the two top 600 bag men, in at one and a half down for 580's. Brilliant. There also seemed many ways to skin a cat, with several similar scores being pinged with very different routes - also a mark of good setting.
So, let's have a look at this little bottler in more detail
Arriving at this quiet and shady spot, old hands would have noted the 'yellow' once more sagging proudly on the fence. Back in business folks, back in business! Also, as noted last week, clubs are now equipped with a multitude of flags signaling Start, Finish and Which way to the Pub. Mini tent cities have sprung up as we grapple with the new Sportident era and its attendant finish chute requirements, sales desks and electronica (big thanks to Garingal's Ross 'The' Duker in cowboy chaps on this occasion). Quiet a change in 21 years, and change for the better. It looked excellent - and so it proved.
Upon plonking down the Banjo, we immediately see 'Larry Plus', but not to worry because we are in cahoots tonight with the EOLG (the Elderly Orienteering Lobby Group) and have been given a nice and clear 1:7,500 map. Whooohoo. As well as filling in the upper creek wetlands detail missing from my original map, Dunk & Dad added the western block up to Catherine Street especially so all old Sydney tram fans could combine the esoteric pleasure of bagging control # 25 while waiting for the outbound Lillyfield toastrack. Many, many thanks to the 'Powders'.
So, having paid up it was then time to work the string in devising a route. It sort of looked 600 at a pinch for the fancies, with a well covered map and no holes. Clean connectivity needed to factor the tempting inners (17,24,5,27,4) with the outer circle stuff, and the almost mandatory visit to the new western material. One or two pots looked easy drops - #8 probably being the main one. There was also a bit of a contour factor (6 up, 4 down), although nothing like last week - and also a classic double play (20/19) that looked an easy bag from below until you actually had to run the zig zag path and discovered they were more like 300 meters apart! The 'Baron of Beecroft' knew about this one and approached from above - the smartypants.
Many runners took off south and west (7,25,18,9,2 - the tram option) before being suprised by the whereabouts of #23 and more fun to the east. Others, remembering the first Beatles album, hummed 'She was just 17' as they worked the legs east and up to that very pot, in a cunning central route that then took them via 24 to more familiar territory on Rozelle Bay before slipping the indicator onto a left turn and home via 21, 30 and a bit of Tooheys new. Mal 'Gore' Gledhill must have been on broccoli load up in working this route for an excellent 400 in the Legends category. The Porkster also noted Deborah 'The Potatoe' Noble flying off on this middle beginning to #17 and peelings further east.
One runner was overheard discussing her planned 4-6 route before the two twenties already mentioned, only to realise the thick black line on the map near #4 hides a steep no-go cliff. At least she was able to pop into our 'thin blue line' friends for a cuppa and a bit of mid course medicine ball fun at the adjacent PCY. Cliffs, yep, there is just something about these critters to spoil a girls fun.
Other aspects to catch the eye were some of the nice controls on offer, including the never been used dunny lane to #28 (fab, and only one barking dog), the Rozelle Bay classics (29/14) and some excellent stink pipes. One route that has been out of bounds before (from #11 up beside the old tram shed - tram, Rosscoe, are you mentioning trams again!) apparently had had the gate prized open, with several runners going the tummy tuck at the other end in saving several seconds - something PP wishes he had done after clocking a bread and dripping (alright, an 8 second over) penalty. Probably should have been hatched off on the map given the new Mirvac ownership, but, hey, wont this be great in a couple of years when the old harness racing stuff is opened up for us - and a couple of small houses apparently. The mapping mafia will be in their like Warwick into a banana, just as soon as it's open.
Although Les Porks seems to be failing to record many nags so far this season (given the quick Si postings), I note that Andy 'The Pharmacist' Hill and Glenn 'The 35 Class' Horrocks were the two 580's that I saw. Of interest is The Glennsters route given he goes the lot no matter what the course - beginning to 8-21 and back to #30 (!!) before circling the west, running 21,5,27,4,15 and the double, the bay, and then home via 1,24,16 and 17. A real wiggle that would be interesting to compare with Andrew (route gadget maybe).
Looking for our elusive lonely control is a toughie. 14 was an outlier, and despite its sublime position, probably went home without too many touch ups. Number 12 might have missed its calling also. Maybe #5, maybe #8. Last weeks stats (thanks BNO) did ratify the Pork Chops guess of the low eastern one (was it #4? - can't remember) as the LP, will we be similarly indulged by GO this time? Watch this space.
So, all in all, a great event, excellent turn up (I gather well over the double ton - maybe 230 odd) with many new faces. President Paul was doing a roaring trade in E sticks and I gather club memberships are on the rise. Good stuff, and a great endorsement of the series. Great work Duncan (and dad Colin, and all the Garingal helpers). You are setting a high standard.
