Dynamic Adventure Racing Challenge
An Indian Summer in the South Downs
Nicky Thomas (Dynamic Adventure Racing) / 12.10.2007
After the beautiful day we’d had for the Endurance race, we were sure we couldn’t be lucky enough for a second glorious day. As the competitors arrived at the hall in Duncton, the mist was still rolling around the valleys and there was an autumn chill to the air. We expected a busy day because despite the fact there was yet another two rugby matches to be watched, the race was fully booked!Many of the racers were first timers and with the competitors registered, we set about advising them about race logistics, explaining markings on the map and giving general advice about route choice. Simon briefed them all on the days activities as they munched on hot bacon butties and then they prepared for kit check, eager to get their hands on the values and descriptions for the check points.
As the first starters set off, the start clock registered 15 degrees, it was warming up. The course was planned so that racers could pick up an obvious loop out to the East of the hall, starting with just some gently undulating terrain to warm them up, then there was a steep climb up to CP 24 on Duncton Down to prepare them for the ridge along Graffham Down out on the west side of the map.
The going was good and there were 9 clearances on the run course and plenty of good scores achieved. One new racer cried ‘Brilliant’ as he crossed the finish line with a huge beam and others reckoned it was a great course, challenging but fun. Cp 20 proved difficult for one team who ran up and down the bridleway several times before they noticed the small path junction where Cp 20 was placed and a number of teams followed the cow path instead of the footpath out to CP 22, taking them slightly off course for a while, (even one very experienced racer who I shall not name even admitted to this mistake!)
Transition over and freshly kit checked for the bike stage, they were off again, well most of them were! Team 329, an all male team realised they needed to pump up their tyres before they went and started slightly late, but even with everyone gone they still cycled round and filtered out through the start in true race fashion ... well done lads! See All Event Posts
