Photos courtesy of Richard Webster via Aqueduct Facebook Page
Can you believe that we are already at Round 4 of the 2024 Championship and a visit to Pen Y Graig say 64 riders join us for a fantastic day of trials sport.
Out of trend, the largest class was Modern Monos with 22 bikes, with Pre 65 and twin shocks having 15 and 12 bikes respectively. The Pre 2000 Water-cooled class is slowly growing with 5 bikes on the day and the well established and contested Air Cooled Monos having a very respectable 10 bikes.
Our Expert and Novice routes certainly demonstrated that it was worth putting the flags out as 7 riders took to the Red route and it was great to see 5 White route riders continue their enjoyment of the sport. In the mid ranks we had 29 clubman riders take to the Yellows and 23 inters tackling the Greens.
As you can see from the table below, almost all of the classes apart from the 3 in yellow have at least one rider taking part in that class/route combination.
Steve Harding – Clubman / Modern Monos
So we are back at Pen y Graig on a beautiful spring morning the sun shining and all the blue bells in full bloom, what more could you ask for.
First of all as usual, a huge thanks to all the Aqueduct team for putting on such a great event again, all of the observer’s for giving up there Sunday, the land owners and Chris deburger for keeping us fed and watered.
So we get underway at 11oclock as usual after the short briefing and instructions to keep the noise level down to help keep the neighbours happy on our way down to the quarry, not hard to do as it’s down hill so tick over was plenty enough.
So here are a few of my favourites of the day, we started off on section 10 at the bottom by the fuel drop off. You start off and straight away up and over a slippery mud bank on to some shale, keep climbing and turn left round a tree and and along a bit of an off camber rocky ledge before a tight left. Then down over some more loose rocks before getting back to the bottom then almost stop while doing a really tight right only to head back up on the slippery shale bank again. A left turn past another tree and then down over some more rocks back to the bottom and out of the section. Not the easiest but enjoyed it.
Section 7, Alan on watch, a cracking section this one.
Through the start gate and drop down before another slow right before climbing up a steep slippery shale bank turning a bit left then half way up a bit of a right before getting to the top. Navigate between two large boulders whilst going over some loose rocks at the same time braking to turn tight left. Then along the top and drop back down on the loose shale to the bottom of the section before another slow right and back up the bank over a couple of steps and out of the section. I only managed to clean it once but enjoyed it.
Section 8 In the shade of the trees a nice flowing section to cool down a bit from the sun . You start off from the top a bank and drop down into the section and over a bit of a log, then a bit of a right up and left round a tree then drop back down on a bit of an off camber bank and back up over a bank then back down and up again then left out of the section.
On lap 4 the heat was getting to me a bit and dropped some daft 5s, no excuse really it was the same for everyone, overall I really enjoyed the day and once again big thanks to everyone involved, look forward to seeing you all next time, cheers.
Mark Gaskell – Intermediate / Twinshock
I have struggled to finish a trial this year, either mechanical (unforgiveable) or rider (!) breakdown. Determined to set this state of affairs right, I arrived at PenY Graig with a fully fettled Whitehawk and a positive mental attitude. The sun shining helped.
The biggest problem I have riding the Whitehawk as opposed to the Triumph is the lack of engine braking. If I remember to cover the rear brake (and not the gear lever!) then it helps. Downhill turns are my nemesis on this bike. Guess what the Aqueduct team gave us today? Here are some of my best (worst) bits, riding round with Mark Newman, doing his best to stop me rushing into sections:
Section 2. A deceptive section, long, with lots of off camber turns. Lap one, the nice lady observer warned me not to miss one of the gates. I misunderstood her, and missed the gate. A slack dab on the last lap saw me finish on 6.
Section 4. Mind games. The last elements of the section involved a tight left, then up to crest a short steep bank, with an off camber plunge down the other side. A tree was helpfully placed to collect anyone who went off line. Two cowardly 2’s, then a clean, followed by a 5 when I stalled on the crest.
Section 6. A nice easy climb up a rooty shale bank, turn left and back down, then pick your way across loose off camber rocks, before a short climb round a tree to the end. A 3 on lap one, as my path across the rocks was wrong, then a clean. Lap three didn’t concentrate on the “easy” climb, and my back wheel caught on a root for a 5. Lap four clean.
Section 7. An uphill rock step needs the application of more power if you are going to get over it.
Here endeth the first lesson.
Section 9. The last elements of this section got trickier as the passage of riders polished a root on the right turn out of the base of the building. I had managed to clean it on the first lap, but had a 1 and a 2 on following laps. On the last lap Jeff, the observer, pointed out that Mark and I were on the same score for that section, just to ramp up the pressure. We both cleaned it to tie that section, but Mark had managed not to have four silly 5’s, so had a far healthier score.
I managed to finish 3rd Twinshock Intermediate, so quite pleased. I would prefer it if people didn’t point out how many Twinshock Intermediates were competing though, thank you.
As ever, many thanks to all involved in organising the trial. Your hard work is much appreciated!
Olie Dillon – Modern Mono / Clubman
Sunday’s trial at Pen y Graig was my first trial back after a few months off and on a new horse. And what a trial to make a comeback. Once parked by chief attendant Geoff, we were greeted with a beautiful clear view covering miles and miles and a glimpse of the always amazing Chirk Castle drenched in the early morning Welsh sunshine.
After a quick rider briefing from Russ (who managed to upset the team of ladies in the signing on van!!), it was a gentle quiet ride down into the quarry and the sections that awaited.
I’ve never ridden this venue before so didn’t know what to expect….but what a great place for a trial! It had a bit of everything for everyone and also little bits that people don’t like so a perfect cocktail of trials.
Now I can’t remember which section was which apart from one…. Section 5, so I’ll concentrate on this one, which is exactly what I should have been doing when riding it!!! The first lap was an utter nightmare (the observer will account for this too!!) Into the section and missed a gate. Very kindly given another attempt by Mr Observer (sorry, I didn’t catch your name). So second attempt, into the section and through the missed gate on the first attempt, only to miss another!!!! A very deserved big fat 5. And the kicker to this is it turned out to be my favourite section of the trial…..
Even with that embarrassing display of trials riding, it was great to be back in the sections and I had a brilliant day.
Big thanks to the Aquaduct Classics team for putting on a great trial, Chris de Burger for keeping us watered and fed, the ladies in the signing on van (tut tut Russ!!) and of course the Observers, if it wasn’t for you guys we couldn’t play on our motorbikes. Already looking forward to the next round!
