FINE WEATHER FOR GRADUATION CEREMONY
After a mid day deluge that had course setter Ron 'The Bursar' Junghans inside the Drizabone as he sloshed from one Si unit deployment to the next, a miracle occurred - it cleared up! It fined up and it dried up. The 180 graduating students would get to wear dry mortarboards and gowns for this most important day. Organisers took a little dry sherry in thanks.
But before the swirl of sash, the bow, the handshake, the hope of careers to follow, let's look into the Grand Final as students gathered for one last chance to secure that key to their future - the Sydney Summer Series badge. Macquarie University was our venue with an atmosphere in the hall of hushed excitement as the undergrads stripped for action. With several contests coming down to a point or two, excitement mounted. Who would go gold? Who would win the university medal? Who would win in a countback? Who's grandma would be proudest? Who would lose their Si stick in the bush?
Ok, ok ponies. Let's begin at the beginning.
Dry weather, what a bloomin relief. Another tasty morsel - the parking meter was out of action, so no fee for the early birds. And so, after seven years, we were back at the Mac and under cover - the small fee being well worth it to have such good final facilities. When the programme was originally promulgated, we had not secured the venue, hence the 'Grand Finale' title. The subsequent ministration of unctions and lotions to university staff by Sir Ronald got us in, and hopefully we can make it a permanent date. As the french woman said in the classic Fawlty Towers episode, "your so charming Mr Fawlty". Ron had done a Basil.
Arriving and going the tenner, gave us a landscape certificate - delivered with red ribbon by Dean of Studies Duncan Currie. Duncan's advice to arriving students that there was a missing copse at #7 was welcome, and settled a few nerves. He has that calming effect.
Quiet study in the senior library then ensued, with generally warm feelings towards the Bursar, and what he proposed. It looked like a six or close to it, and offered a touch of bush track, a sweep of campus, and plenty of volley on yellow. There were aspects within the overall offer much like a sprint course, an enticement many took up - some to their regret. The northern sports fields got a dollop of points this time - with those remembering the '05 'excision' of controls there ruminating on that debacle, and deciding to revisit. The burglar prone housing to the west enjoyed the odd circle, the horse paddocks copped #8, the sculptures at 14,24 & 25 added a touch of culture, and #15 came with smoking students attached. A variety of checkpoints in a variety of settings revealing the inner workings of the academic mind - as 'Rita' worked her magic presenting Ibsen on the radio. I seem to have strayed - as 'Ron' worked his spread, much like he does to the pumpkin fertiliser.
It seemed there were three course beginnings. The northern 12,11,1,21 followers (the Environmental Science degree) had eighty in the bank before a road dash to #20 and a little Trafalgar shopping. Equally popular was the bush beginning (the degree in Civil Engineering - Infrastructure) to 22,13 and 2 before lorry spotting on the M2 and more study in the Uni grounds. The other leap of faith was straight out the door for a 10,20 or a 10,7 - sometimes going 12 first (that old chestnut, Political Science). No matter what the beginning, the Uni building and grounds were must have points, and figured in most Phd papers. Subsequent analysis shows the avoidance of #29 and #17 in the west to have been smart thinking, as working the Trafalgar's (20,19,9,18) before going straight to #30 and 16 and flicking the indicator to 'left turn' was the go. Those that were tempted by #17 would not have enjoyed the minor bush track if coming from #8 - now almost completely overgrown. Pete Annetts did many a favour here, collecting swags of spider webs as he too wondered where the track was.
A couple of tenners in the centre of the map (#10 & 7) were easy 'leaves' for those sweeping and swooping around the perimeter. Mike 'Tyson' Burton was one such, looping the sculpture at 25 into his Uni studies (a course in boxing as a relaxation from the rigors of astronomy), as he flew clockwise for 580 in just over the allotted. The Uni building area itself provided many diagrams on the whiteboard - with the lazy 'W' or 'saggy bra' being a popular configuration. To illustrate, connect 30,16,28, then rise via 5,26,6,25 and 14, before falling through 24,15,27 and a final swoop to the right hand shoulder strap via 4,3 and 23. Ronnie has always been a bit of a lingerie man.
Hard to find a lonely pot, but I'd probably nominate #29 to carry the drinks. Well outside easy looping, and a course not to be undertaken without credit points in the physical fitness classes. Everything else looks like it got a right old beeping, with runners going in all directions - much like day orientation day at Uni when the bell rings.
So, despite the assembly venue having a constricting 'throat', 'The Bursar' produced exits in triplicate - and a spread of subsequent excitement when runners were released from their preparatory exams and let loose on the campus. The scoring tells the story, with several alumni going for 600, and graduating with honours. A top course Ron,and a great final evening for our 21st birthday.
Seeing we have looked at the full colour lets look at the black and white.
Taking the Vice Chancellor's prize is Glenn Horrocks, home in 44.43 for a perfect 600. The 'Furniture Polish' buffed up nicely, and took the nail biting MM title from Richard Green by dint of one point. In actual fact they tied with 13 '100's' apiece, but Glenn's 600 to Richard's 590 (he copped thirty seconds - the cruelty of it all) last night ensued the moment of glory on the dias as his next drop was a 99 to 'The King's' 98. Fantastic competition from these Masters all year, and a fitting way to conclude the season. We also had another tied result last night, with the Open Women stars Lisa 'The Earthquake' Grant and Gill 'Fall Of Wicket' Fowler, equal on 1200 points. Gill had to win to claim, but both ran into the lecture theatre with 530, giving the cloth circle to Lisa. Again, incredible competition, and fascinating to those with the blanket over their knees in the outer stands.
More scoring I hear you say? No worries. After the national anthem, and the procession of lecturers onto the stage (behind the yellow banner of the SSS University), Professor Pork Pie fingers the order of service and clears his throat. It is obvious he has done this before.
'The Blue Shoe' (and OM addict) Steve Ryan posted 590 in just under 44 - not sure which tenner got the boot, but another great run from Steve. Mark Schaefer (also OM) carded the lot, but was 1.45 minutes late for the ceremony and had to be content with 580, the same score that WHO stallion James 'The Inkbottle' McQuillan put on the table. James has posted some very impressive scores this series, and is one of our very best. A classy nag in the blue silks - graduating in Psychology after reading literature at a prior institution .
Matty Hill continues his excellent run in JM, with an amazing 530 post after running the lot in 51.36, and well clear of next junior home, Lawrence Jones 'The Grocer', with 480 in the basket. A few bold ponies ran the lot last night, including Patrik 'The Bullet' Gunnerson (50.21), Lee Coady (55.49), Chris 'The Freight Train' Frain (63.53), Andrew 'The Bible' Goddard (68.22) and 'South Col' Burnett (72.41 with Sherpa Tenzing assisting). In a fit of end of season madness, chief SSS web master David 'Jones' Noble also meant to go all stations. David must have really had the pedal to the metal however, seeing the houndstooth check instead of his map, and missing a tenner in his gather. DJ pinged his 590 in 68.17 and retired to the perfume counter.
In the Junior Women category, Michele Dawson posted 420 to add to her own impressive year's scoring, taking the gold from Georgia Jones (400), but not by much. Georgia 'On My Mind' is a tune we will be hearing more of in seasons to come methinks. Joanna Hill is also noted in JW, taking honours in commerce with a tidy 250, and compiled with five minutes to spare.
Wendy Stevenson went out in fine style, running in 530 in the VW class to post her 26th straight win (missing the MiniGaine). An incredible record that could challenge 'The Streak' in due course. Sharon Lambert (420) and Karin Hefftner (400) also ran well in the Vets, overcoming a heavy pre graduation party to pull in front of VW rival Robin 'Red Breast' Cameron - a 360 post after she dallied for seven minutes bird watching near control 22.
Mary Fein held twenty over Cath Chalmers in Masters Women (500/480) with both mares going over time in the final dash for cash - Cath's the greater ambition with 49.28 on the tick tock hurting her at the tape. In the SV's, 'The Doctor' saved his best for last, putting up 460 beautiful points on the blood pressure chart - and astounding his class of trainees 'from the sub continent'. A great run Ian - and one equalled last night by Garingal's Bruce Meder 'Ly Margarine'. Bruce is not know to the Porkster, but must have a turn of speed - not only equalling 'Cameron's Corner', but also taking the lollies away from super Super Vet, Wazza Selby (a 440 and an early night at the club and the Housie Housie comp). A smooth spread indeed. Graeme & Gordy also posted 440's in SVM, and had their proud parents in C row for the graduation.
Terry Bluett came through in the Legends with 410, and a good win over 'The Trouser' and 'The Man From Moscow" (both carding 380's). John should have gone closer to Tezza, but misread the undercover car park mapping (shown as 'canopy' on the sprint version), and went all funny for a minute or two. John worked a #12/10/20 beginning and home via the bush, whereas Terry went north 'To Alaska' and finished via 14,25,7 and a touch of roadworks - and a Eureka moment on the score board. Heiko and 'Sir Ken' posted 370's, Teddy a 360 and Tim Cox a 350 in the same grouping - and retired to the professorial bar to lick their wounds. In LW, Bryony's 290 won the science prize, ahead of June 'Ralph' Stanley on the banjo with 250 and Sue Thomson - finishing her season on 230 (or is that 230 season tickets). Well done to these fearsome rivals and living Legends of running and thinking at the same time!
I think I have missed the SVW sector, where Kerrie 'The Ruler' Emslie measured out a 290 to hold the pennies from Carol Jacobson's 270. Helen Murphy was twenty in arrears, with the clock taking this unwelcome bite into her otherwise excellent evening on stage. Good running girls. In the walkers, Wiz managed to hold off Chris Brown, despite Chris following his 'optimal route'. A 250 to 120 dusting, maybe bought on, not by adherence to the route guide, but by Alison Brown accompanying her husband on stage. In the power walking women, Kathryn Cox asserted herself, with a 200 to 140 win over Michelle 'The Paving Stone' Povah. Like the men, a race in two, and a category that needs closer attention from the director general of education.
It looks like we had 176 entries all up, with several groups probably adding another couple to the total. A great roll up at the end of season, and an indication of the depth of competition. The biggest common score was 480, with eleven graduates sharing the eleventh place award. 11 in 11 - oooh, spooky. At the tail, we have 'Doug' - the enigmatic Doug, with minus 180. 'The Black Douglas' enjoyed a great final and has been rewarded with a malt of singular quality - perfect to smooth a late night assignation with the Bursar. Also, nearly spoiling Doug's party, we have the Chan family with minus 160. Great stuff and fun for the kids. We apparently have also a couple of DNF's with one runner losing his Si stick in the bush somewhere near #22/13. A search party will be despatched, carrying water bottles, and maybe if Doug could bring along the whisky...
Lots of other excellent scores with 71 runners going 400 and above - SVM's Steve Dunlop being the 71st, after another great run from 'The Jallopy'. Steve was our Vaucluse setter and is in fine form. Also good to see a couple of Mountain Devil's running up excellent scores, with Nick 'The Draper' Raper (490) and Graeme 'Play It Loud' McLeod (480) proving its not all about the bike. Great to see these Devils on the fly. I'd also like to note seeing both Anne Stewart and Margaret Craig back with us last night and enjoying a summer series outing. Both are LW's of great pedigree and distinction.
