Goosenecks and floats were trickling into the venue by mid Friday morning. There were rumours of huge numbers being attracted to the inaugural event being held in Moyston Victoria. Concerns of the grounds and vet ring ability to cope with the onslaught niggled at some minds. While new rides and their committee need to be encouraged and nurtured, it is no secret that teething problems can be gruelling for organisers and riders alike.
For months these organisers had been pushing the upcoming event, flyers, blurb talks, camp visits and nominations were all the go. Nothing had been left to chance. The most experienced ground crew were sought, three reputed endurance vets engaged and complete community backing to support smooth running and success of the weekend and its goal of helping to fund a new CFA truck.
Very early it became apparent that every conceivable need to competitors and strappers were to be met. Goosenecks were able to spread out on adjoining lands while floats had a large select camping availability around the oval. With a handy walk through, no one was far away from the vet ring, where at no stage there was clog ups that reflect high numbers. The introduction of being to present early slipped into the system easily no doubt helping the streamlining of vetting procedures.
Saturday night was the ride organisers first humungous challenge. A free roast dinner was promised in return for a gold coin donation to the CFA where all ride profits were being channelled. The small township and surrounding areas had been under siege from bushfires in 2005 and 2006, decimating the lives and dreams of residents. Further grief came upon the town when a gas bottle exploded in a caravan leaving small children with horrific third degree burns……..again the community rallied to support their own. This powerful community strength against adversity was the catalyst of developing the Moyston endurance ride. The call was for a new fire truck and raising funds was the new focus
Plans laid for this ride to become a gala event and that is just what Moyston delivered. The fabulous facilities were used to the utmost. Everyone was warm, well fed, happy and entertained. A live singer kept toes tapping while the caterers handled the never ending lines of diners. Well contented, some slunk away to prepare for the ride starting at 5 o’clock while many stayed on to enjoy the festivities…..several stayed on and on…..and on.
It was a clear crisp morning that welcomed the hundred or so riders. The simpleness of the track lulled many to believing it benign. Wrong! While the terrain appeared relatively flat it was gradually rising to meet the Grampian mountain range. It was bombproof against getting lost as both legs predominately travelled straight up to the mount along the undulating sandy base then back to camp, well marked all the way.
Why then, did 20% of middleweight riders vet out? A kindly looking track does not remove rider management. This track was a reminder that all perils lurking on a track are not always obvious. Sure, the fittest and best would have had the time of there lives out there. Sadly most of us at some developmental point in-between that requires vigilant riders to navigate their way around the sandy stretches, be mindful of concussive roads and stony rock belts.
This ride will become reputed as a great educating track for future horses and riders. The scenery was spectacular; Redman’s bluff loomed above the low hung clouds, the water crossings with sound safe bases and mixed terrains. With constant track surveillance supported by five checkpoints a leg, riders knew that safety was paramount to these organisers. The teething problems of new rides didn’t surface; if they did the endurance world wasn’t aware of them. This can be no accident, but the result of a band of dedicated experienced leaders guiding a purposeful group of workers trough to a successful finish.
The following photos are courtesy of Peters Pix. Peter has a range of additional photos available as well. For orders contact:
Peter Pickering
Peters Pix
153 Moore St Ararat Vic 3377
Ph 03 5352 3202
Mobile 0419 523 205
Prices as follows:
- 6” x 4” $5 With the 6” x 4” any orders over 10 the price drops to $3 per photo.
- A5 $10
- A4 $20
- A3 $50
- Electronic images: standard release price on a photo is only $20 for use in advertising. Unique photographs are negotiated individually.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