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 – Tony Gush, Dot (21)
Intermediate – Robin Foulkes, Francis Barnett (11); Mark Newman, BSA (11); Les Richardson, Drayton 4t (14)
Clubman – Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (5); Tim Lewis, Matchless (12); Paul Brimelow, Cotton (12)
Novice – Roger Smith, BSA (1); Terry Lloyd, Triumph (10)
Twinshock
Expert – Paul Sagar, Honda (11); Paul Smart, Fantic (15)
Intermediate – Jerry Hawker, Honda (1); Mike Smith, Honda (14); Mark Gaskell, Whitehawk (36)
Clubman – Oliver Barker, Bultaco (17); Phil Cottiga, Fantic (17); Dave Broderick, Fantic (21)
Novice – Paul Beswick, Ossa (17)
Pre 1996 Air Cooled Mono
Expert – Peter Ruscoe, Honda (10); Terry Musgrave, Beta (55)
Intermediate – Dave Matthews, Yamaha (2); Stephen Richards, Yamaha (9); Rian Garlick, Gas Gas (10)
Clubman – Ian Emery, Gas Gas (12); Neville Kirkham, Yamaha (31); Paul Corfield, Yamaha (46)
Novice – No riders
Pre 2000 Water Cooled Mono
Expert – Chris Garlick, Montesa (16); Mike Jones, Gas Gas (50)
Intermediate – Alec Roberts, Montesa (10); Neil Francis, Gas Gas (20);
Clubman – Marcus Greer, Beta (65)
Novice – No riders
Modern Mono
Expert – No riders
Intermediate – Michael Warburton (0); Stephen Hall, Vertigo (5); Alan Corfield, Montesa (10); Richard Osborn, Gas Gas (10)
Clubman – Ken Williams, Beta (5); Bert White, Beta (6); Jason Breakley, Montesa (13)
Novice – Tony Williams, Gas Gas (10); Gordon Evans, Tenaci Wong (53)
The quarry is always a favourite spot for a lot of riders and with a cap on the entries, a lucky 72 riders jockeyed for the starting honours of the opening round of Aqueduct Classics 2024 season. A number of changes had come into play this year, mainly around the championship classes and refining a few matters that had confused some, so with everything clear and above board 23 pre 65 machines lined up with 9 twinshocks, and 17 Modern Monos. A new class (Pre 2000 Watercooled Monos) had been introduced this year to allow the early water boilers to have a class of their own and not be penalised against the modern mono bikes. It was great to see 9 bikes sign on in this class. The cut off for Air Cooled Monos had been clarified as Pre 1996 to move bikes such as the Air Cooled Scorpa into the Modern Mono class so this class concluded with 14 bikes.. These contest of the routes was split with 8 Experts and 3 Novice riders top and tailing the experience bands. In the middle it was great to see a balance of 24 clubman and 37 intermediate riders fighting it out in the most popular routes!
Nick Shenson – Observer / Section 8
Tales from Section 8
Well, Sunday was my first day observing and was posted on Section 8 with Gordon to act as my Apprentice Master. After a good long chat walking down from the farm, we set about walking the individual routes and running me through the essentials to get me up and running. Section 8, best described as quite shaded up against the quarry wall, damp, mossy and rocky. A hint of drizzle in the air would add to the already slippy nature of all the routes. The we started. Slow at first, with a steady flow of riders on the yellow and green routes. It soon became apparent where there riders were going to have the most fun, the tricky first turn at the top of the first incline on the green was going to punish the bikes with restricted lock. The next place was the slightly off camber run along the quarry face before dropping back down to the end was catching a few out. As the day went on as people were starting their second and third trip round that run seems to cut in and improve, then deteriorate towards the end. We had a look later and found that as that had worn in it had exposed a shiny damp tree root running across on an angle. More and more riders also started to fall victim to the green route cutting up and rocks gathering on the route, requiring intervention before causing too much bother.
The drizzle picking up later in the day adding another element to contend with. The experts seemed unperturbed by the first sump guard grinding ascent and left me in awe every time they came round – although I honestly thought we were going to have to start a moon rescue mission when the big water-cooled Gas Gas started to get a little flighty – well brought back to heel! Watching the little four stroke twin shock make short of the expert course was a real treat.
A big thanks must go to Gordon for putting up with my chatter all day and all the riders who not only offered kind words and support but kept me entertained with their riding skills and cheeky banter. I had respect for those who volunteered to observe before trying it myself and have even more so now. I had a fantastic time and hope to do it again soon, thanks.
Tony Williams – AC Mono / Expert
Pen y Graig trial arrived to a welcome by Steve and Ali then put into your parking spot by Geoff . We started on section 6, that grumpy man observing . A twisty tight turning section could easily drop marks on this one but scrapped through , then on to section seven, Alan Thomas observing. What a pig to ride, over large rocks that moved and really unbalanced you then bloody trees in the way as well. I’m sure Russ and Mark been have been watching the arena trials! Lucky to get through on 3. Next few sections not to bad, not easy, really testing ones.
Then down to section 2, Dave Lovell observing. Another pig of a section, it was pure luck if you cleaned it, A short run on flat to a tight turn back to right up over rock steps then tight turn down hill to a tight left uphill across rocks then a off camber, long exit. Another bloody 3. I’m afraid that was the story of the day for me, must try harder.
Must say a good safe trial and a real challenge. Toughest I’ve had with Aqueduct but really enjoyable. Thank You everyone for a great day.
Richard Webster – Pre 2000 Watercooled Mono / Expert
Most Sundays begin with a meet up at the nearest Greggs or McDonalds on the way to a trial or practise. All the top athletes and riders do the same apparently and last Sunday was no different. We arrived at PEN Y GRAIG and parked up in the pristine farmyard and made our way along the red carpet to the butty van for our second breakfast before signing on and embarking on the usual pre-trial gossip and bull#@!t.
This year sees the introduction of a pre-2000 water boiler class and the opportunity to add another bike to the collection – a Montesa 315 is my choice for this year.
After a quick rider briefing and reminder from Russ about new rules etc, we all quietly made our way down to the quarry.
Section 1, a fairly simple looking section with a tight turn midway through after an awkwardly positioned tree caught a few riders out and if your clutch wasn’t working properly (Chris Garlick excuse #1) it was even more difficult.
Section 2, a mixture of rocks and turns around the trees was also making life difficult for a few experts around the first turn, but once through this part the section was fairly easy to negotiate.
