Dalby Dash - a new ride for 2019
Dalby Dash - 2019
Well I was hoping that I would be sharing this years Dalby Dash ride photos with you, but as things stand that's not an option. So thought it was time to put last years videos together and share them instead. This can be seen in the YouTube section below...….
2019 was the first time Dalby had been run for quite some years, so for the majority of you this would count as a new ride. New rides are great for the ride calendars as they bring on an air of anticipation from everyone; riders, organisers and myself. I always feel a little easier if I know where I am going to go for my photos, but with new rides and locations this is not always obvious. what looks good on a map or Google earth, can be overgrown, or have crops growing or can be so far from the venue that it makes it not an attractive proposition.
Dalby Forest is a wonderful location, with plenty of tracks and space so I was really spoilt for choice. Although had the ride been on this year then I certainly would have done things differently, but that is what comes with experience. The spot I settled on was fantastic, it allowed me space and to be seen early by the riders but it was a really long trek back to the returning loop and every time I tried to leave this spot I could see more riders approaching in the distance and knew that the photos would be better here than further on the track.
What did you as riders make to this ride? and have you let the organisers know? (Sarah Wilkinson on this occasion) they are always looking for feed back so that they can look to put the ride on again or improve on sections that were not liked. it all helps, and can be so rewarding for the organisers who put in a lot of time and effort to put these rides on, even more so when the ride is new and not known. There is nothing historical to back them up to say what they are doing is right and will be enjoyed. From this point of view, new rides can be nerve-racking.
What was noticeable on this ride was the bird song, which I hope you all can appreciate from the video. It is something that I generally only pick up on when reviewing the footage at home back can remember how beautiful and constant it was throughout the day. Another observation from the day was how many people were waving and having a chat. I can be out in the field a long time, and there can be quite a bit of time between riders particularly in the early and later stages. So thank you for all the acknowledgements.
The Dalby Dash ride is a fantastic location for this type of event, because straight out of the venue you are put into the middle of the woodland. Certainly from the sections that I covered. The going on the return section was a little stony underfoot but a variety of terrain also makes for a good ride route.
When I was heading back to the venue, that is when I started to realise how far I had walked. Looking behind me, the road was long and straight, going all the way back to where I had joined the track (long out of view), then in front of me, again long straight track and on inspecting my map yet more walking. it may not have seemed much to those of you on horse back, but trust me it was a long slow walk back.
That being said, my reward is looking back at the images I captured on my computer. That is when I can see if it was all worth while. I found myself looking for shots of you riders in and amongst the tall green trees, these images really showcase what the Dalby Dash ride is all about for me.
Images from this ride back in 2019 are still available from the archive ride section of my website at www.marimages.co.uk
My pick of images from this ride has to be the one below. I really like the 3 riders immerging from the tunnel made by the branches of the tall trees on either side of the track. All seem to be happy and relaxed and enjoying the ride. Not all EGB rides are competitive, and there is plenty of opportunity for riders to join and make friends on these rides, catch up and enjoy their surroundings and not always have to charge and gallop passed a waiting photographer (that's optional).
Thank you for taking the time to watch and read (if you have), and hope that you are looking out for each other and staying safe. Once we start getting a sense of normality back, keep an eye out on your local EGB group website for the next available ride. Whenever that maybe.
A few website to check out when the time is right
North & East Yorkshire EGB Group
