Burning up the course at The Incinerator
In cool conditions last night, several summer series stars lit the afterburner and joined the 600 club! As well as the guns, many other high scores were recorded as competitors found ways to work the intriguing pot spread on John Anderson's Willoughby wonder. Numbers looked good, with the sales department ringing up over two hundred dings on the SSS till - excellent stuff.
Proving the Porkies crystal ball skills need a rework, John avoided the drop zone to Tunks Park, and instead delivered a tour of St Leonards and Aratarmon. The spread didn't look wide enough at first blush, and so it proved with Glenn 'The Hormone' Horrocks, claiming the lot in 38.40 minutes - a sensational run. Despite the tight spread, and maybe the flatter nature of the area adding to speed, working out a loop kept many scratching their heads before presenting to the green flag. The outer loop, both east and west seemed to flow, but how to link in the tempting points in the middle? One excellent run took off south to #4 and #29 (the Bang & Olufsen route) before working 9, the footbrdge, 13, 27, 7, 16 and then the west before adding 19 and 12 and recrossing the freeway to the eastern loop. A variation doing 13, 12, 19 and 27 as the mid core would have yielded the through route via 24 directly to 18, 26 and the east if you had the legs (as several fancied stallions obviously did).
Lots of other runners took off east to 22 and points south, coming home via the middle grouping - also an excellent way to collect the numbers. Leaving off the east (as I did) proved to be a big mistake. As usual, there were lots of variations and plenty of interest in routes over the subsequent schooners of James Squire at the Bridge View! Good setting, and good fun.
Looking at some of the scores, we celebrate the 600 club - Andy Hill (in his last SSS run before departure to the UK) 40.42 a second behind Mark 'Close Shave' Schafer 40.41 and Richard 'Broom' Green 41.50 keeping the OM flag flying from the outstanding efforts of Glenn and Tim 'Wilko' Rogers (42.06) in the masters category. Pork Pie also notes the 'value for money' award going to recently returned orienteer, Ian 'Singha' Christopher, who enjoyed 79.40 minutes of pure heaven for minus 110 points! Good one Ian, you are a SSS legend in the making.
Other notable scores were the excellent run by Selwyn 'In the Study' Roper (SVM) with a fantastic 470 points. Selwyn has been threatening with the All Black Jumper and must have pulled on a quick Haka to scare the rest of the SV's (apart from Warwicks clean 500 - another excellent run by the singlet) into submission. Good running Mr Togood. Jim Merchant was also clean with a nice 450 under the belt. From the MW camp, Wendy 'Patricks' Stevenson, scored a blinding 580 to lead the women home, 30 points clear of OW star Sue 'Platform Shoes' Davis (550). Alison 'Prime Minister' Curtin also found herself on the left hand magnetic board with a sterling 470, well clear of Sue 'Wood is Good' Login's 340. The SVW's battle continues to fascinate, with Dale on the wander at 210 (must have gone for coffee!), leaving the run home to Carol 'Pasta Bee' Jacobson (380) shading Sue 'Theatre Tickets' Thomson on 340. Sue will be pleased with the point allocation here!
In the Junior men, Huon 'The Axe' Wilson managed to reverse last weeks result, jumping Ben 'Shark Bait' Tuminello 490 to 480 and keeping this series as another 'all the way' contest. Ben certainly is flying recently. Finally, the Legends. This time Ted 'The Teddyboy' Mulherin took the carrots from Ron, 450 to 430, clear of Malcolm (400) and Tim 390. Heiko must be in there somewhere, but not sure of the score. This is a great contest as the retirees flog the walking frames in an all out ding dong race for the badges.
All in all, another great evening of 'navigation on the run'. Next week sees us over at Seaforth / North Balgowlah at a new area mapped by Terry Bluett with course setting by Mike 'Hula' Hooppell. I imagine there might be a bit of the Manly Dam bush reserve at play here, as well as a bit of fun in the creek tracks and hidden parks. Should be a goody with hopefully a big crowd going for the lollies. New map? - always a drawcard! Be there.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A record roll up at 'The Gum'.
A beautiful fine evening bought a record crowd out to play at Lindfield last night - something in the order of 225/230 entries. Always good to see the nags on the nibble of course, especially the young filly's in their bright silks - even Michael 'The Bible' Free managed a dash of blue (which of course helped him pip arch rival Glenn 'The Gourmet' Horrocks at last). The queue's for rego, and especially the start, were a sight to behold - as was starter Michael Burton sitting down and juggling the corn flakes box and the biro. Towards the late starts, runners were leaving in waves, exciting local dogs and frightening the pensioners. Most ripped off to the west and south which was interesting.
Great to see 'masters' guru and previous summer series web site hero Dave Bray back from Singapore and once again on the gallop in the familiar singlet. Dave's relocation back to Sydney is permanent, so it will be good to see him once again amongst the fun in this most competitive class. There also seemed to be lots of new faces on the oval planning and discussing routes - good stuff as the word spreads on this unrivaled way to be late home.
