Eventually met up with Dave in Truro and grabbed some lunch at the Bakery (verrrrry nice!). While Dave went off to pick up the official timing clock, Greg and I grabbed the ORVC signs off Dave and headed off to our control point, placing the signs in a few strategic places along the way. During all this, we noticed a very strong smell of petrol wafting through the vehicle – strange, especially since I was running on gas at the time. Turned out that the canvas wrapping around the ORVC signs had somehow soaked up some petrol while in the back of Dave's ute, possibly from the generator or jerry cans he was carrying. Ah well, windows down and onwards and upwards we went.

Upon our arrival, weather still dry but very, very windy. Our location was about as open as you could get on the fenceline of a big sheep paddock. Rion and Ken were already there and had things pretty well organised as far as the control point was concerned. Before unpacking, we decided to venture down to the nearby creek on a firewood hunting expedition. We had permission from the owner to collect whatever we wanted so we eventually filled the roofrack and made our way back.

We had time to make camp so that was our immediate priority. As we started to erect the tent, to Greg's surprise, a number of patches of daylight started to show through where they shouldn't have! Not too sure what caused this but we suspect moths or silverfish may have a lot to answer for – ah well, Leonie had been pushing for a new tent so it looks like she may get her wish. We just hoped it wouldn't rain overnight. We also erected a rather large tarpaulin alongside the car and back to the tent as a wind break and hoped it would stay put for a while with the wind seeming to get stronger by the minute.

The first stage of the race was soon upon us. Quick instructions from Dave as to what had to be done and we were under way. Dean arrived just after lunch – poor bugger had to work in the morning but at least he made it. After the first stage was over, we went back and attached a few more ropes and pegs to try and hold our tarp together and hoped the wind would die down soon. During this break, it was a chance to have a quiet drink, relax and chat with Rion and Angus, Ken and few others stationed at our post. Being near the road (more like a dirt track actually), we were blessed with a number of passers-by who stopped to ask questions and generally chat about the event. At one stage, these little used back roads resembled Main South Road during peak hour with passing traffic at an all time high.

Time for the next stage seemed to come around fairly quickly so it was back to our posts and on with the job. While Greg served as official time keeper, Dean and I greeted each rider, dutifully filling in their cards as quickly as we could to get them on their way again. The course must have been relatively easy so far and without any rain as all the bikes were still pretty clean. By the end of the second stage, the wind had died down quite a bit allowing us to light the barby and cook up some steaks for tea. The campfire had been lit by now and since the temperature was starting to drop, keeping warm with a wee drop of nectar seemed to be the most urgent priority. The next stage wasn't due to start until 00.48 am so around 11.00 we decided an hour and a half shut-eye might just be the go. Fully dressed, boots and all and with sleeping bag thrown over the top for good measure, we calmly fell asleep to the hum of Rion's generator.

Up again at 12.30 ready for the next influx of riders. The temperature was definitely dropping and things were starting to look like a bit of moisture might be on the way. Greg, Dean and I, under the watchful eye of Dave, performed our usual duties until the last of the bikes passed by. With the occasional jostle for position in front of the little gas heater in our control tent, all went pretty well. By about 3.30 it was time to retire until 7.00 am when the fourth and final round was due. Since Greg and I were sharing a tent, it was actually a bit of a challenge to see who could fall asleep first to avoid the snoring of the other party. However, we managed and by the time I woke at 7.00, Greg was already up and raring to go – there's no stopping some people! Dean had decided to sleep in the car rather than put up his swag in the wind and the dark and since he didn't appear to be stirring just yet, we decided to let him sleep for a while longer.

By this time, the drizzle had set in. It wasn't actually raining, but the constant drizzle made sure that everything was going to get wet all the same. The riders, when they started coming through were now showing signs of some exciting times in the mud, together with a scratching of some 40+ riders out of a field of over 120. One rider had even used some bush ingenuity to fabricate a set of handlebars out of a wooden stake after breaking his in an earlier fall. By the time the last of the riders were through, Dean still hadn't surfaced and we were getting concerned that he was still in fact alive! I mean to say, it's not at all like Dean to sleep in in the mornings. But, awoken by the cheery voice of Dave at his window, we were reassured of Dean's well being when he finally emerged at 9.30 am.

By this time, with everything well and truly soaked through, it was time to pack up. Earlier in the morning, the wind had sprung up again and flattened the tarpaulin which was now on the ground and tangled in amongst the guy ropes in the mud. But, we managed and soon had it all safely stowed away. With everything in the car, it was demisters on flat chat to be able to see where we were going.

All in all, it was a pretty successful event and a great time was had by all. However, having said that, if I do it again next year it will be with the caravan in tow! I know, I must be getting old and soft, but what the heck, I'd rather be dry and comfortable next time…

Gerry Paay