Moving along to next week, we see the crowd licking its collective lips to once again be exposed, yes, exposed, to the wily thinking of chief Uringa eagle - Dave 'The Indian Wedding' McKenna and a bit of fun with royalty at Concord. Dave knows how to fry up the SSS crowd, and what better way to celebrate the visit of HM, than to egg up the SSS burger with some newly mapped grassy stuff at QE Park. This runners paradise should see exhaustion and elation, often in beguiling combination. Make sure you don't miss event five in the series of a lifetime, as we dips our lid to maam, and conquer the McKenna Monster (unfortunately The Pie Face has been whisked off to Toowoomba on grand-daddy duty and will miss the event, but hope to post a 'sight unseen' report from his many spies).
One thing I have been meaning to mention - and now seems the perfect time - is the devotion department, and its recording of a new 'high'. Yes customers, I am honour bound to record prior addict guru Mel 'Ted Cheese' Cox (80 events up to December'07 without a break, and I know I've used the nick before), has gone into medical wonderland pushing the aging knees to 90 (!) events in the subsequent unbroken stream - up until his recent African mountain madness resets his counter to zero once again. All appears well with 'The Cheese', as he was back on the track Wednesday - this time in power walking mode. Well done oh great and faithful servant of the series.
A cool evening, a map extension and a quiet grassy assembly setting were welcome ingredients in another classic Sydney Summer Series dining experience last Wednesday - this time at leafy western Annandale and with a different take on the Glebe focus of previous seasons. The 'Doughnuts' (young Duncan and dad Colin) are fast getting a reputation for excellence in course setting with much to commend this superb example of 'connect the circles' - chief amongst them being the two top 600 bag men, in at one and a half down for 580's. Brilliant. There also seemed many ways to skin a cat, with several similar scores being pinged with very different routes - also a mark of good setting.
So, let's have a look at this little bottler in more detail
Arriving at this quiet and shady spot, old hands would have noted the 'yellow' once more sagging proudly on the fence. Back in business folks, back in business! Also, as noted last week, clubs are now equipped with a multitude of flags signaling Start, Finish and Which way to the Pub. Mini tent cities have sprung up as we grapple with the new Sportident era and its attendant finish chute requirements, sales desks and electronica (big thanks to Garingal's Ross 'The' Duker in cowboy chaps on this occasion). Quiet a change in 21 years, and change for the better. It looked excellent - and so it proved.
Upon plonking down the Banjo, we immediately see 'Larry Plus', but not to worry because we are in cahoots tonight with the EOLG (the Elderly Orienteering Lobby Group) and have been given a nice and clear 1:7,500 map. Whooohoo. As well as filling in the upper creek wetlands detail missing from my original map, Dunk & Dad added the western block up to Catherine Street especially so all old Sydney tram fans could combine the esoteric pleasure of bagging control # 25 while waiting for the outbound Lillyfield toastrack. Many, many thanks to the 'Powders'.
So, having paid up it was then time to work the string in devising a route. It sort of looked 600 at a pinch for the fancies, with a well covered map and no holes. Clean connectivity needed to factor the tempting inners (17,24,5,27,4) with the outer circle stuff, and the almost mandatory visit to the new western material. One or two pots looked easy drops - #8 probably being the main one. There was also a bit of a contour factor (6 up, 4 down), although nothing like last week - and also a classic double play (20/19) that looked an easy bag from below until you actually had to run the zig zag path and discovered they were more like 300 meters apart! The 'Baron of Beecroft' knew about this one and approached from above - the smartypants.
Many runners took off south and west (7,25,18,9,2 - the tram option) before being suprised by the whereabouts of #23 and more fun to the east. Others, remembering the first Beatles album, hummed 'She was just 17' as they worked the legs east and up to that very pot, in a cunning central route that then took them via 24 to more familiar territory on Rozelle Bay before slipping the indicator onto a left turn and home via 21, 30 and a bit of Tooheys new. Mal 'Gore' Gledhill must have been on broccoli load up in working this route for an excellent 400 in the Legends category. The Porkster also noted Deborah 'The Potatoe' Noble flying off on this middle beginning to #17 and peelings further east.
One runner was overheard discussing her planned 4-6 route before the two twenties already mentioned, only to realise the thick black line on the map near #4 hides a steep no-go cliff. At least she was able to pop into our 'thin blue line' friends for a cuppa and a bit of mid course medicine ball fun at the adjacent PCY. Cliffs, yep, there is just something about these critters to spoil a girls fun.
Other aspects to catch the eye were some of the nice controls on offer, including the never been used dunny lane to #28 (fab, and only one barking dog), the Rozelle Bay classics (29/14) and some excellent stink pipes. One route that has been out of bounds before (from #11 up beside the old tram shed - tram, Rosscoe, are you mentioning trams again!) apparently had had the gate prized open, with several runners going the tummy tuck at the other end in saving several seconds - something PP wishes he had done after clocking a bread and dripping (alright, an 8 second over) penalty. Probably should have been hatched off on the map given the new Mirvac ownership, but, hey, wont this be great in a couple of years when the old harness racing stuff is opened up for us - and a couple of small houses apparently. The mapping mafia will be in their like Warwick into a banana, just as soon as it's open.
