Page 1 of 2

Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 09:29
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.

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 11:50
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.

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 13:07
by silverbullet
^^^ I like the sound of that

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 13:43
by Fabzzz
And drunk . :twisted:

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 13:54
by itchyfeet
Or how about alone in the cab blindfolded with somebody outside giving instructions by mobile phone :lol:

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 14:08
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.

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 14:47
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

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 15:20
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.

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 17:41
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.

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 19:57
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

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 20:44
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

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 21:30
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

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 05 Jul 2017, 21:43
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.

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 06 Jul 2017, 11:13
by silverbullet
I second that.

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

Re: Syncopenedence 2017: the debrief

Posted: 10 Jul 2017, 05:40
by jebiga41
Image
Debriefed