Rounds 3 & 4 - Ty Croes, 7th & 8th April
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With an expectation of four seasons in one day, preparing for our annual trip to Anglesey was always going to be challenging. Clothing – winter thermals, snow shoes, waterproofs (umbrellas are useless at Ty Croes because of the incessant wind), t-shirts, sun screen? Equipment – rain tyres (or snow chains given the experience at Croft the week before) or semi-slick “1Bs”?
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Those of us driving TVRs to the circuit had to commit early; mostly six layers of clothing along with 1B tyres. Those trailering were able to hedge their bets; two suitcases and 1As plus 1Bs. Some managed to combine both, by driving the TVR and bringing a “support car” with the spare set of wheels (thanks Maggie).
Everyone that had committed early cursed on Saturday morning – showers were the order of the day. This is not normally an issue on the island as the high winds can often dry out the track between dowsings, but the wind turbine that powers the rather excellent canteen facilities at the circuit was peculiarly stationery for the whole day!
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Rain tyres and lower power seemed to be the order of the day. And so it was that Bill in his S2 with rain specials proceeded to humble the rest of us. After practice, Bill was 3½ handicap seconds ahead of similarly saddled Geoff (Vixen with rainsports) and streets ahead of the V8-powered 1B-shod crowd. Despite slightly improving conditions in the afternoon, there was still no breeze and the track stayed damp.
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“Rain God” Bill continued to improve, and would have won with any of his timed runs, but his third and fastest bagged him the 25 points. Everyone else improved, but couldn’t get close to the Rain God. Saturday was the shorter “National” circuit, which meant a large number of runs to hopefully get our eye in for tomorrow.
Spring arrived in the evening, providing for a pleasant stroll to the delightful Oyster Catcher in Rhosneigr for an enjoyable meal, with good company, and reasonable beer. We were also blessed with the company of Harry (who had been fixing niggles with gearboxes and cats) and Jan. |
Sunday morning was particularly autumnal, with overcast skies, but no additional rain overnight. The track was still moist, but everyone accepted the various weather forecasts available, and switched (or stuck) to the 1Bs. By the time we got out onto the full International circuit, all the damp patches had gone, and the full grip of the 1Bs could be put to use. The Chimaeras made the most of it, and took the top 3 places after practice, but the field was much closer together.
We were delighted to welcome the appearance of summer in the afternoon, and everyone made the most of the conditions to make big improvements. Despite a rattle at the front end, Dave W knocked over 5 seconds off his practice time. |
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Harry found 3, and Dave B found over 1. Following yesterday’s success, Bill wasn’t admitting defeat, and found nearly 5 seconds, but was clearly at the limit as his last two runs were only 1/100th apart. Geoff was trying to figure out what son Iain would have done, and found an amazing 5
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seconds to split the Chims. Jo couldn’t improve on her first run, which only a smidge slower than her personal best. But Shunter managed two PBs, including an extra second on his last run, to secure the
25 points.
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As always, Anglesey delivered. The four seasons took two days to transpire, which made for a fantastically diverse competition. And the away-trip nature of the location made for a fantastically friendly weekend.
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Words: Shunter
Go on, put some numbers on it |
Many thanks to all of our photographers:
Jim Edwards Mark Warburton Jo Briars Steve Hunter The Cow Whisperer |