Although Les Porks seems to be failing to record many nags so far this season (given the quick Si postings), I note that Andy 'The Pharmacist' Hill and Glenn 'The 35 Class' Horrocks were the two 580's that I saw. Of interest is The Glennsters route given he goes the lot no matter what the course - beginning to 8-21 and back to #30 (!!) before circling the west, running 21,5,27,4,15 and the double, the bay, and then home via 1,24,16 and 17. A real wiggle that would be interesting to compare with Andrew (route gadget maybe).
Looking for our elusive lonely control is a toughie. 14 was an outlier, and despite its sublime position, probably went home without too many touch ups. Number 12 might have missed its calling also. Maybe #5, maybe #8. Last weeks stats (thanks BNO) did ratify the Pork Chops guess of the low eastern one (was it #4? - can't remember) as the LP, will we be similarly indulged by GO this time? Watch this space.
So, all in all, a great event, excellent turn up (I gather well over the double ton - maybe 230 odd) with many new faces. President Paul was doing a roaring trade in E sticks and I gather club memberships are on the rise. Good stuff, and a great endorsement of the series. Great work Duncan (and dad Colin, and all the Garingal helpers). You are setting a high standard.
Moving along to next week, we see the crowd licking its collective lips to once again be exposed, yes, exposed, to the wily thinking of chief Uringa eagle - Dave 'The Indian Wedding' McKenna and a bit of fun with royalty at Concord. Dave knows how to fry up the SSS crowd, and what better way to celebrate the visit of HM, than to egg up the SSS burger with some newly mapped grassy stuff at QE Park. This runners paradise should see exhaustion and elation, often in beguiling combination. Make sure you don't miss event five in the series of a lifetime, as we dips our lid to maam, and conquer the McKenna Monster (unfortunately The Pie Face has been whisked off to Toowoomba on grand-daddy duty and will miss the event, but hope to post a 'sight unseen' report from his many spies).
One thing I have been meaning to mention - and now seems the perfect time - is the devotion department, and its recording of a new 'high'. Yes customers, I am honour bound to record prior addict guru Mel 'Ted Cheese' Cox (80 events up to December'07 without a break, and I know I've used the nick before), has gone into medical wonderland pushing the aging knees to 90 (!) events in the subsequent unbroken stream - up until his recent African mountain madness resets his counter to zero once again. All appears well with 'The Cheese', as he was back on the track Wednesday - this time in power walking mode. Well done oh great and faithful servant of the series.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
TERRY WORKS THE HANGMAN'S NOOSE AS BURNT BRIDGE BRIGADE BURN THE BACON TAKING THE LONG DROP
In fine but cool conditions, Summer Series event #3 chief flag man, Terry 'The Judith Street Jockey' Bluett, presented a circular track last night that had the nags wondering whether to run Melbourne (anti-clockwise) or Sydney (clockwise). Both options meant the puff-o-meter would be fully engaged sometime on their run as the 'Tezza' fully deployed the 100 metre drop in his cunning control deployment. You started high, but.... down and back up could not be avoided if you wanted more than the Friar Tuck haircut.
Terry also pulled out a few old favourites as he worked the spread sheet - 11,23,29,14,28,5 and 18 all being familiar locations to those who survived the January 2010 outing here. Nothing wrong with that of course, especially when joined with the tempting eastern descent and the attractive 90 points to the north west. A wide spread, outside the 'Larry Hand', and looking a real toughie. Mid fives looked podium material, and I think that's what we got. Let's have a closer look.
Arriving behind Terry's old house (and where an early SSS event began out the back gate!), the Bennelong crew were in full flag deployment, almost signaling for the ambulance before a Nike had released the handbrake. There were hushed tones, there was incomprehension, there was that old sinking feeling as you contemplated a loop with a big dose of 'Long Drop Lodge'. At least the loop aspect was easily grasped. You had a fairly basic circle to work without too many interior incursions needing to be factored in (#3 the exception). There were also two add ons - the 90/100 points close in on the NW, and the 90 down on the eastern border (the New Zealand controls).
The NW 'haircut' had many fans with the 90/100 in the bag within ten minutes, and the motor just warming up. The question then was do we plunge via 23 and work the creek line (doing a Melbourne) before pulling back up and some late bush work - or getting the (often slow) bush beeps in the bag while the puff-o was still in idle mode. Many, like Pork Pie, took this latter option and quickly worked up the scoreboard bagging 21,12,2,and 29 before facing the haka and/or the creek. Note the tempter on the low track (#13) being ignored. A case of 'contourus ignorus' - for the old goats anyway. Going the other way needed the exhausted body and brain to retain a modicum of clarity if the bush was to yield anything on the dash (should I say stagger!) home. Going clockwise looked the better plan.