As always, the full results will soon be up on the SSS web site, where a complete picture of the year will emerge. Season 21 is now over, degrees have been awarded (including the Vice Chancellor's prize), and the ponies retired to fresh grass and a quiet Reschs. It's been quite a year, and very much a year of mixed metaphors.
Pork Pie will attempt a final call of the card to give due credit to many more than the usual winners - and then rest the 2B stub in an exhausted collapse from News reporting. I hope all have enjoyed my 'take' on the weekly proceedings, and some of the irreverent excursions into the fantastic world of summer series racing. Season 22 is already in planning mode, with another 26 (plus Mini?) programme lined up. There will be new maps, old maps revisited, and different start areas on perennial favourites. All Si from now on of course, as we dance into the sunset beeping quietly. Something not quite understood by the aunties.
Before I fold the stool (no James, no..), I should re remind flogsters of the Moonlight Madness Wednesday evening runs throughout the winter - and starting next week at Shrimptons Creek. No need to weep quite yet, next week is in the can! Check the club/ONSW websites for details. I've also been asked to remind runners of the Great Nosh Footrace. Some way off of course (June 3), but a great bush track run bought to us by Joel 'The Putter' Putnam and the Bennelong crew. Note in your diary now or call the 'Seven Iron' on 0404 999 156.
I'll also post the SSS wrap notes from last night, maybe with a bit more stats if I can decipher them. Look for it, with David maybe posting an alert. Big thanks to David (and Mel Cox behind the scenes) for all the event results posting to our web site, and to all course setters and club crews that have helped make this (testing and wet) season still such a good one. Let's hope the 2012/2013 season sees a return to warmer and drier conditions. Meanwhile, the bush awaits. Check out the NSW Orienteering programme and join us. A great O season is about to unfold.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
LARGE NUMBERS IN THE DOCK AT TRYON TRIAL
Detective Robert 'I Spy' Spry (for the crown) opened proceedings with a 600 point description of the crime scene at Lindfield local court. To gasps from those on trial, Detective Spry demanded a heavy penalty for those caught with a full haversack, although he did accept some leniency from those who confessed to only petty theft in the 100/200 range.
In almost amazingly fine weather, the court (sitting outdoors) heard how D.S. Spry presented his case in two parts. Firstly he offered a tidy collect around the streets without too much bother from defense witness Contour Kate. He also showed his dark side by promulgating an additional low dive in the east that demanded exertion and timing, and was best undertaken by prisoners without leg irons. This second part exotica (the superb linkage from 20 to 24 via the the Tank Stream) adding the itch powder to Wazza's singlet, and other transportees seduced by the bakkie and rum on offer down in the bush.
So, an offer in two. Up high on the streets rewarded, and could include a rock pillar and a touch of slosh in the nice finishing circuit of 17,17,7 for those that don't mind a little something on the undersole. For a big score however, you had to tackle the east, and its attendant puff and gasp. Plenty did of course, with the Half Way Harry's (and there were many of these lads in the arrowed pajamas) including 10,14 and 24, in their plans, but baulking at the S bend plunge.
Now that Sherif Pork Pie has the court in session, let's look at the evening.
Firstly, a fine evening. Whooo hooo, two in a row. Very neat and well planned by the BNO weather gods. Secondly, here we are back at Tryon Oval, I think the first time since 2004! Rather too long a wait, although I note we started from the other end in 2008, and would have shared many of the locations from that one. The Tryon 'planning' grandstand, the green 'non water feature' grassy oval, and new dunnies added to the appeal - and with Bennelong Northside in full branding mode, SSS arrivees salivated at the offer awaiting. There was a palpable buzz, in what might have been a crowd approaching the double ton. I'd guess we came close, in which case a late event record, as numbers tend to curl into autumn, rather like a rust coloured leaf.
What had our chief spy devised?
First impressions of the portrait A4 offering were good. No Nosh track work to capture lost souls this time, although there was the compensating wilderness rescue offer on the east. Some good stuff in close, with the laneways to 22,23 appealing, as did the tidy, slightly contoury, offer at 12,11,28. The bush circuit with the sevens has already been fingered by PP, but is re-noted as a 'must do', and checkpoints 26 and 25 in the north, easily pencilled for most of the non baby boomers (poor souls). For those not going to the green room, 18 and 20 held brief appeal, but it soon passed.
There were only two opening speeches. The majority of defendents had QC Chuck Berry arguing 'Sweet Little Sixteen' as their first offence, with the bush first bunnies (and their counsel John Lennon QC) opted for 'She Was Just Seventeen'. Both had fans and followers, although Chucky probably took the majority vote. For those nags, the natural order after the friendly 16 was 1,2,23,22 and a decision that involved the fate of their respective estates. The cautious Carol's went left after 22 (as though turning into First Class) and played with 3,12 and 5. Working into the brown added 14 and 26 and back to 4 before 25 appealed and a retreat to the triangle - with the 80 points below the school added if the tick tock nodded. More bold prisoners added in/out 18 to the above, and the boldest of the lot, remembering the quality of the bush on offer, rolled a fag, changed their wills, and plunged down to the 20,8,29,19,30,24 meeting with their makers - and a nice Peak Freans worm biscuit (hopefully buttered with 'Miracle' Margarine).
It is not an exaggeration to say there were runners everywhere, all working circles with the odd tummy tuck. You could almost rack up 200 on fairly flat terrain, but the Detective knew how to draw a rash decision from the prisoners in the dock. I particularly like the up/down around 11,28 and 21 (coming west 21,28,11 had an edge to 21,11,28). Likewise 3,12,5 going west appealed, rather than in/out 12 on the way from 6 to 21. Of other temptations, probably #24 is the best - playing with the mind of determined 14 to 26 miscreants - who probably profited by the additional bagging.
Hard to spot a lonely pot, or at least one that was seriously off circuit. Perhaps #18 is the Roy Orbison, as the low eastern floggers would almost certainly gone 22,20 before holding on. Pots 9 and 15 worked into a nice extension, so not them. Maybe #10. Hardly worth the left turn if engaged in the 14-24 linkage. Yep, maybe little old Network Ten. Gina, alone again!
We have now got to the stage where Porkie must confess to having NO scores. As a few might have noticed the Porcine One left the paddock in a strangely breathless state after a very poor run/walk in asthmatic gasp. Glenn, in a blurr of passing yellow, wondered out loud if I was in 4WD mode (seeing my slow work uphill from 28 to 11). Very much 4WD Glenny, and not much out of low range I'm afraid. Hopefully all will recover in time for the final. So, as I don't have the scores, all prisoners in the dock can rest easy as Judge Deed gathers his robes. Your sentences will be read out soon enough.
In summary then, it looked like a great roll up to an excellent event. Thanks Rob for standing in for Mike Halmy, and thanks to BN for another enjoyable day of water and water biscuits.
This sees event 26 over and done with, with only the final to go. Many are already in mourning as another season draws to a close - probably one of the wettest on record. However, let's go out with a bang, as Ronald 'Biggs' Junghans puts up a cracker at Macquarie Uni. Starting at the sports grounds gives us the ideal venue for the post race presentations, so make sure you stay around to applaud you racing peers - and to have a farewell bask in the glow of the sport that others can only look on in puzzled envy. Sydney Summer Series - we know how to sell umbrellas!
Although next week sees a conclusion of SSS season 21, Dave Stitt and other moonlight madmen will be bringing forth the Moonlight Madness Series of full moon flogs. Beginning on 04 April at Shrimptons Creek and going once a month (all rather British) till September. Flyers will be on hand at Macquarie and on the Garingal/ONSW websites. All the same Summer Series fun, just in the dark!
The other big shift in sentiment, is the move to orienteering in the bush. Yes, the real deal awaits, with Easter in Queensland seeing the O suits emerge from their hibernation. If you have enjoyed a bit of summer map sport, join us as we go all funny in the coloured clothing. Join us and experience the joy of beeping in the bush (it's just something to keep us from the train sets).
Detective Robert 'I Spy' Spry (for the crown) opened proceedings with a 600 point description of the crime scene at Lindfield local court. To gasps from those on trial, Detective Spry demanded a heavy penalty for those caught with a full haversack, although he did accept some leniency from those who confessed to only petty theft in the 100/200 range.
In almost amazingly fine weather, the court (sitting outdoors) heard how D.S. Spry presented his case in two parts. Firstly he offered a tidy collect around the streets without too much bother from defense witness Contour Kate. He also showed his dark side by promulgating an additional low dive in the east that demanded exertion and timing, and was best undertaken by prisoners without leg irons. This second part exotica (the superb linkage from 20 to 24 via the the Tank Stream) adding the itch powder to Wazza's singlet, and other transportees seduced by the bakkie and rum on offer down in the bush.
So, an offer in two. Up high on the streets rewarded, and could include a rock pillar and a touch of slosh in the nice finishing circuit of 17,17,7 for those that don't mind a little something on the undersole. For a big score however, you had to tackle the east, and its attendant puff and gasp. Plenty did of course, with the Half Way Harry's (and there were many of these lads in the arrowed pajamas) including 10,14 and 24, in their plans, but baulking at the S bend plunge.
Now that Sherif Pork Pie has the court in session, let's look at the evening.
Firstly, a fine evening. Whooo hooo, two in a row. Very neat and well planned by the BNO weather gods. Secondly, here we are back at Tryon Oval, I think the first time since 2004! Rather too long a wait, although I note we started from the other end in 2008, and would have shared many of the locations from that one. The Tryon 'planning' grandstand, the green 'non water feature' grassy oval, and new dunnies added to the appeal - and with Bennelong Northside in full branding mode, SSS arrivees salivated at the offer awaiting. There was a palpable buzz, in what might have been a crowd approaching the double ton. I'd guess we came close, in which case a late event record, as numbers tend to curl into autumn, rather like a rust coloured leaf.
What had our chief spy devised?
First impressions of the portrait A4 offering were good. No Nosh track work to capture lost souls this time, although there was the compensating wilderness rescue offer on the east. Some good stuff in close, with the laneways to 22,23 appealing, as did the tidy, slightly contoury, offer at 12,11,28. The bush circuit with the sevens has already been fingered by PP, but is re-noted as a 'must do', and checkpoints 26 and 25 in the north, easily pencilled for most of the non baby boomers (poor souls). For those not going to the green room, 18 and 20 held brief appeal, but it soon passed.
There were only two opening speeches. The majority of defendents had QC Chuck Berry arguing 'Sweet Little Sixteen' as their first offence, with the bush first bunnies (and their counsel John Lennon QC) opted for 'She Was Just Seventeen'. Both had fans and followers, although Chucky probably took the majority vote. For those nags, the natural order after the friendly 16 was 1,2,23,22 and a decision that involved the fate of their respective estates. The cautious Carol's went left after 22 (as though turning into First Class) and played with 3,12 and 5. Working into the brown added 14 and 26 and back to 4 before 25 appealed and a retreat to the triangle - with the 80 points below the school added if the tick tock nodded. More bold prisoners added in/out 18 to the above, and the boldest of the lot, remembering the quality of the bush on offer, rolled a fag, changed their wills, and plunged down to the 20,8,29,19,30,24 meeting with their makers - and a nice Peak Freans worm biscuit (hopefully buttered with 'Miracle' Margarine).
