Report by Spanner, Photographs by Leapin’ Bob
In a final rally before the imposition of lockdown 2.0 upon England, the BMCA saw a great turnout – in more than one way. Thirty five entrants including three competing on rigid machines enjoyed a surprisingly dry and sunny morning at Easthope Wood. Thanks and congratulations must go out to Nigel Houlston, Pete Reed, Stephen Leyshon and Kevin Walker – their dedication is admirable and produced a grand trial for all to enjoy.
As the name suggests, the trial also serves to both commemorate its former organiser and long term trials enthusiast Al Ussher (AKA Hammertight), as well as raise funds for the invaluable service that is the Air Ambulance.
Those who know Easthope Wood, will fondly remember the many wet and windy Sundays spent contending with the inevitable mud slick that ensues by the end of lap one. It was not so much the case this year – the ground held due to dry spell leading up to the trial. The sections had been set out to accommodate slick conditions but still provided enough challenge with the dry conditions – only the one clean score sheet at the end of the trial!
With grip at a premium, the trial kicked off with perhaps less eagerness to get through the first lap from some wise enough to let fools rush in and scrub off the loose top surface. Certainly lots of silly dabs and fives on the first lap could be attributed to the hidden slippery tree roots and the loose rocks and soil.
Tony Hill – Bantam 
Les Richardson – Panther 
Colin Billington – Ken Taylor observer 90 years old!
Clubman class netted the largest entry, thirteen including Les Richardson on the Rigid class. A tidy score of eighteen points lost for Richardson on the big Panther – not bad at all! The top three spots in clubman class went to Simon Wilmore, Harry Barfield and Ernie Johnson. Despite concerns about oil burning and a looming engine rebuild, Wilmore put that to the back of his mind and strode home on seven points lost. Barfield, growing in confidence almost as fast as he modifies his Banatam, nicked ahead of Johnson to take second on thirteen points. Credit must go to Johnson on his class leading score on the toughest section (3) – streets ahead of the pack.
Clayton Rowson – Ariel 
Christopher Dean – C15 
Nick Woolley – Ariel
Intermediate class once again saw clusters of close run scores through the group, with Mark Lucas, Nick Wooley and Christopher Dean class leaders this week. With no real sticking point and just a few stray dabs, Lucas took first on three points lost. Woolley scored very admirably, piloting the big Ariel deftly to nine points lost. Solid riding by Dean, netted him third place on sixteen points lost.
Clubman winner Simon Wilmore – C15 
Paul Guise – Cub 
Expert class winner Kev Taylor – C15 
Ernie Johnson – Cub
Expert class this week turned out twelve riders including Clayton Rownson on another big Ariel (Expert over 350cc class). A sterling ride by Rowson surely deserves recognition – just two points lost! In the Expert under 350cc class Juyst two points made all the difference: Kevin Taylor, Steve Hay and Paul Cook duked it out for the win. In a masterclass in control, Taylor netted nil points on his trusty C15. Competing on his rigid Bantam this week, Hay very nearly joined his counterpart, finishing on just one point lost. Cook came in on two points lost, a hard won third place – great work though, three points clear of the next man.
We always like to give a mention or a thank you to all observers, they are invaluable and we often comment we could not run events without them. But special thanks must go to John Davies: not only does he turn up week-in week-out but, it turns out he also planted the trees – at Easthope at least. Fifty years ago John sewed the saplings that have produced a cracker of a venue – thank you John!
You will no doubt be aware of the second lockdown being imposed in England. This means our events must cease, hopefully only for the intended one month period. Please do check our website, YouTube and Facebook for any updates – there is some cracking material in there too which is worth a look. Keep safe and keep ‘er lit!