WAKEY WAKEY SPORTS FANS … THE 24th SYDNEY SUMMER SERIES HAS 'ERUPTED' FROM PORK PIE'S AGEING OLIVETTI, AND TREMBLES ON THE VERGE OF PUBLICATION.
Yes folks, the winter wait is nearly over. No more lonely Wednesday evenings by the telly, no more wistful fingering of the running shorts as you pull on the corduroys, no more pub dinners without those earnest map discussions. The 24th Summer Series is all set to bring light amongst the gloom; to bring ache back to the knee; to bring 'one second over' timing back into those sleepless nights; and of course to reignite competition and cunning running friendships like never before.
With just seven weeks to go, listen up as the two finger man 'fingers' the programme, and reveals what is in store.
Can you believe we have three new maps on offer in series 24. Three! All with a (sort of) water theme. Intriguing and exciting at the same time, and amazing those that thought Sydney was all mapped out. In addition to our trio of complete SSS newies, we have one prior area extended to the degree that the good Doctor expects will be '70% new' for most participants. Again, excitement is palpable at such notions.
We are also revisiting an area not used since February 1999 (a 16 year wait), another that has only been used once in the last eleven seasons, and yet another not to trouble a runner for five. There are several three/four year returns, as well as several of our favourites as you would expect - including the delicious prospect of starting 'to Pot' but not from the 'Green'.
We begin before daylight saving commences on October the 1st, and manage to ink every week up till the Macquarie final on March 25th. A 26 event Wednesday series that manages to become a Monday captive for two of them! The final details are nearly done, setters are fingering the rosary, runners fingering the singlet - and the much anticipated Facebook page fingering itself somehow into commission!
Watch this space. The programme will be up shortly.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
DAN DELIVERS CLASSY CLOSER - AND POSES THE QUESTION "CAN ART CHANGE YOUR LIFE?"
Despite a damp overhang to proceedings, the 23rd Sydney Summer Series final at Macquarie Uni was a class act - and a very fitting conclusion to the 2013/2014 season. And in a gallery, familiar and yet ever changing, course setter Dan Redfern had the special SSS tour group (of 190 odd art lovers) looking at the Garingal master work - and suddenly seeing "You Yangs Landscape" by Fred Williams! Such is the ability of 'All Stations to Burwood' to change perceptions.
We came expecting an Edo period Japanese screen, a Clifford Possum perhaps, even a heavily worked Anne Thomson - but instead found ourselves in possession of a portrait format landscape by the Australian master. Was it the intensity of palette? The earthy tones? The balance of yellow and green?The daubing of campus and arc of M2? If you look, it's all there, a work in complete harmony, across the whole canvass, a wonder of oil and brush - and beautifully exploited by curator Redfern.
A tenner is all it took to procure an A4 copy of this sumptuous painting, and ten minutes was enough for some to determine a plan. Stringmen, huddled in Camry's and Audi's, gave up trying to compute the 1:8,000 scale, resigning to punt a loop - and were suddenly upon the course. Let's have a closer look.
Previous encounters with this work saw it as a two pack in/out run. Dan went deeper, enlightening his audience with a third option - a third way of entering 'into' the work. This new eastern sector connect gave a better flow to the whole, and enabled a good early tally as one encountered light and dark green areas of the canvass - and the hesitation inherent in the black dashed line. Of the three 'exits', the middle one across the bridge gave the least immediate return, the western rewarded but needed running speed and fitness, so it's probably no surprise that most began east - around the tennis courts to 21, across the creek and on to 13,22 before taking the minor track directly to #23 across the oval. You needed care to pick the small tracks, with some following leads that ended in the green (June Stanley found herself on the wrong side of a high fence hereabouts). The stretch on to #1, should have found fans, but the direct 22/23 runners had bigger plans.
Those on this clockwise course then hit the Uni, where some almost Sprint-O setting tempted. 26,4,9,14 (nicely at top level) worked before jumping the stream to 27, and then walking the plank back again, and on to #15 (the hydrant, the hydrant) and wider decision time. Sprint O fans could then loop back via another top level car park ping (7), to go in-out 6, through the canopies to the sculpture at #8 and out to flash via 5 (another sculpture - you can see Dan's cultural thinking) and the 25/24 double before a finish that might not have been a winning one. More ambitious art lovers worked west from the hydrant to the creek (28) and then the horse paddock and student housing intensity stuff (16,17,29) before crossing back for the 25/24 double. These are the high three punters, your 380/390 point posters.
The other loop, the anti-clockwise option, saw runners work 19,12, down the steps to 30, backtrack to another drop to #20 at the pylon, before the long flog past 19 to the 18,10,3 scatter (not sure about 3 - too off line) and into the student digs and nags before reversing direction. There was more running in the west, with the Uni points a terrible temptation that sucked you ever deeper into the campus. "Ten, ten, another tenner" was the anguished cry, as the ring of thirty's on the edges drew them ever further from safety. Those that ran out via the entry road worked up a lot of puff for little reward - having to put up a kilometre before #18 came into view (as it didn't to Bruce 'The Firebox' Stanley) - and assuming you were then on a sort of mini anti clockwise loop. Perhaps not the best of options.
There was a bit of a hole where the old golf driving range was, and as I mentioned, a dearth of pings south across the entry bridge area. Otherwise points piled on in reasonable fashion, and most would have gone home from Macquarie Galleries happy bunnies. They thought they had run Macquarie, but Dan gave them art. Gave them Fred Williams. They had encountered a great painting instead. Life changing!
In actual fact it was a tough final. A top score of 550 (Andy and Steve in an OM tie), and only three others going above 500. It didn't look that wide at first scan, with the record eight runners who took up the 'all stations' cry, probably thinking the same thing. Deceptive stuff then, with the Uni weaving about contributing to over times, as did the car park upper levels (#14#7) and the in-outs at 30/20 etc. Hard to pick a poorly attended unit. Maybe #2 got missed in the wider 26,4,9,14 Uni building run. Maybe #3. Mmmmm, a great course none the less, and an excellent challenge for the final. Let's have a deck-o at some stats and some stars.
184 entries, including another six or so in the group entries, gives us a great final. There was certainly a buzz about the assembly area, and many occasional SSS runners turned up to give the volleys a final fly. Good to see Nick Dent with us (after an excellent weekend in Victoria), Ian Cameron tuning up for Easter, Linda Sesta running in a (joint) win, and also looking good for Easter. I mentioned eight 600 point runners last night, with Col Burnett (VM) enjoying things longer than the rest - on the flog for 91.04 minutes, and losing 470 of the hard earned's in the process. Exceptional devotion Colin. He even surpassed the Macquarie Banker, only an 86" tango for Ian.
Winners of interest last night. Chippy le Carpentier, in his only SSS appearance this season, ran a great 390 pointer in IM - in 44.59! Chippy get's the 'Phew!' award this week, along with an even tighter ping from Aidan Dawson - winning JM in 45.00 exactly. Other winners include June Stanley from Sue (180/170) after Sue went wider, Jimmy Merchant cleaning up LM (390) after the three LM leaders all went too far (Ted, a 600 man, and John a farewell SSS tour loop of 430), or not far enough (Rosscoe back early), Louise Brierty in MW (ten from Carolyn and thirty from Antoniya in a very strong run), James 'I Know I Can, I Know I Can' Lithgow from Mel (450/430 in SVM), Mark Savery in VM (a great 30 on from Greg Barbour; Michael not running), and VW's Linda/Paula in a 400 point draw. 'The King' (Richie in MM) had a quiet one (470) relatively speaking, being well beaten by 'The Gunboat' (490) and of course, Glenn with the best 600 sweep of all - in 50.56 minutes for a 540 post. What a star!! This is not to forget the OM battle royal, where both Andrew Hill and Steve Ryan went into the last race on the same 1200 pt score. Steve had to win outright to sneak past 'The Hills Hoist', but the draw gave it to Andy. Sensational racing that had the crowd in a thrall.
We had a couple of .01's, the most impressive (and agonising) of which is Meredith Dodds, with the classic 45.01. Eric 'The Viking' Young, Anthony Dowle, Andrew Wiz, and Robin Cameron are the others in this well reported department. All age classes were in the crowd except SJW, with Duncan posting a finals win in SJM (from Alastair George and Toby Wilson), and the Dawson's (Aidan and Michele) winning the two junior races - and the overall series in their age class. Interestingly, Toby pipped Alastair for the overall SJM silver, despite the reverse result last night.
The evening concluded with the usual series winners presentation and prizes (and the Coca Cola fridge alarm!), preceded this year by the new award of a perpetual trophy for the 'Special Award' recipient - this season a well overdue acknowledgement of all the work Mel Cox does in refining and helping post the race results over the season. The badges for the three place getters in each age category followed, and then the SSS Cup presentation - awarded to Karin Hefftner as the runner with the most points accumulated over the season (Karin's incredible season saw her tally 2580 points from a possible 2600, to claim from fellow addict Andy Hill who ended with an equally impressive 2541 points). Big thanks to Dan and the Garingal team for a classic final, and especial thanks to Dan's press ganged control retrieval team (Bob, John, Carolyn and Neil) who were out there in the most atrocious post event downpour (while we all dined at the El Ranco!!). Oh cruel world. I should also thank David Noble and Graeme Hill for all their SSS help - David our superb web master, and Graeme our original SSS stats man, and last night's prizes capitano. Good work boys.
So, another season appears to be over. Pork Pie is savouring the silence already - resting quietly on the ottoman, as he gazes at his crumbled copy of 'You Yangs', and sips a weak Lady Grey. For all the fans of the Sydney Summer Series, rest assured that season 24 is already upon the drafting table, and will probably include an event as part of the Christmas 5 Day O carnival - possibly a blinder around the wharfs of Pyrmont, Porkie in charge. We begin again on Wednesday October 1st - probably a pre- daylight saver, with earlier starts, and then into it over the next 26 weeks. Whoo hoo, only six months to go!
Despite a damp overhang to proceedings, the 23rd Sydney Summer Series final at Macquarie Uni was a class act - and a very fitting conclusion to the 2013/2014 season. And in a gallery, familiar and yet ever changing, course setter Dan Redfern had the special SSS tour group (of 190 odd art lovers) looking at the Garingal master work - and suddenly seeing "You Yangs Landscape" by Fred Williams! Such is the ability of 'All Stations to Burwood' to change perceptions.
We came expecting an Edo period Japanese screen, a Clifford Possum perhaps, even a heavily worked Anne Thomson - but instead found ourselves in possession of a portrait format landscape by the Australian master. Was it the intensity of palette? The earthy tones? The balance of yellow and green?The daubing of campus and arc of M2? If you look, it's all there, a work in complete harmony, across the whole canvass, a wonder of oil and brush - and beautifully exploited by curator Redfern.
A tenner is all it took to procure an A4 copy of this sumptuous painting, and ten minutes was enough for some to determine a plan. Stringmen, huddled in Camry's and Audi's, gave up trying to compute the 1:8,000 scale, resigning to punt a loop - and were suddenly upon the course. Let's have a closer look.
Previous encounters with this work saw it as a two pack in/out run. Dan went deeper, enlightening his audience with a third option - a third way of entering 'into' the work. This new eastern sector connect gave a better flow to the whole, and enabled a good early tally as one encountered light and dark green areas of the canvass - and the hesitation inherent in the black dashed line. Of the three 'exits', the middle one across the bridge gave the least immediate return, the western rewarded but needed running speed and fitness, so it's probably no surprise that most began east - around the tennis courts to 21, across the creek and on to 13,22 before taking the minor track directly to #23 across the oval. You needed care to pick the small tracks, with some following leads that ended in the green (June Stanley found herself on the wrong side of a high fence hereabouts). The stretch on to #1, should have found fans, but the direct 22/23 runners had bigger plans.
Those on this clockwise course then hit the Uni, where some almost Sprint-O setting tempted. 26,4,9,14 (nicely at top level) worked before jumping the stream to 27, and then walking the plank back again, and on to #15 (the hydrant, the hydrant) and wider decision time. Sprint O fans could then loop back via another top level car park ping (7), to go in-out 6, through the canopies to the sculpture at #8 and out to flash via 5 (another sculpture - you can see Dan's cultural thinking) and the 25/24 double before a finish that might not have been a winning one. More ambitious art lovers worked west from the hydrant to the creek (28) and then the horse paddock and student housing intensity stuff (16,17,29) before crossing back for the 25/24 double. These are the high three punters, your 380/390 point posters.
The other loop, the anti-clockwise option, saw runners work 19,12, down the steps to 30, backtrack to another drop to #20 at the pylon, before the long flog past 19 to the 18,10,3 scatter (not sure about 3 - too off line) and into the student digs and nags before reversing direction. There was more running in the west, with the Uni points a terrible temptation that sucked you ever deeper into the campus. "Ten, ten, another tenner" was the anguished cry, as the ring of thirty's on the edges drew them ever further from safety. Those that ran out via the entry road worked up a lot of puff for little reward - having to put up a kilometre before #18 came into view (as it didn't to Bruce 'The Firebox' Stanley) - and assuming you were then on a sort of mini anti clockwise loop. Perhaps not the best of options.
There was a bit of a hole where the old golf driving range was, and as I mentioned, a dearth of pings south across the entry bridge area. Otherwise points piled on in reasonable fashion, and most would have gone home from Macquarie Galleries happy bunnies. They thought they had run Macquarie, but Dan gave them art. Gave them Fred Williams. They had encountered a great painting instead. Life changing!
In actual fact it was a tough final. A top score of 550 (Andy and Steve in an OM tie), and only three others going above 500. It didn't look that wide at first scan, with the record eight runners who took up the 'all stations' cry, probably thinking the same thing. Deceptive stuff then, with the Uni weaving about contributing to over times, as did the car park upper levels (#14#7) and the in-outs at 30/20 etc. Hard to pick a poorly attended unit. Maybe #2 got missed in the wider 26,4,9,14 Uni building run. Maybe #3. Mmmmm, a great course none the less, and an excellent challenge for the final. Let's have a deck-o at some stats and some stars.
184 entries, including another six or so in the group entries, gives us a great final. There was certainly a buzz about the assembly area, and many occasional SSS runners turned up to give the volleys a final fly. Good to see Nick Dent with us (after an excellent weekend in Victoria), Ian Cameron tuning up for Easter, Linda Sesta running in a (joint) win, and also looking good for Easter. I mentioned eight 600 point runners last night, with Col Burnett (VM) enjoying things longer than the rest - on the flog for 91.04 minutes, and losing 470 of the hard earned's in the process. Exceptional devotion Colin. He even surpassed the Macquarie Banker, only an 86" tango for Ian.
Winners of interest last night. Chippy le Carpentier, in his only SSS appearance this season, ran a great 390 pointer in IM - in 44.59! Chippy get's the 'Phew!' award this week, along with an even tighter ping from Aidan Dawson - winning JM in 45.00 exactly. Other winners include June Stanley from Sue (180/170) after Sue went wider, Jimmy Merchant cleaning up LM (390) after the three LM leaders all went too far (Ted, a 600 man, and John a farewell SSS tour loop of 430), or not far enough (Rosscoe back early), Louise Brierty in MW (ten from Carolyn and thirty from Antoniya in a very strong run), James 'I Know I Can, I Know I Can' Lithgow from Mel (450/430 in SVM), Mark Savery in VM (a great 30 on from Greg Barbour; Michael not running), and VW's Linda/Paula in a 400 point draw. 'The King' (Richie in MM) had a quiet one (470) relatively speaking, being well beaten by 'The Gunboat' (490) and of course, Glenn with the best 600 sweep of all - in 50.56 minutes for a 540 post. What a star!! This is not to forget the OM battle royal, where both Andrew Hill and Steve Ryan went into the last race on the same 1200 pt score. Steve had to win outright to sneak past 'The Hills Hoist', but the draw gave it to Andy. Sensational racing that had the crowd in a thrall.
We had a couple of .01's, the most impressive (and agonising) of which is Meredith Dodds, with the classic 45.01. Eric 'The Viking' Young, Anthony Dowle, Andrew Wiz, and Robin Cameron are the others in this well reported department. All age classes were in the crowd except SJW, with Duncan posting a finals win in SJM (from Alastair George and Toby Wilson), and the Dawson's (Aidan and Michele) winning the two junior races - and the overall series in their age class. Interestingly, Toby pipped Alastair for the overall SJM silver, despite the reverse result last night.
The evening concluded with the usual series winners presentation and prizes (and the Coca Cola fridge alarm!), preceded this year by the new award of a perpetual trophy for the 'Special Award' recipient - this season a well overdue acknowledgement of all the work Mel Cox does in refining and helping post the race results over the season. The badges for the three place getters in each age category followed, and then the SSS Cup presentation - awarded to Karin Hefftner as the runner with the most points accumulated over the season (Karin's incredible season saw her tally 2580 points from a possible 2600, to claim from fellow addict Andy Hill who ended with an equally impressive 2541 points). Big thanks to Dan and the Garingal team for a classic final, and especial thanks to Dan's press ganged control retrieval team (Bob, John, Carolyn and Neil) who were out there in the most atrocious post event downpour (while we all dined at the El Ranco!!). Oh cruel world. I should also thank David Noble and Graeme Hill for all their SSS help - David our superb web master, and Graeme our original SSS stats man, and last night's prizes capitano. Good work boys.
So, another season appears to be over. Pork Pie is savouring the silence already - resting quietly on the ottoman, as he gazes at his crumbled copy of 'You Yangs', and sips a weak Lady Grey. For all the fans of the Sydney Summer Series, rest assured that season 24 is already upon the drafting table, and will probably include an event as part of the Christmas 5 Day O carnival - possibly a blinder around the wharfs of Pyrmont, Porkie in charge. We begin again on Wednesday October 1st - probably a pre- daylight saver, with earlier starts, and then into it over the next 26 weeks. Whoo hoo, only six months to go!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
TRIPLE ZERO AT MARINA'S PASTA PUNISHER
Perfect table manners, and perfect timing, from three runners at last night's spaghetti junction shoot out makes an interesting race review opener. Probably a first time to see triple perfect 45's, and impressive stuff when one understands what the 'concentration of contour', the 'barrier of puff', the 'rampart of restriction' could (and would) do to the dinner plans of over 150 of Sydney's finest. So, let's hear it for our triplets - Sue, Gwen and Istvan. Great timing girls and boys, and deserving of a richly sauced spag to renew the bodily batteries.
Speaking of spag.
One can't help but be impressed (and intimidated) by the Clontarf map's drapery of pasta-like contours. A languor of linguine, a fearful fall of fettucine, a blockage of bavette, a tangle of tagliatelle - providing a formidable taste test in the west. Cannelloni, tortiglioni and ziti drawing the hungrier competitors to the maps southern 'thrust' - and small servings of rigatoni and rigate rewarding runners in the more open centre. Clontarf is a clog and swirl of brown contour lines - it's a steaming bowl of wholemeal spaghetti and spaghettini, and all served in a very deep sided crockery. Very steep!
Let's take our seat at the table as Bennelong's Russian maestro abandons the Borsch and cooks up an Italian chew.
With the BNO kitchen installed adjacent to the Sandy Bay sewer pipeline (contrary to health regulations), arriving diners plonked the $10 degustation menu fee upon the till, selected a table, and, with their backs to the impressive sewer, glanced at the menu. Many fell into animated conversation with their fellows as they scanned the page, string at the ready. Others went suddenly quiet. Quite a few seemed to lose their appetite. The size of the dish, the 90 metres of climb. Before they had begun, meals were imagined as only half eaten. It was going to be a tough night on the chomp.
The tables closest to the kitchen hosted a series of ten pointers, the higher tables were also that way inclined - with the meatier rewards in an arc from the north, around the eastern nibble, to a five layered (and difficult to digest) lasagne in the south. There was, sadly to this reviewer, nothing along Peronne Road and the Gordon connect, to give a middle course option to the otherwise northern 'clocky' or southern 'anti-clocky'. All course options had to confront the climb - and the effect of tomato sauce upon the starched running top . The north allowed a reasonable warm up with a few tenners and a low tide run to #2, a 'Larry' at #30 (slow stuff along the upsey/downsey path to Bradys Point), the steep Graham Street steps past #27, and the slow slog to the question asked by number 16 - especially if going on to the taste of 12,14,25 etc. The 1/10/18 starters only managed a mild engine warming before the full effects of Contour Kate were felt, whereas the low skirt option to #28, involved nice but slowish level track running (great views) before the inevitable. All course options had the same goal of course - collecting as much of the crema on top after a slow slog up and before a flyer back down.
In reality, a two dish menu, with perhaps more opting for the northern circle than those beginning south. Where the course had its challenge for the majority was in the centre around the bowling club and schools. Here a maddeningly bunch of tenners defied easy looping - with #7 losing out to #3 if the tick tock became assertive. Adrian Place demanded attention (#24), and took 3" plus to get into and out of, with Commerce Lane (#13) and the tennis courts (#23) also de rigeur for those a bit peckish hereabouts - and again involving the in-out setting that was a feature of the meal. Pork Pie, working from the northern start, looped 12,14,23,13,24(in-out),15(reverse engines again), 6,8,3,18 before going lap lap 10 to 1 and home. Other middle pot panters, worked east from #14 to include the 25 ('Larry' again) and 17, before hooking up to the tennis lesson and a tenner or two before bed. Tough running - especially the maccheroni shaped climb up from 25 to 17.
Those of even greater abilities would have been tempted to try the twisting fusilli bianco route to #20,22,19,11 - and then i) back to the top (24,15etc), ii) to the 7,15,3,18 garden salad, or iii) the 'I've had enough' option down to 28 and home via your private yacht. The placing of control 29 beside the Grotto Point lighthouse was, where to begin… kind of 'out there', and well beyond most of course. Easily dismissed (likewise #26), although I can breathlessly report that three competitors tasted the Grotto gourmet dish but took too long, and were penalised at the checkout. Getting there via 28 would have added the elusive #9, but I would guess more looped the higher located pots (22/19) with in-out work from the mentioned 20-11 plan. Hard to settle on a 'lonely' - maybe number 9, maybe #11. Mmmm, tough call.
So, how did this evening on the chew pan out?
All early indications looked below 500, with the score lists not moving beyond Tom 'Tom Drum' Joss's excellent 480 jungle beat till quite late in the service. OM joint leader Steve Ryan then moved up ten to 490 after going out for 50.03 (annoying that .03!), but punters had to wait till the late sitting to see Andy Hill crash home in 47.54 to take it over the five - posting 510 in 47.54. Vet Greg 'The Movies' Barbour was also on stage for the late show, putting up a superb 480 - and a strong forty point win over Michael Burton. Not something your food critic often reports.
Richard 'The King' posted 460 in MM, a shave of parmesan from Patrik (450), and a bit more to Glenn (one of the three full menu men) who cleared his plate in 60.01 for a 440 post. The .01 after an hour at his pasta must have hurt. Ouch! Other winners were as per programme, Gill from Claire, Neil over Wazza, Karin, Carol, Sue, Rachael, Andy (suprisingly well on from Mel Cox 300/250), Robin - but good to see Carolyn Haupt card sixty on from Antoniya (our leading MW star 360/300), and Sir Ted run in a great win in IM (330 in 44.02) from Ron '101 hits torture in the back seat to come' Junghans with 300 and Ken 'To Walk, To Stroll' Jacobson's 280. Strangely, IM leader Heiko Schaefer, is almost unsighted here - working a difficult to digest plate of gnocchi for nearly 57 minutes, for an uncharacteristic 190 post. Not a meal to remember Heiko!
