Rodings Rally 2007 Report and Results

51st Rodings Rally - 2007
Epping Forest Outdoor Group

Dear competitors

Thank you for taking part in the 51st Rodings Rally. For the number crunchers amongst you, by Friday we had received registrations from 99 teams, consisting of 308 competitors in total, of whom 88 teams and 280 competitors took part on the night. We were pleased with this year’s turnout, as numbers had fallen in recent years.

Competitors in the 10 checkpoint event were required to find nine checkpoints in the forest, and return to the final checkpoint at High Beach Village Hall within 8 hours. 11 teams achieved this within the time limit, well done to the winning team Suffoc who flew round the course in 3 hours and 50 minutes. Relief was written all over their faces, they were beaten to the coveted RR trophy last year by a mere 8 minutes, having won it for several years previously. Runners-up were Cam Racers Ugly, in a time of 4 hours and 7 minutes. Some of their team members had been in last year’s winning team “Half a Doze Monster”. Better luck next year!

The 10 checkpoint group trophy (the 3 highest placed teams from the same organisation) was retained once again this year by the Cockney Nimrods) whose top 3 teams each discovered all 10 checkpoints in a total time of 15 hours and 18 minutes. Close behind were the Cam Racers – these newcomers mean business!

The YHA group trophy (3 highest placed teams in 10 checkpoint event from a YHA group) will not be awarded this year as there were no YHA groups entering 3 teams. We have therefore listed South Middlesex Local Group (SMLG) as best YHA group, with 2 teams – unfortunately they will not receive the trophy this year. Requirements for the YHA trophy will be reassessed in time for next year’s event, as few YHA groups enter 3 teams these days.

The 5 checkpoint event, where teams were required to locate checkpoints 1, 4, 5 and 6, as well as the village hall, was retained by last year’s newcomers Go West!. Congratulations, the Vic Halstead 5 checkpoint trophy will returned to you very soon!

The 5 checkpoint group trophy (for the 3 highest placed teams from the same organisation competing in the 5 checkpoint event) was won this year by Danbury Mission whose 3 teams located 15 checkpoints in 14 hours and 6 minutes

Finally the Suffolk Orienteering Club trophy for perseverance goes to team no 29 – Two Tykes & A Saint, for finding all 10 checkpoints in 9 hours 28 minutes. That’s a long time to spend out in the forest at night (or any time of day!)

Trophy winners will be contacted shortly to confirm delivery arrangements.

The solutions to the clues are enclosed with this report. We tried to include our usual mix of devious clues and spent an enjoyable(?) evening in October inventing these. We understand that checkpoints 1 and 3 turned out to be rather difficult to locate, so well done all those who persevered and found them!

As stated on the Rodings Rally information sheet sent out with the entry form, 25p out of every each competitor’s entry fee received is donated to charity. This year we will be donating at least £77; the specific charity to whom the donation is sent will be agreed at our AGM in January.

Hope you all had a good time and thanks to those of you for your comments after the event. Any feedback – good or bad – is welcome! We would be grateful if you would take a few minutes to read the lost property list below. Any property unclaimed after 3 months will be donated to a local charity shop.

We are still awaiting confirmation on the date of next year’s rally. It is likely to take place either on the weekend of Saturday 15th/Sunday 16th November, or on Saturday 22nd / Sunday 23rd November – we will keep you posted on this!

Ann Lowther & Sue Stirling
On behalf of Epping Forest Outdoor Group

LOST PROPERTY

Cagoule/jackets
Pair of trousers
Hats
Glove
Compass
Torches
Clear plastic folder with various contents.

If the any of the above seem familiar please email Susan Stirling – Susan.Stirling@btinternet.com, or ring 020 8501 3608. We will require you to give a detailed description of your lost item! (Next year why not write your name on your clothing & possessions?!!) And please show this list to your team members – thank you!