At first blush, Peter's course looked very tough - especially with the long plug south to Loyal Henry Park and the 50 points on Valley View Close. Getting there and back looked hard enough in a straight line, let alone trying to impress the scorers with the northern loop. Anyway, hard as it seemed, the cream rose to the top, with 'Handy' Andy Hill going the podium with 550 points after a 590 run and four minutes over (Andrew left out #2 if your wondering). He was in good company, with Richard 'Tom Jones' Green 10 points further back at 540, ahead of excellent 520 point runs from Rob 'Bery Under Arms' Mason and Mike Burton. Back a bit, The Pork noted Pete 'The Farmer' Fallows and Graeme 'Earplugs' McLeod posting 470's and Malcolm Bradley 'Paddles' going one better with 480. Mark and 'The Paint Tube' hit 500 - excellent knee work in anyones language.
There was plenty of awsome mid to high 400 scoring, including Wendy 'Stevo' Stevenson leading the women with 450 (also logged by our young superstar in the making Jess 'Hi Mom' Campbell). Sue Login (440), Sue Davis and Allison 'The Conductor' Lilley (430) and Robin 'Camshaft' Cameron (420) are also noted by the man in the pork pie hat. Fantastic running and great results in a very hilly area.
Good to see Wiz back on the turf after some time away, and the greater Prudhoe family flogging the gatorade (well, didn't see Em, but great to see Alice 'The Enforcer' on the run). Some other notable scores, were Ben 'Tummy Time' Tumminello streaking Huon with a fantastic 430 (to 390) in the junior men, and Ted Mulherin keeping Ron 'Porridge' Junghans at bay in the legends with a tidy 370. Tim must have been distracted with another night at the opera - his 190 being below crowd expectations.
The super veterans once again stood aside for the 'strider' duo of Dale (370) and Warwick (440), although there is talk of a secret 'potion' being developed to administer to these two stars (Dr Judi, where are you?) to slow them down!
As I mentioned, most runners headed south to the bush, preferring to get this 'out of the way' before the flog home - especially if it involved the dreaded pull up from #30. The temptations of 22, 25 and 27 exercised many minds, with the highway loop home also in play. Andy left off #2, and this might also have been our lonely pot. Leaving the start via 7, 17, 30, 18 and up through the Paddy reserves also worked if you had the legs (14 to 24 seemed an awful long way). Lots of options, which is what we like to see. Another top outing in the series in an steep but interesting area. The bush loop adds to the flavour, and gives the old orienteering goats that warm inner glow. We will return!
Next week, sees John Anderson working the money box at The Willoughby Incinerator. This is a good assembly area with plenty of parking, and close by bus stops. Expect some nice park and street stuff from John, but also the bush tracks slowing our speed as we plunge towards Tunks Park and the 'long way home'. There is something about staring up at the Northbridge bridge from below with five minutes to run that sharpens the mind. Mmmm. Should be excellent stuff, and ideal preparation to event 20 at Seaforth (where mapper Terry Bluett has been enjoying the contours!). See you there - of course!
A beautiful fine evening bought a record crowd out to play at Lindfield last night - something in the order of 225/230 entries. Always good to see the nags on the nibble of course, especially the young filly's in their bright silks - even Michael 'The Bible' Free managed a dash of blue (which of course helped him pip arch rival Glenn 'The Gourmet' Horrocks at last). The queue's for rego, and especially the start, were a sight to behold - as was starter Michael Burton sitting down and juggling the corn flakes box and the biro. Towards the late starts, runners were leaving in waves, exciting local dogs and frightening the pensioners. Most ripped off to the west and south which was interesting.
Great to see 'masters' guru and previous summer series web site hero Dave Bray back from Singapore and once again on the gallop in the familiar singlet. Dave's relocation back to Sydney is permanent, so it will be good to see him once again amongst the fun in this most competitive class. There also seemed to be lots of new faces on the oval planning and discussing routes - good stuff as the word spreads on this unrivaled way to be late home.
At first blush, Peter's course looked very tough - especially with the long plug south to Loyal Henry Park and the 50 points on Valley View Close. Getting there and back looked hard enough in a straight line, let alone trying to impress the scorers with the northern loop. Anyway, hard as it seemed, the cream rose to the top, with 'Handy' Andy Hill going the podium with 550 points after a 590 run and four minutes over (Andrew left out #2 if your wondering). He was in good company, with Richard 'Tom Jones' Green 10 points further back at 540, ahead of excellent 520 point runs from Rob 'Bery Under Arms' Mason and Mike Burton. Back a bit, The Pork noted Pete 'The Farmer' Fallows and Graeme 'Earplugs' McLeod posting 470's and Malcolm Bradley 'Paddles' going one better with 480. Mark and 'The Paint Tube' hit 500 - excellent knee work in anyones language.