Jim 'Nice Creek Detail' Merchant is flying (after a season of WaM) in anticipation of gold and granite this weekend, carding a classy 44.03" 330 pointer in LM - only one second longer than SVM's 'The Blue Engine' for the same result. 'Le Pantalooney' and Rosscoe both home twenty on to share the LM champers it seems - with Ted 'Of Chatswood' a no show. Some diners reported slow service, going home unhappy with their mains - Larry 'L Plate' Weiss one of them (an early back 330), and President Paul, a modest 290 belying the speed his STB victim knows he is capable of. Although señor Prudhoe went two over, his zero finish ping (47.00) would have given some satisfaction.
A few more stats and wipes of the SSS bib perhaps. 150 entries, with the three groups adding a few more at table is a bit light but I guess we are getting to the end of the season - and late runners are now thinking 'torch'. Just over half the field managed to wolf down 300pts or more, with the 330 point score the most popular - and posted by no less than runners from eight different age classes (Open to Immortal - just about as wide as you can get). Take a bow you 330 pointers - 'Oh' Brett Sewell, Carolyn 'The Kinks' Davies, Fergus Dixon 'Chambers' and Johnny 'Rotten' Bulman among them. Great to see Terry 'Non Parole Period' Murphy back from his own sentence (imposed after Tezza went doggie on his bike and did a bit of damage - to his skeletal workings, not sure of Fido) - and Bryony, once again with us - in bri-nylon and bonnet. 'Mr Orienteering' was also amongst the diners, his modest 170 a poor indication of the form expected when he mixes gold with his pasta.
No 44.59's this week, although VM's Bernard Thomas comes close with 44.57 in his 250 point claim. I've mentioned Gordon as a 44.02 (with Ted), but note a more poignant two over - Lloyd Gledhill posting 240 in IM with a 45.02. Ouch once again! Our longest on course is a snack, with Ian McKenzie working a farfalle like in-out sketch, to ping all 600 in 101.08 minutes. Ian ends up with 30 points, just clinging to positive territory, unlike John D'Cruz, who spent rather a long time at his suppa verde (68.27), and goes home with minus 120! Nice one, and our only 'free' first time senior entry. He learned a lot which is good. I mentioned that there were three 600, or full menu, men. Given Glenny and Ian have already been issued with their bills, the SSS head waiter can report MM Richard 'Four Pillars' Banks also enjoyed a rewarding dinner - clearing his plate in the excellent time of 67.36 for a 370 post. An excellent run by the banker - one of several 'no-club' runners last night who hopefully might join us soon (as the bush orienteering season gets underway). No JW's this week, but Kaj gets the tiramisu in JM with 320pts. Also, no shows from the Currie's last night, so we have rewards at table for Finn Mackay and Alexandra Thomas in the subs. Modest scoring, but, hey, a win's a win.
What else? Apparently Prince Albert was dining at a nearby table and was shot during the dessert course by a disgruntled Paddy. Gelato with a red topping for our royal guest. The Prince survived, but didn't see his way to staying on in Oz to enjoy Marina's pasta challenge. Sadly. So then, our penultimate Sydney Summer Series event for season 23 is over, and our thanks go to the Bennelong front of house, wait and kitchen staff and, especially, to Marina for her course (or borsch with a difference). Tough, steep, a spread out serving across big plates. That was the 'Tarf' in 2014. A meal to remember.
We now look forward to our final, again at Macquarie Uni Sports Fields, with Doctor Dan in charge. 'Platform One' knows his way around an A4 sheet in full colour, and has good form in the setting department. Dan will no doubt deliver a sneak of oval, a pull of paddock, a reward of road, a ping of parking station - and maybe a hurry of horse jump. It's all here at Macquarie Uni, and will be a fitting challenge for our 2013/14 series final. No minister to share the prize giving, but please all stay about to cheer on the season's winners - and the winner of the Summer Series Cup. The much sort after badges are resting quietly, the Bollinger is cooling, and Rosscoe is working on a few stats. It's been another great season, so let's go out with a bang. As Jerry Lee Lewis sang (ok, youths, I hear you) "I like to give the great artist what's coming to 'em". Dan is such an artist!
Perfect table manners, and perfect timing, from three runners at last night's spaghetti junction shoot out makes an interesting race review opener. Probably a first time to see triple perfect 45's, and impressive stuff when one understands what the 'concentration of contour', the 'barrier of puff', the 'rampart of restriction' could (and would) do to the dinner plans of over 150 of Sydney's finest. So, let's hear it for our triplets - Sue, Gwen and Istvan. Great timing girls and boys, and deserving of a richly sauced spag to renew the bodily batteries.
Speaking of spag.
One can't help but be impressed (and intimidated) by the Clontarf map's drapery of pasta-like contours. A languor of linguine, a fearful fall of fettucine, a blockage of bavette, a tangle of tagliatelle - providing a formidable taste test in the west. Cannelloni, tortiglioni and ziti drawing the hungrier competitors to the maps southern 'thrust' - and small servings of rigatoni and rigate rewarding runners in the more open centre. Clontarf is a clog and swirl of brown contour lines - it's a steaming bowl of wholemeal spaghetti and spaghettini, and all served in a very deep sided crockery. Very steep!
Let's take our seat at the table as Bennelong's Russian maestro abandons the Borsch and cooks up an Italian chew.
With the BNO kitchen installed adjacent to the Sandy Bay sewer pipeline (contrary to health regulations), arriving diners plonked the $10 degustation menu fee upon the till, selected a table, and, with their backs to the impressive sewer, glanced at the menu. Many fell into animated conversation with their fellows as they scanned the page, string at the ready. Others went suddenly quiet. Quite a few seemed to lose their appetite. The size of the dish, the 90 metres of climb. Before they had begun, meals were imagined as only half eaten. It was going to be a tough night on the chomp.
The tables closest to the kitchen hosted a series of ten pointers, the higher tables were also that way inclined - with the meatier rewards in an arc from the north, around the eastern nibble, to a five layered (and difficult to digest) lasagne in the south. There was, sadly to this reviewer, nothing along Peronne Road and the Gordon connect, to give a middle course option to the otherwise northern 'clocky' or southern 'anti-clocky'. All course options had to confront the climb - and the effect of tomato sauce upon the starched running top . The north allowed a reasonable warm up with a few tenners and a low tide run to #2, a 'Larry' at #30 (slow stuff along the upsey/downsey path to Bradys Point), the steep Graham Street steps past #27, and the slow slog to the question asked by number 16 - especially if going on to the taste of 12,14,25 etc. The 1/10/18 starters only managed a mild engine warming before the full effects of Contour Kate were felt, whereas the low skirt option to #28, involved nice but slowish level track running (great views) before the inevitable. All course options had the same goal of course - collecting as much of the crema on top after a slow slog up and before a flyer back down.
In reality, a two dish menu, with perhaps more opting for the northern circle than those beginning south. Where the course had its challenge for the majority was in the centre around the bowling club and schools. Here a maddeningly bunch of tenners defied easy looping - with #7 losing out to #3 if the tick tock became assertive. Adrian Place demanded attention (#24), and took 3" plus to get into and out of, with Commerce Lane (#13) and the tennis courts (#23) also de rigeur for those a bit peckish hereabouts - and again involving the in-out setting that was a feature of the meal. Pork Pie, working from the northern start, looped 12,14,23,13,24(in-out),15(reverse engines again), 6,8,3,18 before going lap lap 10 to 1 and home. Other middle pot panters, worked east from #14 to include the 25 ('Larry' again) and 17, before hooking up to the tennis lesson and a tenner or two before bed. Tough running - especially the maccheroni shaped climb up from 25 to 17.
Those of even greater abilities would have been tempted to try the twisting fusilli bianco route to #20,22,19,11 - and then i) back to the top (24,15etc), ii) to the 7,15,3,18 garden salad, or iii) the 'I've had enough' option down to 28 and home via your private yacht. The placing of control 29 beside the Grotto Point lighthouse was, where to begin… kind of 'out there', and well beyond most of course. Easily dismissed (likewise #26), although I can breathlessly report that three competitors tasted the Grotto gourmet dish but took too long, and were penalised at the checkout. Getting there via 28 would have added the elusive #9, but I would guess more looped the higher located pots (22/19) with in-out work from the mentioned 20-11 plan. Hard to settle on a 'lonely' - maybe number 9, maybe #11. Mmmm, tough call.
So, how did this evening on the chew pan out?
All early indications looked below 500, with the score lists not moving beyond Tom 'Tom Drum' Joss's excellent 480 jungle beat till quite late in the service. OM joint leader Steve Ryan then moved up ten to 490 after going out for 50.03 (annoying that .03!), but punters had to wait till the late sitting to see Andy Hill crash home in 47.54 to take it over the five - posting 510 in 47.54. Vet Greg 'The Movies' Barbour was also on stage for the late show, putting up a superb 480 - and a strong forty point win over Michael Burton. Not something your food critic often reports.
Richard 'The King' posted 460 in MM, a shave of parmesan from Patrik (450), and a bit more to Glenn (one of the three full menu men) who cleared his plate in 60.01 for a 440 post. The .01 after an hour at his pasta must have hurt. Ouch! Other winners were as per programme, Gill from Claire, Neil over Wazza, Karin, Carol, Sue, Rachael, Andy (suprisingly well on from Mel Cox 300/250), Robin - but good to see Carolyn Haupt card sixty on from Antoniya (our leading MW star 360/300), and Sir Ted run in a great win in IM (330 in 44.02) from Ron '101 hits torture in the back seat to come' Junghans with 300 and Ken 'To Walk, To Stroll' Jacobson's 280. Strangely, IM leader Heiko Schaefer, is almost unsighted here - working a difficult to digest plate of gnocchi for nearly 57 minutes, for an uncharacteristic 190 post. Not a meal to remember Heiko!
Jim 'Nice Creek Detail' Merchant is flying (after a season of WaM) in anticipation of gold and granite this weekend, carding a classy 44.03" 330 pointer in LM - only one second longer than SVM's 'The Blue Engine' for the same result. 'Le Pantalooney' and Rosscoe both home twenty on to share the LM champers it seems - with Ted 'Of Chatswood' a no show. Some diners reported slow service, going home unhappy with their mains - Larry 'L Plate' Weiss one of them (an early back 330), and President Paul, a modest 290 belying the speed his STB victim knows he is capable of. Although señor Prudhoe went two over, his zero finish ping (47.00) would have given some satisfaction.
A few more stats and wipes of the SSS bib perhaps. 150 entries, with the three groups adding a few more at table is a bit light but I guess we are getting to the end of the season - and late runners are now thinking 'torch'. Just over half the field managed to wolf down 300pts or more, with the 330 point score the most popular - and posted by no less than runners from eight different age classes (Open to Immortal - just about as wide as you can get). Take a bow you 330 pointers - 'Oh' Brett Sewell, Carolyn 'The Kinks' Davies, Fergus Dixon 'Chambers' and Johnny 'Rotten' Bulman among them. Great to see Terry 'Non Parole Period' Murphy back from his own sentence (imposed after Tezza went doggie on his bike and did a bit of damage - to his skeletal workings, not sure of Fido) - and Bryony, once again with us - in bri-nylon and bonnet. 'Mr Orienteering' was also amongst the diners, his modest 170 a poor indication of the form expected when he mixes gold with his pasta.
No 44.59's this week, although VM's Bernard Thomas comes close with 44.57 in his 250 point claim. I've mentioned Gordon as a 44.02 (with Ted), but note a more poignant two over - Lloyd Gledhill posting 240 in IM with a 45.02. Ouch once again! Our longest on course is a snack, with Ian McKenzie working a farfalle like in-out sketch, to ping all 600 in 101.08 minutes. Ian ends up with 30 points, just clinging to positive territory, unlike John D'Cruz, who spent rather a long time at his suppa verde (68.27), and goes home with minus 120! Nice one, and our only 'free' first time senior entry. He learned a lot which is good. I mentioned that there were three 600, or full menu, men. Given Glenny and Ian have already been issued with their bills, the SSS head waiter can report MM Richard 'Four Pillars' Banks also enjoyed a rewarding dinner - clearing his plate in the excellent time of 67.36 for a 370 post. An excellent run by the banker - one of several 'no-club' runners last night who hopefully might join us soon (as the bush orienteering season gets underway). No JW's this week, but Kaj gets the tiramisu in JM with 320pts. Also, no shows from the Currie's last night, so we have rewards at table for Finn Mackay and Alexandra Thomas in the subs. Modest scoring, but, hey, a win's a win.
What else? Apparently Prince Albert was dining at a nearby table and was shot during the dessert course by a disgruntled Paddy. Gelato with a red topping for our royal guest. The Prince survived, but didn't see his way to staying on in Oz to enjoy Marina's pasta challenge. Sadly. So then, our penultimate Sydney Summer Series event for season 23 is over, and our thanks go to the Bennelong front of house, wait and kitchen staff and, especially, to Marina for her course (or borsch with a difference). Tough, steep, a spread out serving across big plates. That was the 'Tarf' in 2014. A meal to remember.
We now look forward to our final, again at Macquarie Uni Sports Fields, with Doctor Dan in charge. 'Platform One' knows his way around an A4 sheet in full colour, and has good form in the setting department. Dan will no doubt deliver a sneak of oval, a pull of paddock, a reward of road, a ping of parking station - and maybe a hurry of horse jump. It's all here at Macquarie Uni, and will be a fitting challenge for our 2013/14 series final. No minister to share the prize giving, but please all stay about to cheer on the season's winners - and the winner of the Summer Series Cup. The much sort after badges are resting quietly, the Bollinger is cooling, and Rosscoe is working on a few stats. It's been another great season, so let's go out with a bang. As Jerry Lee Lewis sang (ok, youths, I hear you) "I like to give the great artist what's coming to 'em". Dan is such an artist!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Sports Fans, please note: Results from last night's event at West Penno may be delayed until the computer probs experienced at the download can be sorted. Rather than wait for the usual performance (and non performance!) morsels to fall under the gaze of your race reporter, Pork Pie will overview the evening - a glass of milk and an arrowroot at the ready.
"'OH DARLING' SWOONED ISOBELL". (WESTERN) MILLS & BOON'S LATEST SUMMER ROMANCE RUSH RELEASED TO ADORING FANS.
In the spacious grounds of the Grey Spence family home 'Thornton Park', acclaimed romance publisher (Western) Mills & Boon, released their latest novel last night. "It is a work of love, separation, and lost opportunity, as the young Guy Grey Spence is torn between old flame Isobell, and the alluring beauty - and points, of Merelynne from across the creek' Chairman (Australian Fiction) Sir Edward Mulherin said. A large crowd, well scented and bonneted, waited on Sir Ted's every word, and then rushed the registration table for their mint first edition.
With copies of 'The Romance of West Pennant Hills' selling for a mere ten dollars (paper back edition), there was steady work at the till - Sir Edward being well supported by (W)M&B staffers Robyn & Steve Dunlop in the rush to understand the scope of the 'story', and where the romances climactic 'points' might be located. It turns out, both early and late, for the opening chapter immediately set the scene with a dramatic meeting under the 'tower'(#28), steamy passion behind the 'east tree'(#19), and a stolen kiss behind the 'north thicket'(20).
Summer Series competitors are romantics at heart, responding to the weekly release of new, colourful and enthralling Sydney 'thirty pager' novella's, with a blind enthusiasm that has done much to sustain the (Hills) & Boon empire - and Orienteering NSW. Despite the distance to the Thornton Park event, the enticement of Darling Mills Creek and another 'throbbing' Grey Spence tear jerker was enough to bring on the fans. Many came in colourful clothing - some, somewhat scandalously, in shorts and runners! The publishers staff were all beautifully turned out in blue, attending to affairs outside Thornton's magnificent ball room, while runners disported themselves upon the well kept lawns - as they digested the book and planned their campaigns. Let's listen in.
Sir Edward worked a portrait scatter, with good scoring close in, workable beeps in the south east (where Isobell and Grey Spence first met), and more difficult scoring south along the creek and towards the western siren Merelynne. An unusual feature was the widely separated start and finish banners - the former well up to the east of the estate in a lovely glade of elms, and almost guaranteeing a northern and clockwise start. Looking up from the assembly, it seemed almost all began north to the Tower first - although our all stations hero Glenn 'Oh Brad' Horrocks, apparently worked #9 first, before #28, and then continuing his clockwise circuit. Very few seemed to go the other way, almost certainly because of this romantically positioned start arbour.
A common beginning then was 28,19,29 (worked in-out after finding the mapped yellow edge to Peartree Circuit was quite wide and accessible), 10 (the termie seemed further in to PP),20 (again the yellow edge was wider than anticipated), 20, 30 (another thicket, with secrets) and down to the traffic at Aiken - and decision time. After crossing Aiken Road, short course specialists could then work 6 (he stole a kiss on the Spur of the moment) and then west uphill to return, medium fans worked 6,26,16 (you could 'feel' the blushing romance of Isobell and Grey Spence here), then either back to 5/3 and west via #15 - or loop east from the fence at 16, to add 24 and 4 in Bellamy Farm Reserve, to 14 (another tree where the lovers dallied), and then on to the 3/5/15 connect. Those of greater ambition and pedigree eschewed the Bellamy bundle, worked south from 26/16, past 5 and 3 to the fire trails and bush tracks along Darling Mills - probably thinking "Oh Darling" what have I done, as the climb from #1 to the western boulder at 21 and on to Merelynne tested lungs and time pieces.
The tracks on the southern bush loop were apparently much clearer in reality than appeared on the map, although a nice discombobulation is reported by Mark Schaefer on the way from 21 to 23, where the turn off was missed below #12 and he worked the indistinct path to the creek before regaining the fire trail - and #23. I think he then worked back to 12 and north via #2,25etc. Mel Cox, in the same vicinity, worked up to 12 then along to #23, continuing on west of the houses to Merelynne (I thought Mel would fall for this floosey) and home against the tic toc - not having the time to find the letter she left at the light pole (#2) in the process. Control 15 would be the one left off the southern flogsters, the stronger of whom managed to loop back from 21,12,23,2 to 13,17,7,27 (maybe missing 25?) before a final gather in the estate's western gardens.
I would guess 300 plus scoring was well to the fore, and that everyone worked the novels early chapters in the northeast. Number nine was hard to fit into a loop (Glenn notwithstanding), but I think every other romantic site would have been well 'read'. Very hard to think of a lonely pot other than #9, and as such, an excellent example of course setting (and romantic novel writing) by the master Western Hills (Mills) storyteller. Not often you don't see the obvious outlier. OM one pointers Andrew and Steve were noted on the lawn, No sign of Gill, Michael, Neil or James (6 Foot track recovery I guess) but 'King' Richard was noted in a surprising late departure northwards, after the, obviously mistaken, assumption that his SSS campaign was over following his Metrogaine injury. Not so, and great to see King Dick once more at speed - as it will be to see the scores here. Did Patrik 'The Gunboat' spoil Glenn's party? Did Richard work a win? Mmmm, much to savour across this highly competitive class - as in many others (and for Pork Pie's latest Call of the Card - after 23 rounds - see the form above this article!).
So, to conclude, to close the book, another classy evening of SSS entertainment from Ted and the WHO crew - unwitting novelists that they have become. Great work as always. Clear map, enjoyable area, well secured control units, and good looping options for the reader. Darling Mills Creek (as the lower section of this map was/is called, and as PP called this event in the SSS programme) just begged to go trashy novel, and I rather like the notion of course setter 'Tearaway' Ted Mulherin as the Barbara Cartland patriarch Sir Edward……OK, I know what your thinking. It's not milk that Rosscoe has been drinking!
Two to go in the race of the century, with Bennelong on show next week at Clontarf. Marina & Fedor are in charge, and are certain to provide entertainment in their deployment of Contour Kate and friends (who can forget their excellent setting and 'upsey' work at the Spit). This is a spectacular area, that includes the Spit end of the Spit to Manly walking track, beautiful beaches, parks and the odd stairway! All wrapped in magnificent views. One rises, and rises, and then races down again. It tends to lead to thoughts of a refreshing Reschs post race, or that could be post swim, post race. Join us as we work the toe into the Nike and the water bottle into the mouth. It WILL be a great evening of Sydney Summer Series cunning running.
But wait, there's more!
Please be aware that next week is Seniors Week. And as part of this, Orienteering NSW and organising club Bennelong Northside, are offering FREE entry for any newcomers aged over 55. There will also be instruction on offer for any seniors who might like to try out our fantastic sport, so please spread the word - and bring along the mum's and dad's, the aunties etc. And yes, even the Sir's and Lady's of title, from estates far and wide. All are most welcome.
"'OH DARLING' SWOONED ISOBELL". (WESTERN) MILLS & BOON'S LATEST SUMMER ROMANCE RUSH RELEASED TO ADORING FANS.
In the spacious grounds of the Grey Spence family home 'Thornton Park', acclaimed romance publisher (Western) Mills & Boon, released their latest novel last night. "It is a work of love, separation, and lost opportunity, as the young Guy Grey Spence is torn between old flame Isobell, and the alluring beauty - and points, of Merelynne from across the creek' Chairman (Australian Fiction) Sir Edward Mulherin said. A large crowd, well scented and bonneted, waited on Sir Ted's every word, and then rushed the registration table for their mint first edition.
With copies of 'The Romance of West Pennant Hills' selling for a mere ten dollars (paper back edition), there was steady work at the till - Sir Edward being well supported by (W)M&B staffers Robyn & Steve Dunlop in the rush to understand the scope of the 'story', and where the romances climactic 'points' might be located. It turns out, both early and late, for the opening chapter immediately set the scene with a dramatic meeting under the 'tower'(#28), steamy passion behind the 'east tree'(#19), and a stolen kiss behind the 'north thicket'(20).
Summer Series competitors are romantics at heart, responding to the weekly release of new, colourful and enthralling Sydney 'thirty pager' novella's, with a blind enthusiasm that has done much to sustain the (Hills) & Boon empire - and Orienteering NSW. Despite the distance to the Thornton Park event, the enticement of Darling Mills Creek and another 'throbbing' Grey Spence tear jerker was enough to bring on the fans. Many came in colourful clothing - some, somewhat scandalously, in shorts and runners! The publishers staff were all beautifully turned out in blue, attending to affairs outside Thornton's magnificent ball room, while runners disported themselves upon the well kept lawns - as they digested the book and planned their campaigns. Let's listen in.
Sir Edward worked a portrait scatter, with good scoring close in, workable beeps in the south east (where Isobell and Grey Spence first met), and more difficult scoring south along the creek and towards the western siren Merelynne. An unusual feature was the widely separated start and finish banners - the former well up to the east of the estate in a lovely glade of elms, and almost guaranteeing a northern and clockwise start. Looking up from the assembly, it seemed almost all began north to the Tower first - although our all stations hero Glenn 'Oh Brad' Horrocks, apparently worked #9 first, before #28, and then continuing his clockwise circuit. Very few seemed to go the other way, almost certainly because of this romantically positioned start arbour.
