We held our 10th Wakefield MAG Biker Quiz Nite on Wednesday 20th November, in our HQ, the Grey Horse on Kirkgate, Wakefield. The attendance was a third down this year, compared to last year, which was not due to the falling popularity of this hugely anticipated and hotly competitive annual Yorkshire event ... but more to do with the worst weather of Autumn to date ... it was snowing in most parts of God's own County ..... Blooming typical !!! However, we still had a pretty good attendance of 40 people with teams (several) representing Leeds MAG, Huddersfield MAG, Sheffield & Rotherham MAG, Wakefield MAG (obviously), West Yorkshire VJMC & many others (thousand apologies if you haven't got a mention).
We followed our tried and tested format, with 60 questions in total being asked, 30 pure bike / biking knowledge questions and 30 general knowledge.
After collecting the entry fees and issuing the answer sheets and pens, we started around quarter past 8 with the first set, all about Motorcycle Sport, then 5 general knowledge, then 5 bike questions, 5 general knowledge and so on, until all 60 had been asked. We then had a 20 minute break, when we ran a raffle, and a free buffet was provided by Dougie, our genial landlord of the Grey Horse, who put on a fantastic free spread of sandwiches for us all (but you had to be quick as they were all gone in a flash).
Time then to swap the papers with your neighbouring team ready for marking. We went through the answers and there was lots of clamouring for that extra ½ point (amazing how beer prizes brings out the competitive nature in people isn't it ?!?!?!).
The papers were then swapped back and we had a poll to find out who had won.
Nobody had 50-60 right, but 1st place, with a most impressive 46½ points, was Leeds MAG.
Leeds MAG have a bit of a history with this quiz, having won it outright five times (2004-2007 & 2012) & coming second twice (2008 & 2009). Being first, Team Captain Manny had the choice of prize, and opted for a case of Beck's (good choice, as it was the most expensive !!!). They also got to retain the champions trophy, which had just come from Leeds earlier, only to return again after a couple of hours !!! Classic quote from Huddersfield MAG's Linz .... "Leeds MAG don't half know a lot of sh1t".
Second place went to West Yorkshire VJMC, with 35 points. Team Captain Pat opted for the chocolate prizes over the beer (and why not).
Third place, with 30½ points, went to Sheffield & Rotherham MAG, the 2010 champions. Great achievement guys and a case of John Smiths to split with the team.
Finally, it was time to determine that equally highly contested prize (and the only one worth winning in my opinion) - the Booby Prize for coming last. We started the count backwards from zero to 10, then 10 to 20, and the winners of this most prestigious category, with a mediocre 11 points, was a Wakefield MAG team (but hey, at least we can win something in our own quiz !!!)
Martin had the dubious honour of receiving the coverted booby prize, which does the rounds on all our competitive events - the fat bird on a scooter trophy !!!!!
This year's quiz, raised £39, with the raffle raising a further £61, so £100 raised for the MAG fighting fund (minus the cost of the prizes) - a fantastic result. Last years quiz with what was a record attendance only raised £12 more.
Congratulations to all teams, it was a brilliant night and a good time was had by all. Educational and fun (why couldn't school have been like this ?!?!!?).
A huge thanks again to everyone who turned up and contributed to a most memorable quiz. Hope to see you at our 11th quiz in a years time (just hope it doesn't snow again).