Interesting season, it started with cold wet weather at a Triathlon in Wiltshire where a good squad turned out, many were placed and we got off to an excellent season.
The annual camping expedition to the New Forest, was, as always very popular. The weather again was cold and wet but we partied regardless and had a great time, we have this down to a fine art after so many years and we always have a great time. Never the best results at this one but the xc ride was exceptional from all, including Wendy Webber who represented the parents at 3ft3in ! The other parents taking part made a tremendous effort against a team from the Wilton of acclaimed athletes.Stockland Lovell and the inter-areas followed swiftly, were all our members who attended represented the Area teams where possible. The weather was foul, about 4inches of rain overnight to make an already wet and treacherous xc course barely rideable. The juniors rode, both Hugo Flawn-Thomas and Rebecca Mayle rode extremely well, with Rebecca securing a clear over a very difficult and demanding course. Fortunately for my nerves, the mini competitors had a technical show jumping option. All did extremely well with many placings. The Area competition was held this year at Little Heath Farm where Bridget Tooth very competently took charge of a lovely xc course. SBPC had a small attendance at this due to clashes with school and other riding events. Unfortunately we had no members ready to take on the Intermediate or Open event but our juniors and minis again did us proud. 2009 is looking likely for at least 4 members trying to qualify to intermediate. Please let me know if any of you fancy a go, at this level though, if you haven't done this before, the training starts in the New Year.Our own Tetrathlon was unfortunately cancelled due to, guess what?, torrential rain, again !!! However, a latterly organised Triathlon held in November more than made up for the disappointment of some when a 150+ competition gave everyone some excellent standards to meet and from our own branch, many personal best have been achieved.Lastly but not leastly, huge thanks to all our trainers, John Sharman, Bob Pinkerton, Adam Flawn-Thomas and Sarah Harris for all their hard work. As a branch we go from strength to strength in what is becoming a terribly high standard of competition. Look forward to seeing you all in 2009. Have an excellent Christmas and New Year and watch out for the 2009 training dates and competitions which will be sent around shortly. I am in the very fortunate position of having Adam Flawn-Thomas helping me as joint tet manager next year. Please look out for us at other events and have a chat if you are interested in joining us.