There was plenty of awsome mid to high 400 scoring, including Wendy 'Stevo' Stevenson leading the women with 450 (also logged by our young superstar in the making Jess 'Hi Mom' Campbell). Sue Login (440), Sue Davis and Allison 'The Conductor' Lilley (430) and Robin 'Camshaft' Cameron (420) are also noted by the man in the pork pie hat. Fantastic running and great results in a very hilly area.
Good to see Wiz back on the turf after some time away, and the greater Prudhoe family flogging the gatorade (well, didn't see Em, but great to see Alice 'The Enforcer' on the run). Some other notable scores, were Ben 'Tummy Time' Tumminello streaking Huon with a fantastic 430 (to 390) in the junior men, and Ted Mulherin keeping Ron 'Porridge' Junghans at bay in the legends with a tidy 370. Tim must have been distracted with another night at the opera - his 190 being below crowd expectations.
The super veterans once again stood aside for the 'strider' duo of Dale (370) and Warwick (440), although there is talk of a secret 'potion' being developed to administer to these two stars (Dr Judi, where are you?) to slow them down!
As I mentioned, most runners headed south to the bush, preferring to get this 'out of the way' before the flog home - especially if it involved the dreaded pull up from #30. The temptations of 22, 25 and 27 exercised many minds, with the highway loop home also in play. Andy left off #2, and this might also have been our lonely pot. Leaving the start via 7, 17, 30, 18 and up through the Paddy reserves also worked if you had the legs (14 to 24 seemed an awful long way). Lots of options, which is what we like to see. Another top outing in the series in an steep but interesting area. The bush loop adds to the flavour, and gives the old orienteering goats that warm inner glow. We will return!
Next week, sees John Anderson working the money box at The Willoughby Incinerator. This is a good assembly area with plenty of parking, and close by bus stops. Expect some nice park and street stuff from John, but also the bush tracks slowing our speed as we plunge towards Tunks Park and the 'long way home'. There is something about staring up at the Northbridge bridge from below with five minutes to run that sharpens the mind. Mmmm. Should be excellent stuff, and ideal preparation to event 20 at Seaforth (where mapper Terry Bluett has been enjoying the contours!). See you there - of course!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Pounding the pedals (instead of the pavement)
For those devoted summer series runners that also have mountain bikes with the little 'thingy's' on the handlebars - Mike 'The Bike' Roylance asked if I'd post a reminder of the Mountain Devils picnic and AGM on the SSS web site. So, here it is! Well, sort of. The date is Sunday 15 February, 11am to 4pm (ie after church), and the venue is Sydney Olympic Park - Wentworth Common. Food and drink provided, although you will be expected to contribute a few readies upon arrival. Check out the details from their web site www.mountaindevils.com and make sure you register by Thursday 12 Feb. There... job done!
A warm one for the foot Oers tonight at the sprint event out west. Bring a little Sydney Water and even a hat. Wednesday at Lindfield also looming. Time for Michael 'The Executioner' Free to put on some bright clothing and take the hundred points! Also time to see Selwyn 'Mt Egmont' Roper pull the stallion out wide and overtake Ernest 'Pass' Windschuttel on the run to the photo. Hey, what's all this race gossip! - the Pork must have had too many at the Nags Head and is feeling the heat.
For those devoted summer series runners that also have mountain bikes with the little 'thingy's' on the handlebars - Mike 'The Bike' Roylance asked if I'd post a reminder of the Mountain Devils picnic and AGM on the SSS web site. So, here it is! Well, sort of. The date is Sunday 15 February, 11am to 4pm (ie after church), and the venue is Sydney Olympic Park - Wentworth Common. Food and drink provided, although you will be expected to contribute a few readies upon arrival. Check out the details from their web site www.mountaindevils.com and make sure you register by Thursday 12 Feb. There... job done!
A warm one for the foot Oers tonight at the sprint event out west. Bring a little Sydney Water and even a hat. Wednesday at Lindfield also looming. Time for Michael 'The Executioner' Free to put on some bright clothing and take the hundred points! Also time to see Selwyn 'Mt Egmont' Roper pull the stallion out wide and overtake Ernest 'Pass' Windschuttel on the run to the photo. Hey, what's all this race gossip! - the Pork must have had too many at the Nags Head and is feeling the heat.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Fun at Forty Baskets? You betcha!
Over 220 sports fans rolled up last night to Terry Bluett's excellent and challenging scramble at North Harbour. Early runners (including the Opera bound Tim 'Tam' Cox had to contend with hot conditions, but the fine evening was welcome after the stormy displays last week. Terry always sets a good run, and didn't let us down last night. A stretch east to Delwood Beach or tackling the contours to Tania Park was the puzzle - with the top scorers getting all of one and a bit of the other. Perhaps more bit the bullet and headed uphill to #29/28 than to #21/22, perhaps hoping the downhill run home from the south would act like a natural air conditioner.
