Report
Ten crews assembled inside the classroom at David Hughes Sports Centre on Wednesday 5th March for Sion's latest Navigation Run. Signing on was done by Dafydd, Endaf and Lee, then crews set about plotting the 25-mile route which was defined by the usual six figure map references.
Once underway the symbols started at Gors Bach Inn, Bethel and headed Southeast to Deiniolen where crews were sent down every road and track there it appeared. Yvonne and John got completely disorientated here missing out a couple of small loops. Next it was off down the main road to Llanberis where the roadworks caused all sorts of problems as the Not-As-Map (NAM) laybys were not accessible. The maze of back streets through Llanberis had crews meeting each other when some went wrong, and everyone was glad to emerge the other end of the village to travel over Clegir. However, hesitations continued along here as the NAM laybys seemed to all be populated with cars and walkers, so crews had to visit all of them to find Sion’s symbols.
At the end of this road near Bryn Bras Castle, Lee was waiting and watching the crews pass by, observing driving behaviour.
Ceunant was next, but when plotting there was a three-way choice of route, the shortest distance being the correct one. Some went wrong here, but most had just enough time in hand to retrace their steps and try another way when there were no symbols on their first choice.
Waunfawr was next, and the very narrow little loops in the village. The very tight hairpin in the middle of the village was a talking-point at the finish.
The final drag was over the top to the finish in the Mountain Rangers club in Rhosgadfan, where everyone arrived within 10 minutes of the 2 hours and 45-minute time limit. A well-timed route.
Provisional results had to be amended when Sion walked in having been around the route a second time to collect the symbols. One had fallen over, and another had disappeared after about half the crews had passed by. These two were cancelled from everyone’s results which changed a couple of positions. It did not affect the winners however, so Emma’s winning speech stood. Well done Dion and Emma on a second successive win spotting 78 of the 83 still standing code-boards.
The crew that recorded the most number symbols (79) was Iwan & Gabi in the Focus ST. However they had recorded two symbols that were virtually opposite one another in the wrong order. Maybe they need a new tape measure as everyone else put them correctly. This was still enough for a very good second position.
Bottom step of the podium only need space for one person, as Duncan Littler navigated for himself, and had to stop 77 times to write down the code boards, and also every junction in village back-streets. Well done old man.
Only four symbols separated the top six crews, each missing out a different loop.
This was a very tricky route by Sion, but one everyone at the finish loved. Lots of stories and banter. Crews were reminded that spot lamps or light bars are not permitted to be used on these events. Another fun night with friends. Well done all.
Many thanks to David Hughes Leisure Centre, Menai Bridge, and Mountain Rangers Football Club, Rhosgadfan for the use of their facilities.
RESULTS - Maximum possible score was 83 points.
- Dion Bee / Emma Roberts; Skoda Octavia – 78 points.
- Iwan Evans / Gabi Tsantanis; Ford Focus – 78.
- Duncan Littler; Skoda Octavia – 77/
- Lee Threadgold /Sion Jones; Peugeot RCZ – 76.
- Merfyn Williams / Iwan Gwyn Jones; Ford Focus ST – 75.
- Yvonne Matthews (236) / John Evans (267); Nissan Micra – 74.
- Jill Clarke (610) / Paul Clarke (125); Audi A4 – 67.
- Geraint Jones (310) / Cameron Hazelgrove (311); Suzuki Swift Sport - 66
- Iwan Pritchard / Cian Jones; Vauxhall Corsa – 56.
- Andrew Emberton / Cadi Emberton; Ford Transit – 27.
Information
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 the David Hughes Leisure Centre, Menai Bridge, LL59 5SS, at the rear of Ysgol David Hughes - Ordnance Survey map 114, reference 547 723. what3words location ///airbase.prayers.germinate.
You will require map 115 (Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa) plus the usual navigation aids of poti, romer, pen/pencil, etc. Sign and route handout on from 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