It is not an exaggeration to say there were runners everywhere, all working circles with the odd tummy tuck. You could almost rack up 200 on fairly flat terrain, but the Detective knew how to draw a rash decision from the prisoners in the dock. I particularly like the up/down around 11,28 and 21 (coming west 21,28,11 had an edge to 21,11,28). Likewise 3,12,5 going west appealed, rather than in/out 12 on the way from 6 to 21. Of other temptations, probably #24 is the best - playing with the mind of determined 14 to 26 miscreants - who probably profited by the additional bagging.
Hard to spot a lonely pot, or at least one that was seriously off circuit. Perhaps #18 is the Roy Orbison, as the low eastern floggers would almost certainly gone 22,20 before holding on. Pots 9 and 15 worked into a nice extension, so not them. Maybe #10. Hardly worth the left turn if engaged in the 14-24 linkage. Yep, maybe little old Network Ten. Gina, alone again!
We have now got to the stage where Porkie must confess to having NO scores. As a few might have noticed the Porcine One left the paddock in a strangely breathless state after a very poor run/walk in asthmatic gasp. Glenn, in a blurr of passing yellow, wondered out loud if I was in 4WD mode (seeing my slow work uphill from 28 to 11). Very much 4WD Glenny, and not much out of low range I'm afraid. Hopefully all will recover in time for the final. So, as I don't have the scores, all prisoners in the dock can rest easy as Judge Deed gathers his robes. Your sentences will be read out soon enough.
In summary then, it looked like a great roll up to an excellent event. Thanks Rob for standing in for Mike Halmy, and thanks to BN for another enjoyable day of water and water biscuits.
This sees event 26 over and done with, with only the final to go. Many are already in mourning as another season draws to a close - probably one of the wettest on record. However, let's go out with a bang, as Ronald 'Biggs' Junghans puts up a cracker at Macquarie Uni. Starting at the sports grounds gives us the ideal venue for the post race presentations, so make sure you stay around to applaud you racing peers - and to have a farewell bask in the glow of the sport that others can only look on in puzzled envy. Sydney Summer Series - we know how to sell umbrellas!
Although next week sees a conclusion of SSS season 21, Dave Stitt and other moonlight madmen will be bringing forth the Moonlight Madness Series of full moon flogs. Beginning on 04 April at Shrimptons Creek and going once a month (all rather British) till September. Flyers will be on hand at Macquarie and on the Garingal/ONSW websites. All the same Summer Series fun, just in the dark!
The other big shift in sentiment, is the move to orienteering in the bush. Yes, the real deal awaits, with Easter in Queensland seeing the O suits emerge from their hibernation. If you have enjoyed a bit of summer map sport, join us as we go all funny in the coloured clothing. Join us and experience the joy of beeping in the bush (it's just something to keep us from the train sets).
Monday, March 19, 2012
'THE ASTRONAUT' TRIUMPHS AT MINIGAINE
Glenn 'The Moonman' Horrocks cruised to an amazing 2.31 hour all stations victory at yesterday's Minigaine Madness event at Lindfield. Glenn worked the yellow T shirt's booster valves in a sensational orbit of the points at Ted Woodley's excellent and testing three hour outing. Glenn held 15 minutes over the next Cosmonaughts home in a swallow dive of in/out work across the course - and including the slow track flog from 82 to 100.
Numbers appeared excellent, with four hundred plus on the drip feed and nibble. An excellent cross over afternoon between the hard core Sydney Summer Series ponies and regular rogaining teams. Many booked high returns. Others liked the occassional smudge of 2B on the waterproof, as if the walk was reward enough. Many ran...and ran. Others, sworn to a walk, found themselves slipping into neutral on the downhill and perambulating accordingly. Unlike a six hour flog, where walking is the go, the three hour format encourages fantasies of youth and lost fitness - hence the vets and legends enjoying early pace only to be seen later staggering on all fours towards the red flag. But, hey, what a blast - and what a neat way to spend a fine (as it turned out) Sunday arvo.
'The Bodgie's' course was superb, even if baked by NASA in under three. Perhaps a tickle in the north on the other side of the river, and also an extension south could have made for a closer call, but this is academic. For most of us, it was well out of reach, but not too far so. Early distance estimates and time checks were often met, meaning that those that planned with options did better. The out-of-bounds section on Lady Game Drive was the kicker that provided for a full north to south circle route, or confined the southerner routers to a sort of U shaped plumbing course. Both had their fans.
Two groups of 240 points provided early chew. The UTS grouping, and the Waterfall group were both in the middle, and exercised the mind. Many on the all stops Circular Quay tour swept north via 76,35,64,108,34 before repointing the nose cone towards Antarctica and a cross back above the Epping Line (and its regretted viaduct above the river). These nags then headed up via 53,10 72 and a little Loyal Henry before enjoying watermelon and orange - and forgoing both of the 240 bags of washing. Some added the UTS points, eschewing #77 if the tick tock was getting louder.
Other starters, fearing too much shoe leather in the north, opted for a compact collect. This went 11,43,UTS,52,30,63,72,53(in/out),10 (imagine a gun club here!!),73 and up to the very tempting 40,107,13 and the 103 puzzle of count the wires before a bit of river work and working back via the mud and waterfall at 104, and the uphill flog home via 76. These latter Madness birdies attracted the concern of the Millwood Avenue shopkeeper (next to the Koala control), who texted me about the irresponsible and dangerous road crossings he was witnessing. I must admit it was a busy place and many stallions were still in high spirits. Thankfully, I don't think there were any incidents of duco on leg.
Heaps of individual variations of course, as one would expect with such an event. The very north western points were only for the striplings, and included the long river track connection mentioned above. Although Astronaught Glenn went low here after going in/out 82 to 70 (I'm incredulous!!), bagging the '01 as a through train might, before plowing along the slow slush to 100, he reports Mark Schaefer working in/out to 101, climbing from 82 to 70, bagging 84 and then enjoying bitumen to 83/100. Probably a faster collect that enabled him to ignore the 84 distraction on the fly eastwards.
It was a very enjoyable afternoon, so thanks Teddy and all who helped realise the event.
I will keep this short, not quite having two extensive blogs in me during the one week. I did see some good scoring though, and note Mark and Tim going all stations in 2.42, Gill & Steve 'The Blue Boot' the same in 2.46 - with, Richard 'The King' Green, rounding out our three's in 2.45. Greg Barbour clocked 2990, while the three gistening singlets of James, Wazza and Dipper pulled in on time with 2700 in the can. Not bad for this clutch of Sv's.
Further down the numbers game, Barb Hill pushed Matty all the way for 2470, Lloyd and Malcolm enjoyed 1620, and Duncan and Colin went easy on the salt to post 1310. Good to see Roly (or Zuzu) Burford and Jitka enjoying themselves with 1010, and SSS legend David Bray on fire with 2740. Great running from DB Lager. Stu piled on 1700, Bruce Stanley (without Melbourne) enjoyed 1340 and Bryony and 'The Biscuit' carded an excellent 1830 to suprise many of their peers. Like grandad Ron, they worked the northern arc to good effect.
Somehow, the results will filter into SSS categories. We await this dissing of characters into the type trays with interest, and future thoughts on the individual/team links. Much post race discussion centered round the positive drag effect if an older pony was pushed higher by a younger companion. Correspondence please, although I think the format was a good one and am happy to see the linkage with 'those with map bags' continue. I'm sure most agree.
Again thanks to all - including the Waitara Scouts catering and the girl with the yard broom.
In only a couple of days we are at it again, this time back to Lindfield and the 45 minute format. Rob Spry is our point man, and will have plenty to enjoy over at Tryon Oval. Back up that clicking hip joint with one more flog the dog, as we rue the missing State League's and fear our Easter prep is way short. Maybe run twice. Maybe just the once....but run just the same. Lindfield, we love you it seems. Be there.
Glenn 'The Moonman' Horrocks cruised to an amazing 2.31 hour all stations victory at yesterday's Minigaine Madness event at Lindfield. Glenn worked the yellow T shirt's booster valves in a sensational orbit of the points at Ted Woodley's excellent and testing three hour outing. Glenn held 15 minutes over the next Cosmonaughts home in a swallow dive of in/out work across the course - and including the slow track flog from 82 to 100.
Numbers appeared excellent, with four hundred plus on the drip feed and nibble. An excellent cross over afternoon between the hard core Sydney Summer Series ponies and regular rogaining teams. Many booked high returns. Others liked the occassional smudge of 2B on the waterproof, as if the walk was reward enough. Many ran...and ran. Others, sworn to a walk, found themselves slipping into neutral on the downhill and perambulating accordingly. Unlike a six hour flog, where walking is the go, the three hour format encourages fantasies of youth and lost fitness - hence the vets and legends enjoying early pace only to be seen later staggering on all fours towards the red flag. But, hey, what a blast - and what a neat way to spend a fine (as it turned out) Sunday arvo.
'The Bodgie's' course was superb, even if baked by NASA in under three. Perhaps a tickle in the north on the other side of the river, and also an extension south could have made for a closer call, but this is academic. For most of us, it was well out of reach, but not too far so. Early distance estimates and time checks were often met, meaning that those that planned with options did better. The out-of-bounds section on Lady Game Drive was the kicker that provided for a full north to south circle route, or confined the southerner routers to a sort of U shaped plumbing course. Both had their fans.
Two groups of 240 points provided early chew. The UTS grouping, and the Waterfall group were both in the middle, and exercised the mind. Many on the all stops Circular Quay tour swept north via 76,35,64,108,34 before repointing the nose cone towards Antarctica and a cross back above the Epping Line (and its regretted viaduct above the river). These nags then headed up via 53,10 72 and a little Loyal Henry before enjoying watermelon and orange - and forgoing both of the 240 bags of washing. Some added the UTS points, eschewing #77 if the tick tock was getting louder.
Other starters, fearing too much shoe leather in the north, opted for a compact collect. This went 11,43,UTS,52,30,63,72,53(in/out),10 (imagine a gun club here!!),73 and up to the very tempting 40,107,13 and the 103 puzzle of count the wires before a bit of river work and working back via the mud and waterfall at 104, and the uphill flog home via 76. These latter Madness birdies attracted the concern of the Millwood Avenue shopkeeper (next to the Koala control), who texted me about the irresponsible and dangerous road crossings he was witnessing. I must admit it was a busy place and many stallions were still in high spirits. Thankfully, I don't think there were any incidents of duco on leg.
Heaps of individual variations of course, as one would expect with such an event. The very north western points were only for the striplings, and included the long river track connection mentioned above. Although Astronaught Glenn went low here after going in/out 82 to 70 (I'm incredulous!!), bagging the '01 as a through train might, before plowing along the slow slush to 100, he reports Mark Schaefer working in/out to 101, climbing from 82 to 70, bagging 84 and then enjoying bitumen to 83/100. Probably a faster collect that enabled him to ignore the 84 distraction on the fly eastwards.
It was a very enjoyable afternoon, so thanks Teddy and all who helped realise the event.
I will keep this short, not quite having two extensive blogs in me during the one week. I did see some good scoring though, and note Mark and Tim going all stations in 2.42, Gill & Steve 'The Blue Boot' the same in 2.46 - with, Richard 'The King' Green, rounding out our three's in 2.45. Greg Barbour clocked 2990, while the three gistening singlets of James, Wazza and Dipper pulled in on time with 2700 in the can. Not bad for this clutch of Sv's.
