Sayward September Showcase - day one…

The end of school party…. Trophies for the winner of this weekend’s event and the three event series. Winner is defined by a/ the most number of timing control points then b/ the fewest time penalties.

The weather forecast has been pessimistic. The first of the autumn weather has been promised and dissuaded many to stay at home. As it turned out, the forecast as unduly bad and overnight rain on Friday night had largely given way to misty autumnal dampness.

Sasha, Peter and new participant Steven joined 3 3/4 crew member to ride the two day event. Sasha and Peter were vying for both the event trophy and the series trophy. Steven came with much car stage and TSD experience but the concept of riding and navigating and timekeeping was a new experience.

The weather in the previous weeks had an early consequence. One of the roads on the route had a new, unexpected blockage…

All three riders plus Tyler (crew) were stopped at the same place within a few minutes of each other. Reassurance that they were in the right place. Frustrating that they were all stymied. They managed to find their way around the blockage and back onto the route but not without missing (an equal number of) timing control points and they rode the rest of the morning’s route together.

After lunch and fuel at the Sayward Junction petrol station they all set off in intervals for the afternoon session. Mixed terrain followed, some old cobbled water catchment basin heathland, some “reglear FSR” and (mostly) steep mountain roads.

The day finished with the almost regulation clatter down the Dalrymple chute, as steep as they come and finish at the Crossroads restaurant.

The scores from the day look like this:

The overall season result will be decided as previously stated by maximum number of control points then minimum time penalties. As the results stand, Sasha is well in the lead from Peter.

But.

If Sasha misses control points, as happened this morning, Peter could win the season if he logs more control points…

Everything hangs on tomorrow’s ride. More later!