In order to make sure the last event of the year flowed smoothly the regs were shut early but this still secured an incredible 84 riders to Plas Onn on a cold but dry day. This is always a popular venue due to the range of sections for all routes and with a decent ride between them.

We had a great representation in the classic classes with 25 Pre 65 machines, 21 Twinshocks and 11 AC Monos. These were joined by 27 Modern Monos. Across the classes we had 16 Experts, 33 Inters, 30 Clubman and 5 novice riders.

Once again, it was great to see a number of juniors on low capacity bikes running in both the novice and clubman classes.

{We just need to get a nice Whitehawk 80s and Fantic 50 parked in front of the signing on to get them interested in the older classes……}

Many thanks to all of this months contributors, whom without these report just do not happen.

Mark Lucas – Pre 65 / Intermediate

A very cold morning welcomed a large number of competitors to the latest round of the Aqueduct classic trials series at the excellent Plas onn venue.

Suddenly we were all woken up by the warming up of Kev Ellis and his Triumph. Russell then appeared and did his normal rider briefing. The entry was split into different classes to avoid queueing as much as possible. This meant that the green inters route started at section 5.

Section 5: Started at the bottom of the top field, down the grass slope from the gate and drop into fairly deep water, I thought this may get deeper during the trial but the stream bed seemed quite hard at the bottom so the drop in did not change. The green route then had to climb the bank up the other side. I was only about the 3^rd bike up the bank the first time and I did think this bank may get slipper during the trial but again no real issue. Turn in the field at the top, back down the slope over the tree roots into the stream. Turn left in the stream over about a 6-inch rock step. The step was slippy the first time but during the course of the trial the slime was taken off. Following the step, climb the bank to exit the section. As usual for Aqueduct, well laid out sections, many little rocks and tree roots that could catch you out for at least a dab.

Section 6: Sorry still not sure of people’s names in the club yet but this was marshalled by the rider of the Triumph twin not sure why he was not riding.?

I have done this section before, but it still catches me out. Start on the right-hand bank and enter the stream to ride uphill, turn sharp right over the slippy rocks over the first little hump on the right. Back down into the stream again followed by another turn to the right where a large rock is present on the left hand side of the groove as you leave. This rock does not stop you following the groove, “well only in your head anyway”. Continue up the stream where there is a sharp exit up some rock to the end cards. Once again, I found this section slippy on my first attempt where I dropped 3 marks, but the following attempts got a lot better.

Again, not a dangerous section at all but quite a few places where marks could be dropped.

Section 7: Mr& Mrs Russell on this one.

Started on the bank on the right hand side, tight right turn into the stream up over some rocks as you moved to the right hand side of the stream . My first attempt started so well but while moving over to the right-hand side of the stream I found a very slippy flat rock which stopped me accelerating out of the stream up the bank. Then in usual fashion for me on this Villiers the power came and the front wheel was in the air. Never mind got up the bank fast. Once at the top of the bank a right turn down a gulley to re-enter the stream. Then a sharp climb had to be negotiated followed by a tight left turn to exit the end cards. I saw a number of lines in the mud where riders had put on loads of power to climb the bank, I bet a few riders did not make the end cards.

Nice section, got easier during the trial but again many places where marks could be dropped.

Section 8: This was the first section in the upper valley as I like to call it.

Started by a steep drop into the stream bed. During the trial I saw a few riders on the green route drop down this slope very quickly but the bank on the far side was there to catch you out if you dropped in too fast. On my first attempt here I had the idiot rider syndrome, went down the drop in C15 mode however shutting the throttle on the Villiers did not slow it down. I then slammed the anchors on and stalled my brain (may work one day). Anyway, I was so annoyed that I started the bike and cleaned the section, not really sure if this made it worse. Following the first drop in, ride up the stream to a rock step which had 3 rocks placed at different angles. I did see some riders come to grief here but as long as the front wheel hit the front rock in the correct position the bike flew over them. From this point it was just follow the stream to the end cards. Quite a tricky section and marks could be lost easily.

Section 9: Started in the stream up a step, it was better if you went up the step to the right-hand side as shortly after you had to move off left up a small track. Once up this track drop back down into the stream for a very short time to turn left again up the bank over some tree roots. Quite a nasty little turn this for the green route dropping back into the stream and I saw many riders take a dab here or fall off into the stream. Following this drop back into the stream the route followed the stream following the up to the end cards.

I was doing well on this section and had cleaned it 3 times however I had some major grief the last time. Gave the bike far too much power up the step which put me out of line for the little track. I had a battle and tried to fight it up the track but unfortunately over balanced and needed a 10-foot leg to stop me falling into the stream.  I did lie in the stream for a bit working out if anything was hurting until Steve Bee came running up to check on me. Thanks Mate !!

Several other riders were taking the mick about my superman dive but I can say riding from section 10 back down to section 1 was bloody cold after being soaked.

Section 9 was one of the hard sections on the green route and rider concentration was a must or it would catch you out as I found out.

Section 10: This was the top section up the steam, it was a very long section and did cause some queueing. However, this gave the riders a chance to chat and discuss what had happened lower down the course.

Section started on the right of the stream with a good climb out of the stream, up the bank to the left. This bank did get slippy and the groove in the path did get deeper. The Villiers shot up this in second gear very easily. Once at the top of the bank it was a tight right turn to drop back down the bank. Once back in the stream,  cross to the other bank up a step, over some tree roots quickly followed by a tight left turn dropping back into the stream again. Once back in the stream power back on again to climb a bank on the right hand side of the stream followed by a sharp right turn  to drop back down into the stream. Once this was complete ride up the stream onto the right hand bank to turn sharp left up some tree roots on the right bank through the end cards. Again, a very testing section with plenty of scope to loose marks.

Once section 10 was finished the long ride had to occur down the top valley and fields to the very bottom to get to section 1, a great blast but the mud in the last field did catch a few riders out.

Section 1: Marshalled by Mr Samuel it must have been bloody cold in the middle of that field !!!

A gentle little trip up the stream with several turns to catch out the unwary. Interesting, following the turn to the left and then right back into the stream was the different lines taken by new bike riders and pre 65 riders. Several on the new bike riders made the turn to the right quite tight so that they could ride up the side bank where as the pre 65 riders just went wide into the stream. No matter all ways lead to the top of the bank .

Section 2: Started in the stream, up a slight step followed by a sharp turn to the left and right through the trees. Once this was negotiated another turn to the left up another step, not too hard but a lot of turns where dabs were easily made.

Section 3: This was the section that took the most marks off me and was tricky towards the end. Section started on the right-hand bank of the stream dropping down into a very muddy right turn, then up the bank to the right to the large tree. Left behind the tree then straight up the bank over some very greasy tree roots. Once over the tree roots a left turn had to be taken to exit the section up the little cutting into the field. This last turn I found most difficult turning and going over the tree roots at the same time. The mud from the lower part of the section did get moved up to the tree roots and I think this made them really slippy, well that’s my excuse anyway.

Section 4: The last section on the lap for the green route. This section was long for the expert route with a number of difficult turns so there was quite a large queue here. However, with this amount of riders and only 2 places that held the riders up I think is excellent.

Section 4 for green route was a steep drop down on mud to the left over some loose rocks followed by a right turn in the stream to climb the bank on the other side. Then there was a tight turn to the right up behind the tree then left of the big rock!!! Don’t go the normal way to the right!!!.

Up the bank followed by a left turn up the gully. This did start out alright however the tree root halfway up did get very slippy and to have a dab was the norm here.

Once again, a great trial, well laid out sections not dangerous but tricky and could take marks easily. Thanks to all the Aqueduct crew for a great trial.

