Early start again this morning, but not due to Libby keeping us awake all night, as she was very good and slept through until 6.30am (see previous post) but because I was on duty with St John Ambulance at a motocross. I picked up my crew mate, Dave, at 8am, and got to the track at about 8.30, just in time to join a massive queue from the gate. This was due to the very muddy conditions on the site, meaning that the competitors support vehicles were all being towed in by tractor. We eventually got to the site of the first aid post, to find that the entire area was covered in thick muddy clay.
As soon as we got on site the first practice started, as we tried to get the 4x4 up to the centre of the track. The farmer who owned the field, told me that we would never get the 4x4 up the hill, and he was right! Even with low range diff lock, the land rover struggled to get up the hill, and started to sink- the clay mud was turning the off road tyres into slicks! After several attempts, and change of route, we eventually got to a vantage point mid way up the hill, and decided to stop there!
The morning passed uneventfully, with the first aid post only dealing with 1 fractured collar bone. This was due to the very muddy course, meaning that the bikes couldn't go very fast, and if they did fall off, there was a very soft landing!
Lunch time next, and as usual, no break in the races, so the first aid staff came off the field and had their lunch 2 at a time. Chips for me, as burger vans don't do much in the way of vegetarian options!
After lunch the conditions were made worse by persistent rain and high winds. The first aid tent nearly blew away, and had to be tied down to a nearby van, and the course had to be altered as the bikes were unable to negotiate some of the track.
Only minor injuries to deal with during the afternoon, but there was some entertainment when one of the first-aiders, Marie, went to take a photo of the bikes, but slipped and fell down in the mud.
The last casualty treated (for a small cut to his knee) told us that the current race was the last one, so when the last bike passed the line, we started packing up the kit, and bringing the crews down from the track. Next thing we know, bikes are coming down from the start- seems like our casualty was not a reliable source of information!
This race was the last one, so as soon as it finished, me and Dave loaded up the vehicle, and headed back to HQ and the jet wash. The 4x4 was so covered in mud, it took us nearly an hour to clean it.
I have been doing motocross duties for the past 12 years, and this was the worst track conditions I have ever seen. Hopefully next time the weather will be better!
As soon as we got on site the first practice started, as we tried to get the 4x4 up to the centre of the track. The farmer who owned the field, told me that we would never get the 4x4 up the hill, and he was right! Even with low range diff lock, the land rover struggled to get up the hill, and started to sink- the clay mud was turning the off road tyres into slicks! After several attempts, and change of route, we eventually got to a vantage point mid way up the hill, and decided to stop there!
The morning passed uneventfully, with the first aid post only dealing with 1 fractured collar bone. This was due to the very muddy course, meaning that the bikes couldn't go very fast, and if they did fall off, there was a very soft landing!
Lunch time next, and as usual, no break in the races, so the first aid staff came off the field and had their lunch 2 at a time. Chips for me, as burger vans don't do much in the way of vegetarian options!
After lunch the conditions were made worse by persistent rain and high winds. The first aid tent nearly blew away, and had to be tied down to a nearby van, and the course had to be altered as the bikes were unable to negotiate some of the track.
Only minor injuries to deal with during the afternoon, but there was some entertainment when one of the first-aiders, Marie, went to take a photo of the bikes, but slipped and fell down in the mud.
The last casualty treated (for a small cut to his knee) told us that the current race was the last one, so when the last bike passed the line, we started packing up the kit, and bringing the crews down from the track. Next thing we know, bikes are coming down from the start- seems like our casualty was not a reliable source of information!
This race was the last one, so as soon as it finished, me and Dave loaded up the vehicle, and headed back to HQ and the jet wash. The 4x4 was so covered in mud, it took us nearly an hour to clean it.
I have been doing motocross duties for the past 12 years, and this was the worst track conditions I have ever seen. Hopefully next time the weather will be better!
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