Once the gun went off, the Dixie Rovers team fired up a generator and used
an electric lug wrench in an attempt to grab an early lead. As Land Rover
owners, they should have known better than to take a "hi-tech approach".
Their jack got jammed up, and they were handily beaten by "Team Aspin"
in the Series I, the oldest vehicle present, as well as two other teams.
Mike Malone, driving Quintin Aspin's 1951 80" Series I, was last
years trials course winner. Here's a shot of Mike trying to defend his title.
He was in the running until he hit the axle articulators (logs) full tilt
and was lifted out of his seat. When his feet left the pedals, the Rover
reversed, an automatic DQ. Quintin himself saved face for the team this
year taking second place. His showing is all the more respectable when you
consider he forgot to engage four-wheel drive for the trials course.
Here's Dennis Perzynski driving his 110 to an overall victory in the
event.
I was still marshaling when Jared Silbersher wielded his ax and easily won
the wood chopping portion of the triathlon. Those who witnessed it said
nobody else even came close.
For those too meek (or too far from home) to risk their vehicles on the
trials course, there were other activities. I'm told the blind-folded obstacle
course was a lot of fun. I missed it though, as I was off doing something
else at the time. I did see the crowd pleasing teeter-totter competition
though. Jared sure made it look easy in the 101FC.
Here event co-organizer Mike McCaig watches as Will Parks balances "WUT
ROAD"
Last years winner took 57 seconds to balance his truck. This year "Diesel
Bob" smashed that record, and several others had sub 30 second times.
I wonder what Sandy and Mike will think of to complicate this event next
year!
There was also an art contest for
those too young to drive. Here Ryan Crawford uses 'Suzy', Diesel Bob's pride
and joy, as a model. The portrait of the teeter-totter winning vehicle resides
in the artists personal collection. All of Bob's offers to purchase it have
been rejected.