The Sporting Motorcyclist (January 2018)

The Sporting

T S I L C Y C R O T MO

..published monthly

January 2018

Enduro, Grasstrack, Motocross, Road Racing, Speedway, Sprinting and Trials news

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The Sporting

MOTORCYCLIST

is published monthly and is available through your Clubs or by direct subscription

Editor

(Southern Centre) John Bramall

16 Gifford Close, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 6PJ T: 01329 823282 E: johnbramall246@btinternet.com

Editor

(South Midland Centre) Bob Twigg

2 Harwood Close, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL8 7SN E: bobtwigg@ntlworld.com

Advertising and Distribution Andy Wood

30 Westways, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6AA Tel/Fax 01732 865380

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JANUARY 2018 VOL. 18 ISSUE 1 PUBLISHED ON THE 1ST OF EACH MONTH

All material for TSM should reach the editor by the tenth day of the month preceding publication.

Cover Photo: Alice Minta at the Southern Experts Photo by: Andy Withers Awsportsphoto

FROM THE EDITOR'S CHAIR n By Bob Twigg

I hope that the seasons festivities have not ruined your power to weight ratio too much, so a very Happy New Year to you all.

With Christmas over thoughts invariably turn to the new season and maybe to new bikes. Years ago the trials season ran from the Autumn to Easter or thereabouts. The trials "champions" were not crowned until the last of the trials in the Spring. Today trials continue all through the Summer which is I think a good thing. Are there too many events? The calendar can sometimes be a trifle overcrowded which leads to clashes and a touch of "animosity" at dates meetings! When the old trials permits were "open to centre, regional restricted, closed to club " or just "restricted" the rules on clashes seemed much stricter. Today agreement can often be reached if the club's venues are far enough apart, thus avoiding the situation of a lack of entries for one or more of the clubs concerned.

It is heartening to see that the KIA series is so well supported, most centre clubs nowadays can only dream of an entry of over one hundred riders. Though last years Meteor Group 70th anniversary trial attracted an entry of ninety odd riders. Maybe because everyone, riders and officials alike were offered free food and drink from Sizzlers catering!

Reading John Bramall's "Sunny Side" article in the October issue about Simson mopeds brought back memories of two school friends of mine who went to a "scramble" in Suffolk back in the fifties. At the event there was an early Maico entered and an Adler twin, can anyone shed some light on the Adler? I also remember riding a Maicoletta scooter some years ago when scooters were "all the rage", with Lambrettas and Vespas everywhere.

To say the Maico was a tad faster would be an understatement, I think the engine was a detuned motocross motor. Another rare scooter animal was the TWN Cornet with a forked con rod operating two pistons, I'm sure Mike Vangucci could tell us about these now defunct breeds!

An interesting Facebook comment from South Eastern enduro fans recently questioning the ACU's decision to advise a sighting lap in hare and hounds events. Probably not a bad idea if the marshal leading the entry can stay ahead of the pack! I would hope that the sighting lap would not be an excuse for riders to "stretch the throttle wire"! The old time card enduros seem to be shrinking, of course the possibility of having a sighting lap at those events is impossible to imagine, riders in the long lap events have to judge for themselves where the hazards lie, a considerable task at the speeds they achieve.

In the report on Mick Clarkson's classic trial there were two nice pictures courtesy of Gary Dowzall, unfortunately the photo of Kevin Plummer was in fact the hard route winner Clive Dopson on his James, sorry Clive and Kevin!

Continued overleaf 3

C

O N T E NTS

Centres Officials

Chairmen South Eastern: Roger Brown Tel: 01273 563931

Official News

Rights of Way 12 Southern Centre Meeting Minutes 24 SE Trials Schedule 2018 34 Southern Centre ACU AGM 43 Main Officers SM Centre 45

Enduro

Witley British Enduro Eastern Adventure - Part 2

Motocross

92nd Wild & Woolly Scramble South Midland Events 2018

31 52 38 48

Trials

Jack Thompson Trial 5, 6 Southern Experts Trial 10 Ray Thomas Sidecar Trial 14 S Centre Trials Championship 18 SE Star Group Championship 19 SE Thames Valley Trials Combine 20 Surrey Family Trial 28 Jack’s The Lad 29 Thames Club Championship 30 SM Meteor Group Trials Champs 56 SM Trials Championships 57

South Midland: John Coles Tel: 01865 361735 Southern: Bob Hewson Tel: 023 9259 2919

Secretaries South Eastern: Peter Burrell Tel: 020 8300 5572 40 Annandale Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 8EL email: pj.burrell@btintternet.com South Midland: Terry Golds Tel: 01582 455714 Mobile: 07747 855264 21 Buckingham Drive, Stopsley, Luton, Beds, LU2 9RA email: terrylgolds@ntlworld.com Southern: Chris Fletcher Tel/Fax: 01256 242214 Mobile: 07443048362 1 Fairclose, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7AN email: chris-fletcher@tiscali.co.uk

Permit Secretaries South Eastern: Stephen Westley Tel: 01959 575732 4 Kembleside Road, Biggin Hill, Kent, TN16 3NL NEW email: stephenwestley@outlook.com South Midland: Ian Reynolds Tel: 0208 9079856 Mobile: 07803766314 186 Regal Way, Harrow Middlesex, HA3 0SQ email: reynolds.russell@virgin.net Southern: Claire Ballard Tel/Fax: 0118 981 2595 26 Droxford Crescent, Tadley, Hampshire, RG26 3BA email: ballardclaire@hotmail.com

Benevolent Fund Representatives South Midland: Dave Porter Tel: 01582 651189 22 Belper Road, Luton, Beds, LU4 8RG Southern: Stan Earle Tel: 01489 785482 Flat 10, Laburnum House, Hedge End, Southampton, Hants, SO30 0QC South Eastern: Hazel Collins Tel: 01189 421534 14 Brookside, Calcot, West Berks, RG31 7PJ

Regulations Trials

Nene Valley, 7th January South Reading, 7th January Bexleyheath, 14th January Normandy, 14th January Cambridge Matchless, 21st Jan Hayes & Southall, 21st January Ashford, 28th January Ringwood, 28th January Sittingbourne, 4th February Wycombe & Berko, 11th Feb Barnet, 18th February Southampton, 18th February Normandy, 25th February Isle of Wight, 21st-22nd April Entry Forms

8 8 22 22 27 27 46 46 50 50 54 54 59 59

9, 23, 26, 47, 51, 55

Rights of Way Officers South Eastern (Sussex): Bevis Billingham Tel: 01243 585128 182 Elmer Road, Middleton on Sea, Bognor Regis, PO22 6JA South Eastern (Kent): Steve Neville 40 The Sandpipers, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 5QB South Midland: Chris Hurworth Tel: 01494 446198 23 Cambridge Crescent, Totteridge, High Wycombe, HP13 7NE Southern: Mike Fisher Tel: 01256 771168 Northdown Orchard, South Litchfield, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 3BP email: northdownorchard@ukonline.co.uk

FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR (Continued) Hopefully in this issue or the next we will have enduro news, another article about Nigel

Cooper's travels in Eastern Europe on his BMW and some more news of what Steven

Rees is doing in Australia.

Once again, a very Happy new Year to you all!

Contributions in this issue from: Alan Turner, Bob Twigg, John Bramall, Bob Brown, Chris Fletcher, Mick Auger, John Sapsard, Dave Blanchard, Nigel Cooper, Jim Connor, Shaun Fowler, Steve Neville, Mike Wiseman, Stephen Westley, Fraser Law, Ian Reynolds, Dave Jenkinson, John Eckhart, Karen Southwood Would you like to contribute? Please send to the editor, contact details on page 3.

The Jack Thompson Trial and the continuing Saga of the 'Fork Angles'

QQ By Dave Blanchard

Sunday 3rd of December dawned overcast, looking like any threatening rain would behave itself and stay firmly up there in the heavens. Us riders didn't want it, nobody did, but the almighty himself decided that Canada Heights could do with a fine sprinkling of the wet stuff during the day... just to spice up a few sections here and there. Obviously he is a keen follower of trials with a weird sense of humour, unlike myself. Temperatures were unexpectedly warmer than for previous Jack Thompson's, so the stalwart and very welcome observers were unsuitably over dressed for the occasion.

Some of the men observers were seen to be perspiring almost as much as the riders.

The attractive lady observers didn't perspire one iota... they just glowed beautifully!

Fresh from riding in the Dick Dickenson Trial a few weeks previous I was looking forward to the Jack Thompson sections...

I wasn't disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day! Nothing new there then.

If you have read my previous scribbling about that Dick Dickenson Combine trial you may remember I was experimenting with different length top links on the Tiger 70 Girder forks. In true 'Back to the Future' style I had previously manufactured a top secret fourth set, put aside for a rainy day... remaining enthusiastically poised for a miraculous difference in steerability... assuming I hadn't overdone the suck it and see technical calculations, that is.

So the untried and untested fourth set of girder fork top links were fitted without any chance of a trials try out before the Jack Thompson event.

My middle name should have been dangerous but my Mum preferred William. A short test did transpire though, up and down my private drive, much to the annoyance of my near enough neighbours. I have lived here for 37 years but will be moving in a few months time, so giving grief to the local residents wasn't an issue for me at this point in time.

I am pleased to say that the bits of scrap metal of the 'fourth

incarnation', although sounding a bit like a Star Wars fantasy, managed to change the steering of my old bike yet again! I honestly cannot say it steered any better than the previous set but they certainly weren't any worse. All this effort allowed me to have quite a successful ride, so soon after my coming out return from retirement, back into proper trials just a few months ago. Probably after retiring for a few years then returning... cajoled my brain and arthritic joints to conjure up a new lease of life in my twilight years. Sue's cooking was a big help also... not forgetting the extra large one a day Cod Liver oil capsules she makes me take. Just one medium sized pot full guaranteed to amaze any hardened observers. Just ask Sue. The two Ronnie's sketch about the misinterpretation of 'Fork Handles' was what inspired me to change my 'Fork Angles'. But once again using mispronunciation, I conclude that the final outcome wasn't 'Necess-Celery' any better.

Thank you Sidcup boys and Girls!.

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Jack Thompson Trial

While attracting a good variety of the traditional fourstroke, pre-unit machines, only eight were prepared to try the toughest white route that was a prerequisite for competing for the premier award. By the end of the day, there was a new name on the trophy. Fancied front runner and three times winner Paul Edwards retired after seven sections with engine problems on his Ariel, previous winner James Williams was a non starter and last year's winner, Mark Stokes did not defend his title! Philip Whiffin, on a fine 400cc Matchless, dropped just four marks on his Mark Kemp and Ian Allaway ease their 500 Triumph around first circuit, ahead of next man one of the sections at the side of the moto-cross course Colin Mote who lost seven on his 500 Ariel. Colin had been clean on the muddy twists of MV, Martien Vermeulen from QQ By Alan Turner Section 13, where Philip lost the Netherlands' contingent After a week of freezing just a single mark, but that was back again on his FN. Not weather, conditions were dab was his only loss for the British, but they embraced the mild and damp for the 28th entire second lap, while Colin running of this event. Although spirit of the event, the bikes looked interesting so – why not? added seven to his tally. confined to Canada Heights, the variety of sections available to Clerk of the Course, Alan Clarke, and his regular band of helpers offered everyone a good variety of going with two laps of 20 sections.

It's an event that riders take as seriously as they wish.

Much of the land drains well, although mud featured at times.

Sections tend to wind around the trees and with alternative routes concentration is required.

However, with a record 126 entries this year, the trial continues to grow, attracting Continental visitors as well.

Mentioning Continental entries, Vic Allan MBE was out for a ride this year on board a 125 6

It all starts to go wrong for Stuart Littler on his Tiger Cub as he spins to a halt on a muddy section that was a mark-stealer for many.

On the slightly easier red route, Steve Mote on his 500 Ariel was also a victor on a five mark score, with Dave Cooper (350 Triumph) next on 10. The Four-stroke, Unit Sprung has become a hunting ground for Tiger Cubs. The white route, was very close with Gary Baker on 11, Chris Anderson on 14.

Red Route went to Graham Bridger who seems to have been campaigning Cubs for a long time, confirmed by the usual excellent Sidcup programme that records Graham's first class victory in 2003 .

There is also a measure of good-natured masochism from those who campaign the rigid bikes. Dave Blanchard was the best on the yellow route, on a pre-war 250 Triumph Tiger 70 single. A 12-mark score was one mark in front of Jan de Klerk from The Netherlands on a 16H Norton.

Unlike some classic bike trials, two-strokes are welcome at the Jack Thompson and Bantambased machines were a popular choice. Tom Bartrum's BSA had to give best to Dave Burroughs and his 250 James on the white

Roger Gulliver winds his 500 Triumph out of a section at Canada Heights

Vic Allan MBE enjoying a ride round on his MV 125 route. Red route went to Richard Hayward (BSA), yellow to Greeves-mounted Terry Sewell.

There are still three riders who have ridden in all 28 Jack Thompsons. John Pattinson had not ridden a trial since last year, but still managed a second class award on his Greeves TES. Joan Westbrook and her faithful BSA C15 claimed second in her class while Bob Onley on his rigid/ girder Velocette MAC was third.

The sidecars attracted a better entry this year. It was another surprise result as

George Smith (350 Royal Enfield) has missed only one Jack Thompson former winners Paul Fishlock and Debbie Merrell retired after 30 sections. The evergreen Pete Pesterfield first won this event in 2003. With Deborah Smith in the chair of their Ariel outfit this year could he challenge Paul Randall/Richard Webb (Triumph) as they looked for a fifth consecutive victory? A solitary dab on that devilish section 13 was enough to demote the Triumph duo after Pete and Deborah managed their two laps without loss.

Another former winner, OWLS rider John Mantle took a tumble over the bars of his 500 AJS. An awkward landing resulting in an injury caused concern and John was taken off to hospital where, at the time of writing, he is gradually recovering movement in an arm.

With the exception of that unfortunate incident, the general opinion was that it had been an excellent day out.Â

Pleased to see you! Or just pleased to complete a long section? Steve Mote was a class winner on his Ariel 7

NENE VALLEY MCC LTD (0393)

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

HILLS & HOLES TROPHY TRIAL

TRIAL Open

51758

First round of Nene Valley Trials Championship 2018 Manor Farm, Honeydon, MK44 2LT

Sunday 7th January, 2018 Start: 10:30 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Roy Watson (77444) Secretary of the Meeting: Doug Swanson Tel. No. (07860) 339614 Email: emparcels@btinternet.com

ONLINE ENTRY AVAILABLE members.acu.org.uk

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: On the day Fees: Solo: £15 Youth: £10 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Nene Valley MCC Ltd. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

COURSE: 5 laps of 8 sections without roadwork.

CLASSES: A - Expert, B - Inter, C - 50/50, D - Clubman & Nov, E - Sportsman, F - Easy, G - Youth A, H - Youth B, I - Youth C AWARDS: Club members only 3 riders per class to qualify.

GENERAL: Location: From Eaton Socon along the Bushmead Road, all minor roads to venue.

SOUTH READING MCC (403)

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

THREE MUSKETEERS TRIAL

TRIAL Open

51903

Bell & Bottle pit, Knowle Hill, Maidenhead, RG10 9YE

Sunday 7th January, 2018 Start: 10:00 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Pete Lawry (20601) Secretary of the Meeting: Richard Chandler, 61, Cardiff Road, Reading, Berks. RG1 8ET Tel. No. (01189) 508761 Email: Chandlerre1964@gmail.com

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: 3rd January OR WHEN FULL Fees: Solo: £15 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: South Reading MCC. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

Send 2 stamped addressed envelope(s) (11 x 22cm) with entry.

COURSE: 3 to 4 laps of 10 sections without roadwork. 2 (Novice or Expert) routes.

