Soap Box Challenge Report 2010
I'm sure Bernie Ecclestone has an easier time organising Formula One than I
do sorting out this event.
Last year saw record entrants, many of whom could not count so that they would have the right number of wheels. This year the decision to coincide with the Village Feast manifested another difficulty to overcome... time.
The date for the Feast was set with only three weeks in hand, not enough time for many of last year's "designers" and "builders" to produce a soap box, but even with as little as 48 hours notice some managed to create a work of art.
New for 2010, the boxes went down the hill in a straight line, through a slalom and a drag race. To save energy, my Dad brought along his old battered Hi-Lux to give the competitors a rest by towing them back up the hill.
This year saw 4 entrants:
- Luke Hurst brought out his winning Specialised Soap Box from last year and continued where he left off recording the fastest times through the straight line & slalom courses.
- Andy & Harry Towers (Father & Son Combo -not unlike the Hamiltons) having lengthened their aluminium framed box had a number of failures with their steering rack. Perhaps turning right rather than left was too much! But still put in some good times.
- James Willmott brought along his unmodified Cruiser which was ably driven by young Euan Currie as Alistair Everitt was not quick enough to jump into the seat as James informed the Stewards that due to a dodgy knee would not be able to ride the Cruiser himself.
- The star was Peter Arksey who's dedication is a beacon to all. Few people know this but Peter moved his entire family two years ago from Fairview Grove to Cage Hill specifically to get closer to the action. Unaware of the event until 48 hours before, he managed to design and build a Soap Box. Which worrying gave me a GOOD IDEA!!!
Finally some thanks to the following:
- To all those who came along to watch.
- To all those who entered.
- Starter Marshall: Gerry King
- Traffic Marshalls: John Chalmers
- First Aiders: Catherine Wrench & Barbara Doe
- Use of Barriers from Martin Mead (Mead Construction)
- To all the residents of Cage Hill & Lower End
Looking to 2010
We already have set a regular date for future events: SECOND SATURDAY in JUNE.
I will be challenging the residence of Swaffham Bulbeck, through official channels of course to enter a number of soap boxes.
There will be three classes of entrant determined by the type of Soap Box, not by the age of the rider. Full details will be published soon, but for starters...
Specialised
Like Luke Hurst's unit. Special build etc.
Traditional Soap Box
Predominantly made of wood. Steering by rope only. Brakes optional. Really a traditional soap box!!!
Unclassified
Anything which fails to meet the criteria for the other two classes. If you are interested in entering please contact me.