Further down the numbers game, Barb Hill pushed Matty all the way for 2470, Lloyd and Malcolm enjoyed 1620, and Duncan and Colin went easy on the salt to post 1310. Good to see Roly (or Zuzu) Burford and Jitka enjoying themselves with 1010, and SSS legend David Bray on fire with 2740. Great running from DB Lager. Stu piled on 1700, Bruce Stanley (without Melbourne) enjoyed 1340 and Bryony and 'The Biscuit' carded an excellent 1830 to suprise many of their peers. Like grandad Ron, they worked the northern arc to good effect.
Somehow, the results will filter into SSS categories. We await this dissing of characters into the type trays with interest, and future thoughts on the individual/team links. Much post race discussion centered round the positive drag effect if an older pony was pushed higher by a younger companion. Correspondence please, although I think the format was a good one and am happy to see the linkage with 'those with map bags' continue. I'm sure most agree.
Again thanks to all - including the Waitara Scouts catering and the girl with the yard broom.
In only a couple of days we are at it again, this time back to Lindfield and the 45 minute format. Rob Spry is our point man, and will have plenty to enjoy over at Tryon Oval. Back up that clicking hip joint with one more flog the dog, as we rue the missing State League's and fear our Easter prep is way short. Maybe run twice. Maybe just the once....but run just the same. Lindfield, we love you it seems. Be there.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
VAUCLUSE VAUXHALL'S ENGAGE LOW GEAR AT THE 'CROSS-PLY TYRE'S' CONTOUR CANTER
A fine evening!! An almost unheard of event that saw an excellent roll up of rally cars, mechanics, handlers and champagne girls at SSS #24 at Vaucluse last night. Such was the excitement at the thought of a dry track, cars were seen stretching, brake pads were being taped to ankles, drivers were being kissed, laces were being doubly knotted - even the Mini Mokes were seen with hoods down. And in charge of pit straight was none other than chief steward, Steve 'The Radial' Dunlop, grinning from ear to ear as he watched rally drivers begin high in the rev range, only to finish as fully flogged Ford's with nothing left in the tank.
What a night, what a course. The old Velox went ok on the downhill bits, but struggled in first as Contour Kate denied the flying finish.
This is the second SSS outing on the Watto Bay map, and in complete contrast to Bazza and Janet's 2010/11 season offering (from Parsley Bay on the harbour), we got to begin up on top close to Macquarie Lighthouse. Free running with views early, and maybe a bit of punishment on the way back was the thinking - as cars opted for the worn cross ply's and Shell X100 motor oil.
A nice arrival possie beside Old South Head Road, had punters swapping the tenners for a portrait presentation, and plenty of recently cut grass to chew on as routes were pondered, and re-pondered - and before the fateful insertion of the 'doovis' into the start unit. Sometimes the latter happening after considerable scratching of the head and twirling and re-twirling of the planning string.
So, how did it look? What had The Jaloppy devised?
First impression. The full top to toe coverage looked too hard for the sixes, even at the 1:7500 scale. Mid fives, low fives for the V8's, with many smaller engine capacity cars happy to go high threes or low fours. The hills were the key factor, and the tight corners. Fangio would be leaning to the left and to the right as he threw the Bugatti around Bazza's intestine like circuit - and working the lower gears in a fury as he did so. And, although Pork Pie doesn't have full results, the low/mid five thinking seemed to be how it turned out, with a reported 540 being seen under the chequered flag.
Let's look at the course in more detail.
There was a reasonable circle on offer along the cliff top to the Gap and back lower down with a final climb. Numbers 11 and 21 were both close to home and needed to be taken before dinner with a glass of water. Most nags obliged. There was an excellent mix to the south west (the twenty pointer #15 pulling ponies ever lower in a classic piece of SSS planning), and an extension for the formula one cars to the very north and north west (how about going the ping at #18 and then looking where the finish triangle is! Oh cruel world). There was also a cluster in the middle of the map, and this is where Steve's genius took root - particularly the cracker 'pairing' of 25 and 26. I say pairing, because they looked close together and were both 'must haves'. But getting them into a loop! Oh Boy, the puff-o-metre would be on song once again.
There were two groups of twenty's that also figured in plans, both mandatory. The southern 12,14,13 linked nicely, as did the northern 16,17,19. I also liked the excellent siting of #4 on the west of the Parsley Bay footbridge, the two tenners that split the lower road run (#10 & 2), the high up ten pointers that sucked the life from tightly timed programmes (#1 & 6). These (Frank) lowies were not pivotal in planning, but all copped a bit of beep time as punters looped and swooped amongst the bigger fish. For instance, how neat is a circuit down to 14,23, across the bridge to 4, and then across to 3 and the uphill ride via 22,5,12,21 and home (ignoring #15 and four contours of pufferooney). Another route that found favour was the circuit north from 16 - with 16,17,7 (along the old Watsons Bay tram track cutting for those that like a little 'infrastructure' history with their afternoon tea), 20 and about turn, to 19 and 27. Many worked this reasonably simple circuit into a more complex finishing pattern, with much of the complexity coming from getting the road links around #5 and 12 sorted. I have various tales of getting the links here wrong, with the road works not helping - and something about the lane way to #12 not being a straight as mapped.
One route worth a mention is that of 'The Sauce Bottle'. Ian piled on 430 in 46.5 after what looks like 7.6klms and about 150 metres of climb. Racing in Marlborough Red, our Manly star went 11,26,8,13,14,5,12 (meant to go 12,5!),22,3,23,in/out 4,10,28,27,19,17,16,25(via bottom steps),24,21 and home. Apart from going past 11 twice, this looks a tidy day at the track - with the annoying 'out of bounds' school providing the planning separation.
Open star, Mark 'Your Time Starts Now' Schaefer, worked a 590 claim (leaving off #6) by beginning 12,5,22,15, working back into the middle points, dinner at Doyles, 18,30,9,29,7 (on the tram), 17,16,25,24 and a clockwise finish via 11,1,21 in fifty one minutes, and a 530 post. The pull up from 23 via 14,13 and 8 to 26 being a notable flog that would see most of the senior field on the respirator. Around seventeen contours, but no probs for young Mark. Michael Burton managed a 'Banjo' more than the 'Pen' with a 570 outing (leaving off 18 & 6) and three minutes over the 'Time Gentlemen Please' bell (ah, how the Legends remember 6 o'clock closing). I appear to be digressing.
Many interesting routes, with lots of noise in the penalty column (unlike the virginal presentation last week, where all late sins were washed away by the downpour). The many beginnings indicate a good course, with the uphill finish providing lovers of labouring lorries plenty of good copy. Thanks Steve for a cracker.
As I mentioned, I don't have all the results, but a few that caught the eye before Doyle caught the evenings snapper, are herewith noted (in quill pen on foolscap parchment). Gill 'Fawlty Towers' fowler carding 470 in OW, James 'The Red Engine' McQuillan taking the main line for 510 (after a shunting accident left 50 cars in the siding), and Warwick 'The Penguin' Selby running like a hot poker through his SVM mates for 430 - and another win amongst the nearly retireds (or is that the retreadeds?). I have a report that our all stations guru, Glenn 'A Baker' Horrocks, missed a few fifty's hits in last night's compilation and will be now doing 'Warm Nights With Bing' as punishment. Apparently 'The King' also failed to fire although I'm not sure of the actual score.
The Jesso's 410 gives him a first timer over 'The Hair Net'. Peter carding a relatively modest 380 after going wide at the 80 metre turn (I seem to be mixing my racing modes here Jimmy!). Five seconds would have been all it took for 'The Fever' to cop a tenner, but he was perfectly coiffured on the night, coming home in 44.55 for a nice 460 MM performance. Fellow M&M's fancier, Tim Petterson, was earlier into the pits, but fell twenty short of Neil with 440 on the books - still thirty up on his royal brother Anthony 'Armstrong Jones' in the same age grouping. In the Legends, John 'Pantaloony' Anderson is sweeping all before him with a sensational 400 penciled in, and another 100 points giving pause to the stats man from Mona Vale. Senor Rosscoe from Moscow was twenty back after not watching the clock and missing the nice swallow dive via 23 and the footbridge mentioned earlier. His 380 still donks Terry Bluett (and 'The Flickster'!!) and the bonce however, alkthough it looks like another result in the light type.
Cathy 'The Speed Hump' Chalmers looks like she is well back in MW form with a nice 380, although VW star Sharon 'The Roast Dinner' Lambert's 390 is ten more, and ten years older! Well maybe not ten Cath. In other categories of women on the move, Carol Jacobson (300), Hester 'The Art School' Slade (290) and Helen Murphy (280) all had the whips out in this dash of SVW stars. Excellent and close racing, with CJ claiming, and ruing the five seconds over that could have seen her post 310 and slightly clearer air. The LW's came out firing, with 'Brian's Knee' holding the bearest of margins over 'The Cricket Bat' - 280 to 270. Last weeks winner Sue Thomson, was caught below stairs, with her 280 being eroded by old father time, and a few contours for 170. Premium fuel needed here Sue.
Gail walked for the same score, but lost much time searching for #21. This control was apparently placed on the wrong corner, and early cars went wide here - Connie notably checking the cemetery, and GB losing a good ten minutes. The later site correction disadvantaged the earlier runners, and is always a difficult decision to deal with. Should it have been left? Correspondence corner is now open.
Duncan Currie ran hot for 350 after going thirty over in Junior Men. Not sure of other juniors, although Luke 'Elaly' Petterson is noted at 320 and will be onstage with the four string shortly, while Aidan Dawson might have injured himself - his 20 minutes for 60 points being a puzzle to his galaxy of fans. Jimmy Forbes 'Street High School' and Ian Miller posted 330's in SVM with Ian's greater claim (370) not getting past the final beep musician. Shame about that Ian, black tie next time. I also note the excellent run by Ian 'The Turin Shroud' Froude. Ian's 400 after nearly going a forty niner like a Clondyke Miner, was a toppie in SVM - and not too far off the 'Sell Or Buy's' 430. Excellent cornering and use of the lower gears from the Cronulla star.
In wrapping this Watto Wonder, I also like to note Michael Free with us again, and compiling a steady 300 in VM. The 'Furniture Store' has been in the health wars of late, so great to see him out amongst his many fans - and taking a little port after dinner.
No doubt, the results will be up soon - and may be up already. More claims and counterclaims, more anxiety, more sleepless nights, as we are held in the tight grip of SSS season 21 - and the approach to the finals. Who is 'on' for the lollies? Who will win a badge for the first time? Some categories are well decided, but others (like Porkies own LM) will go all the way. A little dud feed might just be the trick!
Great event Steve, and thanks to all the Western & Hills helpers. I hope we get to do this one again next season - and why not, the fish and chips at the Watto pub are already cooked and waiting!
The next Wednesday event sees us back up the Shore to East Lindfield, where Rob Spry has taken over the setting task from Mike 'Rophone' Halmy. RS knows the area well and will no doubt be going all out to ensure we finish a little RS ourselves! Well, hope not, as this is one of the better suburban runs, and should make for a nice autumnal flogerooney. Enjoy the nice parky bits and maybe a bit of the Great Nosh Footrace track will be in play. Tempting indeed.
