Third time lucky for Peak

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 557, 11 October 1994, Page 3 (Supplement)

Third time lucky for Peak

It was a case of third-time very lucky for the organisers of the annual Peak to Powderkeg when the weather finally played the game on 3 October, after it was postponed twice. Conditions were ideal apart from some ice on the ski run. Due to some competitors showing concern about this the start was delayed by half an hour to allow further grooming of the run. Excellent times close to the course record were clocked. The event was followed by a barbecue at the Powderkeg. Race format was a ski from the top of the High Noon T-bar to the car park followed by a five kilometre run and then bike to the finish. The competitors' times were recorded after all three stages had been completed and a glass of beer or lemonade drunk. Several catego-

ries allowed competitors to compete all three stages as a single race or as a relay team event. Although several competitors suffered flat tyres, broken chains and the 9km bridge claiming yet another victim, hard luck story of the race must go to the last place-getter Neil Vallier. Feeling confident Neil decided to enter the race but not owning a mountain bike organised to borrow one. The bike was left at the change-over point. However a member of Turoa' s staff recognised the bike and for some unknown reason retumed the bike to the base area at Turoa. Neil completed the ski and run to find the bike missing. Deciding to be truly competitive and not accept a "DNF" he hitched a ride back up the mountain and biked the full 17 km of road finishing not far behind the main pack!