Thredbo Ski Patrol Race

If it hadn't been that Scottie told me on Monday, I wouldn't have known that the Thredbo Ski Patrol race was to be held on the Tuesday (i.e. yesterday). It would be nice to see some publicity on the KT web site prior to this annual event, which is open to all and sundry as a way to raise much needed funds for the ski patrol.

Although the skies were dark and threatening, for the most part, the weather held off. The race is a dual slalom sudden death event where the winner of each round progresses to the next. The course was short but with a couple of small jumps and on soft snow it was technical for those who care about such things ;-)

The sanga sandwiches were spot on and the beer was cold. The crowd was small (disappointing) but all were there for the common good - and the beer and the sangas and for a few - the glory.

With my back still weeks from full recovery, I had no intention of going hard. I entered the race on the condition that I did not have to compete in any further elimination rounds and when Benny pointed out that the front toe piece of my right binding had broken away from its mounting screws I was only interested in getting off the mountain in one piece, after beer and sangas of course ;-) Consequently, in my one and only round I told my opponent, none other than Grahame (sans backpack), not to fall because I wanted to be eliminated and with Grahame's cooperation I was. This left me free to take happy snaps under a dark sky. Unfortunately a few brief showers meant stowing the camera and missing some shots.

A big thank you to all the generous people and businesses that donated prizes to the race. I will certainly be enjoying my gift voucher, care of Avalanche Cafe.

The red dust has been blown in from the flat lands

The race course was short but technical. The crowd was small but vocal.

How soft was the snow? Ask Scot & John

The boys prepare the sangas and test the beer

Chippy took out the men's boarder race (there were only the two of them)

It was only right that Randy and Duncan should have to race against each other.
Duncan eventually went on to win the Men's ski division.

I give Gen (top left) best prize for extreme edge control
Jock (bottom left) surprised us all in his colourful outfit but it slowed him down ;-)

The toe piece on my Diamir Fritschi Freeride Plus binding having sheared away from the mounting

There have been a few light snow showers in the village today and there is a cold wind blowing outside. The forecasts are for a little more snow, which will freshen up the existing runs nicely. If there is anything in the next day or two worth showing, I will add a photo or two more to this report.

It's been a couple of frustrating weeks for me with an injured back, my washing machine exploding (well the bearings at least) last week and now my preferred skis out of action but these trials and tribulations are nothing compared to yet another 26,525 reason$ why I don't trust the Squatters Run body corporate council. Read more on my latest grump wikigrumps/4579700901_2014090119.