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Richard Webster – Twinshock / Expert

Sunday 4th Dec 2021 was my first ride with the Aqueduct club, and after a season of mainly riding the Rockshocks Championship it was another outing for the Fantic 300.  Like most Sundays out on the bike, a visit to Greggs en route with my mate Robin Foulkes was the order of the day for some “essential carbs” – although we should have gone for some Ready Brek if we had known how cold it was going to turn out. But we soon warmed up at signing on when Jan revealed her leggings to us – that got the blood flowing but we nearly had to pick Rob’s eyes up off the floor. 

After returning to the sport in 2018 following a short break of 25 years it was great to see so many riders ready to ride, entries at many clubs is often less than 50 and sadly it seems to be the youths that are missing. But with a field of 90+ riders it looks like there is plenty of interest in the events run by Aquaduct, well done to the team. 

The experts started at section 8, a fairly simple start to the section with a drop into the stream which shortly afterwards by a tricky little turn and climb out and up the left-hand bank before dropping back into the ends cards. Some took the high line approach to this turn, others opted for the tighter low line. I tried both, not much in it really. 

Onto Section 10 and one of the longer ones too, with the final turn out of the stream and to the left across the tree routes catching a few of the earlier riders out. The ride back across to Section 1 reminded us of how cold it was, and how cold it must have been for the observers who were stood still for all those hours – well done and thank you all.

Section 2 featured what we thought was a simple bit of navigation up through the rocks and out for a turn around a tree before crossing back across the small gulley. This was more of a test than we thought when it was walked it but I came away with a clean sheet. 

Section 3 was a simple enough beginning, however the end of the section up a small rock step and out over a set of slippery tree roots had a few people struggling, but surprisingly the scores didn’t reflect this with many cleans observed. 

Section 4 was another long one and the longest queue of the day. Despite 3 layers and a jacket, it was bloody cold when not moving. 2 words – little acorns, or was it just me, eh guys? This section took my first mark of the day, the final drop and tight left-hand turn up the gulley and over the rock/log proving to be highest scoring section of the day for the Experts. It took another dab off me on lap 2 and then on lap 3. I managed to forget how to ride my bike and stalled it for a maximum. 

Section 5 had a difficult little rock step combo midway followed by an even harder looking exit. What we hadn’t spotted was a cracking little line across the middle step and an easier route around the slab at the exit. I forget the rider who did this first, but thank you for being the guinea pig and showing us the line. 

An easy section 6 followed before we completed the lap at Section 7, the sloppy middle part took a dab off me on lap 1 but nothing on the following laps. I did manage to escape a potential trip over the bars on lap 2 when I caught my brake lever on a branch as I dropped back into the stream but somehow held onto to it without penalty. 

And that was it, all done, dry but freezing cold and smiles all round. A low scoring trial meant that mistakes were easily punished, and I can’t keep my concentration longer than about 10 sections these days. 

See you at the next one. Thank you to the observers and the team, I hope you’ve thawed out now. 

Logan Price – Modern Mono / Novice Route (Juniors)

I arrived, handy with grandad Karl Kavanagh with my bike on my nans car as his van was off the road. This meant grandad was going to have to walk round after me instead of following on his Fantic. I started on section 8 with a clean but had a fall on the rock step halfway through Izzys (section 9), bit of a wobble for a 3 on section 10 and then off down the yard to section 5 with dave.

We was allowed to loop as much as possible as I would of ran out of time, otherwise section 5, deep water caused my bike to cut out and gave me trouble with a couple of 5s for the rest of the trial riding with my choke on and revving high. Section 6 was Dave who taught us on the training day and I was keen to show him my skills, Section 7 with Russ was easy (ha ha), off down the field towards sections 1 to 3 playing on the bank as I went with grandad in his wellies walking behind.

Big mark was on section 1,  think my bike cut out and gave me a 5 and I also stumbled and fell on my last go. I messed up section 2 first time with a missed exit gate but then rode the other laps fine. Section 3 was a bit muddy but i’m using 2nd gear a bit more now and it got me through fine. I attempted section 4 once and hit neutral on the climb out taking another fall and the queues got too much later on so i left that for a 20.

Back to the 8 to 10 gully sections for the last 3 loops, the big queues gave me a chance to make a new friend and after falling on the section 9 step 3 times i finally hit it faster and cleaned it. There is a video of me on section 10 if you want to look on my youtube page under “logan price trials”, Plenty of fun stuff on my other bikes to watch too.

My feet were cold and wet but despite the bike cutting out, a few falls and missing section 4 i did ok on 65 points. Im finally growing into my bike and love riding. Thanks to Jan and Chris for the chocolates and all the Aqueduct people for giving me great day out and a big blister on grandads toe

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Stephen Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman

First of all I’d like to say a massive thanks to all the team and observer’s for putting on yet another great trial and the land owner for the use of the venue , not forgetting Chris Deburger for keeping us fed and watered. 
On arrival, we were directed to parking by Sue and Geoff who must have been freezing stood out in the cold, then went to sign on only to be greeted by Jan dressed as Mrs Claus, (sort of) haha , I think a temps {and pulses} went up a few degrees! Got a decent brew and a bacon butty off Chris and got the bike ready for the day .

This was the last trial of the year and I have been one of the lucky ones who have been able to do all 12 and i appreciate how hard it has been for the club to put on these events for us riders over the last 12months with covid restrictions and all that, Having been encouraged by the team and some riders, I’ve moved up to the yellows ,so here are some of my favourite sections from the weekend, 

Section 1, Mark on watch. You start off from the edge of a stream and a small drop in to the water and head a bit left then a tight right round an old tree stump and a loose rock then a bit of a right and over some loose rocks left and up a bit of a step in the stream and keep left up on to a bit of a dry grass and mud bank and  then drop back into the rocky stream and right up a very slippy muddy bank and out of the section,.

Section 8, starts off from a bank of a very fast flowing stream. You start from the bank of the stream and drop down into the stream and keep left tight to the bank while negotiating a couple of large rocks in the water and then turn right in the stream and up out on to the bank on the opposite side and climb as you turn left past the observer and then drop back down a bit and up again and over a slippery tree root and along then out if the section.

Section 9, a good ride up the rocky stream and my feet are a bit damp by now after walking the routes haha . You start off in the stream straight away on to some big slippery rocks and then towards and gas it up a bit over a fairly big step up on some large boulders and carry on through the stream then a bit of a left up a wet slippery muddy bank and right round the tree and back right into the stream and out of the section.

Not going to mention section 4 !!!

A big thanks to everyone involved especially all the observer’s who stood out in the freezing cold for over 4 hours so we could have a trial,  Cheers all and have a great Christmas and a Happy New year to all . Look forward to the next one

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Before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again saying 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 continuing to take the time to support and the land owner as always.

We start 2022 with a return to Nant Mawr Quarry on the 9th January. Dont forget to visit the regs page and if you need an AMCA licence you can apply for one here.

Top Places

Pre 65

• Expert – Chris Gascoigne, BSA (5); Martin Stanistreet, James (8);Danny Littlehales, Francis Barnett (17)
• Intermediate – Kev Williams, Triumph (7); Mark Gaskell, Triumph (9); Roly Jones, Dot (10)
• Clubman -Paul Brimelow, Cotton (4); Jordan Hobbis, BSA (14); Rob Goodwin, Francis Barnett (18)
• Novice – No riders

Twinshock

• Expert – Richard Webster, Fantic (8); Steve Martin, Majesty (9); Tony Gush, Majesty (12)
• Intermediate – David Matthews, Bultaco (6); Jed Downes, Fantic (9); Craig Howarth, Fantic (9)
• Clubman – Graham Pennington, Ossa (11); Perry Tattum, Fantic (11); Kenton Hackney, Bultaco (28)
• Novice – Joel Riley, Yamaha (28)

Air Cooled Mono

• Expert – Robin Foulkes, Yamaha (53)
• Intermediate – Paul Young, Gas Gas (3); Mike Jones, Gas Gas (12); Ian Emery, as Gas (17)
• Clubman – Andy Steele, Yamaha (18)
• Novice – Karl Wilson, Beta (98)

