Reflection about the 3rd Race - Abrantes
Dear friends,
We are aware that we have done everything to make the Abrantes race run smoothly, but unfortunately things did not go as we wanted and as you all deserved!
However, we understand that “our pigeons”, our collaborators and friends and all those who believe in our project deserve these words. Everyone deserves our apologies!
We are also aware that we did everything to make the race take place within a controlled normality because:
- The pigeons were and are healthy as shown in the latest analyzes;
- The white caruncles;
- Pink and clear throat;
- Pink and slightly scaly fleash;
- Ideal weight;
- They flew with joy and will;
- Were basketed Friday, after 09:00 p.m;
- They were watered right after the basketing;
- The truck departed directly to the location, where it arrived at approximately 03h45;
- We drink the pigeons one hour before the scheduled release time;
- Throughout the course and until the arrival of the pigeons, we made measurements of temperature, atmospheric pressure and relative humidity, as shown in yesterday's video;
- We could have released about 15 to 20 minutes earlier, but the release was only done when we thought there was enough light;
- The pigeons oriented themselves in about 80 seconds, which we found very good;
- The first pigeons arrived in a reasonable quantity and at a normal average speed for our geographical location;
- Even the pigeons that arrived later today were in good physical condition and recovered very well;
- On Tuesday, we will have one more veterinary assistance for reinforcing our idea.
What could have gone wrong?
In our humble opinion and after discussing this with so many friends, from different professional backgrounds, we think we could have found an explanation. We did a race on a day when other peers did (we all knew how to evaluate the best day of the week, which proves that there is a lot of professionalism and attention in Portugal). Now, although the temperatures are relatively high, only we suffer. Why? Moderate wind from the east quadrant and fires that we in the north have never seen! If heat were the main cause, many would have come at the end of the day and many would have come the day after. Unfortunately it didn't happen and it makes us think about the worst.
Our people and truck were held, unable to move, for about three hours. For the first time in our lives, Northern security forces did what was never seen before and closed the 5 main northern communication routes: Highway A1, National 1, A25, National 109, IC2. It is true! Between Mealhada and Águeda (about 120 Kms after the release) chaos set in for a few hours!
Fires in Albergaria, Águeda, Valongo, Sobrado, Baião that our brave pigeons had to overcome…. Not all, maybe!
We didn't mean to write so much, nor did we want to make excuses!
It is for all of you who deserve our thanks and respect for believing in the “Moledo Pigeons Races” project, that these lines are written and made available to you, just as one who seeks answers from your pillow.
Thank you friends!