Onto Section 3 which featured a difficult climb up and over some large fallen trees towards the end of the section. Bive it too much or get your timing wrong and it was a difficult right turn before exiting the section. If you were unlucky enough to have the wrong throttle on your bike, it was made slightly more challenging (CG excuse #2)
A tight turn back on yourself featured in the middle of section 4 with slippery off-camber routes causing a few marks to be lost during the day.
A difficult turn and sharp climb up the bank at the end of section 5 resulted in a bit of a hit and miss scorecard, early riders through benefitting from more grip than the following riders apparently (CG excuse #3)
Up to the top of the quarry for section 6 which featured a nice rock wall step in the middle of the section followed by a very tight left turn over some awkward rocks. Riders were warned of crossing over their lines at this point in the section by our eagled-eyed observer.
Section 7 was another winding route back and forth across the rocks with a tight right hand turn up and back across loose shale at the end – caught me out on the first lap being too cautious (faffing)
Another jumble of rocks and turns at section 8 looked more difficult than it was, the scorecard reflecting this with a fairly low average score.
Down to Section 9 and a set of turns and banks which took fewer marks than it could have done if the weather had turned – maybe I missed the sunshine as Kev had his sunglasses on all day?!?
And finally section 10……disaster for me. Lap one I managed to knock my lanyard off going across the camber section and another 5! It didn’t get much better on the next lap and I couldn’t master the camber.
So, my first trial of the year and the second outing on the 315, at least I didn’t drown it this time like Nant Ucha in November. For me, and from the other experts I have spoken too, the sections were spot on. Yes, they were tight and harder than normal, but an expert route should be challenging and the club delivered a great mix of sections – thank you. Onto the only moan…….section 10 queuing. And if you are one of the many riders who skipped passed it on the way down and had to double up at the end – shame on you. {Section setters – it was too long. Soap box away for another day.}
The first battle of the year between myself and CG ended with him taking the victory, it was close and if you ever need an excuse for your poor score then please see him at the next trial, he’ll be signing copies of Vol 2 of his latest book which has just been published. Only joking Chris, looking forward to the next trial and the year ahead – and I am 13 years your senior by the way.
The day was signed off with the obligatory beer or two in the first pub we found (The Hand Hotel, Chirk) to relive the day and continue with the usual banter.
Thanks to all involved with the organisation as usual, you do a fantastic job for us all – it really is appreciated. Shout out to all the observers for giving up their time whilst we play on bikes, CDB for keeping us fed and watered, a round of sarcastic applause to the neighbours for restricting the entry and a thank you to the landowners. I look forward to seeing you all again at the next round.
Mike Griffiths – Observer/Section 6
PenY Graig Quarry and what a cracking section I had. (6) The day started well with Wendy sharing her lovely cake, though it was nearly ruined when going for a butty and was greeted by the ‘legs’…. CDB must have won a bet to wear them in public ? Anyhow to the trial and I had a slippery journey to my section where on first glances it looked too easy. Ah but when it came to riding it I was surprised as the yellow was niggly. Yes I had a clean ‘cos the observer was not watching’. One or two good rides and some views on the riders.
Owd Codger Bert White, was really constipating and went clean. Young Logan Price showed some great prospect as did Rian Garlick. Hard to believe he is related to Chris, who incidentally did some spectacular front wheel turns with the back wheel miles in the air.. Did he stop or was the front wheel just moving ? Cake face , alias Mike Smith rode well but I think it was a sugar rush from all the cake he has to eat at home.. Moz was trying hard and looked very serious. Plenty of dabs and cleans and the rocks on the harder routes certainly caused the loss of quite a few marks. As a new section it was well set out , short and did a great job .
One slight gripe and it’s at some of the riders that drag their feet getting round. studying the section each lap , watching their mates ride it then sitting debating where they went wrong or excelled. Come on lads all post mortems in the carpark afterwards as it can get cold standing there like a prune waiting for some riders who have a leisurely Sunday’s rest and gentle ride round.. In other words there a few of you that need to get their fingers out and keep moving. By dawdling round it quite often means an observer on an out of the way section does not get back before the butty van has closed…
Well a great set of reports and many thanks to the two observers for theirs. It is also great to see a few new riders contribute. Maybe my nagging is paying off.
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 Chell, BSA (64), SImon Chell, BSA (90)
Intermediate – Peter Shone, James (26); Robin Foulkes, Villiers (27); Norman Tarbuck, Drayton Bantam (33)
Clubman -Paul Brimelow, Cotton (7); Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (8); Jon Flower, BSA (20)
Novice – Roger Smith, BSA(7); Terry Lloyd, Triumph (8)
Twinshock
Expert – Paul Sagar, Honda (26)
Intermediate – Dave Pengilley, Kawsaki (22); Dave Riley, Fantic (28); Jerry Hawker, Honda (29)
Clubman – Oliver Barker, Bultaco (17); Phil Cottiga, Honda (25); Graham Pennington, Ossa (31)
Novice – No riders
Pre 1996 Air Cooled Mono
Expert – Patrick Edwards, Yamaha (27); Peter Ruscoe, Honda (47)
Intermediate – Ian Tracey, Ossa (4); Paul Young, Gas Gas (34); Stephen Richards, Yamaha (38)
Clubman – Andy Steele, Yamaha (31); Rian Garlick (54); Paul Corfield, Yamaha (55)
Novice – No Riders
Pre 2000 Watercooled Mono
Expert – Chris Garlick, Gas Gas (28); Richard Webster, Montesa (33)
Intermediate – Mike Smith, Montesa (17); Jim Droughton, Yamaha (28); Alec Roberts, Montesa (38)
Clubman – Alan Hotchkiss, Montesa (64); Marcus Greer, Beta (106)
Novice – No riders
Modern Mono
Expert – No riders
Intermediate – David Ellis, Beta (21); Elwyn Beedles, Beta (38); Paul Hempkins, Gas Gas (40)
A very wet day greeted the 70 riders who took the opportunity to have a fantastic days trials competition at Pen Y Graig quarry. A great showing of 21 Pre 65’s and 16 Twinshocks which form the bedrock of our classic trials club were supported by 11 AC Monos and 22 modern monos. With 9 Expert riders and 4 Novices on the start cards, it was evenly spread with the clubman and Intermediate classes with 29 and 28 respectively.
Steve Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman
First of all as usual, a huge thanks to all the Aqueduct team for putting on such a great event again and all the observer’s for giving up their Sunday and standing out in the rain. Not forgetting Chris deburger for keeping us fed and watered.
The day started off with myself, Geoff and Ali on Car park duties stood out in the rain , it was tight but we got them all in. So at 11o’clock we had the briefing in the farm yard and then set off down the long wet and muddy track to the quarry and then set off to find a section to start from. All sections were spot on and some testing due to the wet, slippy conditions. So here are a few of my favourites.