A common beginning then was 28,19,29 (worked in-out after finding the mapped yellow edge to Peartree Circuit was quite wide and accessible), 10 (the termie seemed further in to PP),20 (again the yellow edge was wider than anticipated), 20, 30 (another thicket, with secrets) and down to the traffic at Aiken - and decision time. After crossing Aiken Road, short course specialists could then work 6 (he stole a kiss on the Spur of the moment) and then west uphill to return, medium fans worked 6,26,16 (you could 'feel' the blushing romance of Isobell and Grey Spence here), then either back to 5/3 and west via #15 - or loop east from the fence at 16, to add 24 and 4 in Bellamy Farm Reserve, to 14 (another tree where the lovers dallied), and then on to the 3/5/15 connect. Those of greater ambition and pedigree eschewed the Bellamy bundle, worked south from 26/16, past 5 and 3 to the fire trails and bush tracks along Darling Mills - probably thinking "Oh Darling" what have I done, as the climb from #1 to the western boulder at 21 and on to Merelynne tested lungs and time pieces.
The tracks on the southern bush loop were apparently much clearer in reality than appeared on the map, although a nice discombobulation is reported by Mark Schaefer on the way from 21 to 23, where the turn off was missed below #12 and he worked the indistinct path to the creek before regaining the fire trail - and #23. I think he then worked back to 12 and north via #2,25etc. Mel Cox, in the same vicinity, worked up to 12 then along to #23, continuing on west of the houses to Merelynne (I thought Mel would fall for this floosey) and home against the tic toc - not having the time to find the letter she left at the light pole (#2) in the process. Control 15 would be the one left off the southern flogsters, the stronger of whom managed to loop back from 21,12,23,2 to 13,17,7,27 (maybe missing 25?) before a final gather in the estate's western gardens.
I would guess 300 plus scoring was well to the fore, and that everyone worked the novels early chapters in the northeast. Number nine was hard to fit into a loop (Glenn notwithstanding), but I think every other romantic site would have been well 'read'. Very hard to think of a lonely pot other than #9, and as such, an excellent example of course setting (and romantic novel writing) by the master Western Hills (Mills) storyteller. Not often you don't see the obvious outlier. OM one pointers Andrew and Steve were noted on the lawn, No sign of Gill, Michael, Neil or James (6 Foot track recovery I guess) but 'King' Richard was noted in a surprising late departure northwards, after the, obviously mistaken, assumption that his SSS campaign was over following his Metrogaine injury. Not so, and great to see King Dick once more at speed - as it will be to see the scores here. Did Patrik 'The Gunboat' spoil Glenn's party? Did Richard work a win? Mmmm, much to savour across this highly competitive class - as in many others (and for Pork Pie's latest Call of the Card - after 23 rounds - see the form above this article!).
So, to conclude, to close the book, another classy evening of SSS entertainment from Ted and the WHO crew - unwitting novelists that they have become. Great work as always. Clear map, enjoyable area, well secured control units, and good looping options for the reader. Darling Mills Creek (as the lower section of this map was/is called, and as PP called this event in the SSS programme) just begged to go trashy novel, and I rather like the notion of course setter 'Tearaway' Ted Mulherin as the Barbara Cartland patriarch Sir Edward……OK, I know what your thinking. It's not milk that Rosscoe has been drinking!
Two to go in the race of the century, with Bennelong on show next week at Clontarf. Marina & Fedor are in charge, and are certain to provide entertainment in their deployment of Contour Kate and friends (who can forget their excellent setting and 'upsey' work at the Spit). This is a spectacular area, that includes the Spit end of the Spit to Manly walking track, beautiful beaches, parks and the odd stairway! All wrapped in magnificent views. One rises, and rises, and then races down again. It tends to lead to thoughts of a refreshing Reschs post race, or that could be post swim, post race. Join us as we work the toe into the Nike and the water bottle into the mouth. It WILL be a great evening of Sydney Summer Series cunning running.
But wait, there's more!
Please be aware that next week is Seniors Week. And as part of this, Orienteering NSW and organising club Bennelong Northside, are offering FREE entry for any newcomers aged over 55. There will also be instruction on offer for any seniors who might like to try out our fantastic sport, so please spread the word - and bring along the mum's and dad's, the aunties etc. And yes, even the Sir's and Lady's of title, from estates far and wide. All are most welcome.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
'CREEK & CONTOUR CONTEMPLATION' - A NOTABLE OIL ON CANVAS WORK BY NEIL 'PICASSO' LeFEVRE
Offered at auction for the first time, 'Creek & Contour..' exhibits all the energy and movement of the more mature Picasso, albeit in a restrained palette. Sotherby insiders report the $10 reserve price for this small masterwork is likely to be to be exceeded, with 166 bidders in the room - many with wallets bulging. The 'painting' is reminiscent of 'Nude in a rocking chair' (Picasso 1956), and, as with the great Spaniard's canvas, oil man LeFevre has produced a work of spontaneous revelation - exploring the duality of course setter and victim, as Pablo explored the artist and model.
Unusually, Sotherby's (through subsidiary Garingal Art) conducted the auction 'en-plein-air', managing to sell the entire catalogue, which only included C&CC, during a spirited bidding war upon the grass at Chatswood last night. Bunting and artistic flags heralded the occasion and location, as the hopeful registered for their bidding paddles and laid down the tenner.
The single sheet catalogue was a landscape interpretation, and came with thirty explanatory notes. The work was a complex one, with some seeing the swooping and looping charm early, and others struggling with the intellectual depth on offer - and thinking they might need more than 45 minutes to take it all in. Holding the 6B loosely in the hand helped.
Those new to world of SSS 'art', and new to the work of GO art graduate LeFevre, were struck by the light wash like colouring, the sinuous brown road network and daubs of yellow ochre - the whole split by a creek and bush track slash that was at the heart of the artists intent. Here, in a rendering of green, blue and white, the challenge that was at the heart of a successful bid emerged. How to work the triple thirty's in the body of the work, add the swirling of points in the bentwood chair legs, and complete the points in the 'missing' head. A visit to the Art Gallery of NSW might help!
First impressions of the course (work) were positive - then puzzling. There were good loops on offer, with two areas on the must do list - the north with 140points, and the creek, with its three thirty pointers. The outlying areas of the canvas (#20/10 in the north west, 17/30 in the mid west. and 29/16 in the south west) all were quickly discarded, as buyers looked to enjoy the impasto work closer to the centre/right section of the painting. The stretch to 26,15,12 (representing the nude's feet) was worthwhile if you had speed, but probably cost those of ambition and smaller wallets (including Pork Pie). Working into and out of the creek was the main game - in a night of tough scoring and costume course variety.
Beginning 7,6,14,22,5,24 (Larry) and then into the creek at #9 was a common start that would yield high threes if the northern return (4,18,8,27,23,19,3,1) was managed before the sweep to 21,11 (the bosom) and 13 concluded the 6/6.5klm review. Others worked north first, getting the roller coaster contour work over early before hitting the creek - with the trick this way being how to score #21 (up/back?), and 11? Probably a leave. Another seemingly good wave of the crayon, was to begin 13,11,21 the the creek pair (25 in-out, and on to 28) before climbing out south, and taking in a bigger sweep across the feet before going all points from 12,24,5,22 to the north - and ending with the 'puff-o-metre' fully engaged in the dash home. There seemed lots of variations, and lots were indeed reported.
'Contour' the work was named, and 'contour' remained etched on the mind - and on the legs - as unlucky punters returned their paddles, and retired to the bar.
And the winning bid? Andrew Hill (OM). In a tight and gripping bidding war, Andy's $550 just pipped an excellent $540 from Tom Joss, and other close underbids of $530 from Glenn Horrocks and Steve Ryan. Other offers? Mmmmm, let's have a look see.
Seven runners posted 500+ (the other three on the look out for great art being, 'The Ink Bottle', 'The Gunboat', and 'The Morris 10'), while a further 35 registered bids in the 400 range - including three from our Sub Junior and Junior ranks. Excellent running from Toby Wilson (420), 'The Currie Puff' (also beeping 420, but going over by 27 seconds to register ten below 'The Jug'), and Tristan '& Isolde' White carding the same 410 in 44.06 for his JM win.
While many of the winning runs were from our category leaders (Antoniya, Karin, Carol, Sue etc), there were a few outings that needed referral to the catalogue notes page - Heiko coming last in IM (!!) with a 75+ minute outing being the most notable. Another feature was the quiet performance (or non performance in the case of Le Burton) of several stars lying low as the spectre of the Pluviometer (read 6 foot track run this Sunday) plays with their minds. Gill, Mike Ward, Neil - although Neil looks to have had the pedal down chasing Wazza, and must be deploying the reserve tank on Sunday.
Catherine Murphy wins OW (shares with Gill), VM Greg Barbour has ten on Tim Rogers, Mel wins the walk (Jimmy testing the appendages with a LM run, in anticipation of flying at Rowdy Flat - and Richard of knee and chest a no-show), and 'Tearaway' Ted Mulherin screaming to victory in IM after going over by seven seconds, but still holding Ron by ten. Good to see June Stanley back working the IW art class (2nd to Sue's 200 with 150points), and to note the LM battle not getting any easier with Ross, John and Ted all carding 350's - but being eclipsed by Steve Flick's excellent 390 in 42". A great run. And while I'm in LM territory, I must report the intriguing run of Terry 'Towling Hat' Bluett, who worked inexplicably west of #28, saw the yellow (and then 'saw red'!), backtracked east, missed the track to 25 and rose uphill to the road, where realising his 'new' error, he skirted the number on the map - plunging down the slope to creek, and up to the fence corner 'ping' - where the tic tok registered 'Time gentlemen please'. A sobering outing from the BN star, but hey, watch him fly in the granite next weekend!
What else? Kar-Soon down from his usual (350pts, and well behind the leading group in MM - of which he is usually a part), Carolyn Haupt going over by one second to a draw in second place in MW with Cath Chalmers (390/390), strong runs from Nick Dent and Larry (both SVM - 380/400) - but not, strangely from 'The Windermere Fan' (President Paul), whose 280 was, well, just one of those days. Also good to see ex BN lifer Rob Spry up from the southern highlands (Bowral/Burradoo?) and enjoying the auction (or is that action?) in colourful outer ware. We had six groups in the gallery, with Sophie & Henry (I'm presuming these are Vicky's kids, with grandad David helping to pilot the ship) taking 150 penalty points to chomp their hard won 150. Great to see the GO legend with map in hand, and also grandkids in hand. At the other end of the scale, Peter & Mark piled on 390 - a considerable achievement.
The largest art class were the 29 strong Vet Men - all keen to work from the model, with many sporting the beret and clutching the flagon. From the winning run by Greg Barbour, we almost had a step ladder points drop through this large field. Tim 480, Andrew 470, Mark 460, Graeme & Pete 450, Mark 'The Tile' 440, Graeme 430… and so it goes through Mike Free, Digby 'The Shovel' Pritchard and Chris 'The Armpit' Arnison (all 340's), 'King' James and 'Stevie Ray' Vaughan on 280's, till Col Burnett finally brings them home with 250 - and a weeks still life drawing as punishment.
No close shaves of the 44.59 variety this week, although Martin 'And His' Cousins had the watercolour paints out for 44.58. Close enough I reckon. I note Graeme McLeod 'Er and Louder' had the volume up with a 45.59 in VM and a 430 post that could so easily been a 420. We saw a couple of .01's, with the absolute class act being Carolyn Haupt's 45.01 in MW. Toby Wilson and Rod Eckels (VM) both did 44.01's, the second not bothering Tobes who still won SJM - as I think I might have mentioned. Andy Goddard was another .01 - this time in MM but out a bit at 47.01 for 340 points. Still pretty good stuff. Only two all stations bidders - Ian and Glenn, with Ian going widest at 106"+ to be longest on course. Heiko enjoyed 75"+ to get the silver.
Hopefully, all this and more will be on the web site soon - and I'm sure sooner than last week, which have only just gone up (big thanks to webmaster Noble for his forbearance here). Neil's work upon the canvas of Chatswood was excellent stuff indeed. A swirl of brush and magenta circle work that looked easier than it proved. Picasso? Well, students of PP (Pablo Picasso/Pork Pie) were taken by control #11 and its likeness to a 'point' on the AGNSW work (purchased in 1981 for those that like facts amongst the fiction), and hence the rather long bow drawn with this weeks post. Having failed in my quest for the elusive winning bid, PP might be of a more sober bent next week, as he packs the paddle and contemplates a cuppa. And speaking of next week.
Yes, event 24 is up next, and back out in the north west with the WHO team about their work in an area that is largely new material. Join 'Darlings' Robyn and Steve Dunlop and all the WHO crew as we go bush track, gorge, park, reserve and large houses at Darling Mills. Only three rounds to go, so all results on the line as we sail towards the badges. Make this a counter folks - and bring grandpa! It will be a fantastic evening.
Offered at auction for the first time, 'Creek & Contour..' exhibits all the energy and movement of the more mature Picasso, albeit in a restrained palette. Sotherby insiders report the $10 reserve price for this small masterwork is likely to be to be exceeded, with 166 bidders in the room - many with wallets bulging. The 'painting' is reminiscent of 'Nude in a rocking chair' (Picasso 1956), and, as with the great Spaniard's canvas, oil man LeFevre has produced a work of spontaneous revelation - exploring the duality of course setter and victim, as Pablo explored the artist and model.
Unusually, Sotherby's (through subsidiary Garingal Art) conducted the auction 'en-plein-air', managing to sell the entire catalogue, which only included C&CC, during a spirited bidding war upon the grass at Chatswood last night. Bunting and artistic flags heralded the occasion and location, as the hopeful registered for their bidding paddles and laid down the tenner.
The single sheet catalogue was a landscape interpretation, and came with thirty explanatory notes. The work was a complex one, with some seeing the swooping and looping charm early, and others struggling with the intellectual depth on offer - and thinking they might need more than 45 minutes to take it all in. Holding the 6B loosely in the hand helped.
Those new to world of SSS 'art', and new to the work of GO art graduate LeFevre, were struck by the light wash like colouring, the sinuous brown road network and daubs of yellow ochre - the whole split by a creek and bush track slash that was at the heart of the artists intent. Here, in a rendering of green, blue and white, the challenge that was at the heart of a successful bid emerged. How to work the triple thirty's in the body of the work, add the swirling of points in the bentwood chair legs, and complete the points in the 'missing' head. A visit to the Art Gallery of NSW might help!
First impressions of the course (work) were positive - then puzzling. There were good loops on offer, with two areas on the must do list - the north with 140points, and the creek, with its three thirty pointers. The outlying areas of the canvas (#20/10 in the north west, 17/30 in the mid west. and 29/16 in the south west) all were quickly discarded, as buyers looked to enjoy the impasto work closer to the centre/right section of the painting. The stretch to 26,15,12 (representing the nude's feet) was worthwhile if you had speed, but probably cost those of ambition and smaller wallets (including Pork Pie). Working into and out of the creek was the main game - in a night of tough scoring and costume course variety.
Beginning 7,6,14,22,5,24 (Larry) and then into the creek at #9 was a common start that would yield high threes if the northern return (4,18,8,27,23,19,3,1) was managed before the sweep to 21,11 (the bosom) and 13 concluded the 6/6.5klm review. Others worked north first, getting the roller coaster contour work over early before hitting the creek - with the trick this way being how to score #21 (up/back?), and 11? Probably a leave. Another seemingly good wave of the crayon, was to begin 13,11,21 the the creek pair (25 in-out, and on to 28) before climbing out south, and taking in a bigger sweep across the feet before going all points from 12,24,5,22 to the north - and ending with the 'puff-o-metre' fully engaged in the dash home. There seemed lots of variations, and lots were indeed reported.
'Contour' the work was named, and 'contour' remained etched on the mind - and on the legs - as unlucky punters returned their paddles, and retired to the bar.
And the winning bid? Andrew Hill (OM). In a tight and gripping bidding war, Andy's $550 just pipped an excellent $540 from Tom Joss, and other close underbids of $530 from Glenn Horrocks and Steve Ryan. Other offers? Mmmmm, let's have a look see.
Seven runners posted 500+ (the other three on the look out for great art being, 'The Ink Bottle', 'The Gunboat', and 'The Morris 10'), while a further 35 registered bids in the 400 range - including three from our Sub Junior and Junior ranks. Excellent running from Toby Wilson (420), 'The Currie Puff' (also beeping 420, but going over by 27 seconds to register ten below 'The Jug'), and Tristan '& Isolde' White carding the same 410 in 44.06 for his JM win.
While many of the winning runs were from our category leaders (Antoniya, Karin, Carol, Sue etc), there were a few outings that needed referral to the catalogue notes page - Heiko coming last in IM (!!) with a 75+ minute outing being the most notable. Another feature was the quiet performance (or non performance in the case of Le Burton) of several stars lying low as the spectre of the Pluviometer (read 6 foot track run this Sunday) plays with their minds. Gill, Mike Ward, Neil - although Neil looks to have had the pedal down chasing Wazza, and must be deploying the reserve tank on Sunday.
Catherine Murphy wins OW (shares with Gill), VM Greg Barbour has ten on Tim Rogers, Mel wins the walk (Jimmy testing the appendages with a LM run, in anticipation of flying at Rowdy Flat - and Richard of knee and chest a no-show), and 'Tearaway' Ted Mulherin screaming to victory in IM after going over by seven seconds, but still holding Ron by ten. Good to see June Stanley back working the IW art class (2nd to Sue's 200 with 150points), and to note the LM battle not getting any easier with Ross, John and Ted all carding 350's - but being eclipsed by Steve Flick's excellent 390 in 42". A great run. And while I'm in LM territory, I must report the intriguing run of Terry 'Towling Hat' Bluett, who worked inexplicably west of #28, saw the yellow (and then 'saw red'!), backtracked east, missed the track to 25 and rose uphill to the road, where realising his 'new' error, he skirted the number on the map - plunging down the slope to creek, and up to the fence corner 'ping' - where the tic tok registered 'Time gentlemen please'. A sobering outing from the BN star, but hey, watch him fly in the granite next weekend!
What else? Kar-Soon down from his usual (350pts, and well behind the leading group in MM - of which he is usually a part), Carolyn Haupt going over by one second to a draw in second place in MW with Cath Chalmers (390/390), strong runs from Nick Dent and Larry (both SVM - 380/400) - but not, strangely from 'The Windermere Fan' (President Paul), whose 280 was, well, just one of those days. Also good to see ex BN lifer Rob Spry up from the southern highlands (Bowral/Burradoo?) and enjoying the auction (or is that action?) in colourful outer ware. We had six groups in the gallery, with Sophie & Henry (I'm presuming these are Vicky's kids, with grandad David helping to pilot the ship) taking 150 penalty points to chomp their hard won 150. Great to see the GO legend with map in hand, and also grandkids in hand. At the other end of the scale, Peter & Mark piled on 390 - a considerable achievement.
The largest art class were the 29 strong Vet Men - all keen to work from the model, with many sporting the beret and clutching the flagon. From the winning run by Greg Barbour, we almost had a step ladder points drop through this large field. Tim 480, Andrew 470, Mark 460, Graeme & Pete 450, Mark 'The Tile' 440, Graeme 430… and so it goes through Mike Free, Digby 'The Shovel' Pritchard and Chris 'The Armpit' Arnison (all 340's), 'King' James and 'Stevie Ray' Vaughan on 280's, till Col Burnett finally brings them home with 250 - and a weeks still life drawing as punishment.
No close shaves of the 44.59 variety this week, although Martin 'And His' Cousins had the watercolour paints out for 44.58. Close enough I reckon. I note Graeme McLeod 'Er and Louder' had the volume up with a 45.59 in VM and a 430 post that could so easily been a 420. We saw a couple of .01's, with the absolute class act being Carolyn Haupt's 45.01 in MW. Toby Wilson and Rod Eckels (VM) both did 44.01's, the second not bothering Tobes who still won SJM - as I think I might have mentioned. Andy Goddard was another .01 - this time in MM but out a bit at 47.01 for 340 points. Still pretty good stuff. Only two all stations bidders - Ian and Glenn, with Ian going widest at 106"+ to be longest on course. Heiko enjoyed 75"+ to get the silver.
Hopefully, all this and more will be on the web site soon - and I'm sure sooner than last week, which have only just gone up (big thanks to webmaster Noble for his forbearance here). Neil's work upon the canvas of Chatswood was excellent stuff indeed. A swirl of brush and magenta circle work that looked easier than it proved. Picasso? Well, students of PP (Pablo Picasso/Pork Pie) were taken by control #11 and its likeness to a 'point' on the AGNSW work (purchased in 1981 for those that like facts amongst the fiction), and hence the rather long bow drawn with this weeks post. Having failed in my quest for the elusive winning bid, PP might be of a more sober bent next week, as he packs the paddle and contemplates a cuppa. And speaking of next week.
Yes, event 24 is up next, and back out in the north west with the WHO team about their work in an area that is largely new material. Join 'Darlings' Robyn and Steve Dunlop and all the WHO crew as we go bush track, gorge, park, reserve and large houses at Darling Mills. Only three rounds to go, so all results on the line as we sail towards the badges. Make this a counter folks - and bring grandpa! It will be a fantastic evening.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
PUNTERS PUSHING POINTS PUNISHED IN PRIME PROPERTY PANT
'Padre' Lotty and the Uringa faithful put up a right old pant last night that saw the 'Double Bay/double pay' adage given a physical and not monetary meaning. This is not to say there wasn't money about (there was the odd mansion noted, and even a street named Mansion!), it's just that most of the flogsters were too exhausted by the exceptional 'upsey' work to notice. Later in the evening, and over a quiet one at the Golden Sheaf, one word told the story…stairs! Series stars, wondering what went wrong, looked into their beers, and muttered…stairs….stairs…and became lost in thought. The cartographer had pulled on a classic.
But let's start at the beginning.
A brand new area many had never visited was lure enough for 145 summer series tragic's to ignore thunderstorm warnings and head for Bellevue Hill's Cooper Park. Here, in a valley between assets and even greater assets (purchased by the government, after some wrangling, from Sir William Cooper in 1913), the Uringa congregation made camp with tables, cables, flags, instructional posters - and a wondrous large scale map of the service too follow. Sir Ron was on hand, the 'Padre' was glowing, the dunnies were locked (to deter backpackers it seems), and buses did close shaves with parking cars. The 'Lough' playing fields, scene of Lloyds last rugby game some fifty years earlier, had a benign and friendly look. It was to be a flat beginning.