Bur before The Rob Roy gets to play with our minds, Ted 'The Woodpecker' Woodley and a bunch of miscreant rogainers, are enticing us to go long on this coming Sunday, and try a bit more MiniGaine Madness. The Lane Cover River and Blue Gum Creek orienteering maps are co-joined in matrimony and should make for a fun three hours. Bring a pencil and a plate. It promises to be an excellent way to anticipate a coldie.
A fine evening!! An almost unheard of event that saw an excellent roll up of rally cars, mechanics, handlers and champagne girls at SSS #24 at Vaucluse last night. Such was the excitement at the thought of a dry track, cars were seen stretching, brake pads were being taped to ankles, drivers were being kissed, laces were being doubly knotted - even the Mini Mokes were seen with hoods down. And in charge of pit straight was none other than chief steward, Steve 'The Radial' Dunlop, grinning from ear to ear as he watched rally drivers begin high in the rev range, only to finish as fully flogged Ford's with nothing left in the tank.
What a night, what a course. The old Velox went ok on the downhill bits, but struggled in first as Contour Kate denied the flying finish.
This is the second SSS outing on the Watto Bay map, and in complete contrast to Bazza and Janet's 2010/11 season offering (from Parsley Bay on the harbour), we got to begin up on top close to Macquarie Lighthouse. Free running with views early, and maybe a bit of punishment on the way back was the thinking - as cars opted for the worn cross ply's and Shell X100 motor oil.
A nice arrival possie beside Old South Head Road, had punters swapping the tenners for a portrait presentation, and plenty of recently cut grass to chew on as routes were pondered, and re-pondered - and before the fateful insertion of the 'doovis' into the start unit. Sometimes the latter happening after considerable scratching of the head and twirling and re-twirling of the planning string.
So, how did it look? What had The Jaloppy devised?
First impression. The full top to toe coverage looked too hard for the sixes, even at the 1:7500 scale. Mid fives, low fives for the V8's, with many smaller engine capacity cars happy to go high threes or low fours. The hills were the key factor, and the tight corners. Fangio would be leaning to the left and to the right as he threw the Bugatti around Bazza's intestine like circuit - and working the lower gears in a fury as he did so. And, although Pork Pie doesn't have full results, the low/mid five thinking seemed to be how it turned out, with a reported 540 being seen under the chequered flag.
Let's look at the course in more detail.
There was a reasonable circle on offer along the cliff top to the Gap and back lower down with a final climb. Numbers 11 and 21 were both close to home and needed to be taken before dinner with a glass of water. Most nags obliged. There was an excellent mix to the south west (the twenty pointer #15 pulling ponies ever lower in a classic piece of SSS planning), and an extension for the formula one cars to the very north and north west (how about going the ping at #18 and then looking where the finish triangle is! Oh cruel world). There was also a cluster in the middle of the map, and this is where Steve's genius took root - particularly the cracker 'pairing' of 25 and 26. I say pairing, because they looked close together and were both 'must haves'. But getting them into a loop! Oh Boy, the puff-o-metre would be on song once again.
There were two groups of twenty's that also figured in plans, both mandatory. The southern 12,14,13 linked nicely, as did the northern 16,17,19. I also liked the excellent siting of #4 on the west of the Parsley Bay footbridge, the two tenners that split the lower road run (#10 & 2), the high up ten pointers that sucked the life from tightly timed programmes (#1 & 6). These (Frank) lowies were not pivotal in planning, but all copped a bit of beep time as punters looped and swooped amongst the bigger fish. For instance, how neat is a circuit down to 14,23, across the bridge to 4, and then across to 3 and the uphill ride via 22,5,12,21 and home (ignoring #15 and four contours of pufferooney). Another route that found favour was the circuit north from 16 - with 16,17,7 (along the old Watsons Bay tram track cutting for those that like a little 'infrastructure' history with their afternoon tea), 20 and about turn, to 19 and 27. Many worked this reasonably simple circuit into a more complex finishing pattern, with much of the complexity coming from getting the road links around #5 and 12 sorted. I have various tales of getting the links here wrong, with the road works not helping - and something about the lane way to #12 not being a straight as mapped.
One route worth a mention is that of 'The Sauce Bottle'. Ian piled on 430 in 46.5 after what looks like 7.6klms and about 150 metres of climb. Racing in Marlborough Red, our Manly star went 11,26,8,13,14,5,12 (meant to go 12,5!),22,3,23,in/out 4,10,28,27,19,17,16,25(via bottom steps),24,21 and home. Apart from going past 11 twice, this looks a tidy day at the track - with the annoying 'out of bounds' school providing the planning separation.
Open star, Mark 'Your Time Starts Now' Schaefer, worked a 590 claim (leaving off #6) by beginning 12,5,22,15, working back into the middle points, dinner at Doyles, 18,30,9,29,7 (on the tram), 17,16,25,24 and a clockwise finish via 11,1,21 in fifty one minutes, and a 530 post. The pull up from 23 via 14,13 and 8 to 26 being a notable flog that would see most of the senior field on the respirator. Around seventeen contours, but no probs for young Mark. Michael Burton managed a 'Banjo' more than the 'Pen' with a 570 outing (leaving off 18 & 6) and three minutes over the 'Time Gentlemen Please' bell (ah, how the Legends remember 6 o'clock closing). I appear to be digressing.
Many interesting routes, with lots of noise in the penalty column (unlike the virginal presentation last week, where all late sins were washed away by the downpour). The many beginnings indicate a good course, with the uphill finish providing lovers of labouring lorries plenty of good copy. Thanks Steve for a cracker.
As I mentioned, I don't have all the results, but a few that caught the eye before Doyle caught the evenings snapper, are herewith noted (in quill pen on foolscap parchment). Gill 'Fawlty Towers' fowler carding 470 in OW, James 'The Red Engine' McQuillan taking the main line for 510 (after a shunting accident left 50 cars in the siding), and Warwick 'The Penguin' Selby running like a hot poker through his SVM mates for 430 - and another win amongst the nearly retireds (or is that the retreadeds?). I have a report that our all stations guru, Glenn 'A Baker' Horrocks, missed a few fifty's hits in last night's compilation and will be now doing 'Warm Nights With Bing' as punishment. Apparently 'The King' also failed to fire although I'm not sure of the actual score.
The Jesso's 410 gives him a first timer over 'The Hair Net'. Peter carding a relatively modest 380 after going wide at the 80 metre turn (I seem to be mixing my racing modes here Jimmy!). Five seconds would have been all it took for 'The Fever' to cop a tenner, but he was perfectly coiffured on the night, coming home in 44.55 for a nice 460 MM performance. Fellow M&M's fancier, Tim Petterson, was earlier into the pits, but fell twenty short of Neil with 440 on the books - still thirty up on his royal brother Anthony 'Armstrong Jones' in the same age grouping. In the Legends, John 'Pantaloony' Anderson is sweeping all before him with a sensational 400 penciled in, and another 100 points giving pause to the stats man from Mona Vale. Senor Rosscoe from Moscow was twenty back after not watching the clock and missing the nice swallow dive via 23 and the footbridge mentioned earlier. His 380 still donks Terry Bluett (and 'The Flickster'!!) and the bonce however, alkthough it looks like another result in the light type.
Cathy 'The Speed Hump' Chalmers looks like she is well back in MW form with a nice 380, although VW star Sharon 'The Roast Dinner' Lambert's 390 is ten more, and ten years older! Well maybe not ten Cath. In other categories of women on the move, Carol Jacobson (300), Hester 'The Art School' Slade (290) and Helen Murphy (280) all had the whips out in this dash of SVW stars. Excellent and close racing, with CJ claiming, and ruing the five seconds over that could have seen her post 310 and slightly clearer air. The LW's came out firing, with 'Brian's Knee' holding the bearest of margins over 'The Cricket Bat' - 280 to 270. Last weeks winner Sue Thomson, was caught below stairs, with her 280 being eroded by old father time, and a few contours for 170. Premium fuel needed here Sue.
Gail walked for the same score, but lost much time searching for #21. This control was apparently placed on the wrong corner, and early cars went wide here - Connie notably checking the cemetery, and GB losing a good ten minutes. The later site correction disadvantaged the earlier runners, and is always a difficult decision to deal with. Should it have been left? Correspondence corner is now open.
Duncan Currie ran hot for 350 after going thirty over in Junior Men. Not sure of other juniors, although Luke 'Elaly' Petterson is noted at 320 and will be onstage with the four string shortly, while Aidan Dawson might have injured himself - his 20 minutes for 60 points being a puzzle to his galaxy of fans. Jimmy Forbes 'Street High School' and Ian Miller posted 330's in SVM with Ian's greater claim (370) not getting past the final beep musician. Shame about that Ian, black tie next time. I also note the excellent run by Ian 'The Turin Shroud' Froude. Ian's 400 after nearly going a forty niner like a Clondyke Miner, was a toppie in SVM - and not too far off the 'Sell Or Buy's' 430. Excellent cornering and use of the lower gears from the Cronulla star.
In wrapping this Watto Wonder, I also like to note Michael Free with us again, and compiling a steady 300 in VM. The 'Furniture Store' has been in the health wars of late, so great to see him out amongst his many fans - and taking a little port after dinner.
No doubt, the results will be up soon - and may be up already. More claims and counterclaims, more anxiety, more sleepless nights, as we are held in the tight grip of SSS season 21 - and the approach to the finals. Who is 'on' for the lollies? Who will win a badge for the first time? Some categories are well decided, but others (like Porkies own LM) will go all the way. A little dud feed might just be the trick!
Great event Steve, and thanks to all the Western & Hills helpers. I hope we get to do this one again next season - and why not, the fish and chips at the Watto pub are already cooked and waiting!
The next Wednesday event sees us back up the Shore to East Lindfield, where Rob Spry has taken over the setting task from Mike 'Rophone' Halmy. RS knows the area well and will no doubt be going all out to ensure we finish a little RS ourselves! Well, hope not, as this is one of the better suburban runs, and should make for a nice autumnal flogerooney. Enjoy the nice parky bits and maybe a bit of the Great Nosh Footrace track will be in play. Tempting indeed.
Bur before The Rob Roy gets to play with our minds, Ted 'The Woodpecker' Woodley and a bunch of miscreant rogainers, are enticing us to go long on this coming Sunday, and try a bit more MiniGaine Madness. The Lane Cover River and Blue Gum Creek orienteering maps are co-joined in matrimony and should make for a fun three hours. Bring a pencil and a plate. It promises to be an excellent way to anticipate a coldie.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
DOHLE PAINTS MASTERPIECE IN WATERCOLOURS AS GHOST OF STREETON SOAKS SIRIUS
Course setter Dan Dohle did indeed produced a masterpiece last night - a brilliant display of the course setters art, in a setting where 'art' is the operative word. This is the location where famous 'Heidleberg School' artists, Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Freddy McCubbin set up an artists idyll in the late 1800's - painting, sleeping, painting some more, and generally hanging out in this peaceful cove. They produced some of Australia's greatest landscapes hereabouts, and it was on this very 'canvass' that DD set out his paint tin, and produced the "Mona Lisa' of the 2011/2012 Sydney Summer Series.
