Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

silverbullet
Trader
Posts: 16311
Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 09:51
80-90 Mem No: 6908
Location: Surrey Syncronaut #156
Contact:

Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by silverbullet »

First off, thanks once again to everyone behind the scenes for making SP happen, a great turn out with lots of vans so especially good for the magazine photographer (who seemed very happy to be there!) and the weather...well it couldn't have been better.

Some impressions (as someone who has managed to miss who knows how many SP events since the year syncro 25)

The event was really well run, hell we were even almost on schedule most of the time! Amazing :lol: There was still a little of the syncronauts shambolic charm in evidence so let's not lose that eh?

Scrutineering proved effective and found a few things of which owners were unaware. Please attend to those faults asap (I can recall a few details if anyone has forgotten)

There was some chat over the weekend regarding raising of standards overall and general safety,best practice etc all to the good. This was largely reflected in Sunday's recovery demo and discussion out on the hill. Kit doesn't always work as you would expect, or hope...

A couple of things did occur to me in the cold light of day:

We all enjoy a drink but it is vitally important to be fresh and alert the following morning when driving out on the hill.

Don't go mad of an evening and do stay well hydrated in the day. It was very warm!

Secondly, never overestimate your driving ability or the capability of your vehicle. Some of us know our vans and the site intimately (I am not one of them in the latter case!), knowing what is possible and when we could be "pushing it" and it is easy to find a sudden drop-off if you venture off-piste.
The ability to read an OS map is useful in helping to familiarize yourself with the terrain beforehand, but no substitute for being shown around by someone more experienced.

Otherwise, another fantastic family-oriented SP and I look forward to the next one :ok

I think that covers it. Your thoughts, please.

User avatar
Fabzzz
Registered user
Posts: 520
Joined: 19 Oct 2012, 19:53
80-90 Mem No: 11842
Location: Swadlincote

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by Fabzzz »

Beside being brain damaged. I agree with the above. Totally.

Just an idea for next year: Slalom (or light off-road track) driver eyes covered and directed by codriver. Could be fun.

See you next year peeps.
If you want to follow the evolution of my van: http://www.flickr.com/photos/92871568@N ... hotostream

silverbullet
Trader
Posts: 16311
Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 09:51
80-90 Mem No: 6908
Location: Surrey Syncronaut #156
Contact:

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by silverbullet »

^^^ I like the sound of that

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

User avatar
Fabzzz
Registered user
Posts: 520
Joined: 19 Oct 2012, 19:53
80-90 Mem No: 11842
Location: Swadlincote

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by Fabzzz »

And drunk . :twisted:
If you want to follow the evolution of my van: http://www.flickr.com/photos/92871568@N ... hotostream

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12427
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by itchyfeet »

Or how about alone in the cab blindfolded with somebody outside giving instructions by mobile phone :lol:
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
itchylinks

User avatar
Winchweight
Registered user
Posts: 1510
Joined: 26 Jul 2013, 17:19
80-90 Mem No: 12697
Location: Shrewsbury / Brize Norton

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by Winchweight »

We have discussed some althernative exercises of this type mainly for the Big Outdoors event. But if there's interest, we could do something at SP18. We think co-driver exercises would be good fun and help build teamwork.
http://www.thelittleredbus.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

VW 2.1 WBX DJ Syncro Doka - SOLD
VW 1.9 TDi AHU Syncro Camper

User avatar
Fabzzz
Registered user
Posts: 520
Joined: 19 Oct 2012, 19:53
80-90 Mem No: 11842
Location: Swadlincote

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by Fabzzz »

The glass of water held by codriver exercice we did at bus fest I think it was was cool too. Just need a kitchen scale and plastic glasses
If you want to follow the evolution of my van: http://www.flickr.com/photos/92871568@N ... hotostream

User avatar
Winchweight
Registered user
Posts: 1510
Joined: 26 Jul 2013, 17:19
80-90 Mem No: 12697
Location: Shrewsbury / Brize Norton

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by Winchweight »

Dave Wedgebury was asked to be the Clerk of the Course for SP and I think he will be taking a more prominent role in future events. I know he is very keen on rebaselining the events in terms of adherance to the MSA requirements etc and will welcome comments and feedback.
http://www.thelittleredbus.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

VW 2.1 WBX DJ Syncro Doka - SOLD
VW 1.9 TDi AHU Syncro Camper

User avatar
Jim San
Registered user
Posts: 2202
Joined: 21 Jan 2014, 20:01
80-90 Mem No: 13133
Location: Wales / Shropshire border
Contact:

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by Jim San »

Fabzzz wrote:Beside being brain damaged. I agree with the above. Totally.