Despite the location, a tenner still enabled the map purchase - probably the cheapest item on sale hereabouts. The portrait A4 sheet was well filled in a beehive, Helen Shapiro, style hairdo dollop, with the teased 'hair' occupying more than three quarters of the area. From Rose Bay in the north, Dave's comb weaved in, about and down the (admittedly grey) hair (I guess Helen is in LW these days) in a masterful display of mapping detail and cartographic skill - to the mouthparts in Cooper Park, and the southern jawline along Edgecliff Road. Although many commented on the fine map detail on the blow up, conversation soon trailed off when they trained their Christine Cragie's on the A4, and the course became apparent. A sort of lock jaw developed amongst the faithful. "Geez, this looks a puzzle" was the unspoken thought as the string was abandoned and you peered closer, and then closer again.
The reason was, Dave had piled it on in Cooper Park and the southern quarter of the map, with a mere sprinkling of glitter upon the beehive. Fully eighteen controls were within the Cooper influence (with maybe #17 and 7 as also in this orbit), leaving ten of the well taped beeping posts across the huge remaining mid/northern area. You also noted the elevation, as any escape from Cooper meant crossing the 100 metre high Bellevue ridge. The points allocation was 210 north to 390 in the grip of Sir William's volcanic dyke. The map scale of 1:8000 did distort things somewhat, but intimidation in the north and conundrum in the south, was clearly on the ministers mind as he prepared his hymn sheet.
After an agony of indecision, most started south to 'do' Cooper first. Many never got much further, with the 'S' shaped bends and folds needed to loop in a mid to high three score taking up the tic tok. Flasher Harry's that managed to work the 'letter before T' in smart fashion, often exited from #6, and across to #28 before getting into real estate stride. A 28,18,8,27,17 curve then worked for the Supers, with the wider 18,29,19,27 loop finding favour with the Vets. Going north from #29 required real commitment, especially when the return from 20,30 up to 10,19 was upon you. You can bet the 'lonely pot' was #9, well off line for all except Glenn and Ian - who might have gone that way to catch a glimpse of Lady Sonia. Come to think of it, Lady McMahon might not be with us any longer. Mmmm.
The up, down and then up again looping in Cooper came in a huge variety of ways, and was very enjoyable orienteering. Hard to get an angle on a best option. I heard 21,12 (testingly high),2,1,11,5 (who found it hidden in the hedge?),25,15,4,23,3 and then a game with Rod Laver. I also heard 21,12,2,22 (lowish, so good from below),3,23 and then back to 11,5,25,15. Going 15-6 as out-back made one conscious of Gordy's rule "never go out of your way for a tenner", but, many did (PP included) and enjoyed another take on the variety of shelters Cooper Park had on show (#14 perhaps the best of them). If going reverse engines along the northern tracks, an option to work up to #16 through the light green worked if you timed the exit up to avoid the OOB and the high fence.
And for both the Cooper captured, and the escapees, there were always the steps and stairways - including what we now dub the longest set of steps in any SSS venue, the lane way northeast from 17. It is a feature of the area in a sense, providing interesting alternate access to what was originally called 'Vinegar Hill' in solidarity with the Irish uprising of the same named battle in 1798. Governor Macquarie didn't seem too keen on this however and is responsible for changing it to the current name - acknowledging the 'beautiful view'. I guess this is why we have the Packers, Fairfax's and other notables (including, apparently, the great gallery man of mixed sox) here.
So, how did the aforesaid 145 punting ponies perform?
For a start, early runners managed their loops in fine weather, and were thankful for it - especially as one spied later starting Dunk's soggy map 'ball'. The Flickster also reports a soaking in his 44.10 run for 370, but would have enjoyed some comfort on the course from his shady 'Greg Chappell'. To others, launching off in the rain to a darkening Cooper and fog upon the lens was a brave act indeed, and we applaud you from the comfort of our Camry's and Commodores.
I think I mentioned 'punished' in my title, and at a lone 530 point toppie (Andrew in OM), I think we can safely say it was a tough night with the reverend Lotty working the lash. Our top four runners were all OM's, with Tommy Joss' 520 to Mark and Andre's 510 keeping this class a fascinating one. Steve Ryan must have had too much in his 'last meal', running wide at 52.51 for a 470 post, and letting the 'Hills Ford' sneak a hundred on him. 'The Ink Bottle' and 'The Movies' were the other two 500 men, Gill just falling short in OW with 490 after a withering 550 run in fifty plus. There was good action in the fours, with 116 of the assembled posting 300's or greater. Our most popular final beep of coins into the offer bowl (can't think of the word) was 390 with ten supplicants so enrobed - amongst them Aidan Dawson (warming down after a sensational sprint weekend in Brisbane), Ian 'Cardiff Castle' Jones, Chris Arnison, Bennelong's Peter 'The Grass' Hopper, and a brace of Garingal's finest - messieurs Goddard, Bulman and Brayan.
Age classes saw some interesting action with a few upsets. Teddy Mulherin had an excellent run with 380 in 44.31 in IM to claim from Ken (350) and Brian 'The Skipper' Cleland (330), and well clear of Heiko who had one of those nights (58.30 upon the map for a uncharacteristic 300 post). Gwen Sewell (160) takes IW with no shows from Sue or Janet, Tristan White nicely up in JM - as was Georgia over Michele (360/180), but maybe Michele was warming down as well as brother Aidan - having blasted the field in Brisbane also. Well done 'The Helicopter'. In MW, Carolyn Haupt scored over leader Antoniya (410/330) and in VW Magaret Jones was ten on from club rival Linda Sesta (370/360) in taking the points. In WaW it is interesting to see Rachael Povah's win over Kathryn Cox as only a narrow one (290/270) where one might have expected a greater margin. Kathryn must have maximised her Cooper work and its sniff of orienteering think methinks. Good stuff.
Not too many odd timing stats to 'enjoy', although we do like to linger on the one second over runners - and note the following offenders: Michelle 'I'm' Hone (OW 44.01), Kenny 'Porta' Jacobson (IM 43.01), Peter 'The Butcher' Day (VM 42.01), and James 'The Mountains of the Malley" Lithgow (SVM) with an annoying one second over 49 - and a tale to tell of joining #19 to #27. Peter Annetts (VM) has another close call at the red flag with 44.46 for his 410 point post, with 'The Shunter' (SJW) coupling up the train in an even closer 44.58 and nearly earning the golden 'phew' award. Our point party poopers include Super Vet and Lake District linguist Prudhoe (44.00 for 350) and Andrew Graham (OM) carrying home the BNO tricolour in 47.00. And earning a goodly 410 for his efforts.
Numbers were down a bit, which was disappointing for a first time area. Still, Bryony was there, Nick Dent was there, Ernest was there, 'The Royal Family' was (!) there - as were Heather Voaden, Crystal and Emily, and next weeks setter, Neil 'The Organ Virtuoso' Lefevre. Most got away with dry to dampish runs, but all enjoyed the newie. It was a very worthy addition to the Sydney mapped area ranks - and stands out for Padre Lotty's extraordinary work on pavement, footpath and verge. He should be in the clothing business.
Big thanks to all from the Uringa eagle for a great evening on the puff, on the scratch, and on the sniff for points. It was great to have a map scale and course that defied too much pre planning - for a change! And for another change, how about Chatswood High in your uniforms for next weeks flogerooney! Not started here before, so it will give this interesting area with its mix of creek lines, bush tracks and street running, a new slant. Neil is one of the better MM runners and knows a thing or two about SSS antics, so expect fun and fireworks from the keyboard man as we fly full steam ahead to SSS event 23.
And let's bring along a few aunties and uncles so we get the numbers up. This should be a ripper.
'Padre' Lotty and the Uringa faithful put up a right old pant last night that saw the 'Double Bay/double pay' adage given a physical and not monetary meaning. This is not to say there wasn't money about (there was the odd mansion noted, and even a street named Mansion!), it's just that most of the flogsters were too exhausted by the exceptional 'upsey' work to notice. Later in the evening, and over a quiet one at the Golden Sheaf, one word told the story…stairs! Series stars, wondering what went wrong, looked into their beers, and muttered…stairs….stairs…and became lost in thought. The cartographer had pulled on a classic.
But let's start at the beginning.
A brand new area many had never visited was lure enough for 145 summer series tragic's to ignore thunderstorm warnings and head for Bellevue Hill's Cooper Park. Here, in a valley between assets and even greater assets (purchased by the government, after some wrangling, from Sir William Cooper in 1913), the Uringa congregation made camp with tables, cables, flags, instructional posters - and a wondrous large scale map of the service too follow. Sir Ron was on hand, the 'Padre' was glowing, the dunnies were locked (to deter backpackers it seems), and buses did close shaves with parking cars. The 'Lough' playing fields, scene of Lloyds last rugby game some fifty years earlier, had a benign and friendly look. It was to be a flat beginning.
Despite the location, a tenner still enabled the map purchase - probably the cheapest item on sale hereabouts. The portrait A4 sheet was well filled in a beehive, Helen Shapiro, style hairdo dollop, with the teased 'hair' occupying more than three quarters of the area. From Rose Bay in the north, Dave's comb weaved in, about and down the (admittedly grey) hair (I guess Helen is in LW these days) in a masterful display of mapping detail and cartographic skill - to the mouthparts in Cooper Park, and the southern jawline along Edgecliff Road. Although many commented on the fine map detail on the blow up, conversation soon trailed off when they trained their Christine Cragie's on the A4, and the course became apparent. A sort of lock jaw developed amongst the faithful. "Geez, this looks a puzzle" was the unspoken thought as the string was abandoned and you peered closer, and then closer again.
The reason was, Dave had piled it on in Cooper Park and the southern quarter of the map, with a mere sprinkling of glitter upon the beehive. Fully eighteen controls were within the Cooper influence (with maybe #17 and 7 as also in this orbit), leaving ten of the well taped beeping posts across the huge remaining mid/northern area. You also noted the elevation, as any escape from Cooper meant crossing the 100 metre high Bellevue ridge. The points allocation was 210 north to 390 in the grip of Sir William's volcanic dyke. The map scale of 1:8000 did distort things somewhat, but intimidation in the north and conundrum in the south, was clearly on the ministers mind as he prepared his hymn sheet.
After an agony of indecision, most started south to 'do' Cooper first. Many never got much further, with the 'S' shaped bends and folds needed to loop in a mid to high three score taking up the tic tok. Flasher Harry's that managed to work the 'letter before T' in smart fashion, often exited from #6, and across to #28 before getting into real estate stride. A 28,18,8,27,17 curve then worked for the Supers, with the wider 18,29,19,27 loop finding favour with the Vets. Going north from #29 required real commitment, especially when the return from 20,30 up to 10,19 was upon you. You can bet the 'lonely pot' was #9, well off line for all except Glenn and Ian - who might have gone that way to catch a glimpse of Lady Sonia. Come to think of it, Lady McMahon might not be with us any longer. Mmmm.
The up, down and then up again looping in Cooper came in a huge variety of ways, and was very enjoyable orienteering. Hard to get an angle on a best option. I heard 21,12 (testingly high),2,1,11,5 (who found it hidden in the hedge?),25,15,4,23,3 and then a game with Rod Laver. I also heard 21,12,2,22 (lowish, so good from below),3,23 and then back to 11,5,25,15. Going 15-6 as out-back made one conscious of Gordy's rule "never go out of your way for a tenner", but, many did (PP included) and enjoyed another take on the variety of shelters Cooper Park had on show (#14 perhaps the best of them). If going reverse engines along the northern tracks, an option to work up to #16 through the light green worked if you timed the exit up to avoid the OOB and the high fence.
And for both the Cooper captured, and the escapees, there were always the steps and stairways - including what we now dub the longest set of steps in any SSS venue, the lane way northeast from 17. It is a feature of the area in a sense, providing interesting alternate access to what was originally called 'Vinegar Hill' in solidarity with the Irish uprising of the same named battle in 1798. Governor Macquarie didn't seem too keen on this however and is responsible for changing it to the current name - acknowledging the 'beautiful view'. I guess this is why we have the Packers, Fairfax's and other notables (including, apparently, the great gallery man of mixed sox) here.
So, how did the aforesaid 145 punting ponies perform?
For a start, early runners managed their loops in fine weather, and were thankful for it - especially as one spied later starting Dunk's soggy map 'ball'. The Flickster also reports a soaking in his 44.10 run for 370, but would have enjoyed some comfort on the course from his shady 'Greg Chappell'. To others, launching off in the rain to a darkening Cooper and fog upon the lens was a brave act indeed, and we applaud you from the comfort of our Camry's and Commodores.
I think I mentioned 'punished' in my title, and at a lone 530 point toppie (Andrew in OM), I think we can safely say it was a tough night with the reverend Lotty working the lash. Our top four runners were all OM's, with Tommy Joss' 520 to Mark and Andre's 510 keeping this class a fascinating one. Steve Ryan must have had too much in his 'last meal', running wide at 52.51 for a 470 post, and letting the 'Hills Ford' sneak a hundred on him. 'The Ink Bottle' and 'The Movies' were the other two 500 men, Gill just falling short in OW with 490 after a withering 550 run in fifty plus. There was good action in the fours, with 116 of the assembled posting 300's or greater. Our most popular final beep of coins into the offer bowl (can't think of the word) was 390 with ten supplicants so enrobed - amongst them Aidan Dawson (warming down after a sensational sprint weekend in Brisbane), Ian 'Cardiff Castle' Jones, Chris Arnison, Bennelong's Peter 'The Grass' Hopper, and a brace of Garingal's finest - messieurs Goddard, Bulman and Brayan.
Age classes saw some interesting action with a few upsets. Teddy Mulherin had an excellent run with 380 in 44.31 in IM to claim from Ken (350) and Brian 'The Skipper' Cleland (330), and well clear of Heiko who had one of those nights (58.30 upon the map for a uncharacteristic 300 post). Gwen Sewell (160) takes IW with no shows from Sue or Janet, Tristan White nicely up in JM - as was Georgia over Michele (360/180), but maybe Michele was warming down as well as brother Aidan - having blasted the field in Brisbane also. Well done 'The Helicopter'. In MW, Carolyn Haupt scored over leader Antoniya (410/330) and in VW Magaret Jones was ten on from club rival Linda Sesta (370/360) in taking the points. In WaW it is interesting to see Rachael Povah's win over Kathryn Cox as only a narrow one (290/270) where one might have expected a greater margin. Kathryn must have maximised her Cooper work and its sniff of orienteering think methinks. Good stuff.
Not too many odd timing stats to 'enjoy', although we do like to linger on the one second over runners - and note the following offenders: Michelle 'I'm' Hone (OW 44.01), Kenny 'Porta' Jacobson (IM 43.01), Peter 'The Butcher' Day (VM 42.01), and James 'The Mountains of the Malley" Lithgow (SVM) with an annoying one second over 49 - and a tale to tell of joining #19 to #27. Peter Annetts (VM) has another close call at the red flag with 44.46 for his 410 point post, with 'The Shunter' (SJW) coupling up the train in an even closer 44.58 and nearly earning the golden 'phew' award. Our point party poopers include Super Vet and Lake District linguist Prudhoe (44.00 for 350) and Andrew Graham (OM) carrying home the BNO tricolour in 47.00. And earning a goodly 410 for his efforts.
Numbers were down a bit, which was disappointing for a first time area. Still, Bryony was there, Nick Dent was there, Ernest was there, 'The Royal Family' was (!) there - as were Heather Voaden, Crystal and Emily, and next weeks setter, Neil 'The Organ Virtuoso' Lefevre. Most got away with dry to dampish runs, but all enjoyed the newie. It was a very worthy addition to the Sydney mapped area ranks - and stands out for Padre Lotty's extraordinary work on pavement, footpath and verge. He should be in the clothing business.
Big thanks to all from the Uringa eagle for a great evening on the puff, on the scratch, and on the sniff for points. It was great to have a map scale and course that defied too much pre planning - for a change! And for another change, how about Chatswood High in your uniforms for next weeks flogerooney! Not started here before, so it will give this interesting area with its mix of creek lines, bush tracks and street running, a new slant. Neil is one of the better MM runners and knows a thing or two about SSS antics, so expect fun and fireworks from the keyboard man as we fly full steam ahead to SSS event 23.
And let's bring along a few aunties and uncles so we get the numbers up. This should be a ripper.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
WET FEET AT BIG FEET ECHO EAU 'O'
Probably our first really wet evening, with rain, showers, more rain, more showers, and a damp gloom upon last night's proceedings - leading one to recall Tim Winton's early book 'The Riders' and its enigmatic line "even the damp was damp". Damp it certainly was, but not a deterrent to the over 100 water board employees, swimming instructors, and anorak testing teams - who turned up in showy silks, and in a variety of headware and eyeshades for the uphill swim.
Show a Summer Series pony a paddock with wet grass and stand back. The 'rusted-ons' are on the chew! It was a night for the addicts, and those with an eye on the badge. Six events to go and several contests going down to the last flog, meant rain was of no consequence - as a sense of desperation gripped the field and moisture moistened the map bag.
Arriving at the old western abutment of the original low level Roseville Bridge, one encountered a sign pointing left, but went right instead, down to Mike Burton's encampment at contour level one. Here the Feet were settled and connected, Andy fiddling and Michael dry - and with a hat on. This very spot was the one first encountered by unsuspecting SSS runners seven years ago when Lummo revealed his "Explosives Reserve" landscape painting and course thereupon. Many remembered the original stretch across the 297 dimension, which, despite it's width, still failed to reach any explosives. Some also remembered the severity of work needed to gain altitude. Michael had them in mind again last night.
The Banjo was surrendered in a complex manoeuvre of Si stick inserting and keyboard verification - that eventually produced another landscape rendering and tri-sectored clue sheet entitled "Echo Point". No explosives to be seen. Instead, the control spotted coloured slash from north west to south east across the page resembled a figure in repose - something that misrepresented the intention of a course that was going to ask similar questions to 2007.
Like '07 there was a bag north of Roseville Bridge, and also like '07 there was a claim south east of the country club (albeit not with quite 'The South Island Town of' Lumsden's stretch). The main game was still the middle connective material to either of these two extremities - with only the guns entertaining both ends. Most seemed to like the 120 point northern circle as a beginning, with a middle mix and a downhill run home to the final collect in Echo Point Park. My guess would be two thirds to three quarters of the water rats went this way, and it seemed probably the best of the two exit options (running down the road quicker than running down the bush track steps). This 'Nosh' route began with ten points seemingly in Middle Harbour (not), before working up to the Two Creeks Track and it's cleavages - twenty points in the first below the fall, and nothing in the second. Taking the steps to 21 and on to the knoll at #23 (seemed further round to many) caused students of lung capacity to make furious notes - as heavy breathers had different intentions and runners were reduced to a crawl. 18 contours had been given the boot, with 'only' another 8/9 to go. Water torture!
Crossing the Expressway led to a 'Larry' at 13 (the enigmatic 'lost' control stand), a thirty up the obscure path, and a spread of ten's and twenty's to get you to the shops and schools - and a chance to refill the water bottle. Number 24 was a must have hereabouts, and also #18 - where the decision of returning or burning needed to be made. Running on south east past 18 committed you to a wide flog (20,7,22 - plus 27,19,29) and some significant contour work, before the relief of the 'other magnificent view' (#30) and the downhill screamer bought thoughts of the water bed closer. More would have bailed at the school for a direct route to the bare rock (#25) and an encounter with the high fence protecting #16 before their own descent (#26 calling on a touch of upsey in this mix). The difficult ones in the middle were #5 and #15, although #15 worked for those having done the north, and travelling by water taxi, 13,23 (in-out),4,15,28 and not going to school.
The very eastern end was the least visited, somewhat a pity in a way, with the seat at #29 promising a 'magnificent view'. This tight area of excellent course setting defied easy looping and took real speed to go 'cover girl' there. The long climb back up to the newly mapped #8 (or to #30), past the club members enjoying a dry martini, represented the longest non ping sector last night, and would have been deeply felt - at least by the four 'all stations' stallions who passed this way. Possibly #8 is the lonely pot here, with the extra climb needed for ten bucks not an easy outlay if the lungs are screaming.
As I mentioned, most seemed to work an anti-clockwise loop, with the few clockies (inc Pork Pie) almost instantly regretting their plans as the puff uphill to 10,6 and 26 saw lots of low gear work and early thoughts of time penalties. Cheery 'Go Rosscoe' greetings from a speeding downhill water skier (D Lotty esquire) didn't help!
Looking at the scoring reveals the tough ask, but also the magnificent work of water baby Horrocks. Glenn is our weekly bellwether all checkpoints runner, who last night ran the lot in 51" exactly for a very commendable 540pt claim. The first six runners were all over time in fact, with the top four (Glenn plus Andy, Steve and James McQ) our only 500 plus water paint specialists. Our most popular score was a strong 350pt pencil with eight artists in water wings taking home this print out - including the winning VW run from Paula Shingler and an equally good one from Will Neal (who obviously did).
I mentioned four runners going 600, with Glenn and Ian McKenzie (a superb 102.24 minute outing in rain shade and stocking) expected, but note Ross 'Not STB' Morrison and Lee 'The Grassy Knoll' Coady (both MM) also enjoying natures natural bath - Lee enjoying ten minutes more in the tub than Rosscoe, but to his detriment it seems. Well over half the field clocked 300 plus, and nobody ended with a negative - although Rob & Rosie pushed it with a final positive ten after sixty one minutes chewing water cress.
Good results for our winners, with no shows from a few regulars (Gill, Aidan, Duncan, Carol, Ellen) meaning some new class winners last night. Let's here it for a trio of golds in VM (Andy Smith, Pete Annetts and Tim Rogers), a brace in OW (Malin Welen and Claire Winnick), with Alastair George taking the Sub Junior gong (an excellent 400 in 46.59 - almost a 'phew' award), Ruariridh 'Fries' McDonald in JM, and Sue Thomson sharing IW honours with Gwen Sewell. John Anderson runs up another win in LM (Teddy a half head in arrears), as does Heiko, Michele, Karin, Antoniya, Wazza, Rachael and Anthony 'The Knee' (and also 'The Chest'!). The battle in OM doesn't get any easier, with Andrew 'In Crayon' Hill and Steve Ryan both posting 580 point gross totals - but the Western Hills artist sketching things in a bit quicker, 49.48 to Steve's 51.11. This is one of the great contests of the 13/14 series, and will probably not be settled till the Macquarie final.
Although Pistol Pete gets a mention above, his 44.59 run is this weeks class act in the water logged stakes, and bears mention. A couple of other .59's (young King George in 46.59 and VM Andrew McDonald in 41.59) are noted, as is the cruel blow to Andy 'The River' Povah, with 45.01 on the water clock killing his potential tenner over 'The Mug of Skim Cap'.
Only three groups out last night, with 'Three Degrees' noted on Pork Pie's naming 'fame' radar, working a 170 point claim in 45.22, and not appearing to have given in to this 'third degree' treatment by the Feet. Good work 3D's. Lucas Manson Family take the Group prize with ten more than the Degrees.
There are many more good posts last night, among the rusted on and the water biscuit madies. Lotty (230 after going ten minutes over), Eric 'Not Any Longer' Young (MM and out over 51), Paul 'President For Life' Prudhoe (SVM and back early), Michael Free (a great 360 in VM), Garingal's Johnny 'JB" Brayan with 380 in the water closet - and mate Bob 'The Bushranger' Morgan (SVM 300) well accounted for, all come to mind - as Rosscoe (standing at the bar) takes in a little something water soluble.
