ROUND ONE XC TAYLOR PASS FOREST 26 May 2024

Peter had spent lots of hours grooming the course, he is now on first name terms with all the fantails and possums.  Not sure about the venison which sizzled on the BBQ post event, but it was also supplied by Peter from a recent (we hope) hunting trip, secret location.  Tasted good though.

The rules were, to start off with, 3 laps each, but if we finished 3 in less than an hour, a fourth was encouraged.  It was confusing, the clock gave up after around 30 minutes, some idiot forgot to charge the battery.  It was made easier when Justin flew round the first lap in just 16 minutes 30.  Closest to him was Mark on his e-bike almost four minutes adrift.

Martin was third fastest on lap 1 with Peter adjusting to the nuances of his new e-bike, in fourth.  Places 2 to 4 were hotly contested with Martin eventually coming out ahead of the two e-bikes and Peter catching Mark on the third lap for the bronze.  Mark was happy to have another e-bike to ride against.  It has to be pointed out that all e-bike are not created equal and it makes for another interesting debate on who rode hardest, how much battery was left etc.  Good job we had a good BBQ to help chew the fat.

Fran popped over from Nelson to join the throngs and he was a consistent fifth for the duration and topped the Masters 3 category.

Maddy got past Emma on lap 2 to top the ladies podium and another ex-Marlborough visitor from Nelson, Craig, stayed ahead of Alana in 8th and 9th.  Places 2 - 9 all completed 3 laps with Justin the lone four lap rider.

Eugan managed two laps, still recovering from his soccer game on Saturday.  He is heading back to Europe soon, maybe he is a secret Olympian but too bashful to admit.  Have a great holiday.

Simon coached Margot around 2 laps of her "less than favourite" course and she will be all the better for the successful challenge.  Levi also completed two laps but was handicapped waiting for Dad.

Of the admin staff we had around six marshals and Katherine (also from Nelson) doubled up on chores by firing up the BBQ

So we were few but it was a great morning.