Report: Hammertight with Spanner. Photos: Eric Miles
The BMCA trial at Hunnington 7th October 2018, set within grounds adjoining the clay pigeon shoot and local model aircraft club, commenced with a poignant minute’s silence to mark the passing of long-standing competitor, mentor, bike builder and friend: Jim Pickering, who sadly lost his battle with cancer.
Scott Partridge aboard the Tiger Cub
Organised and set-out by Steve Leyshon and Kev Walker, ten sections covered multiple disciplines, with sections in the stream as well as making great use of the surrounding banks. A good mix of terrain and well-thought-out plotting, made for an enjoyable yet challenging trial.
Experts class top spots went to Steve Hay, Kev Taylor and Mick Parkes, a very tight battle with all three on 4 points or less. Continuing his success on the ex-works powered Bantam, Hay fought off Taylor to win by one point to his two. Not far behind them, Parkes put in a solid performance and brought home third place on four points.
Laurence Alden on one of many Drayton Bantams
A good entry in the intermediates class gave close competition for places throughout the field. Mark Lucas proved the best rider, steady and confident, he was four points clear of the competition. Jones and Partridge tied on points and cleans, sharing second place. By a strange quirk of fate, they clocked-up the same points as each other on the same sections! Colclough, tired and weary from a two day classic trial in Scotland the previous weekend, rode through the pain with determination to a well creditable third place.
Clubman class is proving to be wide open this season, testament to the quality of the riders. John Cope rode like a champ to secure his first win in the class – great stuff considering that he has only recently recovered from a painful knee problem which required surgery. Second place went to Colin Billington, just two marks adrift from top spot. Congratulations must be in order for “Wobbly” Bob Davies, who after a long break from riding due to injury, scored only three marks more than the class winner showing he’s still got it!
Jim Teague on a Drayton C15
Frustration and persistence – every trials rider has their story of sticking with it when your bike is playing up. Once you’ve run your newly built bike through a two day trial, a road trial or two as well as a couple of closed trials, you’d probably expect the faults to be ironed-out. So too did Ray Barrat, but unfortunately his well-presented Mick Mills framed B25 has picked up a bad habit of chewing on his drive chain. Frustrated, Barrat had to pull out of this week’s trial, when the chain kept dismounting. Despite his best efforts and those of helpful spectators, it was not to be. Hopefully he’ll have it sorted out before long. Brittain too, suffered mechanical gremlins which nearly spelt an end to his trial. A grabbing clutch made the going tough, but carburettor issues on top of this made things worse.
Bantam mounted Tony Hill
Recent events have reinforced the appreciation of the camaraderie that can often go un-noticed. Stopping and thinking about it for a minute, you realise that we are blessed by good nature and friendship just by turning up to the trial: Familiar faces manned the sections, old friends and riders enjoying a week out of the saddle. Credit to them all for their efforts and attendance, it may sound corny, but we couldn’t do it without them. A new face, although becoming a regular observer, showed us he doesn’t need the hinderance of any grumpy old men, Brittain Jnr ably ran the show on section two: a tricky little weave through trees, which could catch you out easily if you didn’t concentrate. Eagle eyed Brittain made sure that nobody got away with a sneaky dab and called the riders through with confidence. Making a welcome return to the saddle Bob Davies and Craig Richardson rode like they’d not taken a break – it is great to see them back. Long may we keep it up, in memory of those we’ve lost.