A shame about the weather last night, but a memorable evening nonetheless. Big thanks to Michael and his fellow Feet for a chance to test the hammy and dampen the trouser. And to the SSS rusted on's who showed up, bless the lot of you! Next week see the only completely new map in this years series, with Dave Lotty and the Uringa crew bringing us the chance to jog with our jewellery on at Double Bay/ Bellevue Hill. The map includes Cooper Park and a priceless chance to check out the small fibro shacks and unkempt gardens of this inner city location. It is always great to go somewhere new, so I'm expecting a huge roll up. And Uncle Dave at the controls? Well, he is Mr Orienteering after all - so expect the best, and join us as the Sydney Summer Series rolls into this great new area. It should be a fantastic evening of cunning running.
Probably our first really wet evening, with rain, showers, more rain, more showers, and a damp gloom upon last night's proceedings - leading one to recall Tim Winton's early book 'The Riders' and its enigmatic line "even the damp was damp". Damp it certainly was, but not a deterrent to the over 100 water board employees, swimming instructors, and anorak testing teams - who turned up in showy silks, and in a variety of headware and eyeshades for the uphill swim.
Show a Summer Series pony a paddock with wet grass and stand back. The 'rusted-ons' are on the chew! It was a night for the addicts, and those with an eye on the badge. Six events to go and several contests going down to the last flog, meant rain was of no consequence - as a sense of desperation gripped the field and moisture moistened the map bag.
Arriving at the old western abutment of the original low level Roseville Bridge, one encountered a sign pointing left, but went right instead, down to Mike Burton's encampment at contour level one. Here the Feet were settled and connected, Andy fiddling and Michael dry - and with a hat on. This very spot was the one first encountered by unsuspecting SSS runners seven years ago when Lummo revealed his "Explosives Reserve" landscape painting and course thereupon. Many remembered the original stretch across the 297 dimension, which, despite it's width, still failed to reach any explosives. Some also remembered the severity of work needed to gain altitude. Michael had them in mind again last night.
The Banjo was surrendered in a complex manoeuvre of Si stick inserting and keyboard verification - that eventually produced another landscape rendering and tri-sectored clue sheet entitled "Echo Point". No explosives to be seen. Instead, the control spotted coloured slash from north west to south east across the page resembled a figure in repose - something that misrepresented the intention of a course that was going to ask similar questions to 2007.
Like '07 there was a bag north of Roseville Bridge, and also like '07 there was a claim south east of the country club (albeit not with quite 'The South Island Town of' Lumsden's stretch). The main game was still the middle connective material to either of these two extremities - with only the guns entertaining both ends. Most seemed to like the 120 point northern circle as a beginning, with a middle mix and a downhill run home to the final collect in Echo Point Park. My guess would be two thirds to three quarters of the water rats went this way, and it seemed probably the best of the two exit options (running down the road quicker than running down the bush track steps). This 'Nosh' route began with ten points seemingly in Middle Harbour (not), before working up to the Two Creeks Track and it's cleavages - twenty points in the first below the fall, and nothing in the second. Taking the steps to 21 and on to the knoll at #23 (seemed further round to many) caused students of lung capacity to make furious notes - as heavy breathers had different intentions and runners were reduced to a crawl. 18 contours had been given the boot, with 'only' another 8/9 to go. Water torture!
Crossing the Expressway led to a 'Larry' at 13 (the enigmatic 'lost' control stand), a thirty up the obscure path, and a spread of ten's and twenty's to get you to the shops and schools - and a chance to refill the water bottle. Number 24 was a must have hereabouts, and also #18 - where the decision of returning or burning needed to be made. Running on south east past 18 committed you to a wide flog (20,7,22 - plus 27,19,29) and some significant contour work, before the relief of the 'other magnificent view' (#30) and the downhill screamer bought thoughts of the water bed closer. More would have bailed at the school for a direct route to the bare rock (#25) and an encounter with the high fence protecting #16 before their own descent (#26 calling on a touch of upsey in this mix). The difficult ones in the middle were #5 and #15, although #15 worked for those having done the north, and travelling by water taxi, 13,23 (in-out),4,15,28 and not going to school.
The very eastern end was the least visited, somewhat a pity in a way, with the seat at #29 promising a 'magnificent view'. This tight area of excellent course setting defied easy looping and took real speed to go 'cover girl' there. The long climb back up to the newly mapped #8 (or to #30), past the club members enjoying a dry martini, represented the longest non ping sector last night, and would have been deeply felt - at least by the four 'all stations' stallions who passed this way. Possibly #8 is the lonely pot here, with the extra climb needed for ten bucks not an easy outlay if the lungs are screaming.
As I mentioned, most seemed to work an anti-clockwise loop, with the few clockies (inc Pork Pie) almost instantly regretting their plans as the puff uphill to 10,6 and 26 saw lots of low gear work and early thoughts of time penalties. Cheery 'Go Rosscoe' greetings from a speeding downhill water skier (D Lotty esquire) didn't help!
Looking at the scoring reveals the tough ask, but also the magnificent work of water baby Horrocks. Glenn is our weekly bellwether all checkpoints runner, who last night ran the lot in 51" exactly for a very commendable 540pt claim. The first six runners were all over time in fact, with the top four (Glenn plus Andy, Steve and James McQ) our only 500 plus water paint specialists. Our most popular score was a strong 350pt pencil with eight artists in water wings taking home this print out - including the winning VW run from Paula Shingler and an equally good one from Will Neal (who obviously did).
I mentioned four runners going 600, with Glenn and Ian McKenzie (a superb 102.24 minute outing in rain shade and stocking) expected, but note Ross 'Not STB' Morrison and Lee 'The Grassy Knoll' Coady (both MM) also enjoying natures natural bath - Lee enjoying ten minutes more in the tub than Rosscoe, but to his detriment it seems. Well over half the field clocked 300 plus, and nobody ended with a negative - although Rob & Rosie pushed it with a final positive ten after sixty one minutes chewing water cress.
Good results for our winners, with no shows from a few regulars (Gill, Aidan, Duncan, Carol, Ellen) meaning some new class winners last night. Let's here it for a trio of golds in VM (Andy Smith, Pete Annetts and Tim Rogers), a brace in OW (Malin Welen and Claire Winnick), with Alastair George taking the Sub Junior gong (an excellent 400 in 46.59 - almost a 'phew' award), Ruariridh 'Fries' McDonald in JM, and Sue Thomson sharing IW honours with Gwen Sewell. John Anderson runs up another win in LM (Teddy a half head in arrears), as does Heiko, Michele, Karin, Antoniya, Wazza, Rachael and Anthony 'The Knee' (and also 'The Chest'!). The battle in OM doesn't get any easier, with Andrew 'In Crayon' Hill and Steve Ryan both posting 580 point gross totals - but the Western Hills artist sketching things in a bit quicker, 49.48 to Steve's 51.11. This is one of the great contests of the 13/14 series, and will probably not be settled till the Macquarie final.
Although Pistol Pete gets a mention above, his 44.59 run is this weeks class act in the water logged stakes, and bears mention. A couple of other .59's (young King George in 46.59 and VM Andrew McDonald in 41.59) are noted, as is the cruel blow to Andy 'The River' Povah, with 45.01 on the water clock killing his potential tenner over 'The Mug of Skim Cap'.
Only three groups out last night, with 'Three Degrees' noted on Pork Pie's naming 'fame' radar, working a 170 point claim in 45.22, and not appearing to have given in to this 'third degree' treatment by the Feet. Good work 3D's. Lucas Manson Family take the Group prize with ten more than the Degrees.
There are many more good posts last night, among the rusted on and the water biscuit madies. Lotty (230 after going ten minutes over), Eric 'Not Any Longer' Young (MM and out over 51), Paul 'President For Life' Prudhoe (SVM and back early), Michael Free (a great 360 in VM), Garingal's Johnny 'JB" Brayan with 380 in the water closet - and mate Bob 'The Bushranger' Morgan (SVM 300) well accounted for, all come to mind - as Rosscoe (standing at the bar) takes in a little something water soluble.
A shame about the weather last night, but a memorable evening nonetheless. Big thanks to Michael and his fellow Feet for a chance to test the hammy and dampen the trouser. And to the SSS rusted on's who showed up, bless the lot of you! Next week see the only completely new map in this years series, with Dave Lotty and the Uringa crew bringing us the chance to jog with our jewellery on at Double Bay/ Bellevue Hill. The map includes Cooper Park and a priceless chance to check out the small fibro shacks and unkempt gardens of this inner city location. It is always great to go somewhere new, so I'm expecting a huge roll up. And Uncle Dave at the controls? Well, he is Mr Orienteering after all - so expect the best, and join us as the Sydney Summer Series rolls into this great new area. It should be a fantastic evening of cunning running.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
BRUTAL BRUSH WITH BROWN AT BRUSH
Brown contour lines that is! Those wiggles and Jackson Pollock like meanderings, often a measured distance apart (as one is when taking tea with the aunties), but last night close and personal, as Stanley Steep and Contour Kate worked a sobriety of puff amongst the throng.
And a throng it was, with close to 190 drivers upon the hills of Brush Farm - and maybe a record roll-up for this western venue. Innocently they came, expecting the friendly attentions of 'The Truck Tyre', but actually getting both barrels from Lee 'Enfield' Coady instead (Pork Pie mistakenly mentioning Steve as the course setter in the preview posts, when he turns out to be the organiser). So, the 'Rifle' it was - and he set a cracker.
As alluded to, the 'Farm' is not quite a before bed caress with a soft hair brush, more a serious hill climb in the Torana XU1 - and needing hard work across the gear range, including a fair bit in first. Working across the course from Darvall Park was always going to mean 'puff' of course - and meant a sleepless Tuesday night for those that remembered their last exhaustive outing here ten years ago. Brown lines close together has that effect, and Lee worked them again with enthusiasm.
Let's slip out of the mustard coloured 180B and pull on the shorts.
The WHO encampment was aflutter with banner and branded bunting, including a blow up settee for the elderly to contemplate the punishment to come. Officials, marshals and coin takers were resplendent in light blue, and produced a landscape rally map for the obligatory tenner. Wisely, 'The Rifle' was hidden at the start flag, and missed the spread of drivers upon the assembly point grass in prolonged agony and indecision - as they worked, and then reworked the string, hoping for a lead, hoping to glean a morsel of info from the Blue team, from any early finishers, hoping it would 'click', but knowing that in the end (as Bob Dylan sang) "even the President of the United States must have to stand naked". It was such a good bit of SSS setting that you were indeed all alone. No obvious route or loop, no blank hole, no bald spots, and no getting away from the contours. Runners were to be put to the rack in all directions and combinations, and it is fascinating to see such route variety in the splits.
Let's look more closely at the course.
The 100 points in the eastern strip seemed a must do, with many beginning in some fashion/combination here. There were also big claims in the far west, out of reach for most (although James 'Alan Moffatt' Lithgow worked the GTHO there), and a goodly bunch in the middle. It was almost impossible to construct a low climb course if you were after a 300 plus claim, and so, the 'Pollock's' beckoned. You had to work high, many off the 19/17 beginning and then up to 18 - or back and up via #1 - the delightful Robinson Pathway in Outlook Park. Others went low first (7,13,25,15 etc) and then put in on the western hill slopes to the classic combo at 27,22,5 (Lynn Park) - the V8's having earlier worked 20,28,14 - and wisely ignoring #11 (maybe our lonely pot in its tight clutch of brown). What also bedevilled many were the two thirty's (#24/26) quite close to the start that resisted all looping - and had to be taken 'in-out'. Both classic conundrums. So valuable, so close….but so hard!
A couple of routes illustrate the many options adopted. 'The Morris Minor', 'The Ink Bottle', Gill, Patrik and Greg 'The Gas Well' Barbour all began 12,2,23 and the north to west swing - and home via #3. Glenn also did this, but added #3 between 2 and 23 - curious. Andy, 'The Joss Stick' and Aidan all began south to west (3,7,13,25), with Mark Schaefer tackling one of the tough twenties early, beginning 3,26,4. The combinations were many and varied across all age classes, including an excellent route from 'The Pants' going 2,12,7,13, west to 9,28 (Bell Park),14 (Lambert Park), then 27,22,5 (phew!), 16,18 and finishing with the triple whammy - 21,24,23! I like that last bit, and didn't 'see it' at all during over a hour of indecisive string twirling.
Going over the hill between 22 and 27 was an agony (better low around the street), as was anyone climbing 22,5. A good flow return (if you had worked north earlier) was the run down from 4 through West Denistone Park to 6,25 and across to a 13,7,3 finish. Getting #26 into this mix proved a tough ask. But then, it was a tough evening. Many found deeper reserves than they thought they had, including 'Sir Ronald', who flew home across the foot as described above into a share of the lead in IM with Teddy. And for a steep course, there weren't as many late penalties as you might expect - Alice 'In Wonderland' Clayton taking out the honours here with an enjoyable 81.35 run, surrendering 370 of her 490 point post in OW as a result. And while I'm on a 'late' tack, how about the 100 point penalty cars, Ross Morrison (54.02), Pete Annetts (54.52), Chris Cotteral (54.26) and, perfection itself, Christophe Capel in 55.00! Kaj also gave things a belt (JM 65.09), as did IW's Bev (61.30) and Ian 'The Banker' McKenzie (77.29 and our only other all stops runner - after Glenn).
Looks like only one 'Phew' award - to Tania Kennedy (VW), home in 44.59, and winning her age group with 360 points. An excellent run from 'The Knockout'. On the 'Cruel World' stakes, only two to report, with Matty Dowle regretting stopping for a tyre change at 48.01, and the Beard Group (Rod & Helen) feeling things more keenly at 45.01 in an otherwise excellent post of 370. It seems our most popular score was the rather excellent 370 with 12 racing cars into pitt straight with that post. 350/360's weren't far behind, helping two thirds of the field go 'over half way'. The 370 cars included Tezza, Ted and the Beards already mentioned, but also included a great run from 'The Forbes Post Office' (SVM), more exciting cornering from Vet mobiles, Fergus Duion (Dixon?), Tim 'Thrust &' Perry, Johnny 'Be Good' Buhlman and James 'Smiths Corner' Stuart (whoohoo James, good one), and heavy fuel usage from Masters teamsters Wayne 'The Plunge' Pepper and Sandy 'O' Smith. Crystal Ossolinski our sole female in this block, working her 'Handling Options' Falcon home in 44.44 - and delighting the timing team.
Recent class winners have been in form again, with only a few changes last night. No 'King' so Glenn takes the lollies in MM, twenty clear of Richard Morris (570/550). James McQuillan takes a great OM win from Andrew Hill and Tommy Joss (550/540/530), and Neil Hawthorne returns to the podium in SVM with a strong 420 from Wazza and Larry ten back (410's). Terry Bluett and Ted Woodley worked very different routes but both ended up joint LM winners over John Anderson and Rosscoe (370/360), the Dawson's both won, Carol again, Karin, Gill, Andy and Rachael - and good to see Sue Thommo home under and winning with 250. Another tie in SJW, with Tshinta and Ellen sharing 290's, as well as the reported IM battle. Great to see Gerry Wong on the go, Mel Cox walking (but not winning), Chris Crane (helping and walking), and Mike Hotchkiss mini-rogaining to a 410 point post. There also seemed to be a few first timers taking instruction (Wing Ming Yeong takes the eye), and many passers by wondering... 'I though Bathurst was in October'.
As you can see, race twenty was a biggie, a beauty, a toughie - an all round ripper that was probably our best ever outing on this map. Perfect setting, and perfect results across the scoring spectrum as we tangled with the brown lines - and realised it wasn't P&O Lines. Big thanks to Lee and Steve and the WHO team for another superb showing in light blue. You guys are a class act. I heard many complimentary comments from the finished and exhausted, and also from team managers, who cautioned that the odd engine and gear box oil change might be needed before next week.
Speaking of next week!
Michael Burton and 'The Feet' are scheduled for a 4pm departure on 19 February. I think they might be on platform 21 at Roseville Chase station. This is another tester and brown line beauty, with the start and assembly at the bottom of the hill! Put it this way, it will be a blast on the return. Expect to work the hammy, but also to enjoy the views in this area - several of which across Middle Harbour are sensational. I'm expecting great setting from the stargazer, and maybe the cornflake box starter. It's always a great night when the big feet and all their little feet are on show, so please, bring your Banjo - and maybe some soft toys.
Brown contour lines that is! Those wiggles and Jackson Pollock like meanderings, often a measured distance apart (as one is when taking tea with the aunties), but last night close and personal, as Stanley Steep and Contour Kate worked a sobriety of puff amongst the throng.
And a throng it was, with close to 190 drivers upon the hills of Brush Farm - and maybe a record roll-up for this western venue. Innocently they came, expecting the friendly attentions of 'The Truck Tyre', but actually getting both barrels from Lee 'Enfield' Coady instead (Pork Pie mistakenly mentioning Steve as the course setter in the preview posts, when he turns out to be the organiser). So, the 'Rifle' it was - and he set a cracker.
As alluded to, the 'Farm' is not quite a before bed caress with a soft hair brush, more a serious hill climb in the Torana XU1 - and needing hard work across the gear range, including a fair bit in first. Working across the course from Darvall Park was always going to mean 'puff' of course - and meant a sleepless Tuesday night for those that remembered their last exhaustive outing here ten years ago. Brown lines close together has that effect, and Lee worked them again with enthusiasm.
Let's slip out of the mustard coloured 180B and pull on the shorts.
The WHO encampment was aflutter with banner and branded bunting, including a blow up settee for the elderly to contemplate the punishment to come. Officials, marshals and coin takers were resplendent in light blue, and produced a landscape rally map for the obligatory tenner. Wisely, 'The Rifle' was hidden at the start flag, and missed the spread of drivers upon the assembly point grass in prolonged agony and indecision - as they worked, and then reworked the string, hoping for a lead, hoping to glean a morsel of info from the Blue team, from any early finishers, hoping it would 'click', but knowing that in the end (as Bob Dylan sang) "even the President of the United States must have to stand naked". It was such a good bit of SSS setting that you were indeed all alone. No obvious route or loop, no blank hole, no bald spots, and no getting away from the contours. Runners were to be put to the rack in all directions and combinations, and it is fascinating to see such route variety in the splits.
Let's look more closely at the course.
The 100 points in the eastern strip seemed a must do, with many beginning in some fashion/combination here. There were also big claims in the far west, out of reach for most (although James 'Alan Moffatt' Lithgow worked the GTHO there), and a goodly bunch in the middle. It was almost impossible to construct a low climb course if you were after a 300 plus claim, and so, the 'Pollock's' beckoned. You had to work high, many off the 19/17 beginning and then up to 18 - or back and up via #1 - the delightful Robinson Pathway in Outlook Park. Others went low first (7,13,25,15 etc) and then put in on the western hill slopes to the classic combo at 27,22,5 (Lynn Park) - the V8's having earlier worked 20,28,14 - and wisely ignoring #11 (maybe our lonely pot in its tight clutch of brown). What also bedevilled many were the two thirty's (#24/26) quite close to the start that resisted all looping - and had to be taken 'in-out'. Both classic conundrums. So valuable, so close….but so hard!
A couple of routes illustrate the many options adopted. 'The Morris Minor', 'The Ink Bottle', Gill, Patrik and Greg 'The Gas Well' Barbour all began 12,2,23 and the north to west swing - and home via #3. Glenn also did this, but added #3 between 2 and 23 - curious. Andy, 'The Joss Stick' and Aidan all began south to west (3,7,13,25), with Mark Schaefer tackling one of the tough twenties early, beginning 3,26,4. The combinations were many and varied across all age classes, including an excellent route from 'The Pants' going 2,12,7,13, west to 9,28 (Bell Park),14 (Lambert Park), then 27,22,5 (phew!), 16,18 and finishing with the triple whammy - 21,24,23! I like that last bit, and didn't 'see it' at all during over a hour of indecisive string twirling.
Going over the hill between 22 and 27 was an agony (better low around the street), as was anyone climbing 22,5. A good flow return (if you had worked north earlier) was the run down from 4 through West Denistone Park to 6,25 and across to a 13,7,3 finish. Getting #26 into this mix proved a tough ask. But then, it was a tough evening. Many found deeper reserves than they thought they had, including 'Sir Ronald', who flew home across the foot as described above into a share of the lead in IM with Teddy. And for a steep course, there weren't as many late penalties as you might expect - Alice 'In Wonderland' Clayton taking out the honours here with an enjoyable 81.35 run, surrendering 370 of her 490 point post in OW as a result. And while I'm on a 'late' tack, how about the 100 point penalty cars, Ross Morrison (54.02), Pete Annetts (54.52), Chris Cotteral (54.26) and, perfection itself, Christophe Capel in 55.00! Kaj also gave things a belt (JM 65.09), as did IW's Bev (61.30) and Ian 'The Banker' McKenzie (77.29 and our only other all stops runner - after Glenn).
Looks like only one 'Phew' award - to Tania Kennedy (VW), home in 44.59, and winning her age group with 360 points. An excellent run from 'The Knockout'. On the 'Cruel World' stakes, only two to report, with Matty Dowle regretting stopping for a tyre change at 48.01, and the Beard Group (Rod & Helen) feeling things more keenly at 45.01 in an otherwise excellent post of 370. It seems our most popular score was the rather excellent 370 with 12 racing cars into pitt straight with that post. 350/360's weren't far behind, helping two thirds of the field go 'over half way'. The 370 cars included Tezza, Ted and the Beards already mentioned, but also included a great run from 'The Forbes Post Office' (SVM), more exciting cornering from Vet mobiles, Fergus Duion (Dixon?), Tim 'Thrust &' Perry, Johnny 'Be Good' Buhlman and James 'Smiths Corner' Stuart (whoohoo James, good one), and heavy fuel usage from Masters teamsters Wayne 'The Plunge' Pepper and Sandy 'O' Smith. Crystal Ossolinski our sole female in this block, working her 'Handling Options' Falcon home in 44.44 - and delighting the timing team.
Recent class winners have been in form again, with only a few changes last night. No 'King' so Glenn takes the lollies in MM, twenty clear of Richard Morris (570/550). James McQuillan takes a great OM win from Andrew Hill and Tommy Joss (550/540/530), and Neil Hawthorne returns to the podium in SVM with a strong 420 from Wazza and Larry ten back (410's). Terry Bluett and Ted Woodley worked very different routes but both ended up joint LM winners over John Anderson and Rosscoe (370/360), the Dawson's both won, Carol again, Karin, Gill, Andy and Rachael - and good to see Sue Thommo home under and winning with 250. Another tie in SJW, with Tshinta and Ellen sharing 290's, as well as the reported IM battle. Great to see Gerry Wong on the go, Mel Cox walking (but not winning), Chris Crane (helping and walking), and Mike Hotchkiss mini-rogaining to a 410 point post. There also seemed to be a few first timers taking instruction (Wing Ming Yeong takes the eye), and many passers by wondering... 'I though Bathurst was in October'.
