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casey
09-01-09, 12:05 AM
Just saw that Son of Trials is on again - here are the details:

http://www.nissanpatrolclub.org/son-of-trials.php
http://www.nissanpatrolclub.org/son_of_trials/2009/SoT_2009_Flyer.pdf

What are the Son of Trials?

The Son of Trials is a competition which is part Funkhana, part Nissan Trials (but mostly Funkhana!). We use some of the tracks from the original Nissan Trials, but not the bits that are likely to cause you any grief. The idea is to challenge and test your driving skills. There is a point score system, where a "mean time" is set for each of the 8 events.

You get 1 point for each second that your time is above or beow the "target" time, as well as points for stopping, reversing where not allowed, going off the track and so on. The lowest score over the 8 events is the winner - simple!.

Where does all this happen?

In 2007 the Son of Trials moved from SORRRA to the River Island Nature Retreat. onthe Wombeyan Caves Road via Mittagong. This is actually the place where the Nissan Trials were originally run before they moved to SORRA in 1996.

River Island provides a magnificent bush camping setting and terrain suitable for this kind of event. Carefully driven 2WD vehicles can access the campsite, as can off-road camper trailers. Towing a caravan ther can be risky, as the access track is very steep, winding and rocky in parts.

We are pleased to announce that Son of Trials 4 will be held at River Island on Saturday 21 Febuary 2009 - Sudnay 22nd February 2009.

How do I get to River Island?

River Island is located on the Wombeyan Caves Road, 39 kilometres from the town of Mittagong.

After leaving Mittagong and driving south alongthe old Hume Highway for 5 kilometres, take the Wombeyan Caves turn off. The first 15 kilometres of road is bitumen and is then followed by a further 19 kilometres of dirt road. However, the road is quite safe and suitable for all vehicles, so you don't need a 4WD.

Two kilometres past the Wollondilly Tea House is the entrance to River Island. On the left side of the road you will see the orange posts on either side of the driveway and a large blue River Island Nature Retreat sign. Turn into the driveway and continue for another three kilometres. Follow the "Nissan Club" of "Son of Trilals" signs to get to our camp-site.

When is it on?

The 2009 Son of Trials will be held from 8.30am on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22th Feb 2009. Competitions will be run all day Saturday and on Sunday morning, with the "Climb for Cash" on Sunday.

Who can enter the Son of Trials?:

Any licensed driver with access to a 4WD can enter the Son of Trials. You do not need to be a member of a 4WD Club to enter. The tracks are designed to test driving skill and involve hill climbs, descents, rocky (dry) creek-beds; reversing stages and the like. This is a great "first taste" of competition or an introduction to 4Wd'ing - it all depends on how YOU see it.

* P-Plate drivers are welcome (under 18's must have a note from Mum or Dad).
* L-Plate drivers may enter (but must have a licensed driver acompanying them at all times)
* You can have more than one driver enter in the same vehicle - a great way to settle family arguments as to who is the better driver
* Navigators are not needed (but sometimes they can help)

What sort of vehicles can enter the Son of Trials?

You need a 4WD (not an AWD!). The Son of Trials is meant for "factory standard" vehicles or those with only minor modifications normally associated with 4WD touring. Competitors will be split into two classses. These are (not surprisingly):

Standard - which means just that. Oh OK, we'll let you have a bullbar, towbar, driving lights and that sort of stuff, but you must have original tyres (or at least tyres of the original size).

Touring - for the modified vehicles. Modifications are limited to:

* Tyres - maximum of 33 inches - vehicle must have four of them which are required to remain in close contact with the ground for the entire event. This is real easy for us to check. If your tyres are bigger than 33 inches, either:
o change them before you come down to River island;
o take them off and run on your rims (not recommended); or
o our patented Husqvana tyre trimmer (a.k.a. chain-saw) will remove those pesky few extra inches (also not recommended

* Suspension/Body lift - we say a maximum of 4 inches combined. For those of you mathematically challenged, 4 is less than 4.5 or 5, so if your car is higher, think about it (or we could use the Husqvana suspension trimmer (again, not recommended)).

