Wanganui T-shirt

Hi All,

This will appear to be posted by the ghost of Dobsy while we wrangle with blog administration!

Some might not know that this year's Cemetery Circuit T-shirt featured a picture of Dobsy. It looks like a great memorial although I haven't seen one in the flesh yet.

I have been informed that around 30 are still available from the Cemetery Circuit website.

http://www.cemeterycircuit.co.nz/

I hope anyone who would like to get hold of one is able to because it was a limited production run.

Cheers, Bridget

The Goat, 3 December 2011

In November 2010 I found myself around 7kg lighter than I had been in many years and I thought I may as well make the most of the advantage to do something extreme.  Browsing running events online I came across The Goat, mountain half-marathon.

The Goat is said to be the toughest off-road running event in New Zealand.  At 21km it’s not the longest but its profile and terrain are pretty daunting.  Newbies are advised to estimate their time by doubling their time for a road half-marathon.

I entered with 5 weeks to train which took my mind off the paperwork and administration that had become my world.  I was never much of a road runner with a history of 2 half-marathons both at around 2hr 10mins so I was ecstatic to finish the Goat in 3hr 13mins.

Maybe it lacked imagination but I entered again in 2011 and just made the cut off as the quota filled in September.  Naturally, as I had so much time to train, I did nothing for the first month.  Life had somehow filled up with Cubs, literacy tutoring, ducklings, piping, fire station and figuring how to fill Dobsy’s boots to keep the cars, lawn mower and bikes running.

When I did start running I found everything functioning OK except a niggling big toe joint that didn’t get any better.  Finally, it was my turn for some sports physio.  Liz was a huge help.  We worked through my stride, foot strike and hip placement and I started noticing the difference straightaway.  But as the day approached, I knew I hadn’t done as much training as last year.

Work inconveniently detained Louise, my ground crew from last year so Di Morris stepped in aided and abetted by Eadlin and her friend Gracie.  We drove down on Friday after school, once again stayed at a friend’s house in National Park (thank you Linda) and duly registered at 7am.  As well as my goody bag I received a micro-transponder – my first electronically timed event!

So the mandatory rain jacket, thermal top, space blanket and beanie were stowed and 1.3 litres of hydration and carbs in my Camelbak was levered into the remaining space.  An additional bum-bag carried lip balm, Nurofen, and secret recipe energy food.

As we drove up to the out-of-season ski resort at Whakapapa it was cold and rainy.  It felt incongruous to apply sun-cream.  600 assorted aspiring Goats jumped and stretched to keep warm while the PA played inspiring, motivational rock songs.  The commentator reminded us that, while a marathon is said to be 25 miles of hope followed by 1 mile of truth, The Goat is 1km of hope followed by 20km of truth.

5 minutes behind the first wave, I got away in the second wave.  The first km or so is downhill on tarmac so kind of easy but also punishing in its way.  I quickly found that my preparation hadn’t avoided a sock seam across my big toe but I wasn’t stopping!  Thankfully, it faded into insignificance as soon as we hit the rough stuff.  Then I settled into a pattern to be repeated over and over - my mountain experience allowing me to hop the rocks effectively to pass the road runners until we hit the next uphill when my lack of fitness let them pass again.

The scenery and variety of terrain are fantastic on the Tongariro Round the Mountain track.  The patches of drizzle added to the slippiness underfoot.  I ran, splashed and clambered to reach the finish at Turoa ski resort in 3hr 23mins - only 10 minutes slower than last year.  Eadlin met me at the end and ran the last 50m with me.  My dodgy big toe had behaved and, under the circumstances, I was happy to concede 10 minutes to last year’s time.

The atmosphere was friendly and fun and I gratefully received my bottle of beer at the end.

In the spirit of sportsmanship and to honour the efforts of the organisers we attended the outdoor prize giving in Ohakune that evening.  Almost at the end of the awarding of spot prizes, my name was called and I received a sumptuous and lightweight Macpac sleeping bag.

Thanks to Di Morris, Linda Wheeler and the organsisers of the Goat for a great weekend.

Trail ride - Glenn Murray - 27 November 2011

Most of our local trail rides are organised by co-operation between Mr Motorcycles (a bike shop) and local community groups.  Land-owners provide their land for a day, the boys at the bike shop set up a main track of around 40km, a family loop of around 5km and a PeeWee track of around 1 km.  The local community group provides logistics of signing riders in, collecting money and selling sausages and drinks.

Dobsy bought the old XT250 early in 2010 so that he and I could take it in turns following the kids around and we intended to head out on the occasional big loop. I'm finding it fun and forgiving to ride but a handful if I try to stop in difficult terrain so I'm not as much help to the girls as I should be.  I'm finding enough challenge on the family loops for now!  Eadlin has settled into the family loop scene.  She is slow and steady but looks nicely in control.  Hillberry is making the transition.  Not a fast enough transition for Hilby's liking!

I prepared for the first Mr Motorcycles trail ride of the season with a bit more dithering than was really necessary.

I knew my XT had a problem with fuel at the end of last season but I never did manage to schedule workshop time among all my other commitments.  So I checked Hillberry's PW50 and Eadlin's TTR50 for all the obvious things and stuck them on the trailer.  Hillberry's PW has always had a cracked bearing cap on the steering head  but it hadn't got any worse.

At the last minute I realised I couldn't really let Edie go out on the family loop alone and it would be a waste of money (and dull) to keep her on the PeeWee track all day.  So I loaded my bike up and picked up a bum-bag to carry a screw-driver and an adjustable so I could keep the XT running and not get stranded.