Just an idea for next year: Slalom (or light off-road track) driver eyes covered and directed by codriver. Could be fun.

See you next year peeps.


I have done this for charity some years ago, guide dogs for the blind. It was around a small circuit of cones on a carpark. Guidance was from driving instructors. It was utterly disorientating being a driver!

It would be fun, it is a great way to develop communication skills for instructors.
1991 (LHD) Syncro kombi 1.9MTDi 1Z (Landy fuel pump) 215/70/16
Life's to short to drink s@@t beer.
'Roads? We don't need roads where we're going'

silverbullet
Trader
Posts: 16311
Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 09:51
80-90 Mem No: 6908
Location: Surrey Syncronaut #156
Contact:

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by silverbullet »

Winchweight wrote:Dave Wedgebury was asked to be the Clerk of the Course for SP and I think he will be taking a more prominent role in future events. I know he is very keen on rebaselining the events in terms of adherance to the MSA requirements etc and will welcome comments and feedback.
You lost me at "keen"

Sorry but I dont speak "management" ;)

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

Wedgbury
Registered user
Posts: 231
Joined: 18 Apr 2013, 09:02
80-90 Mem No: 15292
Location: Hanley Castle

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by Wedgbury »

With notice - I can bring kit to go over some first aid essentials...however only prepared to lug manikins etc to SP (or anywhere) if genuine interest. I do this all week so.....literally a VWbusmans holiday!

Kirsty

User avatar
toomanytoys
Trader
Posts: 2850
Joined: 11 Oct 2005, 18:37
80-90 Mem No: 41
Location: Boston area, South Lincolnshire

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by toomanytoys »

Well.. It was my first proper weekend off since Xmas and I hadnt been off road since spring last year.. (Bloomin work :twisted: :twisted: )

Weather was awesome..
It was great to catch up with everyone too..

I hope the talk on recovery was ok for most, sure there were some things I missed or maybe wasnt very clear on.. we covered quite a lot of stuff so perhaps its actually something we should focus on in a little more detail at each event..
We were lucky to have a couple of nice recovery situations too so that was good.. :ok

A few peeps saw a textbook failed ascent on that nasty long drag on the right when heading for the mud hole.. (Yes, my old donkey ran out of puff...) perhaps we should cover those again really, especially for the less experienced.... there are a few places on site that people could get into trouble.. and if it was wet, then sure many would have...

Roll on the next event.. :ok :ok :ok

User avatar
jebiga41
Trader
Posts: 717
Joined: 15 Mar 2008, 15:50
80-90 Mem No: 5654
Location: dublin ireland
Contact:

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by jebiga41 »

After a long absence it was good to see the gauntlet has been handed over to Dave this time and although he had very big shoes to fill he managed to do an excellent job. Hopefully future events can maintain the excellent standards that have gone before.
VW T3/T25 and Syncro Gearbox rebuilds
http://vantopia.ie

silverbullet
Trader
Posts: 16311
Joined: 08 Jun 2009, 09:51
80-90 Mem No: 6908
Location: Surrey Syncronaut #156
Contact:

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by silverbullet »

I second that.

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

User avatar
jebiga41
Trader
Posts: 717
Joined: 15 Mar 2008, 15:50
80-90 Mem No: 5654
Location: dublin ireland
Contact:

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Post by jebiga41 »

Image
Debriefed
VW T3/T25 and Syncro Gearbox rebuilds
http://vantopia.ie

Post Reply