Perhaps a couple of points of difference though. I don't think Arthur and Co did too much running, and I don't recall any of their works showing off the scenery in the rain - the double whammy that faced summer series addicts desparate to post a toppie no matter what the odds, no matter what the weather. And rain it did - AGAIN!!! As Matt 'The Mattress' Peters mentioned on Monday night, the current series has been bedeviled with so much wet weather, old tarts who had got into the Wednesday habit of slipping on the running singlet and volleys in Sydney's endless warm and dry summers, have stayed away - by the fire with a hot toddy no doubt, and nursing increasingly flabby fetlocks.
Bugger them, says Porkie. This is a time for the true believers, and what rewards we all got last night, with 'The Lions Den' delivering one of the very best.
Early arrivals made it under blue canvass, and early starters enjoyed a dry run. One such was Terry 'Southern Oscillation Index' Bluett, who didn't spend all his working life in the Met Bureau for nothing, slipping back into the car after an early flog with 400 in the bag just as the sprinkle started. Cunning work from TB who obviously knows a thing or two about the heavens.
No such luck for the rest of us, although I'm discounting the large contingent of pansies that took to the dunny at the first soaking. These shirkers managed a dry one before late starters again copped it. And cop it most of us did. Shades of the Pottery Green storm, with roads becoming rivers and gutters pretending they were downstream from Warragamba. Anyone running with glasses would have welcomed back their old friend Professor Fogg. Quite a night.
Anyway, having set the stage with our art lesson and weather report, let's have a look at event 23 in detail.
Our previous outing here was in 2008, where Ken & Carol 'Of Beecroft' deployed a landscape sketch pad. Last night in contrast, Dan 'Matisse' Dohle worked the charcoal into vertical or portrait format, giving access to new bits in the north, and even the location of that never ending piece of hotel renovation, the "Beuna Vista' (well, maybe one day). The map had something of the dangling hand about it, and the odd contour resembling the wrinkles on Uncle Bob's old crusty's.
Nothing down the Zoo end, and nothing in Mosman Bay was the quick read, but seemingly circles everywhere else. The immediate impression was good scoring, probably high scoring, with averages probably well up on recent outings. The big circles and numbers had a seductive effect, as pondering punters sucked on their Hookah and fingered the string. Mmmm, how about up there, or maybe down there? Planning minutes turned into hours as the cunning twists and turns of the deployment were slowly understood.
Points that needed to be factored, but defied the loopsters, included the splendid ring of thirty's near the start/finish (22,24,29), and the 'Chubby Checker' spread in the middle that included #27. Much scratching of heads as planners resorted to an entree of 'in/out', a main of 'contour', and a dessert of 'steps'. Everything was on offer and all skills were needed. Many began to the south, picking up a tidy twenty points at #11 before working 23,3,30,13,25,6 and the middle map before a return. Others were noted chasing back up the road a 24,28 beginning. 11,22,10,24 also had followers, as did the 'belly button' beginning - straight up to a punch at #29. Outliers that were at first discounted (19,20) could have been factored because the linking bridge kept cousin contour somewhat at bay - the 21,20,4,26 link working for instance.
The middle map is where Dan produced his masterpiece. 15,26,14,16,27,17,5 were all must haves, the problem was how to get them into a loop. Leaving #17 after claiming 28,5,16 (way further south than where indicated) and 27 in a torrential downpour, your correspondent thought 18 looked a temptation, and setting down his coffee cup and folding his stool, he set off accordingly. For some reason in/out to #7 didn't appeal, but the link from 18,12,8,21,4 and up to 26 did. This was accomplished in swimming conditions, with the New Balance's singing a sort of sploggy squelching melody, the All Black top thinking it was first half at the House of pain, and the ribbons of steel shimmering in their embarrassing whiteness. Fun huh!
The controls were all well appointed and anchored in position with Durex Tape (we are suddenly in England). I think #4 was meant to be on the stink pipe as shown, but was further down on the corner on a light pole. Apart from that one, and #16, all seemed in splendid order. Hard to find a lonely pot, as I think all would have gone beep in the night to some degree. Maybe #1 gets the nod. It's not on the 26,19,25 circuit, and I'm sure no one would go 26,1,25. Number 2 might be another candidate, as many would have turned east at 17 and the northern claims would probably done a pie face and gone 21,4,26. Perhaps a mark of the setting that nothing was out of earshot! Well done Dan.
Of interest is Connie 'The Queen of Galway Bay' McNamee's route. Connie began with a wee dram at 11, gathered herself at the door of a young gent on the way to 23 (mistaking where the track leaves the driveway), worked upwards with bible in hand to 3, before dropping a few contours and taking a seat at 30, rising on the tide to 13 and then knocking off 25,6,15,26,14,27,16 in quick succession, before home via 29 and the warm embrace of the red finish flag. Three hundred neat as a pin points in 46.06, for a nice 280. That .06 is annoying though, but then, everyone has a 'seconds' story.
As well as Conny's consummate run, something amazing also happened last night.
This is the extraordinary number of runners who were home before the bell - probably unprecedented in the annals of SSS, and in complete contrast to the great Murphy's Creek flog of several seasons ago, where just about everyone was late. The penalty column was almost entirely blank last night, with many scorers home in 41,42 etc. Possibly the 1:7500 map scale might be a factor. Maybe the collective fitness of the Summer Series flogsters. What a group, what knees, what hammies, what lung capacity, what capacity for Reschs. The SSS competitor - an example to the nation.
Now, what did some of the ponies score I hear you ask.
Correspondent Pie Face is off to Melbourne and is compiling this before seeing the results. A few managed to find their way onto a folded yellow however, so listen up. Patrick Gunnerson put up 570 and was attracting media attention. I note that King Richard had yet to return though and may have run on - as may have Glenny 'Chrome Yellow' Horrocks in his all stations claim. 'The Paint Tube' was on the board with 540, veteran Greg Barbour posted 530, as did MW star Tim 'The Toolman' Petterson. This was a popular score, with Mal 'Content' Bradley tuning the BSA to the same frequency, as did Lisa Grant in OW - this time taking a tenner over Gill as these two filly's stage the race of a lifetime.
Also big news last night was the birthday girl, Sue 'Season Ticket' Thomson jumping rival LW star Bryony 'Stanthorpe Here We Come' Cox with 350 to 300. A fantastic win for Sue. W70? mmmmm, I'll take it! And the birthday cake was a nice touch in celebration (thanks BC).
Other scriblings to note. 'The Joss Stick' with 510, Junior Matty Hill working anti-clockwise for 520 (cripes, still a junior!!), Cath 'Eter' Chalmers inserting the 'doovis' multiple times for 480, and Ian Cameron posting the same in SVM. Mel 'I'll have the family pack' Cox walked to a 470 total, 100 points over Wiz, who's 370 is an unusually shy return. Andy is a fellow 'soakee', so maybe a factor? Good to see Rod 'No Standing' Parkin on the nibble with a tidy 400, and back with us after lots of time working in the US. Rod's score is also found in small type on page two of Mal Gledhill's memoirs. A top run from the TD, or is it the TF?
LM looks like a gathering of the walking frames with John Anderson, Heiko and Rosscoe all pulling 430's. And this time not having to surrender to young Duncan - who's 420 is still a goodie. 'Macbeth' might have been slowed though, as Pork Pie noted the 'Slam Dunk' having to drag dad along - maybe a caution because of the busy streets.
The 2 Rosies posted 190, Georgia 'On My Mind' Jones had 320 on her mind, and John 'The Spray Painter' Brayan worked PMS 460 into the equation. I also note Michael Burton enjoying some of the course but not scoring. Apparently something to do with preparation for taking a train journey up the Six Foot Track this coming weekend. Other SSS regulars are also ticketed here (Gill, James, Wazza etc). We will be at the Pluviometer station to check you coal and water levels. And despite my noting the many, many zero penalties, I offer in complete contrast a runner who, selflessly, stylishly, and probably soggingly, went to all 600 points in seventy minutes! Take a bow Andrew 'The Pope' Goddard for this splendid devotion.
Sorry there are no more scores to ruminate on. But what a night, and what a course. Many said the best yet, and I am inclined to agree. The area has something to do with it of course - the mix of streets and headlands offering unique setting challenges. Still, hats off to Dan for a great course - and all the Garingal helpers on the night. I'm sure we will be back here again.
Next week sees us over to the eastern suburbs where Steve 'The Jaloppy' Dunloppy will work some magic at Macquarie Lighthouse. This sensational venue has views to burn, and a few tidy bits of real estate to eye off as well. Great views, great history. The Gap, Doyles for shark & tatie, mmmmm, sounds like a plan. Stating this time at the top of the hill will get the nags into a false sense of security, as the flog home brings the tick tock into sharp focus. Bring a camera, bring grandma, bring a doctor, come dressed as a QC - as we go all out for the points and placings in the Vaucluse vamp.
Also I'm keen to promote the inaugural Summer Series/Minigaine tie up on Sunday week at Lindfield. You can pre enter or just turn up on the day (with a slight pinging in the wallet for the latter - a fiver I'm told). This should be loads of fun with Metrogaine style setting - you know the one with questions and answers. 'The Teddy Boy' is our setter and he has mysteriously combined the two adjoining orienteering maps to give us an A3 of impressive proportions. Gill Fowler 'Ware' is the organiser and can discuss basin and bath dimensions if you care to ring (0413905551). There will be points of course, but also prizes! And let's not forget the free tummy time food and BBQ. Should be a cracker in a very nice part of Sydney. Join us.
Course setter Dan Dohle did indeed produced a masterpiece last night - a brilliant display of the course setters art, in a setting where 'art' is the operative word. This is the location where famous 'Heidleberg School' artists, Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Freddy McCubbin set up an artists idyll in the late 1800's - painting, sleeping, painting some more, and generally hanging out in this peaceful cove. They produced some of Australia's greatest landscapes hereabouts, and it was on this very 'canvass' that DD set out his paint tin, and produced the "Mona Lisa' of the 2011/2012 Sydney Summer Series.
Perhaps a couple of points of difference though. I don't think Arthur and Co did too much running, and I don't recall any of their works showing off the scenery in the rain - the double whammy that faced summer series addicts desparate to post a toppie no matter what the odds, no matter what the weather. And rain it did - AGAIN!!! As Matt 'The Mattress' Peters mentioned on Monday night, the current series has been bedeviled with so much wet weather, old tarts who had got into the Wednesday habit of slipping on the running singlet and volleys in Sydney's endless warm and dry summers, have stayed away - by the fire with a hot toddy no doubt, and nursing increasingly flabby fetlocks.
Bugger them, says Porkie. This is a time for the true believers, and what rewards we all got last night, with 'The Lions Den' delivering one of the very best.
Early arrivals made it under blue canvass, and early starters enjoyed a dry run. One such was Terry 'Southern Oscillation Index' Bluett, who didn't spend all his working life in the Met Bureau for nothing, slipping back into the car after an early flog with 400 in the bag just as the sprinkle started. Cunning work from TB who obviously knows a thing or two about the heavens.
No such luck for the rest of us, although I'm discounting the large contingent of pansies that took to the dunny at the first soaking. These shirkers managed a dry one before late starters again copped it. And cop it most of us did. Shades of the Pottery Green storm, with roads becoming rivers and gutters pretending they were downstream from Warragamba. Anyone running with glasses would have welcomed back their old friend Professor Fogg. Quite a night.
