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National Alumni Association Belgium: 5th Salamander Road Challenge
On 18 April, the tulip fields of Noordwijk, the Netherlands, were the scene for
the 5th Salamander Road Challenge. After the Belgium Ardennes in the Spring
of 2008, and the Audi challenge at Zandvoort in October 2008, it was now time
to visit the Dutch tulip fields.
Early in the morning, 20 cars lined up in the narrow car park of a local
restaurant. Upon receiving their instructions and after having a rally plate fitted
to their cars (not so easy on modern sports cars!), the participants set off for
the first check point. Situated only a few hundred metres from the start, only
four cars registered! Too early, or a possible coffee shortage? Unfortunately,
many missed the first one!
The already tired participants reached the lunch location of the day to enjoyed
Dutch pancakes, where they also shared their morning experiences and
discussed certain points of the route with the jury.
In the afternoon, the challenge continued through the beautiful Dutch flower
fields. Upon reaching the last check point, relief was clearly shown on their faces
- only one kilometre to finish the challenge and enjoy a beer!
Adding up the day's results, the winners were Bart Blommers NAA President
for the Netherlands and his navigator, Ilja van Haaren IEP'98. Congratulations!
We would like to express our thanks to everybody for their competitiveness and enthusiasm.
The Sixth Salamander Road Challenge, from Brussels to Fontainebleau, will be held in April 2010. For
further information, contact Mary Linn, Secretary, NAA the Netherlands.
June 2009