As you can see, race twenty was a biggie, a beauty, a toughie - an all round ripper that was probably our best ever outing on this map. Perfect setting, and perfect results across the scoring spectrum as we tangled with the brown lines - and realised it wasn't P&O Lines. Big thanks to Lee and Steve and the WHO team for another superb showing in light blue. You guys are a class act. I heard many complimentary comments from the finished and exhausted, and also from team managers, who cautioned that the odd engine and gear box oil change might be needed before next week.
Speaking of next week!
Michael Burton and 'The Feet' are scheduled for a 4pm departure on 19 February. I think they might be on platform 21 at Roseville Chase station. This is another tester and brown line beauty, with the start and assembly at the bottom of the hill! Put it this way, it will be a blast on the return. Expect to work the hammy, but also to enjoy the views in this area - several of which across Middle Harbour are sensational. I'm expecting great setting from the stargazer, and maybe the cornflake box starter. It's always a great night when the big feet and all their little feet are on show, so please, bring your Banjo - and maybe some soft toys.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
'BRUTUS' BOB WORKS SSS KNIFE DEEPLY INTO COMPETITOR CASSOCK
Just back from a magnificent three day/six race 'Sprint the Bay' in NZ (where it rained the whole time) - to find SSS event 19 at Penno over and done, and what looks like to have been a tough outing in the gumboots. The SSS spy network has kept Pork Pie abreast of Bob's Brutal Bash, with a late deck-o at the 'portrait' sending a shiver up the spine. No wonder the scores were low!
Probably too late in the piece for a full evaluation, although I can report enthusiastic support and horrendous negatives from a variety of Summer Series funsters. It looks a very wide spread, with the Lane Cover River pair (#18/30) being as testy a test as fans can remember - one can imagine little traffic thereabouts. The southern points were of a similar nature to last years 'Plunge', and probably attracted the most votes, with care being needed in the small track network around 27/17 etc. The north was less generous, with a reprise of the Plunge (22/20) that apparently attracted 19 punters (10 up and 9 down), and some stiff work needed to loop the high triple (28/8/13) into calculations. The other points also looked to play with your mind if you began 14/6/24 and then saw 16/26 beckoning (+20?) only to realise Contour Kate at work. To go 24 (reports of misplacement) 16 and return didn't look worth it - but then going on down to 26 (20?) left one with a distinct case of the 'Roy Orbison's'.
I can see why the southern loops (beginning west and returning 29/19/23 or for the guns 29/19/10/17/27/3/forget 7/23) found favour, and rather like Bob's setting around 21/11 and 25/5. Mmmm, nice about turning needed, and reminiscent of Captain Cleland the week before at Balmain.
As I mentioned, there have been a wide variety of opinions, with the more experienced orienteers finding in favour - as you might expect. I think we like to see a balance of bush work and street, and the different challenges each asks of the competitor. Looking at the course, I think I might have worked the south, after a 14/6/24 beginning, and look to make the return exit decision at #19. Number 22 looked a goodie to keep till the final flog home - providing you were comfortable which side of the fence it was on! All academic for me of course.
Seems like there was around the 175 mark on the nibble, with Jeremy 'In The Bentley' Fowler taking top honours with 460 in OM. Greg (VM) and Patrik (MM) were ten back, in a field that posted lower than usual points - for obvious reasons. I'll leave the individual results and class commentary till next time, but must note Mel 'The Scout Master' Cox back from holidays and belting a top SVM winner - no doubt with his 9 iron, and adding 'fun' to SVM proceedings as the field turns into the home straight.
Tomorrow (!) we return to Brush Farm at Denistone, with 'The Retread' in charge. The assembly point is on the eastern edge of this map, so all will face a western flog with a fair sausage of the upsey stuff to get to the actual 'farm' (bush grove perhaps) itself - that's if you can tear yourself away from the delights of train watching on the adjacent northern line! Steve is not normally a cruel man, but I think there could be a sting here, especially if he goes Victoria Road to the top and back down again. The nice strip parks and excellent views are compensation of course, but bring (and insert) the energy bar. You might need it.
Getting towards the season's pointy end with points counting more and more, as the gaspers out-run the golfers, and the swinging arm of rugby league fame makes its annual SSS appearance! Don't miss this for quids, and remember, the 'West Ryde' for dinner is just down the road! Yum.
Just back from a magnificent three day/six race 'Sprint the Bay' in NZ (where it rained the whole time) - to find SSS event 19 at Penno over and done, and what looks like to have been a tough outing in the gumboots. The SSS spy network has kept Pork Pie abreast of Bob's Brutal Bash, with a late deck-o at the 'portrait' sending a shiver up the spine. No wonder the scores were low!
Probably too late in the piece for a full evaluation, although I can report enthusiastic support and horrendous negatives from a variety of Summer Series funsters. It looks a very wide spread, with the Lane Cover River pair (#18/30) being as testy a test as fans can remember - one can imagine little traffic thereabouts. The southern points were of a similar nature to last years 'Plunge', and probably attracted the most votes, with care being needed in the small track network around 27/17 etc. The north was less generous, with a reprise of the Plunge (22/20) that apparently attracted 19 punters (10 up and 9 down), and some stiff work needed to loop the high triple (28/8/13) into calculations. The other points also looked to play with your mind if you began 14/6/24 and then saw 16/26 beckoning (+20?) only to realise Contour Kate at work. To go 24 (reports of misplacement) 16 and return didn't look worth it - but then going on down to 26 (20?) left one with a distinct case of the 'Roy Orbison's'.
I can see why the southern loops (beginning west and returning 29/19/23 or for the guns 29/19/10/17/27/3/forget 7/23) found favour, and rather like Bob's setting around 21/11 and 25/5. Mmmm, nice about turning needed, and reminiscent of Captain Cleland the week before at Balmain.
As I mentioned, there have been a wide variety of opinions, with the more experienced orienteers finding in favour - as you might expect. I think we like to see a balance of bush work and street, and the different challenges each asks of the competitor. Looking at the course, I think I might have worked the south, after a 14/6/24 beginning, and look to make the return exit decision at #19. Number 22 looked a goodie to keep till the final flog home - providing you were comfortable which side of the fence it was on! All academic for me of course.
Seems like there was around the 175 mark on the nibble, with Jeremy 'In The Bentley' Fowler taking top honours with 460 in OM. Greg (VM) and Patrik (MM) were ten back, in a field that posted lower than usual points - for obvious reasons. I'll leave the individual results and class commentary till next time, but must note Mel 'The Scout Master' Cox back from holidays and belting a top SVM winner - no doubt with his 9 iron, and adding 'fun' to SVM proceedings as the field turns into the home straight.
Tomorrow (!) we return to Brush Farm at Denistone, with 'The Retread' in charge. The assembly point is on the eastern edge of this map, so all will face a western flog with a fair sausage of the upsey stuff to get to the actual 'farm' (bush grove perhaps) itself - that's if you can tear yourself away from the delights of train watching on the adjacent northern line! Steve is not normally a cruel man, but I think there could be a sting here, especially if he goes Victoria Road to the top and back down again. The nice strip parks and excellent views are compensation of course, but bring (and insert) the energy bar. You might need it.
Getting towards the season's pointy end with points counting more and more, as the gaspers out-run the golfers, and the swinging arm of rugby league fame makes its annual SSS appearance! Don't miss this for quids, and remember, the 'West Ryde' for dinner is just down the road! Yum.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Will it be…BEDLAM AT BENNELONG BOB'S BUSH BASH", or maybe "PRETENDERS POLEAXED AS PRIME PONIES PREEN AT PENNO PUNISHER"??
It could even be something of a botany lesson, given the bushy nature of Pennant Hill Park, and course -setter Bob's love of the sound of eucalyptus crunching under the Nike. Or maybe a multi sport court surface and facility comparison? Somewhat sadly though, it won't be a normal Thursday evening Pork Pie report, as your irreverent race caller is off this arvo to New Zealand for 'Sprint the Bays' in Napier. Nevertheless, and given the old gent is still standing after the six races in three days at STB, the Jim Maxwell of the SSS will be back behind the microphone next Tuesday and might manage a late analysis. The spy network has been activated, and PP looks forward to reports of another great SSS event at Penno - somewhat a reprise of Wayne's famous 'Plunge' no doubt, and bound to be yet another fantastic event.
Enjoy!
It could even be something of a botany lesson, given the bushy nature of Pennant Hill Park, and course -setter Bob's love of the sound of eucalyptus crunching under the Nike. Or maybe a multi sport court surface and facility comparison? Somewhat sadly though, it won't be a normal Thursday evening Pork Pie report, as your irreverent race caller is off this arvo to New Zealand for 'Sprint the Bays' in Napier. Nevertheless, and given the old gent is still standing after the six races in three days at STB, the Jim Maxwell of the SSS will be back behind the microphone next Tuesday and might manage a late analysis. The spy network has been activated, and PP looks forward to reports of another great SSS event at Penno - somewhat a reprise of Wayne's famous 'Plunge' no doubt, and bound to be yet another fantastic event.
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
ABOARD STEAM SHIP URINGA, CAPTAIN CLELAND RINGS DOWN 'FULL ASTERN'
It was a night at sea, a night on the harbour; a night of going about, trimming sail and signalling three toots when reversing engines. It was also another of those sublime Sydney Summer Series evenings that mixed intriguing and confusing inner city street shenanigans with views galore. Views from the stern, the bow, the poop - but not from the boiler deck, where Master Cleland had Engineer Pallas in a sweat shovelling coal, as he rang down for more speed from the ageing and riveted eagle.
But first, a note on editorial direction.
In last weeks event preview, I noted the looming excitement of our return to Balmain - this time under the baton of Brian 'Wilson' Cleland. Having just concluded my Turimetta Tidal Trumpet, and being 'aglow' with matters seaside, I was picturing Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys - hence the reference to the guitar (although I think BW is more of a keyboard man now I come to think of it) - and maybe developing a pop tune and trendy take at 'Skinny Latte'. All this had to be cast aside however, and a new theme developed, once the 'Captain's' plans were revealed. BC wasn't going tin pan alley, he was going ten point alley - in one of the great in-out ferry routes in recent memory. Join in as Pork Pie works over the harbour maritime charts aboard SS Uringa.
Arrival alongside found the ship well anchored and shore power connected. Various flags indicated 'divers below', and 'pirates aboard' - with the yellow fever flag (the yellow one) also featuring the plea 'help'. This didn't seem to deter one of our biggest roll ups in season 23 however, where 210 entries seemed to signal 230-odd souls eager to get on board. And for the price of two schooners and a flash of the 'Mum' tattoo, the nights chart was yours. Seafarers gathered upon the shady lawns of Dr Mort - where life veritably hummed with expectation, and the twirling plumb line (this one notched in 1:8,000 fathoms) was cast upon the full coloured landscape shaped vellum.
The first impression is of the proboscis like shapes protruding from the suburb. A probing forth of landform into the harbour, much like the inching forth of paint in an expensive Clyfford Still. Then it hits you. The ten pointers at the extremities - scattered in an outer ring and several as impossible stretches - and the many significant in-out controls, especially at the east end of Darling Street (where tram buffs recalled the counter weight car used to stop trams from running away downhill into the harbour). This was 'Larry' as we not have seen before - with several eliminated from voyage plans within a minute of competitors opening their charts. Number one, gone. Number nine, gone. Number eight, gone too - as was the pesky transformer (#2). Number 1 & 8 though, what classics - and what views - a couple of the greatest 'reverse engine' checkpoints in SSS history. Sadly not many beeped on at either I would guess, with a toss up between them for the lonely buoy award (#8 probably pulled a few off line from #7, and #2 worked into an outer loop that included the on-board veggie garden at 14).
There were two excellent sections of Captain Cleland's plan - the Ballast Point trio (60pts), and then the broader customs collect from Colgate to Darling Wharf (where the Uringa had been refused berthing rights).
Firstly, the Ballast sixty was masterful planning, with many runners doing all three controls gaining the low thirty points only to lose them in time taken. The location of #4 a particular 'treat', and the double stair flights up from #15 a killer if working west. Several maybe smarter runners (again working anti clockwise) worked #3 (a delightful initial in-out), around and up the steps to #24, and then on to #23 etc - ignoring Brian's tempters below, and benefitting. This inset 1:4000 section was very well done indeed. Secondly, the east end of the chart was a challenge (and saw the most reverse engine calls), with 'Contour Kate' adding to the coal consumption of competing steamers. Twenty was nice around the sandstone buildings, with runners noted adjusting their uniforms as the ferry unloaded. 30 a classy in-out, then the puff up to 10, up/down to 18, along the foreshore under the scaffolding to the 29 zig zag (many not seeing this and going up-down (the Flickster amongst them), and then up to #19 - who's street corner seemed closer to Darling Street - before reversing again to a descent to the propellers and the tug boat wharf.
If you went clockwise, and the majority seemed to, you began #25, 16 and the the above in reverse till the southern swoop along Darling Street to the great new boardwalk at #7 and then Water Police harbour and the link to 28,17,26,5,22 and ponder stations. Those with speed worked their varnished in-boards to 13,21,12 and Ballast before skirting Morts and signing off at the red 'wreckage' flag. Going 22 to 14,2 then 13 was wider still - and only a route for the younger navy recruits it seems. There might have been other variations, but I think the circle from 3,Ballast.22 in the west to most of the east and south (in either direction) yielded for most sailors - and explains the most common scores - with eleven runners at 370pts and another eleven at 390.
First impressions looked 'several 600's', but the tenners on the outer delivered the headline…."Ten Point Tempters Failed To"… so it was no surprise to see the top at 570, and Mr McKenzie's 'Menthoids' only walking to 540 points (and at 81.36 minutes upon the briny, returning 370 of them to the deep). Other vessels long overdue (fog on the Balmain banks) included Chu Hsien-Chong (OM and at sea for 58.01), Cameron 'The Senate' Will (SJM and becalmed for 57.20 minutes), and a surprisingly long voyage from Ted Woodley (LM 310pts) - with 55.25 on the ships log and the smell of rum in the wheelhouse. There was no Currie on last nights menu - a big surprise given this is there home port, but there was 'Team Berko' - one of ten groups, and one of our favourites with 220 on the telegraph. The best scoring group entry was 'The Merrington' Group with 290 points, but we just have to mention a new class act in 'Pedro's Parents' - scoring 170 in 41.29 and hopefully not disappointing Pedro too much. We hope to see the 'PP's" again soon.
No close shaves this week, with only the afore mentioned Chu going .01. I see Mike Hotchkiss (VM 370pts) aboard, and presume this is the Rogaining Mike of great accomplishment. Good to see Mike enjoying a Mini Rogaines - as we once called the Summer Series. I also not John 'The Cartoonist' Giles back after injury at his first SSS season 23 run (I think I've got that right), working up 280 in the LM overalls, and Angas Van Schalk running SJM and not as part of the VS family group. 'The Aberdeen' scored 70 after having fifty of his well earned 120 pinched by petty officials at the Quay. Unfair really.
A good two thirds of the field were on or above 300 (143 actually), but only 26 of them were north of 500 - including our joint winners on 570 points, Richard Green (MM @44.24) and newcomer (and Junior!!!) Adam Potter, who went all stations in 47.04. 'The Potty' has no club affiliation, but blasts into SSS view in one of the most sensational debut's ever seen. More info please, this is incredible stuff, although customs officials will need to sail area for compliance.
Maybe a few more results. As cargoes are landed and sailors head off to the 'Dry Dock' for a Tooths.
No Steve Ryan in OM this week, but another draw! This time Andy Hill and Mark Schaefer both post 550's to be joint winners - Mark under time, Andrew a bit wider and over (580, 47.48). Gill (OW) and Mike Burton (VM) both drew 540 points to starboard in winning their respective classes (again!), and were generally well in front of other vessels - Claire Winnick (a superb 520) closer to 'Extra Bold' than Andrew Smith's VM 510 is to 'The Vanashing Swamp'. A great run by Andy (one of the many Garingal Andy's) all the same, and a click of the telegraph in front of his other deadly VM competitors - Greg Barbour (500), and Pete Annetts and Matt Peters (both 490's). Close racing here boys!
Warwick Selby continues his winning form (SVM 480), as does Steve Flick (LM 440) and Heiko (IM 400). Paula (VW 440) and Antoniya (MW 450) do likewise - as does Michele Dawson, in a really excellent 440 in Junior Women. Toby Wilson gets the gold in SJM (380), Carol and Karin likewise (LW/SVW) and 'The Shunter' in SJW (230 in a nicely timed 44.49). The walkers were without 'The Knee', so it came down to Jimmy and Andy (our favourite SSS shipmate handle), with 'The River Po' putting on twenty more leagues than Jim (350/330) - the latter also the score of Emmanuelle in WaW. Gwen Sewell (just) takes IW with 210 from Cheryl Davies (200) and June (190), but great to see Sue Thomson back on the bridge and ordering 130 degrees and 'slow ahead both' in the category she is leading.
Lumo seemed to be 'slow both engines' (230 in SVM), possibly saving himself for some fast and furious out-of-bounds work at Sprint the Bay in NZ (somewhere off the port bow). Rob Spry was also noted as a 230 man, quietly going about his course, chart gripped firmly in to starboard, and with an eye on the horizon. The 'About Not To Be' Governor General (VW) is one of a number of working boats posting 270's, along with 'The Nest Of Vipers' (LM) and the two open '...ak's' Clare and Dominic. Good work all. I also note Michelle Hone 'Ing My Skills' with a tidy 310 in OW, the very same score as Sir Ronald of Pumkin and Bean in IM - and, sadly, well astern of fellow immortals Sir Kenneth (330) and Sir Teddy (350), and over the horizon from the Battleship Schaefer. David Bowerman has pipped Stu by ten in this SVM guns drawn stand off (360/350). Next week mutters Stuart, as does President Paul in the same age grouping, who only went ten better and might end up with a shore posting if he doesn't improve.
Heaps of other good scores of course, some back a bit (Dave Bray 420, Larry 380), some up a bit (James 'Of Beecroft' 470, Carolyn Haupt 440) - but all posted shortly, if not already. Things are getting serious now with poor runs being well eliminated from the count and the business end of the SSS looming! Watch this space as they say. So, to conclude, a great night (another fine evening!!) with a very enjoyable flog around the port of Balmain behind the Uringa and it's skipper Brian 'The Groom' Cleland. Big thanks to all the UR crew (chief stoker Pallas already noted) for what would have been close to our biggest so far. Must be close.
Next week, sees the boarding party well on shore, and working into the wolds of Pennant Hills Park. Here we will reprise one of last seasons greatest outings (remember 'The Plunge' by Wayne - immortal stuff), with some nice bush track work, and maybe some real bush work without the tracks! Bob 'The Elvis Presley of Bennelong' Morgan is in charge and I can already see the right leg shaking! It's rock and roll, it's the dance of a lifetime, as Bobby goes wide and deploys the cunning tools of contour, track and netball fence. Don't miss it for quids.
Normally that is how (and exhausted) Pork Pie signs off his race reports - hoping we might see comments by other runners posted over the following week (please!!). This time I need to mention an incident at Balmain last night, and our need to enjoy the Summer Series in the most neighbour friendly way possible. It appears an elderly lady, walking her dog, was pushed/brushed aside into a brush fence by a runner - passing at speed. No injuries, but she did seek out the event officials and complained - to the effect that she didn't believe we should be running in Balmain at all, and might take it up at Council. Not an outcome we hope to see of course, but I think Brian managed the situation as best he could, and we all hope for 'no further'. The point is to reiterate how important it is that we all run safe, beware of others, and enjoy our sport together.
It was a night at sea, a night on the harbour; a night of going about, trimming sail and signalling three toots when reversing engines. It was also another of those sublime Sydney Summer Series evenings that mixed intriguing and confusing inner city street shenanigans with views galore. Views from the stern, the bow, the poop - but not from the boiler deck, where Master Cleland had Engineer Pallas in a sweat shovelling coal, as he rang down for more speed from the ageing and riveted eagle.
But first, a note on editorial direction.
In last weeks event preview, I noted the looming excitement of our return to Balmain - this time under the baton of Brian 'Wilson' Cleland. Having just concluded my Turimetta Tidal Trumpet, and being 'aglow' with matters seaside, I was picturing Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys - hence the reference to the guitar (although I think BW is more of a keyboard man now I come to think of it) - and maybe developing a pop tune and trendy take at 'Skinny Latte'. All this had to be cast aside however, and a new theme developed, once the 'Captain's' plans were revealed. BC wasn't going tin pan alley, he was going ten point alley - in one of the great in-out ferry routes in recent memory. Join in as Pork Pie works over the harbour maritime charts aboard SS Uringa.
Arrival alongside found the ship well anchored and shore power connected. Various flags indicated 'divers below', and 'pirates aboard' - with the yellow fever flag (the yellow one) also featuring the plea 'help'. This didn't seem to deter one of our biggest roll ups in season 23 however, where 210 entries seemed to signal 230-odd souls eager to get on board. And for the price of two schooners and a flash of the 'Mum' tattoo, the nights chart was yours. Seafarers gathered upon the shady lawns of Dr Mort - where life veritably hummed with expectation, and the twirling plumb line (this one notched in 1:8,000 fathoms) was cast upon the full coloured landscape shaped vellum.
The first impression is of the proboscis like shapes protruding from the suburb. A probing forth of landform into the harbour, much like the inching forth of paint in an expensive Clyfford Still. Then it hits you. The ten pointers at the extremities - scattered in an outer ring and several as impossible stretches - and the many significant in-out controls, especially at the east end of Darling Street (where tram buffs recalled the counter weight car used to stop trams from running away downhill into the harbour). This was 'Larry' as we not have seen before - with several eliminated from voyage plans within a minute of competitors opening their charts. Number one, gone. Number nine, gone. Number eight, gone too - as was the pesky transformer (#2). Number 1 & 8 though, what classics - and what views - a couple of the greatest 'reverse engine' checkpoints in SSS history. Sadly not many beeped on at either I would guess, with a toss up between them for the lonely buoy award (#8 probably pulled a few off line from #7, and #2 worked into an outer loop that included the on-board veggie garden at 14).
There were two excellent sections of Captain Cleland's plan - the Ballast Point trio (60pts), and then the broader customs collect from Colgate to Darling Wharf (where the Uringa had been refused berthing rights).
Firstly, the Ballast sixty was masterful planning, with many runners doing all three controls gaining the low thirty points only to lose them in time taken. The location of #4 a particular 'treat', and the double stair flights up from #15 a killer if working west. Several maybe smarter runners (again working anti clockwise) worked #3 (a delightful initial in-out), around and up the steps to #24, and then on to #23 etc - ignoring Brian's tempters below, and benefitting. This inset 1:4000 section was very well done indeed. Secondly, the east end of the chart was a challenge (and saw the most reverse engine calls), with 'Contour Kate' adding to the coal consumption of competing steamers. Twenty was nice around the sandstone buildings, with runners noted adjusting their uniforms as the ferry unloaded. 30 a classy in-out, then the puff up to 10, up/down to 18, along the foreshore under the scaffolding to the 29 zig zag (many not seeing this and going up-down (the Flickster amongst them), and then up to #19 - who's street corner seemed closer to Darling Street - before reversing again to a descent to the propellers and the tug boat wharf.