Many other runners appeared to blast off straight away down via #23 and a bit of Burnt work. Discipline was then needed in deciding when to pull out of the dive. 26 to 5 to 14 was the sensible route (with maybe the nice bare rock excursion to #28), although several threw caution to the wind in going for 27/19 before the old LBJ 'escaladio' to #6 and 28. Hard to get this nicely, as #18 had to fit the plan, but couldn't be collected without a bit of contour contretemps.
Looking for our lonely pot (hey, this was now the lonely flag), you would have to say #4 in the east was easy to flick, as was #3 in the middle. I'd say it was a toss up. Thankfully they were only tenners - as many of our 'only the lonely's' are. Numbers 13 and 6 also went home without a partner, and will hope to be up and dancing at Whites Creek next week. Bring it on young Dunk!
So, in conclusion, another top night with the nose bag on. A wide range of scoring was in evidence, with many late back penalties bringing some fancies up short. Big thanks to Terry and the BNO crew - and the yummy new flags. It looks like over 200 fronted the starter with many new faces and Si signings. Excellent stuff.
Next week sees the caravan heading to the inner west, where Duncan & Colin Currie will work us along Whites Creek (one of the world's great rivers) and out to the bay. Expect to see the missing corner cop a few points, as well as some nice running out to Glebe and the gigantic figs. Trams, viaducts, grassy stuff and history will have us in a thrall as we run this little ripper, and maybe head up to the North Annandale for dinner afterwards. Mmmm, sounds like a plan.
In fine but cool conditions, Summer Series event #3 chief flag man, Terry 'The Judith Street Jockey' Bluett, presented a circular track last night that had the nags wondering whether to run Melbourne (anti-clockwise) or Sydney (clockwise). Both options meant the puff-o-meter would be fully engaged sometime on their run as the 'Tezza' fully deployed the 100 metre drop in his cunning control deployment. You started high, but.... down and back up could not be avoided if you wanted more than the Friar Tuck haircut.
Terry also pulled out a few old favourites as he worked the spread sheet - 11,23,29,14,28,5 and 18 all being familiar locations to those who survived the January 2010 outing here. Nothing wrong with that of course, especially when joined with the tempting eastern descent and the attractive 90 points to the north west. A wide spread, outside the 'Larry Hand', and looking a real toughie. Mid fives looked podium material, and I think that's what we got. Let's have a closer look.
Arriving behind Terry's old house (and where an early SSS event began out the back gate!), the Bennelong crew were in full flag deployment, almost signaling for the ambulance before a Nike had released the handbrake. There were hushed tones, there was incomprehension, there was that old sinking feeling as you contemplated a loop with a big dose of 'Long Drop Lodge'. At least the loop aspect was easily grasped. You had a fairly basic circle to work without too many interior incursions needing to be factored in (#3 the exception). There were also two add ons - the 90/100 points close in on the NW, and the 90 down on the eastern border (the New Zealand controls).
The NW 'haircut' had many fans with the 90/100 in the bag within ten minutes, and the motor just warming up. The question then was do we plunge via 23 and work the creek line (doing a Melbourne) before pulling back up and some late bush work - or getting the (often slow) bush beeps in the bag while the puff-o was still in idle mode. Many, like Pork Pie, took this latter option and quickly worked up the scoreboard bagging 21,12,2,and 29 before facing the haka and/or the creek. Note the tempter on the low track (#13) being ignored. A case of 'contourus ignorus' - for the old goats anyway. Going the other way needed the exhausted body and brain to retain a modicum of clarity if the bush was to yield anything on the dash (should I say stagger!) home. Going clockwise looked the better plan.
Many other runners appeared to blast off straight away down via #23 and a bit of Burnt work. Discipline was then needed in deciding when to pull out of the dive. 26 to 5 to 14 was the sensible route (with maybe the nice bare rock excursion to #28), although several threw caution to the wind in going for 27/19 before the old LBJ 'escaladio' to #6 and 28. Hard to get this nicely, as #18 had to fit the plan, but couldn't be collected without a bit of contour contretemps.
Looking for our lonely pot (hey, this was now the lonely flag), you would have to say #4 in the east was easy to flick, as was #3 in the middle. I'd say it was a toss up. Thankfully they were only tenners - as many of our 'only the lonely's' are. Numbers 13 and 6 also went home without a partner, and will hope to be up and dancing at Whites Creek next week. Bring it on young Dunk!
So, in conclusion, another top night with the nose bag on. A wide range of scoring was in evidence, with many late back penalties bringing some fancies up short. Big thanks to Terry and the BNO crew - and the yummy new flags. It looks like over 200 fronted the starter with many new faces and Si signings. Excellent stuff.