CLASSES: Pre 65 British Unit (Novice or Expert), Pre 65 British Pre Unit Unit (Novice or Expert), Pre 65 British Rigid (All Will Ride The Novice Route), Pre 65 British 2 Stroke Unit (Novice or Expert), Twin Shocks (Novice or Expert) AWARDS: 3 Musketeers Trophy. Trophies For All Class Winners. George Andrews Trophy (Best Novice). Pete Lee Trophy (Best Rigid).

GENERAL: No SAEs required if riders choose to see www.srmcc.co.uk for entry list, results etc.

Take the details from these regulations to fill in your entry form elsewhere in the magazine. Include your class & status on the entry

8

MOTORCYCLE OFF ROAD EVENT ENTRY FORM EVENT: ORGANISERS: VENUE: DATE OF EVENT: PERMIT NO:

COURSE LIC/CERT NO. (where applicable):

This event is held under the National Sporting Code of the Auto-Cycle Union, the Standing Regulations, Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions issued for the meeting. The ACU National Sporting Code and Standing Regulations are published annually in the ACU Handbook.

Entry declaration: I the undersigned apply to enter the event described above and in consideration thereof: I declare that I have had the opportunity to read, and that I understand the National Sporting Code of the ACU, the ACU Standing Regulations, such Supplementary. Regulations as have or may be issued for the event, and agree to be bound by them. I declare that I am physically and mentally fit to take part in the event and I am competent to do so. I confirm that I understand the nature and type of event I am entering and its inherent risks and agree to accept the same notwithstanding that such risks may involve negligence on the part of the organisers or officials. I confirm that I am not currently suspended from ACU permitted competition or on the ACU Stop List as a result of incurring a Concussion injury. I accept that insurance arranged on my behalf by the organisers of events that I may enter specifically excludes liability between the participants. I understand that this form may be used in litigation as evidence that any serious injury will be principally the result of my voluntary decision to engage in a high risk activity. I consent to details of any injuries I may suffer at this event being passed between all medical services and the Clerk of the Course. I consent to the collection and retention of my personal information by the ACU. I confirm that the machine(s) as described below which I shall participate on shall be suitable and proper for the purpose. I confirm that I am eligible to compete on the machines for which I have entered. I confirm that if any part of the event takes place on a public highway, the machine(s) described below shall be insured as required by the Road Traffic Acts, or equivalent legislation, and that they will comply with the regulations in respect thereof. I accept responsibility for any items borrowed from the Organiser during the course of the event. These items include but are not restricted to (safety clothing, transponders, accessories). I understand that I am liable for the cost or replacement of any items lost or not returned and non-payment or non-replacement of items borrowed may affect my entry into subsequent events. I confirm that I have not been refused an ACU Licence, nor had an ACU Licence suspended, nor have I been excluded from any ACU competition.

I / we enclose the entry fee of: £

Extras

Total

Acknowledgement of the risks of motorsport: I understand that by taking part in this event I am exposed to a risk of death, becoming permanently disabled or suffering some other serious injury and I acknowledge that even in the event that negligence on the part of the ACU, any event organiser, any circuit owner, the promoter, the organising club, the venue owner, or any individual carrying out duties on their behalf were to be a contributory cause of any serious injury I may suffer, the dominant cause of any serious injury will always be my voluntary decision to take part in a high risk activity. I have read the above and acknowledge that my participation in motorsport is entirely at my own risk. I agree that I am required to register on arrival by “signing on” at the designated place before taking part in any Practice Session/Race, Trials or Enduro.

RIDER’S SIGNATURE DATE

PASSENGER’S SIGNATURE

*For riders and passengers under 18 years of age – I accept the above conditions or entry to this event and give my approval:If under 18 state date of birth*:

RIDER

PASSENGER Riders & Passengers under 18yrs who cannot produce a valid ACU Competition Licence/Trials Registration must also complete an additional ‘Parental Agreement form (Single Event).

SIGNATURE OF PARENT (or person with parental responsibility:)

ENTRY DETAILS DRIVERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS POSTCODE EMAIL

TEL. NO.

CLUB

MX TRANSPONDER NUMBER

PASSENGERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS

POSTCODE

TEL. NO.

MACHINE MAKE

CAPACITY/ STROKE

STATE CLASS(ES) YOU WISH TO ENTER

STATUS NOVICE/INTER/EXPERT (TRIALS) EXPERT/JUNIOR (MX)

PREFERRED RACING NO. IF APPROPRIATE

Southern Experts Trial

Sam Haslam QQ By Jim Connor Photos by Andy Withers Awsportsphoto

Tom Minta 10

The 76th Sunbeam MCC Southern Experts Trial for solos and sidecars was held at the Hookwood Trials Centre (Surrey).

The Hookwood Trials Club had set out two challenging courses, one for the solos and one for the sidecars. The land was frozen for several days before the event, on the night of the trial then the weather warmed up and it rained: this resulted in very heavy going on

the ground and grip was at a minimum. All the competitors must be praised for not giving up and battling to the finish.

Hence title of event, Southern Experts, all the best toughest riders in the UK from Shropshire down and the toughest and best South East, Southern and South Midland Centre riders.

South Midland Centre Gas Gas rider Sam Haslam took another win to make it a hat trick in the biggest modern bike National Trial in the south.

Sam had a very good first lap of 19, followed by another Sam: South Easterner Sam Connor Beta on 30. Haslam was consistent every lap but it was Tom Minta who posted a best lap of the trial on lap two of just 17ml. This nudged him ahead of Connor and that’s how they finished. West country man Joe Baker did well and Folkestone club man Ben Morphett made a welcome return to trials with some fantastic rides to finish ahead of another welcome rider returning to trials: Alexz Wigg a South Midland lad.

Hookwood's Jonny Starmer and Oliver Smith also went well.

Josh and Luke Golding made it a hat trick of wins in the sidecars, followed by Kent’s Rupert Kimber and Bethany Thomas. Thames MCC riders Daryl Dale with Hannah Etherington and Peter Dale and Harriet Shore took the next places. Steve Farmer, Keith Cannom, Lewis and Frazer set out a superb chair course.

Tyler Rendell from the west won the clubman solo, with southern rider Ben Skinner runner up, George Gosden from the Isle of Wight in third

Chris Stay place followed by SE Hookwood members Tom McCabe and Toby Smith. Brian Francis and Tom Sawyer from Kent put up good performances as did.

Ronnie Day, Hugh Barker, Aidan Bowker and Billy Aylmore Hookwood’s James Connor claimed the best over 40 Clubman on 112 marks lost.

Southern Centre rider Bret Harbud took first spot in the youth class followed by Joshua Wright and Adam Juffs from the South Midlands.

The Girls class was won by a

very determined Alice Minta just three ahead of North Berks rider Alicia Robinson.

Southern Experts Cup: Solo Sam Haslam 69 Tom Minta 82 Sam Connor 91 Joe Baker 96 Ben Morphett 98 Alexz Wigg 108 Jonny Starmer 114 Oliver Smith 118 mc Chris Stay 118 Continued overleaf 11

Tyler Rendall Southern Experts Cup Sidecar Joshua & Luke Golding 26 Rupert Kimber & Bethany Thomas 31 Daryl Dale & Hannah Etherington 51 Peter Dale & Harriet Shore 71

Rights of Way

QQ By Steve Neville

Each month a copy of The Sporting Motorcyclist drops through my door. Inside the front cover is a list of centre officials amongst which under the category of "rights away officers" is mine covering Kent. The rest of the magazine is devoted to motocross, trials and grass track for the most part since competition 12

92 93 101 117 121 123 129 131 135 136 136 136 142 144 148 148 153 156

Clubman Over 40 James Connor Nick Brock Bryan Matton

112 132 148

Clubman Over 50 David Sherlock Stephen Mannerings

138 150

Invited Youth

Clubman Sidecar Bernard & Charlie Chambers 28 Adam & Harry Allaway 43 Clubman Solo Tyler Rendell Ben Skinner George Gosden

Tom McCabe Toby Smith Tom Plant Brian Francis Rob Smith Tom Sawyer Ronnie Day Hugh Barker Thomas Manley Gary Brown Thomas Hinckley Victoria Payne Jolyon Waters Tony Martin James Smith Robin Sherlock Aidan Bowker Billy Alymore

61 73 80

is what it’s all about.

Rights of way and specifically byways are not something that pops up on the radar very frequently. Many of the events run by the ACU are closed course run on private land. The exceptions to this are the long-distance trials run by clubs like Sidcup & DMCC. The importance of byways and minor unclassified roads, colloquially known as green

Girls Alice Minta Alicia Robinson

135 138

Boys Bret Harbud Joshua Wright Adam Juffs William Clarke

104 110 125 140

roads is in their recreational value. It must be quite nice once you’ve finished racing round in circles to get from point "A" back to point "A", before anybody else manages it, to appreciate the beauty of the countryside at a slower pace? If you don’t then try it someday.

In the southeast, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) exemplify this; the Kent Downs, the High

Weald and the Surrey Hills.

This is not forgetting our own National Park, the South Downs. Other parts of the UK can offer grander spectacles in Wales and Scotland and quainter places like the Cotswolds and Devon, but we are still lucky in the congested southeast to have our own beautiful and tranquil areas.

Within this there has always lain a threat. Motorcycles are not universally loved, as strange as it may seem to us.

Noisy and threatening plus the danger (more to us than them) there are many people in positions of power that would stop us. Threats of closure of our green roads have been an ongoing for decades. In the past stalwarts like Norman Smith represented motorcyclists through the BMF and ACU to keep the green roads open.

I’ve inherited part of his archive of letters going back to the 1950’s and they make sobering reading. Some things never change. Since 1970 the Trail Riders Fellowship (www. trf.org.uk) has represented motorcyclists wanting to use our green road network and has fought many access issues

with a lot of success in recent years. We are still linked to the ACU even though we don’t run competitions. I’m one of the national directors and we are a limited company now because of the potential threat of legal costs against us. None of us want to be homeless to pay barristers fees! Our legal budget each year runs into the tens of thousands and so you can appreciate the scale of our problem.

On the noise issue I always say that this is our Achilles heel.

Many dirt bikes are too noisy and in particular motocross bikes are the worst culprits. If everyone (I mean the motorcycle and after market pipe manufacturers who build them) had to silence all of their bikes to enduro bike standards that would be a start. In the future we will see a lot more use of electric motorcycles and rather than a threat I’d see this as an opportunity to open up more areas to motorcycle sport that have been denied to us because of excessive noise. I have a ZERO DS, which is great on the more gentle green roads and the lack of mechanical and exhaust noise is sublime! Pure dirt versions

are now seriously quick.

To bring things up to date I sit on the Kent Countryside Access forum to bring up issues affecting two-wheeled use. I actually represent pedal cycling since a Land Rover owner represents "motorised users".

However, I see a closer affinity between us and all terrain or "mountain" pedal bikes than with two and a half tonnes of four-wheel drive car. I’m currently battling a temporary traffic regulation order put on Nettlepole Lane near Pluckley

by KCC Highways in 2015.

The reason? "Safety of users" because of a few 4-inch deep ruts and they have no money to repair it! Pathetic! Another byway off of the North Downs also has a TTRO because of land slippage but I’ve negotiated signage that only prevents cars and not motorcycles.

So, some success there!

Wheel Building Services (SM Pro Dealer) • 07595913214 • neameracing@gmail.com • neame-race-engineering.webs.com 13

Ray Thomas Sidecar Trial - A Fantastic Finale

Karl Jarvis and Jana Grossman QQ By Shaun Fowler Thirty one crews entered the final round of the 2017 ACU Wessex Plant Hire British Sidecar Trials Championship, the venue being at Sethern Farm Dunsfold.

Organised by the Normandy Motor Cycle Club it was the third running of their Ray Thomas Memorial Sidecar Trial.

Going into the trial it couldn't have been closer in the expert class, with Bristol team of Jon Tuck and Matt Sparkes leading the championship by a single point from reigning champions Nigel Crelling and Chris Molyneax from the Isles of Man. In the Inter class William Caine and Beth Thomas had already won the championship but second place was still up for grabs. The Clubman class and Newcomers had also 14

been settled with Damian Owen/Gaz Temple and Matt Bond/Aleyn Taggart both deciding to enter the harder

Oliver Lace and Ealish Baxter

Inter route for no points.

The trial consisted of 2 laps of eighteen sections with slight alterations for the second lap.

The course was made up of rocks, rubble, tree roots, logs, ditches and good old fashioned southern mud. On the Sunday morning the weather was dry but very cold and the first crew away was Bernard and Charlie Chambers on their Scorpa machine. Going to the first section Tuck/Sparkes had a water leak on their TRS and also a puncture half way around lap one putting more pressure on the championship contenders. Section one went through a dip up a bank and around a big tree then down to the ends cards. Even though it was dry, under the leaves it was slippery and Newcomers Chris Newsham and Sam Atherton found this out when they spun to a stop up the bank.

The third section over a fallen

tree then up a bank which was covered in slippery leaves, here Rupert/Chris Kimber and Oliver Lace with his passenger Ealish Baxter both lost a five on the expert route. The fifth section caught out most of the experts a drop downhill which was very slippery into a gully and up a bank which was full of nasty tree roots.

Tuck/Sparkes made the best attempt for a dab, Lace/Baxter lost a three with all the other experts having unwanted fives.

The ninth section was very tricky for the Inters and dropped downhill over a tree root step across a adverse camber up a bank with a drop down between trees. Owan/ Temple struggled for grip and

Nigel Crellin and Chris Molyneux lost three marks as did Tuck/ Newman. Simon Evans and Nick Harding on their Vertigo were looking good but they required two marks to keep their bike in forward motion. Section eleven dropped down a steep bank with a climb the other side and the exit around some twisty turns between trees. Jones/ Howe and Evans/Harding both had fives when the leaf mould took all their power up the bank. A good clean ride came from ex-motocrossers Sean/Paul Cuckow who fought for grip and took a very stylish clean ride on their Sherco. Section sixteen was across a log into a small bomb hole, along a camber with a turn up a bank with the exit was across rubble. Daryl Dale/ Hannah Etherington gave their Gas Gas a handful of throttle but ended upside down when the bike looped backwards.

Paul Randall and Richard Webb

Continued overleaf 15

Jack Corlett and Beth Thomas Corlett/Harry Gell lost one mark Daryl said why did you jump up the steep hillclimb on section out to Hannah which made everyone laugh. The best ride here came from Evans/Harding who hung on superbly for a dab with his front wheel in the air.

Section eighteen started downhill by the car park and here the route took the experts up a concrete step. Nigel Crellin/ Chris Molyneux demonstrated a fantastic clean ride whereas all the other experts lost five marks.

So after the first lap Tuck was leading by just a single mark from Crellin, it couldn’t have been closer with a lap to go. On the clubman route Jack Corlett/ Beth Thomas were leading after lap one but lost two marks on section twenty one across a fallen tree and up a loose climb.

Paul Fishlock/Debbie Merrell were three points behind after lap one but sailed up this section for a great clean.John 16

twenty seven, Phil Sparkes/ Steve Chandler rode a different line and were rewarded with a nice clean. Section twenty nine was the same as section eleven but reversed. Last year’s expert winners Josh and Luke Golding lost a surprise five on this section as did the Kimbers. Tuck/ Sparkes powered they way up for a clean putting pressure on Crellin, could they go clean? The answer was no, the pair loosing a dab near the top of the bank.

Section thirty three was entered across some rock steps and slabs with the sting in the tail being a big concrete block. The Goldings looked very stylish with Josh leg off his foot rest. Next up was Tuck/Sparkes on their TRS could they go clean with just two sections remaining, yes they could with TRS importer Steve Saunders watching. The last crew to tackle it would

Simon Evans and Nick Harding

be Crellin could they match Tuck’s ride or would they drop another mark. Nigel gave his Scorpa plenty of Throttle but his foot went down on the concrete Block. The second to last section was up the famous Sethern Farm rockery and the experts rode clean with just Tuck remaining. Going across the rocks and rubble Tuck lost a five would it be vital at the finish.