Another factor was the low tide, giving many, including the speedy Andy 'Simo' Simpson, a flying start across the flat to #19. The loop then to Forty Baskets and the cool bush tracks of the Dobroyd Reserve made a good attack route to the top, although a few runners (including Mike 'Treat me Gently' Burton) feared slow times here and headed up via 7 and 27. Those that ran via 25 and 6 would have agreed it was easy-peasey.
Pots were generally nicely placed although there was some time lost by a Garingal stalwart at #12. The single letter code was another suprise by Bennelong - did you note they were detachable, so probably will be modified for the clubs next gig at Seaforth.
Glenn, as usual, ran the lot in 53 and a bit minutes - an excellent dig that yielded the 'yellow man' the top points on the night. The aforementioned, and returning Mexican, Mike Burton, was a short half head away with 500, again a neck from Adrian 'Paint Tube' White on 480. There were plenty of mid fours, with Andy Graham's 440 a stand out in the veteran men. Sue 'Li' Login was our top woman with 420, sharing a magnificent pant by junior Jess Campbell, also for 420. Huon (400) and Matt 'Ress' Hill (390) also suprised the tote with excellent outings in the junior men. The VW's (or the Porsche's as they like to be referred to) once again saw Karin and Robyn going the eye gouge, with Robyn a lipstick smear in front - 350 to 340. Good racing that will last all season.
In the older classes, Steve Flick had too much for the rest with 420, and Ron led the Legends home with 370. Dale was also noted back from Europe with a quiet 230 - no doubt an early jog to get the cold from the joints. Expect more as she warms up.
All in all, a great evening with plenty of good running and an excellent crowd. Hard to find the lonely pot, although I suspect that #14 might have been off the songsheet for many puffing 'south first'-ers as they stared uphill from the assembly area with five minutes to go. Number 8 didn't work for me, but would have been included in most southern loops. Fun eh!!
Next week sees us return up the North Shore Line (come by train) to Lindfield and Primula Oval. This is where Paddy Pallin lived, and features a nice mix of street and bush track running. The Little Blue Gum stuff is great fun, as are the 'easements' in this well treed 'burb. Peter Marshall will no doubt give careful thought to making this a run old Paddy would be proud of. Don't miss it.
Finally, a small snippet from last week. Glenn 'Hold Me, I'm Yours' Horrocks tells of divine intervention. As he was searching for a control in the Killara bush at Alan Tilley's damp dash last Wednesday, puzzling if he should go up or down, a lightening flash illuminated the gloomy and wet scene, revealing the pot in front of him and enabling a speedy finish!! Now Michael "Fed Up' Free can see what he is up against - the 'Hand of God'!!!
Over 220 sports fans rolled up last night to Terry Bluett's excellent and challenging scramble at North Harbour. Early runners (including the Opera bound Tim 'Tam' Cox had to contend with hot conditions, but the fine evening was welcome after the stormy displays last week. Terry always sets a good run, and didn't let us down last night. A stretch east to Delwood Beach or tackling the contours to Tania Park was the puzzle - with the top scorers getting all of one and a bit of the other. Perhaps more bit the bullet and headed uphill to #29/28 than to #21/22, perhaps hoping the downhill run home from the south would act like a natural air conditioner.
Another factor was the low tide, giving many, including the speedy Andy 'Simo' Simpson, a flying start across the flat to #19. The loop then to Forty Baskets and the cool bush tracks of the Dobroyd Reserve made a good attack route to the top, although a few runners (including Mike 'Treat me Gently' Burton) feared slow times here and headed up via 7 and 27. Those that ran via 25 and 6 would have agreed it was easy-peasey.
Pots were generally nicely placed although there was some time lost by a Garingal stalwart at #12. The single letter code was another suprise by Bennelong - did you note they were detachable, so probably will be modified for the clubs next gig at Seaforth.
Glenn, as usual, ran the lot in 53 and a bit minutes - an excellent dig that yielded the 'yellow man' the top points on the night. The aforementioned, and returning Mexican, Mike Burton, was a short half head away with 500, again a neck from Adrian 'Paint Tube' White on 480. There were plenty of mid fours, with Andy Graham's 440 a stand out in the veteran men. Sue 'Li' Login was our top woman with 420, sharing a magnificent pant by junior Jess Campbell, also for 420. Huon (400) and Matt 'Ress' Hill (390) also suprised the tote with excellent outings in the junior men. The VW's (or the Porsche's as they like to be referred to) once again saw Karin and Robyn going the eye gouge, with Robyn a lipstick smear in front - 350 to 340. Good racing that will last all season.
