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Event Report – Nant Ucha Farm 050323

Its always nice to get back to Nant Ucha Farm. A lot of us know it as a practice venue and have used it to develop our skills (or lack of them) but March 2023 saw a welcome return and with the Bultaco still in bits I grabbed a board to observe and grab some video footage for possible projects.

With parking being tight on the hard standing (although fortunately we were able to use the top field), entries restricted but that did not stop 76 riders getting a place on a cold but dry day.

19 Pre 65’s rubbed shoulders with 23 Twinshocks and 15 Air Cooled Monos. A final tally of 19 Modern Monos made up the numbers.

We continue to develop new blood with 4 Novice riders (2 on Pre 65 and 1 on Twinshock) developing their skills to join the 25 Clubman riders in the future. Experts saw 14 riders in place (3 Pre 65 and 6 Twinshock) with 33 riders contesting the Intermediate class.

Michael Griffiths – Observer Section 2

What a grand start to the day. Plenty of parking and some smiling faces. Sadly the shorts were still in the butty van but his pretty assistant more than made up for the sight of dodgy knees. Walking down to my section I came across Allan Jones trying to get his bike going.. Yes he was surrounded by helping hands but alas ‘Mr Nice Guy’ failed to start. Section 2 was my destination and what a cracker it was. Easy, but easy to drop a mark as Jim Hough was to prove. There were rumours going round one of the riders had a chain reaction and was in a huff (should that be spelt Hough ?) about it !

Back to 2 and some good riders were watched with Chris Garlic on the C15 who was a pleasure to watch. OK I’m a BSA fan. A dab from Chris Gascoigne was a surprise though. Then we had one or two riders that thought they were Man United goalkeepers ? Yes Elwyn Beedles ,Patrick Edwards, Johnathon Hughes, Tom Austin Devey , Davw Wood and Bert White all let 7 go past them. The ever smiling Tony Williams nearly swore when he damned near missed a gate and utterances were heard.I think it’s time you lads did something about Peter Rusco and stop his winning ways. Let his tyres down if need be.

Sadly there were some queues on 2 but I think that was down to it being a long section. All in all an enjoyable day with plenty of smiling faces . Non more than Sophie Meredith who at the end of the trial was going round to see if she could help pick up a section. What a fine example of todays youth. Thanks all for a grand day and just a bit of banter now and then.

Mark Gaskell – Twinshock / Intermediate

Before I built the Triumph, I used to ride a Whitehawk 175, which unfortunately then found itself pushed to the back of the shed. It had been rebuilt with all the best of the bits that I had, then did a brief spell as a beginners bike for Talei, my stepdaughter. Deciding that it was too precious for the abuse it was getting (it was me who taught her to ride after all), I got her a more modern bike (thanks Rob) and once more relegated the Whitehawk to the back of the shed. Until couple of weeks ago, when we had a re-arrange, and the bike once more saw daylight! Put some fresh fuel in and she fired up second kick. I had a potter around the garden, and remembered how much I enjoyed riding it, and decided that I should enter the next trial on it for a laugh. I had acquired a better kickstart shaft a while ago and decided I would fit that first, only a five minute job after all. Taking the sidecase off I was surprised at how much surface rust there was on the gears. Run those old engines regularly folks, to get the oil circulating! The kickstart assembly has a “idler return spring”, best described as a cut off r-clip, which should clip to the back of the idler gear. Mine was a bit tired, and kept falling off as I put the assembly back in the case, causing much consternation and swearing. Eventually I got it to stay on with a dab of grease, and put it all together. Just as an aside, said spring costs less than a fiver, and I really should know better.

This long intro is to make up for the lack of writing about the riding, as after one and a half laps, that spring fell off and jammed the idler gear, necessitating a long push back to the van. We won’t mention spare bikes, walkie-talkies (and their ability to summon a tow if you were to use one), or fitness levels, will we? Thank you.

My favourite sections:

Section 4: A  meander into a downhill left turn, over slippery off camber roots, up a short climb then round a couple of trees and back down to the end. The roots were taking no prisoners, but I thought I could lift the front end of the Whitehawk up and over if I timed it right. In the section I found that a well positioned safety dab worked better and got through for one.

Section 5: At the far end of the woods, drop right down into the stream, the right again in the stream bed before a rock step that looked scary but rode easily, then climb left on a slick rock slab before exiting in the stream bed again. I think I had a silly couple of dabs on lap one, but managed to clean it on my second attempt.

Section 9: Short, rooty climb, to a left turn down and across a steep off -camber, then tight right around a tree to another steep climb with no run up. The Whitehawk flew through this section both times I asked it to, but it was after the second attempt that the clip fell off and my day effectively ended.

My thanks again to all concerned with the running of the events, we really do appreciate it!

Rob Sloggett – Observer Section 7

With the introduction of VAR in top flight football, it was about time observer disputes were settled with good old bodycam technology. So armed with two GoPro cameras I walked my section to get a feel for the routes, popped one camera down looking at the complex bit and the other one on a hand held and waited for my first victim (sorry rider). Actually the cameras were with me for two reasons. Firstly I had just bought a new one and wanted to get a feel for the quality but also to make some content to share on the club facebook page so don’t worry, it wasn’t used to verify your scores!

So what of the section? At the bottom of the woodland before you moved across into “the new area”, sat looking at the wall that is my Nant Ucha nemesis, it was good to see that it wasn’t being used. Everyone had the same exit with Experts having a slightly more complex set of turns to approach it but the main action was in the first 1/3rd for Greens and Red and the middle third for whites and yellows.

So whites on paper looked straight forward. Drop in, straight line up the stream then a small bank and straight climb out. After a bit of a look, the entrance was actually a bit more complex. Its great watching the novice class as these are the future of the club and with 3 out of the 4 riders on Pre 65 and Twinshock things looks healthy. Graham and Sophie had a great progressive day building confidence each lap.

Yellows, came in lower down with a very defined set of gates to bring them into the stream and force an across stream turn with a number of medium sized rocks which the modern monos with their peaky power delivery found much harder that the more sluggish older bikers. A really interesting turn of events. Whilst the section resulted in a lot of cleans where marks were being dropped it was mostly in the 3 or 4 points across the 4 laps (so a singe dab) and looking at the video footage it was either in the early part of the stream for the modern bikes or in the mid phase for the others.

Greens (my usual class) looked very tasty on the first walk around. The first challenge that was posed as the riders hit the section was clarification on the entrance. After the start gate a tight line to the first challenge would be to follow the first pair of yellows but without this constraint they could run out wide with a more natural run up the bank. Any rider that asked was advised that I would accept a “reasonable”arch but not to take the mick! After the bank and a right turn they dropped back into the stream at 90 deg to the water flow to then have a bank step with exposed roots. I was expecting this to be more of a challenge but most riders approached it with confidence. Once again the video footage was interesting looking at the different techniques, Some riders just allowed the front wheel to run up the bank whilst other favoured a lift of the wheel. After the bank was a 180 turn and drop back in but then a blind sighted right hand tight turn to approach the climb out. A large outcropping rock blocked the view and took a number of dabs to the unaware. Where it wasn’t a clean, it was very much low losses but interestingly the AC Monos faired best with everyone clean apart from Steve B with a single dab. Looking at the results, in the Twinshock Inter class, 4 points separated the top 3 positions (22,25 & 26) with the riders taking 5, 1 and 1 respectively on my section.

Now I love watching the Experts, as well as learning from their lines and technique, generally speaking their is a different level of determination and competitiveness! Now Expert riders come in one of two forms. Firstly there is the “pack animal”. These travel around in groups , walk the section together discussing lines, ride the section, watch their mates then tell the observer if they think their mate 5’d it because their wheel went just over a flag and you have to mark consistently and by the rules. The second type is the “lone wolf”. These fly low under the radar and celebrate their good lap and laugh when they get it wrong. They are my favourite……

My section had a brilliant Expert route. Whilst the bank had a detour with a left cross bank change in direction over some challenging terrain, the drop into the stream and the root step raised a problem based on flag position. The natural option was to approach at a diagonal with the bank adjacent to the right hand side of the bike but with a bike tree at the entrance it was a high risk approach which took marks of a lot of riders. An alternate approach was straight on to the bank but the flags bordered a large rock about one and a half bike lengths from the bank which you had to hit and either maintain lift on the front wheel to clear the bank or drop the front wheel then immediately lift it again. A few riders demonstrated perfect technique on this and when executed perfectly was an absolute joy to watch. Once again, looking at the top 2 spots on Pre 65 Experts, the final scores were 2 and 5 respectively with the top placed rider cleaning the section but second place picking up a score of 3

Stephen Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman

First of all as usual a big thanks to all the aqueduct team for putting on another great trial , Mark & Sam for setting out the sections and all the observer’s for standing out in the freezing cold , Chris deBurger for keeping us fed and watered and the land owner for letting us use the venue,  

I got there early to help set up and with the car parking and as we got there it started to snow and I thought we were in for a right cold day but it soon started to brighten up as all the riders began to arrive, soon it was time to get ready for the start, it was good to see Russ back giving out the instructions for the day , 10 laps 4 sections  

All sections were testing but great and was hard to choose my favourites but here are a few of my favourite sections of the day,  

Section 2: You started off from the field and as you pass through the start gate you head down towards the brook but it was a bit of an off camber bank and over a slippery root just to get your attention and drop straight into the brook and keep left over some good sized rocks to the other side tight right round inbetween the tree and the high bank then over some more rocks in the brook to the right up the bank again before dropping back into the rocky brook along a bit more over some more slippery rocks before turning tight right up a steep slippery slope and out of the section,  

Section 5: Rite down at the bottom of the woods you cross the stream to the start, you started on the bank and drop down a bit of a slope before turning tight right on to the rocks at the edge of the water before navigating some more larger slippery rocks then back out on to the bank on the right along a bit of a narrow path before climbing up onto a large boldor an a steep drop back into the rocky stream , and they were very loose and could easily catch you out the through the end gate , 

Section 7: Rob on watch and giving out some good advice while filming, Only a short but tricky section this one ,as you start off from the bank you immediately drop down into the water and onto the loose slippery rocks as you head over towards the bank on the opposite side and turn tight right back into the water and rocks across to the other side and then give it a bit of gas to get you up the bank and out of the section, 

Overall I had a great day even though I broke my front brake at this venue again, but still managed to finish, and once again big thanks to everyone involved, and everyone who took photos and videos of all the riders, (I don’t think I’ve seen so many of one trial, ) well done,

Before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again say a huge thankyou to the club team for all of the effort they put in over the preceding months to make this happen, the observers for still taking the time to support and the land owner as always.