Section 7: At the top of the quarry, you start off from the a bit of a wet muddy area and into the section. Straight away you climb up a slippery shale and rock slope to a couple of big rocks where you had to give it a bit to get over. Then drop over the other side and keep left before turning a tight right on the off camber shale then tight left between two trees while dropping down over some loose rocks and then out ,
Section 5: You start off from the main track dropping down into the section and keep it left between two trees and over a couple of loose rocks before climbing right a bit. Then drop back down before another left and fire it back up a steep slippery slope and out of the section.
Section 10: Back down to the bottom of the quarry where you start off from the the top of a steep bank which was very slippery due to the conditions. As you drop down you bare left a bit and go between two good sized rocks and drop on to the track. Cross over the track and into some deep muddy water then up left on the slippery bank before turning right and drop down and out of the section.
Overall I had a great day, thanks to everyone involved, cheers.
Paul Beswick – Pre 65 / Novice
This trial was the first time in two years that I had cocked my leg over a bike mainly down to financial and health problems. The last time I rode was here at the quarry so obviously I was more than a little nervous. Anyway, might as well jump straight in and see if I’d lost what little talent I had two years ago.
The weather was a bit daunting especially as I left home at stupid o’clock for the 100 mile drive to the venue. The torrential rain abated the nearer I got to the venue which cheered me up a bit because I hate mud with a passion. When I arrived at 10.00am the car park was almost full but I managed to find a space for my little postman Pat van. Then the rain started. Oh well “it is what it is” as someone once said. Listened to the riders briefing and put putted down to the clearing in the quarry to drop off refreshments and arrived at section 1 bricking it.
Great to see so many friends who were very encouraging and seemed to have a lot more confidence in my “talents” than I did TBH. Strangest thing was I couldn’t stop my left arm and hand from shaking for the first lap which was bloody annoying to say the least. I was only riding the white route which was great for me so nothing too horrendous or silly, apart from me getting lost a couple of times in the sections while I got my trials eyes back into action.
Russell and Mark got it spot on as far as I was concerned a perfect balance for a Septuagenarian wobbler who struggles to even remember his own name. Saying that, some of the other routes did seem to be taking marks and a few riders literally had steam rising from them while waiting at the following section. Saying that queueing was thankfully almost non existent which was great.
Again, well done to the Aqui team and the riders themselves. Why can’t all trials be like this? Anyway, by lap 2 I had settled down a bit and established a rhythm, now I knew roughly where I was going, and felt a lot more comfortable with myself. I was really enjoying myself now and apart from a couple of stupid errors mainly down to changing my mind as to the line to take halfway through a section, (note to self decide on a line through the section AND STICK TO IT), it always ends in tears when you do that.
Before I knew it it was my last lap so remembering to check with the observers and also making a point of thanking them for helping make my day so enjoyable. I trundled round and made my way back to the van taking care as much as was possible, for a 17st blob on a Bantam, to keep the revs down and pull a high gear up the climb on the way back which wasn’t easy.
I must say I’ve really REALLY missed riding my trials bike and especially the camaraderie and friendship of all the Aqueduct crew and fellow riders. I must say if anyone reading this has ever considered riding trials the give it a go especially with this club. I guarantee you’ll be made welcome although I can’t guarantee you’ll get cake as some of the crew seem to be not too distantly related to a flock of seagulls. I had a fantastic time and I’ll try not to make it another two years before I’m back assuming you’ll have me?
Mike Griffiths – Section 6
Up in my section there were some interesting bits. Some slippery and some niggly and a few mobile rocks. Some surprise dabs but a well sorted section. A few fives and some great big grins.
The Cheshire mob were trying like mad to stay clean and sadly they fippin well did. Very pleasantly surprised with no rock kickers . A good sign the message has got through and only one failure to say thanks.
Thanks lads I really enjoyed the day even if it pimply sissed down for a short while. The gortex worked for me and I stayed dry. Yes I missed out on the cake and had to put up with the De Burger flashing his legs.
There was an ‘interesting’ plant growing by the rock face and it looked like weed.. Asking a couple of riders if they though it was cannabis and one gave a rapid no it’s not ! ! ! Wonder if he is a market gardener or has a dodgy pastime ? See you all at the next trial
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 – Paul Owen, BSA (28); Jim Droughton, Triumph (33); Norman Tarbuck, Drayton Bantam (37)
Clubman -Paul Brimelow, Cotton (13); Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (15); Steve Jones, Triumph (16)
Novice – Paul Beswick, BSA (2)
Twinshock
Expert – Paul Smart, Fantic (61); Andrew Williams, Honda (100); Steve Williams, Aprillia (126)
Intermediate – Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (24); Robin Foulkes, Armstrong (24); Jim Williams, SWM (34)
Clubman – Kenton Hackney, Honda (15); Oliver Barker, Bultaco (15); Phil Cottiga, Honda (22)
Novice – No entrants
Air Cooled Mono
Expert – Patrick Edwards, Yamaha (54); Kev Ellis, Yamaha (64)
Intermediate – Alec Roberts, Scorpa (44); Michael Warburton, Honda (46); Paul Young, Gas Gas (46)
Clubman – Stephen Hall, Gas Gas (10); Tony Williams, Honda (50)
Novice – No entrants
Modern Mono
Expert – No entrants
Intermediate – Mike Smith, Montesa (20);Stuart Parr, Beta (36); Neil Liptrot, Gas Gas (37)
Running a trials club in 2023 is dependant on many thing, observers being a key one, but having access to the right land is always crucial and therefore whilst not totally desirable the club put a cap of 60 riders on this event due to an underlying concern with noise levels reported by a local neighbour. We would like to start this report by thanking all of the riders for their conduct at this event.
The 59 riders who were lucky to get a place were a good spread across the classes with 11 Pre 65’s and 15 Twinshocks riding alongside 13 AC Monos and 20 Modern Monos. Clubman was the biggest class with 29 riders taking the yellow route. The 3 beginners and 4 Experts were wrapped up with an additional 23 Intermediate riders.
Michael Jones – Pre 65 / Intermediate
Really enjoyed it. I was riding Pre 65 Intermediate, the first few sections went really well considering how hungover I was. The cub and I was enjoying the shaded quarry and I was enjoying the strong banter from fellow competitors. As the bike and myself got hotter, the bike wouldn’t start as the clutch slipping (turns out don’t put 50 20 oil in primary chain)! After 20 mins of kicking I decided to bump it and off we went!