On the last section both crews had a cleans so who had won?

At the finish it was very tense, who has won the trial and more important the 2017 British Championship. After a short wait the TRS team cheered as Jon Tuck/Matt Sparkes won and with it the Championship with a score of 18 marks just one better than Crellin the runner up; what a finish to a fantastic trial and season. In the inter class Evans/ Harding took their first win of the season and ended up fourth in the championship just behind Tuck/Newman who were second with Jones/Howe in third. The clubman class was won by Jack Corlett/ Beth Thomas with a score of just 9 marks, Fishlock/Merrell were second on 18 and third place in the overall championship.

What a superb trial by the Normandy club organizing a fantastic the event with some excellent sections. I will remember this day for a long time, sidecar trials at its very best, roll on next year. Experts Jon Tuck/Matt Sparkes 18 Nigel Crellin/Chris Molyneux 19 Josh/Luke Golding 32 Rupert/Chris Kimber 55 Oliver Lace/Ealish/Baxter 80

John Tuck and Matt Sparkes Inters Simon Evans/Nick Harding Sean/Paul Cuckow David Tuck/Joe Newman Robert Head/Aaron Jacobs Tony Jones/Jamie Howe Clubman Jack Corlett/Beth Thomas Paul Fishlock/Debbie Merrell John Corlett/Harry Gell Phil Sparkes/Steve Chandler Bernard/Charlie Chambers Jake Pope/Bob Chapman Mick Treagus/Izzy Saunders Paulcollins/Chris Skidmore Pete Pesterfield/ Deborah Smith Adam/Harvey Allaway Graham Thomas/ Ben Crookhall Neil Hannam/Barry Pockock Paul Randall/Richard Webb

24 30 39 42 49 9 18 20 25 29 29 37 41 41 42 43 46 47

Newcomers Chris Newsham/Sam Atherton 64

2018 Championship Series 3rd March West of England MC 18th March - Mansfield Maun MC, Doncaster Cup 31st March Peverill MC, Andy Smith Trial 1st April Peverill MC, David Craine Trial 15th April - South Birmingham MC, DK Mansell 20th May - Nene Valley MC Trial 5th August BSSA Tuck Cross Trial 19th August - Owls MC 16th September Yeadon Guiseley Mel Harrison Trial 29th September South Birmingham MC

25th November All the others rode for no points. Normandy MC Ray Thomas Trial

17

Group Championships Southern Centre Trials Championship 2017 QQ By Mike Wiseman Photos by Andy Withers awsportsphoto

Expert Total

Brian Francis Brian Francis Glen Bailey Tom Hinckley Neal Hubbard Kevin Nolan Tom McCabe Mike Graves Ben Skinner Chris Stay Tom Moss Rob Smith Ben Harrison George Gosden Kevin Hart Tom Copp Philip Wiffen

192 56 52 39 37 35 35 20 20 20 20 19 19 18 17 17

Clubman Matt Sleep Reynard Norris Simon Rye Mark Elms Colin Alsop Dan Hanslip Stephen Bryant Shaun Francis David Hickman Andy Gates Tony Chalk Mark Owen Steve Berryman David Bathe Paul Emery Graham King Barry Roads Hedley Ashley Richard Fry Andy Kilby Ian Peberdy Graham Harrison Tony Lucas Will Frampton Richard Miles Dave Barrett Ashley Senior

116 87 79 67 57 54 54 53 38 31 28 27 20 20 20 20 19 19 18 18 17 16 15 10 9 8 6

Ivan Stainforth Thomas Blackmore Tony Knott Clive Wilson Chris Neville Tim Owen George Greenland Keith Stewart David Radford Paul Brooks Andy Somerton Mike Smallshaw Elliott Tickner Paul Bennie Paul Gillard John Attwood Ian Bird Paul Rogers Steve Wagstaff Patrick Seaman S Smith Stewart Read Matthew Elkins Danny Orr

62 51 38 33 25 20 20 20 20 20 20 19 19 19 18 18 17 15 14 13 12 10 9 8

Pre 65

Novice

Bob Hampton Ian Newcombe

Matt Sleep 18

Ian Newcombe Shamus Doohan Lance Rustell

105 89 70

Bob Hampton John Miles Neil Clarke Tom Mcabe

78 77 58 20

Charlie Tindle Paul Ray Mark Parry-Norton Mike MacKenzie Dick Ramplee

20 20 18 18 17

TwinShock C

Michael Jarratt Michael Jarratt

76

Gary Blackmore Alan Ranger Tony Billingham Malcolm Bailey Andy Gregory Alex Taylor Paul Brown Mik Machinek Geoff Muston Ian Guy Malcolm Peberdy Colin Bowdidge

38 38 36 34 20 20 20 20 19 19 17 16

Youth A Jack Dance

20

Youth B Zac Whalen Max Seaman Harry Jefferies Joe Snelling Oli Gray Ollie Smith Bailey Tidbury

98 77 20 20 19 19 19

South Eastern Star Group Championship

QQ By John Sapsard

Clubs Total Thames 201 Haslemere 190 Horsham 122 Kingston 70 Tongham 70 RRND 53 Talmag 36 Croydon 25 Sunbeam 4 Experts Jamie Rowden Josh Brimecombe Mark Budgen Michael Hyden Kevin Nolan Intermediates Peter Steer Ryan Manthorpe Lewis Reed Nigel Hains Colin Allsop

211 87 72 64 50 179 113 95 84 50

Novices Ben Edwards Kevin Fishlock Matthew Rowden Arthur Frearson Nigel Brimecombe

217 188 175 163 149

Youth Expert Tom Frearson Aaron Boys-Guest Jack Taylor Oliver Brimecombe

125 69 25 20

Youth Intermediate Jack Taylor Tom Frearson Oliver Brimecombe Joe Snelling Morgan Watmore Adam Manthorpe

191 141 72 25 20 20

Youth Novice Holly Boys-Guest Izzy Watmore Freddie Mitson Thomas Hutcheson

97 50 45 44

Ed Shackelton Jack Somerton Max Agar

18 17 16

Youth C

Toby Brawn Toby Brawn Bailey Tidbury Dillon Earle Jack Somerton Jonathan Bathe Toby Oliver

58 39 35 20 20 19

Jake Bush

22

Youth Sportsman Thomas Hutcheson Freddie Mitson

25 22

Over 40s Jerry Manthorpe John Dismore Gerald Budgen John Laker Mick Ratcliffe Graham Hutcheson

205 191 122 38 25 25

Over 50s Rob Edwards Peter Haines Anthony Coles John Johns Trevor Edge

238 226 162 91 58

Pre 67 Yellow Jeff Morgan Vic Allan Mike Barton Rupert Kemp

194 97 94 20 Continued overleaf 19

Pre 67 Red Roy Enticknap Graham Barton Adrian Mountain Graham Hutcheson Charlie Tindle

181 150 64 22 22

Sportsmen Peter Goodchild Paul Sims Peter Smith David White Eric Scutt

210 208 192 112 103

Twinshock Ian Hayward Doug Johnson Matt Weathers Martin Kemp Neil Sinclair

197 111 65 59 42

Air Cooled Mono Barry Fitzmaurice David Bridgeland

125 22

Sidecar Drivers Rupert Kimber Daryl Dale

163 141

Simon Evans Peter Dale Paul Fishlock

132 118 65

Sidecar Passengers Nick Harding Hannah Etherington Chris Kimber Harriet Shore Debbie Merrell

132 141 138 118 43

South Eastern Thames Valley Trials Combine

QQ By Mick Auger

H - Hookwoods N - Normandy W - Witley S - SSTC T - Twickenham Clubs Total Expert Hookwoods

326 Normandy

164 Witley

22 SSTC

12 Twickenham

0 Intermediate Hookwoods Normandy Witley SSTC Twickenham

299 269 247 163 0

Red Route Witley Normandy Hookwoods SSTC Twickenham

513 492 483 131 13

Yellow Route Normandy Hookwoods Witley SSTC Twickenham

303 221 53 38 2

Expert Phil Wiffen Tom McCabe James Connor Sam Connor

N H H H

144 60 56 24

20

Andrew Blackman Toby Smith Frazer Cannom Jonny Starmer Guy Chandler Billy Aylmore Martin Carter Gary Brown James Grist Alex Penrice Tim Connor Martin Hawyes Ethan Watmore Fraser Cannom Jake Pope Andrew Hutchinson Hugh Barker

H H H H W H H H H H H H S H H H H

24 22 22 22 22 17 16 16 15 14 14 14 12 12 12 10 3

Youth Expert Jack Dance

N

20

Intermediate Paul Jay Mick Marshall Steve Moore Jon Henderson Elliot Tickner Mark Williams Neil Bowker Matt Tidbury Dave Renham Dave Dale Richard Thomas Hugh Burrows Tom Horsborough Victoria Payne Neil Varney

W N H N N W W W N H H N N H N

116 92 43 41 31 27 24 24 22 22 22 22 22 22 20

Luke Armiger Tim Carter Chris Day Stuart Young Wayne Geary George Lawrence Aiden Bowker Dave Mair Lewis Ranger Colin Grist Peter Steer Peter Bowker Toby Smith Jack Frearson Neal Walsh Richard Gilham

H H S H N S W W W H H W H S N W

19 18 17 17 17 17 17 16 16 16 16 15 12 11 10 7

Youth Max Agar Reece Talbot Hannah Moore Joe Snelling Max Seaman Toby Smith James Bannister Aaron Boys-Guest Morgan Watmore Daniel Walsh Max Wiggins

S S H S H H S S S N S

44 32 29 29 24 22 22 15 12 12 7

Clubmen (Red) Terry Tidbury Colin Grist Dave Wiffen Mick Auger Paul Jay Oliver Keane

W H N N W W

153 94 79 40 20 20

Aaron Gordon John Emery Neal Walsh Keith Cannom Louise Cannom William Marks Rhys Meredith

W N N H H N H

Twinshock Mike Rivett Nick Thomas Stephen Richards Aaron Dibnah Tristan Robinson Tony Talbot Elliott Tickner Aidan Bowker Paul Ray Alan Ranger Jonathan Bannister Kyle Shaw Kevin Greening Nick Robinson

Sportsperson (Yellow) 122 Len Hart N 74 Graham Tickner N 71 Candice Wastell W 57 Gavin Shaw N 55 Kyle Shaw N 44 Eddie Craker N 24 John Emery N 24 Geoff Morgan N 22 Brian Cohen H 18 Pixie Briggs N 18 Youth Beginner 15 Rowan Stewart H 12 Thomas Packham H 4 Archie Bush S Oscar Kirkin H H 113 Max Dance N W 34 Glen Baker H N 33 Luke Batten T H 29 Joshua Brown H H 23 Sidecars H 22 R & C Kimber W 20 P FishLock & D Merrell W 19 Rupert Kimber & Karl Jarvis H 18 Jake Pope & Chris Kimber H 18 J Pope & A Allaway

N 17 Observers N 15 Richard Thomas

H 14 David Bleddyn

N 14 Mick Auger

T 13 Pete Crummet

S 13 Bob Brown

S 10 Tig

W 9 Gavin Taylor

S 8 Marge Clarke

JG Mantle

H 95 Neil Bowker

S 25 Robin Shapland

S 16 Duncan Agar

Novice Gary Stewart Ian George Adam Grosch Stuart Packham Aaron Pearse Andrew Armiger Mark Williams Robert Carey Richard Thrower Mathew Price Gary Grundy John Emery Ryan Dale Tig Jon Court Barry Hewett Alex Wilson Miles Gilham Tony Wiggins Youth Novice Daniel Dabreo Cameron Ferris Jake Bush

W N N N W S N W H W S N H W

19 19 19 17 17 15 8

Thomas Packham Max Agar Ben Howman Izzy Watmore Danny Embury Rowan Stewart Sophie Bailey

H H S S S H H

13 12 12 11 9 7 7 66 61 53 46 35 24 24 24 19 10 109 68 38 15 13 9 2 1 48 42 24 22 14 7 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Neville Lewis

2 Victor Hurst

2 Barry Bannister

2 Dave Mayle

2 John Sapsard

2 Jim Connor

2 Barry Brockman

2 Terry Tidbury

2 K Boys-Guest, Simon Shaw, M Barton, Alan Dudley, Gerald Hiscock, Bob Collins, Luke Smith, Eric Moss, Tony Martin, Bill Wickham, Paul Sims, Margaret, Jane, Dave White, Gerald Budgen, Eric Scutt, Cheryl Bush, Malcolm Sapsard, Barry Bannister, Derek Bentley, Phil Embury, Jane Saxton, Clare Repton, Graham Tickner, Ian Hill, Gaynor Moore, Mat Price, Nick Thomas, Craig Durrant, Paul Casling, John Hawyes, Mary Hawyes, Kieran Cooke, David Hamilton Smith, Addie Bailey, Geoff Brooker, Sten Pringle, Mandy Frearson, Gary Wells, Bob Miles, Dickie Dale, Jon Yendell, Dave Norman, Adam Norman, Stephen Westley, M Dagger, J Bleddyn, Amanda Bowker, Stephen Richards, Graham West, Chris Small, Duncan Long, Pete Durrant, Bob Hurst, Mick Chuck, John Johns, Norman Gray, Pete Peterfield, Alf Hill, Bob Shore, Nicki Brimecombe, Caroline Boys-Guest, Dave Lawrence, Paul McCabe, Neil Sinclair, Richard Alldred, Guy Williams

1 For more information go to www.thamesvalleytrials.co.uk

21

BEXLEYHEATH MCC LTD (256)

Restricted to members of clubs in the ACU SE North Kent Trials Combine

NKTC EXTRA COMBINE TRIAL

TRIAL Restricted

51712

Pease Hill, Near Brands Hatch, Kent, TN15 7EN

Sunday 14th January, 2018 Start: 10:30 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Rob Fleet (48571) Secretary of the Meeting: Dennis Fleet, 10 Penshurst Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 5ES Tel. No. (01322) 446556 / (07886) 637527 Email: robdfleet@gmail.com

ONLINE ENTRY AVAILABLE members.acu.org.uk

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: At start Fees: Solo: £15 Youth: £15 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Bexleyheath MCC Ltd. Send to Secretary of the Meeting. No envelopes required.

COURSE: 4 laps of 10 sections without roadwork.

CLASSES: A - Expert, B - Expert B, C - Inter, D - Inter B, E - Novice, F - Over 40 Blue, G - Over 50 Red, H - Twinshock Blue, I - Pre67/Twinshock Red, J - Youth Expert, K - Youth Inter, L - Youth Novice, M - Adult Sportman/Beginners Yellow Route, N - Youth Sportsman/Beginners Route AWARDS: Awards will be given.

GENERAL: Results will be on motorbiketrials.com.

NORMANDY MCC (288)

Restricted to members of clubs in the ACU SE TVTC and Star Group

DEREK HOOKEY AND PETE SIMMONS TVTC AND STAR GROUP TRIAL

TRIAL Restricted

51996

Championship Round for T.V.T.C. and Star Group Championship Bagshot Heath (South) Test Track

Sunday 14th January, 2018 Start: 10:30 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Mick Auger (89068) Secretary of the Meeting: Mrs Joy Thomas, 46 Row Town, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 1HQ Tel. No. (01932) 889311 Email: rhwandjc.thomas@ntlworld.com

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: 10th January 2018 - any entries after this date or on the day NO AWARD Fees: Solo: £20 Sidecar: £25 Youth: £16 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Normandy MCC. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

Send 2 stamped addressed envelope(s) (11 x 22cm) with entry.

COURSE: 3 to 4 laps of 10 to 12 sections without roadwork. 4 routes.