Other Mods

* Diff Locks - if you have them, make sure we have some way of verifying that you CAN NOT use them during the event - we consider them to be cheating and their use results in automatic disqualification and a good spanking - so there!
* Non-factory forced induction systems or replacement engines (If you have one, well we won't take it out, but be prepared for a slap on the wrist etc. etc.)
* Fluffy Dice if fitted, cannot exceed 5cm x 5cm x 5cm dimensions
* Bead Locks - a real no-no Well make you run on bare rims if we see them.
* Hydraulic suspension, rear wheel steering etc- why are you here? Go to the Nissan Trials
* If you need to tow your competition vehicle onto the site, it probably means that it is not eligible to compete anyway, so leave it on the road and enter your towing vehicle.

How do I enter?

To enter the Son of Trials, fill out the entry form that is available at the gate (in your neatest writing, because I will throw away ones I cannot read), pay your entry fee and then just front up to our friendly marshalls at each event. You do not have to take the events in numerical order or anything compliated like that

What do I win?

Eternal glory, a cheap trophy for lair value and heaps of other prizes await the victors at the Son of Trials. Keep watching the website for details.

We also have the "Climb for Cash" which is a limited entry event where the last vehicle remaining after a series of hill climbs takes the cash pot.

What does it cost to enter Son of Trials?

* Entry Fee: To get into the River Island site cost $50.00/person for the weekend and $25.00/person for the day. Kids (16 & Under) are free. This fee covers the use of the River Island facilities.
* Competitor's Fee: In addition to the entry fee, there is a charge of $30.00 for every driver that wants to compete in the son of Trials.
* Climb for Cash. The Climb for cash event is a $25.00 entry, winner-take all event. Limited to 30 entrants.

Anything I need to bring?

* Your sense of humour
* Camping gear if you plan to stay overnight
* Drinking water unless you plan to die of dehydration (or are a camel)
* Be self-sufficient for dinner (it's a long way to go for Pizza)
* Your driver's licence
* Cash to pay to get in, pay your entry fees and buy lunches etc
o Credit cards (Bankcard, Visa & Matercard) will be accepted at the gate if you smile nicely
o American Express, Diners Club & EFTPOS are not accepted
* PLEASE BE PREPARED TO TAKE ALL YOUR RUBBISH HOME WITH YOU

Anything I should leave at home?

* Strictly no dogs allowed on site
* Glass bottles - these play havoc with little childrens' feet, cleaner's hands and the tyres of the property owner, so bring your drinks in cans or plastic bottles. We will be checking vehicles randomly and confiscating any glass bottles found (and their contents)
* Firearms, Fireworks & Pyrotechnics - Do we really need a reason for that?
* Trail Bikes (including quads)
* Your attitude - we are all there to have some fun - don't spoil it for anyone else and they wont spoil it for you

Did I hear you mention food?

The Nissan Patrol 4WD Club sells lunches & cold drinks at the Son of Trials. The menu includes:

* Bacon & Egg Rolls
* Sausage Sandwiches
* Steak Sandwiches
* Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
* Soft Drinks (cans)

(Food stand is cash only, no cards)

casey
09-01-09, 12:09 AM
Anyone know if the JK lockers can be disabled just by pulling a fuse out? They're the only thing keeping The Colonel out of the Standard class.

casey
09-01-09, 12:13 AM
it can be done - the lockers are fuse "M3" :)

wlublink
09-01-09, 08:55 AM
Heya Casey,

Sounds like a lot of fun. Do you think I can compete in this?????? With my minimum of experience????

Thanks,
Wyanda

VIN18U
09-01-09, 09:52 AM
WHY not Wyanda, sounds like a great event GIVE IT A GO!!!!!

i was keen untill i ready the vehicle specs.

im more than happy to come and support the members that enter.