Next week sees the caravan heading to the inner west, where Duncan & Colin Currie will work us along Whites Creek (one of the world's great rivers) and out to the bay. Expect to see the missing corner cop a few points, as well as some nice running out to Glebe and the gigantic figs. Trams, viaducts, grassy stuff and history will have us in a thrall as we run this little ripper, and maybe head up to the North Annandale for dinner afterwards. Mmmm, sounds like a plan.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
MAC WORKS THE RACK IN 'TOON' TORTURE
The WHO master of the dungeon, James 'Big Mac' McQuillan, produced a 'with fries' corker last night at Cumberland Hospital. In this great area for summer series fun, 160 plus punters strapped on the nose bag as they fronted the till in a very busy assembly location. And what did they discover? An awesome course proposal from James that even he thought would be beyond us - and so it proved, with an inverted V offering that mirrored the course of Toongabbie Creek itself (reminding many of idyllic holidays on Lake Como), and forced decisions of 'south' or 'west' but not much hope of both. There was even a northern collect that added to the puzzle.
So, let's look more closely at this toughie from the 'King of Scotland'.
An initial route south looked tempting, although there was quite a street run with nothing to show for it before a tenner slipped into the trouser. Proceeding further, you soon became aware of the very tricky, and time consuming, siting of #27 and its attendant out-of-bounds hatching, before a sweep west ended with the 8 or 9 decision on the way back north. 28 pulled you back unless you had cunningly done a Larry with this pot.
Taking the 'doing time' route also looked an early tempter. This appealed to all with relatives inside, as you could call over the wall to incarcerated loved ones as you flew by to #21 - and then worked a bit of creek stuff as you pulled on the afterburner and cruised west along the 'Toon'. The question with those runners wearing the stripes, was do we go up to that beautiful and lonely forty points (22 & 4), or do we just flog on along the creek and hope the second crossing is closer than it looks.
Many others liked to do a bit of fishing on their course, and so trundled off to #30 on the wharf before throwing in a line and cogitating on further potty progress - or waiting for a Murry River cod to surface. The nearby direct westerly bridge route adjacent to #30 then opened some good pencil work in either clockwise (13,29) or anti clockwise (5,17,28) directions, before runners were then flung into direction decision and distance estimations - difficult without the Graeme Hill patented abacus in hand. One route that had many on the puff linked the 5,17,28 start with a grassy beat to 18 before checking into Westmead for a knee X ray and some nice, almost sprint O, work amongst the buildings (try 16,25,6,hole in fence,24,15 - before the return leg - and nailing the checkpoint of the night, number 23 on the old railway line/bridge abutment. Where did this line go, wondered the legions of orienteers that are also big train buffs (aren't we all?). A beautiful feature of Toongabbie, and well selected by The Macster. Another ripper that had the mile a minute brigade temporarily stalled, was the elevated #29 that was 'up there' and not where many assumed. One of those classic Sprint O locations that worked nicely on the 1:4,000, but bought on thinkers nappy rash at 1:10,000.
The event spread was a wide one indeed, and without knowing final scoring (the Pork had to dash off early without committing the 2B to paper), he doubts if anyone managed to complete both of the creek legs - and also scratch the groin in a northern round up. We will no doubt see as scores are posted. I might be very suprised!
Looking at the course with a Pimms in hand, the lonely pot might well to be #8 (26-9 working much better), although the northern double (22/4) might also be up for it given most seemed to be staying close to the hospital side of the creek. I also recall losing time in the creek/bare rock areas around #3 and #2 on previous occasions and was wary of including them in my plan. I did look across the creek from #13, and thought, soberly, mmmm, no, I don't think this is a goer Rosscoe!
So, in the absence of any score reports, we will just have to wait and see how everyone went. Two interesting changes to age categories, are Eoin Rothery owning (I know, I know James) up to turning 55 this year and so lining up in the SVM category - and giving The Wazza a bit of post operative curry. Also, we note from last week, that 'Freedom Furniture' has moved on well oiled rails to the Vets category and took the points over Michael 'Things Stuck in Sheep Wool' Burton at Balls. Go Mr Free, and welcome back to the series. Pork Pie has also 'suffered' the indignity of a certain birthday, and crawls on all fours into the Legends category. We will wait and see if he can keep up prior form amongst this group of angry and insane pensioners.
Lots of action at assembly as I mentioned, with Presi Paul selling Si sticks and gathering the casual forms. The new entry charges are becoming understood, with several commitments to joining clubs noted on the night - very worthwhile when you add up the extra costs costs over the season, and the Si stick having long, long term benefits. Especially as it looks like most of the rest of the series will be Si based - as next weeks definitely will. Speaking of which.....
Event three, a mere six days away, should be a beauty - with Terry 'Grandpa' Bluett leaving the slippers beside the heater as he plans a flog to remember. Previous courses here have put a toe into the bush, before drawing runners down, down and further down the hill before the inevitable upsey return. Testing stuff on the streets, but imagine The Tezza promising more bushy material this time - including the angophora embrace and the cliff line tango! Whooo, hooo, sound yum - and sounds exactly the sort of event we dream about. Streets, parks, creeks, bush tracks, cliff lines and discombobulating areas of bare rock (not an in joke I assure you). What more can the dedicated SSS addict want. Be there!