CLASSES: Expert, Intermediate, Novice, Pre 67 (red), Pre 67 (yellow), T/Shock, A/C Mono, O/40 (Blue), O/50 (red), Clubman (red) Sportsperson, (yellow), Sidecar, Youth Expert, Youth Intermediate, Youth Novice, Youth Beginner AWARDS: Best; Adult: Expert, Intermediate, Novice, Pre 67 (red), Pre 67 (yellow), T/Shock, A/C Mono, O/40 (Blue), O/50 (red), Clubman (red) Sportsperson (yellow). Best; Youth Expert, Youth Intermediate, Youth Novice, Youth Beginner. Awards all subject to minimum of 6 in class.

GENERAL: All entrants to show proof of TVTC or Star affiliated club membership. Anyone not producing a membership card to pay additional £3 for Day Membership. Petrol and oil not available at start. Final instructions may be issued at the start. Catering and Toilets will be on site.

Take the details from these regulations to fill in your entry form elsewhere in the magazine. Include your class & status on the entry

22

MOTORCYCLE OFF ROAD EVENT ENTRY FORM EVENT: ORGANISERS: VENUE: DATE OF EVENT: PERMIT NO:

COURSE LIC/CERT NO. (where applicable):

This event is held under the National Sporting Code of the Auto-Cycle Union, the Standing Regulations, Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions issued for the meeting. The ACU National Sporting Code and Standing Regulations are published annually in the ACU Handbook.

Entry declaration: I the undersigned apply to enter the event described above and in consideration thereof: I declare that I have had the opportunity to read, and that I understand the National Sporting Code of the ACU, the ACU Standing Regulations, such Supplementary. Regulations as have or may be issued for the event, and agree to be bound by them. I declare that I am physically and mentally fit to take part in the event and I am competent to do so. I confirm that I understand the nature and type of event I am entering and its inherent risks and agree to accept the same notwithstanding that such risks may involve negligence on the part of the organisers or officials. I confirm that I am not currently suspended from ACU permitted competition or on the ACU Stop List as a result of incurring a Concussion injury. I accept that insurance arranged on my behalf by the organisers of events that I may enter specifically excludes liability between the participants. I understand that this form may be used in litigation as evidence that any serious injury will be principally the result of my voluntary decision to engage in a high risk activity. I consent to details of any injuries I may suffer at this event being passed between all medical services and the Clerk of the Course. I consent to the collection and retention of my personal information by the ACU. I confirm that the machine(s) as described below which I shall participate on shall be suitable and proper for the purpose. I confirm that I am eligible to compete on the machines for which I have entered. I confirm that if any part of the event takes place on a public highway, the machine(s) described below shall be insured as required by the Road Traffic Acts, or equivalent legislation, and that they will comply with the regulations in respect thereof. I accept responsibility for any items borrowed from the Organiser during the course of the event. These items include but are not restricted to (safety clothing, transponders, accessories). I understand that I am liable for the cost or replacement of any items lost or not returned and non-payment or non-replacement of items borrowed may affect my entry into subsequent events. I confirm that I have not been refused an ACU Licence, nor had an ACU Licence suspended, nor have I been excluded from any ACU competition.

I / we enclose the entry fee of: £

Extras

Total

Acknowledgement of the risks of motorsport: I understand that by taking part in this event I am exposed to a risk of death, becoming permanently disabled or suffering some other serious injury and I acknowledge that even in the event that negligence on the part of the ACU, any event organiser, any circuit owner, the promoter, the organising club, the venue owner, or any individual carrying out duties on their behalf were to be a contributory cause of any serious injury I may suffer, the dominant cause of any serious injury will always be my voluntary decision to take part in a high risk activity. I have read the above and acknowledge that my participation in motorsport is entirely at my own risk. I agree that I am required to register on arrival by “signing on” at the designated place before taking part in any Practice Session/Race, Trials or Enduro.

RIDER’S SIGNATURE DATE

PASSENGER’S SIGNATURE

*For riders and passengers under 18 years of age – I accept the above conditions or entry to this event and give my approval:If under 18 state date of birth*:

RIDER

PASSENGER Riders & Passengers under 18yrs who cannot produce a valid ACU Competition Licence/Trials Registration must also complete an additional ‘Parental Agreement form (Single Event).

SIGNATURE OF PARENT (or person with parental responsibility:)

ENTRY DETAILS DRIVERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS POSTCODE EMAIL

TEL. NO.

CLUB

MX TRANSPONDER NUMBER

PASSENGERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS

POSTCODE

TEL. NO.

MACHINE MAKE

CAPACITY/ STROKE

STATE CLASS(ES) YOU WISH TO ENTER

STATUS NOVICE/INTER/EXPERT (TRIALS) EXPERT/JUNIOR (MX)

PREFERRED RACING NO. IF APPROPRIATE

In the absence of the Centre President, Miss Claire Ballard, Centre Vice President, welcomed everyone to the meeting.

APOLOGIES FOR NONATTENDANCE Received from: Messrs Graves, Down and New

SOUTHERN CENTRE MEETING MINUTES Thursday 2nd November 2017

MINUTES of the tenth meeting of the Southern Centre Board for the 2017 Session, held on Thursday 5th October 2017 were received and accepted as a true record.

Mr Bob Hewson, Centre Chairman took the Chair.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES a) Channel Islands Trials Seminars: ACU Chairman, John Collins will visit the Islands to conduct Seminars on Monday 4th/Tuesday 5th December; b) Centre Trials Seminar: Mr Graves has arranged a Seminar at Eastleigh on the evening of Thursday 14th December. Mr Steve Moore will present. Miss Ballard will deal with applications. Details will be circulated to Clubs; c) Enduro Seminar: Centre Clubs have been invited to the SEEC Seminar on Saturday 18th November; d) Enduro Sighting laps: Will be recommended for 2018, NOT compulsory.

ATTENDANCE The Book was circulated and returned with 14 signatures - 10 Officers (representing 14 posts) and 12 Delegates (representing 7 Clubs).

CORRESPONDENCE a) The MCC: Application for the 96th Lands End Trial to start at Popham and pass through the Southern Centre on Friday 30th/ 24

Saturday 31st March 2018; b) North Berks MCC: Application for a Trials Training Day on Saturday 4th November, approved and passed to the ACU. FROM THE ACU a) Basic Permit issued: MR Thumpercross, Moto Cross practice at Jacks Bush on Thursday 19th October; b) Officials Training Seminars: Technical – South Midland Centre, Saturday 20th January; Eastern Centre, Saturday 27th January; National, Rugby, Saturday 3rd February; Moto Cross – South Western Centre, Wednesday 6th December; National, Rugby, Sunday 10th December; South Midland Centre, Saturday 20th January; Eastern Centre, Saturday 27th January; c) Track Race Forum, Rugby, Sunday 19th November.

ACU AFFILIATIONS FOR 2018 (DUE BY 31ST OCTOBER) To date, 22 clubs have submitted Renewal forms and payment, out of 40 expected.

SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS Moto Cross a) Centre Championships: Names and addresses of finishers in the H.B.Wakefield Superclass Final, Good Friday 2017 are needed so the Prize Money can be distributed; b) Mr Hewson reported the Portsmouth Schoolboy Club is considering applying to join the ACU (currently with MCF) Trials a) Mr Wiseman has produced final results for the 2017 Championships; b) Waltham Chase MCC will not promote any Centre

Championship rounds in 2018.

Grass Track The Sub-Committee was not represented. It was noted that the Danebury GTRC meeting on Sunday 8th October had to be abandoned following a long delay while the Medical personnel dealt with casualties.

RIGHTS OF WAY REPORT Mr Down sent a HCC notice that various BOATS on the Harrow Way, Whitchurch/ Overton Area, are subject to Closure Notices for the period 3rd November 2017 to 3rd May 2018 in respect of 4 wheel (or more) vehicles only - motor cycle use is still permitted.

CENTRE CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2018 Most active Clubs have submitted their proposed dates.

A Draft Calendar will be issued to Clubs and Sub-committees for checking and making any changes. It is intended to confirm the Calendar at the December meeting of the Southern Centre Board.

The date and venue for the twelfth and annual meeting of the Southern Centre Board for the 2017 Session was confirmed as Thursday 7th December at Southampton & DMCC HQ, Cranbury Centre, Cranbury Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5HT commencing at 20.00 hrs.

Waltham Chase Trials MCC Awards Presentation and Social Evening (Incorporating the presentation of the ACU Southern Centre Trials Awards) Saturday 17th February 2018 at the Roddington Forge Music Club, Allington Lane, West End. SO30 3HQ Live entertainment provided by the local band Boss Hogg, a covers band playing a range of music from the Kinks to the Kings of Leon.

Doors open from 6.30pm, presentation from 7.30pm with dancing through to 11.30pm. Tickets are priced at £10.00 each including a buffet supper. Under 17’s free.

Donated raffle prizes appreciated.

Due to venue capacity restrictions advance booking is essential. …………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please supply ………………. tickets.

I enclose a cheque for sum of £……………………………

Please make cheques payable to Waltham Chase Trials MCC Name………………………………………………….………………......................................…

Address………………………………….....................................……………….………………

Email address………………………………………………………….……...............................

Contact Telephone……………………………………………………………………………………….

Additional Guests Please list all guest’s names for venue registration. ..........................................………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..……………………………………………………………........................................

Please return to: Sue Saunders, 27 Foxhayes Lane, Mopley, Southampton SO45 1XX

MOTORCYCLE OFF ROAD EVENT ENTRY FORM EVENT: ORGANISERS: VENUE: DATE OF EVENT: PERMIT NO:

COURSE LIC/CERT NO. (where applicable):

This event is held under the National Sporting Code of the Auto-Cycle Union, the Standing Regulations, Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions issued for the meeting. The ACU National Sporting Code and Standing Regulations are published annually in the ACU Handbook.

Entry declaration: I the undersigned apply to enter the event described above and in consideration thereof: I declare that I have had the opportunity to read, and that I understand the National Sporting Code of the ACU, the ACU Standing Regulations, such Supplementary. Regulations as have or may be issued for the event, and agree to be bound by them. I declare that I am physically and mentally fit to take part in the event and I am competent to do so. I confirm that I understand the nature and type of event I am entering and its inherent risks and agree to accept the same notwithstanding that such risks may involve negligence on the part of the organisers or officials. I confirm that I am not currently suspended from ACU permitted competition or on the ACU Stop List as a result of incurring a Concussion injury. I accept that insurance arranged on my behalf by the organisers of events that I may enter specifically excludes liability between the participants. I understand that this form may be used in litigation as evidence that any serious injury will be principally the result of my voluntary decision to engage in a high risk activity. I consent to details of any injuries I may suffer at this event being passed between all medical services and the Clerk of the Course. I consent to the collection and retention of my personal information by the ACU. I confirm that the machine(s) as described below which I shall participate on shall be suitable and proper for the purpose. I confirm that I am eligible to compete on the machines for which I have entered. I confirm that if any part of the event takes place on a public highway, the machine(s) described below shall be insured as required by the Road Traffic Acts, or equivalent legislation, and that they will comply with the regulations in respect thereof. I accept responsibility for any items borrowed from the Organiser during the course of the event. These items include but are not restricted to (safety clothing, transponders, accessories). I understand that I am liable for the cost or replacement of any items lost or not returned and non-payment or non-replacement of items borrowed may affect my entry into subsequent events. I confirm that I have not been refused an ACU Licence, nor had an ACU Licence suspended, nor have I been excluded from any ACU competition.

I / we enclose the entry fee of: £

Extras

Total

Acknowledgement of the risks of motorsport: I understand that by taking part in this event I am exposed to a risk of death, becoming permanently disabled or suffering some other serious injury and I acknowledge that even in the event that negligence on the part of the ACU, any event organiser, any circuit owner, the promoter, the organising club, the venue owner, or any individual carrying out duties on their behalf were to be a contributory cause of any serious injury I may suffer, the dominant cause of any serious injury will always be my voluntary decision to take part in a high risk activity. I have read the above and acknowledge that my participation in motorsport is entirely at my own risk. I agree that I am required to register on arrival by “signing on” at the designated place before taking part in any Practice Session/Race, Trials or Enduro.

RIDER’S SIGNATURE DATE

PASSENGER’S SIGNATURE

*For riders and passengers under 18 years of age – I accept the above conditions or entry to this event and give my approval:If under 18 state date of birth*:

RIDER

PASSENGER Riders & Passengers under 18yrs who cannot produce a valid ACU Competition Licence/Trials Registration must also complete an additional ‘Parental Agreement form (Single Event).

SIGNATURE OF PARENT (or person with parental responsibility:)

ENTRY DETAILS DRIVERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS POSTCODE EMAIL

TEL. NO.

CLUB

MX TRANSPONDER NUMBER

PASSENGERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS

POSTCODE

TEL. NO.

MACHINE MAKE

CAPACITY/ STROKE

STATE CLASS(ES) YOU WISH TO ENTER

STATUS NOVICE/INTER/EXPERT (TRIALS) EXPERT/JUNIOR (MX)

PREFERRED RACING NO. IF APPROPRIATE

CAMBRIDGE MATCHLESS MCC (378)

TRIAL

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

THE VALENTINE TRIAL

Open

52078

Ley Rectory Farm, Hildersham Road, Lt Abington, Cambs, CB21 6BP

Sunday 21st January, 2018 Start: 10.30 (Off the A1307 at the Hildersham Turn, Lt Abington) OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Colin Nunn (55027) Secretary of the Meeting: Mrs Margaret Nunn, 42 Old School Lane, Milton, Cambs. CB24 6BS Tel. No. (01223) 860829 Email: margaretnunn@btinternet.com

ONLINE ENTRY AVAILABLE members.acu.org.uk

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: 20th January 2018 Fees: Solo: £15 Youth: £12 Entry on the day: £25 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Cambridge Matchless Motorcycle Club. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

COURSE: 4 laps of 10 sections without roadwork. 3 + 50/50 routes.

CLASSES: Expert, Intermediate, 50/50, Novice, Clubman, Twinshock, Sportsman, Youth A, B, C AWARDS: Best in each class.

GENERAL: RESULTS will be posted on the club website: cambridgematchless.co.uk.

THIS EVENT WILL BE RUN UNDER ACU RULE TSR 22B i.e. NO STOP. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE FROM CALENDAR.

HAYES & SOUTHALL MCC (0384)

TRIAL

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

DON COLES TRIAL

Open

52005

Meteor Group Trial Dews Farm, Harvil Road, Harefield, Middlesex, UB9 6JN

Sunday 21st January, 2018 Start: 10:30 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Bob Brown (55129) Secretary of the Meeting: Nigel Hains, 10 Lutman Lane, Maidenhead Berkshire, SL6 7HH Tel. No. (01628) 628546 Email: nigel.hains@talktalk.net

ONLINE ENTRY AVAILABLE members.acu.org.uk

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: 19th January 2018 Fees: Solo: £15 Youth: £12 Entry after closing date: Adult: £20 Youth: £15 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Hayes & Southall MCC. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

Send 1 stamped addressed envelope(s) (11 x 22cm) with entry.

COURSE: 4 laps of 10 sections without roadwork. 3 routes.

CLASSES: Expert, Inter, 50/50 Novice, Clubman, Pre-65 hard, Pre-65 easy, Sportsman, Youth A, B, C AWARDS: As per Meteor group, if sufficient entries in class.

GENERAL: Free entry if you provide an observer.

Take the details from these regulations to fill in your entry form elsewhere in the magazine. Include your class & status on the entry

27

Surrey Family Trial

Oliver Dyne QQ By Bob Brown There was another first for The Surrey Youth Motorcycle Trials Sports Club who held a Family Trial at Swindley Forest, Ascot where they had to complete 6 laps of 8 observed sections set out by Jim and Liam Brookman.