Anyway, having set the stage with our art lesson and weather report, let's have a look at event 23 in detail.
Our previous outing here was in 2008, where Ken & Carol 'Of Beecroft' deployed a landscape sketch pad. Last night in contrast, Dan 'Matisse' Dohle worked the charcoal into vertical or portrait format, giving access to new bits in the north, and even the location of that never ending piece of hotel renovation, the "Beuna Vista' (well, maybe one day). The map had something of the dangling hand about it, and the odd contour resembling the wrinkles on Uncle Bob's old crusty's.
Nothing down the Zoo end, and nothing in Mosman Bay was the quick read, but seemingly circles everywhere else. The immediate impression was good scoring, probably high scoring, with averages probably well up on recent outings. The big circles and numbers had a seductive effect, as pondering punters sucked on their Hookah and fingered the string. Mmmm, how about up there, or maybe down there? Planning minutes turned into hours as the cunning twists and turns of the deployment were slowly understood.
Points that needed to be factored, but defied the loopsters, included the splendid ring of thirty's near the start/finish (22,24,29), and the 'Chubby Checker' spread in the middle that included #27. Much scratching of heads as planners resorted to an entree of 'in/out', a main of 'contour', and a dessert of 'steps'. Everything was on offer and all skills were needed. Many began to the south, picking up a tidy twenty points at #11 before working 23,3,30,13,25,6 and the middle map before a return. Others were noted chasing back up the road a 24,28 beginning. 11,22,10,24 also had followers, as did the 'belly button' beginning - straight up to a punch at #29. Outliers that were at first discounted (19,20) could have been factored because the linking bridge kept cousin contour somewhat at bay - the 21,20,4,26 link working for instance.
The middle map is where Dan produced his masterpiece. 15,26,14,16,27,17,5 were all must haves, the problem was how to get them into a loop. Leaving #17 after claiming 28,5,16 (way further south than where indicated) and 27 in a torrential downpour, your correspondent thought 18 looked a temptation, and setting down his coffee cup and folding his stool, he set off accordingly. For some reason in/out to #7 didn't appeal, but the link from 18,12,8,21,4 and up to 26 did. This was accomplished in swimming conditions, with the New Balance's singing a sort of sploggy squelching melody, the All Black top thinking it was first half at the House of pain, and the ribbons of steel shimmering in their embarrassing whiteness. Fun huh!
The controls were all well appointed and anchored in position with Durex Tape (we are suddenly in England). I think #4 was meant to be on the stink pipe as shown, but was further down on the corner on a light pole. Apart from that one, and #16, all seemed in splendid order. Hard to find a lonely pot, as I think all would have gone beep in the night to some degree. Maybe #1 gets the nod. It's not on the 26,19,25 circuit, and I'm sure no one would go 26,1,25. Number 2 might be another candidate, as many would have turned east at 17 and the northern claims would probably done a pie face and gone 21,4,26. Perhaps a mark of the setting that nothing was out of earshot! Well done Dan.
Of interest is Connie 'The Queen of Galway Bay' McNamee's route. Connie began with a wee dram at 11, gathered herself at the door of a young gent on the way to 23 (mistaking where the track leaves the driveway), worked upwards with bible in hand to 3, before dropping a few contours and taking a seat at 30, rising on the tide to 13 and then knocking off 25,6,15,26,14,27,16 in quick succession, before home via 29 and the warm embrace of the red finish flag. Three hundred neat as a pin points in 46.06, for a nice 280. That .06 is annoying though, but then, everyone has a 'seconds' story.
As well as Conny's consummate run, something amazing also happened last night.
This is the extraordinary number of runners who were home before the bell - probably unprecedented in the annals of SSS, and in complete contrast to the great Murphy's Creek flog of several seasons ago, where just about everyone was late. The penalty column was almost entirely blank last night, with many scorers home in 41,42 etc. Possibly the 1:7500 map scale might be a factor. Maybe the collective fitness of the Summer Series flogsters. What a group, what knees, what hammies, what lung capacity, what capacity for Reschs. The SSS competitor - an example to the nation.
Now, what did some of the ponies score I hear you ask.
Correspondent Pie Face is off to Melbourne and is compiling this before seeing the results. A few managed to find their way onto a folded yellow however, so listen up. Patrick Gunnerson put up 570 and was attracting media attention. I note that King Richard had yet to return though and may have run on - as may have Glenny 'Chrome Yellow' Horrocks in his all stations claim. 'The Paint Tube' was on the board with 540, veteran Greg Barbour posted 530, as did MW star Tim 'The Toolman' Petterson. This was a popular score, with Mal 'Content' Bradley tuning the BSA to the same frequency, as did Lisa Grant in OW - this time taking a tenner over Gill as these two filly's stage the race of a lifetime.
Also big news last night was the birthday girl, Sue 'Season Ticket' Thomson jumping rival LW star Bryony 'Stanthorpe Here We Come' Cox with 350 to 300. A fantastic win for Sue. W70? mmmmm, I'll take it! And the birthday cake was a nice touch in celebration (thanks BC).
Other scriblings to note. 'The Joss Stick' with 510, Junior Matty Hill working anti-clockwise for 520 (cripes, still a junior!!), Cath 'Eter' Chalmers inserting the 'doovis' multiple times for 480, and Ian Cameron posting the same in SVM. Mel 'I'll have the family pack' Cox walked to a 470 total, 100 points over Wiz, who's 370 is an unusually shy return. Andy is a fellow 'soakee', so maybe a factor? Good to see Rod 'No Standing' Parkin on the nibble with a tidy 400, and back with us after lots of time working in the US. Rod's score is also found in small type on page two of Mal Gledhill's memoirs. A top run from the TD, or is it the TF?
LM looks like a gathering of the walking frames with John Anderson, Heiko and Rosscoe all pulling 430's. And this time not having to surrender to young Duncan - who's 420 is still a goodie. 'Macbeth' might have been slowed though, as Pork Pie noted the 'Slam Dunk' having to drag dad along - maybe a caution because of the busy streets.
The 2 Rosies posted 190, Georgia 'On My Mind' Jones had 320 on her mind, and John 'The Spray Painter' Brayan worked PMS 460 into the equation. I also note Michael Burton enjoying some of the course but not scoring. Apparently something to do with preparation for taking a train journey up the Six Foot Track this coming weekend. Other SSS regulars are also ticketed here (Gill, James, Wazza etc). We will be at the Pluviometer station to check you coal and water levels. And despite my noting the many, many zero penalties, I offer in complete contrast a runner who, selflessly, stylishly, and probably soggingly, went to all 600 points in seventy minutes! Take a bow Andrew 'The Pope' Goddard for this splendid devotion.
Sorry there are no more scores to ruminate on. But what a night, and what a course. Many said the best yet, and I am inclined to agree. The area has something to do with it of course - the mix of streets and headlands offering unique setting challenges. Still, hats off to Dan for a great course - and all the Garingal helpers on the night. I'm sure we will be back here again.
Next week sees us over to the eastern suburbs where Steve 'The Jaloppy' Dunloppy will work some magic at Macquarie Lighthouse. This sensational venue has views to burn, and a few tidy bits of real estate to eye off as well. Great views, great history. The Gap, Doyles for shark & tatie, mmmmm, sounds like a plan. Stating this time at the top of the hill will get the nags into a false sense of security, as the flog home brings the tick tock into sharp focus. Bring a camera, bring grandma, bring a doctor, come dressed as a QC - as we go all out for the points and placings in the Vaucluse vamp.
Also I'm keen to promote the inaugural Summer Series/Minigaine tie up on Sunday week at Lindfield. You can pre enter or just turn up on the day (with a slight pinging in the wallet for the latter - a fiver I'm told). This should be loads of fun with Metrogaine style setting - you know the one with questions and answers. 'The Teddy Boy' is our setter and he has mysteriously combined the two adjoining orienteering maps to give us an A3 of impressive proportions. Gill Fowler 'Ware' is the organiser and can discuss basin and bath dimensions if you care to ring (0413905551). There will be points of course, but also prizes! And let's not forget the free tummy time food and BBQ. Should be a cracker in a very nice part of Sydney. Join us.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
MOISTURE MEANS 'LIFE ON MARS'
Moisture indeed. In fact a sort of constant damp, clinging, slippery, soaking wet type of moisture - again! Sadly, yet another rainy Summer Series event to bespatter the white running sox and fog the glasses. BUT, there is no denying the collective enthusiasm on the night, as scores of Sydney Summer Series scientists took to the Buffalo chase and did indeed report back there was life on (the Field of) Mars. Si kind of life, you know the sort that goes beep in the night and sends out a little red signal to a galaxy far away.
And looking at the chief collector of 'beeps', Ross 'Dr Who' Duker's screen, it seems there were 125-130 nags doing a Tim Winton at last night's damp outing at Buffalo Creek. No matter what the weather, it seems the squelch of Volley on pavement, the cling of the Kathmandu, the fog of the Christine Cragie's, and the struggle to change in the cars front seat, are all just too alluring to ignore. Bugger it mum, I'm going running was the cry.
So another wet one, but what a good one. The 'Lassoo' and the 'Garage' have been responsible for some of our most memorable SSS outings (including a biggie hereabouts a couple os seasons ago), and confirmed their reputation again last night with a cracker at the Field of Dreams - and the new start area. How would the spread work from Westminster? Would Karin go for the sugar bowl? Would she work the bus depot? Would the delights of board walk running again feature? Could we expect some fun in the cemetery? Would mangrove splodge in shoe render the Nike's a bit sniffy? And, given the rain, would the splash-O-metre replace the puff-O-metre?
Let's have a loop at what transpired.
The new venue had just enough shelter for the Garingal shop to be well deployed, and the Doctor to have room to screen. String twirlers had to huddle up, or resort to the dunney, to get room to manouver their custom inscribed 7klms twine out of the rain. Many stood and stared - hoping. But no, the Banjo bought the course but not the sun, no matter how long you delayed. And too much mulling, bought no warm wine, only dimness in the bush as the late starters strained against that compelling combination of fading light and confusing track junction.
Looking at the beautiful full colour A4 landscape presentation entitled 'Buffalo Creek', one saw the Sugarloaf in play, the FOM bush in play, and some interesting street work on the way to these two. No Boronia Park this time, and no Pidding either. That took out the bus depot flog, and made for a compact aesthetic. Not unworkable, if the high northern run suited the quads, and the bush tracks were not too slow. It looked close to a six, and may have been on a dry day. Perfect setting on offer with the 560 winning score confirming my initial hunch - and no doubt Karin's hopes.
Control #20 was temptingly close to the start/finish and was a 'must get' - sometimes at the beginning as in/out, or as an ending anointment after tasting the 30 point alter wine at #21 on the way home. Other points to stand out of the order of service, were the nice 80 on the Sugar, the linked 14,15,18 street collect, 30 being a 'must' (until your glanced up from the 17-21 route with five to go), 6&25 calling the Maserati drivers, and the gaggle in the FOM bush - including the 12-24 temptation and its over friendly botanica. Much to mull over, with routers (I know what your thinking James) mainly going 1-21 bush, or 14,15,18 and to mangrove munchies via 9 and 28/29. A middle option that proved a master stroke for many, was working 18 down via 27 and west, and ignoring the eighty points on the eastern loop.