Modern Mono

• Expert – Jim Williams, Vertigo (27); Julian Price, Beta (33)
• Intermediate – Paul Edwards, Beta (7); Hayden Rainford (9); Steve Sherwin, TRS (20)
• Clubman – Oliver Roberts, Beta (12); Daniel Capper, Beta (25); Tomos Matthews, Beta (26)
• Novice -Logan Price, Beta (65); Jay Hanmer, Oset (106)

Observer List

1 – Mark

2 – Bill

3 – Gordon

4 – Ian

5 – Dave

6 – Dave

7 – Russ

8 – Annette

9 – Izzy

10 – Ange

Stats

Bikes Classes

• Pre 65 – 25
• Twinshock – 21
• Air Cooled Mono – 11
• Modern Mono – 27

Route Classes

• Expert – 16
• Intermediate – 33
• Clubman – 30
• Novice – 5

Bikes

Pre 65

• Ariel – 1
• BSA – 9
• Cotton – 1
• DOT – 1
• Francis Barnett – 2
• James – 4
• Royal Enfield – 1
• Trifield – 1
• Triumph – 3
• Villiers – 1

Twinshock

• Bultaco – 4
• Fantic – 6
• Honda – 3
• Majesty – 4
• Ossa – 1
• Yamaha – 3

Air Cooled Mono

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

Modern Mono

• Beta – 11
• Gas Gas – 4
• Montesa – 4
• Oset – 1
• Scorpa – 1
• Sherco – 2
• TRS – 1
• Vertigo – 2

I think probably for the first time in the clubs history “sorry, regs are now closed” appeared on the Facebook page and website. That is never a message the organisers want to send out but maintaining a safe event and keeping queueing to a minimum has always been the priority of Aqueduct Classics. The flip side of that, is that it demonstrates the popularity of the club within the Pre65 and Twinshock sector but also the fact that it now attracts a good following of modern monos who like the layout of the sections for developing or older riders as well as a healthy stream of younger riders…

Long may it continue (and I suspect on current form…. it will…)

So what of the day? Well we ended up visiting Nant Y Ffrith (a stunning venue) with 107 riders of which 19 were Pre 65, 29 were Twinshock, 13 being AC Monos and 46 Modern Monos

Leading in with the Novice group, we had a fantastic 15 riders in this class, 34 in Clubman, 39 in Intermediate and 19 in Expert

Without going into the Regs forms in detail, from what I can see with the bike types and capacities, at least 7 of out riders were in a Youth class and that is also encouraging to see!

A huge thank you to Mark, Steve, Damien, Dave, Michael and Ian for their section reports below.

Mark Newman – Pre 65 / Intermediate

Massive thanks to everyone involved in setting out and  running this trial its a superb venue and as usual everything went to plan apart from my riding..
Some challenging sections and a great ride round but my best sections just happened to be the ones I cleaned  ….no really….yep !

Section 6 was looking tricky, in through the start gates over to the left due to a right turn up a steep bank between the trees, along the bank drop back down then a camber across between the trees, sharp right (looks slippy) but keep it going and you can find the grip. Along the bank and a steep drop down to the exit..

Section 9, a lovely flowing section. Up and down and round the trees over roots etc. I just love this type of section, even though it was a relatively easy one you had to be aware the roots will catch you out ..

Section 10 very similar to 9, down and between trees, an off camber up over some logs up and round taking it easy as too much and you can over shoot the tight left and right to make the end cards..

Got to mention all the sections we’re challenging but not dangerous and lots to think about, a great trial great company and cold but clear and dry. I felt for the observers as it was a really cold day stood outside for several hours, so we can enjoy our day. I can’t thank them enough..

Steve Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman

First if all a huge thanks to all the aqueduct team for putting on such a great event again, and not forgetting all the observer’s for braving the cold and without whom it wouldn’t be possible to have such a great day. 

I turned up at about 9:30 and was greeted by Sue who directed me to a parking space and then I started to prep myself and the bike for the 11o’clock start.  I had time for a brew and great bacon and egg bap from the great Chris  deBurger (bap ,barm, roll ,cob, batch, call it wot you like ) but it was good. This was my first time riding the yellow route with Aqueduct and I was a bit nervous as it felt like a bit of a big step up for me. So 11o’clock arrived and it was time to start, Russ put us into groups and I was in group 1 to 20 and was sent all the way down to section 4 to start . I wa​s not with my normal group and felt a bit nervous but I met up with Mark Kirk who I had met on  a previous trial and we were both doing yellows for the first time so I was glad I could ride with him and his buddies for the day , cheers boys .

Three of my favourite sections. 
From the start, section 4. After a good long ride from the car park along a very slippy mud and rocky  track you turn a tight right on to a very steep long rutted drop to arrive at section 4. You started on the main track and straight into a bit of a ditch and straight up a steep muddy slope with a small tree stump just to put you off then keep climbing and a tight right and drop down on an off camber bank and turn back up left to a really tight right between two close trees and drop down with a bit of a left and then back up on to the track. Phew my first yellow clean. #

Section 7, Russ on watch. You start off from the main track again through the ditch and straight up on to a very slippy steep incline and another log to negotiate before climbing even further and over a large sandstone to the top then a tight left round the tree and a slippery left and right down to the exit and back on to the track. A tricky section but enjoyed it,. 

Section 8. A bit of a tough one for me but I gave it a good go on each lap as I was determined to finish the yellows .You start off in the dark woods on a steep incline so I started well before the start gate to get a bit of a run on such a steep start. As you go through the start it was a very steep slope and straightaway you had to get over a big root and then immediately turn left and slow the bike down before going into the old ruins and negotiate the rough sandstone rubble before turning a tight right and firing it up the corner wall and climb the steep banks then a right and tight left over a small stone wall out of the section. Overall I had a great day, some tough sections but learning all the time. 

A massive thanks to everyone involved , a great venue and very well organised as usual. Well done aqueduct, and thank you…

Damien Morey – Pre 65 / Clubman

Yellow route was just right for me, very challenging, just about same as clubman on Redrose etc.

Section 1 Steady twisty climb with roots and walls Took points

Section 2 bloody horrible Tight turn back on yourself over roots and rocks manage that then horrible slippery log to go over before exit

Section 3 Up between trees tight turn between trees on exit that went worse as day went on

Section 4 Twisty slippy up and down on banking tight exit hard to keep grip

Section 5 Slippy start steady turn in mud High banking on exit 

Section 6 In round the back of trees over log tight turn between trees then exit

Section 7 In up slippy bank onto top tight turn round tree went very slippy later in day

Section 8 Up bank over rock pile exit through gulley and step that cut away as day went on

Section 9 Steady winding Section up banking tight left turn on exit

Section 10 Big drop then round trees and out

Rider verdict, Some went better, some went worse, 2 was very tricky, 5&7 went very slippy. All could take points if you lost concentration, 2&7 where the hardest for me 

Dave Pengelli – Twinshock / Intermediate

Arriving at this excellent venue early I was surprised to see how many eager riders were already kitted up ready for action, I was directed down a newly graded road to be parked by Geoff,

The action started promptly with a quick brief from Russel and the team where we were split up to ease the queuing, I opted to start at section 1 saves confusion later on when trying to decide when and where the 4 laps finish. must be an age thing!!!!!!!

Section one was a tricky opener under the watchful eye of Elwyn Williams. Into the section up a slight rise, over a rock then between two trees which had to be ridden accurately or the result was sore knuckles, quick turn to the left up another rise while turning right at this point there was an overwhelming desire to dab on the right whether it was needed or not, tried to resist the temptation but it got me in the end.