Top Places

Pre 65

  • Expert – Chris Gascoine, BSA (2); Chris Garlick, BSA (5); Jim Hough, Triumph (10)
  • Intermediate – Mike Jones, Triumph (21), Paul Owen, BSA (28); Paul Hornsby, James (36);
  • Clubman – Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (19T), Paul Brimelow, Cotton (19T), Alan Dyson, BSA (59)
  • Novice – Terry Lloyd, Triumph (19); Paul Corefield, Triumph (45)

Twinshock

  • Expert – Richard Webster, Fantic (4); Paul Smart, Honda (20); Mike Jones (31)
  • Intermediate – Jerry Hawker, Honda (22); Robert Reese, Honda (25); Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (26)
  • Clubman – Phil Cottiga, Honda (10); Kenton Hackney, Honda (22); Darren Riley, Bultaco (22)
  • Novice – Graham Seager, Bultaco (105)

Air Cooled Mono

  • Expert – Peter Ruscoe, Gas Gas (7); Patrick Edwards, Yamaha (21); Steve Williams, Honda (42)
  • Intermediate – Mark Backwell, Yamaha (10); Michael Warburton, Honda (11); Dave Riley, Yamaha (12)
  • Clubman – Ian Thomas, Honda (48); Tony Williams, Scorpa (83)
  • Novice –

Modern Mono

  • Expert – Owen Edwards, Gas Gas (8); Hayden Rainford, Montesa (26)
  • Intermediate – Mike Smith, Montesa (19); Stuart Parr, Beta (40); Neil Liptrot, Gas Gas (44)
  • Clubman – Jack Edwards, Gas Gas (10); Gareth Evans, Vertigo (13); Burt White, Beta (18)
  • Novice – Sophie Meredith, Beta (62)

Observer List

1 – Harry

2 – Michael

3 – Dave

4 – Elwyn

5 – Gordon

6 – Bill

7 – Rob

8 – Laura

9 – Ian

10 – Mark

Stats

Bikes Classes

  • Pre 65 – 19
  • Twinshock – 23
  • Air Cooled Mono – 15
  • Modern Mono – 19

Route Classes

  • Expert – 14
  • Intermediate – 33
  • Clubman – 25
  • Novice – 4

Bikes

Pre 65

  • Ariel – 1
  • BSA – 6
  • Cotton – 1
  • DOT – 1
  • Francis Barnett – 1
  • James – 1
  • Triumph – 5

Twinshock

  • Armstrong – 1
  • Bultaco – 4
  • Fantic – 5
  • Honda – 8
  • Kawasaki – 1
  • Montesa – 1
  • SWM – 1
  • Yamaha Whitehawk – 1

Air Cooled Mono

  • Fantic – 3
  • Gas Gas – 2
  • Honda – 4
  • Montesa – 1
  • Scorpa – 2
  • Yamaha – 3

Modern Mono

  • Beta – 8
  • Electric Motion – 1
  • Gas Gas – 5
  • Montesa – 3
  • Sherco – 1
  • Vertigo – 1

Results 2023

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

8th January – Nant Mawr Quarry (Non Championship)

5th February – Plas On (Championship Rd 1)

5th March – Nant Ucha (Championship Rd 2)

2nd April – Nant Y Ffrith (Championship Rd 3)

14th May – Pen Y Graig (Championship Rd 4)

4th June – Pen Y Graig (Championship Rd 5)

12th July – Plas Onn (Championship Rd 6)

9th September – Nant Y Ffrith (Championship Rd 7)

1st October – Pen Y Graig (Championship Rd 8)

5th November – Nant Ucha Farm (Championship Round 9)

3rd December – Plas Onn (Championship Round 10 & Kev Williams Memorial Trophy)

Event Report – Nant Y Ffrith 061122

In the 80’s, Nina sang about “99 red balloons”, well not every trials bike is red but the lovely Honda in the picture above was one of 99 bikes that turned up at Nany y Ffrith on Sunday 6th November for a fantastic event.

19 Pre 65’s and 29 Twinshocks shared the sections with 18 AC Monos and 32 modern monos. We also has a very modern electric mono join the event. The classes were made up of 3 novices, 40 clubman, 41 inters and 15 experts.

Ian Emery- Air Cooled Mono / Intermediate

As soon as I arrived, I walked into a ribbing from Geoff about me missing the last competition with a “runny nose”. His words not mine, haha. I haven’t missed many since 2010 and I was so glad I rode on Sunday despite having doubts about my energy levels as I recover. Anyway, excuses over, armed with a bottle of Lucozade, and practice buddies Paul and Steve riding with me, here’s how my day went.

Section 1: Suzanne on duty here and the section began with a small climb to a rock step with a nasty exposed shiny root on the top, a drop off the far side of the rock, and across to a narrow gate between two trees with an immediate 90° left, up through another gate to a tight 90° right and out. Think I had 3 cleans and then had a tree hugging moment after dropping off the first step, when the slippy root skewed me sideways and into the tree.

Section 2: Steve observing here. Started with a fairly severe looking hillclimb which had me debating whether to use 1st or 2nd and I chose to let it buzz in 1st and found grip every time. At the crest of the climb was a short cross camber before turning right to fly back down again to the ends. The ground was loose and littered with pine straw which gave the sensation of me never quite being in control but I made it for 4 cleans.

Sectiion 3: Dave in charge. A nadgery, twisty start over damp mossy ground to then go up and over the remains of a wall with exposed slippy roots, and immediately make a tight 270° full lock right turn to the ends. Tricky here to stop the front washing out. Cost me a couple of dabs.

Section 4: A twisty meander around the edge of a dip with a sharp drop-in, complicated by a hop over a log on the way down. Tricky bit was controlling the kick from the log on the rear wheel as as soon as that happened it was a 90° tight left with the front pushing against the far bank. A short double climb at an angle finished the section. Managed 4 cleans.

Section 5: Mark on duty here. Began with a short climb over a slippy log to turn right and follow cross camber along, down and up to a nasty tight right hander between two trees and out. Slack dab on the first lap, then 3 cleans.

Section 6: Christine sheltering from the rain in the truck. Section started with a steep then gentle descent leading to a very tight left and immediate steep climb of maybe 10 ft. I watched some take a low line for the turn but the front always washed out whereas others tried a tighter line which was tricky as it was slightly going back on yourself whilst being very steep, no run up and not much grip. A 180° turn at the top followed by a twisty route between trees led to the ends. Two 1s and two cleans for me taking a tight line.

Section 7: Julian holding the pen. A short entry to a hop over a log to a swooping uphill right turn on the camber and then thread between various trees to the ends. On the cross camber turn there was a sticky-up stump which I hit twice and lost marks or rode above it for two cleans. 

Section 8: Under Michael’s piercing gaze, a reasonably straightforward twisty, turny section which I cleaned 4 times though one of our little group did manage to go the wrong way and get a 5.

Section 9: Rob in charge. Started with a steep, slippy, root covered climb with very little grip so momentum and a trailing throttle seemed the best way. A very tight right turn at the top led you down and across to the far bank where a short climb up the bank and over a log set at an angle led you then to a left, back down and across to a tight right turn between two trees and out. First lap for me, feet up all the way but went the wrong side of a tree which earned me a 5. Rob wasn’t going to miss that. I did better on following laps but still shed a few. 

Section 10: Gordon’s section. The route took you down a bank and part way up the far side to turn left between red/blue flags before swooping down and across to pick up the next green flags which took you along, right, and 180° left to drop back into a dark hole with a big rock step to clear and a big unfriendly tree right in your line of sight. Two cleans, two 1s.

Have to say I really enjoyed the day though I was exhausted by the end. My best lap was 1 dab, if I’d done that 4 times,  I’d still have finished 4th in the class with the top three having excellent rides. Thanks as usual to all the organisers, observers, and especially Russ and Mark for setting sensible but challenging sections. Roll on Plas Onn.

Dave Wood – Twinshock / Expert

After missing the last event due to a clash of dates it was good to be back at Nant-y-Ffrith, a great venue with a fair bit of section variety and one I like a lot. I’d entered on my Bultaco but decided to give my older 310 Ossa a try out before its last trial in a couple of weeks before going on the bench for some overdue engine work. That raised the dilemma, red route might be a bit much on this bike, common sense said go to green – sod it, red it is then.

Section 1: Off to section 1 from the van and noticed the clutch was slipping when I gave it a fist full. Back to the van, adjust clutch springs, back to section 1. Good section. This was a short climb off the track, over a greasy rock which was taken at an angle and not square on, tricky, between two trees and up a steep 8’ rock face with a tight left at the top over some embedded rock and a couple of biggish roots, needed to be line perfect here. Then a short descent, a U turn and back up over another small slab and a tight left behind a tree, more roots and embedded rock before a tight right and out between two trees. Looks ok I thought but no room for error, need to be online or it’s dabsville city. Whilst looking at the rock slab from the top, I heard a commotion behind and looked around to catch the aftermath of Andrew Williams losing a scrap with his Beta in section 2. The Beta had ende’d on the final descent and I was just in time to see it give him a savaging, arms and legs bent in positions they had no business being in before arriving at the bottom in a tangled ball like two scrapping gerbils. Rich Webster was on hand to seperate the mess and luckily Andrew was fine. Looking forward to that on the Ossa then I thought, if that’s happened on an air cooled mono…. Into section 1 and over the rock and nail it up the slab and  –  instant stop near the top,  chain derailed. Now in reverse at full tilt my thoughts couldn’t help but turn to how hard I was going to hit one of the two trees I’d just passed through and how many pieces it might smash my spine and ribs into. Luckily the brakes on this bike actually work and I was able to haul it up before the air ambulance was needed. Russ helped me with the chain and was delighted at how clean a condition the bike was kept in as he didn’t have a speck of oil or grease on his hands after handling the chain…  Great start I thought, 5 already. Back to the van again to sort it. I never managed a clean on this one, dabbed it twice in different places and had a 2 on one lap but it needed to be line perfect rides for clean as flicking and jinking your way out of trouble on the Ossa isn’t an option, it just wants to keep ploughing forward.

Section 2: Another good one. Through the start, over a hump and up a long, loose and steep cambered climb to the right followed by a sharp left at the top back across the bank below a tree, then a U turn back across above the tree and back down to the end with a tight right / left at the bottom before the cards. The trick here was up the camber with enough speed that the bike could be rolled off using momentum to make the left turn below the tree on trailing throttle. The ground was loose so coming to an almost stop and then using more throttle to turn would just dig the rear wheel in or lift the front. Going wide up the camber at the top seemed the best approach. This was the hard part, once past this bit the rest was straightforward. The hump at the start had to be taken accurately as if it knocked you off line it could really affect the line up the camber. Managed 2 cleans a 1 and a 2 on this so pretty happy as the bike was bogging on the carb on the turn at the top of the camber

Section 3:This was going to be tricky, from the start, up a small bank and U turn behind a tree, back down and straight into another U turn, back up the bank, turn right along the bank and back down over a rock and out. The first U turn around the tree had rocks in the ground that weren’t embedded and they could move around. They were in a different position every lap and could easily roll under a wheel and put the bike off line which would have compromised the next turn. The Ossa has decent lock but isn’t a great bike for clutch/brake riding in really tight stuff but I could just about ride this one clutch out so no real problems. It was a tester though.

Section 4: Fairly straightforward this one, off the track up and onto the bank with a slight chicane shaped ascent, along the bank and down over a root which needed a bit of ground clearance to clear, tight left into the ditch, tight left again up the bank and straight back down again, across the ditch and up and out. No problems with this one apart from sumping on the root every lap which tried to throw the bike off line but there was just enough room at the bottom to sort it out.

Section 5: Pretty straightforward again until the end, start off the track up the bank and around a tree. Along a short track with a left, right, left jink through some trees then a sharp left and short climb up the bank with a U turn around a large stump (or rock, or something…) then down between the stump on the right and a large rock on the left and out. This last part was the tricky part as the short climb had a small stump which needed the front wheel taken wide around to its left allowing the rear to go over it which gave enough room to U turn and get back down without clouting the rock on the left. It was tight but if you had the right line for the U turn it was alright, so no problems with this one.

Section 6: A tricky one as it was all on loose ground. Down the bank off the track and turn left before the bottom across the camber, inside a tree and back up to the track, U turn on the track, back down the bank to the bottom, turn left and then left again back up the bank to the track, another U turn and back down with a left right jink through trees to the ends. Careful on the throttle and brakes so as not to lose traction on the climbs or the front on the descents and turns and all cleans here

Section 7: This was a tough one on the Ossa. In off the track, over a log and past a tree then a left right kink through a bit of a dip then very shallow climb with some roots for good measure and onto flat ground, U turn and back down into what I thought was going to be impossible to clean. A full lock left U turn on the clutch and brakes followed by a short steep climb. The problem here was the bike was still at an angle to the climb with no more room to turn as the front wheel was right at the base of the climb, so it was either foot down, pull the front around early and go, or try and do something Ossas were never intended to do, flick turn it from virtually stationery and up the climb with no run up. Once on the top the rest was just the ride out along and down the bank. I thought I might as well try it but if the flick turn goes wrong it’s usually going to end in a 3 or 5 whereas the planned dab and pull the front around is a certainty for a 1. So, in we go and get to the point where it’s flick turn city. It’s a heavy bike for this and the engine with the big flywheel isn’t a quick revver so doesn’t have GasGas 300 like acceleration… Get balanced, pull on the bars, flick the clutch and gas it and somehow it got up. Another inch on the climb and it wouldn’t have made it but this was my best ride of the day and I was dead chuffed, especially when I managed it again on lap 2. Lap 3 I had a dab at the top and by lap 4 I was tired and didn’t quite flick it enough so had 2 but nonetheless, well pleased with that as the bike was never designed for sections like that and it was on its absolute limit of what it can do.