It seemed that the bush tracks in the 4,22,23,12,5,11 loop were of good quality and this was a smart plan. Then adding 17,13,7,19 (boardwalk fun, and a must do), back to 27 and then Streets Ice Cream bagging as many as time would allow. The high threes were done this way, with the Sugarloaf adding into the fours. Three stallions used the whip to run out the 600 furlongs, with Richard 'Two Seconds' Green claiming ten from Glenn for their 560/550 scoring after their 48.33 and 49.06 runs. Lee 'Vi Strauss' Coady was our other nag going all stations, working the 501's in fine style for 55.4 minutes and a 490 score. All three would have had to factor in the 'lonely pot', with Pork Pie's guess that it would have been #3 or #2. Both delicious in their annoying aloneness, and hard to split the vote. Maybe we can go political and have a coalition of LP's.
Because of the damp, and lack of milling together space, The Pork didn't collect his usual number of route tales. A couple to note however, are rising LM star 'The Trouser' working the 4,22,23 etc bush loop mentioned above before going hither and thither in the streets - and bagging the ton for his excellent 370. Ronaldo, working the right cross in the REAL Madrid colours, had a top night in this category also - only twenty back from John and giving his Legend Men score a touch of the 'about time'. Terry & Rosscoe couldn't match it with these two GOers, but were well clear of the nights most amazing LM outcome - Heiko Schaefer posting the evenings longest time on the paddock, 77.47 minutes of intense pleasure, that unfortunately for 'The Hitchhiker', reduced a handy 360 beeperoonies to just thirty! Heiko is never one to go just under. It's a win or the dungeon. Last night, it looks like a case of the Dees.
Other scoring to briefly note: Junior Sammy Rogers enjoying a close win over young Duncan (340/320), Michele Dawson really putting down the pedal with a 390 to 310 win over Rachel '& Back' Noble, Steve Ryan working the striking blue outfit to a nice OM win with 550, twenty clear of Mark Schaefer. 'The Sandal' had the velcro tightly strapped and in with 18 seconds in hand, while 'The Shaver' was on a longer lead, dropping sixty of his hard earned 590 points. As usual, great running from these two stallions.
In other classes, I note Lisa held ten over Gill in OW, the Vets didn't surprise, Louise 'So' Brierty forewent the Schnapps to win the MW sector with 280, and Adrienne 'Nock &' Kirby, Carol 'Of Christchurch' and Helen 'Of Troy' all held hands in SVW with 240's apiece. Sue Thomson enjoyed a win in LW with another 240 post - a popular score, although not quite as popular as the nights most often pencilled pairing - 340 and 350, with eight runners apiece. This attests to the wide spread of scoring last night. An unusual feature. Wiz knocked off Mel in the mens walk, while Michelle claimed in the womens.
Lots of other good scoring of course, including a trio of Europe's finest - Pierre 'Napoloen' Francois (OM) with hand in tunic for 450, Hana 'Wimbledon' Roubalikova (OW) hitting the forehand winner across court for 410, and Henrik 'The Viking' Larsson (OM) going 380 in the helmet with horns. Great to see them down under enjoying our sunny skies!
So to wrap, a wet evening, but another excellent event. Great setting, nice site's and good admin. Great to see Mike 'Enzo' Weller & Su Lin at the Garingal desk, along with the many other ponies in the orange and green taking the dosh and dispensing the scones and jam. Huh....? Thanks Larry & Karin for putting in.
Next Wednesday sees the caravan moving east to Mosman and the artists camp at Sirius Cove. This is a great start spot on the harbour where it would not be innapropriate to come dressed as Tom Roberts or Freddy McCubbin. Come to think of it, bring the watercolour kit and indulge as your famous forebears had done. Dan 'Not On The' Dowle is our enthusiastic course setter and we can expect Dan to have us singing a breathless Danny Boy as we encounter step work, city views and real estate envy. A tenner is all it takes to live amongst them, so come on over and enjoy a great Sydney run.
Also next Monday sees the last of the Sprint events - this time back at Balmain where Dave Lotty is devising loops and twirls to confuse the mind and loosen the trouser. A good pub nearby for 'afters'. Don't miss it.
Moisture indeed. In fact a sort of constant damp, clinging, slippery, soaking wet type of moisture - again! Sadly, yet another rainy Summer Series event to bespatter the white running sox and fog the glasses. BUT, there is no denying the collective enthusiasm on the night, as scores of Sydney Summer Series scientists took to the Buffalo chase and did indeed report back there was life on (the Field of) Mars. Si kind of life, you know the sort that goes beep in the night and sends out a little red signal to a galaxy far away.
And looking at the chief collector of 'beeps', Ross 'Dr Who' Duker's screen, it seems there were 125-130 nags doing a Tim Winton at last night's damp outing at Buffalo Creek. No matter what the weather, it seems the squelch of Volley on pavement, the cling of the Kathmandu, the fog of the Christine Cragie's, and the struggle to change in the cars front seat, are all just too alluring to ignore. Bugger it mum, I'm going running was the cry.
So another wet one, but what a good one. The 'Lassoo' and the 'Garage' have been responsible for some of our most memorable SSS outings (including a biggie hereabouts a couple os seasons ago), and confirmed their reputation again last night with a cracker at the Field of Dreams - and the new start area. How would the spread work from Westminster? Would Karin go for the sugar bowl? Would she work the bus depot? Would the delights of board walk running again feature? Could we expect some fun in the cemetery? Would mangrove splodge in shoe render the Nike's a bit sniffy? And, given the rain, would the splash-O-metre replace the puff-O-metre?
Let's have a loop at what transpired.
The new venue had just enough shelter for the Garingal shop to be well deployed, and the Doctor to have room to screen. String twirlers had to huddle up, or resort to the dunney, to get room to manouver their custom inscribed 7klms twine out of the rain. Many stood and stared - hoping. But no, the Banjo bought the course but not the sun, no matter how long you delayed. And too much mulling, bought no warm wine, only dimness in the bush as the late starters strained against that compelling combination of fading light and confusing track junction.
Looking at the beautiful full colour A4 landscape presentation entitled 'Buffalo Creek', one saw the Sugarloaf in play, the FOM bush in play, and some interesting street work on the way to these two. No Boronia Park this time, and no Pidding either. That took out the bus depot flog, and made for a compact aesthetic. Not unworkable, if the high northern run suited the quads, and the bush tracks were not too slow. It looked close to a six, and may have been on a dry day. Perfect setting on offer with the 560 winning score confirming my initial hunch - and no doubt Karin's hopes.
Control #20 was temptingly close to the start/finish and was a 'must get' - sometimes at the beginning as in/out, or as an ending anointment after tasting the 30 point alter wine at #21 on the way home. Other points to stand out of the order of service, were the nice 80 on the Sugar, the linked 14,15,18 street collect, 30 being a 'must' (until your glanced up from the 17-21 route with five to go), 6&25 calling the Maserati drivers, and the gaggle in the FOM bush - including the 12-24 temptation and its over friendly botanica. Much to mull over, with routers (I know what your thinking James) mainly going 1-21 bush, or 14,15,18 and to mangrove munchies via 9 and 28/29. A middle option that proved a master stroke for many, was working 18 down via 27 and west, and ignoring the eighty points on the eastern loop.
It seemed that the bush tracks in the 4,22,23,12,5,11 loop were of good quality and this was a smart plan. Then adding 17,13,7,19 (boardwalk fun, and a must do), back to 27 and then Streets Ice Cream bagging as many as time would allow. The high threes were done this way, with the Sugarloaf adding into the fours. Three stallions used the whip to run out the 600 furlongs, with Richard 'Two Seconds' Green claiming ten from Glenn for their 560/550 scoring after their 48.33 and 49.06 runs. Lee 'Vi Strauss' Coady was our other nag going all stations, working the 501's in fine style for 55.4 minutes and a 490 score. All three would have had to factor in the 'lonely pot', with Pork Pie's guess that it would have been #3 or #2. Both delicious in their annoying aloneness, and hard to split the vote. Maybe we can go political and have a coalition of LP's.
Because of the damp, and lack of milling together space, The Pork didn't collect his usual number of route tales. A couple to note however, are rising LM star 'The Trouser' working the 4,22,23 etc bush loop mentioned above before going hither and thither in the streets - and bagging the ton for his excellent 370. Ronaldo, working the right cross in the REAL Madrid colours, had a top night in this category also - only twenty back from John and giving his Legend Men score a touch of the 'about time'. Terry & Rosscoe couldn't match it with these two GOers, but were well clear of the nights most amazing LM outcome - Heiko Schaefer posting the evenings longest time on the paddock, 77.47 minutes of intense pleasure, that unfortunately for 'The Hitchhiker', reduced a handy 360 beeperoonies to just thirty! Heiko is never one to go just under. It's a win or the dungeon. Last night, it looks like a case of the Dees.
Other scoring to briefly note: Junior Sammy Rogers enjoying a close win over young Duncan (340/320), Michele Dawson really putting down the pedal with a 390 to 310 win over Rachel '& Back' Noble, Steve Ryan working the striking blue outfit to a nice OM win with 550, twenty clear of Mark Schaefer. 'The Sandal' had the velcro tightly strapped and in with 18 seconds in hand, while 'The Shaver' was on a longer lead, dropping sixty of his hard earned 590 points. As usual, great running from these two stallions.
In other classes, I note Lisa held ten over Gill in OW, the Vets didn't surprise, Louise 'So' Brierty forewent the Schnapps to win the MW sector with 280, and Adrienne 'Nock &' Kirby, Carol 'Of Christchurch' and Helen 'Of Troy' all held hands in SVW with 240's apiece. Sue Thomson enjoyed a win in LW with another 240 post - a popular score, although not quite as popular as the nights most often pencilled pairing - 340 and 350, with eight runners apiece. This attests to the wide spread of scoring last night. An unusual feature. Wiz knocked off Mel in the mens walk, while Michelle claimed in the womens.
Lots of other good scoring of course, including a trio of Europe's finest - Pierre 'Napoloen' Francois (OM) with hand in tunic for 450, Hana 'Wimbledon' Roubalikova (OW) hitting the forehand winner across court for 410, and Henrik 'The Viking' Larsson (OM) going 380 in the helmet with horns. Great to see them down under enjoying our sunny skies!
So to wrap, a wet evening, but another excellent event. Great setting, nice site's and good admin. Great to see Mike 'Enzo' Weller & Su Lin at the Garingal desk, along with the many other ponies in the orange and green taking the dosh and dispensing the scones and jam. Huh....? Thanks Larry & Karin for putting in.
Next Wednesday sees the caravan moving east to Mosman and the artists camp at Sirius Cove. This is a great start spot on the harbour where it would not be innapropriate to come dressed as Tom Roberts or Freddy McCubbin. Come to think of it, bring the watercolour kit and indulge as your famous forebears had done. Dan 'Not On The' Dowle is our enthusiastic course setter and we can expect Dan to have us singing a breathless Danny Boy as we encounter step work, city views and real estate envy. A tenner is all it takes to live amongst them, so come on over and enjoy a great Sydney run.
Also next Monday sees the last of the Sprint events - this time back at Balmain where Dave Lotty is devising loops and twirls to confuse the mind and loosen the trouser. A good pub nearby for 'afters'. Don't miss it.
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