The final in the series of three beach/training rides was held under slightly blustery conditions but everyone enjoyed themselves. This time we had 100% completion which was pleasing for all involved. Later tides meant a slightly later start with the 40 km riders heading out at noon rather than 10 am. All riders were in by 3.10 pm so it wasn’t too late a finish for the vets and officials either.
Amanda McConachy on Makahiwi Geneca led the field home, closely followed by Sandy Marshall on Jamila Two. Most combinations were in novice or intro classes and were just aiming for the qualification. Emma and Ashlea Watson were back in the 25 km class and we’ve had a few newcomers turn up to ride that distance – it will be interesting to see if they are keen to travel a bit further afield for more competitions in the season.
There were only a couple of riders in the CTR class this time – they were well over time but came in together so it all came down to heart rates where Anna Graham on AH Sihra had the edge over Suzanne Dorne on Telly. Thanks to our well-travelled Ride Secretary Jo Lankow for coming down again and bringing eclairs from Ohakune and to Sylvia Ireland for being our TD. Jenny was ably supported in the Vet Ring by students Nicole and Brooke (who was also our first aider for the day – that’s a bonus).
The three beach rides weren’t billed as a series competition but well done to Sandy Marshall and Jamila Two for qualifying 120 km in total as a combination whilst Makahiwi Phoenix & Westhills Pharrah also qualified 120 km but with two different riders. A number of other combinations made it to two out of the three rides.
Totalling up the results across all 3 events, there were 1,793 km qualified in endurance and 194 km qualified in CTR for a grand total of 1,987 km. Not a bad start to the season. The next ride for Ruahine to organise in the calendar is the Trans-Tasman event with CEI and CEN classes to be held at Waiouru over 30th November and 1st December. The planning is coming along nicely and there will be a wide range of endurance classes on offer over both days. We’ll be holding potluck dinners on both the Friday and Saturday evenings so come along and socialise with NZ and Aussie competitors.
Photos from the last Scotts Ferry ride courtesy of Georgia Smith featuring Glenmore A’complish’s ears, Murray riding Glenmore Tay’isha and Andrea on Glenmore Turbo.
Jenny Weston
