Blue Vixen 2009

Once again, by November the snow had already arrived in both the Zwiesel and Bodenmais areas with promising forecasts throughout December. Sure enough, the snows stayed put and with regular top ups throughout January the skiing conditions were excellent. Over the week of the exped, the temperatures hovered just below freezing making it ideal for a good workout, and the mainly clear skies meant that the beautiful Bavarian countryside was seen at it's very best, the light dusting of snow on the trees completing the picture postcard imagery.

It was definitely a year of smiles and despite a few injuries, there was a distinct positive vibe on the Loipes. Many of the the novices expressed a wish to return having successfully and enjoyably achieved the bronze (and in a few cases silver) standard award. The returning veterans also did very well with a host of silver standards being gained and as in 2008, a single gold medal was awarded. The time trial event saw RAF Brize Norton's Richie Lovelady blow away the competition in the men's event with Davina Faulkner's amazing performance making her the fastest female by over a minute. Unfortunately, Richie was unable to repeat earlier success after coming out worst from the relay start line brawl and after a close fought competition the relay event was won by RAF Leeming B team.