Report
This was Sion Matthews' last run of the current series, and he saved the toughest route for last. There would be be no “clean sheets” this time. The forecasted high winds felt like they were going to blow the roof off the David Hughes Leisure Centre as the eight crews signed on in the classroom. However, by the time they had plotted the route the winds had subsided, just as predicted. After a long run-out down the A55 the symbols started in the shadow of Conwy Castle, then a clockwise loop on the western bank of the Conwy River as far south as Talybont, and coming back north to Sychnant Pass.
We rarely use this area, and most of the crews wrong-slotted somewhere, Elis/Matthew drove down a road that narrowed as it went, ending up as a white at a dead-end, with no place to turn around. The learner driver had to reverse in the dark for a kilometre! His mum faired only slightly better, when John, who had toothache, sent Yvonne down a wrong road to come across a downed tree blocking the way. Another long reverse ensued. The delay meant they were running late near the finish, so had to cut route, whilst Elis/Matt carried on after their excursion and were penalised for being 13-minutes late, ultimately making them last.
Once over Sychnant, Sion had everyone zig-zagging around the backstreets and alleys of Penmaenmawr. This would separate the results, as many went the wrong way, or missed the many symbols leaning against telegraph poles. The final sting in the tail was the side-streets of Llanfairfechan, which included the six feet high tunnel under the railway onto the promenade area.
The finish was inside the Virginia Inn in the middle of Llanfairfechan, although the finish point for symbols was 500 metres before the pub. Sion had placed a symbol after this point which most members recorded. This was classified as a dud, so although two crews tied for the win on 73 correct symbols each, Carwyn/Cian additionally recorded that final dud, so dropped a point to finish second. The winners were birthday-boy Emyr with Duncan on the maps, only missing five symbols around Penmaenmawr.
This was another excellent event by Sion, this time with assistance from Chloe Thomas in the opening car, Endaf Davies at signing-on, and Lee Matthews & Winnie Chen in closing cars. Another fun night with friends. Well done all.
Chloe will be organising the next run in April, so rode shotgun for Sion to see how he organises these events. There is a lot more to it than most people think.
RESULTS
1. Emyr Owen / Duncan Littler; Scout – 73 points.
2. Carwyn Rowlands / Cian Jones; Ford Fiesta – 72 pts.
3. Ifan Devine / Amelia Lloyd; BMW 320 – 66 pts
4. Geraint Jones / Cameron Hazelgrove; Suzuki Swift – 65 pts.
5. Chris Farrell / Cian Farrrell; Skoda Octavia – 57 pts.
6. Iwan Evans / Sioned Evans; Audi A3 – 56 pts.
7. Yvonne Matthews / John Evans; Audi A4 – 51 pts.
8. Elios Matthews / Matthew Henry; Nissan Micra – 45 pts.
Maximum possible score = 78 points.
Many thanks to David Hughes Leisure Centre and the Virginia Inn, Llanfairfechan, for the use of their facilities.
Information
This will be the sixth Navigation Run of the season and organised by Sion Matthews and team.
Navigation Runs are ideal for learning to plot a route and read a map, and provide good practice for anyone aspiring to compe.30te in a road rally anytime soon.
The start venue is the David Hughes Leisure Centre, Menai Bridge, LL59 5SS, at the rear of Ysgol David Hughes - Ordnance Survey map 115 (Snowdonia/Yr Wyddfa), reference 547 723. what3words location ///airbase.prayers.germinate.
Sign on from 18 hours and route handouts at 19.00 hours. Finish at 22.00 hours.
You will require O.S. Map 115 (Snowdonia/Yr Wyddfa), plus the usual navigation aids of poti, romer, pen/pencil, etc.
Drivers and navigators need a valid club membership. Renew or join at Membership Application
