Pre Rally
We had sent our details into the Forestry commission five weeks ago, so all was set for a great race.

On the Thursday before the Weekend of Racing we received a letter from the forestry to say that all was okay, but what we put down as a parking area was not allowed due to a conservation programme going on. Oh dear! problem but only minor.

All we have to do now on Friday is to redo our race trails, organise a parking area and ensure all would be okay with Forestry & Shooting tenants! Not much to ask really, but with the help of Julie (my better half), Mark & Katrina Nurse we sorted it, no problemo!

Race Day 1
I arrived at the Forest to open the gate at 0700hrs Start time being 0930hrs so plenty of time to check pre-laid trails.

Temperature was bouncing around all over the place so a water stop was put in place. Mushers meeting started at 0830hrs and between us all made a point to all newcomers that the rules should be abided by and a quick recap can be arranged if unsure. A full half an hour was taken up for the mushers meeting but important issues were taken on. Adequate marshalling, starters, Snubbers and Finshers had to be in place before the start could take place. At 0930hrs the first team was off and at 0945hrs whilst marshalling on the trail myself, i was told by mobile phone that the first team out had made it over the finish line! This means as Trail organiser, my job had been done. All would run smoothly from now on!!! Saturday passed without a problem.

Enter Sunday Day 2
Sunday parking went a little out of control, but within a few minutes it was back under control. Apologies for those who had to move but Hey, the Forestry make the rules up not me! Anyway Sunday breezed through as smooth as Saturday. Entries were listed at 131, tell me this is not a record? DM classes were impressive and also Juniors ran at 11 entries. So all those youngsters out there that didn't enter, you loss not mine! see you next year?

Special thanks to Mark & Katrina Nurse for dealing with those awkward situations of rounding up Marshalls, Starters, Finishers etc..... Special thanks to Jolleys Pet Store in East Dereham for sponsering the event a putting out superb prizes. Everyone who entered this Rally went away with a bag of goodies.

So next year, perhaps 150 entries.
More prizes, Better trails if possible!
Most of all happy people.
See you all next year and please tell a friend.
The more the merrier, the better the challenge.
On a serious note I would appreciate some feedback on the views of those who competed.
Any changes we need to make?
distances for classes?
Trail conditions?
Etc.......

Click here for results

Author: Brian Collins