In the older classes, Steve Flick had too much for the rest with 420, and Ron led the Legends home with 370. Dale was also noted back from Europe with a quiet 230 - no doubt an early jog to get the cold from the joints. Expect more as she warms up.
All in all, a great evening with plenty of good running and an excellent crowd. Hard to find the lonely pot, although I suspect that #14 might have been off the songsheet for many puffing 'south first'-ers as they stared uphill from the assembly area with five minutes to go. Number 8 didn't work for me, but would have been included in most southern loops. Fun eh!!
Next week sees us return up the North Shore Line (come by train) to Lindfield and Primula Oval. This is where Paddy Pallin lived, and features a nice mix of street and bush track running. The Little Blue Gum stuff is great fun, as are the 'easements' in this well treed 'burb. Peter Marshall will no doubt give careful thought to making this a run old Paddy would be proud of. Don't miss it.
Finally, a small snippet from last week. Glenn 'Hold Me, I'm Yours' Horrocks tells of divine intervention. As he was searching for a control in the Killara bush at Alan Tilley's damp dash last Wednesday, puzzling if he should go up or down, a lightening flash illuminated the gloomy and wet scene, revealing the pot in front of him and enabling a speedy finish!! Now Michael "Fed Up' Free can see what he is up against - the 'Hand of God'!!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Normal service resumes!
Fans of the Porkster will no doubt be relieved that the "shivering white legs" entry is now behind us and Summer Series race comments and goss are about to return.
Last week, Alan Tilley handled a large roll up in rainy and thundering conditions at East Killara. The tighter course gave a few of our top runners the incentive to 'do a Glenn' and go for the lot. Several 600's resulted, despite the bushy stuff bringing a few undone (mainly those that didn't read about the 'marked routes'!!). Despite the rain, most seem to enjoy the event, with several stars confirming their pedigree. One missing from the leader board was Warwick 'This won't hurt a bit' Selby, sidelined with another ankle (although Waz was noted last night giving the undercarriage a try out at a damp Callan Park).
If I had to pick a 'lonely pot' at Killara, it would have to be #1, although #29 needed commitment. Actually, nothing was too far away as the scoring proved. A beauty despite the weather.
Tomorrow sees us return after five years to North Harbour and Terry Bluett on the till. Terry will no doubt get us working uphill to Tania Park and stretching along the fabulous foreshores (to Fairlight and to Forty Baskets). Should fine up by tomorrow for a great event. Can't wait!!! Note there is also a special map for the small kids that Tracy has prepared. Should be fun.
Fans of the Porkster will no doubt be relieved that the "shivering white legs" entry is now behind us and Summer Series race comments and goss are about to return.
Last week, Alan Tilley handled a large roll up in rainy and thundering conditions at East Killara. The tighter course gave a few of our top runners the incentive to 'do a Glenn' and go for the lot. Several 600's resulted, despite the bushy stuff bringing a few undone (mainly those that didn't read about the 'marked routes'!!). Despite the rain, most seem to enjoy the event, with several stars confirming their pedigree. One missing from the leader board was Warwick 'This won't hurt a bit' Selby, sidelined with another ankle (although Waz was noted last night giving the undercarriage a try out at a damp Callan Park).
If I had to pick a 'lonely pot' at Killara, it would have to be #1, although #29 needed commitment. Actually, nothing was too far away as the scoring proved. A beauty despite the weather.
Tomorrow sees us return after five years to North Harbour and Terry Bluett on the till. Terry will no doubt get us working uphill to Tania Park and stretching along the fabulous foreshores (to Fairlight and to Forty Baskets). Should fine up by tomorrow for a great event. Can't wait!!! Note there is also a special map for the small kids that Tracy has prepared. Should be fun.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Shivering white legs seen jogging in London!
Hard to believe, but 'Pork Pie', the summer series bookie with all the goss, is about to go missing in action on a trip to Europe. Fans of the Porkster will note his devotion to the series however, by departing tomorrow (to get in Ian's 'Putney Charge' tonight) and arriving back on a Wednesday morning - just in time for a religious conversion at St Josephs (event 15). Still, it is a hard to be a no show for the next four, and to be missing the traditional Chrissie fun at Balmoral and our new experiment - the family fun day at Echo Point. Ah well...
I thought I would leave a small prequel to keep SSS fans on the drool.
Tonight, under grey skies but hopefully a dry evening, Ian 'The Gladstone Bag' Cameron is once again to be found directing traffic at Morrisons Bay. Ian put on a stiff outing here two years ago, that included increasing temptations of an uphill kind! We are hoping the old Doc is going an east/west stretch this time, with the decisions on when to turn back a new challenge. We will soon see I guess, but whatever we get, the riverside running and parks here are good stuff and it should be a top outing on a dry track (the rail is out wide).