Section 2 had me pacing up and down looking at a root near the top of the bank before another tricky root just before the end card’s I did not like the look of it and could not decide on a line, the observer calls the next man in; yes, he is on the green route watching closely taking note of all the major issues I had been looking at, with steady throttle he rode the section as if was a mere grassy bank. Note to self don’t look too hard. Rode it not as good but a clean recorded,

Across the track to section 3 a nice little section to settle the nerves then a bit that I really enjoy a nice long blast along road and track to the next cluster of 3 sections, there was a bit of queuing here but what a great opportunity to catch up with lads that I had not seen for a few years and talking bikes/bits and banter, The Kawasaki seems to start a conversation I am always surprised how many people have owned one or know someone who has had one in the past, what could be better on a fresh Sunday morning.

From here another run up a track to where Russ was observing again a well thought out section which could catch you out if slightly off line, then off to section 8 set in an old ruined building it had everything a climb, tight turn’s, rocks and a cross camber turn to finish off which looked very tricky. I tell myself don’t look at it too hard remember section2 !!!!!! then a couple of very good riders 5 it while I sit in the queue, too late for another look! rode into the section nice and steady I had already decided first sign of trouble on that camber and a big dab was going to be planted firmly on the ground to ride around and boy did I need it…. well pleased to get out for a 1, second lap I cleaned it and thought I have got that mastered now, soon to be proved wrong with marks lost on laps 3 and 4, while others around me cleaned it with ease, oh well that’s trials for you.

Sections 9 & 10 were exposed at the end of the venue, could have been a different day there it was freezing cold; a special shout out must go out to the ladies observing here they must have been frozen by the time they had managed to get a hot drink and food from Chris.

Having had experience of running trials some years ago I know first-hand that to run a trial of this quality it is not just a matter of rocking up on a Saturday putting a few flags out and then a quick tidy after the event. The aqueduct team put an awful lot of time & effort into running trials and it is good to see all the positive comments on-line following an event.

Finally, but most important.

A massive thank you to all the observers standing out in all weathers so we can enjoy our sport, it makes a trial when all sections are manned and again credit to aqueduct members who give up a ride to observe, so don’t forget lads a cheerful thankyou goes a long way on that last lap you never know it may just get you the benefit of the doubt on that next iffy 5 or 3.

Michael Jones – AC Mono / Expert

What a trial, had to pull out the old trusted 1998 GasGas as the Tiger Cub and TRS were out of action.

To start section 1 & 2 were a lovely introduction to the treats the Forrest had to offer a mix of rocky steps and tight loose camber turns surprising how dry it was for winter which was nice.

Section 3 was great, had a technical part where you had to just clear rocks with your sump guard to get correct approach for a steep bank and immediate turn, it got easier with the day, noticed had a classy observer hut like ray mears would make. The trail riding in between was a highlight down towards 4/5/6 there was a bottleneck here which provided a welcome resting point it was a bit slippery down here but again nice selection of camber turns and banks. Section 8 was a stand out due to the atmosphere with the haunting abandoned house and the way the section weaved around it. 9 was my personal favourite probably because it was bone dry and had a lovely log to hop over which felt good. 10 felt easier that the previous 9 which provided a confidence boost going into the next lap. Great location was especially nice as I live in coedpoeth so only 5 mins away, thanks to all the observers/organisers.

Ian Jones – AC Mono / Expert

Good to be back, after a hip replacement in June my surgeon,  a keen motorcyclist said to me you’ll ride better now I’ve levelled you out, so having never ridden this venue before I was keen not to miss this one, so luckily I entered a week before, just as well really as the entries closed a few days after with just over a hundred entries .

As I arrived at the wooded venue I was greeted by Geoff, had a quick chat and I parked by section 10, after a quick brief by Russ it was off to section 1, my riding partners Julian price and Tony Gush looked at the rock step and said it caused problems at the last trial, instant panic for me, but good rides from Jim Williams and Kev Ellis eased the worry a bit. I cleaned the step but had a couple of dabs on the tight turn after,.

Section 2 consisted of sharp drop and a cambered turn then over a few tree roots and out, my first clean ride, we somehow missed section 3 and after a nice ride round arrived at section 4 , a ride around some trees made a bit trickier by the overnight rain, Julian was unlucky here as he thinks a branch caught his kill switch lance and stalled his beta instantly, after a shaky first lap I was settling down with some good rides and some daft dabs but I was trying not to put pressure on myself being a bit rusty.

The short wait at the sections was nice to have a breather and chat, section 7 observed by Russ was a slippery, had a couple of cleans on this one but on the last lap being over confident ended up on the deck with a worried Russ running over to offer his help, sorry mate.

All in all a cracking trial in which I managed to clean each section at least once but ended up with a score of 22, no favourites but all good sensible sections, nice to see Colin Sager who I’ve known for 40 years getting into the spirit of things on a tidy Honda Tlm .

Many thanks to the Aquaduct team , land owners and Chris de burger for everything they do in these

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 December 5th at Plan Onn.

Top Places

Pre 65

• Expert – Chris Gascoigne, BSA (19); Pete Morris, Triumph (43)
• Intermediate -Carl Winstanley, BSA (10); Dave Lovell, Triumph (14);Paul Owen, BSA (14)
• Clubman -Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (6); Peter Cockins, BSA (13); Paul Brimelow, Cotton (14)
• Novice – Damien Morey, Cotton (20); Alan Dyson, BSA (22)

Twinshock

• Expert – Tony Gush, Majesty (20); Kev Ellis, SWM (20); Jim Williams, Honda (24)
• Intermediate – Tim Cuffin, Majesty (10); Dave Pengille (12); Tony Dillon, Fantic (13)
• Clubman – William Leigh, Yamaha (16); Dave Lycett, Honda (16); Steve Blackburn; Montesa (22)
• Novice – David Broderick, Bultaco (9); Steven Gardner, Yamaha (41); Joel Riley, Yamaha (58)

Air Cooled Mono

• Expert – Chris Garlich, Yamaha (6); Colin Sagar, Honda (11); Ian Jones, GasGas (22)
• Intermediate – Paul Jones, GasGas (10); Mike Jones, GasGas (17); Alec Roberts, Scorpa (23)
• Clubman – Andy Onions, Yamaha (20); Andy Steele, Yamaha (54)
• Novice – Mike Roberts; Fantic (19)

Modern Mono

• Expert – Dafydd Belton, Vertigo (27); Julian Price, Beta (36); Neil Brooks (38)
• Intermediate – Hayden Rainford, Montesa (11); Tony Mvkenzie, TRS (15); Zain Pugh-Hutchinson, TRS (16)
• Clubman – Oliver Cookson, Vertigo (12); George Jones, Beta (22); Dyfan Smith, Beta (22)
• Novice – James Onions, Scorpa (11); Kaan Pughe-Hutchinson, Beta (14); Logan Price, Beta (16)

Observer List

1 – Ewyn

2 – Dave

3 – Susan Caldwell

4 – Paul

5 – Roger Kenyon

6 – Mark

7 – Russ

8 – Carys Belton

9 – Suz

10 – Chris

Stats

Bikes Classes

• Pre 65 – 19
• Twinshock – 29
• Air Cooled Mono – 13
• Modern Mono – 46

Route Classes

• Expert – 19
• Intermediate – 39
• Clubman – 34
• Novice – 15

Bikes

Pre 65

• Ariel –
• BSA – 8
• Cotton – 2
• DOT – 1
• Francis Barnett – 1
• James – 1
• Triumph – 6

Twinshock

• Bultaco – 4
• Fantic – 7
• Honda – 7
• Kawasaki – 1
• Majesty – 4
• Montesa – 1
• Ossa – 1
• SWM – 1
• Yamaha – 3

Air Cooled Mono

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

Modern Mono

• Beta – 13
• Gas Gas – 6
• Montesa – 5
• Oset – 1
• Scorpa – 2
• Sherco – 4
• TRS – 7
• Vertigo – 4

A typically mild early October greeted the 65 riders who turned up at Pen Y Graig quarry ready for a great days spot. As usual, the sections had been marked out with 4 routes making perfect use of this venue. Generally dry under foot, the break down of bike classes was 19 Pre 65’s, 9 Twinshocks, 7 Air Cooled Monos and 30 Modern Monos.

