Well its been a big year for the group with 14 Marshalling events attended from April to November, thousands of kilometres travelled and huge bonuses at the end of every event (kidding about the bonuses).
The guys have attended events North to Gympie, South to Grafton and West to Kingaroy.
We have experienced all sorts of races, met heaps of very interesting people, usually placed within the first 10 across the finish line and generally had a complete ball.
Apart from the general lack of organisation that all of the events seem to have in common we have forged a group that is experienced and able to deal with just about every situation out on the road.
Some of the more interesting tales involve;
Being run off the road deliberately by an irate Police Sargent
The escort vehicles taking a wrong turn and the Marshals left to run the entire race
Radio communication being interrupted by husband and wife have a domestic
Tacks and barb wire being placed on the road to puncture tyres
A Police escort that kept disappearing to have a quick smoke
Being asked to carry 40+ water bottles and hand them out on the run
Animals wandering onto the course
Drivers that just wont pull over
A cyclist that after 100 kms decided to do a wheel stand Up a mountain and
The cyclist that ripped the arse out of his lycra and his only saving grace was he was last in the pack
We have had a total of eleven Marshals across the year however there is a consistent and dedicated bunch of six, one of whom is now branching into areas around Sydney.
Generally our services have been appreciated and we have been well looked after and encouraged to return in 2016. We are always looking for new members even as a one off and have developed a set of guidelines and are currently seeking recognition by QLD Transport as authorised Moto Traffic Controllers.
2016 is going to be a really big year for us with Coffs Harbour Marshals wanting to join us for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and the Battle of the Border in Murwillumbah.
All the Best,
A.