Event 11 next week is a return to setting for Barry 'The Pinestar' Hanlon. Baz's oil painting with 'The Brush' at Eastwood will no doubt offer the nice bushy bit in the north west and some top views for the puff fans. If Baz spreads his pots wide enough, train fans might get to tickle the pencil while the 6.10 to Gosford sails up (down actually, but that's another story) the main northern line next to Darvall Park - imagine the fun! Be good to be back at Brush Farm, and it's delectable 'Apres O' pub, the West Ryde - the perfect venue for post racegoss and dinner
Event 12 is the traditional Christmas 'fish and chip' flog at Balmoral (with it's tram line fun and the infamous Awaba Street hill). Rob Spry is our setter and is sure to render unto us some Summer O Christmas perfection. This map has always asked competitors the question - when do we go up the hill? The shy mares like to get their bridles itchy with a bit of fashion work along the prominade first, while the young stallions hit the hill with six packs pumping. The Pork has tended to be a hill first man, although the 'six pack' might be something for afterwards in his case. Always good running here, with some of the best views in Sydney. A highlight on the summer series calendar and not to be missed. Say hi to Santa for me!
If they can run between Christmas and New Year in Melbourne, the so can we! Yes folks, Andrew 'The Blood Donor' Lumsden has persuaded Malcolm and The Bendy Bus to put on the Big Foot family fun outing at Roseville so you don't have to get holiday season withdrawal. Mal has got us starting down the bottom again at Echo Point Park, so you can guess the early direction - uphill and in low gear! But, what the heck, just focus on the run home. A flyer on what hopefully will e a great afternoon and evening. And the perfect way to work off a bit of Christmas pud!
We open 2009 with the Dawson's on the rego desk at West Charswood. It has been some years since we began in this top spot, and I'm sure there will be rewards aplenty as the second half of the season kicks in. Graeme is sure to have devised loads of fun for all on the fantastic bush tracks around the golf course on this map and may even get us into a little local history with a touch of Bogle/Chandler - (bring your running shoes, but leave the carpet behind)!! Will be a goodie, and I'm sad to be AWOL here.
Looking at the scoring, we are going to see some changes to the leader board with Andrew Hill going off to Wales. This throws open the OM class, especially if Mounty is only an occasional starter. Adrian 'The Drain' White, Kar-Soon, Richard Green, Mark 'Ing Time' Schaefer - all should be excited. I think we might be also seeing Wayne Eliott working the legs at long last.
At the other end of the age groupings, SVW early star Bryony Cox, is out to pasture on veterinary advice, and will let other mares run on. And with Dale off talking to the Italians, expect to see Carol 'The Spark Plug' Jacobson and Sue Thomson ginger up for a touch of the sponge cake hundreds.
There are other great contests taking shape across all fields, including the long awaited 'miss' by Glenn in MM last week. Michael Free must be cursing his no show, to see the Glenster finally beaten at Yaralla. It could have been him (maybe tonight!). In Vet Men, Michael Burton has been unsighted, allowing some fun from the following pack. Andy Graham 'Greene' seized the moment last week, but The Pork expects to see Melvyn and Larry go harder tonight, and is aware of some big money on Graeme Dawson to also feature.
Lots of gripping stuff, and plenty of editorial fodder for Pork Pie and his Form Guide in the new year.
To all SSS competitors and helpers, very best wishes for Christmas and the holiday break. The second half beckons, with new maps, more great competition - and hopefully some summer weather!! Cheers from The Pencil'
Hard to believe, but 'Pork Pie', the summer series bookie with all the goss, is about to go missing in action on a trip to Europe. Fans of the Porkster will note his devotion to the series however, by departing tomorrow (to get in Ian's 'Putney Charge' tonight) and arriving back on a Wednesday morning - just in time for a religious conversion at St Josephs (event 15). Still, it is a hard to be a no show for the next four, and to be missing the traditional Chrissie fun at Balmoral and our new experiment - the family fun day at Echo Point. Ah well...
I thought I would leave a small prequel to keep SSS fans on the drool.
Tonight, under grey skies but hopefully a dry evening, Ian 'The Gladstone Bag' Cameron is once again to be found directing traffic at Morrisons Bay. Ian put on a stiff outing here two years ago, that included increasing temptations of an uphill kind! We are hoping the old Doc is going an east/west stretch this time, with the decisions on when to turn back a new challenge. We will soon see I guess, but whatever we get, the riverside running and parks here are good stuff and it should be a top outing on a dry track (the rail is out wide).
