The 41st Annual Billygoat and the Kid – May 12, 2019

We had great running weather for the 41st Annual Billygoat at Burnt Mountain in Lebanon, NH. Cool (50s) and cloudy, but dry – well except for some of the footing. The local beavers were surprised by all the visitors crossing their dam on the way to #21 and also by Francis Falardeau’s unique aquatic shortcut to the finish. Even with the many trails added by the local mountain bike club, with map updates up until 2 days before the event it was a challenging course. Dartmouth College, which owns most of the mapped terrain, has a line from their alma mater that probably sums up the feeling of many competitors: they have “the granite of New Hampshire in their muscles and their brains.” The 2019 club award goes to the Buffalo Orienteering club for sending the team with the oldest person ever to finish (overtime but close) a Billygoat. Great job Walt, who was the entire team.

Thanks to all the participants for coming, and special thanks to Paul Regan for many trips for course setting/vetting/control hanging; Lex Bundschuh also for many setting/vetting/hanging trips and being the event registrar; Grace Bailey for the wonderful shirt design; and Darrell Scott and Betsy Giese for staffing the mid-point refreshment stop. Faye Doria, Alar Ruutopold, Darrell Scott, Paul Regan (again!!) and Dave Webber helped with control pickup.

Pete Bundschuh, Head Goat 2019