Gage-Tyler Cup 2008 Round 1

19 March 2008

Seven teams arrived at Maidenhead Thicket to hear the first signal of the 2008 Gage Tyler DF events. The station was operated by Keith Holden. Most thought it was going to be so cold that evening but true to DF the weather was fine. Six teams managed to take bearings on Keith's fairly weak signal which most appeared to plot around the 280 degrees. The only team who did not hear any signal was yours truly, and to make it worse I forgot where I had put the approx bearing (so kind hearted Alan gave me 280). This bearing passed through Henley and on towards Nettlebed.

I, like two or three other teams, arrived near Nettlebed for the 8:00 pm second transmission. Once again, I failed to hear Keith and thought, "Well that's that". I decided to drive back down towards Henley and across to the village of Stonor. To my great surprise, Keith's third signal was very strong and after driving all the way across to Turville Heath, managed to come across Dave (Mr X) who, like me, had difficulties.However, with the next transmission on, we were taken to the top of Stonor Park where Peter Lisle and Alan Simmons cars were parked. With a short burst of leg work the signal took me down the side of the park and whilst looking around spotted Geoffrey Foster and Graham Phillips on the other side of a large anti-deer fence. We all thought we were on the correct side to find Keith but on looking across the woodland spotted a faint light flicker on. After climbing up towards this light managed to find Keith, who apologised the lateness of his second transmission as his main torch fell off his car roof when unloading it and a passing lorry then made it flat!

Like last year, Peter Lisle managed to gain first with Alan close on his heels. A good natter was achieved at the local pub afterwards.

Brian Bristow.

Position Competitor Finish
1 Peter Lisle 20:47:17
2 Alan Simmons 20:47:41
3 Brian Bristow 20:48:32
4 Graham Phillips 20:51:35
5 David Ryan 20:58:25
6 Geoffrey Foster 21:01:32
7 Bill Pechey 21:28:25