Cpage66
09-01-09, 10:58 AM
Looks like my rear locker disqualifies me...

Wooders
09-01-09, 11:04 AM
Dang I have half a mind to put the BeaterXJ into it ;D

wlublink
29-01-09, 10:19 AM
Anybody interested in going and competing?
I would like to give it a try, but will not go on my own....

Wyanda

casey
29-01-09, 11:33 AM
If I'm in Sydney that weekend, I'll be there for sure :)

PureCaboose
30-01-09, 10:55 AM
I have emailed the organisers and asked about the traction control/BDS on the JK's. There will be a seperate class for factory traction control vehicles, so it will cover the JK's, toyotas etc.

Still thining about going...have to check with work though.

Greg

sbadman
05-02-09, 10:54 AM
Sounds like fun! I've got a Touring class XJ sitting right here :)

casey
05-02-09, 12:19 PM
This is the easiest one to organise entry for - just rock up on the day with your fees :)

If you meet all the entry requirements except you have lockers, you can still enter, just as long as you can show that your lockers are disabled - eg. remove a fuse, disconnect the power to your air compressor.


So who's coming?

casey
dutchie
sbadman

wlublink
05-02-09, 12:52 PM
yeap I will be there!

I guess I will be in the "traction control" class...

sbadman
05-02-09, 05:02 PM
I'm going to have to withdraw, was just reminded that we're committed to going to a 70th all weekend out in central NSW! (Father-in-law's, no way out!)

Absolutely spewing!

Bear
17-02-09, 03:47 PM
I heard that River Island Retreat fhe venue for this competition is also a nudist colony...........this could prove interesting.

Bear

casey
17-02-09, 05:03 PM
I heard that River Island Retreat fhe venue for this competition is also a nudist colony...........this could prove interesting.

Bear


http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w75/bigwilly2000/Jeep%20Logo/JeepNaked.jpg

casey
17-02-09, 06:32 PM
SJC @ Son of Trials 2009

Competing:
Rebecca
Casey
Wyanda

Supporting:
Bear
Maggie

Maggie
22-02-09, 10:28 AM
Bear and I went down to Son of Trials yesterday and had a great day .. we were a bit worried about the weather as we struck rain on the way down but fortunately the rain held off while we were there. We were glad as the entrance is an experience in itself as it is steep, windy and rocky and a clay road so would have been slippery if wet.
On arrival we caught up with our crew who were just heading off for the first event.
A lot of fun was had, there was a large turnout but because you didn't have to do the events in order, you could pick which event with the least waiting.
There were some easy ones and some not so easy but nothing too difficult.
Our guys seemed to perform very well as they were either on time or just a couple of secs out one way or another but of course we have no way of knowing what other vehicles were doing.
Saw a few Jeeps down there and spoke to a couple of guys who were not in a club so let them know about our club .. who knows. We were all wearing our SJC shirts so were in good view for anybody interested.
Reg and I have commitments today so couldn't stay over and had to leave about 3 .. Wyanda and Casey were lined up for the mud pit which was the last of the 8 events but it was a long wait so I hope they went OK .. that was a fun event and would have loved to get pictures. Rebecca has only done a couple of events. so she had a few more to do.
I am sure Bec will have a great report and I will send her any pictures I got for the next magazine.
Reg and I had a great day and were glad we went. Hope they get into the Hill Climb today.
Maggie

casey
22-02-09, 06:39 PM
we just got back.

here are the headlines:
we had a great weekend :)
dutchie got 3rd on the hill climb - doing it in reverse up the hill!

wlublink
22-02-09, 08:00 PM
I just got home as well......................

It was great!! Unfortunately no prices won but we know what to do next time.