If you went clockwise, and the majority seemed to, you began #25, 16 and the the above in reverse till the southern swoop along Darling Street to the great new boardwalk at #7 and then Water Police harbour and the link to 28,17,26,5,22 and ponder stations. Those with speed worked their varnished in-boards to 13,21,12 and Ballast before skirting Morts and signing off at the red 'wreckage' flag. Going 22 to 14,2 then 13 was wider still - and only a route for the younger navy recruits it seems. There might have been other variations, but I think the circle from 3,Ballast.22 in the west to most of the east and south (in either direction) yielded for most sailors - and explains the most common scores - with eleven runners at 370pts and another eleven at 390.
First impressions looked 'several 600's', but the tenners on the outer delivered the headline…."Ten Point Tempters Failed To"… so it was no surprise to see the top at 570, and Mr McKenzie's 'Menthoids' only walking to 540 points (and at 81.36 minutes upon the briny, returning 370 of them to the deep). Other vessels long overdue (fog on the Balmain banks) included Chu Hsien-Chong (OM and at sea for 58.01), Cameron 'The Senate' Will (SJM and becalmed for 57.20 minutes), and a surprisingly long voyage from Ted Woodley (LM 310pts) - with 55.25 on the ships log and the smell of rum in the wheelhouse. There was no Currie on last nights menu - a big surprise given this is there home port, but there was 'Team Berko' - one of ten groups, and one of our favourites with 220 on the telegraph. The best scoring group entry was 'The Merrington' Group with 290 points, but we just have to mention a new class act in 'Pedro's Parents' - scoring 170 in 41.29 and hopefully not disappointing Pedro too much. We hope to see the 'PP's" again soon.
No close shaves this week, with only the afore mentioned Chu going .01. I see Mike Hotchkiss (VM 370pts) aboard, and presume this is the Rogaining Mike of great accomplishment. Good to see Mike enjoying a Mini Rogaines - as we once called the Summer Series. I also not John 'The Cartoonist' Giles back after injury at his first SSS season 23 run (I think I've got that right), working up 280 in the LM overalls, and Angas Van Schalk running SJM and not as part of the VS family group. 'The Aberdeen' scored 70 after having fifty of his well earned 120 pinched by petty officials at the Quay. Unfair really.
A good two thirds of the field were on or above 300 (143 actually), but only 26 of them were north of 500 - including our joint winners on 570 points, Richard Green (MM @44.24) and newcomer (and Junior!!!) Adam Potter, who went all stations in 47.04. 'The Potty' has no club affiliation, but blasts into SSS view in one of the most sensational debut's ever seen. More info please, this is incredible stuff, although customs officials will need to sail area for compliance.
Maybe a few more results. As cargoes are landed and sailors head off to the 'Dry Dock' for a Tooths.
No Steve Ryan in OM this week, but another draw! This time Andy Hill and Mark Schaefer both post 550's to be joint winners - Mark under time, Andrew a bit wider and over (580, 47.48). Gill (OW) and Mike Burton (VM) both drew 540 points to starboard in winning their respective classes (again!), and were generally well in front of other vessels - Claire Winnick (a superb 520) closer to 'Extra Bold' than Andrew Smith's VM 510 is to 'The Vanashing Swamp'. A great run by Andy (one of the many Garingal Andy's) all the same, and a click of the telegraph in front of his other deadly VM competitors - Greg Barbour (500), and Pete Annetts and Matt Peters (both 490's). Close racing here boys!
Warwick Selby continues his winning form (SVM 480), as does Steve Flick (LM 440) and Heiko (IM 400). Paula (VW 440) and Antoniya (MW 450) do likewise - as does Michele Dawson, in a really excellent 440 in Junior Women. Toby Wilson gets the gold in SJM (380), Carol and Karin likewise (LW/SVW) and 'The Shunter' in SJW (230 in a nicely timed 44.49). The walkers were without 'The Knee', so it came down to Jimmy and Andy (our favourite SSS shipmate handle), with 'The River Po' putting on twenty more leagues than Jim (350/330) - the latter also the score of Emmanuelle in WaW. Gwen Sewell (just) takes IW with 210 from Cheryl Davies (200) and June (190), but great to see Sue Thomson back on the bridge and ordering 130 degrees and 'slow ahead both' in the category she is leading.
Lumo seemed to be 'slow both engines' (230 in SVM), possibly saving himself for some fast and furious out-of-bounds work at Sprint the Bay in NZ (somewhere off the port bow). Rob Spry was also noted as a 230 man, quietly going about his course, chart gripped firmly in to starboard, and with an eye on the horizon. The 'About Not To Be' Governor General (VW) is one of a number of working boats posting 270's, along with 'The Nest Of Vipers' (LM) and the two open '...ak's' Clare and Dominic. Good work all. I also note Michelle Hone 'Ing My Skills' with a tidy 310 in OW, the very same score as Sir Ronald of Pumkin and Bean in IM - and, sadly, well astern of fellow immortals Sir Kenneth (330) and Sir Teddy (350), and over the horizon from the Battleship Schaefer. David Bowerman has pipped Stu by ten in this SVM guns drawn stand off (360/350). Next week mutters Stuart, as does President Paul in the same age grouping, who only went ten better and might end up with a shore posting if he doesn't improve.
Heaps of other good scores of course, some back a bit (Dave Bray 420, Larry 380), some up a bit (James 'Of Beecroft' 470, Carolyn Haupt 440) - but all posted shortly, if not already. Things are getting serious now with poor runs being well eliminated from the count and the business end of the SSS looming! Watch this space as they say. So, to conclude, a great night (another fine evening!!) with a very enjoyable flog around the port of Balmain behind the Uringa and it's skipper Brian 'The Groom' Cleland. Big thanks to all the UR crew (chief stoker Pallas already noted) for what would have been close to our biggest so far. Must be close.
Next week, sees the boarding party well on shore, and working into the wolds of Pennant Hills Park. Here we will reprise one of last seasons greatest outings (remember 'The Plunge' by Wayne - immortal stuff), with some nice bush track work, and maybe some real bush work without the tracks! Bob 'The Elvis Presley of Bennelong' Morgan is in charge and I can already see the right leg shaking! It's rock and roll, it's the dance of a lifetime, as Bobby goes wide and deploys the cunning tools of contour, track and netball fence. Don't miss it for quids.
Normally that is how (and exhausted) Pork Pie signs off his race reports - hoping we might see comments by other runners posted over the following week (please!!). This time I need to mention an incident at Balmain last night, and our need to enjoy the Summer Series in the most neighbour friendly way possible. It appears an elderly lady, walking her dog, was pushed/brushed aside into a brush fence by a runner - passing at speed. No injuries, but she did seek out the event officials and complained - to the effect that she didn't believe we should be running in Balmain at all, and might take it up at Council. Not an outcome we hope to see of course, but I think Brian managed the situation as best he could, and we all hope for 'no further'. The point is to reiterate how important it is that we all run safe, beware of others, and enjoy our sport together.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
TOEY TOPS TESTED AT TURIMETTA TIDAL TOWELLING
On a cool evening with a misting of moisture, a rusting of seaspray, an onshore of breeze, and a salting of dinner wrapped in paper, 170 odd junior, open and senior reserve graders arrived at North Narrabeen SLSC for SSS carnival #17 - ski's, open boats and belt teams at the ready. All clubs bought their best iron men (and women), and the ten top talents took to the Turimetta 'all-points' senior malibu tango with a vengeance, but only two emerged intact. Once again, the Sydney Summer Series surfing stars (raring to go in club branded cossies) looked tantivy, but emerged tardo - with only Steve and Richard making it 'as the clock struck one' (Steve this time shading 'The King' by 31 seconds - 42.21/42.52). The other 600 club were close, although senior iron man McKenzie (from Uringa Beach club) struggled with the shore break - and was home in 70 plus.
For the other competitors, assembled under their club pennants and checking the carnival programme, it looked a clean 600, a night to earn a quid - but the long board teams judge (one Ian 'Heinz' Jessup - our course setter) was banking on slow work on the headland tracks and the temptation to pause at various lookouts to make visiting clubs earn their points - and in his scatter of beach flag controls, he got it pretty well perfectly right.
Emerging from the combi van, let's paint a picture of the scene.
The onshore south-easter had officials initially struggling with event signage and bunting, but the Garingal surf boat crew soon had the electronics tented and pegged, and the cafe deck sorted to provide suitable registration facilities. Arriving competitors were afforded an elevated view of the sand dunes and distant beach pool rock platforms - and noted the separating lagoon in full outward flow. A $10 donation to Life Saving NSW bought a programme guide to the coastal walkways, lookouts and tides, highlighting a trio of co sponsoring beaches - and an area named 'overgrown' that was a puzzle to the beach relay teams. The impression was reasonable simple circular swimming, with a linkage puzzle in mid course, and a wet suit ending.
The tasty tempters of 21/22 across the Narrabeen lagoon channel (advised as waist deep at low tide, and with a finger wagging 'enter at your own risk') gave pause as teams lined up for the start gun. Most wanted to leave this as late as possible to catch the tide, and planned a western beginning and a clockwise circuit. Many began backwards to get to Ocean Street, others via the track on the right - some taking in the dune double before the lagoon bridge, and feeling that warm glow of 'money already in the bank'. Generally, it was freestyle to 23,12,and #3, where a variety of strokes were deployed to bag 4,14,26,6,28 and16. Freestyle 3 to 26, backstroke to 14, and the continuing with butterfly ahead via 6,26 and the seaweed route to #16 worked for many going further north - although 'The Pants' was noted going hither and thither here (including going close to the lane rope #3 to #4), ending 14,6,26,16,28 and the backstroke to the uphill track to #8 and its quaint 'shrub, south side'.
Competitors entered in the four or five klm events worked the inner points groin noted above before exiting up to Sydney Road and the Turimetta Head bagging, reverse ski, and return. Pretty well everyone was line astern here - taking 5,24,12,2 and the dash to the rock pool before donning the wet suit (or not). Many beach sprint competitors were also noted going anti clockwise here ('Miss Presley' enjoying the stairway above #2 one of them), presuming a bail out after Turimetta, or on to Warriewood and home via the west. Without looking for signs of post lagoon inundation, one assumed these competitors had gone in-out to 22 along the road and were travelling dry, as beginning across the water would have been a real killer - with sand and sog slowing progress (although, come to think of it, PP noted Richard Morris (from Bennelong Surf & Sailing Club) charging northwards across the torrent - and he posted 580!!).
The 'iron' contestants would have all worked to the top of the course in a fairly simple clock or anti fashion - the only swerves needed were to add #19 before the drop to (or rise from) 29, and the need to round the #8 buoy on your way to or fro #18. Many noted the increase in wave height hereabouts, and cursed Contour Kate for interfering in matters nautical. A slightly shorter toppie was going 9,30,19,29 - and only leaving out the sixty points round the hospital - and of course giving the Shrub (#8) the flick, as the rest of the programme lined up in a continuous line of sights and wonders to behold. None better than the viewing platform at #27 and the seat at 12. Cunning running with views? You better believe it!
All controls were well taped and described, with perhaps the trio of 'copses' adding that individual NNSLSC touch that other beach courses find hard to replicate. Most agreed it was a good run - except the 'Redfern Station Master' (who was a no show after re-twisting his ankle canyoning) - with many SSS cadet surf team members up here for the first time, and enjoying the clarity of life member Merchant's 2001 cartography. Yes, it's that long ago!
Maybe a couple of stats before the committee retires to the members room and Reschs on tap.
151 actual entries, with twelve groups - including the enigmatic 'Girls' (250pts) and 'Boys' (190pts, aaah, boys, we know, we know) - giving us around the 170 mark. Not bad for way up north, and the day being a bit on the weather. Although the rusted on SSS swim teams always turn up, we should note James 'The House Of' Stuart from Illawarra/Kareelah Surf Club (and living in Sutherland I think) with us and wearing the royal purple in his 47.49 post of 300. We all salute you James.
It seems over two thirds of the field scored over the halfway mark, and all classes were represented - albeit JM only seeing one competitor on the beach, with Chris Annetts of Garingal Heads Club in the cadet belt category. No just-on or just-under one second timing this week, with Mike Burton (Big Foot Sands & Swamp Club) close at 44.58 and Glenn the other way at 45.02. You can guess who's spitting chips! Not a stat so to speak, but reporters looking down the results board might be puzzled to see Bennelong long board specialist Terry 'Towling' Bluett home with fifty points and gone in just 15 minutes. Turns out Terry ran into a tree (out at sea, amazing!) coming out of control 13, and got to see and feel something of his inner workings. Blood everywhere! I think all was fixed up before Cheryl and Tezza drove home - Cheryl quietly humming surfing tunes as she ruminated on her 140pt post in LW - and a family first.
Age category placings continue to follow recent patterns - and that of the Leichhardt Swimathon last week - although there are one or two notables to mention. None more so than Heiko ' The Kincumber Killer' Schaefer running up an outstanding 490 points in 49.10, and netting 440 in Immortal Men - sixty clear of 'Runner Bean' Ron, and eighty clear of 'Tearaway Ted' Mulherin, both well in contention in this class. This might be the biggest category win on the night, and leads correspondent Pork Pie to note The Cucumber is 'on fire'! Actually, looking at results, this is not the biggest margin (Carol in LW had 130 in hand, Michele 160 in JW, Antoniya 80, and 'The Shunter' 210!), but given the quality of the field, a remarkable score.
Gwen Sewell takes IW from June (250/220), Rosscoe and Steve Flick tie on 430 in LM (with Stevo working further north than Ross but taking on the wrong side of fifty to do it), Steve Ryan (OM) as mentioned clears the lot in 42 and holds ten from Tommy Joss and James McQuillan - who both ran their 590's with a minute and a half to spare, making the judges wonder what was the drop? Got to be #8, or maybe #4. I'll plum for eight - and probably give this my lonely pot award. Andrew Hill dropped twenty in his all points loop, but is listed in equal 6th place overall in the Long Board. Mark Schaefre ten back, and Freddy a further twenty.
Lisa Grant was the only 600 'iron woman', although she needed five minutes (exactly!) extra time on the ski leg. Her 550 is still a clear OW winner from Catherine Murphy and Claire Winnick (both posting 510pts, with 'Of Aragon' ten seconds to the better in this close and absorbing tussle). Warwick Selby continues his winning streak with another 510 (SVM) with another fifty point buffer - this time to SVM #2 Larry 'Turn Here, Turn Here…' Weiss (460), a ten on from Gordy, and a few more to Graeme Hill and Martin 'Dear Oh Dear' Dearnley (enjoying the SSS it seems). In the close results section, the Open Boat (or VM's) category records a tie between Mike Burton and Greg Barbour with 580 points each. Greg going all stations, but losing twenty at the far buoy. Not sure which twenty (or which two tens) 'Burtons Ale' left out - maybe 8 & 4??
Andy Povah takes the WaM with 380, Emmanuelle 'converts' the WaW again with 320, this time in tandem with Rachael Povah. Rachael over, Emm under. Another great result to post is Lynn 'The Grand Piano' Stanway's 430 point win in VW - sneaking ten from Sharon in the Bennelong march past suit and sash. 'The Lampost' was 100 further back - a puzzle to Surf Lifesaving NSW, but maybe it was those early stairs? Quite a few other tied scores down the lists - including Dave Bray and Pete Annetts (both Malibu long board stars from Garingal Surf Club) with 520's. Dave 44.55, Peter over forty in a more ambitious plan. Another contest within a contest is that between GO clubmen in SVM - Stuart 'The Pennyfarthing' McWilliam and David Bowerman 'Bird', with The Bicycle taking a tenner last night to keep 'The Bird' awake till next time. 340/330 the scores.
Lots more to comb through, but better when scores posted - and the sand cleaning machine has swept through. It was a goodie, and apart from our spectacular inner harbour maps (and views of the city), one of the most scenic. The Saucebottle made the most of the area, the views, and the tidal conundrum. There was some concern expressed at the danger 21/22 represented - especially to younger competitors who might have been tempted to cross - but I don't believe there were any issues on the night. Duncan (winning SJM with an excellent 470) eschewed the drowning after witnessing a bedraggled Pork Pie emerge after a chest deep cross - and nearly going early to Sprint The Bays in NZ. I suspect many other thought along similar lines as 'The Gumboot', and either forgot 21, or did it in Larry fashion. The lagoon shoreline facilitated a reasonable time this way as the sand was firm (unlike the soft stuff on the east side of the dunes).
So, event seventeen over and out. The ute's and combi's away for another week. Big thanks Ian and the GO crew, following up from last weeks beauty in the inner west. Moving on gets us very excited however - Balmain/ Birchgrove!! Yes, yes folks, Balmain next up with Uringa's Brian 'Wilson' Cleland on guitar. Same start location adjacent to the Morts Dock (or was that Dry Dock?) Hotel where we can expect the perfect wind down goss session. After 'doing' Ballast Point and the great streets and parks of Balmain of course. It's been our biggest event for the last two seasons, and so it promises again. Bring granny, bring the kids, bring the boss!
It's going to be another week to remember. Whooo hoooo!!!
On a cool evening with a misting of moisture, a rusting of seaspray, an onshore of breeze, and a salting of dinner wrapped in paper, 170 odd junior, open and senior reserve graders arrived at North Narrabeen SLSC for SSS carnival #17 - ski's, open boats and belt teams at the ready. All clubs bought their best iron men (and women), and the ten top talents took to the Turimetta 'all-points' senior malibu tango with a vengeance, but only two emerged intact. Once again, the Sydney Summer Series surfing stars (raring to go in club branded cossies) looked tantivy, but emerged tardo - with only Steve and Richard making it 'as the clock struck one' (Steve this time shading 'The King' by 31 seconds - 42.21/42.52). The other 600 club were close, although senior iron man McKenzie (from Uringa Beach club) struggled with the shore break - and was home in 70 plus.
For the other competitors, assembled under their club pennants and checking the carnival programme, it looked a clean 600, a night to earn a quid - but the long board teams judge (one Ian 'Heinz' Jessup - our course setter) was banking on slow work on the headland tracks and the temptation to pause at various lookouts to make visiting clubs earn their points - and in his scatter of beach flag controls, he got it pretty well perfectly right.
Emerging from the combi van, let's paint a picture of the scene.
The onshore south-easter had officials initially struggling with event signage and bunting, but the Garingal surf boat crew soon had the electronics tented and pegged, and the cafe deck sorted to provide suitable registration facilities. Arriving competitors were afforded an elevated view of the sand dunes and distant beach pool rock platforms - and noted the separating lagoon in full outward flow. A $10 donation to Life Saving NSW bought a programme guide to the coastal walkways, lookouts and tides, highlighting a trio of co sponsoring beaches - and an area named 'overgrown' that was a puzzle to the beach relay teams. The impression was reasonable simple circular swimming, with a linkage puzzle in mid course, and a wet suit ending.
The tasty tempters of 21/22 across the Narrabeen lagoon channel (advised as waist deep at low tide, and with a finger wagging 'enter at your own risk') gave pause as teams lined up for the start gun. Most wanted to leave this as late as possible to catch the tide, and planned a western beginning and a clockwise circuit. Many began backwards to get to Ocean Street, others via the track on the right - some taking in the dune double before the lagoon bridge, and feeling that warm glow of 'money already in the bank'. Generally, it was freestyle to 23,12,and #3, where a variety of strokes were deployed to bag 4,14,26,6,28 and16. Freestyle 3 to 26, backstroke to 14, and the continuing with butterfly ahead via 6,26 and the seaweed route to #16 worked for many going further north - although 'The Pants' was noted going hither and thither here (including going close to the lane rope #3 to #4), ending 14,6,26,16,28 and the backstroke to the uphill track to #8 and its quaint 'shrub, south side'.
Competitors entered in the four or five klm events worked the inner points groin noted above before exiting up to Sydney Road and the Turimetta Head bagging, reverse ski, and return. Pretty well everyone was line astern here - taking 5,24,12,2 and the dash to the rock pool before donning the wet suit (or not). Many beach sprint competitors were also noted going anti clockwise here ('Miss Presley' enjoying the stairway above #2 one of them), presuming a bail out after Turimetta, or on to Warriewood and home via the west. Without looking for signs of post lagoon inundation, one assumed these competitors had gone in-out to 22 along the road and were travelling dry, as beginning across the water would have been a real killer - with sand and sog slowing progress (although, come to think of it, PP noted Richard Morris (from Bennelong Surf & Sailing Club) charging northwards across the torrent - and he posted 580!!).
The 'iron' contestants would have all worked to the top of the course in a fairly simple clock or anti fashion - the only swerves needed were to add #19 before the drop to (or rise from) 29, and the need to round the #8 buoy on your way to or fro #18. Many noted the increase in wave height hereabouts, and cursed Contour Kate for interfering in matters nautical. A slightly shorter toppie was going 9,30,19,29 - and only leaving out the sixty points round the hospital - and of course giving the Shrub (#8) the flick, as the rest of the programme lined up in a continuous line of sights and wonders to behold. None better than the viewing platform at #27 and the seat at 12. Cunning running with views? You better believe it!
All controls were well taped and described, with perhaps the trio of 'copses' adding that individual NNSLSC touch that other beach courses find hard to replicate. Most agreed it was a good run - except the 'Redfern Station Master' (who was a no show after re-twisting his ankle canyoning) - with many SSS cadet surf team members up here for the first time, and enjoying the clarity of life member Merchant's 2001 cartography. Yes, it's that long ago!
Maybe a couple of stats before the committee retires to the members room and Reschs on tap.
151 actual entries, with twelve groups - including the enigmatic 'Girls' (250pts) and 'Boys' (190pts, aaah, boys, we know, we know) - giving us around the 170 mark. Not bad for way up north, and the day being a bit on the weather. Although the rusted on SSS swim teams always turn up, we should note James 'The House Of' Stuart from Illawarra/Kareelah Surf Club (and living in Sutherland I think) with us and wearing the royal purple in his 47.49 post of 300. We all salute you James.
It seems over two thirds of the field scored over the halfway mark, and all classes were represented - albeit JM only seeing one competitor on the beach, with Chris Annetts of Garingal Heads Club in the cadet belt category. No just-on or just-under one second timing this week, with Mike Burton (Big Foot Sands & Swamp Club) close at 44.58 and Glenn the other way at 45.02. You can guess who's spitting chips! Not a stat so to speak, but reporters looking down the results board might be puzzled to see Bennelong long board specialist Terry 'Towling' Bluett home with fifty points and gone in just 15 minutes. Turns out Terry ran into a tree (out at sea, amazing!) coming out of control 13, and got to see and feel something of his inner workings. Blood everywhere! I think all was fixed up before Cheryl and Tezza drove home - Cheryl quietly humming surfing tunes as she ruminated on her 140pt post in LW - and a family first.