Section 8: A straightforward route on the first half of this one, a right and a couple of left turns around trees which led to the tricky bit which was down a short bank from behind a tree, then full lock right and half a bike run up to a short climb up a root covered bank and on to the ends. The roots were at angles, very slippery and there were a couple on the top also at angles which could catch and slide the rear wheel, easily causing a foot down. There was just enough room in the run up, just, to get the Ossa going so 3 cleans on the first three laps but a slack attempt on the last lap cost a 1 that I shouldn’t have had. Some expletives muttered and a bit of self-chastising exiting the section.

Section 9: Start off the track and left up a climb over roots onto the top. At the top of the bank was a U turn – tricky, followed by – holy crap, that looks nasty, a camber across roots high up the bank and between two diagonally opposite trees. The U turn was tricky as there were a couple of rocks in the ground not ideally placed. One prevented you from taking a line further out for better position and the other was difficult to get inside of after the U turn, which is where you needed to be, as if you went top side of it the approach to the camber and dreaded roots was all wrong. The roots on the camber were like ice and running vertically so the camber needed some commitment to attempt a clean as if it went wrong the bike would slide from under you and there were several options of how the inevitable crash could severely hurt you in lots of different places – all at once. I reasoned that if I was stupid enough to go for a clean the inevitable jettison of bike and rider off the roots back down the bank would effectively skittle everyone waiting in the queue below, so I took a planned dab on lap 1 and it worked, tried the same on lap 2 but had a 2. Lap 3 I was now thinking big as I’d seen Andrew Williams have two nice cleans on it with a brave approach and thought I’d give it a go. A change of mind at the last second, or coming to my senses more like, saw me go for another dab but I was out of position for that by now and put my foot on the ice-like root – well, where else. That’s a 5 then as foot and wheels gave way to gravity on the roots. Lap 4 was back to a planned dab

Section 10: Straightforward start, around a tree and then oh shite, how the hell am I going to get over that I thought, gawping at the blue and red on top of the large trunk of the fallen tree at the bottom of the bank that was around a foot and a half in diameter and raised off the ground as well for good measure – on a bike that can ground the sump riding up a kerb stone. There was a bit of a kicker at the base, which may have been of more psychological than practical use, not sure. On the other side of the log you were straight into the rising bank and had to turn right, behind a stump and back down, up the other side, U turn and back across and out. That was fine, the tree was the problem. The approach was from behind another tree at the base of the opposite bank and you could stay tight to the tree and turn left which put you on the same level as the fallen tree now in front of you, or you could go high up the bank and come down towards it which gave you more room but from a downward approach. I opted to stay low which I thought was a steadier approach albeit with less run up. Get square, clutch, revs, front up and hit it – well bugger me, up and over on the back wheel and away clean. Almost as chuffed with that as section 7 as I didn’t think it would do it. Same again on lap 2. Lap 3 the kicker had gone so I tried the higher line approach but it didn’t work as the bike is hard to hold straight on a descent on clutch/brake and I got off line and had a 3. Last lap I reverted to tight around the tree but caught my foot which caused a dab right there – moron. The kicker was still gone but this was a better approach so launched it and had a dab over the tree so pretty happy with that, apart from the noddy dab around the tree.

And finish.

Thoroughly enjoyed it, definitely was hard work in places on the Ossa but that was what made it all the more enjoyable, being on the absolute limit of my ability on that bike in a few sections and managing some cleans that I didn’t think were possible. Happy. A big thanks to all of the team again that make it happen, sadly can’t make the next one at another of my favourite venues, as unfortunately it clashes with our centre trial

Rob Sloggett – Observer (Sec 9)

My last visit to Nant Y Ffrith 2 montrhs ago saw me as a DNF as the Bultco blew the baffles out of the modified exhaust. As this is the 2nd time this has happened it needs a proper mod or a better box so with that bike in the workshop and the Majesty running a bit rough (needing a carb clean I suspect), I thought I would offer to take a board and give the regualrts a chance to either ride of have a break. I love the chance to observe. You get to see a lot of riding styles and techniques and see those riders in the improving classes develop as well as study the Experts approach to the harder stuff.

My section was bascially broken down into 3 zones. If you looked up the gully from the lower start, zone 1 (left hand lower section) was only used by the Experts and Inters, then zone 2 (right hand mid) was used by all 3 with the Novices and Clubman having this as the first set of challenges then zone 3 (upper left) being used by all routes.

The section was basically an uphill traverse made up of banks, roots and tight turns around trees. The highlights of the section were different for each class and starting with the expert, after a snaked climb up a bank they had a nice tight 90 deg right to be presented with a very tricky camber between two trees but the most evil diagonal down hill exposed root that just got more exposed and polished as the day went on. Basically two techniques. Either a well planted steadying dab or a full on “attack the block” which if you got wrong resulted in a rapid descent into the bottom of the gully. Total respect to the riders in this class and to Mark and Russ for picking such a great element.

Inters had a more simple climb up the bank, albeit, at the start it looked worse than it probably was. They then joined most of the clubman route but the exit was different. Quite a few riders picked up simple 5’s for getting this element wrong. Easily done…

Clubman had a perfect route for the class with a mixture of some simple challenges such as exposed root and banks with tighter turns. Lots of single dabs being taken with the maximum total for the 4 laps being 9. Finally, the Novice route was a really nice simple S between the flags. Its probably the hardest route to mark out in my opinion and it the class which is people coming into the sport and you want them to have a good days sport, feel like they have had some challenges but not freighted to come back.

It was great to be back on the boards but two observations from the observer…. firstly I was surprised at times that people who were walking the section not being aware of riders either coming into or actually walking the section. A few times I had to shout at riders to make sure the rider in the section was not impeded. Secondly (and to be clear we don’t do it for the thanks, we do it as a way of supporting the club), I was really surprised this time around how few riders said thank-you at the end of the last lap. Probably a maximum of 20. I really makes our day after being stood there for 4 hours to get a simple thank-you and actually you are verifying its your last lap so if for any reason we have recorded one of you laps against the wrong rider (it does happen when you are trying to record 400 individual scores) we can check our error with you.

Dave Pengilley – Twinshock / Intermediate

It looked like it was going to be a wet day as we climbed towards the Nant y Frith parking area and into the low mist and cloud. Directed to a parking spot by Geoff on his usual efficient parking duties getting the maximum out of the available space. Prior to the start of the trial, coffee in hand. It was good to catch up with a few riders that I had not seen for quite a while. Quick briefing from Russ and Mark and it was off to section 1.

I like to start at section 1, seems to save confusion later on. Must be an age thing. Section 1 looked a tricky opener with some innocent looking roots just waiting to catch you out. Walked section 2 at the same time as they were quite close, this looked as if could have been a very different section with a fallen tree across the start of a drop towards the ends cards, but it had all but disappeared after the first few bikes had been through it. I managed to clean both sections every lap albeit a bit close at times.

Section 3 was a new one tucked off the road. This was again a tricky
little section observed by Dave, special thanks goes out to him coming our to observe while injured. This caught me for a 1 on the second lap with a dab that was not on the ground long enough to be of any benefit but we have all been there.

Section 4 was a straight forward section dropping down through some trees over a large root into a gully, up the bank and out. Rode down the first part, dropped into the gully and fired it up the bank, I thought that seemed easy, other riders seemed to make a bit of a turn near the outs, quick glance over to the observer expecting a nod or thumbs up and he says wrong side the ends card mate. So that why it seemed easy!!!!!!!. Never mind some you win some you loose. On down the cracking new fire roads where there were sections spread out on either side of the tracks, this managed to keep any queuing to a min and kept the trial moving well. Every section was well thought out on the green route and had to be ridden accurately, slightly off line and you were in trouble.

Section 9 was a quick blast up a bank and around a tree, this has caught me out at an earlier trial so I decided plenty of gas slightly wider line to make sure I was the right side of a perfectly placed green marker close to the tree. This did have the observer Rob beating a hasty retreat on one lap with a slightly worried look on his face.

Section 10 was one of my favourite sections. First 2 laps it rode very well again making the most of the room to go wide around the first tree, dropping down the steeper part giving a good line for the tight right hand turn around the back of a fallen tree before a sharp climb over a rock to the end cards. Laps 3 and 4 was very different the short drop after the tree got very slippery and it was a bit of a lottery how you landed in the bottom before the turn.

Massive thanks to all the observers who stand out all day so we can enjoy our sport, especially the riders injured or just giving it a miss for other reasons picking up a board. Once again an excellent well organised trial, thanks must go to everyone involved not just the bits
we see on the day but all the work beforehand admin etc, and after sorting & washing markers, and getting the results out almost before some of us get home.

Tony Williams – AC Mono / Beginner

What a great trial again. 100 riders and very little queuing at the sections. Well me and my mate Steve Harding started with section 8, observer Michael. A figure of 8 section, really tight, did not like this one but got through on a 2. Next one, Section 9, a short climb to a tight left round tree about the easiest of the day. Now go to section 4, a very tricky section, go straight through tight trees, gentle on throttle then a very tight off camber left turn. You had to trust your front wheel or go for safety dab. Dropped one. I can go on and on about trial but really enjoyed the white route. Simple but still could trip you up. Well done Russ and Mark, good job.

Steve Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman

First of all a big thanks to everyone involved for putting on another great trial. As usual, big thanks to Russ and Mark for giving up their Saturday to set out the sections over good long lap. A massive thanks to all the observer’s for giving up the Sunday and standing there for most of the day just so we  could have a great day riding the sections, not forgetting  Chris Deburger for keeping us fed and watered .

So the day started  with me getting there early to assist with setting up and on car park duties with Geoff, with over 100 rider’s expected it was going to be a bit tight but Geoff was on it ,

Aĺl parked up and ready. So 11 o’clock arrived and every one met at the main part of the car park for Russ to give out the regulations and directions of the lap and then the day began. So here are a few of my favourite sections of the day.

Section 1: Sue and Russ on watch. I started to the right of the start gate and into the section. You had to keep left, tight against 3 trees before a tight right and up in-between a rock and some bare roots. Up onto a sandstone bolder before dropping off it into a dip and a tight left as soon as you drop off then. In-between two very close trees and then gas it up a bit over another bit of a steep bank, over more roots and a bit of a left on an off camber bank before another bit if a steep right handed bank. Over more roots and out of the section. I dropped some silly marks but found this section a bit challenging but enjoyed it, 

Section 4: Ben on watch. You start off from the main track and straight into the section into a bit of a muddy dip and then up towards the trees. Then a bit of a left and along a bit of a ridge, some very wet slippy leaves, carry on between more trees before going over a big root (almost a log haha ) and dropping down a wet slippery muddy bank and turn tight left at the bottom. Along a bit, before firing it up another steep slippery slope and out of the section back on to the main track,  

Section 9: Rob on watch on this one. You start off on the main track. I opted to start to the left of the start gate to give me a bit of a better line though the start and straight away in to the section. A bit of a dip and then straight away up over some slippery roots and close to a tree before climbing a bit again up to a very tight left, round another tree and keeping it left along the top of a ridge before a very tight left. Straight away, dropping down a steep bank before firing it up another steep slope covered  in roots and then straight away a very tight 180 round another tree and then drop down and left out of the section.

