I’m sure the mistakes will be ironed out by next year. Having someone check the course before the start to make sure all marshalls are in place would be a good idea.

From what I’ve heard it was the front riders that went the wrong way, but I wasn’t at the front and still had a few problems. First up, were we supposed to do the R74 section on the first lap, or was that missed out on purpose first time round?

There was a bit of confusion on the first lap where R74 comes back out onto the fireroad, but not much and we were soon put back on the right track.

I think one of the other problems was that there were lots of yellow painted arrows all over the place which were part of the forestry workings and at times, especially when the signs we were supposed to be following had blown over, it was unclear which ones we should be following. I think it is important to make the course markers distinctive and to have a couple of them early on in the course so that people know what to look out for.

I had a good day, it would be nice to see a few more entrants, and I’m sure I’ll do it again next year… UNless of course I offer to help marshall instead!

Al.

Interesting to read various comments on race. The course had changed this year to give a better balance of single track and forest Rd.
Unfortunately 1st lap was marred by a marshal error but the reason you didn’t see more on first lap was that the incorrect route was not marshalled of course. However, feedback from some of the elite riders ( and others) is that the balance was better, and matters have been put in hand to ensure that no one will possibly take the wrong route next year. ALL possible incorrect routes will be cordoned off.

What we had overlooked was the possibility of a lead rider not seeing the directional arrows and taking wrong route – with following riders assuming the leader was going correct way.( had the marshal been in position of course this would not have happened ) Later riders did take correct route despite the missing marshal. In In addition to cordoned off routes next year – directional arrows will be bigger and all marshals will be taken to their positions and race will not start unless clearance is given by course checker.

Some comments have been received about the elite start. This worked well ( apart from route error) but meant that the elite guys had finished way before everyone else. A suggestion has been made to start relay riders first giving them a 10 minute start which would get them well clear of early single track sections before elite riders were under way. We would welcome comment on this idea.

Hopefully weather will be as good next year when we promise a trouble free ride.

Derek Hawes
Mawddach Goldrush