The course was set out in an old brick pit covered in pine needles and foliage and mainly consisted of climbs and descents on the banks of the old brick 28

workings with turns around the tree stumps with the odd fallen tree to jump over.

Twenty Five youth riders aged between four and fifteen were joined by twenty one Dads, Grandads and friends, with the anticipation of more competent riders an expert route was added to the normal 3 routes.

Max Agar was out on his own in the youth expert route and struggled on the steep climbs at sections five and six but

managed feet up rides at three and four. Hannah Moore used all her National competition experience and managed to complete the entire inter course feet up, Jack Taylor was a distant second with Oliver Dyne and Jake Challice tieing for third place, all cleans from Jack at section three. Just a couple of riders in the novice class with Tim Jordan winning from Will Walford, they both were wheel perfect at section one. Both Harry Nicholls and Oliver Dyne rode the beginners route without penalty, Howard Mumford finished third, section two being his stumbling block.

Philip Wiffen showed all his class to win the adult experts from Jonathan Bannister and Wayne Geary, Philip lost his solitary dab at section one.

Steve Moore lost a single dab at section seven to triumph in the inter class from Neil Challice and James Bannister.

Dave Wiffen was best in the novice class with Nik Everitt in second place, Robin Ball and Dan Walford shared third place on eighteen marks lost, wheel perfect rides from Dave at section eight. Trevor Lawes won the beginners class from John Nicholls and Alex Dyne, Dave lost all his marks at section one.

The next club trial at Swinley Forest is on Wednesday 27th December with kickstart time of 11.30; for further details contact Eddie Renham 01784 452225. Youth Expert Max Agar

87

Youth Inter Hannah Moore Jack Taylor

0 44

Oliver Dyne Jake Challice

79 79

Youth Novice Tim Jordan Will Walford

19 88

Youth Beginners Harry Nicholls and Oliver Hill Howard Mumford Joe Cashman Ella Barron Ryan Wiffen Alex Fowler Leon Barron

0 18 20 23 24 39 47

Jack’s The Lad

Jack Taylor QQ By Bob Brown Photo by Emily Whelan Jack Taylor recorded the only clean sheet at the last round of the Geoff Woodger Shield promoted by the Surrey Youth Motorcycle Trials Sports Club at the club’s home circuit at Brackendene, Chertsey to win the Support Class, Hannah Moore lost a solitary dab at section two to finish second with younger brother Casey third on two marks lost. It was a dry but very cold day

Blake Myles Riley Maryon Ewan Shailer Ed Walford Ella Chappell-Smith

60 76 76 95 110

Adult Expert Philip Wiffen Jonathan Bannister Wayne Geary

1 21 62

Adult Inters Steve Moore Neil Challice James Bannister

1 6 64

for the entry of 38 riders who had to complete 6 laps of 8 observed sections set out by Eddie Renham in and around the ornamental gardens, prior to the start the children enjoyed some festive games.

The Beginners had a tougher than normal day with five year old Howard Mumford running out the winner from ten year old Alex Fowler with eight year old Riley Maryon in third place and Leon Barron a dab behind in fourth, Howard lost six of his marks at the very tight turns of section six plus two more twisting round the laurel bushes at section seven.

Current Novice Championship leader fourteen year old Harry Nicholls made it four wins on the trot followed home by eleven year old Leanne Budgen and seven year old Jack Petit, rapidly improving Harry Hawyes was first Oset home in fourth.

Harry Nicholls lost eight of his marks at the whoops of section two where Leanne was wheel perfect, her downfall was the tight turns at section six.

Section one was set out over or around the concrete

Dan Shailer

69

Adult Novice Dave Wiffen Nik Everitt Robin Ball Dan Walford Ian Hill

6 17 18 18 45

Adult Beginners Trevor Lawes John Nicholls Alex Dyne Manda Price

6 27 32 57

boulders and gentle banks observed by Hannah and Casey’s Mum resplendent with Santa hat, then along the river bank to two snaking around the trees and over the whoops.

Along by the school field to the gentle banks and turns of three where Casey Moore lost a slack dab but newly upgraded Katy Tickner was faultless, then four had riders jumping over or riding round the low lying trees, nine of Jack Petit’s marks went here. Sections five and six utilised the ornamental rockery and fountain with some tight twists around trees, twelve of Leanne Budgen’s and five of Reece Talbot’s marks were lost here. Onto section seven sighted on the steam bank with turns around the laurel bushes and over exposed roots, Riley Samett was the only beginner with six cleans. A ride around the BMX took the riders to the bomb hole of section eight with Graham Tickner taking scores, feet up rides from Finlay Pritchard in the novices.

The next trial is the first round of the Geoff Wodger Continued overleaf 29

Shield on Saturday 13th January with the start time of 2 pm at Brackendene, Chertsey.

Anyone interested in trying the sport is asked to contact Eddie Renham on 01784 452225 for further details. The club would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Trialing New Year. Beginners Class Howard Mumford Alex Fowler Riley Maryon

10 15 22

Leon Barron Ollie Smith Harrison Woods Blake Myles Luke Hambing-Negus Jack Myles Joe Cashman

23 29 33 40 46 60 60

Novice Class Harry Nicholls Leanne Budgen Jack Petit Harry Hawyes Ella Barron Finlay Pritchard

10 20 29 33 40 44

Thames Club Championship Round Up

Expert Runner Up Gary Brown QQ By Bob Brown The Thames Motor Cycle Club have just completed their 9 round club championship which started with a very wet and slippery Dews Farm in January 30

and ended in the same way in late November at Frensham.

Mid year they did manage some dryer trials visiting Brackendene, Hook Woods, Butser Lime Works, and Betchworth. There was a disappointing entry in

Elliot Hutcheson Katy Tickner Scott Budgen Harry Chatto

92 94 126 129

Support Class Jack Taylor Hannah Moore Casey Moore Reece Talbot Freddy Mitson Thomas Hutcheson Max Agar

0 1 2 9 61 65 117

the Expert class with Michael Powdrell being crowned club champion followed home

by Gary Brown and James Grist. Things were much more competitive in the Inter class Paul Heron running out the winner from Nigel Hains and Peter Steer, Paul managed three wins and two second places during the year and only missed one round. Rob Knowles was out on his own in the Over 40 class and made a long journey from Devizes to compete. Kevin Fishlock was the only member to compete in all rounds and was justly rewarded with victory in the Novice class, but only two points separated Adam Grosch and Matthew Rowden for second place; Matthew made a late start to his campaign missing the first two rounds.

Riding the same route Pete Haines clocked up 100 points to triumph in the Over 50 class followed home by Simon Dowling and John Reeves, Simon managed five wins compared to two of Pete's but consistency paid off for Pete.

The Dales battled it out for supremacy in the Sidecar class

with Dad Peter putting one over Son Daryl by just 3 points, Peter was ably supported by Harriet Shore in the chair and Daryl by Hannah Etherington; Simon Evans and Nick Harding were a distant third.

Martin Kemp scored an impressive five wins to take Pre 67 honours from riding partner Jeff Morgan with Nick

James a distant third. Elliot Tickner was best Twinshock pilot managing four wins, Peter Thatcher swapped between twinshock and mono so could only finish second with Ian Hayward third. Making it a family double Graham Tickner won the Sportsman class from Brian Cohen and another late starter Rupert Kemp. Riding

the same route ‘evergreen' Paul Sims triumphed in the Over 65 class with four wins from David White and Ian Ballard. There was a disappointing entry of just 4 youth riders across the classes with Joe Snelling Inter Champion, Max Seaman Novice winner and Josh Brown best Beginner from Ella Barron.

Witley British Enduro Witley and District MCC are pleased to announce that we will be hosting Round One of the 2018 ACU British Enduro Championships.

The event will take place at Warren Heath, Hampshire, RG27 0QB. Utilising the 18 mile loop of mixed forestry going from the popular Witley Classic Enduro, and with two special tests, the team are working hard to bring you a top class event.

Entries will open at 0800 on Saturday 6th January through the ACU online portal. The event is usually heavily oversubscribed as a Centre Enduro, so you are advised to make sure you get your entry in quick.

You can enter at www.ride-acu.uk.

cycle otor t M New p in Ken Sho

Montys Motorcycles

132 High Street, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5AY Tel. 01732 867104

TYRE SALES AND FITTING, SERVICING, CLOTHING, USED BIKE SALES, REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE www.montysmotorcycles.com info@montysmotorcycles.com 31

D IARY DATES

QQ Mon 1st January

Trial - Rest Basingstoke MCC Adult & Youth Elizabeth Farm, Newbery Start: 11.00

QQ Fri-Sat 5th-6th January Road Trial The Motorcycling Club Ltd The MCC Exeter Trial and Touring Assembly Start at Popham Airfield, Croxford Down, Winchester, Hants, SO21 3BD 19.30

QQ Sun 7th January

Trial - Rest Eastern Fourstroke Association Adult & Youth Sunfield farm, Little Bealings, Suffolk, IP13 6ND Kaye Blundell 07955 175896 Start: 09.30 Trial - Rest Isle of Wight MCC Trial - Open Nene Valley MCC Hills & Holes Trial Manor Farm, Honeyden, Beds, MK44 2LT Regs in this issue Close: On the day Start: 10.30 Trial - Open South Reading MCC Three Musketeers Trial Howe Wood, Watlington, Oxon, OX49 5HA Regs in this issue Close: 3rd Jan Start: 10.00 Trial - Rest Wilts Border MC & LCC Adult & Youth The Piggeries, Stanton St Quentin, Chippenham Mrs T Talbot 01249 720842 Start: 10.30

QQ Sat 13th January

Grass Track - Rest Jersey MC & LCC Adult & Youth St Lawrence, Jersey Carol Le Viellez 01534 852952

Times are in 24 hours format

QQ Sun 14th January

Enduro - Rest Portsmouth MCRC Mudfest, Woodberry Lane, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire Fun Run George Skeates 31st Cross Country Charity Fun Run Stockbridge, Hampshire 10.00 Details: In last issue Trial - Rest Bexleyheath MCC NKTC Extra Combine Trial Pease Hill, nr Brands Hatch, Kent, TN15 7EN Regs in this issue Close: At the start Start: 10.30 Trial - Open Normandy MCC Derek Hookey and Pete Simmons Trial Bagshot Heath South Test Track Regs in this issue Close: 10th Jan Start: 10.30 Trial - Rest Waterside MCC Harrow Wood Farm, Bransgore, Christchurch, Dorset Trial - Open Wycombe & DMCC Non Expert & British Bike Trial Great wood, Dudley lane, Hambledon, Nr Henley on Thames, RG9 6JW (nearest) Regs in last issue Close: 12th Jan Start: 10.00 Trial - Open Wymondham & DMC Adult & Youth Hill House Farm, Great Ellingham, Norfolk, NR17 1AQ D Glover 01953 455772 Start: 09.30

QQ Thu 18th January

Southern Centre AGM Southampton & DMCC HQ, Cranbury Centre, Cranbury Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5HT, 19.30 hrs (NOTE EARLY START TIME)

QQ Sat 20th January

ACU Training Seminar MX & Technical Nash Mills Community Centre Nash Mills, Langley, Herts, HP3 9TE Kirsty Telford 01788 566408 kirsty@acu.org.uk Start: 09.00

QQ Sun 21st January

MotoX - Rest East Anglia Schoolboy Scrambling Club Winter Series Round 2 Adult & Youth Buttercup Farm, Chatteris, Cambs PE16 6TA Jean Ingram 07748 666066 Start: 09.00 Trial - Open Cambridge Matchless MCC Valentine Trial Ley Rectory Farm, Hildersham Road, Lt Abington, CB21 6BP Regs in this issue Close: 20th Jan Start: 10.30 Trial - Open Hayes & Southall MCC Don Coles Trial - Meteor Group Dews Farm, Harvil Road Harefield, Middlesex, UB9 6JN Regs in this issue Close: 19th Jan Start: 10.30 Trial - Open Sidcup & DMCC Freestyle Sidcup 60 Canada Heights, Swanley, BR8 8DX Regs in last issue Close: 13th Jan Start: 09.30 Trial - Rest Waltham Chase MCC Hut Hill, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire Trial - Rest Isle of Wight MCC

QQ Sat 27th January

ACU Training Seminar MX & Technical Great Blakenham Parish Rooms, Great Blakenham, Ipswich, IP6 ONJ Kirsty Telford 01788 566408 kirsty@acu.org.uk Start: 09.00

QQ Sun 28th January

Enduro - Open Dorset Enduro Moreton Forest, Wareham, Dorset.

Trial - Open Ashford Kent MCC The Dunlop Trial Kent Gliding Club, Squids Gate On the A252 Charing/Canterbury road, Charing, Kent Regs in this issue Close: 22nd Jan Trial - Open Ringwood MC & LCC Centre Championship Ashley Hollow, Ringwood, Hampshire.

Regs in this issue Close: 20th Jan Start: 10.30 Trial - Open TALMAG MCC Talmag Trophy Trial Hungry Hill, Aldershot, Hampshire Start: 09.30

QQ Thu 1st February

Southern Centre Board Meeting Southampton & DMCC HQ, Cranbury Centre, Cranbury Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5HT, 20.00

QQ Sun 4th February

MotoX - Rest East Anglia Schoolboy Scrambling Club Winter Series Round 3 Adult & Youth Buttercup Farm, Chatteris, Cambs, PE16 6TA Jean Ingram 07748 666066 Start: 09.00 Trial - Open Berkhamsted MCC Adult & Youth Nash Mills, Langley, Herts Lionel Cox 020 8421 2368 Trial - National Castle Colchester MCC East Anglian Trial New Wood, Pebmarsh, near Halstead CO9 2NU Trial - Open Nene Valley MCC The Bill Holt Trophy Trial Adult & Youth Cranford Firs, Kettering, Northants, NN14 4HW Judith Ayres 01933 316745 Start: 10.30 Trial - Open Sittingbourne & DMCC Walker Memorial Trial Torry Hill Farm, Torry Hill, Near Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 0EA Regs in this issue Close: 27th Jan Start: 10.00

QQ Sun 11th February Trial - Rest Waterside MCC

Motorcycle First Aid Training for ACU Members The Trials and Enduro Committee are offering First Aid Training to ACU members, specific to the needs of injured motorcyclists, in a course to be held in Rugby on Saturday 10th February. Successful completion would result in a National status accreditation.

This course will be provided free of charge, and should there prove to be sufficient interest, the Trials and Enduro Committee would consider running similar sessions on an annual basis. A maximum of 12 people, eligible on a first- come - first -served basis, will be accepted at any one time.

Please contact Mary Kerr on 01788 566403 mary.kerr@acu.org.uk to register.

Sittingbourne Speedway Presents

The Season Opener Sunday 15th April at 12 midday Raspberry Hill Lane, Iwade, ME9 8SN 500cc speedway machines and exciting 500cc sidecars Adults: ÂŁ8, concessions: ÂŁ5, under 16's: FREE Admission tickets are available in advance. Heat sponsorship is also available Email: nrepromotions@gmail.com If you have an event you wish to publicise and put in our diary please contact our editor (details on page 3).