Finally, before I blog out, another reminder of the new SSS fee structure. Orienteering club members continue to pay $10/$8 for senior/junior entries, where casual, non-club runners pay an extra $3 ($13/$11). Also note that the now (almost) mandatory Si scoring system requires the use of an Si stick which can be bought at a discount this month at all events ($40), but will continue to available for casual hire for $4. Best buy one if you intend to run lots of SSS and any of the other fab series coming up.
That's it sports fans, the Porkie retires to the blue corner where a light soup is being served (naturally, with appropriate bib-ware). See you at the Dam.
Rosscoe
The WHO master of the dungeon, James 'Big Mac' McQuillan, produced a 'with fries' corker last night at Cumberland Hospital. In this great area for summer series fun, 160 plus punters strapped on the nose bag as they fronted the till in a very busy assembly location. And what did they discover? An awesome course proposal from James that even he thought would be beyond us - and so it proved, with an inverted V offering that mirrored the course of Toongabbie Creek itself (reminding many of idyllic holidays on Lake Como), and forced decisions of 'south' or 'west' but not much hope of both. There was even a northern collect that added to the puzzle.
So, let's look more closely at this toughie from the 'King of Scotland'.
An initial route south looked tempting, although there was quite a street run with nothing to show for it before a tenner slipped into the trouser. Proceeding further, you soon became aware of the very tricky, and time consuming, siting of #27 and its attendant out-of-bounds hatching, before a sweep west ended with the 8 or 9 decision on the way back north. 28 pulled you back unless you had cunningly done a Larry with this pot.
Taking the 'doing time' route also looked an early tempter. This appealed to all with relatives inside, as you could call over the wall to incarcerated loved ones as you flew by to #21 - and then worked a bit of creek stuff as you pulled on the afterburner and cruised west along the 'Toon'. The question with those runners wearing the stripes, was do we go up to that beautiful and lonely forty points (22 & 4), or do we just flog on along the creek and hope the second crossing is closer than it looks.
Many others liked to do a bit of fishing on their course, and so trundled off to #30 on the wharf before throwing in a line and cogitating on further potty progress - or waiting for a Murry River cod to surface. The nearby direct westerly bridge route adjacent to #30 then opened some good pencil work in either clockwise (13,29) or anti clockwise (5,17,28) directions, before runners were then flung into direction decision and distance estimations - difficult without the Graeme Hill patented abacus in hand. One route that had many on the puff linked the 5,17,28 start with a grassy beat to 18 before checking into Westmead for a knee X ray and some nice, almost sprint O, work amongst the buildings (try 16,25,6,hole in fence,24,15 - before the return leg - and nailing the checkpoint of the night, number 23 on the old railway line/bridge abutment. Where did this line go, wondered the legions of orienteers that are also big train buffs (aren't we all?). A beautiful feature of Toongabbie, and well selected by The Macster. Another ripper that had the mile a minute brigade temporarily stalled, was the elevated #29 that was 'up there' and not where many assumed. One of those classic Sprint O locations that worked nicely on the 1:4,000, but bought on thinkers nappy rash at 1:10,000.
The event spread was a wide one indeed, and without knowing final scoring (the Pork had to dash off early without committing the 2B to paper), he doubts if anyone managed to complete both of the creek legs - and also scratch the groin in a northern round up. We will no doubt see as scores are posted. I might be very suprised!
Looking at the course with a Pimms in hand, the lonely pot might well to be #8 (26-9 working much better), although the northern double (22/4) might also be up for it given most seemed to be staying close to the hospital side of the creek. I also recall losing time in the creek/bare rock areas around #3 and #2 on previous occasions and was wary of including them in my plan. I did look across the creek from #13, and thought, soberly, mmmm, no, I don't think this is a goer Rosscoe!
So, in the absence of any score reports, we will just have to wait and see how everyone went. Two interesting changes to age categories, are Eoin Rothery owning (I know, I know James) up to turning 55 this year and so lining up in the SVM category - and giving The Wazza a bit of post operative curry. Also, we note from last week, that 'Freedom Furniture' has moved on well oiled rails to the Vets category and took the points over Michael 'Things Stuck in Sheep Wool' Burton at Balls. Go Mr Free, and welcome back to the series. Pork Pie has also 'suffered' the indignity of a certain birthday, and crawls on all fours into the Legends category. We will wait and see if he can keep up prior form amongst this group of angry and insane pensioners.
Lots of action at assembly as I mentioned, with Presi Paul selling Si sticks and gathering the casual forms. The new entry charges are becoming understood, with several commitments to joining clubs noted on the night - very worthwhile when you add up the extra costs costs over the season, and the Si stick having long, long term benefits. Especially as it looks like most of the rest of the series will be Si based - as next weeks definitely will. Speaking of which.....