Right from its inaugural competition, whilst being a club with its roots firmly in classic trials, it has always valued the modern class as a feeder class to catch peoples interest in the classic scene or as a more forgiving bike to ride for beginners coming into the sport. Therefore it was no surprise to see 9 beginners in the modern mono class including a number in the youth class.

The overall breakdown of route classes was 11 Experts, 30 Intermediates, 11 Clubman and 13 Novices.

Paul Owen – Pre 65 / Intermediate Route

Another great event with aqueduct classics, and the club set out another amazing trial. I was riding the old rigid frame bantam in the intermediate class as the expert class has gone even harder for me and I know my limits….ish haha . Here are my 3 favourite sections but all 10 were equally as good.

Section 2….With a gentle right hand climb onto a flat then a steep downhill slippy rooted off camber bank immediately into a sharp right turn and a tree to the left . But it was a fallen tree and was the same height as your handlebars. You had to be 100% committed to the drop in as there was only one line. Once around the corner it was a simple left, right between 2 trees and up the climb to the out gate. I drop two 1’s on lap 1 and 2 just because I had to pull the front around from hitting the tree but I cleaned it on lap 3 and 4. It was the trickiest section of the trial for me but it gave you a big grin if you cleaned it.

Section 4… with another straight forward uphill start to a platform then up onto a big rock that was so easy to lose the back end as it wanted to slide to the left and if it did it would kick you towards a tree. Once over the rock slab there was a slippy off camber that looked nothing but could catch you out on the gravelly footing to the exit gate.

Section 10…this was at the very bottom of the quarry near the entrance. Yet again another climb up the banking from the start and into a left hand turn back to the bottom, and a very tight right hander and up a 5ft climb over a rock then straight into the left and up again. You had to keep your momentum over the rock and turning. Then you followed the off camber banking to a rocky drop to the exit gate. It was a steady section but took 5 marks off me as I’m sure the gearbox locked up and stopped the bike dead as I was attacking the 2nd climb on my last lap. Luckily I stayed upright but bent my wrist back and hit the headstock really hard with my chest and it knocked me for six. I finally got the bike started after about 20 kicks and the bike seemed ok. But then I heard a clacking noise in 2nd and 3rd gear. Which is a common thing to break in a standard bsa bantam chocolate gearbox. Apart from that hiccup it was one of the best trials I have done even though I ended up in 6th on 11 points.

Plus the group of lads I was riding with made it very enjoyable with banta and laughter. Massive thanks to the organisers and observers for another great day.

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Stephen Harding – Modern Mono / Novice Route

A big thanks to everyone involved in setting up another great trial at this brilliant venue, a massive thanks to all the observer’s without whom it wouldn’t be possible to have such a good day, so thanks to everyone  for  giving up there Sunday so we can do wot we love doing, cheers, and not forgetting Chris deburger for keeping us fed and watered, cracking bacon butties and a brew to start the day.
Here’s three of my favourite sections although it was hard to choose as they were all great.

Section 5 – Mark on watch, So you start off from the main track looking straight down a steep shale slope to where Mark is standing, into the section, back brake on and front on quite a bit and roll down to where Mark was then a bit of a tight right and in to a bit of a wooded area and some loose rocks then left across some more mossy rocks between some more trees and then a tight right past another tree and then fire it up another steep shale slope and out of the section and then up an even steeper slope back up on to the main track, a bit of everything on this section but I enjoyed it. 

Section 7 – Russ and Sue on watch. Another one of my favourites. You start off from the bank and drop down a bit of a shale bank and a bit if a right past a tree and on to a rocky base along and through a couple of more trees .Then a tight right up another shale bank and an even tighter right out of the section, I managed to clean this one every time so was made up.

Section 9 – Dave on watch. A great section this one. Again you start off from the main track straight into the section and up a steep shale slope and head towards a large tree and then a tight left round the tree and on to some good sized rocks keeping an eye on the big rocks then on to the top of the section through the flags and the a really long very steep slippery shale slope back down to the end of the section trying to avoid the tree to the left on the exit.

Overall I had a great day with some great riders, had some fun and good banta along the way.

Big thanks to all the aqueduct team for all the hard work that you put in so we can do what we love doing, cheers Can’t wait to see you all at the next one,..

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Tony Williams – Modern Mono / Novice Route

Here we are back at Pen Y Graig, great weather which made all sections very grippy. We will start on the white route, Section one.

A short steep drop on to a slow left turn with loose rocks everywhere. Then tight left over a small bank, then into a dip before a steep climb to out flags. Everything going well until the last bit and who walks straight in front of me, the one and only Peter Edwards a yard before out flags! Had to hit the brakes, missed the out flag, but great observing – as he had seen what happened and did not down mark me! 

Later on I got Peter back, my Honda was running a bit rich, smoking a tad and he was in a queue behind me so I left engine running for a while……

Next section 7, a short one but over loose rock & marbles underneath you. Down short bank tight right, then a full lock exit to the outs. Got it right three times, but the last one eagle eyed Sue spotted me having a safety dab on exit!

Then on to section 8, up a bank, round a tree, drop down into dip, up steep bank right turn on & flat for ten yards. Then right turn in between two trees, very tight, then full lock left to out. I hated this one, first time got it all wrong missed the out flag, well flattened it. A 5 off from Ian.

An enjoyable trial, a tad easy in some sections, but the young ones loved it, gives them great confidence for the future. Well done Aqueduct. Many thanks.

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Steve Blaxall – Air Cooled Mono / Intermediate Route

I arrived at the farm yard in my van, wound the window down to get parking instructions off Mark Samuel. To be greeted with “Its your fault” and he pointed to the rip in his trousers. Apparently last minute alterations that morning to a section they were not happy with had caused a little accident. I wont repeat what I said, but we both had a laugh and the banter had started. It was the start of a good day. 

Here are  3 sections that tested me in different ways.

Section 2 – Ride into the section, slight uphill across to the right, then left after the markers and across the level ground. The hard bit is now in front of me. its a short steep decent with a right hand u turn at the bottom to come back up the bank. This was a tight turn. and what made it worse was being all closed in, the ground sloping away and a tree that would not let you past if your turn was not exactly right. Once out of there you rode out looking up to the left. The end cards were at the top of a steep climb. You had to ride between two close together trees before you got there. They were the type of trees that could jump out at you if you weren’t concentrating.  I made a complete  hash of this section first lap, taking lots of dabs going into and around that turn in the dip. I cleaned it once, which pleased me and a strategic dab in that turn for the 2 other laps. 5 marks lost in all.

Section 5 – Only 2 marks lost here. but it had the type of turn that I dont have much confidence in. The section starts down a long steep bank, followed by a fairly tight right in front of the observer. Now ride up the bank in front of you and turn left at the back of the tree, now its a shallow climb to the rear of another tree. Its now a tight turn left to go back down the bank switching from up hill to down hill in the turn. I was never settled doing this turn and basically winged it!. At the bottom of the hill it was a right turn back on yourself and a gentle climb to the end cards. I could quiet easily of dropped a lot more marks on this section. Definitely need to practice more on this type of turn.

Section 6 – A section we have seen before but now in reverse. A steep downhill left required a lot of attention and smoothness with the throttle as it merged into a steep uphill climb. At the top was an immediate right turn down a bank that was scattered with rocks. Remember to keep turning left through the trees then right – it was  tight  here and could easily catch you out then a straight run before turning right at the foot of a bank, aim for the end of the rocks, before turning right to cross the mud and up the short steep bank remembering to keep left, so as to make the end cards down the other side. Cleaned this on the first lap. Second lap coming down the rocky bank I must of freewheeled with the clutch in ,just using my brakes (not a good habit of mine ) by the time I let the clutch out i was already in the tight turns, this upset my balance and several dabs were now required. Not good. Third lap I excelled my self and made an effort to leave the clutch alone and I was clean right up to bank at the exit, only I was off line going up the bank, being too far over to the right. Not a problem I thought. I will correct it all the other side. I didn’t get that far. I used to much back brake at the top, stalled the engine, lost balance and fell down the bank, nearly making the exit cards but without the bike!. Think that’s a 5? Fourth lap was uneventful with a single dab. Clutch use seems to be hard wired in me. Need to force myself to use it less. 