And yes I was 3rd in the Hill Climb. I entered for fun (I was the only girl who entered -> that needs to change next year!!!!) and I thought I would be out in the first run, but I made it all the way up and the last round was climbing the hill in reverse.......only 2 guys made it further......and so I was third, yeah ;D

I will write a trip report for the magazine and during the week I will upload some pictures on the website.

See you soon,
Wyanda

Miraz
22-02-09, 08:27 PM
We made a flying visit today - turned up around 11:15am and managed to complete the 8 events before 1pm - it was all going so well until the nav managed to drop one of the cans in event 5...good fun, might have to make a more concerted effort next year.

casey
23-02-09, 12:39 PM
Hi Miraz - which Jeep were you in?

Here are the pics from the weeekend:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/caseyg/sets/72157614231089591/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3302097778_914acb284d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3302099602_d882636fc8.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3302101664_5432f685cb.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3301272345_e50735c451.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3302116208_930b2b5103.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3301310985_066d55d886.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3301325175_cb5abeb66f.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3301322563_80df864758.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3302168300_fb45e5fd04.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3302194640_8857f28c52.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3302201040_5b4cf6d47a.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3301382803_1d0f12eb04.jpg

rebecca
23-02-09, 01:19 PM
Had an awesome time at Son of Trials despite having an annoying cold *sniff* Our little team of 4 did quite well... it was great to have Bruce on board - esp. for being my nav man for the cans event! I think we're getting closer everyday to getting the biggest Sydney Jeep Club fan without a Jeep and actual Jeep!

I also really enjoyed that it was an event for all makes of 4WD... and of course that our Jeeps are rather impressive in comparison ;)

Huge congrats to Dutchie for 3rd on the hill climb! She had quite a fan club by then end of the day =)

Look out for the April mag (posted 2nd week of April) for the full trip report!

Miraz
23-02-09, 06:44 PM
Hi Miraz - which Jeep were you in?

Black 2dr JK CRD

JPLyn
24-02-09, 11:42 AM
Great stuff Guys & Gals!! Congrats on 3rd Dutchie! Great pics :)

casey
24-02-09, 01:16 PM
Here are the results:
http://www.nissanpatrolclub.org/son_of_trials/2009/son-of-trials-09_results.php

Steve F
24-02-09, 01:40 PM
4th and 5th in the High Tech class, nice work ;)







Just dont scroll down to the bottom.

Cheers
Steve

casey
24-02-09, 07:16 PM
there is an error in the classification, Dutchie should be 2nd in Hi-Tech class (they put her in Touring, and misspelt her name)

Maggie
24-02-09, 07:33 PM
I thought the same thing Casey ... Geoff Northcott has a JK CRD and as far as I know the only difference between him and Wyanda is that he is diesel and she is petrol so he should be in the Hi-Tech class as well .... or am I wrong.

Either way, I am very proud of all of you for competing and doing Sydney Jeep Club proud.
Maggie

Miraz
24-02-09, 07:59 PM
I've dropped them a note to let them know - they did make me do the High Tech course on the Hill climb!

so that gets us 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th!

Can you see which events I had navigator trouble with? comp number 119

Bruce Kerney
24-02-09, 08:49 PM
As Dutchie's Navagator I have only one thing to say
WE WAS ROBBED

JPLyn
25-02-09, 10:53 AM
Awesome results guys - you certainly did do SJC proud!!

Miraz
25-02-09, 10:18 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra--z9E5Qr0

wlublink
26-02-09, 09:57 PM
I still cannot believe I did not do a better job steering >:( >:( >:(

casey
26-02-09, 10:41 PM
take the roof and spare tyre off next time, then you'll have better vision ;)

sbadman
26-05-09, 01:29 PM
Just read the article in 4WD Action magazine, on page 210 they've credited Rebecca with coming 3rd in the reverse hill climb instead of Dutchie, yet Dutchie's Jeep is in a photo on the same page! Someone at 4WD Action's not checking their reference material properly it seems! Still looked like a good weekend though!