Autumn Trial 2018 Past Events

The central boma provided the ideal ambiance for new members to be integrated into the LROC family and old friendships to be rekindled. There are sufficient braai grids for all to enjoy the communal braai without waiting. Thanks to all the campers for remembering to bring wood for the communal braai. Thanks to Micheal and Hendriena for hosting us in such a friendly manner and Kobus (the farm owner) for the preparation of the trial area and for donating the watermelons, it was a welcome relief after the heat of the day.

This 4x4 area is well-known to longer serving members of the club and offers a variety of options for off-road fun. I usually state that I try to keep the Sunday trial in line with the theme of Saturday’s training, but the actual recoveries required on Sunday was definitely not planned or intentional. I did joke about the newer Disco 3’s and 4’s, but want to state categorically that the obstacles were not laid out to disadvantage any specific vehicle type!

There was feedback that some of the previous trails were a bit too easy, but this was mainly due to limited options available. This venue allowed for more challenging obstacles to allow participants to test and experience their own- and their vehicles capabilities, while keeping it safe and within the limits of our awesome Landys. The event was completed without any serious incident or damage to any vehicle apart from the few recoveries. Great thanks to those assisting with the recoveries and the cooperation of the bystanders in listening to the instructions during these periods.

I want to specifically thank the following people:

• The Blikkies for providing their vehicle for the lay-out of the obstacles.
• Rod and his friends for carrying the poles, both during the lay-out and packing up.
• Jono for towing the trailer.
• The Blikkies and everybody else who assisted with the marshalling.

And everybody else, including the participants, who made the weekend a huge success.

In closing, a few points to ponder (it will be discussed at committee level). Getting sufficient volunteers to marshal is becoming a problem. We all know this is a tiring and thankless task, but without marshals there will be no trial! There is a need for a dedicated scrutineer, as some vehicles were missed and questions asked about their trial worthiness! Adhering to start times of events.

Lastly, thanks to all for a great weekend in the bush, see you all at the next event!

Well done to first winners on the day.

SWB - No participants
LWB - Brian Norie