Was happy with my ride, only one five which i think is a new 1st for me on greens. It was a great day, saw a few more faces returning again, the banter was flowing and it was great to see the youngsters on their 50’s & 80’s. We really are fortunate to be doing this.  Many thanks to all the crew and observers for taking the time and effort to make this all happen. Last but not least,  Chris De Burger for keeping us all fed. 

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.

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Top Places

Pre 65

• Expert – No starters
• Intermediate – Peter Edwards, Drayton Bantam (1); Kevin Walker, Triumph (5); Mark Lucas, Drayton Villiers (8)
• Clubman – Graham Miller, Triumph (2); Paul Brimlow, Cotton (4); Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (13)
• Novice – Paul Beswick, BSA (0); Paul Jones, Triumph (16)

Twinshock

• Expert – Tony Gush, Majesty (12); Paul Sagar, Honda (19);Jim Williams, Honda (22)
• Intermediate – No finishers
• Clubman – Darren Riley, Bultaco (24)Joel Riley, Yamaha (17)
• Novice –

Air Cooled Mono

• Expert – No starters
• Intermediate – Shaun Mountford, Beta (0); Mike Jones, Fantic (2); Steve Blaxall, Fantic (21)
• Clubman – No starters
• Novice – Pete Rainsford, Yamaha (18)

Modern Mono

• Expert – Mark Blackwell, Beta (60); Mark Diggle, TRS (78);Declan Marsden, Gas Gas (81)
• Intermediate – Spence Bradley, TRS (0); Robin Foulkes, Sherco (5);Ken Williams, Montesa (7)
• Clubman – Gary Jones, Beta (6); Jeff Hughes, Beta (19); George Jones, Beta (24)
• Novice – Jay Hanmer, Oset (0); Logan Price, Beta (3);Glyn Roberts, Montesa (5)

Observer List

1 – Pail Cartwright

2 – Dave Lovell

3 – Chris

4 – Gordon

5 – Mark

6 – Steve Jones

7 – Russ / Sue

8 – Ian Jones

9 – Dave

10 – Elwyn

Stats

Bikes Classes

• Pre 65 – 19
• Twinshock – 9
• Air Cooled Mono – 7
• Modern Mono – 30

Route Classes

• Expert – 11
• Intermediate – 30
• Clubman – 11
• Novice – 13

Bikes

Pre 65

• BSA – 5
• Cotton – 1
• DOT – 1
• Drayton – 3
• Francis Barnett – 1
• James – 1
• Matchless – 1
• Triumph – 6

Twinshock

• Bultaco – 1
• Honda – 5
• Majesty – 1
• SWM – 1
• Yamaha – 1

Air Cooled Mono

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

Modern Mono

• Beta – 10
• Gas Gas – 5
• Honda – 1
• Montesa 3
• Oset – 1
• Scorpa – 1
• Sherco – 3
• TRS – 2
• Vertigo – 3

It had almost been two years since Aqueduct used the excellent Nant Ucha Farm as a venue, in fact the last time was November 2019 before the world entered its crazy phase! The venue has change quite a bit, with Dave and the family investing the time is clearing some great new areas and settling the land and streams after harsh rainfall had modified the woods in places. To highlight how good this practice venue is, whilst Mark and Russ were marking out, some riders were using the venue to get some practice in for the upcoming Scott Trial. Says a lot that really.

So back to the day. Good weather, hearty spirits as we get use to the new format and this being the 5th consecutive month that we were able to hold an event, a sense respectful competitive normality has been resumed.

A total of 69 riders rucked up and quickly filled a dry field with vans, cars and 4×4’s with a great selection of bikes filling the classes with 23 Pre 65’s, 13 Twinshocks, 7 AC Monos and 26 Modern Monos. Whilst not back to the pre Covid levels, it is great to see the attendance up in the high numbers. This support for the club is really appreciated.

From a class viewpoint, the numbers of Expert riders remains slightly lower at 7 in this class with 31 riders running as Intermediates, a healthy 20 at Clubman and 11 Beginners.

Paul Beswick – Pre 65 / Beginners

Battle of Britain memorial day dawned and another early doors start to get to Nant Ucha Farm, another venue I’d never been to before, for a Battle against Dabs. What a stunning venue Nant Ucha Farm is with so much wonderful terrain including STREAMS  I love stream sections and no mud even better. I was blessed. Now just because I love streams doesn’t mean I can ride them and I really had to dig deep today.

Three sections in particular highlighting my talent deficit areas.

Section 6 a simple meander along the bank of the stream then a drop into the stream and out along the far bank which was littered with awkward slippery rocks. There was a flipping great log across the right line which forced you onto the wrong line over those rocks making a sharp right turn as you exited the stream. Marks lost grrr. 

Next came Section 7 a run in over loose rolling rocks, which seemed to be different every lap, then into the stream and across up a steep bank strewn with rocks and tree roots. Again more Marks lost another grrrr.

The final section on my Nemesis list was Section 9 which was basically a ride through but, and here’s the BIG BUT, a VERY tight right turn trying to avoid some big rocks EXACTLY where you wanted to place your front wheel and strewn with rounded river boulders like ball bearings to catch you out AND THEY DID. More Marks lost grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. 

A very enjoyable trial smoothly organised and excellently laid out and executed. The only reason I lost those 5 marks was down to lack of talent on my part. Must do better. Reminds me of my school days  Looking forward to the next trial wherever it may be and another chance to shout at myself lol. Thanks to the Aqueduct classic team for giving me so much enjoyment along with all the observers who are the cherry on the cake. Thank you one and all. One last thing nice to see Geoff has finally found his purpose in life he he.

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Rob Sloggett – Twinshock / Clubman

Last month I gave the Majesty a run after its being sat around for 12 months so this month was a chance to get the Bultaco out. The last time, the exhaust had exploded so this was the first outing with it all repacked, sealed up and running with the clubfoot. Both bokes have very different characteristics but I have to say that the Bultaco is my secret favourite!

A final leisurely ride on Clubman’s before jumping back up to inters next month and apart from the 6 silly dabs it has been really enjoyable riding the clubman route. It has allowed me to work on two areas of weakness I wanted to target but I am sure it will got to pot in October!

Sections 5, 6 and 7 make up my write up this month all for different reasons. Starting with Sec 5, I was really expecting this one to take more marks off of me. It had my weakness which is a cambered left hand turn and half way up the bank after the turn you hit a root step which if you got it wrong would either bring you to a stop on the front wheel or spin out the rear so a good confident attack was needed. Knowing that if I struggled on the camber I would be be late on the power this had all of the markings of a mark taker. A single dab on the first lap as a steady after the step following a good secure turn on the camber set my head up for three following cleans. Could have been much worse if I let it get to me.

Section 6, at the far end of the venue was a corker. Hearing the green route was a bit of a tasty one, I was happy that I was on clubman’s but even looking at the scores, with this route taking an average 3 marks per rider it had the potential to trip you up. A simple entry into the section led you towards a rock slab with a left to right camber and triangular in shape o you were not hitting it square. The wrong speed or line, especially for the early riders were guaranteed to cause the rear to spin or slide away. Once again a single dab on the first lap built my confidence for other 3 laps to run as cleans. The rest of the section in the early laps had enough loose rocks to tickle the front wheel if you you not careful and I suspect a few marks were lost on the first few laps as a result of these.