Gordon’s (Section 5) was my favourite. A rocky right – right went well if your line was right, followed by a tight left and a right turn on a dusty camber. Always fun these winding sections that they manage to craft so well. By lap 3 I was becoming a competent bump starter, especially as bike was now stuck in 1st gear as gear leaver threaded!
Another stand out section was Marks (Section 8). A steep decent and some tight turns later on while keeping a look out for the camouflaged flags was very entertaining. Slept well after that one.
Mike Smith – Modern Mono / Intermediate
As promised a quick recollection of sections 1&2 through the green route from Sunday.
Section 1 – Through the entrance gate and into some soft mud before climbing up over an inverted brick onto a small ridge, through the greens flags and follow the ridge to the right. The path then dropped down to right and climbed sharply to the left, it looked loose but in reality there was loads of grip thanks to the beautiful weather that we were blessed with. Care had to be taken when exiting the section as too much throttle on the first lap had the front wheel inadvertently pointing at the sky which made Mr Williams laugh a bit.
Section 2 was a bit more challenging. Through the entrance gate and over some small branches that had been cut down to slow the approach to a steep embankment which again had plenty of grip. Whilst walking the section and watching a few riders go through it became apparent that momentum was required to breach the bank, several people had a few problems on the first lap but they all managed to stay feet up as they snaked towards the top. The section then dropped down to the left through the trees and then immediately back uphill towards the exit gate.
Steve Harding – Modern Mono / Clubman
As usual a big thanks to everyone involved and all the observer’s for giving up the Sunday so we can do what we love doing, all the aqueduct team for putting on such a great event again and all involved behind the scenes for putting in the hours to make it happen, Russ and Mark for setting up the sections on Saturday, appreciate all the effort you guys put in.
What a beautiful morning and setting to start the day with. I got there early to help out with the parking, myself and Ali stood on the road to welcome all the riders and show them where to park, a different car park to normal as the farm yard was busy but I think it worked really well on the field as it was so dry with plenty of space.
Then the start at 11 o’clock and made our way down to the quarry where all fuel and bags were dropped off to help out with minimal riding back up to help out with noise reduction for the neighbours.
So here are a few of my favourite sections,
Myself Toni, Alan and Oliver were instructed to start off at section 5 as everyone was told where to start to limit queuing and I think this format worked really well,
Section 5 – At the top of the quarry, you start off on a bit of a flat and go straight into the section. Start over a bit of rough ground then up a bit of a loose bank and a tight right through the flags. Then over some loose rocks and up over a good sized rock onto a bit of a tight left on loose shale before climbing right up to the top and over some good sized rocks and along to the exit. Gordon on watch so best behaviour was needed, lol.
Then on to section 6 – Russ on watch so concentrate. You start off again from a bit of a flat and up into the section on some loose gravel and turn tight left in-between 2 small trees. Then along right a bit before climbing up over some good sized very loose rocks, easy to dab if not concentrating, then along some more rocks in an off camber bank and out the section.
Then a short blast to 7 – Sue on watch. You start off again from a bit of a flat then straight down into a big dip and straight up over a good sized rock and out on to loose shale. Turn left and down into a bit a gully before a tight right then up over some good sized rocks between two trees then along a bit and over a log before climbing right up the bank and out of the section.
That was just 3 of the sections, all were spot on, and was hard to choose from.
Well done to all the 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 –
Intermediate – Pete Edwards, Drayton Bantam (1); Mike Jones, Triumph (4); Dave Lovell, Triumph (14)
Clubman -Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (0); Steve Jones, BSA (1); Stephen Leyshon, James (3)
Novice – Terry Lloyd, Triumph (2)
Twinshock
Expert – Mike Jones, Aprillia (61)
Intermediate – Robin Foulkes, Armstrong (1 T); Adrian Kent, Bultaco (1 T); Jeremy Clark, Bultaco (2)
Clubman – Owain Charles, Majesty (0); Oliver Barker, Bultaco (1); Kenton Hackney, Honda (5)
Novice – Graham Seagar, Bultaco (37)
Air Cooled Mono
Expert – Peter Ruscoe, Gas Gas (10); Patrick Edwards, Yamaha (16)
Intermediate – Alec Roberts, Scorpa (0); Jason Trumble, Honda (1); Michael Warburton, Honda (2)
Clubman – Stephen Hall, Gas Gas (5); Elwyn Beedles, Yamaha (6); Tony Williams, Scorpa (20)
Novice –
Modern Mono
Expert – Chris Garlick, Gas Gas (3)
Intermediate – Mike Smith, Montesa (2); John Warren Roberts, Beta (3); Neil Liptrot, Gas Gas (11)
Clubman – Andrew Dean, Beta (0 T); Ken Williams, Beta (0 T); Gareth Evans, Vertigo (0 T)
A welcome return to Nany Y Ffrith saw 108 riders unload an incredible collection of bikes for yet another classic trial event. The 34 Pre 65 bikes and 27 Twinshocks were accompanied by 12 Air Cooled Monos and 35 Modern Monos
Across the routes, we had18 Experts and 44 Intermediates with 39 Clubman and 7 Novice riders. Modern Mono (Clubman) and Pre 65 (Inters) tied as the biggest classes with 17 riders apiece.
Paul Owen – Pre 65 / Intermediate
This trials was a full house with well over 100 riders and the venue helped massively as it was spread out. I was on the pre65 intermediate green route on my BSA bantam. Here are 3 of my best and worse sections.
Section 3. You entered the start gate towards the right and with a tight left turn you got on the gas and up a steep climb to a tight right over the ridge and dropped back down avoiding 2 big rocks. Then into a gentle left and full gas again up the next climb that crossed another path . At the top it was a steep drop to the right and with the brakes on full and sliding down the loose shail you had to try get as far right to the flag and the turn left to the out gate. I cleaned it 3 times and a 5 from missing the last flag by inches but the exit was either going to be a clean or a big 5 trying to get to the out gate. It turned out I did the last lap with a flat front tyre. So that didn’t help things.
Section 4. You started on the flat then up a tree rooted off camber bank and onto the next level. With a cambered right turn on loose ground you had a steep climb up to a foot high vertical step. Timing with the throttle was critical as too much and it spun out and to little wouldn’t get you up the step. Once up you turned sharp left right left between trees to the drop down to the out gate.