These were just three, but I think all sections were spot on and found it hard  to choose my favorites. Big thanks to everyone involved again  and all the observer’s 

Well done aqueduct , you guys smashed it again, Looking forward to seeing you all next time…Cheers

Before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again say a huge thank-you to the club team for all of the effort they put in over the preceding months to make this happen, the observers for still taking the time to support and the land owner as always.

Top Places

Pre 65

  • Expert – None
  • Intermediate – Paul Owen, BSA (5); Craig Howard, James (8); Kev Williams, Triumph (11)
  • Clubman – Paul Brimelow, Cotton (4); Graham Miller, Triumph (6);Harry Edwards, James(12)
  • Novice – Terry Lloyd, Triumph (14)

Twinshock

  • Expert – Richard Webster, Fantic (16); Dave Wood, Bultaco (29); Jim Williams, Honda (50)
  • Intermediate – James Brooks, Honda (3); Tony Dillon, Fantic (4);Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (6)
  • Clubman – Rob Jones, Honda (2); Elwyn Beedles, Honda (2); Phil Cottiga, Fantic (5)
  • Novice – None

Air Cooled Mono

  • Expert – Paddy Edwards, Yamaha (21); Kev Ellis, Yamaha (39); Ian Jones, Fantic (43)
  • Intermediate – Neil Brooks, Fantic (0); Robin Foulkes, Yamaha (1); Paul Young, Gas Gas (3)
  • Clubman – Adrian Kent , Montesa (10)
  • Novice – Tony Williams, Scorpa (11)

Modern Mono

  • Expert – Owen Edwards, Gas Gas (10); Tony Gush, Gas Gas (22); Ian Owen, TRS (32)
  • Intermediate – Paul Hornsby, Vertigo (1)T; Garry Parr, Montesa (1)T; Tomos Matthew, Gas Gas (2)T; George Jones, Gas Gas (2)T
  • Clubman – Andrew Dean, Beta (3); Jeff Hughes, Beta (4); Stephen Hall, Beta (6)
  • Novice – Glyn Roberts, Montesa (16)

Electric Modern Mono

  • Clubman – Seth Adams, EM Epure (9)

Observer List

1 – Suz and Russ

2 – Steve

3 – Dave

4 – Ben

5 – Mark

6 – Chris

7 – Julian

8 – Michael

9 – Rob

10 – Gordon

Stats

Bikes Classes

  • Pre 65 – 19
  • Twinshock – 29
  • Air Cooled Mono – 18
  • Modern Mono – 31
  • Electric Mono – 1

Route Classes

  • Expert – 15
  • Intermediate – 41
  • Clubman – 40
  • Novice – 3

Bikes

Pre 65

  • Ariel – 2
  • BSA – 6
  • Cotton – 2
  • Francis Barnett – 1
  • James – 1
  • Triumph – 6

Twinshock

  • Armstrong – 1
  • Bultaco – 5
  • Fantic – 11
  • Honda – 9
  • Kawasaki – 1
  • Montesa – 1
  • Ossa – 1

Air Cooled Mono

  • Aprilia – 1
  • Beta – 1
  • Fantic -3
  • Gas Gas – 4
  • Honda – 1
  • Montesa – 1
  • Scorpa – 2
  • Yamaha – 4

Modern Mono

  • Beta – 8
  • Gas Gas – 12
  • Montesa – 6
  • Sherco – 2
  • TRS – 2
  • Vertigo – 2

Electric Modern Mono

  • Electric Motion – 1

For Sale – JCM Europa 240

Totally rebuilt during lockdown only used once since then.
Frame, swing arm and subframe powder coated to original colour
Wheels rebuilt and powder coated to original
Rear shock fully restored
Bearings and seals replaced
Ideal bike for Rock shocks series

£2,750


Tel: Mike on 07983000657 for full details
Located south Wirral

Event Report – Pen Y Grag Quarry 091022

Well after much nagging, what a feast of a report we have this month! As well a few from the usual crew, we also have a brace from the our youth class with the Pughe-Hutchinson brothers kindly putting fingers to keyboard with their reflections on the day.

Entries continue to be healthy with 92 riders offloading a rand of bikes for a fantastic days competition back at the quarry. 27 Pre 65’2 and 18 Twinshocks lined up with 13 AC Monos and 33 Modern Monos.

8 Experts, 6 Novice, top and tailed the classes with 38 clubman and 39 intermediates filling in the middle routes.

I also need to close this introduction by thanking a number of our regular riders who offered to pick up observing boards for this event We cant run without your kind offers to give up a days riding to keep the club functioning.

Mark Gaskell – Pre 65 / Intermediate

Various different events have stopped me from riding anywhere near as much as I’d like to this year (get the excuses in early) so I was overjoyed when a free Sunday and an Aqueduct trial coincided!

Pen-y-Graig quarry is a great venue, and after the customary socialising and drinking tea in the paddock, we got down to the serious business of trying to keep our feet up. Some of us did better than others!

Section 2, my nemesis.

A left, right, left turn, on a slight bank and around a tree. Across a muddy trench, duck round another tree, then blast up a short steep climb to the end. The initial element was alongside more of the muddy trench, so do you try to turn across the trench, or keep it tight along the bank? Nearly everyone kept to the tight line.

First lap and I was contemplating a safety dab for the right before the tree, with my foot off the pegs ready. Then I decided I didn’t need one, but as I put my foot back on the peg the front wheel told me that I should have, as it slid the wrong side of the tree.

Second lap, and a messy three saw me round the tree and heading for the end climb. Realised at the last minute that I was heading for the yellow route, and my corrective action failed hopelessly and I slid gracefully to the ground.

Third lap and I tried to go very slowly down the bank into the right turn, holding the Triumph against the back brake, as it never stalls. It stalled.

Last lap and I managed to get round for two. Felt like a clean!

Section 7.

Up a tricky looking, but easy rock step. Left around a slight, easy looking loose off camber turn, then right on a steeper off cambered turn to the end.

First lap, easy clean.

Second lap, maybe not concentrating enough and the back wheel steps out on a loose rock leaving me stranded for a five.

Third lap, watch for the loose rock, slack dab that I didn’t need.

Fourth lap easy clean.

Section 8

Down a steep bank to a tight left, back up a bank and right between two trees, then down to the fallen log. This has been used before (I looked back at one of my old reports!) and has caused problems. The log itself is easy, but the downhill right that you have to make pretty much with your rear wheel still on the log makes it harder, especially as there is a wall of saplings adding a psychological barrier directly ahead. The “wall” was thinner than last time, mainly because I had crashed through them previously! From there it was a slalom down a gully, before climbing back onto the main track at the end.

Four cleans. The combination of geometry and momentum means the Triumph rolls over the log perfectly, all I have to do is ignore the saplings and hang on!

As ever, a great day. Huge thanks to everyone who works so hard to make it happen!

Nye Pughe-Hutchinson- Modern Mono / Youth Clubman

Thank you = it was a great trial. I liked it very much in the quarry and it was my first go at riding the yellow sections and I found it really hard but really fun and I tried it all .

My favourite section was number 6 because it was very hard and now I know what I need to practise on for next time . Section 2, I had good scores and it was really muddy but great fun to ride .

Even though I didn’t finish the trial because my bike broke it was still really fun and Thank you for everything that you did for me

Mark Newman – Class / Route

Well yet another great event , no surprise there then …same team, same great service,  because that’s what it is …its a service to us all who enter,  the Aqueduct team look after us from start to finish..as always a massive thanks to the team and all the observers and here’s a brief report on my day ..

Riding a new bike which I’ve been out on once before, a very unusual Ariel 250 twin. After the first outing I altered a couple of things but I knew the front was a bit soft as the guy I bought it from was half my weight I thought I’d try it and see …

Well section 1 not a difficult one, up and round a tree, camber to the left up and round another tree ..a little too much throttle saw me over shoot and was hard on the brakes to say, in the section a big rock to the right saw me bottom out the forks with a big thud .. a couple of dabs and I’m out …..only then did I find something was rubbing bad , the bottom yoke had hit the mudguard bracket and bent it and was now catching the front wheel.. I tried to bend slacken and twist to no avail…..it was back to the van for me to make repairs…30mins later I was mobile again but rushing a tad …

Anyway some great sections, 2 was a killer and dabs every time so enough said ..

I saw a few people struggling for grip on section 7 but the little twin just gripped and pulled up steady with gentle throttle control..it was a short section with a rock step then a left over the stones which were like glass then up high with a right turn over more slippy little stones but like I said gentle throttle and just steady made it a clean everytime…

then onto Gordon’s with the laying down tree ..its a bugger you have to be inch perfect aiming to lift the front from an angle not straight at it …you dropped in then tight to the left up steep bank and round a tree, then weave slight right then left and the fallen tree is in front of you…so throttle to lift the front over but to much and into the trees at the other side ..a cut finger 3 dabs and pull it hard right to get back on line. Not done yet , pull it sharp round the next tree on a bank drop back down onto the track up a banking to the right off camber and end gates up on the road …

2nd attempt go for the tree at an angle so you don’t end up in the trees opposite…not to much throttle so your still in control…front goes over good line but paused on tree for a milli second, foot down and a push needed a tiny bit more …3rd attempt ok, you know what to do, lift front, a bit of throttle and lift the legs to allow the bike over the tree …it worked and a clean ride well. Happy and now with a bit of confidence 4th time same but smoother happy with that …

Loved Julians section 9 such a flowing section. Could get the bike right down to tick over and just tootle round and through the vans and trees ..

Zain Pughe-Hutchinson – Modern Momo / Youth Expert

The Aquaduct trial in Pen Y Craig Quarry was another brilliant event however the ground was very loose and slippy which made the day harder but it was great fun . I rode the expert route and the sections were set out great . I rode multiple sections good and the worse section for me was probably number 3 because I just couldn’t get that turn at the top . Thanks to you all and see you all soon

Paul Smart- Air Cooled Mono / Expert

Section 1
Tricky turns which flowed on full lock, exit over some loose rocks whilst turning down hill, it was tricky and easy to loose a dab.

Section 2
Got easier as the day went on

Section 3
Lost most of marks here with a drop around a tree and back up tight but a route kicked the wheel out. Even when expecting it, it still caught me out.

Section 4
Lovely flowing section that dug out half way through and could have taken marks easily.

Section 7
Turn into a rock pool after the start gates, easy to clean but easier to dab! Then up around a tree to out.

Section 8
Flowing downhill section with tight full lock turns, blip up a bank to put

Section 9
Cambered drop in looked 10 times were than how it actually rode, then a cambered climb back up, narrow line which you had to be bang on, niggly little drop around a tree to out which again could easily take marks

To sum it up, good trial with flowing sections that needed some thought but nothing that required hopping or bopping.

Stephen Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman

Well where do I start, after such a great trial at Nant Y Ffrith last month how do you top that, but you did it at this great venue, 

We haven’t been here for a good while and there were some good changes to the farm yard to give more space for parking but it all soon filled up with plenty of vans and trailers, on a cracking day ,Chris deburger parked in his usual spot keeping us fed and watered 

The day started at 11oclock with a talk from Russ and then a ride down to the quarry for the start, everyone met at the bottom and then split up to start at witch ever section they wanted to,  I was riding with Tony Williams and Alan hotchkis and Oliver,  we decided to put some distance from the main crowd and started on section 6,

Not my favourite but here we are,

You start off from the main track and and drop down a good steep bank into a bit of deep mud and had to pick your line back up a bank and turn a bit of a tight right and up again to the top of the bank before going off camber between the flags before dropping back down heading steep towards a tree and keeping it to the right and over some tricky rocks and straight away you had to fire it up a very steep slope and over some tricky roots and out of the section. 