Age category placings continue to follow recent patterns - and that of the Leichhardt Swimathon last week - although there are one or two notables to mention. None more so than Heiko ' The Kincumber Killer' Schaefer running up an outstanding 490 points in 49.10, and netting 440 in Immortal Men - sixty clear of 'Runner Bean' Ron, and eighty clear of 'Tearaway Ted' Mulherin, both well in contention in this class. This might be the biggest category win on the night, and leads correspondent Pork Pie to note The Cucumber is 'on fire'! Actually, looking at results, this is not the biggest margin (Carol in LW had 130 in hand, Michele 160 in JW, Antoniya 80, and 'The Shunter' 210!), but given the quality of the field, a remarkable score.
Gwen Sewell takes IW from June (250/220), Rosscoe and Steve Flick tie on 430 in LM (with Stevo working further north than Ross but taking on the wrong side of fifty to do it), Steve Ryan (OM) as mentioned clears the lot in 42 and holds ten from Tommy Joss and James McQuillan - who both ran their 590's with a minute and a half to spare, making the judges wonder what was the drop? Got to be #8, or maybe #4. I'll plum for eight - and probably give this my lonely pot award. Andrew Hill dropped twenty in his all points loop, but is listed in equal 6th place overall in the Long Board. Mark Schaefre ten back, and Freddy a further twenty.
Lisa Grant was the only 600 'iron woman', although she needed five minutes (exactly!) extra time on the ski leg. Her 550 is still a clear OW winner from Catherine Murphy and Claire Winnick (both posting 510pts, with 'Of Aragon' ten seconds to the better in this close and absorbing tussle). Warwick Selby continues his winning streak with another 510 (SVM) with another fifty point buffer - this time to SVM #2 Larry 'Turn Here, Turn Here…' Weiss (460), a ten on from Gordy, and a few more to Graeme Hill and Martin 'Dear Oh Dear' Dearnley (enjoying the SSS it seems). In the close results section, the Open Boat (or VM's) category records a tie between Mike Burton and Greg Barbour with 580 points each. Greg going all stations, but losing twenty at the far buoy. Not sure which twenty (or which two tens) 'Burtons Ale' left out - maybe 8 & 4??
Andy Povah takes the WaM with 380, Emmanuelle 'converts' the WaW again with 320, this time in tandem with Rachael Povah. Rachael over, Emm under. Another great result to post is Lynn 'The Grand Piano' Stanway's 430 point win in VW - sneaking ten from Sharon in the Bennelong march past suit and sash. 'The Lampost' was 100 further back - a puzzle to Surf Lifesaving NSW, but maybe it was those early stairs? Quite a few other tied scores down the lists - including Dave Bray and Pete Annetts (both Malibu long board stars from Garingal Surf Club) with 520's. Dave 44.55, Peter over forty in a more ambitious plan. Another contest within a contest is that between GO clubmen in SVM - Stuart 'The Pennyfarthing' McWilliam and David Bowerman 'Bird', with The Bicycle taking a tenner last night to keep 'The Bird' awake till next time. 340/330 the scores.
Lots more to comb through, but better when scores posted - and the sand cleaning machine has swept through. It was a goodie, and apart from our spectacular inner harbour maps (and views of the city), one of the most scenic. The Saucebottle made the most of the area, the views, and the tidal conundrum. There was some concern expressed at the danger 21/22 represented - especially to younger competitors who might have been tempted to cross - but I don't believe there were any issues on the night. Duncan (winning SJM with an excellent 470) eschewed the drowning after witnessing a bedraggled Pork Pie emerge after a chest deep cross - and nearly going early to Sprint The Bays in NZ. I suspect many other thought along similar lines as 'The Gumboot', and either forgot 21, or did it in Larry fashion. The lagoon shoreline facilitated a reasonable time this way as the sand was firm (unlike the soft stuff on the east side of the dunes).
So, event seventeen over and out. The ute's and combi's away for another week. Big thanks Ian and the GO crew, following up from last weeks beauty in the inner west. Moving on gets us very excited however - Balmain/ Birchgrove!! Yes, yes folks, Balmain next up with Uringa's Brian 'Wilson' Cleland on guitar. Same start location adjacent to the Morts Dock (or was that Dry Dock?) Hotel where we can expect the perfect wind down goss session. After 'doing' Ballast Point and the great streets and parks of Balmain of course. It's been our biggest event for the last two seasons, and so it promises again. Bring granny, bring the kids, bring the boss!
It's going to be another week to remember. Whooo hoooo!!!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
MERCOLEDI MARVEL. CHAMPS CHEW CURRIED PIZZA (WITH POLE TOPPING)
On yet another balmy warm Sydney evening, a record roll up of SSS chefs in training chomped crostini, plundered panzanella, tickled tortellini, braved the brodo, slurped the spaghetti, and caressed their cantucci, during 'The Gumboots' gastronomic Italian sensation at Leichhardt. In a night when dinner and the post race points ponder was never far from the minds of race goers, course setter Currie added to the antipasti-like anticipation, with his excellent new map - shaped as a rectangular Roma pizza, and redolent with thirty toppings.
It proved to be a great night in 'Little Italy', a perfect evening of cunning running in a maze of mad streets, tiny parks, and the unique underground River Po - as panting punters pinged poles, beeped boxes, tickled trees, and went all points of the compass chasing the garnish, the glory - and a good seat at Bar Italia for the Fusilli Bianco.
Perhaps, before we further ravish the radicchio, let's step off the Lillyfield tram as it turns into Catherine Street and take the evening passeggiata through Soldiers Memorial Park. Here we can pay homage to the huge tree, admire the flags aflutter and evening wear of our dining companions - and check in at the Goanna. There was atmosphere in the atmosphere as foodies joined the queue.
The much missed Centomila Lire note from Banca D'Italia (the Caravaggio one), came close to the entry fee - the exchange across the bulging key lid resulting in an two dimensional pizza made in the Roman way. This is when the penny dropped and you realised you were about to experience two of the great aspects of the Sydney Summer Series - a spaghetti like course, and spaghetti afterwards! Legends licked their lips, and fingered the portrait.
First impressions of the 1:7,500 scaled offer was the even topping scatter - from onion towards Johnson in the east, to mozzarella along Norton in the west - and across north and south in a swirl of tomato (unknown in the time of the Caesars!). The east and west sides were heavily worked with ingredient - almost in two vertical lines - with the River Po claiming 230 points and the Norton Street strip (or Appennino slopes) almost the same. There was a lighter sprinkle in the mid ring, with an almost scoreless, thin crust, revealed in the centre. When coupled with the eight exit options, the intrigue was complete. Duncan had worked the course setting pizza wheel in brilliant fashion.
The older Glebe/Annandale map pretty well ended at Whites Creek (the Po), although 'The Watering Can' had extended west to Catherine last outing - but nothing was below Booth. Here was almost 80% new material, with the street shape, alleyways, pocket parks and winding Po, all contributing to what will quickly be remembered as one of the greatest of inner urban SSS areas. How to cope, how to win, how to connect? Diners quietly opened the Dolcetto.
Controls 22 and 30 in the north figured for many - perhaps with a 22,30,19,20 beginning before working down the western strip and eating back up the Po. Others began 19,20,27 and continued as above - all hoping the gap from the city west link was a path, as indeed it (and others) turned out to be. The easterners began 30,22,9,10,17, up river to a ristretto at The Forum and north along the Norton ridge. Those with more petrola, looped 14 and 16 after 22 - and noted the demand young Duncan had already placed on them. With eight starting exits, there were more variations of course - including ignoring Pioneers Park and working 3 (36th Battalion Park),24,12, the Forum, 6,25,1,23 and the Po. Perhaps the most difficult points to work into the tummy were the three twenties (15,11,18 - the Bologna triplets) that occupied the lower middle. 15 was a beginning or finish for some, so perhaps not quite the conundrum the other two represented to the circular (or Napoli) pizza runner. Classic course setting.
As we said in our title, Duncan, not content with a simple Napolitana, sprinkled his offering with tasty 'poles' - 14 of them in fact. The other ingredients of note were the tree (4) and the power box (4), with the tasty swing of Modena confined to the south western slice - and off the menu for the northern Po paddlers. Some great placements. 27 to 24 you were pulled via #5. 24-13 forward or back. #8 just annoyingly west of Norton. #7 ahhh - our lonely pot perhaps. 25,11,18,23 worked but ignored the Forum. #6, #9! 26 to 28 direct or via 4 drawing you off line, and 2 in-out losing time? Beautiful stuff, and appreciated by most judging by the post race parley.
OK, let's move out of the kitchen and check the chalk board.
210 actual entries with another twenty plus competitors in Group munch bibs - including 'Team Berko' (welcome back), 'The Turtles', and the impressive 270 point posting 'String Vipers'. This gives us a goodly 230 or so on the nibble, an excellent result. As well as welcoming the TB's back, also a big welcome back to Mal 'The BSA' Bradley - missing since the beginning after changing jobs. Malcolm has always been on the tail of Mike Burton in the Vets, and returns with the same fire in the bike leathers - recording 530 in a tidy 44.52. We are also now seeing Graeme Hill back, and working up the SVM boards (420 here, but keep watching), and Ian 'The Gladstone Bag' Cameron doing well in the same class - following several weeks of blocked stethoscope. Also, a big welcome to Freddy Burghardt from Dresden Post in Germany. 'The Burger', running OM in his initial SSS fry up, posted a tidy 500 after going five and a half over with his 560 pingarooneys. We hope Freddy liked what he saw.
We had five 600 all ingredient runners, with three retaining full topping cover (Richard, Steve and Andy - with 'The King' again the best in 42.02, and 'The Hoist' only just making it with his 44.58), Glenn working two and a half over - and MM's 'Irish' Stu Deane stirring for 69.07 minutes, forgetting it was spag night. Thirty four runners posted 500 or above, with three quarters of the hungry above the plimsol line. Great stats. We had ten runners posting equal scores in 390 and 280, and nine biting 410 and 400. Meredith 'Gwen' Dodds (MW) was one of the 400 chompsters, neatly devouring her several slices in precisely 43.00. Emily 'Paddling' Poole (OW) another, as was winning walker Anthony 'The Knee' Petterson.
No minus scores this week, no Ian McKenzie either - although we note Chris Arnison (VM) taking a long time over his tandoori crust (55.24) as owner Peter Cama paced the tables, hoping to add another sitting. We only had one perfect 45.00 post, with Fedor Iskakov (OM) disposing of 450 helpings dead on the money, and only a couple of the dreaded '.01's' - but none at the critical 45.01 end. The other stat that always pleases and amuses is the 'phew' post of 44.59, with three runners shouting a round following their good fortune. let's hear it for VW Sharon 'The Sunday Roast' Lambert (410), Steve 'The Log' Holloway (SVM, 380 and we know somethings in there Steve!), and Matty 'Obviously Can' Hackett (MM with a handy 430, and in equal 62nd place).
Some interest in the age winners, with a classic three way tie in Immortal Men, another two way in the Opens, and yet another double win in the subs. The IM's are really getting down to business, with Ron, Heiko and Teddy all carding 390's after taking their morning espresso in the square at Castell'Arquato, and making this one of our most competitive classes. Not to be outdone by 'The Kingston Trio' above, Ken, Bruce 'The Stanley Steamer' and Tim Cox (back and in top form) all posted equal 350's to sneak from the Gledhill's and further complicate the betting - and orders for Parma ham. I've mentioned Andrew and Steve again going equal in the Opens, but with course setter Dunk getting rewarded in other ways, we see Hugh Petterson and Toby Wilson both taking 100's in SJM with their 310 point scoring - 'Little Sir' Hugh a minute faster than the 'Jug', and catching the eye of Maddy Prior.
A couple of strong wins noted - Wazza Selby (SVM) clearly running away from the field with 490 and fifty in hand, and Linda Sesta (VW) putting on the pace with thirty over Sharon, and a 440 post. The Dawson's are at it again in the Juniors, with a hundred points separating Aidan and Michele - and a hundred clear for Aidan from his JM silver medalist Luke Petterson (510/410). Excellent stuff, as is the SJW win from 'The Shunter' - a 270 point post for Tshinta, and another result well clear of the next runner (in this case Sophie 'The Suds' Jones and Ellen 'The Prosecco Must Wait' Currie, both with 38 minute kitchen clean up scores of 190). June wins IW (Sue not with us, but hopefully again soon), and 'The Trouser' puts up a Diecimila over Steve Flick in LM. Mmmm, this is adding to intrigue here, with Rosscoe walking last night and Ted tucking into Tiramisu on Lake Como, and absent from the table - without permission.
Gill, Antoniya, Karen, Michael and Emmanuelle also win, as did everyone who enjoyed Little Italy. There are many great routes, many great scores. We dined in style, and owe heaps to the great team from the Garingal dining room (Ross at download is a treasure to behold), and our course setter young Duncan - and his family of Italian chefs of course. As a final aside, I see Glenn and Andy Hill followed exactly the same route (working west from 19/20, south across the foot, the Po etc) before going 10,9,16,14,30,22 home (Andy) and 10,22,9,16,14,30,22 home (Glenn). Hard to pick the better option, with the last couple being awkward (and beautiful) SSS settings.
Next week sees us move way up the coast to North Narrabeen and the Turimetta Head map. This excellent Jimmy 'Wake Up Little Suzie' Merchant map hasn't seen a SSS shoe upon it's fantastic parks, headlands and coastal bushy bits for many a moon. Possibly not for nine or ten years, rendering it another 'newie' for those recently of a SSS persuasion. Course setter Ian 'The Saucebottle' Jessup is starting at the NN SLSC (Ocean Street) to maximise the 'dip after' attraction. I'm presuming we will get both headlands and a bit of hospital north, but not sure if the south will feature. The intrigue will be Birdwood Park and the crossing to the rocky baths at Narrabeen Head. Could be a bit of sand in the Volley, but reward aplenty from Mullet and Cockle lookouts - as you gaze eastwards to Kiwiland and ponder 'should I enter Sprint the Bay'!! Join me and do both! It promises to be another season 23 cracker.
On yet another balmy warm Sydney evening, a record roll up of SSS chefs in training chomped crostini, plundered panzanella, tickled tortellini, braved the brodo, slurped the spaghetti, and caressed their cantucci, during 'The Gumboots' gastronomic Italian sensation at Leichhardt. In a night when dinner and the post race points ponder was never far from the minds of race goers, course setter Currie added to the antipasti-like anticipation, with his excellent new map - shaped as a rectangular Roma pizza, and redolent with thirty toppings.
It proved to be a great night in 'Little Italy', a perfect evening of cunning running in a maze of mad streets, tiny parks, and the unique underground River Po - as panting punters pinged poles, beeped boxes, tickled trees, and went all points of the compass chasing the garnish, the glory - and a good seat at Bar Italia for the Fusilli Bianco.
Perhaps, before we further ravish the radicchio, let's step off the Lillyfield tram as it turns into Catherine Street and take the evening passeggiata through Soldiers Memorial Park. Here we can pay homage to the huge tree, admire the flags aflutter and evening wear of our dining companions - and check in at the Goanna. There was atmosphere in the atmosphere as foodies joined the queue.
The much missed Centomila Lire note from Banca D'Italia (the Caravaggio one), came close to the entry fee - the exchange across the bulging key lid resulting in an two dimensional pizza made in the Roman way. This is when the penny dropped and you realised you were about to experience two of the great aspects of the Sydney Summer Series - a spaghetti like course, and spaghetti afterwards! Legends licked their lips, and fingered the portrait.
First impressions of the 1:7,500 scaled offer was the even topping scatter - from onion towards Johnson in the east, to mozzarella along Norton in the west - and across north and south in a swirl of tomato (unknown in the time of the Caesars!). The east and west sides were heavily worked with ingredient - almost in two vertical lines - with the River Po claiming 230 points and the Norton Street strip (or Appennino slopes) almost the same. There was a lighter sprinkle in the mid ring, with an almost scoreless, thin crust, revealed in the centre. When coupled with the eight exit options, the intrigue was complete. Duncan had worked the course setting pizza wheel in brilliant fashion.
The older Glebe/Annandale map pretty well ended at Whites Creek (the Po), although 'The Watering Can' had extended west to Catherine last outing - but nothing was below Booth. Here was almost 80% new material, with the street shape, alleyways, pocket parks and winding Po, all contributing to what will quickly be remembered as one of the greatest of inner urban SSS areas. How to cope, how to win, how to connect? Diners quietly opened the Dolcetto.
Controls 22 and 30 in the north figured for many - perhaps with a 22,30,19,20 beginning before working down the western strip and eating back up the Po. Others began 19,20,27 and continued as above - all hoping the gap from the city west link was a path, as indeed it (and others) turned out to be. The easterners began 30,22,9,10,17, up river to a ristretto at The Forum and north along the Norton ridge. Those with more petrola, looped 14 and 16 after 22 - and noted the demand young Duncan had already placed on them. With eight starting exits, there were more variations of course - including ignoring Pioneers Park and working 3 (36th Battalion Park),24,12, the Forum, 6,25,1,23 and the Po. Perhaps the most difficult points to work into the tummy were the three twenties (15,11,18 - the Bologna triplets) that occupied the lower middle. 15 was a beginning or finish for some, so perhaps not quite the conundrum the other two represented to the circular (or Napoli) pizza runner. Classic course setting.
As we said in our title, Duncan, not content with a simple Napolitana, sprinkled his offering with tasty 'poles' - 14 of them in fact. The other ingredients of note were the tree (4) and the power box (4), with the tasty swing of Modena confined to the south western slice - and off the menu for the northern Po paddlers. Some great placements. 27 to 24 you were pulled via #5. 24-13 forward or back. #8 just annoyingly west of Norton. #7 ahhh - our lonely pot perhaps. 25,11,18,23 worked but ignored the Forum. #6, #9! 26 to 28 direct or via 4 drawing you off line, and 2 in-out losing time? Beautiful stuff, and appreciated by most judging by the post race parley.
OK, let's move out of the kitchen and check the chalk board.
210 actual entries with another twenty plus competitors in Group munch bibs - including 'Team Berko' (welcome back), 'The Turtles', and the impressive 270 point posting 'String Vipers'. This gives us a goodly 230 or so on the nibble, an excellent result. As well as welcoming the TB's back, also a big welcome back to Mal 'The BSA' Bradley - missing since the beginning after changing jobs. Malcolm has always been on the tail of Mike Burton in the Vets, and returns with the same fire in the bike leathers - recording 530 in a tidy 44.52. We are also now seeing Graeme Hill back, and working up the SVM boards (420 here, but keep watching), and Ian 'The Gladstone Bag' Cameron doing well in the same class - following several weeks of blocked stethoscope. Also, a big welcome to Freddy Burghardt from Dresden Post in Germany. 'The Burger', running OM in his initial SSS fry up, posted a tidy 500 after going five and a half over with his 560 pingarooneys. We hope Freddy liked what he saw.
We had five 600 all ingredient runners, with three retaining full topping cover (Richard, Steve and Andy - with 'The King' again the best in 42.02, and 'The Hoist' only just making it with his 44.58), Glenn working two and a half over - and MM's 'Irish' Stu Deane stirring for 69.07 minutes, forgetting it was spag night. Thirty four runners posted 500 or above, with three quarters of the hungry above the plimsol line. Great stats. We had ten runners posting equal scores in 390 and 280, and nine biting 410 and 400. Meredith 'Gwen' Dodds (MW) was one of the 400 chompsters, neatly devouring her several slices in precisely 43.00. Emily 'Paddling' Poole (OW) another, as was winning walker Anthony 'The Knee' Petterson.
No minus scores this week, no Ian McKenzie either - although we note Chris Arnison (VM) taking a long time over his tandoori crust (55.24) as owner Peter Cama paced the tables, hoping to add another sitting. We only had one perfect 45.00 post, with Fedor Iskakov (OM) disposing of 450 helpings dead on the money, and only a couple of the dreaded '.01's' - but none at the critical 45.01 end. The other stat that always pleases and amuses is the 'phew' post of 44.59, with three runners shouting a round following their good fortune. let's hear it for VW Sharon 'The Sunday Roast' Lambert (410), Steve 'The Log' Holloway (SVM, 380 and we know somethings in there Steve!), and Matty 'Obviously Can' Hackett (MM with a handy 430, and in equal 62nd place).
Some interest in the age winners, with a classic three way tie in Immortal Men, another two way in the Opens, and yet another double win in the subs. The IM's are really getting down to business, with Ron, Heiko and Teddy all carding 390's after taking their morning espresso in the square at Castell'Arquato, and making this one of our most competitive classes. Not to be outdone by 'The Kingston Trio' above, Ken, Bruce 'The Stanley Steamer' and Tim Cox (back and in top form) all posted equal 350's to sneak from the Gledhill's and further complicate the betting - and orders for Parma ham. I've mentioned Andrew and Steve again going equal in the Opens, but with course setter Dunk getting rewarded in other ways, we see Hugh Petterson and Toby Wilson both taking 100's in SJM with their 310 point scoring - 'Little Sir' Hugh a minute faster than the 'Jug', and catching the eye of Maddy Prior.
A couple of strong wins noted - Wazza Selby (SVM) clearly running away from the field with 490 and fifty in hand, and Linda Sesta (VW) putting on the pace with thirty over Sharon, and a 440 post. The Dawson's are at it again in the Juniors, with a hundred points separating Aidan and Michele - and a hundred clear for Aidan from his JM silver medalist Luke Petterson (510/410). Excellent stuff, as is the SJW win from 'The Shunter' - a 270 point post for Tshinta, and another result well clear of the next runner (in this case Sophie 'The Suds' Jones and Ellen 'The Prosecco Must Wait' Currie, both with 38 minute kitchen clean up scores of 190). June wins IW (Sue not with us, but hopefully again soon), and 'The Trouser' puts up a Diecimila over Steve Flick in LM. Mmmm, this is adding to intrigue here, with Rosscoe walking last night and Ted tucking into Tiramisu on Lake Como, and absent from the table - without permission.
Gill, Antoniya, Karen, Michael and Emmanuelle also win, as did everyone who enjoyed Little Italy. There are many great routes, many great scores. We dined in style, and owe heaps to the great team from the Garingal dining room (Ross at download is a treasure to behold), and our course setter young Duncan - and his family of Italian chefs of course. As a final aside, I see Glenn and Andy Hill followed exactly the same route (working west from 19/20, south across the foot, the Po etc) before going 10,9,16,14,30,22 home (Andy) and 10,22,9,16,14,30,22 home (Glenn). Hard to pick the better option, with the last couple being awkward (and beautiful) SSS settings.
Next week sees us move way up the coast to North Narrabeen and the Turimetta Head map. This excellent Jimmy 'Wake Up Little Suzie' Merchant map hasn't seen a SSS shoe upon it's fantastic parks, headlands and coastal bushy bits for many a moon. Possibly not for nine or ten years, rendering it another 'newie' for those recently of a SSS persuasion. Course setter Ian 'The Saucebottle' Jessup is starting at the NN SLSC (Ocean Street) to maximise the 'dip after' attraction. I'm presuming we will get both headlands and a bit of hospital north, but not sure if the south will feature. The intrigue will be Birdwood Park and the crossing to the rocky baths at Narrabeen Head. Could be a bit of sand in the Volley, but reward aplenty from Mullet and Cockle lookouts - as you gaze eastwards to Kiwiland and ponder 'should I enter Sprint the Bay'!! Join me and do both! It promises to be another season 23 cracker.
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