The answer to the eternal question on the Aviemore Rally 'what was the weather' must this year have been - lots of it ! Seriously, whatever the elements had to offer, we had it. Rain, hail, and even snow in blizzard form, but thankfully, with dry patches when they were most needed. Sadly, once again not enough of the White Stuff for sleds, but one day - maybe!

The Aviemore Rally now stands - whether you love it or hate and let's admit it, there's nothing in between - as a huge landmark in the Working Rally Calendar and reaching almost legendary proportions. What makes it the largest Race of year takes some defining …. whether it is the scenery, the welcome we receive from the town of Aviemore or perhaps even the annually improving trails … whatever it is without a doubt it is a Very Special Event and I would like to thank everyone who entered and helped to maintain the now Famous Aviemore Spirit … and no, I don't mean the local beverage.

More importantly I would like to thank those who helped. From competitors who assisted in the marshalling, scrutineering, snubbing, etc. through the administrators at the Mushers' Meeting - do you know the chaos this one evening creates? - right up to Kenny, Lindsey and Sarah (most particularly) and everyone in between. It takes a great deal of effort - some in greater amounts than others - to put on a Race of this magnitude and I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to those who have to put up with me (and Sarah) during what has to be acknowledged as a stressful time - better known as our annual holidays!!!! Just what is the definition of a masochist?

Interestingly as the years go by the Aviemore Rally has accrued its own Local Family - those who provide the services and amenities. Frank Clark of the Whisky Tasting Fame has been with the Event right from the start, ably assisted by Mr. Smith, Mr. Noble and Co. The Tannoy Man (Laurie Fraser) comes over from Nairn in all weathers year on year and more recently, the British Red Cross Ladies look forward to their stint in the cold and so often, wet. Sadly Jock the Traffic Warden is now retired, but the Northern Constabulary's new incumbent worked hard to satisfy the needs of the Competitors and Spectators within the legal and safety limits of the roadway - and with a smile!

But, talking of newcomers this year's Aviemore Sled Dog Rally owes a debt of gratitude to Royal Canin and Pet Planet without whom the event would not have gone ahead. It takes a lot of courage to take on an event such as Aviemore and a lot of discussions took place to integrate Company Systems into the existing structure of the Event. At the end of the day, all was sorted and I hope the benefits will prove enough to persuade them to continue with their support into 2003 and beyond.

Thinking towards 2003 … do you realise this is our 20th Event at Aviemore and we really should celebrate! As always all offers, ideas and whatever to me or Sarah, please, but in the meantime, again thanks to all concerned and roll on next year!

Penny

My thanks go to all of you who really made it an especially easy weekend for me in my usual place at the start line. The thought of overseeing the 'off' of 200+ teams without major hitch or argument is enough to give me insomnia for the days leading up to the event. At the point when we realised that we would again have to resort to 1 minute starts for the C & C2 sleep became just a memory! However you were all superb and it made my job so much easier...and if you ask Keith, I was almost OK to live with over the event weekend. You all seem to have got the hang of lining up and as ever special praise for the D2 who gather up so well at the start, set off separately and then come in so well together at the end!

I certainly wouldn't like to run this event on my own, and I really think that none of us understand how much work Penny has to put in behind the scenes for a good 9 months of the year to make Aviemore the success it is. So thanks Pen! And here's to the events 20th Birthday next year...but not only that birthday...look out for a certain pair's party being planned for Aviemore 2003...yep you're all invited! We've just got to decide which night we are having it...haven't we Wendy!

Sarah

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Author: Penny Evans & Sarah Robinson