Event report: WA Winter Classic

Sunday 4th - Monday 5th June

Woodanilling

The arrival at Kenine was on a clear afternoon. Recent rains had enabled seeding in the Kenine paddock and sheep were running in the top triangle paddock – which left Bulloak Lane for campers. After towing one of the toilets all the way it was discovered there was an issue with flushing capability – luckily SWOT’s equipment officer was on hand to an put his handyman skills to use with the installation of a genuine Australia made all stainless steel utilux hose clamp that fixed the problem – thanks Cliff – that situation could have had a messy ending! Saturday night was clear and bright with a full moon, a modest campfire and the Wests for company – very pleasant indeed – though nippy overnight.

Day 1 – Middle distance

Set and controlled by ADHOC’s John and Jen, there were a healthy 67 entries, with a handful of EODs – that topped participant numbers up to 71. The 7 courses were done and dusted between 22-62 minutes with many positive comments from runners regarding terrain and courses. A run of luck with the weather saw rain coming during the control collection.

There were a surprising number of campers (considering the forecast!) with around 15 tents and camper trailers hunkered down the laneway. Hadrien popped up at the registration tent with a gas bottle and interesting instrumentation (It was thought he wanted to cook!) but he trotted off to the big stack of wood that farmer Russell had left and lit it up. The blazing fire was a draw card, with campers coming out in between showers to enjoy. Apart from one blustery front around 7.30pm, overnight remained clear of rain and it wasn’t until the next morning that some drizzle appeared.

Thanks are extended to ADHOC members Jen, John, Tony, Lyn, Di and Caroline for their assistance with setting and collection of controls. Results for day 1 can be found on Eventor, and for some routes for day 1 are on Livelox.

Day 2 – Long distance

Set by Harry Nicholson with Tony Whittaker as controller, the long distance saw 56 competitors take a chance on the weather. A call went out for early starters, with most managing a dry run. A lucky streak held during pack up with only a few scattered showers and the last SWOTters pulled out from a muddy Kenine around 3pm. Results for day 2 can be found on Eventor, and some routes for day 2 on Livelox.

Thanks are extended to SWOT members Harry and Cliff, assisted by ADHOC’s Lyn and Tony with setting and control collection. Also Kelly, Josh and Robyn for toilet towing. Thanks to Jack, Rosalie and Melinda for tech support and big thanks to Robyn for the event coordination.

Special thanks to landowners, Russell, Marg and Belinda, and also Frank and Lola Carter.

Photo: Start, taken by Sue Dowling.