Posted in: Event Reviews
Written on June 15, 2008
I have had the best days off-roading since competing with BAFMA when I was in the Navy. My old driver Dave Chislett came up and navigated for me (Unusual role reversal there Dave hates maps!) Shrek the Range Rover had a faultless day, not missing a beat once.
The job of changing the front diff still fresh in my mind meant that there was a lot less throttle being used than normal and I was astounded where the Rangey would go on special tracks on a low throttle.
Driver error saw Shrek getting a good pasting on his rear roof quarter, but between us we collected some punches that I never thought we were going to get to. However we did get all of the punches apart from 22 and 19 that were in the stream in the bottom paddock, even though some of them took some lateral thinking to get them. 
Having a sunroof helps on a Range Rover….
But the scale of the bog on the extreme area in the top paddock meant that we were unfortunately missing a few red ones from that area.
We walked the course, but as I nearly lost my wellies down there on foot I decided that a 2 ton Range rover wasn’t going to make it.
There was a tough punch near the fenceline that was in the middle of the bush, and driving to it would have meant falling in a very large boggy rut, but we solved that problem by driving into the bush and getting the punch through the sunroof again.
On reflection maybe I should have gone a class up into the modified and used my winch. but as Byron pointed out I would still be on the course now If I had done that…..
All in all this was a top Quality event, with a good turnout. I’m sorry I had to leave early before the prize giving, and I still don’t know who won at this moment but Dave had to get back to Southampton and time was catching us all up.
Thanks are in order, and I don’t know how many different people helped in different ways. So Byron and Trev, stand up take a bow and give yourselves a pat on the back for the organisation. I know many others helped especially Gaz, Calla and Pete and I pass our best wishes to you all. You helped make a fantastic challenge, and a great driving day.
June 16th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I had an enjoyable weekend, driving round and setting punches out in my shougun on saturday was good fun. Plus i didnt break anything as i took it easy!
I had a laugh at some trying to get round my blindfold/cane section, i was really impressed with the pair who i put forward and won the team effort prize as the little lad could hardly see over the dashboard and still guided his dad round blindfolded and only clipped one cane.
The whole event was planned out well and went smoothly as far as i could see.
Id like to give a big round of applause to Buzz and alex for bringing some well deserved silver home and moreover to Trevs, Biron and all the other marshalls for making the event what it was.
I think we should do one at leek next?
June 16th, 2008 at 11:49 am
I thought I would just add a few lines here to say a big thankyou to the guys and gals who put together this event. I drove up from the south coast to do this event (……and to see my good buddy Mark lol)and I left there with a big grin on my face (would have been bigger with some silverwear mind!).
The scatter was very well done with some very challenging areas to get too. I never realised a sunroof could be sooo sooo handy! I’m sorry I had to shoot early but the 200 mile journey South dictated when I had to leave. Hopefully the results will be posted soon with some pictures as I am unable to put names to faces yet. Congratulations to those who did win something. Mark and I thought we would give you a chance this time so that you would come back again with your mates.
And finally, a big thankyou to Mark who put me up for the weekend and let me drive his car a whole 100yds at shottle. Cheers Buddy pmsl
June 16th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
BAFFELLED !!
June 16th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
@Shrek,
Why are you baffled mate?
@Calla
I think that you are right and leek lends itself to one of these events.
@Dave
it makes up for all of those BAFMA events when the only time I drove the thing was on the way there or the way back….. REVENGE!
June 16th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Hey Mark,
Here’s a Picture from the Bafma website. Don’t see you there with Tanzy lol
http://www.bafma-online.co.uk/DSCF0056.JPG