Section 10. This was a short section but was over slippy bare tree roots and moss covered rocks that looked like an old collapsed wall. You rode into the section and onto the roots and rocks that wanted to kick the wheels to the opposite of were you wanted to go. If you got the first bit wrong then you would struggle with the right and left turn and the rocks were moving around every lap. You just had to lean back and keep the front light to just get to the out gate. Again the flat front tyre didn’t help over the bumpy bits. I was dreading seeing the scores but ended up 3rd.
Big thanks to the club, the observers and all involved. And I’d like to pass on my deepest sympathies to the family of Albert Higgins. Albert loved his trials from being a good rider to observing in his later years.
Albert observing at a previous trial
Tony Williams – Modern Mono / Novice
What a great trial at Nant y Frith , I dropped to white route as I cant take risks with the wife very ill, but really enjoyed it ridding with my mates.
Section one, a run in off road, a tight right up to a high root. This did unbalance you. Dropped 2 so old man says.
Section 2 Brians, a tight little section in-between tight trees, another 3
Now down to Section 3 with Ian in charge. Straight run in, over roots, tight right then another tight to outs. cleared it.
Now a jump to Section 7, with Mark. Easy but it tripped you up going over roots. Went clean but lap 4 dropped 5.
Now up to Section 9 with Russ in charge. A tricky one from the ins, down bank then a right turn off camber. Had to be smooth on throttle. Bloody hell cleaned it!
Now Section 10, Sue in charge. Looked very easy but loose rocks and roots catch you out.
What a great trial, really enjoyable trial and not had a bad one yet, well done you lot, you get it right. Thankyou
Mark Gaskell – Pre 65 / Intermediate
Nant y Frith woods is a great venue with a nice long lap to try and spread the field out a bit.
The green route held a few more challenges than I am used to, so proved to be a tough, but thoroughly enjoyable day! My score was in the 50’s, and towards the bottom end of the class. Some of the riders on the same route managed to stay in single figures. I didn’t finish until 15.45, and I wasn’t the last rider by a long way. Special thanks to the observers for sticking it out for so long!
Section 1 – I could not get the turn around the boulder at the start without putting a foot, or feet, down.
Section 2 – The easy section, 4 cleans.
Section 3 – An easy climb, over some roots, then down, between two trees, then a steep loose uphill to another tree. Turn right around this and then gravity took over, but there was a right/left slalom to get to the end gates in which gravity was not your friend!
First attempt a navigational error saw me heading up the red route, and failing to correct sufficiently for a 5. Second attempt a safety dab at the end to stop me from falling over. Third attempt, too fast round the tree and skidded outside the flag. Last attempt, perfect.
Section 4 – The bike did all the work, 4 cleans.
Section 5 – A simple slalom in and out of the bombhole, with a step followed by a tight right to catch you out if you weren’t careful. I was, 4 more cleans.
Section 6 – I made this far harder than it needed to be, and fived it twice.
Section 7 – A couple of needless dabs on the loose rocks in the bottom.
Section 8 – Over a log, tight between two lots of trees, then up a steep bank, turn sharp right at the top and back down past a large boulder.
On lap 2 I tried to give myself a wider line over the log, but succeeded in dropping the front wheel in a cleft between two roots and stopped dead. Well, the bike did.
On lap 3 I slid into the boulder at the end. I could have ridden it out, but my fork leg definitely wouldn’t have thanked me.
Section 9 – Paddled through on the first 3 attempts, but managed to clean it at the end.
Section 10 – Loose, slippery rocks. Dabs were needed sadly.
The weather was perfect, I suspect the trial would have taken on an entirely different complexion had it been inclement.
Huge thanks again to everyone that makes it happen.
David Riley – AC Mono / Intermediate
A great day was had again as usual, with a good deal of banter going on before the start and Dave Lovell showing a plaque which is going to be mounted on the site in Rememberance of Kev Williams.
All was going well and then the drama started as I started my Pinky which ran for a minute or so and died? I shouted a couple of expletives at the bike but that didn’t help. Then I thought who else has a Yamaha? The first person to my mind was Elwyn Beedles, who provided me with a spare plug and a metric adjustable spanner. The Pinky started first kick. Thanks Elwyn.
The sections were great providing a good mix of terrain and difficulty. Here are 3 that took my marks
Section 1 – Up a steep bank to a left turn and into a tight ish right handed that had a number of roots and rocks to spoil your progress, up the bank and over a couple of steps and roots. At the top, back down to left 180 turn and back up the hill. Up a step between 2 trees and having to get to the right to give you the best line over a step and into a tight uphill 180 to the right and out of the end markers
Section 3 – Quite a simple section, a right turn through the trees to line up for a blast up uphill onto a plateau before heading back down hill around a tree and back up hill with a step in the bank and around around a tree this is where a lot of people were dabbing steadying themselves for a tight steep downhill turn through a gate to the right of the normal path and out. I cleaned this 3 times easily but on the last attempt which was my last section of the day, I got this all wrong and found myself on my hands and knee with bike in a pile at side of me. Tip of the day – Never take any section for granted!!
Section 6 – In through the Start gate over a couple of muddy rocks and up a bank with a nastily placed rock and root. Once on top of the bank you had to be to the right of the line otherwise there was a rock that stopped progress and was taking marks. Turn left through the muddy rocks and slightly uphill to a slippy right turn with a couple of well placed rocks to negotiate. Once over the rocks turning left and down the muddy hill to the end gates
Really enjoyed the day and even went for a quick pint on the way home
Cheers all
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 Garlic, BSA (11); Jim Hough, Triumph (21); Chris Gascoigne, BSA (34)
Intermediate – Pete Edwards, Drayton Banton (18);Tony Bradley, BSA (18); Paul Owen, BSA (21)
Clubman – Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (14); Jordan Hobbis, Triumph (15); Steve Jones, BSA (17)
Novice – Terry Lloyd, Triumph (7); Paul Corfield, Triumph (20)
Twinshock
Expert – Richard Webster, Fantic (9); Ian Jones, Fantic (41); Paul Smart, Honda (42)
Intermediate – Jerry Hawker, Honda (8); Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (9); Robin Foulkes, Armstrong (18)
Clubman – Kenton Hackney, Honda (21); Phil Cottiga, Honda (22); Oliver Barker, Bultaco (25); Darren Rilley, Bultaco (25)
Novice – Graham Seagar, Bultaco (76)
Air Cooled Mono
Expert – Patrick Edwards, Yamaha (4)
Intermediate – Paul Edwards, Fantic (7); Dave Riley, Yamaha (9); Alec Roberts, Scorpa (13)
Clubman – Stephen Hall, Gas Gas (19); Ian Thomas, Honda (35)
Novice – no riders
Modern Mono
Expert – Tony Gush, Gas Gas (6); Hayden Rainford, Montesa (34); Mark Diggle, TRS (61)
Intermediate – James Edwards, Gas Gas (5); Mike Smith, Montesa (6); Sean Mountford, Montesa (8)
Clubman – Jeremy Sutton, Beta (12); Gareth Edwards, Vertigo (16); Ken Williams, Beta (16)
Novice – Tony Williams, Scorpa (15); David Evans (17)
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)
After a warm up event in January at Nant Mawr Quarry, the Championship season started with Round 1 held at the ever popular Plas Onn.
