Kevin Cassidy's 2002 Mt Buller Report
From AURA
Back to Mansfield to Mt Buller
Behind the Scenes at the Mansfield to Buller Race
I don't know how it happens, but each year, Peter Armistead [Race Director] seems to manage to rope me into assisting at this gruelling and difficult 50 kilometre road race.
Saturday evening sees all sorts of weird and wonderful people descend upon Peters brothers house.....Heavens above, how do Wayne and Marilyn Armistead cope with so many visitors who awake at 4.30 am and cause a hell of a racket before leaving?
Tasmanian Tim Sloan powered to a new course record but not before some dramas the night before when he attempted to spray insect repellent on his legs. Tim did not realise that the nozzle on the can was facing the wrong way and he promptly sprayed himself in the eye!
While most of the competitors arrived in Mansfield by car, Rudi Kinshofer arrived from Adelaide in a home made light plane built and piloted by his friend, Colin Wilson!!! "It's only a three hour flight" said Colin, as he landed on the grassy and bumpy Mansfield air strip.
Race morning provided more dramas when "someone who shall remain nameless" was daydreaming while looking at a new housing estate on the outskirts of Mansfield and driving at the same time...Suddenly it was to late to even hit the brakes and all I could do was cringe as the car plowed into a family of ducks who were crossing the road.....Two dead and one injured as it ran away. As someone who has petitioned against Duck Hunters, it left me feeling rather ill for the rest of the day.
Comical errors were provided by none other than Ross Shilston when he tried to fill a drink container without realising that the tap at the bottom was still open .. After 10 minutes of watching the water flow in one end and out the other, Rossco finally woke up!! Minutes later, he managed to set off his car alarm which destroyed the early morning calm of Mansfield [I am sure the locals were impressed] before finally disconnecting his battery to stop the noise!!
Finally the race got underway and the field included Yiannis Kouros who took second place behind Tim while the super human Kelvin Marshall was lining up for his 11th Mansfield to Buller race and his 100th ultra. Long time ultra stalwart, Dawn Parris, was the only woman in the field. Dawn's presence is always a highlight and she added a welcome dose of grace, quality and charm, not to mention her usual tough and consistent effort.
As for me, well I drew the short straw when I had the "privilege" of driving along the course in Ernie Hartley's old valiant sedan .. This was an experience all on its own. Ernie showed his appreciation when he pulled out at 35km and promptly lay his sweaty body all over my fresh towel!!!!
Next time I am running passed your shop, Ernie, I shall be looking for a coke or two!!!!!!
Race director, Peter Armistead, has already reported that with the absence of Geoff Hook and Dot Browne, the quality of the sandwiches was much improved. Well Pete, are you sure you weren't dreaming? The sandwiches you dished up to we trusty and loyal race officials weren't fit for a starving dog....In fact, I think even a starving dog would have thrown them back at you!! Give me Dot's sandwiches any day...
George Christadoulou did not let crewing for Yiannis Kouros get in the way of a good time. George was driving along the road with Spanish music blaring over his stereo and even pulled out his guitar at various aid stations and kept everyone amused with his Spanish musical talents!
With the race finally over, I was disappointed to discover that the entire Mount Buller Ski Village had had a disagreement with Coca Cola and no longer stocked the product....I had to settle for a Pepsi!!
Peter conducted the presentation at the Arlsburg Lodge then disappeared to drive Brian "Jet" Jackson back to Benalla before heading back home. It was only when he got home that he realised he had taken off without the collection of cups, sponges and water buckets that he had brought with him. Fortunately for Peter, there were a few less forgetful people around who managed to gather all and sundry before leaving, however a card table is still missing. Maybe it will still be sitting on the roadside when we return next year!!
There is never a dull moment at the Mansfield to Buller race