South Eastern Trials Schedule 2018

QQ By Stephen Westley

Class Categories E+ Elite, E Expert, I inter, Ov40 Inter, Ov50 novice, Pr65, Twinshock, Monoshock Nov&Int, Y(E+ E I N D), Twinshock Inter, Novice, Ladies (Int, Nov), Girls Nov, Pr65 s/c, Twinshock s/c, modern s/c, (50/50 inter/novice,blue/red route ), 50/50 inter/expert, blue/white route, non championship rounds Date

Trials Event

Championship classes

January (Regs to be in December TSM apply by 10th November) Sun 14th Sun 21st Sun 28th Sun 28th

GROUPS - NKTC, Bexleyheath EKTC, TVTC, STAR Sidcup Sixty Ashford The Dunlop Talmag

E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N) E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I)

February (Regs to be in January TSM apply by 10th December) Sun 4th Sittingbourne Walker Memorial

Sun 4th CSMA Boundless Red Tape Trial Sun 11th GROUPS - NKTC, invite to STAR, EKTC, TVTC, STAR Sun 25th "Normandy Goodwin Shield

E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N) tw, tw-b, Girls Ladies (I,N) a/c mono NOT RUNNING EVENT THIS YEAR s/c tw p67 p67s tw-s/c

March (Regs to be in February TSM apply by 10th January) Sun 4th Gravesend Richard Bartlett Trophy Trial E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N) tw p67 mono Sun 11th GROUPS - NKTC, Wickham EKTC, TVTC, STAR Sun 18th Witley & DMCC - Witley Weston Trophy E+E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N D)

tw p67 mono ladies (I N) girls Sun 25th Barham Nailbourne Non Expert I N +40 +50 Y(I N) tw tw-b p67 April (Regs to be in March TSM apply by 10th February) Sun 1st Sittingbourne Heel Farm Trial

Mon 2nd Sidcup Easter Holiday B & W Trial Sun 8th GROUPS - NKTC, EKTC, TVTC, STAR Sun 8th Redhill Reigate North Downs LDT Sun 15th Tenterden Weald Non Expert Trial

Sun 29th Double Five B & W Practice at Chads Farm

I N +40 +50 Y(I N ) tw, tw-b, p67 mono (I,N) ladies(I,N) girls Easter Monday Holiday PROVISIONAL LDT DATE I N +40 +50 Y( I N) tw, tw-b, p67 mono(I,N) ladies(I,N) girls

May (Regs to be in April TSM apply by 10th March) Sun 6th Sun 13th Sun 20th Sun 27th

Double Five Air Ambulance Trial p67 tw, tw-b, a/c mono GROUPS - NKTC, Owls EKTC, TVTC, STAR Folkestone E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E I N) ladies(I,N) girls Kent & Sussex Quaife Trophy - Camden Cup SE Centre Team Trial

June (Regs to be in May TSM apply by 10th April) Sat 2nd - Sun 3rd Sun 10th Sun 17th Wed 20th 34

Bexleyheath – Battle of Burwash 2 day GROUPS - NKTC, Erith EKTC, TVTC, STAR Erith MacDonald Charity Cup Sidcup Evening Trial 4pm

tw p67 p67s tw-s/c mono mod s/c Charity Trial for Cancer Research

Sun 24th Eastbourne Lighthouse

E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N D) ladies(I,N) girls tw, tw-b, Pre67 a/c Mono

July (Regs to be in June TSM apply by 10th May) Sun 1st Sun 8th Sun 15th Wed 18th 19th Sun 22nd

Bexleyheath Ladies & Girls National TBC GROUPS - NKTC, invite to EKTC if req EKTC, TVTC, STAR Tenterden Man of Kent E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N) tw, tw-b, mono ladies(I,N) girls Sidcup Evening Trial 4pm TBC OWLS MC Sidecar Championship Round OWLS Whitley Mill E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N D) tw, tw-b, p67 mono ladies(I,N) girls"

August (Regs to be in July TSM apply by 10th June) Sun 5th Sun 5th Sun 12th Sun 19th Sat 25th

Sun 26th

AUGUST DATE MAY BE CHANGED FOR NATIONAL Eastbourne LDT TBC Barham Kick Start Charity Trial GROUPS - NKTC, EKTC, TVTC, STAR Bexleyheath Langmaid E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N) tw, tw-b, p67 mono s/c Sunbeam Gingerbeards Adult only any bike (Modern - Foreign - British pre65 - Twinshock) Sunbeam Greybeards all classes for riders aged over 40

September (Regs to be in August TSM apply by 10th July) Sun 2nd Sun 9th Sun 16th Sun 16th Sun 23rd Sun 23rd Sun 30th

Folkestone p67 tw, tw-b mono GROUPS - NKTC, Bexleyheath EKTC, TVTC, STAR Double Five Non Expert Single Route Trial Novice and Sportsman Wickham Harvest E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N) Gravesend Watling Tyres Non-Expert Trial I N +40 +50 Y(I N) tw, tw-b, p67 mono Sidcup Timber Woods LDT LDT Tenterden Weald of Kent E I N +40 +50 Y(E I N) tw p67 mono ladies(I,N) girls

October (Regs to be in September TSM apply by 10th August) Sun 7th Sun 14th Sun 21st Sun 21st Sun 28th

GROUPS - NKTC, Kent & Sussex EKTC, TVTC, STAR Double Five B & W Practice at Chads Farm Witley LDT Sittingbourne Charity Trial Barham Mutton Lancers

Proceeds ACU Ben Fund E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N)

November (Regs to be in October TSM apply by 10th September) Sun 4th Sun 11th Sun 12th Sun 18th

GROUPS - NKTC - Sidcup, EKTC, TVTC, STAR Witley H C Wake E+ E I N +40 +50 Y(E+ E I N) tw, tw-b, p67 mono Remembrance Sunday – no events allowed Trials Clerk of the Course Seminar Sidcup B & W Practice Trial

December (Regs to be in November TSM apply by 10th October) Sun 2nd Sun 2nd Sun 9th Sun 30th

Sidcup Jack Thompson All British Bike Trial Southern Experts National 9.30 am start TBC GROUPS - NKTC,Gravesend EKTC, TVTC, STAR Thames Mike Kemp Trial

p67s/c tw-s/c TBC tw p67 p67s/c tw-s/c

2018 Dates are planned to be on the same weekend as in 2017 with one or two adjustments due to the calendar.

35

HOOKWOOD TRIALS CLUB MEMBERSHIP FOR 2018 Once a member of the Club, you can practice at the Hookwood Trials Centre,West Horsley, Surrey by prior booking, on many days of the year. This includes weekdays and overnight camping is also available. Practice fees with no time restrictions, from 10 am are: Youth £15 Adult £20.

Hookwood Trials Club membership includes being part of the South Eastern Centre ACU and affilliated to the Thames Valley Trials Combine Members can use there ACU Hookwood unique no to obtain the appropriate registration from the ACU, and also to be able to compete in Enduro and Moto Cross and also Trials.

There are a variety of types of terrain and obstacles in Hookwood, and the centre has been a key part in many local riders improving their riding techniques. Some of these riders have gone on to win many National Trials, including World Championships and winning the biggest Trial in the World. The Scottish Six Days Trial.

Enduro Riders: Some Hookwood members are keen Enduro riders, and have a Trials bike to improve their riding over fallen trees etc. These riders find this a cheap day out, ride all day for £20. At the same time working towards a basic strategy to improve riding skills. Several Club members will be riding in their third Romaniacs Extreme Enduro in 2018, so they have been training very hard at the Centre on their Trials bikes.

Coaching: Training lessons are available. The Centres head coach: Sam Connor has won the Boxing Day Enduro 3x and also won the Scottish Six Days Trial and virtually all UK National Trials. Sam is an excellent coach in relaying good riding technique.

For those interested. Please complete the membership form and return to the Club Secretary listed below. Please request if you need a ACU no.

HOOKWOOD TRIALS CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM 2018 (membership will expire 31 December 2018) Please use Block Capitals(except email) and write clearly First Name ........................................................ Surname .............................................................................

Address ........................................................................................................................................................ ....................................................................................................................... Post Code .............................

Tel. No. .......................................................... E-mail Address ......................................................................

Membership Type (please tick)

Adult £15

Youth Age ........................ DOB ........................

Youth £10 Family Membership £25

Total to pay £.................

Family membership includes parent and one or more Youth under 18 Youth name: ..................................................................... Age ........................ DOB ..................................

Youth name: ..................................................................... Age ........................ DOB ..................................

Youth name: ..................................................................... Age ........................ DOB ..................................

Manner of Payment Please make payment, payable to "Hookwood Trials Centre" and return to Club Secretary. Jim Connor, Hookwood Manor, Fullers Farm Rd, West Horsley, Surrey.

Email: jimconnor1045@yahoo.com Tel: 01483 285727 (answer service in use if out, no calls after 8 pm) A special key membership is sometimes available. Queries: contact Club Secretary.

Most Club information, including many great photos can be viewed on Club Facebook site, membership forms can also be downloaded from Club website.

A "Star Studded" Cast!

QQ By Bob Twigg

The Kenton and Kingsbury November Cup trial run at Plashes Farm near Ware in Herts and featured a classy entry of seventy eight riders which included a World downhill mountain bike champion, an ex world downhill champ', the current South Midland centre expert champion Chris Koch and Steve Swanson another past expert champion.

The world downhill ace Danny Hart was on a flying visit to the area and rode with downhill supremo Rob Warner who was trials "bikeless" and riding a Montesa trail bike for the day! However, the top two expert places were taken by messrs Chris and Steve who engaged in a ding dong battle all day that was only decided by STR's at the finish.

A well supported Intermediate class, riding a 50/50 route, saw victory for young Aaron Wakefield, the fast improving son of the late and great Keith Wakefield. The middle yellow route for clubmen, novices and "B" class riders always sees a good entry and here thirty three hopefuls vied for victory. The best Novice on the day proved to be Ivan Thatcher (no relative) on board his sweet sounding Vertigo just ahead of Montesa mounted Leon Hudston.

There was a welcome surprise in the clubman category when Steve Clements steered his ageing Fantic to the class win ahead of veteran Nick Boxall

who was trying hard on his immaculate two year old Beta.

The easier white route through the hazards saw a sizeable entry of fourteen sportsmen on "moderns" and a class entry of nine British machines. Nene Valley's Paul Robinson on his barking B40 BSA annexed the Brit' bike win finishing four marks ahead of ex motocross ace Brian Ayres, also BSA mounted. Veteran Nick James had a return to form tying with Brian and only separated by the STR's.

Roy Phypers continued his domination of the Sportsman class on his weird looking (but very effective) Chinese based special "Itsabitsa"!

Three youths contested the "A" class hard route, and here young Harry Coleman, who has recovered well from a recent knee injury, took the honours from Ronnie Day. A special mention is due for young Alfie Ray Turner as he rode well out of class on the 50/50 route and to George Clark another out of class lad on the "B" class hazards, well done both of you!

Sections six and seven proved to be "stoppers" for some, a drop into a muddy water ditch with very slippery banks and

trees to threaten the unwary.

Good rides here by Steve Young (200 Honda) and Paul Hadingham (212 Fantic). Best Expert C.Koch 22 Runner up S.Swanson

22 STR's.

Best Inter A.Wakefield 28 Best Novice I.Thatcher 27 Best Clubman S.Clements Best Sportsman R.Phypers

22 4

Best "A" class H.Coleman 67

Take part in discussions about motorsport in your centre and post reports for publication. facebook.com/thesportingmotorcyclist 37

NMCC 92nd Wild & Woolly Scramble QQ By Fraser Law & Phil Gee Photos by www.motoxphotos.co.uk A bright and sunny Boxing day morning greeted riders and spectators alike for the 92nd running of the epic Wild and Woolly scramble. Run by the Northampton Motorcyclists Club, and kindly sponsored once again by EBC Brakes, the "World’s Oldest Motorcycle Scramble still running" did its best to live up to last year's close finish. A record crowd of over 6000 spectators turned up to witness great racing and loads of action in the mud holes. It is also a social occasion to catch up with old friends and raise lots of money for local charities. Held as usual at Arm Farm, Blisworth the traditional 1 hour plus a lap event was running in the reverse direction from last year.

Whilst the temperature 38

was initially only 2 degrees it soon warmed up as the sun rose and the heavy overnight rain left the circuit in prime condition for a mud race. 48 riders ranging from age 15 to 56 had signed up to take on the 80 water crossings that would make up the 20 laps.

As the clock approached 11 am they lined up in the crisp sunshine having braved the 2 laps of practice. Silence fell as the hour edged closer for the traditional dead-engine start. On exactly 11 o’clock as has happened on the previous 91 occasions, the starter’s flag dropped and the engines roared into life for a race that would turn out to be a classic.

The field made up of local clubmen from MX and Enduro and topped off by some fast Experts, had some familiar faces as always. Veteran 10 time winner Ryan Griffiths (450

Christian Livesey

Ben Hall Honda), and 4 time winner Jack Lee (300 John Lee Beta) were hoping to add to their tally.

Ady Smith (300 KTM Offroad Experience KTM), was hoping to go one better than last year’s

second place, where he narrowly lost out to Nev Bradshaw, after pushing the South African for the full race distance.

With Nev on family duty this year, Ady certainly looked to be the pre-race favourite.

Also riding the Woolly for the first time were 15 year old James Thompson, and 16 year old Callum Sedgewick, both mounted on 125 Yamaha's for their first attempt at the race. At just 17 Lewis Huckerby was also making his first attempt at the event.

Coming around the track towards the spectators for the first time it was Ady Smith who hit the water first water. Close behind Jack Lee had slotted into second, Ryan Griffiths third and another podium contender and current South Midland Expert Champion Michael McClurg (450 Honda) was 4th. Smith chose to hit the first water crossing just right of centre, while Lee went to the left and nicked the lead on the run down to the next corner as the rest of the field dropped into the mire for the first time.

The typically huge local crowd cheered over the fences, as the two leaders splashed their way through the first lap, clearing the final crossing and heading out into the field. Here the twists and turns of the canal bank and the natural ridge and furrow whoops would give the riders little rest for the hour’s race duration.

As Lee led, Smith went after him through the whoops, and as they came to the chicane before the number cleaning station, Smith jumped back to the front, only for Lee to steal

it immediately back. This first time around Ryan held third place from fast charging Ste Marlow and Michael McClurg.

Towards the end of lap two Ady’s silencer parted company with his bike, robbing him of valuable power but making it easy for the spectators to identify the leading pair. This was to set the tone for the whole race, where the two Enduro aces would trade places at the front, while Griffiths and McClurg would be squabbling over the battle for third. Behind them the battle for top junior rider home was being fought for by the youngster Sedgewick, and the very much a veteran Alan Vissian on his 300 Beta.

Charley Lee (300 John Lee Beta), Jonathon Lee (300 Sherco) and Stuart Scott (LMS Honda 450) were next in close attendance.

With none of the water holes causing too much trouble on the opening laps, the leaders had a clear run through with Smith still holding the lead.

Lee used his long legs to his advantage, making light work of the water crossings, while

Smith was faster over the ground between the mud holes.

Soon the front runners started to lap into the tail of the field making every line choice more critical. The intensity of the race stayed high, with both riders knowing even a single fall could decide the race at this early stage. On lap four Jack took over the lead and held it for two laps. There was never more than about twenty yards between the two leaders, Ady briefly getting back in front on lap seven before Jack once again took over for the next two laps. At the 30 minute mark Smith made his speed though the whoops count, to regain the lead. As they came to the first water crossing, Lee seeing his regular left hand side line blocked, decided to take the centre. As he exited the water carrying more speed, he clipped the rear wheel of race leader Smith and went down. For the first time in the race, there was a discernible gap at the front and while Lee was on the ground Continued overleaf

Ady Smith 39

Dean Devereux and Alan Vissian for only a few seconds, it meant that visual contact with Smith was lost. It didn’t last long, as a hold up for Smith in crossing 3, and a few back marker issues, saw Lee get back to within a few seconds quite quickly.

Behind them Ryan Griffiths on the first of the 450 4 strokes in what seems to have become a 2 stroke dominated race of late, and Michael McClurg fought closely for third. On lap five Michael had managed 40

to squeeze past Ryan which is never an easy thing to do. On lap nine Ryan got back into his preferred third position and held it for a further three laps. McClurg was not giving up however and repassed Griffiths on lap twelve. It took Ryan another six laps to find a way past the determined Michael, but when he did he managed to hold it to the finish. Michael had to pit on three separate occasions for

new goggles, such was his determination to get past.

