You probably couldn’t have asked for better weather: early morning mist burnt off quickly to give cool but sunny conditions – perfect for riding, although the observers all kept themselves well wrapped up! Continued fair weather had left the ground very dry, yet the stream was in healthy full flow, with water running down the rocky gully adjacent to the bridge.
Thirty keen riders headed up the stream: six In the expert class, nine Intermediates, and fifteen clubmen. BMCA regulars were joined by six riders hailing from Wales, plus the lesser spotted Ian ‘Bully’ Bullock, and Villiers supremo, Steve Gollins – great to see riders both old and new!
Riders were caught slightly off guard on discovering Malcolm Holden manning section four. Throwing caution to the wind, he fancied a change of scenery and handed his usual section (No. 7) over to Harry Brittain. Section 7 saw plenty of action and Harry enjoyed covering the section. He stated post-trial that his dad’s silly five was a particular highlight!
Expert class scores ran from clean through to the twenties with stiff competition throughout. Podium places went to Steven Hay, Steve Gollins and Laurence Alden. Hay gave a masterclass in classic trials, once again finishing clean – how does he do it?! long-time absentee Gollins, finished second on ten, showing he’s in fine form for the upcoming Classic Scottish 2 day. Third place went to Alden, continuing his recent good performances, on twenty-two marks lost!
The Inter class was hotly contended with a good handful of riders jostling for the top spots. In the end Joe Owen, Nigel Pearce and Dave Jones led the pack. Barring section ten, Owen only picked up a single point on any other section – the only man in the class to record such a clean sheet. Pearce and Jones were pretty closely matched, but Pearce’s more consistent riding just edged him into second by two points. Two graduates from Clubman class deserve a mention: Martin Mackenzie and Tony Hill, quality riding by both saw them firmly in-the-mix – well done lads, keep it up!
The Clubman class was once again buoyant, fourteen entries in total and close competition throughout. New faces Mark Evans, Nigel Smith and Stuart Evans took the podium places. Evans (Mark) dropped a rare dab here and there to finish on six points lost. Smith almost managed to keep pace, but section eight cost him dearly. Evans (Stuart) took a well-deserved third place with a largely tidy trial, a couple of unfortunate (aren’t they all) fives upped his total to eighteen.
Guest photographer Tony Broom kindly provided many of this week’s shots. Thanks Tony and apologies for ambushing you whilst you were quietly enjoying the trial! Top shots, we’re sure all would agree!
Paul Howells, rigid BSA Bantam
Luke Stratton, Rob Homer Bantam
The “Three Wise Monkeys” and Steve Gollins!
Martin Mackenzie, Drayton Bantam
Jerry Munslow, BSA Bantam
Stuart Evans, Triumph Cub
Dave Harrison, BSA C15
Kevin Walker, Triumph Cub
Ian Brittain, 350 Royal Enfield
Jerry Munslow, BSA Bantam
Ernie Johnson, Triumph Cub
Ian Brittain, 350 Royal Enfield
Paul Howells, rigid BSA Bantam