Stunning surroundings and views of Long Mynd greeted the competitors and observers as they arrived at the BMCA trial at Wommerton, 23rd September 2018, organised by Nigel Houlston and John Davies. Despite the forecast, the long reaching views from the paddock were clear, unobstructed, and made you feel honoured to be there larking about on a motorbike!
Kevin Walker on his Tiger Cub
Podium places in the clubman class went to Ian Brittain (6points), Tony Hill (12 points) and Steve Haines (21 points) in descending order. Un-hampered by the carburettor problems that afflicted him last week, Brittain strode ahead picking up points on only two sections after replacing the troublesome Monobloc with a concentric model. Hill put in a solid performance with only one section proving a stumbling block. Haines rode steadily and brought home a well-deserved third place. Steve Leyshon must take the medal for most determined rider of the week: his kick start broke, leaving him to attempt the entire trial with the engine running – it wasn’t to be, unfortunately retirement was forced upon him.
With competition close in the intermediate class, twenty-three points spread over the class, Joe Owen (18 points), Mark Strong (20 points) and Kevin Walker (23 points) took the lead. Good control Owen proved his merit, cleaning section two on laps three and four where his contemporaries fell. Snapping at his heels, Strong narrowly missed out on first place, the only rider in the class to clean section nine every lap. Steady riding by Walker resulted in a creditable third place given he was suffering from a dragging clutch.
Paul Howells on the rigid Bantam built by his father Joe
Close competition in the expert class was evident in the six point spread between first and third. Nathan Jones (5 points), Peter Edwards (5 points) and Kevin Taylor (11 points). Jones took the win on most cleans, other than a five on section three he rode the trial clean. The five that Jones picked up, nearly cost him more than that: he was lucky that a tree branch to the face only took his glasses away leaving him with a black eye and nothing more. Edwards followed closely with a great ride, but picked up his marks over more sections. The bark of Taylor’s C15 echoed through the woodland as he skilfully piloted it to a convincing third place, eight points ahead of the next competitor. A special mention to fourth place, Paul Howells: showing that the precise handling rigid Bantam is a capable machine in the right hands.
A mix of sections within the stream bed and others on the tall, steep banks made up the course. All well thought out and testing enough to take marks without punishing the riders. Sections three to seven making up the stream work, gave less challenge across the board, yet were the favourite of many riders. Most marks were taken on the banks where the question of grip came in to play, the sections were still enjoyable and well received by riders.
Luke Stratton, Pete Reed, Kev Taylor and Steve Gollins enjoy a ‘bit of banter’ after the trial
‘Grip’ was the word heard in conversation all around the paddock, or more specifically how much lack of it there would be – the venue has a reputation! The riders needn’t have worried too much, as the ground conditions for most sections were fairly grippy with the odd exception. Where the grip deteriorated, it did so quickly, section two for example was a completely different section by lap two.
An unfortunate accident saw Graham Archer take a tumble between sections, forcing him and son Peter to retire. Reports are that Graham is well, which will be a huge relief to his fellow riders – we look forward to seeing him back in action soon.
Making a welcome repeat appearance this week, Harry Brittain observed on section three with Grandad Pat to keep him company. A very fine job they did too, enthusiastic and focussed, not a dab went unnoticed! It is a pleasure to see such a nice young man take an interest in trials and we hope to see him riding with us soon under tutelage of his able Dad!
Pulling all the stops out to close the trial at section ten BMCA stalwart, Pete Reed, raced through on the big Triumph to a round of applause from fellow riders. When told “its not a scramble Pete!” his response was “Well, when there’s so many eyes on yer, you ‘ave ter pull summit out the bag!”