Targa Bambina 2024 — Simply Better Team

Original story

From Warwick’s notes

The original report has been retained and reformatted for comfortable reading on modern screens.

The first 'real' Hi all,

The first 'real' Targa rally this year was Bambina - held on March 16th and 17th.

because of the nice compactness of the event although it provided 8 stages (ie 4 each day) we managed it with only two full timing teams. Lexus and I did finish 1. (Viv had to work after all) Denise and Brandon etc provided finish 2.

Poko was part of start 2.

Once Lexus arrived home from school, we went over to URG at Hampton Downs to collect all our gear including the Rally safe tablet.

We then headed to Huntly where we were to stay both nights. Because Poko's Post Chief had not arranged any accommodation for her, so Wazza to the rescue again. Viv joined us and we went to the local Indian restaurant to dinner - good to see you again Viv.

A reasonably early night (and yes I claimed the big bed )because we had a 6 a.m.. rise and an out the gate time of 6.30 for the 45 min drive to our first stage back of Maramarua.

As proved to be the case the whole rally the road markings for both FF and FC were pretty readily found. In our case Lexus did all our 'work', set the FF warning sign, the actual FF signs, the stop sign and all the paraphernalia needed at finish control including the Rally safe tablet, which praise be, now includes it's own charger - we did use our inverter initially just to be sure but then reverted back to the rally safe supplied car charger.

Although I had managed to leave Lexus to do everything so far. I did have to do 'road' which requires standing in the middle of the road, taking cards from competitors, giving to Lexus, letting him do his stuff then handing back to the competitor.

Mind you I also did a board (Chief will be so proud of me) for some stages.

It should also be noted that our block marshals were all in place wherever we arrived, well done folks.

That afternoon we did a couple of stages the other side of Waikato River, at Glen Afton then back to Huntly again that night. Chinese for tea Sat night.

With another 6:00 am rise and an OTG time of 6:40 am an early night was on the cards again. But the other two were having none of it- So at least I did.

Another two stages that morning out the back of Gordonton. Then a real trek for the afternoon at Glen Murray.

I have said before by this stage we were working like a 'well oiled machine'.

Our Fleetlink radio worked everywhere we needed it to, (despite one very small hiccup).

It rained for a while at Glen Murray just long enough for me to put on my 'lovely mustard coloured jersey' and get my umbrella working.

Having done that the rain promptly stopped and the sun came out brightly.

We returned gear then headed home, arriving just after 8.30.

The field was quite small which really too 'little' for our 'little' event.

We could all have coped with double or triple numbers. Those who opted not to enter missed a really first rate event. The next event is planned for early June.