After months of planning and anticipation, the inaugural DEAD CAVEMAN event arrived.
At 06:00, a small team set out to place the ‘Road Closed Ahead’ signs, along with the cones and tyres along the side of the road.
After a quick team coffee and a bacon sarny, 10:30 came around and the road was closed down. A team of eight dedicated volunteers arrived to help erect the course. The tyres and safety cones were placed on the road and the ramp was moved half way down the course.
Once teams started to arrive at 11:15, and the first rounds of refreshments had been served (all donated by passionate volunteers), it was time to inspect the numerous Soapboxes and deliver the safety brief.
Soon, 12:15 had rolled around, so whilst the spectators were claiming their places along the side of the track, the teams were walking the course, understanding the various chicanes, the small jump, the unnerving potholes and the steep run off.
By 13:30, everything was in place and the race started with the Jockeys fine ‘Horse’, with an impressive run and setting the time to beat.
Within the hour, we had managed to get all ten teams down the course and were preparing to have a second run. To allow competitors to make minor adjustments to their carts, we had allowed a 30 minute interval which also allowed the spectators to stock up on refreshments.
The second run was just as successful, with plenty of laughs and two spectacular crashes from Team Biggles and the Masons.
At 16:30, the excitement had finished and everyone headed down to the bottom of the course to the awards ceremony.
3rd Place went to The Huntsmen Pub and their fox, who had an impressive time of 1:14:85
2nd Place went to John Shipp, with his armchair race cart and a successful time of 1:08:66
1st place was smashed by SARA and their rescue boat with a incredible time of 1:03:88
Overall the day was a huge success, with plenty to take away and learn from. Everyone got stuck in with the days event and to make it run smoothly, with plenty of laughs.
Roll on next years!
DEAD CAVEMAN 