Report

Our Navigation Runs resumed after the Summer break with the first of the season being organised by Sion Matthews and Lee Matthews and we extend our grateful thanks to them for their work. 
Thanks to Lee Matthews for this report – results are to be found below.

This event would be different in that is was held in daylight hours. Nine crews assembled at Parc Menai for the 4pm kick-off with Lee supplying six-figure map reference route-cards out at minute intervals. 
Section 1 started near Seion and passed through Pentir. The ten symbols here were found by most crews, although the reflective number plate symbols were not so easy to spot in daylight.
The second section went through Deiniolen, although the narrower roads were avoided this time due to daylight hours. Then up and over Mynydd Llandegai and ended at Bethesda. 
The third section was Nant Ffrancon, although a few found the slot onto the Roman Road hard to find and had to make a second attempt. The ten symbols were found in the first half, meaning crews were meant to be able to enjoy the panoramic views for the rest of this road without scanning for code-boards, but the weather had other ideas. All that could be seen was rain and grey mist and cloud. It is supposed to be summer!

A blast down the A5 through the mountains to Section 4, which started in Capel Curig where I saw a grey squirrel on the road playing chicken with me. It won! Over the A5 past the Ugly House, then past the lake. A Convoy of competitors missed the infamous slot left in Llanrhychwyn, with the last car of the queue being the only one to call the “Slot left here”. Well done Sioned on getting that right first time. Iwan was a little unsure until they spotted a symbol around the corner. The others ended up re-tracing their steps to find the correct route. The Section ended in Trefriw, where Sions only devious bit split the field by looping around the back-streets and many went wrong here.
The final section looped back south into Betws y Coed forest, and on to the finish at the Stables Inn where all nine crews were within the time allowance.

Iwan and Sioned Evans were provisionally declared winners. Not bad for Sioned’s first time on the maps. Iwan did every Navigation Run last season, but this was his first win. No doubt Duncan Littler will say it is because he wasn’t there. Can’t wait for the banter! Well done Iwan and Sioned.
Results were actually very close, no-one spotting all 70 symbols, although in the first part of the event the Symbols were not easy to spot in daylight. Once crews headed into the misty mountains, and particularly in the forest they could be picked up easier with the headlamps.
Another great event by Sion, well thought out and executed. Massive thanks to the twenty-odd members who supported the event. Have to be honest, we weren’t expecting such a good response, as we knew some of last year’s regulars were on holiday or at Rali Y Bae, or sleeping after the Rali Gogledd the night before. Thank you all. 

Sion is just putting together the calendar of Navigation Runs for the coming winter season, so keep an eye for date updates. Next one will be late September or early October. See you then.

RESULTS

1. Iwan Evans / Sioned Evans; Ford Focus – 67 points
2. Dafydd Thomas / Dafydd Williams / Rhidion Jones; BMW – 65
3. Merfyn Williams / Iwan Jones; Ford Focus – 64.1
4. Lee Threadgold / Sion Jones; Peugeot RCZ - 64
5. Jill Clarke / Paul Clarke; Nissan Qashqai – 62
6. Adam Williams / Ellie Lloyd-Williams; Peugeot 208 – 60
7. David Hanks / Bethan Jones / Sioned Jones; Audi Q7 – 58
8. Winnie Chen / Simon Chen / Yvonne Matthews; VW Golf – 49

9. Cynan Jones / Catrin Jones; Ford Fiesta – 41
                                  Maximum Possible score = 70 points.

   Thanks to the Stables Bar, Betws-y-Coed for the use of their facilities.

Information

Organised by Sion Matthews and team, our series of Navigation Runs recommences after the summer break.

Navigation Runs are ideal for learning to plot a route and read a map, and provide good practice for anyone aspiring to compete in a road rally anytime soon.
This will be the seventh Navigation Run of the season, organised by Sion Matthews and team.

The start venue is at Parc Menai, near Bangor, LL57 4DF. Ordnance Survey map 115, reference 545 697½. what3words location ///steady.mealtime.bloom 
You will require map 115 (Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa) plus the usual navigation aids of poti, romer, pen/pencil, etc. Signing on and route handouts from 16.00 hours. Finish will be at approximately 19.00 hours

Drivers and navigators need a valid club membership. Renew or join at Membership Application
Drivers and navigators also require a Motorsport UK competition licence of minimum grade RS Clubman. The RS Clubman licence is available free of charge at RS Clubman licence application