Is it Better?

[Nick Forster]

I have found that after a long drive my performance has not been up to standard, I some times think that it is the road conditions which cause most of the problems IE: traffic jams and road works . If the drive has been nice and relaxing and only about an hour or so I normally have no problems.
Nick

[Mad Archer]

Many years ago I accepted the offer of a lift to a shoot. The guy was 20 minutes late and it turned out he had underestimated the time needed to get there. We arrived during assembly ,and having thrown stuff together quickly, I was so nervous that I pinched the arrow off my kevlar string which then broke (told you it was a long time ago).

Since then I have always opted to drive, left an adequate safety margin for travel problems and always been on time. I arrive relaxed and in control. I've done around 20 shoots a year for 20 years this way!!

[josh 77]

At the moment i have no choice but to be driven to competitions but as soon as i pass my driving test i will drive to all of them!

[phil_r_58]

I don't mind either way, it does not seem to make any difference to my performance. Mike and myself have taken shifts on long drives in the past to spread the load. Depends on the people though OB. I mean, I prefer to get to the right wood, on the right weekend, at the right time, makes competeing difficult otherwise !!!!

[Old Bloke]

Watch it!

[wanshu]

I drive more often than not and often prefer to do so. Arriving early enough to chill out a little is always advisable and better than the last minute dash.
Although on reflection the last minute dash gives less time for nerves grab hold. I'm often on the last minute as something always happens either before I leave or on the way. Nothing better than a quiet life.

The way we feel prior to the tournament starting can also depend on the car. Is it Comfy and quiet or a Noisy rough ride. Traffic congestion can also be a major factor on how the driver feels when he gets there. With so many accidents on the motorway, delays can occur at any time. Increasing the stress levels as the driver begins to wonder of he/she will get there in time?

We all appreciate and feel for those who travel a long way to tournaments.
Don't we? Get there, do the best I can, have a laugh if poss and get back home. Thats all a man can ask for- should we like OLIVER ask for more.

[Neo]

I tend to travel alone to comps unless i can find anyone else that is going. I enjoy the drive and set of early so i have an hour to relax and chill before the shoot starts. If im on my own i can then stay for the prizegiving regardless and have a drink (Soft) or a meal before I drive back!

When shooting for Durham Uni we got driven from Durham to Exceter...9 hrs in a cramped mini bus, not my idea of relaxation, would have been quicler and less cramped to drive myself!

[General Dogs]

My highest score (judged by handicap rating) was at a shoot to which I was driven. This is from a sample size of about three shoots though so not statistically conclusive.

I drive 45,000 miles a year for work and pleasure so treasure the opportunity to be driven as it is so rare.....