TRIP REPORT: SCOTT TRIAL
Date: 05/04/2009
Trip leader: Sav & team
Trip report: Lex Bloomfield
 
We arrived at Lake Station about 20 minutes later than the advertised time to see a paddock full of trucks preparing for the day’s challenge. That’s when I found I had not corrected for daylight saving time so we were not late. We started airing down and were asked to stop so Sav could be heard as he gave his briefing. Quite simple instructions for the day. Just find & follow the coloured arrows for the particular loop you were directed to, watch for stock, and respect the property we were using. Here we go again, blasted coloured markers. Not the best for a colour blind driver, but this time I had come prepared. Believe it or not I was equipped with colour correcting glasses (new technology), and I kid you not, they worked unbelievably good. (At over a grand I would hope so.)

We were in teams of 3 and the idea was to find all arrows, note anything written on them, and get back to Sav’s control centre as quick as possible. We were then sent out on another of the six loops.
We drove all types of terrain and it was on the riverbed loop that we all found that our bladders were biologically unstable, needing the odd quick dash to the nearest private spot.

Our team consisted of Gordon Jacket with co-driver Brian, Sam Watt with co-boss Audrey and me with co-driver and arrow spotter Fred. What a team. A Toyota, a Nissan & the jolly old Jeep, which came with all the Flintstone jokes after the editor’s article last month.

Part of Sav’s briefing was, "…..and sabotage of the loops is allowed so long as you do not interfere with or damage the property." Well the first thing we found was a gate that was cable tied together, and then a rather large rock had been rolled from its resting place on an embankment and placed in the middle of the track.

Leo Van Workum came upon a tree that had been towed across another track so he just drove over it. My God there are some sneaky people in our club or was it those Blenheim guys who had joined us for the day.
All in all it was a terrific day and so much fun. It taught us to drive varying terrain, keep alert for other vehicles & work as a team.

As a matter of interest, at the end of the day Sav asked Gordon & me to collect the arrows from one of the loops. A chance to drive another time was right up our alley. Half way up a hill, (almost vertical mountain and we needed oxygen) I decided it would best if I put the Jeep into four-wheel drive. We caught up with Gordon at the top, and he was in fits of laughter. "I’ve just driven all the way up here in two wheel drive."

I know it takes a lot of organizing but I would love to see more of these. It is so much fun. For club members who haven’t done it, try it next year or book yourself a ride as a co-driver. You won’t be sorry.

Thanks Sav and your rather large gang of helpers, we know who you all are and we do really appreciate your effort. Its fun to drive it but if required, I will put up my hand to help in the future. It can’t be much fun sitting and watching while we all have the fun.

The editor will add the final positions I hope. I can only remember the winners.
AND THE WINNER IS:
 
1ST TEAM: Sam Watt / Toyota LCruiser            2ND TEAM: Richard Exton / Nissan Terrano
                    Gordon Jackett / Nissan Patrol                               Warren Blake / Mitsubishi Pajero
                    Lex Bloomfield / Jeep Cherokee                             Trevor Jamie / Toyota LCruiser
 
3RD TEAM: Leo Van Workum / Toyota Hilux
                       Rene Voss / Mitsubishi Pajero
                        Paul Tunnicliff / Misubishi Pajero