The results show that competition was close & several exciting rivalries developed. Brian Adams pipped Chris Barton to the men’s title gaining revenge for last season’s defeat by Chris in the HNSC Open. Roy Young just missed out on a medal placing but was pleased at beating the Ladies champion & thus keeping Olwen in her place.

I hear that the fiercest tussle of the day was the ding dong battle between Lester Standen & Andy Cox. Ever since this race Lester has made efforts to perfect his skating technique & is now something of a Skate Monster. The youngest competitor, Hugh Standen, displayed a lot of determination in completing three circuits & will soon be giving his brother Alex & dad some stiff competition.

Ski Orienteering, Sat 20^th Jan 2001.

The event took place in good snow conditions and fine weather. Two courses were set up, a long one of about 12.5 km and a short one of about 4 km. Unfortunately the turnout was low, and although many people were skiing in the forest that day, few seemed to know that the event was taking place. However, we did attract skiers from Aberdeen and Glasgow as well as locals. Those who took part obviously enjoyed themselves very much, especially Brain Adams and Simon Beeson both of whom, having failed to copy the obscure 12th marker from the master map, then had to ski a further 8.5 km to get it. Thank you to all those who took part for making it worthwhile. Lester Standen

Huntly Skier Helps Top Norwegian Skier.

Full Moon Stomps.

With excellent planning the Stomp on the 9^th Jan began just as the Lunar Eclipse started. To add to the lack of light, conditions were hard & icy requiring survival skiing techniques on the descents. Other than a small cut to Grahame Osgood’s hand we all survived & returned to the cars just as the Moon re-appeared – impeccable timing. Thanks go to Dick Sowden who arranged sandwiches at the Gordon Arms in Rhynie where we rounded off the evening with some ski chat.

On the 9^th Feb we stomped around Huntly with Roy as our guide. The golf course was excellent fun & as temperatures dropped below –10degC we continued the Club’s astronomical observations by seeing the most spectacular meteorite I’ve ever seen. Even our Skate Monster was put off his stride by this sight. Roy rounded off the skiing by taking us on a visit to the sewage works by the Bogie, I’m sure the river here is very picturesque but unfortunately the aroma is not quite so romantic. I’m not sure what George Cruickshank made of all this on his first trip out with the Club. PT

Sled Dog Race, 10/11^th March.

SnSc – Insurance.

As Club members you are all covered by Snowsport Scotlands civil liability insurance to a level of £5 million. This basically covers you for any damage to persons or property you might do while skiing, as a Club we need this to be able to hold events in the Clash. Also there is some Personal Accident Cover, other than for ski jumping!!! (death £5,000, loss of limbs etc £50,000, dental £500). Hopefully we will never have to make use of these policies but I thought I should let you know they exist. I can provide further details if anyone wants. PT

New Members.

The Beeson’s, Mays & George Cruickshank are our latest members. Simon, Debbie, Peter & Georgie Beeson live conveniently close to the Clashindarroch Trails in Rhynie. Simon, a hill runner & organiser of the Tap O’Noth Hill Race, is now, offshore work permitting, a regular skier. Huntly based Nick May & Claudia Zeiske along with their children Rachel, Deborah & Michael are long time members of the Junior Ski Team. George Cruickshank comes from slightly further afield in Aberdeen & was persuaded to join the Club by Lester. A major acquisition for the Club is Chris Barton from Gordonstoun School. He is a very familiar figure on the Clash trails & over the years has made a huge contribution to nordic skiing, particularly in the Clash. PT

Internet Skiing

www.huntly.net/hnoc - Huntly Nordic & Outdoor Centre (with ski conditions).

www.snow-forecast.com - has maps showing where snow has fallen & is predicted to fall.

Final Bits & Pieces

The Newmans have just returned from skiing in the Czech Republic where they seem to have had a great time & would recommend it as a ski destination. Hopefully they will let us know more for the next newsletter – hint.

STOP PRESS: The postponed Gordonstoun Race will take place in the Clash on Sun 4^th Mar. Races start at 12:00hrs.

Full Moon Stomp – Thu 8^th Mar.

HNSC Open Championships – Sun 18^th Mar.

Correspondence to: Peter Thorn

West Craigton Cottage

Kennethmont

Huntly Tel: 01464 831429

Aberdeenshire AB54 4QP. Email: peter@thornp.freeserve.co.uk

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