The first rally held at Kirroughtrie wasn't without problems, the original trail previously seen was badly damaged and not suitable. Then with the help of F.E. we searched and discovered another trail which we thought could possibly be used, there was a certain amount of work to be done, which F.E. were great at helping with which this included the work filling in pot holes in the week leading up to the rally. Another problem was the same distance had to be used for all classes, finding a way to shorten the trail proved impossible, which was a pity.

However, the start and finish chute being walking .....honest it was! distance apart, proved to be ideal with the area not being over congested with people, and teams were not getting in each others way going to the start and coming through the finish line. After the continual rain we have had it was pleasant to wake up and find it was a dry morning and it stayed that way over both days, pity the temperature could not have been lower. There was a huge turn out from the locals in the area to watch the event, most had never heard of such a thing as sled dogs racing in this country, and all the members they spoke too were only to happy to talk about our dogs.....well now isn't that a first! bet they wished they had never started the conversation ! joking aside, the public who appeared were genuinely interested in learning about the dogs and were extremely courteous in ensuring they did not get in the way of any of the teams out on the trail, most were sensible enough to leave their own pets at home, (although F.E. Ann Smith advised all those making enquiries to do so) if not, they were on a short lead. Now isn't that a pleasant change.......

Likewise, the Raynet crew were fantastic in monitoring the crowds to stay off the trail and supervise all the teams passing each check point, these guys drove up to 2hrs 30mins to be there and assist us, a big thank you must go to them, it certainly made me feel more comfortable knowing they were there.

The feedback coming through from members was, they thought the event was organised ............(didn't always feel that way.....ha ha, just kidding, but it was really nice to know that the feeling was it was ever so friendly and everyone there were keen to help out each other, to have a good run with the dogs and an enjoyable time is what it's all about, even though it's a competitive event and everyone is competitive to some degree, it can still be fun, so take note for those that believe that rallies are not for them........most probably the dogs will love the atmosphere and change of scenery.

Some mushers were overheard to be calling to Raynet "is this what they call undulating in Scotland" or words to that effect! I also heard it said "the second day didn't seem so bad"...............

A big thanks to everyone who helped out over the weekend, as we continually say without the members help, the rallies could not be as good as they are. Too all those who "had the jitters" saying eeehhhhh "I haven't done this before .....now you have ! and I think you found it not as bad as you thought it may be.
Timers (thanks Mandie, you are a star doing more than I had the right to ask of you ) Snubbers, scrutineering, marshalls a big thank you, and to Fiona Maxwell, who had overseas visitors and could not enter the rally but left Steven at home for a while to came along for a few hours on the Sat and ended up helping out at short notice........

Lindsey, also had to hang on tight to Keith Johnston ! and I'll let her tell you all about mmmmm.........

It was great to see people who had travelled quite some distance to be there, I do hope you had a good weekend, thank you for supporting this new venue.

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Author: Ann Shaw