Section 7 was an interesting one as it presented multiple routes on the first element. As you came into the section you dropped into the stream the had a sweeping left turn within the banks of the stream to then turn right and up a bank. You could either run in the centre of the stream bed with a more acute line to the bank or run your front wheel around the bank edge in front of you, closing the initial turn but giving you a straighter line at the bank. I have never really adopted this technique so thought the event was a good chance to practice that line and technique. Once again a single dab from a loose rock that caught me out and 3 further cleans set me up nicely for the day. What was interesting about this section when looking at the results was that the average clubman loss was 3.8 but specifically in the Modern Mono’s it was 5.4 so something about it did not favour the modern bikes over the older steeds?

All in all a fantastic days competition with the observers, as always being thanked on the last lap for taking their time out.

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Our next event is due to be held on Sunday 10th October where we will be returning to Pen Y Graig Quarry.

Before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again saying a huge thankyou to the club team for all of the effort they put in 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 – Keith Gardner, BSA (6); Keith Wells, BSA (10); Mark Newman, BSA (12)
• Clubman – Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (3); Keith Lloyd, BSA (26); Henry Lewis, Triumph (40)
• Novice – Paul Beswick, BSA (5); Kevin O’Toole, AJS (37)

Twinshock

• Expert – Jim Williams, Honda (33); Jack Lycett, Honda (41); Steve Williams, Honda (78)
• Intermediate – Jed Bownes, Fantic (50); Alex Barrie, Honda (69)
• Clubman – Rob Sloggett, Bultaco (6); Owain Charles, Majesty (7); Darren Riley, Bultaco (10)
• Novice – Alan Hochkiss, Majesty (27); Joel Riley, Yamaha (52)

Air Cooled Mono

• Expert – Terry Musgrave, Aprilia (58)
• Intermediate – David Matthews, Yamaha (12); Paul Cartwright; Gas Gas (22); James Mylett, Honda (24)
• Clubman – None
• Novice – None

Modern Mono

• Expert – Mark Diggle, TRS (53)
• Intermediate – Tony McKenzie, TRS (5); Ade Robinson, Gas Gas (8); Ad Gray, Gas Gas (11)
• Clubman – Ken Williams, Beta (8); Gary Jones; Beta (10); Martin Howard, Beta (10)
• Novice – George Jones, Beta (9); Steve Harding, Gas Gas (21); Simon Davies, Sherco (26)

Observer List

1 – Terry

2 – Russ

3 – Suz

4 – Mark

5 – Dave

6 – Gordon

7 – Paul

8 – Izzy

9 – John

10 – Annette

Stats

Bikes Classes

• Pre 65 – 23
• Twinshock – 13
• Air Cooled Mono – 7
• Modern Mono – 26

Route Classes

• Expert – 7
• Intermediate – 31
• Clubman – 20
• Novice – 11

Bikes

Pre 65

• AJS – 1
• BSA – 9
• DOT – 1
• Francis Barnett – 1
• James – 1
• Matchless – 1
• Triumph – 7
• Villiers – 2

Twinshock

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

Air Cooled Mono

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

Air Cooled Mono

• Beta – 8
• Gas Gas – 6
• Honda / Montesa – 4
• Sherco – 3
• TRS – 4
• Vertigo – 1

After developing the post Covid way of doing club events at Pen Y Graig, it was time to expand the venues and take a visit to Plas Onn which we last visited in December 2019! It was good now that the restrictions are being lifted to see 70 riders participate and also the club continuing to be supported by a great set of observers who turn up in all weathers to allow us to enjoy a days sport.

The entries were split evenly across 3 classes with AC Mono having a slightly lower intake compared to the rest. Intermediate saw the biggest class turnout with 30 rides and an additional 20 in clubman with the balance split across Experts and Novice to a good level.

Mike Griffiths – Observer / Section 7

Grand day out at the Plas Onn trial…

We had the usual rider complaints. Bit stiff first lap followed by ‘I’m cream crackered’ on the last lap. Had the usual ones that were either trying to be another Percy Thrower or should join the dry stone wall building course at Buxton. Mind you some of them looked more like Charlie Dimmock when they tried a crafty rock kick when they thought I was otherwise engaged….

Yes a bit of banter on my section as normal but all in good fun. My section was one of the easier ones but still claimed a mark of two. Some lads were looking for more than the section needed and was well designed and set out. An ideal adversary for trials riding for the newcomers and the wrinklies.

Some of you don’t forget to say thanks to the observers for their time as they are out on the section all day with no relief and some of you lads amble round, stop for brew and butty while we are out in the wet and cold waiting for you lot and bags of 5’s waiting for the unsuspecting.

It was nice that some of the lads rode round and thanked us. Thanks lads. Oh yes I nearly forgot there was a dodgy butty van there and he’s riding at the next trial…. I’ll be waiting ??????????????

Rob Sloggett- Twinshock / Clubman

Yes! at last! back on the bike for a competition! Pen Y Graig 20th Sept 2020 was my last time out so it was almost a year since the Bultaco had been dusted off. I was living at Nant Ucha Farm then so the journey to the competitions was a short drive, now living in Blaenau Ffestiniog, its a 90 minute drive in Stanley (my little Series 3 Landrover where you dare not go over 40 MPH in fear of the drum brakes needing at least 5 minutes notice you you want to stop)!

I decided to grab the Majesty and give that a run out and as I had not rode in 12 months and felt it best just to have a fun day on the clubman route and dust off my technique. To say it was a blast is an under statement. I love riding down a class as I find it a different tye of pressure. You know you should not lose any marks so every dab really gets analysed plus because everything happens that little bit slower you have more time to think. This time I was really conscious of the times where on the Inters I would have taken a dap, you know that little unsettled back wheel or tip in into a turn where a steadying foot down is an automatic reflex. This time a found myself really conscious about my feet on the pegs and on those borderline dabs really fought the urge to put the foot down. Dont get me wrong, I still dropped 8 marks but I know where each one cost me and what I dod wrong so actually i was happy with that…..

I also got the opportunity to walk the sections with Moz’s lad Tommy and it was great fun just discussing the sections, talking about lines and chatting to him after the sections on the first lap about how he got on.

Even on the first lap you could see his technique getting refined and him being more confident on the bike. Keep it up Tommy….

So a couple of sections spring to mind for me. Section 5 was my favourite and one I always enjoy at Plas Onn. In the top corner of the furthest field, it is your typical meander up through the trees, picking your way up a range of little rock steps with challenging turns between each challenge. A great opportunity to really refine the accuracy of your line and perfecting the front wheel around the bank to drive out the best route. A single dab (cant remember which lap or where) but it could have been a few more so a happy total for me.

Section 1 was my silly section and took way to many marks from me. A total of 3 does not seem a lot but against my total of 8 and a 2 on one lap it was a silly tally. I know where and why and it was a lapse of concentration on lap 3 as the turn caught me out with the softer eroding surface. The rest of the section was a nice set of camber turns to get the bike moving between the legs and get that technique flowing again.

Finally Section 2 whist dropping no marks was my favourite challenge. The exit was a really nice cambered bank with a right hand turn which I felt confident on, This is a big difference to Section 3 which had a left hand cambered turn which I always felt unsettled on!

I think a trip out on the Bultaco next month the try the fixed exhaust out (yep its still loud but I’ve checked the Db output and its legal!) and the baffles and end pipe have been sorted….

Thanks to everyone for a great day and it was great chatting to loads of people in the queues.

Mark Gaskell – Pre 65 / Intermediate

Plas Onn, or “Barry’s Farm”, has been the venue for some of my best rides on a trials bike. Sunday was not one of my best rides on a trials bike!

It was a great day though, and I enjoyed myself immensely! Some sections I let mess with my head too much, and so failed them spectacularly!