Event three, a mere six days away, should be a beauty - with Terry 'Grandpa' Bluett leaving the slippers beside the heater as he plans a flog to remember. Previous courses here have put a toe into the bush, before drawing runners down, down and further down the hill before the inevitable upsey return. Testing stuff on the streets, but imagine The Tezza promising more bushy material this time - including the angophora embrace and the cliff line tango! Whooo, hooo, sound yum - and sounds exactly the sort of event we dream about. Streets, parks, creeks, bush tracks, cliff lines and discombobulating areas of bare rock (not an in joke I assure you). What more can the dedicated SSS addict want. Be there!
Finally, before I blog out, another reminder of the new SSS fee structure. Orienteering club members continue to pay $10/$8 for senior/junior entries, where casual, non-club runners pay an extra $3 ($13/$11). Also note that the now (almost) mandatory Si scoring system requires the use of an Si stick which can be bought at a discount this month at all events ($40), but will continue to available for casual hire for $4. Best buy one if you intend to run lots of SSS and any of the other fab series coming up.
That's it sports fans, the Porkie retires to the blue corner where a light soup is being served (naturally, with appropriate bib-ware). See you at the Dam.
Rosscoe
Monday, October 10, 2011
PLENTY OF BALLS BUT NO RACQUET AS DAN DELIVERS DOUBLE TON DOOZIE
Getting the Sydney Summer Series off to a flying start, Dan 'Platform One' Redfern played the 'Balls' card in, what I gather to be, a great opening event. Although the 'Porkster' was AWOL (unforgivable, I know), there have been many reports, and some very interesting initial scoring. The 220 odd punters on the paddock (196 entries - a great start Sydney) seem to have been confronted with a Balls Head extravaganza - where the only post Balls decision seemed to be, have I got the legs to become a 'Timbergetter' or a tenant in Harry's Blues Point Tower. Many obviously had the form, including Open rivals Andy Hill's Hoist' and Richard 'The Preacher' Mountstephens, both carding an impressive 570 points, and a ton each, to open their accounts.
The cuddles brigade at the top of their fields (and in the pike position with a double tuck) also extended to a couple of other classes - with Masters Richard Green 'With Envy' and Tim Rogers 'Over & Out' both posting 550's (super scoring boys), Eoin 'Royal Mail' Rothery and Michael 'He's No' Burton eased into their work in the Vets with 500's, and Alison 'Bex Powder' Pearce sharing the Walking Women honours with Lesley 'The Olympic Eight' Cox - and 220 points apiece. In the caring and sharing stakes (a feature of the family friendly SSS), there were lots of other equal scores high up the ladder, including four SVM's taking a liking to 360 points and equal second placings ( Ian 'The Baker' Miller, Ross 'The Pope' Catterall, Steve Dunlop 'Illow' and Ted 'Don Juan' Woodley take a bow), and the brace of SVW's holding hands for equal third with 240's. Connie, Helen, Kerry and MJ - the race is on and the punters are fiddling for a folding stuff flutter.
Other interesting scoring to note: 'The Chip Heater' off to a flyer in the Mens Legends with a tidy 410, Gill 'Not Richard' Fowler conducting things with aplomb to sneak a tenner from Lisa 'White Goods' Grant (450/440), and Michael Free 'At Last' back with us in 3rd with 530 in MM - and shading 'The Lending Library' by twenty. Warwick 'The Glove' Selby didn't disappoint in the Mens Super Vets (with 440), but gives his rivals a chance this season by dint of lots of travel - including some heavy breathing to Everest Base Camp coming up shortly. SVM's, now is your chance! I also note Sue Thomson taking the first 100 in LW and a great bit of tennis from Sue Davis 'Cup' to open her account in Masters Women with 490 points and claim from Big Foot star, and Owen Gun fancier, Cath Chalmers (420). The Juniors have engaged drive, and with their L plates on show, are out to win the chocs. Huon Wilson and Rachael Noble taking the initial races in modest fields that should grow as we approach the end of year holidays.
Many of our previous stars are obviously out on the turf again and itching for Summer Series action. It looks like there will be ding dong battles aplenty, especially when some of the orienteering 'hotties' return from burning up the bush in the Oceania Carnival just concluded. Which is a nice segue to event two.
And, indeed, there is an event two - a classic level flog at Cumberland Hospital in North Parramatta, and another pot and pencil event. James 'The Halfback' McQuillan is packing down for the WHO team in bringing us another toppie in this great area. Expect fast and furious as James works us around the buildings and over the river (or should that be creek?). Lots of grassy running to ease the knee soreness, and a close by jail if you are found to have bribed the scorers. I have heard a whisper that parking might be confined to the streets (Fleet), rather than in the grounds as per previous outings, so be prepared. It will no doubt be another SSS cracker that your correspondent is looking forward to. Out comes the yellow banner, out comes the binoculars and that chewed stub of a 2B - and of course the race reports and that make the Summer Series the envy of the racing world. OK, OK, it seems old Porky has gone all red in the face - flushed with excitement as it were - and may have exceeded his brief. Probably time for a quiet Reschs.
