Trip Report - Social paddock Gymkhana - August 13th
On a beautiful clear winter morning members of the club gathered at the Herbert Garage where we were met by Chris who escorted everyone to the venue for the days events......
a paddock on a local dairy farm.
On arrival set out before us were a number of road cones, barrels and other obstacles all marking the various activities to be done during the day by the vehicle drivers. Obviously quite a bit of preparation had been put into the setting up by Chris and his helpers. There was even a fire set up for people to gather around if they were a little cold and even a toilet tent for a bit of privacy for those who needed it.
Shortly after arrival more trucks arrived to join us. These people were the opposing team for the day, members of the Otago Landrover Club who had travelled from Dunedin. They also provided the judges for the day who informed everyone their decisions were final and not to be contested.
Chris then gave a brief outline of each event before the fun started. Each truck was numbered and the drivers set out to complete the challenges put before them. Each truck was carefully watched and timed by the judges who awarded points for correct manoeuvring. The morning activities included backing a trailer, following various tracks and crossing a beam without the front and back wheels slipping off.
Time then for a break and combined lunch.......hot soup made by Ferne (yum), barbecue sausages, salads, bread and buns and some sweet treats. No one went hungry.
Moving on to the afternoon the driver skills continued to be tested. There was an egg and spoon race where the trucks raced each other through the set course with their passenger balancing the egg on the spoon and held out the window. Surprising how many brought back intact eggs as the track did involve a descent up the bank.
Next it was the big event for the day!!! Each driver had to once again manouver around the set course avoiding all the obstacles but this time they were blindfolded!!! They were each guided by another person who stood on the bank overlooking the start point using the two way radios. Lots of trust needed here.
Certainly entertaining for the spectators as each one successfully completed their tasks.....the only casualties along the way were a couple of barrels which some vehicles drove too close to.
As the day drew to a close points for each team were tallied up resulting in a win for the visitors. After a few people toasting marshmallows over the embers of the fire it was time to call it a day.
Thanks Chris and his helpers for organising this day. A new experience for most but an enjoyable time for a very worthwhile cause. The monetary donations collected on the day are to be put towards the club fundraiser to purchase a defibrillator.
Norm and Jackie
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