Week 48, November 2009 Update
The Dakar Hare & Hound finally went ahead this weekend in Clonkeen Co,Laois. After some dramatic bridge building from the team we were able to create two river crossings over the river separating the land. A big thanks to everyone involved in marking and building the course including Brian(who fell into said river by the way!!), Barry, Stephen, Cathal, David, Ger, Howard, Ivor, Collie, Stuey, Liam and Marie for her countless sandwiches and helping with the merchandise on Sunday.
The course which was lapping at 15 minutes per lap on Saturday evening turned out to be lapping about 15 -17 mins for seniors and experts and a little more for clubmen and novices on Sunday for the event. The event was won by 3 times Dakar entrant Vinnie Fitzimmons with Phil Purcell taking the honours in Seniors, Eddie Steenson winning Clubmans and John Carrol winning the Sports class.
Overall the event went well and the course started to dry out as times got faster throughout the day. Of note was the flying Italian Andre Bassi who gradually got faster as the day wore on. His parting comment at the end of the course was “ You Irish is Crazy” but he was delighted to complete his 1st Irish event and take second in the Expert class!
Paul Mc Loughlin was on fire in the experts class at the start of the event and was one lap clear of the field at the halfway point but had to pull up due to a problem with his rear wheel. Thanks to Paul from Kellys Ltd. in Bray for sponsoring the trophies for the event and to everyone who entered for their support .
The countdown is now on, further updates on developments for Dakar 2010 are on the way. Excitement is mounting!