Section 1

Back down to the bottom of the quarry 

For this one,  you start off through the start gate and straight away in to some slippy mud and up a slippery slope and then on to some loose stone and keep climbing a bit then a bit of a left and up a bit more and left past a tree then you head straight along an off camber bank and then a bit of a right before going left and dropping down another off camber bank and out of the section 

Section 2

Another slippery muddy section, 

You start off from the main track in the bottom of the quarry, 

You enter the section and straight away you were in the slippery mud and up a bit  of a steep bank and then a bit of a left on an off camber bank and drop straight back down into some fairly deep mud and navigate across the previous tyre tracks and back across the main track and straight away up over some fairly good sized rocks onto a right and up a fairly steep bank and fire it up to te top and out of the section 

All sections were testing but spot on 

Big thanks to all the aqueduct team for putting on another great trial , and not forgetting all the observer’s for giving up there Sunday without whom it wouldn’t be possible to have such a great event 

Well done all involved 

Looking forward to seeing you all next time,.. 

We are just waiting for confirmation of our next venue so keep an eye out for the regs opening soon…

Before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again say a huge thankyou to the club team for all of the effort they put in over the preceding months to make this happen, the observers for still taking the time to support and the land owner as always.

Top Places

Pre 65

  • Expert – Chris Garlick, BSA (16); Chris Gascoigne, BSA (26)
  • Intermediate – Les Richardson, Drayton Starmaker (4); Dave Riley, Cotton (6); Robin Boyd, Triumph (14); Phil Alderman, Triumph (14)
  • Clubman – Tim Lewis, Matchless (1); Paul Brimelow, Cotton (3); Steve Walker (5)
  • Novice – Paul Thomas, AJS (5); Terry Lloyd, Triumph (18)

Twinshock

  • Expert – Kev Ellis, SWM (14); Jack Lycett, Honda (15)
  • Intermediate – Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (6); Ben Boyd, Honda (14); Tony Dillon, Fantic (21)
  • Clubman – Elwyn Beedles, Honda (2); Matthew Duff, Bultaco (6); Shaun Gallagher, Fantic (11); Owain Charles, Yamaha (11)
  • Novice – Steve williams, Bultaco (22)

Air Cooled Mono

  • Expert – Paul Smart, Honda (10)
  • Intermediate – Neil Brooks, Fantic (2); Mike Jones, Gas Gas (6); David Matthews, Yamaha (9)
  • Clubman – Adrian Kent, Montesa (3); Matthew Sinnott, Beta (34); Tony Williams, Honda (67)
  • Novice – No riders

Modern Mono

  • Expert – Tony Brooks, Beta (16); Zain Pughe-Hutchinson, TRS (22); Hayden Rainford, Honda (25)
  • Intermediate – George Jones, Beta (4); Paul Hempkins, Gas Gas (8); Michael Warburton, Vertigo (11)
  • Clubman – Jason Hanmer, Sherco (5); Andrew Dean, Beta Evo (6); Stan Trojnar, Beta (20); Sean Halstead, Montesa (20)
  • Novice – George Edge, Montesa (16); Mikey Thomas, Oset (60)

Observer List

1 – Pete Thomas

2 – Elwyn

3 – Dave Lovell

4 – Edward

5 – Jeff Hughes

6 – Mark Lucas

7 – Ian Jones

8 – Gordon

9 – Julian Price

10 – Russ

Stats

Bikes Classes

  • Pre 65 – 27
  • Twinshock – 18
  • Air Cooled Mono – 13
  • Modern Mono – 33

Route Classes

  • Expert – 8
  • Intermediate – 38
  • Clubman – 39
  • Novice – 6

Bikes

Pre 65

  • AJS – 1
  • Ariel – 1
  • BSA – 9
  • Cotton – 2
  • Drayton Starmaker – 1
  • Francis Barnett – 2
  • James – 2
  • Matchless – 1
  • Triumph – 7
  • Villiers – 1

Twinshock

  • Bultaco – 4
  • Fantic – 4
  • Honda – 4
  • Kawasaki – 1
  • Majesty – 1
  • Ossa – 1
  • SWM – 1
  • Yamaha – 1
  • Yamaha –

Air Cooled Mono

  • Aprilia – 1
  • Beta – 1
  • Fantic -2
  • Gas Gas 2-
  • Honda – 4
  • Scorpa – 1
  • Yamaha – 2

Modern Mono

  • Beta – 13
  • Gas Gas – 6
  • Honda – 1
  • Jotagas – 1
  • Montesa – 3
  • Oset – 1
  • Sherco – 2
  • TRS – 2
  • Vertigo – 3

Event Report – Nant Y Ffrith 110922

With the summer break over, September saw Aqueduct back on form with a return to Pen Y Graig. The rider count continues to be healthy with the regs being open to the end, a total of 69 riders enjoyed a warm start to the day.

14 Pre 65 and 18 Twinshocks made up the core classes of the club with 15 AC Monos and 22 Modern Monos making up the other groups.

4 Novices and 8 Experts enjoyed a great range of sections with 28 Clubman and 28 Intermediates battling it out in the middle classes.

Many thanks to David, Paul and our observers for their reports this month and also all of our riders for the dignified behavior and the period of silence at the start to commemorate the passing of the countries Queen.

Paul Owen – Pre 65 / Intermediate

It was nice to but back after the summer break. And after few minutes silence for our queen we all started our engines as took to the green paths.

Section 1 was so tricky with root after root on the off camber. Then into a tight right turn under the rock face to a slippy rocky climb to a sharp right and exit. That section looked easy but took many marks off the riders.

Section 3 was a basic up down up down on the banking the first part got tricky as the roots became bare and slippy and the next climb was on loose ground. I span lots on the first lap so on the 2nd lap I gave it full throttle and flew up the bank but got to much grip and almost missed the turn. Haha

Section 10 was a steady drop down a bank into a right turn and about 5 metres of rocks that if you got wrong would easy see a slack dab. Then you turned right into a tight left and up a steep bank but the ground was loose and you had no grip.

Again another top trials by a top club

David Riley – Pre 65 / Intermediate

Although the week was a bit low with the passing of the Queen, we . gathered for a 2 minute silence. I rode with Kev Williams and Jim Droughton and the company as always was great. Nant Y Ffrith is such a good venue with such scope it was always going to be a great trial especially with the warm weather.

Section 1 – Up and over a couple of big tree roots to a tight right turn & up the bank turning right downhill and out. The right turn was really tight if you got off line.

Section 2 – Steady right turn up a bank with a step halfway up to the crest then a left turn back down the bank & out. This was tricky on the last lap as a large rock was disturb at the top of the bank

Section 3 – Nice little climb up a steep bank to a cut rocky line, right down the hill and back up a couple of steps to a right turn around a tree and down a steep hill & out.

Section 4 – Up a bank over roots to a tight right turn up a gully and root step at the top. Turning left down the hill to a steep drop to the path level turning right back up the bank & out.

Section 5 – Up and down through a gully to a step to either a tight left turn or turn around a tree. Back into the gully with a right turn and up and out over roots.

Section 6 – Very tight on the first time through. Downhill left and right into the bomb hole. Up the bank to a tight left turn through trees and back into the bomb hole to a tight right 180 over tree roots and up and out to the left.

Section 7 – Tricky section uphill over rocks to a level to a tight downhill right turn back into the rocks with a nasty step down and a turn to the left & out. I got this all wrong on the last lap and needed a parachute as the Cotton gracefully hit the deck. Russ was to slow to get the camera out!!

Section 8 – Narly entrance over rocks to a left turn with awkward rocks to stop your progress. Up a greasy hill to the top of the bank and a left turn back down the bank & out.

Section 9 – Easy entrance to a right turn and up a bank. Travel along and back down into the bottom. Then up over tree roots to a greasy bank to the top. Turning left preparing for the steep downhill drop and out.

Section 10 – Gradual downhill to a steady right turn uphill and over a crop of tight rocks. On the Cotton I had to lift the front wheel to clear the sump. Over the rocks and into an uphill turn to the left, fighting for grip but needing throttle to get to the top of the bank.

All riders I spoke to commented on how good the trial and venue was

Thanks Aqueduct Organisers and all the observers

Observer Soundbites

Well I loved my section, a little difficult for some of the riders, or they said, but everyone said it was an amazing day and enjoyed every minute

Suzanne Jones (Sec 4)

Well my section was a bit challenging for some with a tight turn before going up the bank to finish but no complaints as always everyone enjoyed the day with the aqueduct crew

Christine Samuel (Sec 10)

Before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again say a huge thankyou to the club team for all of the effort they put in over the preceding months to make this happen, the observers for still taking the time to support and the land owner as always.

Our next event is on Sunday 9th October at Pen Y Graig Quarry.

Top Places

Pre 65

  • Expert – Chris Garlick, BSA (5)
  • Intermediate – Dave Riley, Cotton (8); Paul Owen, BSA (19); Mark Newman, Francis Barnett (27)
  • Clubman -Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (7); John Dodsworth, BSA (14); Mike Jones, Triumph (18)
  • Novice – Terry Lloyd, Triumph (5)

Twinshock

  • Expert – Richard Webster, Fantic (10); Dave Wood, Bultaco (18); Jim Williams, Honda (56)
  • Intermediate – Keith Burgess, Armstrong (4); Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (7); Craig Haworth, Fantic (24)
  • Clubman – Matthew Duff, Bultaco (5); Rob Adams, Ossa (10); Phil Cottiga, Fantic (15)
  • Novice – No riders

Air Cooled Mono

  • Expert – Steve Williams, Honda (44); Andrew Williams, Beta (45); Kev Ellis, Yamaha (48)
  • Intermediate – Mike Jones, Gas Gas (4); Daviid Matthews, Yamaha (8); Robin Foulkes, Yamaha (9)
  • Clubman – Adrian Kent, Montesa (7)
  • Novice – Tony Williams, Yamaha (15)

Modern Mono

  • Expert – James Brooks, Beta (11); Hayden Rainford, Honda (79)
  • Intermediate – Paul Edwards, Gas Gas (1); Garry Parr, Montesa (4); Paul Hornsby, Vertigo (13)
  • Clubman – Stephen Hall, Beta (8); Martin Speed, Vertigo (13); Phil Clarkson, Beta (14)
  • Novice – Glynn Roberts, Montesa (13); Gareth Edwards (17)

Observer List

1 – Elwyn

2 – Ian

3 – Ben

4 – Suz

5 – Jeff

6 – Dave

7 – Russ

8 – Roger

9 – Mark

10 – Chrissie

Stats

Bikes Classes

  • Pre 65 – 14
  • Twinshock – 18
  • Air Cooled Mono – 15
  • Modern Mono – 22

Route Classes

  • Expert – 8
  • Intermediate – 28
  • Clubman – 28
  • Novice – 4

Bikes

Pre 65

  • BSA – 5
  • Cotton – 1
  • Francis Barnett – 2
  • Triumph – 5
  • Villiers – 1

Twinshock

  • Armstrong – 1
  • Bultaco – 5
  • Fantic – 4
  • Honda – 1
  • Kawasaki – 1
  • Majesty – 3
  • Ossa – 2
  • Yamaha – 1

Air Cooled Mono

  • Aprilia – 1
  • Beta – 1
  • Fantic -2
  • Gas Gas – 3
  • Honda – 2
  • Montesa-1
  • Scorpa – 1
  • Yamaha – 4

Modern Mono

  • Beta – 5
  • Gas Gas – 5
  • Honda – 1
  • Montesa – 6
  • Sherco – 1
  • Vertigo – 2

Event Report – Plan Onn 030722

February was the last time that the club held an event at Plas Onn, and it was lovely to arrive in the late spring for another great visit to this fantastic venue.