Event 11 next week is a return to setting for Barry 'The Pinestar' Hanlon. Baz's oil painting with 'The Brush' at Eastwood will no doubt offer the nice bushy bit in the north west and some top views for the puff fans. If Baz spreads his pots wide enough, train fans might get to tickle the pencil while the 6.10 to Gosford sails up (down actually, but that's another story) the main northern line next to Darvall Park - imagine the fun! Be good to be back at Brush Farm, and it's delectable 'Apres O' pub, the West Ryde - the perfect venue for post racegoss and dinner
Event 12 is the traditional Christmas 'fish and chip' flog at Balmoral (with it's tram line fun and the infamous Awaba Street hill). Rob Spry is our setter and is sure to render unto us some Summer O Christmas perfection. This map has always asked competitors the question - when do we go up the hill? The shy mares like to get their bridles itchy with a bit of fashion work along the prominade first, while the young stallions hit the hill with six packs pumping. The Pork has tended to be a hill first man, although the 'six pack' might be something for afterwards in his case. Always good running here, with some of the best views in Sydney. A highlight on the summer series calendar and not to be missed. Say hi to Santa for me!
If they can run between Christmas and New Year in Melbourne, the so can we! Yes folks, Andrew 'The Blood Donor' Lumsden has persuaded Malcolm and The Bendy Bus to put on the Big Foot family fun outing at Roseville so you don't have to get holiday season withdrawal. Mal has got us starting down the bottom again at Echo Point Park, so you can guess the early direction - uphill and in low gear! But, what the heck, just focus on the run home. A flyer on what hopefully will e a great afternoon and evening. And the perfect way to work off a bit of Christmas pud!
We open 2009 with the Dawson's on the rego desk at West Charswood. It has been some years since we began in this top spot, and I'm sure there will be rewards aplenty as the second half of the season kicks in. Graeme is sure to have devised loads of fun for all on the fantastic bush tracks around the golf course on this map and may even get us into a little local history with a touch of Bogle/Chandler - (bring your running shoes, but leave the carpet behind)!! Will be a goodie, and I'm sad to be AWOL here.
Looking at the scoring, we are going to see some changes to the leader board with Andrew Hill going off to Wales. This throws open the OM class, especially if Mounty is only an occasional starter. Adrian 'The Drain' White, Kar-Soon, Richard Green, Mark 'Ing Time' Schaefer - all should be excited. I think we might be also seeing Wayne Eliott working the legs at long last.
At the other end of the age groupings, SVW early star Bryony Cox, is out to pasture on veterinary advice, and will let other mares run on. And with Dale off talking to the Italians, expect to see Carol 'The Spark Plug' Jacobson and Sue Thomson ginger up for a touch of the sponge cake hundreds.
There are other great contests taking shape across all fields, including the long awaited 'miss' by Glenn in MM last week. Michael Free must be cursing his no show, to see the Glenster finally beaten at Yaralla. It could have been him (maybe tonight!). In Vet Men, Michael Burton has been unsighted, allowing some fun from the following pack. Andy Graham 'Greene' seized the moment last week, but The Pork expects to see Melvyn and Larry go harder tonight, and is aware of some big money on Graeme Dawson to also feature.
Lots of gripping stuff, and plenty of editorial fodder for Pork Pie and his Form Guide in the new year.
To all SSS competitors and helpers, very best wishes for Christmas and the holiday break. The second half beckons, with new maps, more great competition - and hopefully some summer weather!! Cheers from The Pencil'
Friday, December 5, 2008
Major roll up at Majors Bay
A warm evening (for a change!) saw around 200 punters slip on the volleys as they fronted Dave McKenna's excellent offering at Yaralla last Wednesday evening. Last year 'results guru' Dave had us on the jog from Cabarita Park stretching west to Yaralla, but this time he fell under the spell of Concord Hospital and had the mob heading north (to Alaska) leaving the 'Cab' and its rapidly developing apartment mazes for next season.
It's been a few years since we have circled the bays here, and those that thought they had seen it all were found wanting in this deceptively challenging course. First glance looked an easy 45 the lot, perhaps forgetting that we were in 1:10,000 scale territory, and maybe forgetting the thinking time needed at the Hospital. Anyway, what looked a runner proved to be a tough cookie, with Andrew 'Cardiff Here I Come' Hill falling short by just over four minutes for the lot, and 550 points. The cruel 'flog' by master torturer McKenna to checkpoints #6, 26 and 16 bringing the fast men undone.
Looking at strategies, most runners seemed content to begin north to the Yaralla and Concord points before giving way to a long run home on the road via #9 - more than two thirds seemed to begin this way, and were rewarded with good scoring. A bolder plan was to begin south via #30 and then sweep the west and north points before the 'brassiere' run home - ignoring the danger of #5 and spending lots of time in deciding when to pull out of the northern temptations (19,8,12 or the bolder 19,23,15,12). Ten and 29 was only for the premium fuel brigade.
Everyone enjoyed the cunning stuff in the Hospital itself, thankfully well mapped and rewarding to those orienteers who could read this beautiful work on the fly. South from #22 to #20 for instance was great stuff, demanding concentration all the way - even to the actual control path and its false neighbour. This area would be great for a 1:5,000 sprint course.
