Kings Birthday Weekend Wrap

Doin’ it for the farmers …

Wow, what a weekend – the wettest weather for months, and certainly the wettest June long weekend I can remember for some time.  We certainly couldn’t begrudge such welcome rain in western Victoria, and at least we had no wind to speak of (as they did in the Flinders Ranges) and no snow (as they did in Bathurst).

Saturday – it was very strange to see the Sailors Diggings forest looking so open, after a recent fire.  All of the contours were plain to see, through the blackened trees!  It made for enjoyable (if slippery) running.  The deep erosion gullies and large fallen logs are still there, slowing things down for the courses which reached the northern part of the map.  Weather-wise, there was a bit of nuisance rain, and it was certainly cold, but at one point the sun came out and the forest looked magical.  Thanks to the Eureka team, led by Gary Buchan, for a successful and enjoyable Day 1.  Results, Splits, Livelox

Sunday – the weather system decided to stop moving east, and instead park itself for the morning right on top of Chapel Flat.  Watercourses which have been empty for months, were suddenly flowing.  Despite the rain, competitors loved Aislinn’s courses, and were treated to an appearance at the final control by “King Jim”, celebrating Jim Russell’s legendary status of King of the Mountain (also immortalised by a huge mural in Wycheproof).  Unfortunately we were unable to have catering, TV screens or presentations today.  Well done to Dandenong Ranges for today’s event, and thanks to Aislinn, Roch, Peter, and the support from Eureka, in particular Blake and Rod.  Results, Splits, Livelox

Monday – after two days in cold and wet conditions, it was decided to postpone the Tipperary Springs relay to a later date.  Being a relay, people would have been waiting around in wet clothes for their second run, which organisers considered a health and safety issue.  So keep your eye on Eventor and look forward to this event a little later in 2025.

Below:  Chapel Flat: Aislinn (course planner), Roch (map updates), King Jim, and the “real” Jim (Vic Series Coordinator), after the rain finally stopped!