84 riders enjoyed the start with 28 Pre 65’s, 21 Twinshocks, 16 AC Monos and 19 Modern Monos making up the numbers. So great to see a strong bias to the Pre 65 and Twinshock classes. Experts and Beginners accounted for 12 and 7 of the entries with Intermediates making the biggest class at 39 riders and Clubman not far behind with 26 riders. It was great to see the Pre 65 Intermediate class as the largest with 17 riders taking part.

With Plas Onn being a privately ran farm and the use of this venue being kindly offered by Barry and Sarah on a regular basis, the club took the decision to establish the Plan Onn Trophy Trial which was won by William Leigh on its inaugural outing.

William Leigh – Twinshock / Clubman

I always enjoy riding at Plas Onn, no matter what time of year it is or what the weather is doing, just riding the laps themselves is a pleasure with the stunning scenery and navigating the big hills from top
to bottom puts a smile on my face, even if the sections don’t go to plan. Last Sunday I was fortunate to have an exceptional ride on my old trusty TY. A huge thank you goes to the landowners Barry and Sarah,
and to Geoff and all the Aqueduct team and observers that always make every event a great day.

Section 1: A smooth start downhill and turn left where the rocks begin and get gradually bigger, a nice wide exit
but plenty of opportunity to hit the wrong rock and start a waggle.

Section 2:Walking up the stream bed to weigh up the section I’m met with a big rock step up, having watched a few riders take both sides of the step, I chose the right hand side as is it gave me a better line to enter
the climb on the left. The left hand line over the rocks looked easier to ride up but a tighter turn was needed to enter the climb. Once at the top and down the bank it was a fairly straightforward exit up the stream bed.

Section 3: Probably my favourite section of the day. After watching a couple of riders, it was clear a turn of speed was required to get up the first incline. Looking at the network of roots sticking out of the ground I could see a reasonably straight line through the middle of them. It’s very rare that I use second gear in any section but I decided to use second cog on this one throughout. After rolling into the section, a slight
left turn got me pointing in my desired direction, full throttle and unleash all of those raging horsepowers. The new IRC hooked up and pulled me up to the top, time for half a breath before turning right and dropping down and immediately back up as you cross the stream. Following on to the right and looking closely at the approaching transition to the steep climb up to the left. An off camber depression that threatens to let either wheel slide off line. All my weight on the right hand peg got me
pointing uphill where it was full throttle again until the gradient eased off and straight out of the section.

Section 4: A short loose climb and then right around the tree, as you dropped down to the left turn, the off camber and loose soil make getting back on the power a gentle affair, once hooked up it was an easy right and out. I had never ridden this side of Plas Onn before where sections 4 and 5 were but both good sections and a welcome change.

Section 5: Well it sounds simple, ride in a straight line and then turn up to the left and out. Total concentration at not much above tickover in 1 st gear. It started to rain just before my second attempt here which added
to the jittery nerves. Visions of losing the front and sliding off down the hill. I didn’t see anyone riding much above walking pace on this one. Turning left up the bank it looks like there is lots of room to turn
between the markers but they soon get close as you struggle to turn on the camber.


Section 6: Steep downhill entry over the big rocks and roots, try to keep everything reasonably straight before pulling right as it flattens out, left over the stream bed and weave around the rocks before a squirt of
throttle to exit up to the right. A bit slimy on the exit and both wheels weren’t quite working together here but the bank straightened me up before the exit.


Section 6.5……….The view…., did you pause to look down the valley? The sun is shining, the wind in the last of my hair, twisting the bulls ear in 4 th gear, this is the real magic.

Section 7: Traversing the bank from right to left, there was plenty of roots and bits of rocks both visible and hidden
in the grass to catch you out. A steady throttle and no sudden movements here.

Section 8: Riding up the rocky stream and turning hard left immediately before the big flat rock lined me up just right for the tight gap to exit the stream, careful not to spin up on the roots but once back on dry land it
was a right turn uphill on the grass to exit. On my second lap there was a big queue so I went and had a quick look, good job I did as the 3ft big flat rock which was my turning marker had somehow (500 or a
twin?) migrated downstream so it was turn tight around the back of the rock to line up the exit after that.

Section 9: Turn right and drop into the stream, a couple of zig zags in and out of the stream bed but the second was quite a tight line between the rocks and the bank. A bit of throttle to climb out of the stream kept
the momentum up where a few odd rocks and steps tried to knock you off line on the gradually steepening incline, once at the top it was a steady right turn in the ever increasing greasy mud and out
to the exit.

Section 10: Crossing over the stream to the opposite bank and dropping back in again, there was a few rocks in the stream to keep an eye on before exiting up onto the grass, dropping back left into the stream I found it was almost a single line to avoid some bigger rocks and keep a steady tight turning circle to the right. Once the markers came into view, a quick blip of throttle to exit the stream and out of the section.

Mark Newman – Pre 65 / Intermediate

Well after a great tribute to Barry and Sarah the land owners , the talking was done and it was now time for the riding..

Section 1 was in the gully its was prity dry but the rocks were still slippy for some reason, but steady away down into the Section and following the gully away to the left then a sharp short climb to the right out the gully up the banking and back down end cards to the right all well and good first Section nerves all gone .

Section 2, very similar but large rocks to go over as you enter the Section sharp up to the left because again steep climb up to the right out the gully and a steep drop back in …very hair raising if you have any ..as it was a nasty drop and a very quick right to get back in line for the exit…I was concerned about this drop first few times but on the last lap it had me for a 5 bike tucked on me and I went down ..as much as Dave the observer wanted me to clean it and pretend it never happened he had no choice but to give me the 5 ..

Section 3 last one in the gully well this was the hardest of the day tight n twisty and add a measure of slippy in there …watching the first few riders go through I thought Russ and Mark had got this wrong and it was way to tough..if you could make the tight turn up to the left and over the slippy roots no way could you make the tight right turn. But after watching the first 5 or so riders fail an expert who I don’t know came through slow and controlled he entered the Section on the left went as far right as you could pulled it round for a perfect line on the tree roots you a gentle throttle….no wheel spin and just made the tight right ..he then went a different way to me but cleaned the rest slow and in control….I new it was possible….my turn I kept left on entering went as far right as I could a big sweeping left turn almost back to where I was coming from perfect line for the roots gentle throttle control up the roots tight right and the Francis Barnett just gripped and pulled through I was ecstatic but only half way through ….concentrate Newman I said to myself we then turned right and dropped back into across the steam up the grassy bank big left , tight right between two trees slippy on the grass you can see the wheel spin marks but I went straight through and didn’t try tuning right until I was through pulled it right to get back on line with the last gates before the end cards straight ahead ….through for a clean ….I was amazed and so were plenty other I hadn’t seen anyone clean it on the green route even the few modern bikes who had gone struggled…it was the ride of my life and I was thrilled to say the least….I did however take a dab on the second lap 2 on the third as I did get off line a couple of inches that’s all it took and another clean on the last lap…

Stephen Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman

First of all a big thanks to everyone involved and Russ and Mark for spending their Saturday setting up the sections for us all to enjoy, A big thanks to Barry and Sarah for the use of the land and a well deserved trophy in appreciation to them for the use of Plas Onn farm, Chris Deburger for keeping us fed and watered . A huge thank you to all the observer’s for giving up there Sunday especially jeff Hughes for travelling a long way with the 2 terriers just  to observe a section ,it is really appreciated. 


So here are a few of my favourite sections of the day , all the sections were spot on but I seemed to struggle with one or two but had a great day any way.

Section 2, David on watch. You ride up  the stream from section 1, a good way over the slippery rocks before you get to the start gate of section 2. You start off in the stream and have a choice to go left or right up a good sized step and then turn tight left on to a wet slippery bank back out of the stream and over some tricky roots and keep climbing right up the bank then drop back down into the stream and and left  up stream over some slippy rocks and out of the section and carry on up stream to section 3.

Section 6 with Sue on watch. You start off from the main track and drop straight down a very steep slope on to the slippery rocks and over the slippy log that caught out many of us on the way up last time here, (a bit of a reverse section from last time here). Then drop down left and straight back up right past a large rock, back down then back up a bit and then turn tight left and drop back down into the stream and across some slippy rocks. Then a turn left and back up the stream then a tight right back up the slippy slope and out . 

Sections 8, Russ on watch. You start off from the bank of the stream and drop straight into the section and up the sections over some large slippery rocks. Then keep it right and tight left round a large rock which seemed to move out of the way as the day went on, then back up a steep step back out of the stream between two trees on to the wet slippy grass. Then turn right and up the steep hill and tight left back out of the section, I dropped a good few points but had a great day, all sections were tough but well set out, 

Well done to will Leigh for cleaning up and winning the Plas Onn trophy, and a huge thanks and well done to all the aqueduct team for another great trial, 

Matt Duff – Twinshock / Clubman

My 3rd trial and first time riding the clubman route on my fantic 200, I was a bit apprehensive about returning to this particular venue due the very wet/difficult conditions back in February on my first ever trial which resulted in me breaking my clutch lever and not finishing but this time is was excellent.

My favourite sections were:

Section 2: Nice section in and out of the stream with a good test up over the large rocks which was challenging earlier on due to slime on the rocks.

Section 3: This section seemed to be a challenge for most especially on the green route with the tight turns up and around the tree. On the clubman route the climb up and over the roots was surprising difficult and the turn up the final climb caught me out a number of times but it was good testing section.

Section 5: This was a very deceiving section, when first walking the section I presumed it would be fairly easy but the incline combined with the very soft grass made it difficult especially the turn and final steep climb up. I did try a number of different gears but eventually decided first gear was the most suitable.

Section 8: As with section 3, this one seemed to be giving people problems especially the tight turn up and out the stream but to my surprise I managed to clean it every time which gave me a good confidence boost.

All in all a great day and my most enjoyable one to date with the added bonus of doing fairly well on the scores. Big thank you to everyone who makes the trials possible, butty van for the great burger and thanks to Mr Mark Newman for his help/advice while riding!

We now go into a short break to allow people to have a nice Summer and get their bikes ready for the Autumn and Winter phase of the Championship but before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again say a huge thankyou to the club team for all of the effort they put in over the preceding months to make this happen, the observers for still taking the time to support and the land owner as always.

Top Places

Pre 65

  • Expert – No finishers
  • Intermediate – Simon Thornley, BSA Bantam (3); Peter Edwards, Drayton Banton (9); Steve Gollings, Drayton (9)
  • Clubman – Jon Flower, James (2); Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (9); Paul Brimelow, Cotton (12)
  • Novice – Chris Dean, Ariel (3); Terry Lloyd, Triumph (12); Mike Phillips, BSA (37)

Twinshock

  • Expert – Paul Smart, Fantic (17); Richard Webster, Fantic (19); Jim Williams, Honda (56)
  • Intermediate – Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (6); Tim Cuffin, Honda (9); Chris Beech, Honda (10)
  • Clubman – William Leigh, Yamaha (0); Matthew Duff, Fantic (7); Elwyn Beedles, Honda (9)
  • Novice – No riders

Air Cooled Mono

  • Expert – Chris Garlick, Gas Gas (15); Peter Ruscoe, Gas Gas (27); Kev Ellis, Yamaha (45)
  • Intermediate – Robin Foulkes, Yamaha (5); Neil Brooks, Fantic (5); Mike Jones, Gas Gas (5)
  • Clubman – Stephen Richards, Yamaha (10); Steve Goode (29)
  • Novice – Tony Williams, Scorpa (8)

Modern Mono

  • Expert – Hayden Rainford, Montesa (99)
  • Intermediate – Michael Warburton, Vertigo (9); Mike Smith (12); Peter Moor, Gas Gas (13)
  • Clubman – Phil Clarkson, Beta (5); Stephen Hall, Beta (26); Stan Trojnar, Beta (30:
  • Novice – Gareth Edwards, Gas Gas (10); Bradley Zyskowski, Gas Gas (12); Glyn Roberts, Montesa (23)

Observer List

Geoff, Jan, Russ, Suz, Chris, Mark, Dave, Gordon, Jeff Hughes, Elwyn,Bill

Stats

Bikes Classes

  • Pre 65 – 28
  • Twinshock – 21
  • Air Cooled Mono – 18
  • Modern Mono – 16

Route Classes

  • Expert – 12
  • Intermediate – 39
  • Clubman – 26
  • Novice – 7

Bikes

Pre 65

  • AJS – 1
  • Ariel – 1
  • BSA – 10
  • Cotton – 1
  • Francis Barnett – 3
  • James – 1
  • Starmaker – 1
  • Triumph – 8
  • Villiers – 1

Twinshock

  • Bultaco – 3
  • Fantic – 4
  • Honda – 9
  • Kawasaki – 1
  • Majesty – 1
  • Ossa – 1
  • Yamaha – 1

Air Cooled Mono

  • Beta – 1
  • Fantic – 2
  • Gas Gas – 5
  • Honda – 1
  • Scorpa – 1
  • Yamaha – 4

Modern Mono

  • Beta – 6
  • Gas Gas – 5
  • Montesa – 3
  • Sherco – 1
  • Vertigo – 3

Event Report – Pen Y Graig 120622

The good news is, I dont need to do copy this month as we already have an Inter route report so no need to spill the beans on the immediate 5 on the first section and a stall on Russ’s section first lap setting me up with 10 points straight away!