Meanwhile at the front Ady Smith lead most of the second half of the race, closely shadowed by Jack Lee. Was he biding his time and stalking his prey, or giving it all he had to keep in contact with the leader?

Jack certainly looked calm and in control however different he may have been feeling. By this time the guys running small tanks were into their fuel stops, Sedgewick being the first of the top ten to stop, the 125 using too much fuel to risk going the distance. Some the leaders and those with Enduro experience were running larger tanks and so had enough fuel to reach the finish. The closeness at the front meant both leaders were getting filled in with mud a lot, but it was Lee who had to discard his goggles first. Having run out of roll offs, it was this that handed the advantage to Smith, who opened up a six second lead before having to also ditch his goggles with three to go.

Lee closed the gap, as he seemed able to do when ever needed, and as the clock ran down, both riders knew it was theirs for the taking. They upped the pace and as the last lap flag came out, Smith seemed to have briefly broken clear, again getting a six second lead over the line for the final circuit. BUT it wasn’t over, Jack attacked the back whoop section in full on supercross style and closed right onto Ady’s back wheel.

As they came down to the final crossing Lee jumped into the water, passing Smith and filling him in with the now very muddy slime . Unable to see, and

Jack Lee getting cross rutted, Smith went down. Lee emerged with the lead, cruising the final quarter of a lap to take the win! While Smith came home a dejected second fifteen seconds adrift.

Griffiths may not have added to his win tally, but a solid third place on the lead lap was a great reward for his efforts, holding off McClurg by twelve seconds at the flag.

Alan Vissian took a creditable fifth running under the radar for most of the race, finishing on 18 laps. Callum Sedgewick took a fine 6th on his 125 Yamaha also completing 18 laps. Rounding out the top 10 all completing 17 laps, were Jonathon Lee (7th), Charley Lee (8th), James Plant(9th) and John Abbott (10th).

With only three non-finishers, it wasn’t the most brutal of recent Woolly's. But the bumper

crowds were again treated to a fantastic hour long battle, which went right down to the final water splash. After getting over his initial disappointment post-race, Smith paid credit to winner Lee saying "he pushed me hard the whole race, and

made a great move in the last crossing, neither of us wanted second". Hopefully the pair will again be back to do battle in the 2018 race. Jack Lee who’d originally planned not to ride this year explained his change of heart, "I got told to man up, get out my bike and show them what I can do. I have just been out there getting the hours in and it helped so much." He went on, "I like the Wild & Woolly, it is a big event for me. It has always been about survival but is a lot easier now and its harder to match my speed with the top experts like McClurg, Smith etc. But I just need to get on with it and go for it. The race started well, I liked being at the front but felt I dropped my speed, so when Smith was going well I let him stay there but I showed a wheel to let him know I was still close behind.

The last lap I said to myself Go For It. I caught him up after the first water hole and got passed him by jumping the last water hole. It was a mega end to a Continued overleaf

Dan Abbott 41

Ryan Griffiths rides by the crowds good race and I am over the moon. Well done to everyone". 1. Jack Lee 20 laps 2. Ady Smith 3. Ryan Griffiths 4. Michael McClurg 5. Alan Vissian 18 laps 6. Callum Sedgewick 7. Jonathan Lee 17 laps 8. Charley Lee 9. James Plant 10. John Abbott 11. Sean Flannigan 16 laps 12. Fred Saunders 13. Tom Kruger 14. Trevor Jeeves 15. Stephen Marlow 16. Lewis Huckerby 17. Dean Devereux 15 laps 18. Graham Howe 19. Joe Gubbins 20. Tom King 21. Jack Evans 22. Garry West 42

Luke McQuarrie

23. Stuart Scott 24. James Thompson 25. Christian Livesey 26. Phil White 27. Giles Hamilton 28. Roger Titman 29. Luke McQuarrie 30. Matt Huck

14 laps

13 laps

31. Daniel Abbott 32. Robert Drage 33. Ryan Blackwell 34. James Higgins 35. Nathan Skinner 36. Jamie Berry 37. Richard Lowe 38. Callum McClurg

12 laps

11 laps

39. Jake Willis 40. Ben Hall 41 Ashley Batten 42. Matt Mason 43. Ralph Cooper Hobbs 44. Jack Turner

9 laps 8 laps 7 laps 5 laps

A happy finisher

Southern Centre ACU Annual General Meeting

QQ By Chris Fletcher

The combined AGM and first Southern Centre Board meeting for 2018 will be held at Southampton & DMCC HQ, Cranbury Centre, Cranbury Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5HT on Thursday 18th

January 2018, commencing at 19.30 hrs. Free refreshments, tea and coffee will be available and the Bar will be open.

Nomination forms for Centre Officers – President, VicePresidents (6), Chairman, ViceChairmen (2) and Hon Treasurer – have been circulated to Clubs

to be returned to the hon Centre Secretary by 4th January 2018. Nominations for all other Centre posts are accepted and voted on at the meeting.

It is hoped that 2018 Centre Fixture Cards will be available for collection at the AGM. 43

South Midland Trials Calendar 2018-2019

QQ By Ian Reynolds

22nd Wycombe O stokenchurch January 2018 O 7th Nene Valley O 29th M. Buzzard Tba Honeydon 7th South Reading O May

Howe Wood 13th Oxford Ixion C 14th Wycombe O(4) Standlake

Great Wood 13th Cambridge M-less O 21st Hayes & Southall O(M) Abington

Dews Farm 20th Kenton & Kingsbury O (M) 21st Cambridge M-less O Plashes Farm

Bourne Bridge 20th Nene Valley Nat Sidecar 28th Oxford Ixion C Cranford Firs standlake 26th Berkhamsted O (5) Tba February O (M) 4th Nene Valley O 27th M. Buzzard

Mount Farm

Cranford Firs June 3rd HUX O

Dews Farm 10th Oxford Ixion C Beckley 17th South Harrow O (M)

Dews Farm 24th Nene Valley O

Cranford Firs O O 24th Wycombe

Great Wood O 29th M. Buzzard O - Evening

Mount Farm

4th Berkhamsted O

Nash Mills 11th Wycombe O (1,2,3) Crowell 18th Barnet O (M)

Dews Farm 25th Cambridge M-less O (2,3) Linton March 4th Oxford Ixion Beckley 11th Nene Valley Glendon 18th Berkhamsted O (M)

Great Brickhill 24th Berkhamsted O (5)

Nash Mills 25th HUX

O - Classic Dews Farm 30th Oxford Ixion C

Steeple Hill Bank April 8th North East London O Charity Road, Hammonds Park 15th Cambridge M-less O Elsworth 15th HUX O (M)

Dews Farm 22nd Nene Valley O Geddington 44

August 3rd M. Buzzard O - Evening

Mount Farm 19th HUX O (1,2,3,5)

Round Rocket 26th W Middlesex Amateur

O (M)

Dews Farm September 1st M. Buzzard O

Claydon House 2nd M. Buzzard O

Claydon House 8th Berkhamsted O (5) Tba 9th Cambridge M-less O

Balsham Quarry 9th Oxford Ixion O Beckley 16th Nene Valley O (1,2,3,5)

Cranford Firs 23rd HUX O

Dews Farm 30th Barnet O

Dews Farm

October 7th Oxford Ixion O (M) Howe Wood 7th Cambridge M-less O Croydon 14th Nene Valley O July 1st Luton O - Centenary Trial Geddington 14th SM Classic O Honeydon

Plashes Farm 6th M. Buzzard O - Evening 21st North East London O (M)

Mount Farm Bayford Wood 7th Berkhamsted O (5) 28th Berkhamsted O

Dews Farm

Nash Mills 8th Berko/HUX/K&K

O - Tough Ten

Round Rocket 15th Berkhamsted/NEL O

Hammonds Park 20th M. Buzzard O - Evening

Mount Farm 22nd Nene Valley O - Kia C/Ship Glendon/Geddington 29th Barnet O

Labdens Farm

November 4th Cambridge M-less O (1) Hinxton 4th Vintage O

Dews Farm 11th AGM & Dates Meeting

North Hall 17th Berkhamsted O (5)

Nash Mills

18th Wycombe Stokenchurch 18th Nene Valley Honeydon 25th K & K

Plashes Farm

O (M) February 3rd Nene Valley O O Cranford Firs 10th Wycombe O (1,2,3) O (1,2,3) Crowell 17th Barnet O (M)

Dews Farm O O 24th Cambridge M-less Linton

December 2nd HUX Bennington 9th North East London O

Bayford Wood 16th Farnham Royal O (M)

Dews Farm 26th HUX O

Dews Farm 30th Berkhamsted O

Great Brickhill 30th Oxford Ixion C Beckley

January 2019 6th Nene Valley O Honeydon 6th South Reading O - Classic Tba 13th Wycombe

O - Non-Expert/Classic

Great Wood 20th Hayes & Southall O (M)

Dews Farm 20th Cambridge M-less O

Bourne Bridge 27th Berkhamsted O

Nash Mills 27th Oxford Ixion C Standlake

(1) Expert Championship Round (2) Novice Championship (3) Intermediate Championship (4) Pre 65 Championship (5) Youth Championship Round Trials - Club Contacts Barnet & DMCC David Jordan Tel 01923 264156 Berkhamsted MCC Ian Reynolds Tel: 07803 766314 Cambridge Matchless MCC Colin Nunn Tel: 01223 860829 Farnham Royal MCC Pete Haines Tel: 01628 471454 Hayes & Southall MCC Nigel Hains Tel: 01628 628546 Hillingdon & Uxbridge MCC Graham Haslam Tel: 07816 365902 Kenton & Kingsbury MCC Bob Twigg Tel: 01707 880244 Luton & DMCC Melanie Bird Tel: 01582 756660

Main Officers South Midland Centre Following the AGM the main officers elected were as follows: President Colin Moram Chairman John Coles Vice Chairman Chris Mawer

Milton Buzzard MCC David Giltrow Tel: 07808 168783 Nene Valley MCC Roy Watson Tel: 07789 222121 North East London Roy Phypers Tel: 01992 582408 Oxford Ixion MCC Brendan McCullagh Tel: 01865 308457 South Harrow MCC Bob Brown Tel: 01895 638738 South Reading MCC Richard Chandler Tel: 0118 950 8761 South Midland Classic Mick Clarkson Tel: 01933 386580 West Middlesex Amateur MCC Chris Mawer Tel: 01525 384962 Wycombe & DMCC John Eckhart Tel: 01628 473509 Vintage MCC Julian Wade Tel: 01494 772695 Trials Recorder Mrs Karen Southwood Tel: 01582 477234.Â

Hon. Secretary Terry Golds

Trials Recorder Mrs. K. Southwood

Hon. Treasurer Mrs Judith Ayres

Moto X Recorder Mrs. Judith Ayres

Competition Secretary Ian Reynolds

Track Racing Recorder Dave Porter

Chairman Trials Committee Roy Watson

Stewards Co-ordinator Roy Watson

45

ASHFORD KENT MCC LTD (251)

TRIAL

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

THE DUNLOP TRIAL

Open

51972

A round of the ACU SE Centre Championship for Elite, Expert, Inter, Novice, Over 40, Over 50, Youth Elite, Youth Expert, Youth Inter Kent Gliding Club, Squids Gate on A252 Charing to Canterbury Road, Charing Kent (Will be signposted)

Sunday 28th January, 2018 Start: 10:00 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Marc Taylor & club members (48306) Secretary of the Meeting: Mr T Gray, Crossbeck, 18 Northumberland Avenue, Kennington, Ashford, Kent, TN24 9OG Tel. No. (01233) 641865 Email: tegra@btinternet.com

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: 22nd January 2018 Fees: Solo: £15 Youth: £10 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Ashford Kent MCC Ltd. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

Send 2 stamped addressed envelope(s) (11 x 22cm) with entry.

COURSE: 3 laps of 15 sections without roadwork. 4 routes.

CLASSES: Elite, Expert, Inter, Novice, Over 40 Inter, Over 50 Novice, Youth Elite, Youth Expert, Youth Inter, Youth Novice, Ladies Inter, Ladies Novice, Girls red route AWARDS: As per SE Centre rules.

GENERAL: Marking will be under TSR 22B Non-Stop.

RINGWOOD MC & LCC

TRIAL

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

LES HEXT TRIAL

Open

52124

Southern Centre Championship Round for Solo Star, Solo Clubman and Youth A & B plus Pre-65 George Allen championship round Ashley Hollow, Ringwood, Hampshire (Signposted B3081 junction with A31, 1 mile south-west of Ringwood) By kind permission of the Earl of Normanton

Sunday 28th January, 2018 Start: 10:00 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: A Kilbey (89770) Secretary of the Meeting: Tony Chalk, Orchard House, Boldre Lane, Boldre, Hampsire, SO41 8PA Tel. No. (07789) 710676 Email: tony.chalk@btinternet.com

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: 20th January Fees: Solo: £15 Youth: £12 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Ringwood MC & LCC. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

Send 1 stamped addressed envelope(s) (11 x 22cm) with entry.

COURSE: Without roadwork.

CLASSES: A - Expert, B - Clubman, C - Sportsman, D - Beginner, E - Twinshock, E - Pre-65, F - Youth A, G - Youth B AWARDS: Les Hext Trophy - Best Novice performance. Howlett Cup - Next best Novice performance. Other awards as per Centre rules.

GENERAL: Venue signposted from the B3081 junction with the A31, one mile south-west of Ringwood. Volunteer observers will be welcome.

Take the details from these regulations to fill in your entry form elsewhere in the magazine. Include your class & status on the entry

46

MOTORCYCLE OFF ROAD EVENT ENTRY FORM EVENT: ORGANISERS: VENUE: DATE OF EVENT: PERMIT NO:

COURSE LIC/CERT NO. (where applicable):

This event is held under the National Sporting Code of the Auto-Cycle Union, the Standing Regulations, Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions issued for the meeting. The ACU National Sporting Code and Standing Regulations are published annually in the ACU Handbook.

Entry declaration: I the undersigned apply to enter the event described above and in consideration thereof: I declare that I have had the opportunity to read, and that I understand the National Sporting Code of the ACU, the ACU Standing Regulations, such Supplementary. Regulations as have or may be issued for the event, and agree to be bound by them. I declare that I am physically and mentally fit to take part in the event and I am competent to do so. I confirm that I understand the nature and type of event I am entering and its inherent risks and agree to accept the same notwithstanding that such risks may involve negligence on the part of the organisers or officials. I confirm that I am not currently suspended from ACU permitted competition or on the ACU Stop List as a result of incurring a Concussion injury. I accept that insurance arranged on my behalf by the organisers of events that I may enter specifically excludes liability between the participants. I understand that this form may be used in litigation as evidence that any serious injury will be principally the result of my voluntary decision to engage in a high risk activity. I consent to details of any injuries I may suffer at this event being passed between all medical services and the Clerk of the Course. I consent to the collection and retention of my personal information by the ACU. I confirm that the machine(s) as described below which I shall participate on shall be suitable and proper for the purpose. I confirm that I am eligible to compete on the machines for which I have entered. I confirm that if any part of the event takes place on a public highway, the machine(s) described below shall be insured as required by the Road Traffic Acts, or equivalent legislation, and that they will comply with the regulations in respect thereof. I accept responsibility for any items borrowed from the Organiser during the course of the event. These items include but are not restricted to (safety clothing, transponders, accessories). I understand that I am liable for the cost or replacement of any items lost or not returned and non-payment or non-replacement of items borrowed may affect my entry into subsequent events. I confirm that I have not been refused an ACU Licence, nor had an ACU Licence suspended, nor have I been excluded from any ACU competition.