104 riders were split as 28 Pre 65’s, 30 Twinshocks, 14 AC Monos and 32 Modern Monos. The Expert route was highly contested with 17 riders following the blue and red flags. As usual, Inters and clubman riders were high with 45 and 37 riders respectively and it was great to see 5 Novices enjoying the days sport.
Paul Owen – Pre 65 / Inters
It was great to be back out on the little bantam again as I had not turned a wheel since the beginning of December and to much unhealthy eating over Xmas has seen me out of shape. That plus a few ongoing injuries I have picked over the years seemed to pay me a visit in the New Year. So I was very reluctant to get excited about throwing myself at some sections but plenty of deep heat and a good self talking to did the job.
With well over 100 competitors turning up and a healthy number of pre65 intermediate green route riders {17}, I set off to the sections. Here are 3 of my favourite ones.
Section 1….. with a gentle right handed turn between some trees that got greasy later on and dropped into a muddy wet hole. Then out to a sharp left hand turn on the off camber that was so easy to lose the front on. Then a drop off over some roots to a step back up and gently around a tree were you had to stay tight to, but the tree roots got proper slippy. Once around that, it was over a few rocks to the out gate. The Section was easy but also easier to lose the front end if dabbing the brake.
Section 5….. starting in the damp slippy field that you droped down a 10ft off camber drop to the rock stream bed. Then you turned right and followed the rocky gully up and between some roots onto a steep incline on wet muddy grass to the out gate. The rocks in the gully kept moving every lap so you just lent back with a constant throttle position and hit them. On the fist 2 laps the sun was in your eyes and blinded you for the climb to the exit gate. I never thought I’d complain about the sun at a trial haha.
Section 9….. the top end of the farm and you droped back into a dark dinghy rocky stream gully. This looked easy . Just drop into the bottom and follow the rocks up but if you got it slightly wrong, getting over a big slab rock it was hard to hold your line between 2 big boulders that you had to turn immediately left and over a big greasy tree root to the out gate.
It was a great trial. Nothing dangerous or too hard and it was normally the easy bits I dropped marks on. It was a big lap on the welsh hillside and took 2 hours to do the 1st lap with walking the sections etc. With lap 2, 3 and 4 taking 1 hour each, so 5 hours in total. And I was shattered burning off my winter coa!
Best training out there though as it includes a hard work out and plenty of banta and laughter with the other competitors and observers and all for £20. Another cracking event by a great club and riders of all ages and calibre. I feel old now at 51 but was happy to finish 4th, even though the top 3 are all 20 years older than me. Like my school report used to say… MUST TRY HARDER. Final a big get well soon one of the organisers and rider Russell Jones who is out of action for a while with a badly broken leg.
Alan Hotchkiss – Modern Mono / Clubman
After a leisurely drive up the 483, singing to Steve wright Sunday love songs, low winter sun full my mirrors, I arrived at Plas Onn with Ken Bo and Robinhiou Foulkes tucked in behind, to be greeted by the carpark attendant in a jovial welcoming manner ( LOL). After signing on with the lovely ladies ( and Jan ), I ordered my usual from the Chris de burger, I was then good to go apart from my accompanying MANFLU (serious stuff). Following the riders briefing by Mark (poor old Russ was still laid up ) we were dispatched to our start points, I was joined by my usual accomplices; Steve Harding and Tony Williams, but Tony took early retirement with technical issues.
All sections I found challenging ( new kid on the block) but a few in particular …
Section 3 – Drop into the stream, across and then a tight back in followed by a hairpin out,which became more difficult by the appearance of a large rock on the apex of the hairpin
Section 4 (the snake) – A long section manned by the observer and assisted by the Carpark attendant. A slippery drop into the stream, straight across up a slippery bank, tight right back in up a shaley stream, 90 left out around a tree, back in up the stream and a very tricky exit past a tree which I managed to punch with my clutch hand.
Section 5 – For me was a daunting entry on a slippery diagonal camber, up a slippery rocky stream followed by a tight left out of the stream and immediate right up a climb to the exit. The sun in my eyes and lack of grip cost me points.
Section 8 – A ( straight forward) drop in to a rocky stream, tight right, follow the stream then climb left around a tree, cross the stream and exit. All in all a great day, so tiring I nearly fell out of the van after I had loaded up.
Massive thanks to all the people whose hard work makes these events happen .
Richard Corbett – Modern Mono / Clubman
The day started well with some bright sunshine and I arrived at the venue at around 9.35 am. After signing on I took the opportunity to look at section 9 and then made my way back to prepare for the start of the trial.
I enjoyed all of the sections but 8, 9 and 10 were the most interesting and challenging.
Section 8 was a drop into a stream and then a ride up a gulley and a tricky left/right around a tree. After dabbing once on lap 1 and 2 I took it steadier on the third and fourth lap and managed to clean it both times.
Section 9 was a similar format, a left hander into a stream and then quite a sharp right over some big rocks before another left hander and through the end cards. A nice steady throttle was the key to this one and keeping the front-end light, four cleans was a good result for this one.
The final section was a straight section into a sharp left hander, around a tree, a short climb leading to a right hand drop and then a very sharp turn to the left and then out. The first lap was a bit sketchy but by lap two I got into the groove and managed four cleans by the end of the trial.
I really enjoyed the day and the weather made it even better. I only dropped 2 marks which I was very happy about and came away with the class win, not a bad result for a 60-year-old riding a cheap Chinese bike, even if I say so myself.
Thanks to the organising club and all officials/ observer’s for putting on a great trial, looking forward to the next one.
Michael Griffiths – Observer / Section 2
Back to Plas Onn and what a grand start to the day. Lovely sunshine on the drive over and radiant smiles on arrival. Down to park and General Geoff was in charge. ? Met many of the riders ’till ‘Butty’ and little brother caught me at the burger van. Then it all started. Even the rotund burger man got at me though his charming assistant was most polite. Must have been the influence of her mother showing.