Note that we are hoping to run most of the rest of the programme as Sportident electronic punch score events, and that you will need to buy (much more preferable) or hire an 'e-stick' to compete. These will be available at all events, as will membership forms for joining one of Sydney's six orienteering clubs (and helping defray the extra 'casual member' fee that comes into effect this season). Hook up, saddle up and join up as we launch off into the cunning running stratosphere - and SSS season 21. Cake anyone?
Rosscoe
Getting the Sydney Summer Series off to a flying start, Dan 'Platform One' Redfern played the 'Balls' card in, what I gather to be, a great opening event. Although the 'Porkster' was AWOL (unforgivable, I know), there have been many reports, and some very interesting initial scoring. The 220 odd punters on the paddock (196 entries - a great start Sydney) seem to have been confronted with a Balls Head extravaganza - where the only post Balls decision seemed to be, have I got the legs to become a 'Timbergetter' or a tenant in Harry's Blues Point Tower. Many obviously had the form, including Open rivals Andy Hill's Hoist' and Richard 'The Preacher' Mountstephens, both carding an impressive 570 points, and a ton each, to open their accounts.
The cuddles brigade at the top of their fields (and in the pike position with a double tuck) also extended to a couple of other classes - with Masters Richard Green 'With Envy' and Tim Rogers 'Over & Out' both posting 550's (super scoring boys), Eoin 'Royal Mail' Rothery and Michael 'He's No' Burton eased into their work in the Vets with 500's, and Alison 'Bex Powder' Pearce sharing the Walking Women honours with Lesley 'The Olympic Eight' Cox - and 220 points apiece. In the caring and sharing stakes (a feature of the family friendly SSS), there were lots of other equal scores high up the ladder, including four SVM's taking a liking to 360 points and equal second placings ( Ian 'The Baker' Miller, Ross 'The Pope' Catterall, Steve Dunlop 'Illow' and Ted 'Don Juan' Woodley take a bow), and the brace of SVW's holding hands for equal third with 240's. Connie, Helen, Kerry and MJ - the race is on and the punters are fiddling for a folding stuff flutter.
Other interesting scoring to note: 'The Chip Heater' off to a flyer in the Mens Legends with a tidy 410, Gill 'Not Richard' Fowler conducting things with aplomb to sneak a tenner from Lisa 'White Goods' Grant (450/440), and Michael Free 'At Last' back with us in 3rd with 530 in MM - and shading 'The Lending Library' by twenty. Warwick 'The Glove' Selby didn't disappoint in the Mens Super Vets (with 440), but gives his rivals a chance this season by dint of lots of travel - including some heavy breathing to Everest Base Camp coming up shortly. SVM's, now is your chance! I also note Sue Thomson taking the first 100 in LW and a great bit of tennis from Sue Davis 'Cup' to open her account in Masters Women with 490 points and claim from Big Foot star, and Owen Gun fancier, Cath Chalmers (420). The Juniors have engaged drive, and with their L plates on show, are out to win the chocs. Huon Wilson and Rachael Noble taking the initial races in modest fields that should grow as we approach the end of year holidays.
Many of our previous stars are obviously out on the turf again and itching for Summer Series action. It looks like there will be ding dong battles aplenty, especially when some of the orienteering 'hotties' return from burning up the bush in the Oceania Carnival just concluded. Which is a nice segue to event two.
And, indeed, there is an event two - a classic level flog at Cumberland Hospital in North Parramatta, and another pot and pencil event. James 'The Halfback' McQuillan is packing down for the WHO team in bringing us another toppie in this great area. Expect fast and furious as James works us around the buildings and over the river (or should that be creek?). Lots of grassy running to ease the knee soreness, and a close by jail if you are found to have bribed the scorers. I have heard a whisper that parking might be confined to the streets (Fleet), rather than in the grounds as per previous outings, so be prepared. It will no doubt be another SSS cracker that your correspondent is looking forward to. Out comes the yellow banner, out comes the binoculars and that chewed stub of a 2B - and of course the race reports and that make the Summer Series the envy of the racing world. OK, OK, it seems old Porky has gone all red in the face - flushed with excitement as it were - and may have exceeded his brief. Probably time for a quiet Reschs.
Note that we are hoping to run most of the rest of the programme as Sportident electronic punch score events, and that you will need to buy (much more preferable) or hire an 'e-stick' to compete. These will be available at all events, as will membership forms for joining one of Sydney's six orienteering clubs (and helping defray the extra 'casual member' fee that comes into effect this season). Hook up, saddle up and join up as we launch off into the cunning running stratosphere - and SSS season 21. Cake anyone?
Rosscoe
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