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River Hill
This was a new venue for T.B.E.C. and one which has not been used by
any other club.
We arrived on Friday at 1pm. Weather warm…..
Setting up on Saturday involved a bit of planning and work, but it
all went smoothly so well done to all of those who helped. In the
afternoon, my capacity as Clerk of Course, I went out on a course
checking ride on the quad. On one of the steeper climbs I attempted
a 360, but only managed a 180 - however, it was upside down,
wedged between small trees with my foot trapped! Quite impressive
really! Fortunately Mick (with the beard) quickly came to my
rescue….many thanks Mick, it wasn’t the most comfortable landing!.
When I got to my feet I had orange arrows sticking out of every
orifice, red/white tape stuck to all my sweaty bits, a “Motor Sport
Can Be Dangerous” sign down the back of my trousers, and a lump
hammer down the front (that is staying!!) Any space not already
occupied (and there wasn’t much, I can tell you!) was decorated with
assorted bits of shrubbery and undergrowth!
Of course, I would have managed a complete 360 without any trouble
at all (!!) had it not been for the front and rear boxes on the quad
– they’re not aerodynamically shaped! However, don’t anyone rush to
remove them, you can rest assured, I don’t intend repeating this
stunt in the foreseeable future!
Weather getting warmer….
Sunday seemed to go well. riding wise at this new venue and several
favourable comments have filtered through. One pod was “picked on”
both morning and afternoon by the same rider (who shall remain
nameless….for the time being at least!). The poor old pod was bashed
to within an inch of its electronic life and understandably was a
little temperamental in the afternoon. However, our very own
computer wizard and results man, Ray Carver (rider 20) has managed
to retrieve all the necessary information and get the results up.
The pod is repairable and will live to fight another TBEC day!
I was impressed by the clear up. Sweeping lap produced only a
carrier bag full of missed bits. I also noticed that one of the
dustbins that we use for a posts store had been used for rubbish.
Great idea….much better than on the ground!
Overall, I think everyone can pat themselves on the back. We had a
tremendous day despite having no less than 4 visits from Kent
Police, 3 in uniform, 1 plain clothes. Apparently we look like
travellers. In retrospect, perhaps an understandable mistake! The
spectators behaved, medics were not too busy, we had several “can I
join?” enquiries and a visit from one little old lady who drove in
on Sunday morning thinking we were a “Boot” sale and who, on finding
the field a bit of a challenge, was driven out again by “gentleman”
Shaun Turner.
And finally, massive thanks to Shaun and Matt without whom this
event would NEVER have got off the ground. Thanks boys!
And finally, finally….Thanks to everyone for a superb event.
See you all at Home Farm.
Roy Sadd (rider no. 4)
Clerk of Course.
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