Parc Ferme
Run in the memory of Pat a man not averse to a traditional “ hard” enduro he certainly got his way on Sunday . Let there be no mistake , this is never a particularly easy event ( given the nature of the forest) but add 48 hours of continuous rain and hard became difficult . The ground has a firm base so there is grip but standing water , ruts , roots up hills and down hills are traversed easily only by the best and fittest riders . For the rest, it becomes a case of slog on to any respectable and gallant finish. Those who did and there were many are to be applauded; too many to mention here but well done to them all . Goggles gone , mud covered , wet …… Pat would have been proud of you . A proper enduro .
A very good entry , the usual excellent Clara Lara Parc Ferme and a reversed route from normal would have proved the ingredients for a great opening to the season’s championships …. Marked on Saturday and a new test . It rained and rained .
Mc Erlane Family
COC , Allan Leckie was quick to remove the steep uphills on check 2 leaving the entire lap rideable for all classes but could do little for the long shale hill which became more difficult as the day went on for the Club / Sportsman classes. It took a determined effort to crest the climb . On all such climbs and particularly on the earlier clear fell , it can be easier for riders to stop and look for an alternative route left or right as against becoming stuck behind others on the “main” line . Not so easy we know when visibility is short in the mist , but one minute stopped can save 10 stuck .
Fuel Check !
Happy in the Rain !
Happy to finish!
Test!
There will be a winner , a winner in every class , the Clubman will receive the new Pat MAC perpetual Trophy donated by his family . Everyone who finished or tried to finish is a winner and will be the better for it . Great to see Paul MC Laughlin back out .
Paul MC Laughlin back riding!
It may take a little time to sort the penalties as the cards are difficult to decipher . Results will be posted soon as . Congratulations to all .
Thanks to the TORC club , The MC Erlane family , Allan , Mick , Sheamey , Kevin , Dave , David , Dave MC , Deborah , Derek , Godfrey , Jane .
Derek , the man who ran over your timing apologies ( again) .
Footnote
When the test markers were being taken down last evening, it was noticed the one rider took a very deliberate route that was well outside the marked and gated test . The club are not in a position to have a marshal at every point of the route and it is frustrating that any rider will deliberately shortcut the route . All tests are “gated” with opposing arrows and it is only the COC who can change that . WE trust said rider is happy with himself.
Few Videos from the Event:
Gorillas in the Mist Ballinaderry Enduro 2016
TEST Ballinaderry Enduro 2016
Enduro.ie
Fair play to all who tried and fair play to those who finished because it did not stop raining here for two days so the ground was very difficult indeed it looked like a great enduro as usual.fair play