As I said, some great scoring. Beside Andy, a trio of 'open' 530's were noted - Kar-Soon, Mark Schaefer and Adrian White. Down an age group, Peter 'Paul & Mary' Annetts pulled off 510, and Andy Graham '& Eggs' and Mike Wainwright 'Or Left' tickled 500 with the HB - all excellent runs. The Bendy Bus was not far adrift with a brilliant 490, a nose from an even more impressive 480 from junior speedster Jessica 'Thunderbolt' Campbell. What a score!
In the older classes, Barry 'The Coal Miners Daughter' Cole snuck up a couple with 180, but gave the nod to Tim Cox with an excellent 340 rails run. Tearaway Ted and Ron ran in late and missed the Porky 's pencil (but probably scored well). Dale 'Carnegie' Thompson once again pulled the points with a well oiled 310 in SVW but will give her class mates a go as she tries the damp tracks in Europe for the next five weeks or so.
All in all, a great evening. Good course, well set, and enjoyable running with plenty for the 'grass men' (that's you DL). Good to see the numbers building back to previous expectations, as the crowd yells 'show us a fine day Sydney!'.
Next week we move across the water to Putney and rogaining champion Ian Cameron's much anticipated event at Morrisons Bay. This area features plenty of delectable riverside running and lots of nice parks (ok and a few streets). The question is will Ian give us the uphill stuff to the pool, or stretch the carry on to the east and west. Find out more as you join Pork Pie and thousands of other mad SSS maniacs in running event #10 in the series of the century (bets on Barry Cole hitting 200 are attracting serious money - better get in quick!).
A warm evening (for a change!) saw around 200 punters slip on the volleys as they fronted Dave McKenna's excellent offering at Yaralla last Wednesday evening. Last year 'results guru' Dave had us on the jog from Cabarita Park stretching west to Yaralla, but this time he fell under the spell of Concord Hospital and had the mob heading north (to Alaska) leaving the 'Cab' and its rapidly developing apartment mazes for next season.
It's been a few years since we have circled the bays here, and those that thought they had seen it all were found wanting in this deceptively challenging course. First glance looked an easy 45 the lot, perhaps forgetting that we were in 1:10,000 scale territory, and maybe forgetting the thinking time needed at the Hospital. Anyway, what looked a runner proved to be a tough cookie, with Andrew 'Cardiff Here I Come' Hill falling short by just over four minutes for the lot, and 550 points. The cruel 'flog' by master torturer McKenna to checkpoints #6, 26 and 16 bringing the fast men undone.
Looking at strategies, most runners seemed content to begin north to the Yaralla and Concord points before giving way to a long run home on the road via #9 - more than two thirds seemed to begin this way, and were rewarded with good scoring. A bolder plan was to begin south via #30 and then sweep the west and north points before the 'brassiere' run home - ignoring the danger of #5 and spending lots of time in deciding when to pull out of the northern temptations (19,8,12 or the bolder 19,23,15,12). Ten and 29 was only for the premium fuel brigade.
Everyone enjoyed the cunning stuff in the Hospital itself, thankfully well mapped and rewarding to those orienteers who could read this beautiful work on the fly. South from #22 to #20 for instance was great stuff, demanding concentration all the way - even to the actual control path and its false neighbour. This area would be great for a 1:5,000 sprint course.
As I said, some great scoring. Beside Andy, a trio of 'open' 530's were noted - Kar-Soon, Mark Schaefer and Adrian White. Down an age group, Peter 'Paul & Mary' Annetts pulled off 510, and Andy Graham '& Eggs' and Mike Wainwright 'Or Left' tickled 500 with the HB - all excellent runs. The Bendy Bus was not far adrift with a brilliant 490, a nose from an even more impressive 480 from junior speedster Jessica 'Thunderbolt' Campbell. What a score!
In the older classes, Barry 'The Coal Miners Daughter' Cole snuck up a couple with 180, but gave the nod to Tim Cox with an excellent 340 rails run. Tearaway Ted and Ron ran in late and missed the Porky 's pencil (but probably scored well). Dale 'Carnegie' Thompson once again pulled the points with a well oiled 310 in SVW but will give her class mates a go as she tries the damp tracks in Europe for the next five weeks or so.
All in all, a great evening. Good course, well set, and enjoyable running with plenty for the 'grass men' (that's you DL). Good to see the numbers building back to previous expectations, as the crowd yells 'show us a fine day Sydney!'.
Next week we move across the water to Putney and rogaining champion Ian Cameron's much anticipated event at Morrisons Bay. This area features plenty of delectable riverside running and lots of nice parks (ok and a few streets). The question is will Ian give us the uphill stuff to the pool, or stretch the carry on to the east and west. Find out more as you join Pork Pie and thousands of other mad SSS maniacs in running event #10 in the series of the century (bets on Barry Cole hitting 200 are attracting serious money - better get in quick!).
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