The first run around the family loop with Edie went well enough until the final big, lumpy uphill.  I was in front and didn't want to stop on the hill so I plugged away until I found somewhere I was happy enough to stop.  Unfortunately I couldn't see the track behind and waited ages for Edie to appear.  Eventually she did just as I was heading back on foot (someone else had helped pick her bike up).  Then, when I went to follow her I dropped the XT in a rut and had to wait for someone to help me!  I can pick it up on most ground but it had managed to land IN the rut with the wheels up higher.  Then of course the carb was flooded so I got hot and knackered trying to kick it over before applying the tools and then it started first kick.

I'm not proud to admit that I don't take failure well so back at the car I had a bit of a tanty and called my bike bad names.  It took me a little while to calm down and the rest of the day was a breeze.

I decided the family loop was a bit too steep and lumpy for Hilby's PW but they had some fun swapping bikes on the PeeWee track.  We met a lad they know and Edie had a go on his PW80 and fitted it very well.  Hillberry said Edie's bike went round corners better than hers.

Finally it was time to load the bikes back on the trailer and I found that the PW front end was just about ready to fall out!  I don't know how Hilby was still riding it.

Next time I'll take my camera.

Isle of Man TT 2011 - Practice Week

I was a bit apprehensive about this year's TT. I didn't know how it was going to go - I knew that I would hate to be watching from the sidelines. But I had a shrewd idea that I'd have fun.

On Monday 30th May the girls and I went down to Billown to catch up with some folks at the Pre-TT Classic on the Southern 100 circuit - always one of Dobsy's favourites. It was good to chat with some people I haven't seen for a long time - Mike and Ange Hose, Bill Swallow, Roy Richardson, Matt Jackson.

We had time to put some grass seed on Dobsy's plot before the first TT practice. Children are irrepressibly buoyant creatures and after we'd forked, raked and scattered compost and seed it came to the 'treading' stage. Passers by might have been alarmed to see the 3 of us, bare-foot, dancing up and down the length of the grave giggling but I reckon Dobsy would have loved it for its innocent fun and hint of black humour! I'd bought "fast establish" seed but I had a feeling that, if I wanted it green before the blessing on Sunday, Astroturf would have been a better option!

The first solo practice was short - it started late after the sidecars and finished early due to hail!

The second practice night was sadly shadowed by the deaths of sidecar rider and passenger Bill Currie and Kevin Morgan. Not all of us knew them personally but the the whole paddock was a quieter place that night.

Through practice week I managed to make myself reasonably useful (I hope) in the paddock and somehow, between cooking the odd meal, fitting tyre warmers, carrying stands and popping out for Mr Sheen I kept busy enough that I didn't feel like a spare part.

I also spent time meeting up with old friends and enjoying the Island with Mum, Eadlin and Hillberry. These times were probably topped off by the walk (and run for me) between Glen Maye and Peel in glorious sunshine ending with an ice-cream.

I started Mad Sunday 5th June with a few quiet moments at Ballagarey before joining the gathering band at Lonan Parish Church. There were lots of positive comments about the headstone for which I thank Pooil Vaaish and especially Rosie for her personal and patient attention. Around 60 people were rewarded with some sunshine and I know others were stuck behind road closures (or went to Lonan 'Old' Church!). John Coldwell delivered a thoughtful, informal blessing. Thank you to everyone.

The afternoon was filled with fine food, wine and company thanks to Nick and Issy. Yet another

successful Mad Sunday bash. I'm only sorry I didn't see more of you through the fortnight.

I feel enormously thankful to uncountable people who helped me both in material ways and in spirit. Particular mention (in order of appearance!) to Mark Parrett, Doc Moran, Si Fulton, Paul Owen, Ian Barnes, Sue Lester, Tina Hampson, Debbie Baron and my long-suffering mum, Beryl.

All you others who made me feel a welcome and valued part of the TT will never be forgotten either.

Headstone blessing

It has been a while since I posted but I just about remembered how!

The girls and I will be back at the TT from Monday 30th May. We look forward to seeing lots of friends. And some great racing!

The Rev John Coldwell will be blessing Dobsy's headstone in the cemetery of Lonan Parish Church on Sunday 5th June at 11.30am. We will be happy to see anyone who feels they would like to join us. There is no dress code except nothing formal. If anyone would like to say something please contact me or just speak up.

Dobsy's NZ memorial

On Saturday 17 July we will be celebrating Dobsy's life in Onewhero. The time has yet to be confirmed but it will be around lunch time. Please come dressed as Dobsy would recognise you. Team shirts will be very welcome.

A lap of Pukekohe race track will follow at 4pm.

On Sunday 18 July there will be a 'pit-walk' style bike show featuring many of the bikes Dobsy rode.

Good homes wanted

The time has come to offer you the once in a lifetime opportunity to own some (or all) of Dobsy's stuff. Anyone who can find a use for any of the following please contact me. 07624 254438.

If you are on the Isle of Man it would be preferable if you can collect by Wednesday. If you are in the UK I might be able to deliver while I am over (first 5 days of July).

Bedford camper - IoM registered, NOT fun to drive but well set up inside. Ideal to park up and use as a second home.
'The Hilton' caravan converted to bike transporter.
jerry can x 2
large tarp
oil drain pan with spout
mains powerdrill
plastic link flooring (hex)
broom
saw x 2
plastic chair x 5
camping cups & plates
overalls x 2
spirit level
unused bubble screen with fitting screws
plastic jug x 2
box of drill bits
cable reel
angle grinder
BBQ large
bicycle - Diamondback, suspension f and r