Nevertheless, it was a brilliant event with 73 riders turning out to Pen Y Graig on a really nice day. Due to this being a working farm and a whole flock of sheep needing to be sheered, we were asked not to turn up till after 09:30 and the good Aqueduct citizens followed this to the letter so a huge thanks for that! Its only with the landowners consent that we get to use these venues and these little asks and our conduct around them goes a long way to making sure our ability to use them remains in place.

14 Pre 65s and 20 Twinshocks were supported by 19 AC Monos and 20 Modern Monos. It was great to see 6 riders on the White (Beginner) route enjoying the day and at the other end of the spectrum, 9 riders on the Blue/Red (Expert) route. Clubman (Yellow) was contested by a whopping 28 riders with 30 riders in the Intermediate (Green) route. The biggest class was AC Mono Inters with 11 riders now contesting this group.

A few years ago, the club lost a member to a road based motorcycle accident and following this, a trophy was donated in his memory which focused on riders who were developing their trials journey but also embraced the spirit of the fellowship of the trials community that the club aims to uphold.

Pre Covid, the last person to be awarded this was Graham Pennington and during the start briefing he asked for a few minutes to say a few words. What followed was a heartfelt ask that the trophy be passed on to the operational committee of the club for all of the efforts over the Covid period, maintaining events within the Covid restrictions where this was allowed, even when only a small number of competitors were permitted. This was greeted with a roaring round of applause and was humbly accepted. A lovely way to start the event and remember Chris Davies!

Many thanks to everyone below who contributed to the event report.

Dave Riley – Pre 65 / Intermediate

I love the events at Pen Y Graig, even just getting there can be an event due to pulling a trailer, if anything comes the other way you are knackered.

 I arrived at the farm to the usual well organised car parking. I don’t know why but I always end up at the furthest point from the signing in trailer. I wandered down to Sign In and the usual 20 minute socialising by Chris de Burger’s van. Before the Trial commenced there was a “get together” where Graham Pennington presented the Chris Davies Cup to the Aqueduct Team for the great work throughout the Pandemic.

Continuing onto the Green Route which I was lucky enough to ride around with Kev Williams, it consisted of the following:-

Section 1 – Nice starter – In through the gates to an uphill climb to the left turning left through 2 trees downhill over a couple of roots. At the bottom of the hill turning right and straight out

Section 2 – A winding route through the trees ending in a right turn and quite a steep hill with a left turn mid way and straight out at the top

Section 3 – Down hill into the section with a tight turn to the right followed by a 180′ to the left up a slight rise over debris to a left hand downhill turn. At the bottom was a tricky right turn on a camber and up a bank to right with a tightish left turn over a few rocks which seem to disappear for the 2nd lap??

Section 4 – Uphill to a tight right turn through a bit of “Greenery”. Another left turn and over a large boulder and a slight left to a tightish right turn and out through the gates

Section 5 – Through the start gate and turn right through a bomb hole travelling up hill to a shale/rocky turn to the left. Through some more “Greenery” over a number of well placed rocks to a tight left turn to and (on the first lap), a tricky slippy boulder. On the 2nd lap a nice path had been established around the boulder

Section 6 – A steady downhill through trees on small rocks to a tricky right turn into a dip. Up and over a rock step and a tight left turn over rocks/shale. Followed by traversing across a tricky camber to a pair of trees and turning left down a steep hill to the end gates

Section 7 – All over moving rocks you went in through the gates and a slight right to a large boulder followed by loose rocks uphill to a left hand turn on a downhill camber and out

Section 8 – I believed this was the trickiest !! Into the section downhill to a steady left turn which needed to be the right line or it left the next turn really tricky. Uphill turning tight right and immediately over a fallen tree laid on the ground. If you got the turn wrong dabs were needed to keep going. Once over the tree, uphill again over a mound turning to the right, then downhill on a bit of a camber to a right turn through rocks and a tree stump. Up the bank and out to the left

Section 9 – In through the gates and a steady left turn to a loose climb with a couple of tree roots at the top. Once over the top it was an immediate right 180′ turn downhill straightening up to a left turn into a bomb hole with the out gates up the hill and immediately on the right

Section 10 – Into the section turn left downhill and across the road. Up a shale climb and turning left to a downhill tight off camber right turn followed by a steep shale climb which needed good traction in the bottom of the turn to get grip. At the top of the hill there were a few exposed roots with a left turn down the shale hill with a camber to a left hand turn over rocks and turning left again to the out gates

A number of riders were struggling with their orienteering skills as we must have been a good hour into the trial before we heard the last ” Do you know where Section 3 is??


A really enjoyable day was had by all. Thanks again

Michael Griffiths – Observer Section 6

Just a thought from behind the ‘board’…

I had a grand section (6), well thought out and a bit of a tester. The experts route was niggly to say the least and took marks off nearly all. Chris Garlic had a clean ride on his GasGas where as Richard Webster dropped few marks on his twinshock Fantic. Proving you don’t need the modern stuff to do well. It was nice to see Steve Jones back riding and finishing a trial with very few dropped marks. Seems all the ‘cheeky boys’ came to my section as I think the Woke brigade would have been going daft with what is known as banter flowing round. Non worse than that there Bill Brown sneaking down from the Northern climes ‘pot hunting’… Serves him right as he rode in the wrong group . Just one little gripe from me was the lack of thanks to the observers from many riders. Doesn’t cost a lot lads. Also finally there are one or two who could get a bit of a move on as 2 1/2 hours for a lap is a tad on the slow side… Did I enjoy the trial ? you bet , even the death ride back with Geoff….

Stephen Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman

First of all a big thanks to everyone involved for putting on such a great event and Chris deburger for keeping us fed and watered, and a huge thanks to all the observer’s for giving up there Sunday. The day started with a bacon butty and a decent brew from Chris deburger as usual, then the presentation of the Chris Davies trophy to the club from Graham Pennington, and well deserved, for all the hard work that they do and for keeping the club  afloat during a very difficult 2 years for everyone (no easy task). Then the ride down to the quarry from the farm yard. So here are a few of my favourite sections of the day. Back with my usual crew Tony Williams and Alan Hotchkiss, we made our way down to section 3 where Mark was waiting. We were first to the section so had a good look then started off . You started off from a bit of a high bank and dropped straight into the section then straight away turn right and climb up and over a few small rocks, up to a tight left, under a low branch then tight left and round a large rock. Then you drop back down tight past another tree, then right on a very loose off camber bank and climb up a fairly steep loose climb and out of the section. Dropped a few daft safety dabs on this one.

Section 8 – Sue on watch on this one. Again you start off from the from a bit of a steep bank and drop down into the section straight on to a couple of rocks. Then up and left tight past a tree, then a right up a bit of a climb up to a right and a rock sticking up to catch you out. Then keep climbing and over a fairly large rock to the top of the section then a bit of a right and mind you’re head on the low branch and right back down and a bit of a tight left between the trees and down then straight back up the bank over some good sized rocks and a tight left at the top of the bank and out of the section. I managed to clean this one every time,  

Section 10 David on watch – Geoff getting things moving at the start gate,  You start off from the top of a steep bank and drop down and across the main track and then straight up a steep shale slope and turn tight left past a tree on very loose shale then down hill on a loose off camber bank before climbing up right and then left over some rocks tight to a tree. Then on to a bit of a plateau and a tight left between two trees and out of the section and a bit of a steep drop back to the main track.  
 Overall I had a great day and some of the best  sections I’ve rode so far. Once again a big thanks to everyone involved. Well done aqueduct you guys smashed it again. 

Dave Pengillley – Twinshock / Intermediate

Arrived at the farm remembering not to be too early to allow the farmer to do some early morning sheep shearing. Directed up through the farmyard and was parked up in the usual orderly fashion by Geoff. Fantastic spot with stunning views over looking the valley. Strolled down and signed on then over to Chris for a coffee and chat which turned out to be very educational learning about the fine art of bee keeping, sheep shearing, and much much more like a proper old school field trip. Albeit with mature students !!!!!!

The entry gathered for the usual final instructions from Russell and Mark. There was a new speaker in Graham Pennington who presented the organisers with the Chris Davies trophy for 2020/ 21, in recognition of all the behind the scenes work that they had put in to ensure that the trials got restarted after Covid, and Aquaduct would continue stronger under the amca banner.

Down to the sections in the quarry. Section 1 was a nice straight forward section to ease us into the trial although you had to concentrate as the green route proved there was little margin for error.

On up into the quarry every section on the green route needed to be ridden inch perfect especially sections 6 and 7 over the loose rocks, at the end of lap 1 I was still clean but only just. (I knew it wouldn’t last)

Section 8 had a tricky right hand camber turn then straight over a slippy angled log closely observed by Suzanne. I manged to clean it on my first 3 visits, fourth lap on exactly the same line as I thought, the back wheel kicked

Sideways over the log which called for a well planted works dab to haul the Kawasaki back on line to complete the section for a 1.

Section 10 proved to be the sting in tail across the path up and around a tree then dropping down to a tight turn on loose soil leading up to a climb around another tree. First lap it rode well but laps 2 and 3 were a different story. Lap 2 a little too slow and had to work hard to force the bike around the tree for a scratting 3. On lap 3 determined not to make that mistake again, steady around the turn then approached the bank far too fast and needed a 2 to regain control around the tree.

An excellent well thought trial on the green route. As always thanks to the organisers and a special thanks to all the observers who give up there time so we can enjoy our sport.

Suzanne Jones – Observer Section 8

I had a great time!

A massive thank you to Graham Pennington it meant so much to all of the Aquaduct Crew 😀, thank you to all you riders, it was a new section for me but you all did great.

Thank to Moz for his time and patience with me at the very beginning 👍🏻

All your thanks were very appreciated. See you all next time

Before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again say a huge thankyou to the club team for all of the effort they put in over the preceding months to make this happen, the observers for still taking the time to support and the land owner as always.