Section 2, Paul’s daughter. High above the farm, with glorious views, lay the fabled section 2. Not one, but two steep downhill right turns, on grass, followed by a tight uphill right to the ends. It’s not often that I need to supplement the Triumph’s engine braking with the drums, but I was very glad I had recently serviced them. If things got out of hand she could become a very expensive toboggan! The buttock clenching downhill turns went without a hitch. Instead I missed a flag on one lap, messed up the exit on another, and saved face with a single and finally a clean.

Section 3, Dave’s. I have a very small practice area at my disposal. A gentle grassy bank, with trees to slalom round. Just like section 3. On lap one however, my front wheel deflected off the root between two trees and bike and I parted company. Next lap I paddled over the root for a cowardly 3. On my third attempt I cleaned it easily, and so to celebrate on lap four I missed the turn after the root for a 5. Wonderful. 

Section 5, Bill’s. Bill Beveridge, the observer for this section, knows my engine intimately, having rebuilt it for me after it “let go” in the Manx 2 day. He now knows that it’s rider gets target fixation on a rooty step, and couldn’t ride past it to save his life. Walking the section, he warned me not to step in a boggy bit, as I might get stuck. Instead, I threw the Triumph in it.Two 5’s, and two generous 3’s.

Section 6, Ian’s. There was no reason why I couldn’t clean this section, as I did on lap 4. Tight downhill right turn, to three gentle rock steps, which for the first three attempts I made an utter Horlicks of. Three 5’s and a clean.

Brilliant trial, thank you to the Aqueduct team as ever for all the hard work!

Paul Owen – Pre 65 / Intermediate

It was great to be back at Plas Onn and seeing so many friendly faces. My son Thomas and me turned up with both the bantams . Thomas was on the yellow clubman route and I was on the green intermediate route. We were put into groups and they were mainly green route rider apart from my lad Thomas and Rob Sloggett. So I asked Rob if Thomas could shadow him as they were both on the yellow . Here are 3 of my favorite sections.

Section 2 was catching lots of riders out. You entered the start gate and dropped down between 2 trees and only just get the handle bars through them then you carried on down on the slippy damp grass from a rain shower. You had to turn sharp right on the off camber and feed the power on very slowly but enough to get you up over some roots and back onto the path. Then you repeated the same on another off camber but this had a tighter right turning less of a run up back up to the path. On lap one I picked up a 5 as I got up the 2nd incline and we turned right. Another rider was stood top of the bank just in-front of the left flag and as I looked up I seen 2 greens. But then I realised I’d missed my turn and gone between the wrong flags. I managed to pull it around to exit the section but then I heard the cheers, laughter and banta off all the lads waiting in the group to rip me. Haha

Section 4 looked easy as you rode up the bank on the right. Across the banking to the left and dropped down into a right handed off camber turn and then attack a uphill 2 foot high rooted step and just as you got up that you were having to get over a big rock and straight into a sharp left hand turn to the exit gate.

Section 10 you dropped into the rocky stream for a few metres and turned sharp right onto the bank then sharp left back across the stream and up a short slippy rooted bank. At the top you turned right down a big step into the stream and over some rocks to a very tight right turn up the bank and to the exit gate.

Big thanks to all involved from organisers, observers and fellow competitors. Myself and Thomas both had a great day. Can’t wait for the next one

Steve Harding – Modern Mono / Beginners

First of all a big thanks to all the Aqueduct team for putting on another great day and all the observer’s for giving up there Saturday so we could have a trial, thanks to Chris De-Burger for keeping us fed and watered and Russ & Mark for marking out the sections on a Saturday, big thanks to the land owner for letting the club use the venue.

On arrival we were directed to parking by Sue and Geoff, plenty of space for everyone, after signing on, a final check over the bike and  a bacon buttie and a quick brew and a look at the far reaching view down the valley to see how far the sections were spread. At 11o’clock every one was in the main yard to observe a 1 minute silence for  David Carter which was observed with respect by all, then we were put into our groups and given our starting sections, so here is a few of my favourites.

Section 3, David on watch.  You start off coming down a bit of a grass bank into the start then up a slightly off camber bank into some fairly thick woods then a really tight left round a tree, again a slippery off camber bank. I think I dabbed it every time  then up a steep climb through the trees and then a tight right past another tree and along a ridge and close to the fence and out of the section. 

Section 9, Geoff and Jan on watch. A great section for me this one. As you enter you drop down a slippery bank and into the rocky stream and then out of the other side to climb a bit and over a couple of rocks then right along the top of the bank before a right back down to the stream through some long grass into some fairly slippery mud the left back up the banks with a few rocks to dodge and up and out of the section.

Section 10, Sue and Russ on watch. Another one of my favourites. After leaving 9 you had to cross the stream and back up a slippery bank and left to the start of the section. On entry you crossed the stream and back up the bank and a bit of tight right and place the front wheel on a large grassy lump as you turn tight right again and drop back down into the stream and straight back up and out the left along the top of the bank before dropping back into the rocky stream and follow it up and a tight right up over some slippery roots and right out of the section.

  
Overall I had a great day although my score doesn’t say that  lol, I was absolutely knackered at the end but it wouldn’t be such fun if it was mad easy. Great venue as the club all ways manages to do and a big thanks to the guys I rode with,had some banter and some good tips along the way.  Well done aqueduct you guys smashed it again, cheers.

Before we move into the usual stats, we have to close by once again saying 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 – No riders
• Intermediate – Les Richardson, Drayton (29); Kev Williams, Triumph (35); Mark Lucas, James (45)
• Clubman – Philip Clarkson, Triumph (2); Paul Brimlow, Cotton (5); Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (6)
• Novice – Alan Hochkiss, Villiers (35)

Twinshock

• Expert – Tony Gush, Majesty (7); Jim Williams, Honda (12); Julian Price, Fantic (40)
• Intermediate – Tony Dillon, Fantic (18); Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (23); Alex Barrie, Honda (80)
• Clubman – Rob Sloggett, Majesty (8); Trevor Bennett, Beta (19); Dave Lycett, Honda (21)
• Novice – Steven Williams, Bultaco (64)

Air Cooled Mono

• Expert – Paul Edwards, Beta (42); Robin Foulkes, Honda (49)
• Intermediate – Ian Emery, Gas Gas (28); David Matthews, Yamaha (31); Paul Cartwright, Gas Gas (36)
• Clubman – No riders
• Novice – No finishers

Modern Mono

• Expert – Paddy Edwards, Vertigo (10); Mark Blackwell, Beta (29); Mark Linge, Gas Gas (39)
• Intermediate – Martin Evans, Gas Gas (41); Colin Steele, Vertigo (44); Michael Warburton, Vertigo (47)
• Clubman – Ken Williams, Beta (8); Ryan Rogers, Gas Gas (16); Oliver Roberts, Beta (18)
• Novice – Glyn Roberts, Montesa (32); Tony Williams, Scorpa (73); Steve Harding, Gas Gas (77)

Observer List

1 – Elwyn

2 – Izzy

3 – Dave

4 – Paul

5 – Bill Beveridge

6 – Ian Jones

7 – Mike Griffiths

8 – Gordan

9 – Geoff

10 – Russ

Stats

Bikes Classes

• Pre 65 – 20
• Twinshock – 18
• Air Cooled Mono – 12
• Modern Mono – 20

Route Classes

• Expert – 13
• Intermediate – 30
• Clubman – 20
• Novice – 7

Bikes

Pre 65

• BSA – 7
• Cotton – 1
• Drayton – 2
• Francis Barnett – 1
• James – 1
• Triumph – 5
• Villiers – 1

Twinshock

• Beta – 1
• Bultaco – 3
• Fantic – 5
• Honda – 5
• Kawasaki – 1
• Majesty – 2
• Montesa – 1

Air Cooled Mono

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

Modern Mono

• Beta – 5
• Gas Gas – 6
• Montesa – 2
• Scorpa – 1
• TRS – 3
• Vertigo – 3