Onto the trial and I was out in the depth of countryside at section 2 on what looked a very easy section. One of those niggly ones that was easy to clean or do a dab or three. Yes there were a few crafty dabs and ‘oh bugger’ comments . Soon after lunchtime the sun hid away and it went a tad chilly. Most riders got round quite quickly but one or two ( I’d not seen before) were treating the event like a Sunday jaunt and took 2 3/4 hours for their first lap .
They were not too amused when it was suggested they get a move on. Don’t forget newbys we are standing for up to four hours in 3c.. For me it was nice to be back and enjoy the day so look out at the next trial ‘old grumpy ‘ is back…
Mike Smith – Modern Mono / Inters
A quick recollection of the green route from Sunday 5/2/23
Section 1 – In through the gate into a slippery right turn, around a tree leading to a small water splash leading into a tight left. Drop over some roots onto some loose rocks with very shallow water. Small step out onto tree roots which were quite slippery but didn’t cause any issues. Head for the exit gate on a slight incline on a medium right turn, wet slippery grass and mud required a nice light throttle for a smooth exit..
Section 2 – Bottom of the field with a bit more water in the gully, in through the gate through some shallow mud/water and up over a small rock step. Nice tight right turn dropping back into to gulley. Lots of Little rocks which jumped around like crazy on lap one but were much easier the remaining laps. I took a wide line to the right and then crossed over to the left to make the exit of the gulley on the right trying to keep forward momentum while lifting the front over an old pipe, careful to avoid missing the last gate on the left before going for the exit. So far so good.
Section 3 – Back across the next field to the bottom and straight into the section, nice tight turn right round the tree keeping the front wheel high and the power on. This helped the front float over the rock step and line up the climb up the gulley. This was a very tricky cluster of rocks and roots with flowing water. I watched 3 people keep right and 3 dab…. So I chose the left and selected second gear and let it have it. The little Montesa flew over the rocks and I nearly messed up the exit left but fortunately salvaged the attempt.
Section 5- I had mixed results in this one. Lap 1 through the start gate and drop down a small step over some roots into the gulley, quite a bit of water over some small rocks all loose and moving around everywhere. I dabbed and made the tight left turn and followed the course missing the large rocks and then back onto the left bank. Care was needed to line up the attack due to some strategically placed rocks which the weather gods had thrown down the hill the week previously. I found keeping forward momentum quite tricky here but nevertheless missed the boulders and made it through the exit gate. Lap 2 was my best attempt and managed a clean. Foolishly on the 3rd I rode into the section without looking and didn’t see the roots at the beginning were now soaked in water and the Michelin decided it had had enough and went from underneath me. A very undignified dismount resulted in a soggy bottom and a red face. Lap4, I stopped and looked at a different approach angle, the plan was drop in slower and go towards the tree… well that didn’t work either. Another bath in the water. The poor bike was taking a beating but it fired up ok and I continued on my now deflated path.
Section 6 – I enjoyed this one, second gear all the way. Start by carefully dropping into the gulley at a 45 degree angle which had plenty of people dabbing and taking a sharp breath before crossing the river bed and climbing up into the adjacent field, a very tight turn right before dropping back into the gulley and climbing up over rough dislodged rocks and ruts. The secret was to open the tap and let the motor rip. If you didn’t you’d loose momentum on the last 10ft of the climb,it was slippery as hell by the bridge… great fun.
Section 7,- This was a nice thought-out section in some slightly deeper water which crossed over from bank to bank up some steps and over some slippery slopes. Everyone appeared to be enjoying this one and I never saw anyone have any real problems. I watched Ben do the biggest bunny hop on his Arial here and thought I may as well go home Amazing rider.
Section 8 – I walked this several times and it was probably the hardest challenge of the trial for me, through the start gate and into the rocks. Lots of dirty water made visibility difficult and speed was in order to keep the front light and the suspension busy, up the narrow gulley and to the left. The climb out of the stream was tight and the gates were carefully watched, I made a right mess the first time trying to do it in second gear and it all happened far too fast resulting in a blind panic. I managed to regain control and continued on through the section across more rocks and up to the left bank. It was then a tight off camber right turn with a little drop off which then nearly sent me over the bars. Challenging to say the least. Further laps resulted in a lower gear and much better control and I even managed a little wheelie out of the section on the last lap.
Section 9. – Nice and straightforward I thought, this was the big ravine that climbed out of the valley to the rear of the property. A gentle drop into the stream keeping to the left bank and crossing between two large boulders. I floated the front wheel over all the rocks and somehow I managed to clean this one every time.
The endurance test getting to section 10 prepared me for the last section of the day. In through the gate and straight up a steep slippery track around a tree. I saw lots of dismounts here due to lack of momentum from the bottom of the valley. Anyway, round a tight right corner and back down the embankment into the stream, across to the other side. This was a tricky spot where roots tried to either wash out the front or you’d loose traction and start to spin the rear, again I was able to use the torque of the Montesa and leave it in second all the way through the section which helped me carry a bit of speed which seemed to help. A bit of a splash back into the water and back onto the other bank around a tree on the right. Finally drop back into the water for a 90 degree turn left back up the embankment over some nasty roots and head for the exit.
Sorry about section 4, my mind kept mixing it up with the others so I thought I’d better leave it out..
In summary the weather was fantastic, the riders were great and helped me pick the bike up, twice… and the organisers yet again pulled it out of the bag.
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 – Ben Butterworth, Aerial (5); Jim Hough, Triumph (19); Jack Butterworth, Triumph (20)
Intermediate – Pete Edwards, Drayton Bantom (2); Dave Lovell, Triumph (3); Phil Alderman, Triumph (5)
Clubman – Paul Brimelow, Cotton (4); Mike Jones, Triumph (12); Steve Jones, BSA (15); Steve Walker, Francis Barnett (15)
Novice – Terry Lloyd, Triumph (8)
Twinshock
Expert – Steve Clift, Gas Gas (25); Tom Austin- Devey, Honda (44); Jack Lycett, Honda (49)
Intermediate – Dave Pengilley, Kawasaki (2); David Matthews, Fantic (8); Norman Tarbuck, Fantic (13)
Clubman – Ian Thomas, Bultaco (6); Phil Cottiga, Honda (14); Dave Lycett, Honda (14)
Novice – No finishers
Air Cooled Mono
Expert – Peter Ruscoe, Gas Gas (6); Patrick Edwards, Yamaha (9); Jim Williams, Honda (23)
Intermediate – Mark Blackwell, Yamaha (11); Neil Brooks, Fantic (13); Michael Warburton, Honda (17)
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)
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)
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)
Amazing rider.