Top Places

Pre 65

  • Expert – No riders
  • Intermediate – Dave Riley, Cotton (6); Les Richardson, Drayton Starmaker (8); Paul Owen, Bantam (11)
  • Clubman – Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (0); Jon Flower, Triumph (1); Steve Jones, BSA (5)
  • Novice – Terry Lloyd, Triumph (5)

Twinshock

  • Expert – Richard Webster, Fantic (11); Steve Williams, Honda (41)
  • Intermediate – Tim Cuffin, Majesty (3); Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (6); Steve Sherwin, Yamaha (11)
  • Clubman – 3 way tie (0) = Darren Riley, Bultaco; Dave Lycett, Honda; William Leigh, Yamaha
  • Novice – Oliver Barker, Bultaco (3); Joel Riley, Yamaha (17)

Air Cooled Mono

  • Expert – Chris Garlick, Gas Gas (3); Peter Ruscoe, Gas Gas (19); Kev Ellis, Yamaha (21)
  • Intermediate – Mike Jones, Gas Gas (3); Robin Foulkes, Yamaha (7); Shaun Mountford, Fantic (8)
  • Clubman – Stephen Richards, Yamaha (0); Bill Brown, Fantic (1); Tony Williams, Honda (13)
  • Novice – No riders

Modern Mono

  • Expert – James Brooks, Beta (6); Julian Price, Beta (24); Hayden Rainford, Montesa (50
  • Intermediate – Paul Hornsby, Vertigo (3); Ken Williams, Montesa (14 T); David Williams, Montesa (14 T)
  • Clubman – Jeff Hughes, Beta (3); Chris Mellor, Montesa (4); Stan Trojnar, Beta (10)
  • Novice – Glyn Roberts, Montesa (10); George, Montesa (33); Jack Black, Montesa (67)

Observer List

1 – Elwyn

2 – Jan

3 – Mark

4 – Russ

5 – Tony Rainford

6 – Michael Griffiths

7 – Ade Robinson

8 – Suzanne

9 – Ben

10 – Dave

Stats

Bikes Classes

  • Pre 65 –
  • Twinshock –
  • Air Cooled Mono –
  • Modern Mono –

Route Classes

  • Expert –
  • Intermediate –
  • Clubman –
  • Novice –

Bikes

Pre 65

  • BSA – 4
  • Cotton – 1
  • Drayton Starmaker – 1
  • Francis Barnett – 1
  • Matchless – 1
  • Triumph – 6

Twinshock

  • Bultaco – 3
  • Fantic – 5
  • Honda – 5
  • Kawasaki – 1
  • Majesty – 2
  • Ossa – 1
  • Yamaha – 1

Air Cooled Mono

  • Aprilia – 2
  • Fantic – 3
  • Gas Gas – 5
  • Honda – 2
  • Scorpa – 1
  • Yamaha – 6

Modern Mono

  • Beta – 5
  • Gas Gas – 3
  • Montesa – 8
  • Sherco – 2
  • TRS – 1
  • Vertigo – 1

Event Report – Pen Y Graig 080522

I am pretty sure we dont have a class for these?

It was sunny, how do I know that? Because after having my bike blocked in my garage by my roofer putting the scaffolding in front of the door I volunteered to observe. No I didn’t enjoy the sunshine from the side of a section, I enjoyed it by the side of the road waiting for a recovery truck to pick me up so sorry guys. I did offer and I was on the way honest! and Im gutted I didn’t get to see that wonderful Morgan 3 wheeler!

So back to the event. With entries now being capped to maintain safety and limit queuing (as in the last year or so certain dates and venue have seen in excess of 120 riders turn up which whilst wonderful for the club can bring its own new set of challenges), the 82 riders were spread across 30 Pre 65’s, 20 Twinshocks, 16 Air Cooled Monos and 18 Modern Monos.

It was great to see 7 riders in the Beginner/Novice class and at the other end of the spectrum we had 10 Experts. Filling in the middle classes were 33 Clubman and 34 Intermediates.

Paul Owen – Pre 65 / Intermediate

Back to a great venue.

Section 3. Looked easy with a climb up a bank to a very tight right turn but the rear wheel was on wet tree roots and always caused me a dab before a slippy off camber ride out to another slippy root to the out gate.

Section 6. Looked a simple climb up and down a bank 3 times. But again the roots became bare and slippy at the top of the bank and a rock at the bottom of the bank stopped you getting on the power and caught lots out.

Section 8. A simple ride to a right turn and down to a fallen tree. A basic hop over it and carry on down to a left to the bottom and a climb out the the exit gate. But the fallen tree took lots of points off the riders and a few were eating dirt. Sometimes the easiest of things are the hardest.

Top trials by a great club as normal !

Mark Newman – Twinshock / Intermediate

Well first of all I want to thank everyone from the club for all there hard work again putting on a great event as always and to the observers who without them we wouldn’t have an event..

and to wish Gordon a happy birthday …your a star ..

Anyway a quick sum up from me as I’ve been a tad busy this week. I know its hard to believe. I had set myself a difficult task riding a bike am not used to, an Ossa 250 Gripper, the characteristics of the bike being totally alien to me but I spent the first lap and a half just learning to ride it and I dropped 5 after 5, in total about 30 marks but things did improve and I finally finished on a total of 39 which seems a lot but as I said things did get better..

I found most of the  sections very challenging, is it me or have we moved up a notch on the difficult scale ? I didn’t find any dangerous but I just couldn’t get to grips with section 3, up a steep ramp with a couple of feet to turn right or run into the wall. I never cleaned this.

But I’ve got to say Rogers section I had a 5 first time through but then banged to control the Ossa power and really enjoyed this challenging but great section. I had lots of slack dabs most unnecessary.

This venue is great and the tree lying down on Harry’s section usually causes all kind of problems but the Ossa floated over it to my surprise so much a handful of front brake caused the front to tuck on me and I face planted the dirt. I did see loads of riders struggling to get over it, stopping dead on it or flying into  the thick bush at the back of it but low and behold I cleaned it the next 3 times through it once I’d calmed down with the throttle, and this turned out to be one of my favourites.

It’s great that this club can keep putting on super events and long may it continue. Many thanks again 

Mat Duff – Twinshock / Novice

This is my first event report so go easy. Arrived at Pen y Graig quarry with my Fantic 200 and greeted by the friendly parking Marshall who quickly directed me to a parking spot, bike off loaded, quick brew/chat, signed on, briefing and off we went.
This was only my second trial and I did think about going on the yellow route but I wanted make sure I was fully happy on the Fantic as its a recent purchase and wanted to build my confidence so I entered the white route.
My favourite sections were:
Section 4: Enjoyed this as it was one of the longer sections (on the whites) and it had a nice few turns and things to get around, one of the slower sections which had me trying different gears each time I entered but I finally found the Fantics sweet spot after a few laps around.
Section 5: Enjoyed this as it was a challenge avoiding the mud bath at the bottom of the short incline into the section, also a few difficultly placed rocks to avoid in the middle of the section which caught me off guard the first time around and then gentle a climb out.
Section 9: Enjoyed this as again it was one of the longer sections with a fairly tight turn around a tree and then a nice climb out the section
All in all a great day, great set up, great people and nice to see a good number of little Fantics out and about.
Looking forward to the next one and riding on the yellow route

Many thanks to the observers and organisers.

Stephen Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman

As usual a huge thanks to all the aqueduct team for putting on such a great event again, a big thanks to Russ and Mark for spending their Saturday setting up the sections and all the the observer’s for giving up there Sunday without whom it wouldn’t be possible to have such a great event.  The day started at the farm yard and as everyone was getting parked up we had a bacon butty off Chris deburger as usual and a decent brew and as we were looking at the array of well prepared bike’s there was the sound of a Morgan pulling up in to the yard and it did attract some attention, (nice bit of kit that ), then 11 o’clock start and  pre event instructions from Russ and then a ride down to the quarry for the start. 

So here are a few of my favourites of the day.

Section 1: David on watch, you start off from the bottom of the quarry and through the start gate up a bit of a slippery stony slope, up a bit of a bank then a right onto an off camber right trying to avoid the tree then climb a bit more and drop back down to the right again and then a bit of a steep drop back down and out of the section.


Section 6: Paul on watch, you start off from the main track and a steep drop down and over a bit of a bump and drop straight into a bit of a deep mud bath. So then you had to come out the other side and up and keep left before a tight right and drop back down into the mud trying to avoid the large rock whilst turning left past another muddy slippy rock and tree stump and out of the section. aA good section this one , I only managed to clean it once.


Section 10: Mark on watch on this one. You start off from the top of a steep bank and drop down into the section through the start gate and down a bit of a loose gravel slope then a bit of a left up an off camber bank and then a really tight right past a tree and keep the brakes on, Then a bit of a tight left round another tree  then right and out.


Overall I had a great day, I managed to clean 3 sections, could have been more but that’s how it goes, big thanks to everyone involved and can’t wait to see you all again at the next one. Cheers aqueduct team once  again. 

Before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again say a huge thankyou to the club team for all of the effort they put in over the preceding months to make this happen, the observers for still taking the time to support and the land owner as always.

Top Places

Pre 65

  • Expert – Jim Hough, Triumph (9); Chris Gascoigne, BSA (10)
  • Intermediate – Paul Owen, BSA (12); Carl Winstanley, BSA (17); Keith Gardner, BSA (19)
  • Clubman -Paul Brimelow, Cotton (0); Peter Cockins, BSA (3); Phil Clarkson, Triumph (3)
  • Novice – Terry Lloyd, Triumph (2)

Twinshock

  • Expert – Richard webster, Fantic (12); Ian Jones, Fantic (31)
  • Intermediate – Tim Cuffin, Majesty (8); Craig Haworth, Fantic (30); Steve Sherwin, Yamaha (32)
  • Clubman – William Leigh, Yamaha (6); Perry Tattum, Fantic (6); Will Birkin, Honda (8)
  • Novice – Oliver Barker, Bultaco (0); Matthew Duff, Fantic (1); Andrew Liverseed, Beta (17)

Air Cooled Mono

  • Expert – Chris Garlick, Gas Gas (10); Peter Ruscoe, Gas Gas (17); Kev Ellis, Yamaha (55)
  • Intermediate – Jerry Hawker, Gas Gas (5); Robin Foulkes, Gas Gas (5); Paul Young, Gas Gas (5)
  • Clubman – No riders
  • Novice – No finishers

Modern Mono

  • Expert – Shaun Mountford, Beta (43); Hayden Rainford, Montesa (53); Zain Pughe-Hutchinson (79)
  • Intermediate – James Brooks (1); Paul Hornsby, Vertigo (3);Paul Hempkins, Gas Gas (22)
  • Clubman – Jason Hanmer, Sherco (7); Sean Halstead, Montesa (17); Kaan Pughe-Hutchinson, Beta (21)
  • Novice – Tony Williams, Scorpa (8); Jay Manmer, Oset (19)

Observer List

1 – Dave

2 – Elwyn

3 – Dave Lovell

4 – Russ

5 – Paul

6 – Steve Bee

7 – Roger Kenyon

8 – Harry Edwards

9 – Gordon

10 – Mark

Stats

Bikes Classes

  • Pre 65 – 30
  • Twinshock – 20
  • Air Cooled Mono – 16
  • Modern Mono – 18

Route Classes

  • Expert – 10
  • Intermediate – 34
  • Clubman – 33
  • Novice – 7

Bikes

Pre 65

  • AJS – 1
  • BSA – 11
  • Cotton – 3
  • Francis Barnett – 1
  • James – 1
  • Matchless – 1
  • Starmaker (Drayton) – 1
  • Triumph – 9
  • Villiers – 2

Twinshock

  • Beta – 1
  • Bultaco – 2
  • Fantic – 9
  • Honda – 3
  • Majesty – 1
  • Montesa – 1
  • Ossa – 1
  • Yamaha – 1

Air Cooled Mono

  • Aprilia – 2
  • Fantic – 1
  • Gas Gas – 7
  • Honda – 1
  • Yamaha – 4

Modern Mono

  • Beta – 2
  • Gas Gas – 4
  • Montesa – 3
  • Oset – 1
  • Scorpa – 1
  • Sherco – 2
  • TRS – 2
  • Vertigo – 2