I / we enclose the entry fee of: £

Extras

Total

Acknowledgement of the risks of motorsport: I understand that by taking part in this event I am exposed to a risk of death, becoming permanently disabled or suffering some other serious injury and I acknowledge that even in the event that negligence on the part of the ACU, any event organiser, any circuit owner, the promoter, the organising club, the venue owner, or any individual carrying out duties on their behalf were to be a contributory cause of any serious injury I may suffer, the dominant cause of any serious injury will always be my voluntary decision to take part in a high risk activity. I have read the above and acknowledge that my participation in motorsport is entirely at my own risk. I agree that I am required to register on arrival by “signing on” at the designated place before taking part in any Practice Session/Race, Trials or Enduro.

RIDER’S SIGNATURE DATE

PASSENGER’S SIGNATURE

*For riders and passengers under 18 years of age – I accept the above conditions or entry to this event and give my approval:If under 18 state date of birth*:

RIDER

PASSENGER Riders & Passengers under 18yrs who cannot produce a valid ACU Competition Licence/Trials Registration must also complete an additional ‘Parental Agreement form (Single Event).

SIGNATURE OF PARENT (or person with parental responsibility:)

ENTRY DETAILS DRIVERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS POSTCODE EMAIL

TEL. NO.

CLUB

MX TRANSPONDER NUMBER

PASSENGERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS

POSTCODE

TEL. NO.

MACHINE MAKE

CAPACITY/ STROKE

STATE CLASS(ES) YOU WISH TO ENTER

STATUS NOVICE/INTER/EXPERT (TRIALS) EXPERT/JUNIOR (MX)

PREFERRED RACING NO. IF APPROPRIATE

South Midland Centre Motocross Events 2018

September 2nd Northants

Long Buckby 9th Peterborough Jnr Chatteris 16th Kensworth Wroxton 30th Luton Toddington October 7th Kensworth Mildenhall 14th Northants

Long Buckby 28th Luton Toddington

Cliff Lester & Fraser Law QQ By Ian Russell

20th Kensworth Daventry

January 2018 No events in January February 25th Luton (Practice) March 11th Kensworth Mildenhall 18th Peterborough Jnr Chatteris 25th Northampton

Long Buckby

R R O(1)

April 2nd Luton O(1) Toddington 8th Northants O(1)+NGR Badby 8th Peterborough Jnr R Chatteris 15th Kensworth R

Fat Cats 29th Kensworth R Chatteris May 7th Luton O(1)+NGR Toddington 13th Peterborough Jnr R Chatteris 13th Northants - Bob Collier O

Long Buckby 48

R

June 2nd/ Kensworth R 3rd Milton Malsor 10th Luton O Toddington 17th Northants O+NGR Daventry 17th Peterborough Jnr R Chatteris 24th Kensworth R TBC 30th Peterborough Jnr R Chatteris July 1st Peterborough Jnr R Chatteris 8th Northampton O(1) TBC 14th/ Kensworth R 15th Chippenham 15th Luton O(1)+NGR Toddington August 5th Kensworth

East Trax 27th Luton

Tony Cooke Toddington

O(1) R R O

R O(1)+NGR O(1)

November 11th Dates Meeting & AGM

Nash Mills December 26th Northampton

Wild & Woolly

C

(1) Adult MX Championship All events subject to weather conditions.

Motocross - Club Contacts • Kensworth Schoolboy MXC Lorna Edwards Tel: 07505185331 after 4 pm • Luton & DMCC Abbie Fisk Tel: 0798 3869753 Text Only • Milton Park Stuart Drummond or Michelle Haynes Tel: 01788 566407 • Northampton MCC Fraser Law Tel: 0797 3680060

R

• Peterborough Jnr MXC John Harding Tel: 07742 511993

O(1)

• Motocross Recorder Melanie Bird Tel: 0777 306 4796.

The Bruce Dominey Cup Trial

QQ By Dave Jenkinson

2017 has flashed by and it is the first weekend in December, which traditionally heralds the Hillingdon and Uxbridge Clubs’ main trial of the year the "Bruce Dominey Cup".

This year was certainly not going to disappoint. All the clubs entries now come in online, so by Friday we had amassed the grand total of 75 riders. With this in mind there was a very keen band of helpers at "Benington Lordship" near Stevenage, Herts, to set out a great bunch of sections to accommodate the full and varied range of classes. Sections were set to be challenging but with some overnight rain some sections invited the word challenge to be spelled with a capital "C". One section within the Chalk Quarry had to be altered which took the sting out of it, this rendered it on the easy side but it still took a lot of single dabs. This confirms that sections do not have to be stoppers to extract marks from the unwary, or even the eventual winner Daniel Greeves, for it was here that he lost one of his final score of 4. The rest of the field succumbed to the same fate, lack of concentration. As it turned out this was the case for the rest of the sections except for number ten, an evil turn on a very slippery camber, which felled all but the very skilful.

Most of the sections were

concentrated around a vast sand and ballast quarry. Some little nadgery ones around the banks created mayhem, again for the unwary. Section 9 a long sandy climb looked horrible but was tamed after the first couple of laps by most, once compaction had set in and riders realised that trying to blast their way through only resulted in digging themselves an early grave.

From what I saw there was some very fine performances from all classes, notwithstanding Daniel Greeves amazing final score of 4, closely followed by club stalwart Graham Haslam on 8, the rest of the eleven strong expert entry all had highly commendable rides.

Much like the trial-long tussle in the Intermediate class between another club member David Bathe and "Wycombe" member Jason Clifford, they battled all the way through to end on 23 a piece, with David just edging out Jason on furthest-clean rule.

Another very full class was for Clubman, which turned out to be very competitive with some extremely fine rides on the middle route but all were outshone by Adrian Steel from "Oxford Ixion" who finished on a very creditable 14. The Novice class was also well contested, with all marks twenty/thirty or so between class conqueror, Ivan Thatcher’s 34 and the rest of the dozen strong contenders.

The HUX club is producing a

fine crop of riders, for another member cruised home in the Sportsman class for the loss of only 6. "Oxford Ixion" also featured well in the results, for another longstanding member Ken O’Brien shows that with many years of experience kept his feet glued to the pegs but forfeited a miserly 1 to be best in the Pre 65 class .

Comments at the end of the event confirmed that all the effort and skill of the club members at setting out was well worth it.

On behalf of the HUX club I, as Secretary of the meeting, would like to thank all members and Observers for their generous help and the riders for making this another very successful event.

Bruce Dominey Cup Daniel Greeves

4

1st class Graham Haslam

8

Intermediates David Bathe

23

Best Novice Ivan Thatcher

34

Best Clubman Adrian Steel

14

Best Twin Shock Stephen Clements

23

Best Sportsman Bruce Ingram

6

Best Pre 65 Ken O’Brien

1

49

SITTINGBOURNE AND DMCC LTD (295)

TRIAL

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

WALKER MEMORIAL TRIAL

Open

51974

Elite, Expert,Inter, Novice, Inter +"40", Novice +"50", Youth Elite, Expert, Novice, Twinshock Blue Route, A/C Mono, Ladies Inter, Novice Girls Red Route Torry Hill Farm, Torry Hill, Near Sittingbourne, Kent. Start at Wrinsted Court, ME9 0EA

Sunday 4th February, 2018 Start: 10:00 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Roy E Piles and thanks to members (56137) Secretary of the Meeting: Mr M.Anderson, "Hilltop", Old Wives Lees, Chilham, Near Canterbury, Kent, CT4 8AU Tel. No. (01227) 730726

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: Saturday 27th January 2018 Fees: Solo: £18 Youth: £10 Please note late entries £20 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Sittingbourne and District MCC Ltd. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

Send 2 stamped addressed envelope(s) (11 x 22cm) with entry.

COURSE: 3 laps of 12 to 14 sections without roadwork. 3 routes.

CLASSES: Elite, Expert, Inter, Novice, Inter Plus +40, Novice Plus +50, Youth Elite, Expert, Inter, Novice, Twin Shock, Blue Route. A/C Mono, Ladies Inter, Novice. Girls Red Route. NO Yellow route.

AWARDS: Premier in each class subject to six starters in each class. 10% 1st class 10% 2nd class Subject to six starters in each class.

WYCOMBE & DMCC LTD & BERKHAMSTED MCC LTD (409)

TRIAL

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

2018 PETE MICHELL TRIAL

Open

51950

South Midland Expert, Intermediate & Novice Championship Round Parking and Start next to horse racecourse at the bottom of Kingston Hill, Kingston Blount, Chinnor, Oxon. OX39 4SG (nearest)

Sunday 11th February, 2018 Start: 10:00 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Mr J. Eckhart (8798) Secretary of the Meeting: Mr B. Williamson Tel. No. (01296) 623309 Email: wycombetrials46@hotmail.co.uk

ONLINE ENTRY AVAILABLE members.acu.org.uk

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: Friday 9th February Fees: Solo: £15 Youth: £13 NO ENTRIES taken on the day Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Wycombe & District MCC Ltd. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

Send 1 stamped addressed envelope (11 x 22cm) with entry for hard copy results.

Results will be posted on the club website; www.wycombemcctrials.com.

COURSE: 3 laps of 14 sections without roadwork. 2 routes.

CLASSES: A - Expert, C - Intermediate, D - Novice, E - Clubman, F - Youth A, G - Youth B AWARDS: Expert - Premier; Best Intermediate; Best Novice; Youth A & Youth B. Adult awards subject to 6 starters per class.

Youth subject to 2 starters per class. To receive Awards Youth must ride in their age class or above.

GENERAL: ENTRIES LIMITED to 65 riders, NO ENTRIES taken on the day. Course: All off road At Crowell;- Park in the field as instructed, riders will be excluded if they ride outside the designated route to the sections. Classes A & F ride the harder sections with red & blue cards. Class C rides 7 designated hard sections, 7 easy sections. Classes D, E, & G ride the easier yellow sections suitable for novices. There is no route suitable for beginners or Youth C. The Trial will be observed as NO STOP in accordance with TSR22B. No riding at the venue before or after the trial. All bikes to be pushed to the start area with dead engines for 10 am start. A time limit will be applied. There will be NO refreshment van at the course.

Take the details from these regulations to fill in your entry form elsewhere in the magazine. Include your class & status on the entry

50

MOTORCYCLE OFF ROAD EVENT ENTRY FORM EVENT: ORGANISERS: VENUE: DATE OF EVENT: PERMIT NO:

COURSE LIC/CERT NO. (where applicable):

This event is held under the National Sporting Code of the Auto-Cycle Union, the Standing Regulations, Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions issued for the meeting. The ACU National Sporting Code and Standing Regulations are published annually in the ACU Handbook.

Entry declaration: I the undersigned apply to enter the event described above and in consideration thereof: I declare that I have had the opportunity to read, and that I understand the National Sporting Code of the ACU, the ACU Standing Regulations, such Supplementary. Regulations as have or may be issued for the event, and agree to be bound by them. I declare that I am physically and mentally fit to take part in the event and I am competent to do so. I confirm that I understand the nature and type of event I am entering and its inherent risks and agree to accept the same notwithstanding that such risks may involve negligence on the part of the organisers or officials. I confirm that I am not currently suspended from ACU permitted competition or on the ACU Stop List as a result of incurring a Concussion injury. I accept that insurance arranged on my behalf by the organisers of events that I may enter specifically excludes liability between the participants. I understand that this form may be used in litigation as evidence that any serious injury will be principally the result of my voluntary decision to engage in a high risk activity. I consent to details of any injuries I may suffer at this event being passed between all medical services and the Clerk of the Course. I consent to the collection and retention of my personal information by the ACU. I confirm that the machine(s) as described below which I shall participate on shall be suitable and proper for the purpose. I confirm that I am eligible to compete on the machines for which I have entered. I confirm that if any part of the event takes place on a public highway, the machine(s) described below shall be insured as required by the Road Traffic Acts, or equivalent legislation, and that they will comply with the regulations in respect thereof. I accept responsibility for any items borrowed from the Organiser during the course of the event. These items include but are not restricted to (safety clothing, transponders, accessories). I understand that I am liable for the cost or replacement of any items lost or not returned and non-payment or non-replacement of items borrowed may affect my entry into subsequent events. I confirm that I have not been refused an ACU Licence, nor had an ACU Licence suspended, nor have I been excluded from any ACU competition.

I / we enclose the entry fee of: £

Extras

Total

Acknowledgement of the risks of motorsport: I understand that by taking part in this event I am exposed to a risk of death, becoming permanently disabled or suffering some other serious injury and I acknowledge that even in the event that negligence on the part of the ACU, any event organiser, any circuit owner, the promoter, the organising club, the venue owner, or any individual carrying out duties on their behalf were to be a contributory cause of any serious injury I may suffer, the dominant cause of any serious injury will always be my voluntary decision to take part in a high risk activity. I have read the above and acknowledge that my participation in motorsport is entirely at my own risk. I agree that I am required to register on arrival by “signing on” at the designated place before taking part in any Practice Session/Race, Trials or Enduro.

RIDER’S SIGNATURE DATE

PASSENGER’S SIGNATURE

*For riders and passengers under 18 years of age – I accept the above conditions or entry to this event and give my approval:If under 18 state date of birth*:

RIDER

PASSENGER Riders & Passengers under 18yrs who cannot produce a valid ACU Competition Licence/Trials Registration must also complete an additional ‘Parental Agreement form (Single Event).

SIGNATURE OF PARENT (or person with parental responsibility:)

ENTRY DETAILS DRIVERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS POSTCODE EMAIL

TEL. NO.

CLUB

MX TRANSPONDER NUMBER

PASSENGERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS

POSTCODE

TEL. NO.

MACHINE MAKE

CAPACITY/ STROKE

STATE CLASS(ES) YOU WISH TO ENTER

STATUS NOVICE/INTER/EXPERT (TRIALS) EXPERT/JUNIOR (MX)

PREFERRED RACING NO. IF APPROPRIATE

Eastern Adventure - Part 2

QQ By Nigel Cooper

Due to the Vladikavkaz connection, they had said my application would take a couple of weeks to process. Thankfully, when I returned, it was all ready (despite a few panicky moments when they seemed to struggle to find my paperwork) with the visa stuck into a page of the passport and my name spelt in Cyrillic. Perhaps because of the previous failures and the doubts about whether I would ever manage to get a Russian Visa I got very excited about finally having it in my passport and proudly showed it around the office to my colleagues.

Next up was the Belarusian visa. They are even more anal about letting you in and require full booking details of all hotels at which you will be staying throughout your time in Belarus. I had already booked places in Brest and Mazyr via Booking.com but the Visa section of the embassy web site explicitly states that Booking. com documentation is not sufficient and only paperwork 52

direct from the hotel will do.

Various email conversations, several cancellations and a direct booking on the Google translate version of the Hotel Boog (Bug?) in Brest and finally I was able to post off all of the documents.

In fact it all worked first time and they even gave me a visa for more than the three days I’d asked for, so I suppose you could say it was better than the Russian application, in the end.

Of course, apart from the visas, the lists included Stuff, and lots of it! Not just stuff to take but stuff to do, before I left, stuff to visit, once I was out there, and stuff to organise to make it all happen. And then there was the detailed route to plan and where I would be on what dates. Eeeek! This was all starting to get a bit real, or was that unreal!

As well as the things I'd be riding in, I'd originally decided on taking just one other change of clothes, but when my 50 litre Oxford roll bag arrived it could clearly swallow a lot more, and so I let it. Security

took up endless silent debates and also escalated to include three disk locks, a chain and a cable.... what can I say, we live and learn. I was aware that at the end of the day I was a naive newbie and was bound to take too much/too little/ inappropriate/unnecessary but I accepted that as part of the learning experience.

I had originally planned to travel south east and across Turkey first and then north over the Caucasus, keeping the northern most parts of the route to later so it would be closer to summer. But one place I had heard about and pencilled in as a must-do was the mighty Trans-Fagarasan highway over the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Now, this doesn’t even open to traffic officially until the end of June, although I had heard of riders getting through as early as May. Either way, I decided I needed to leave later than I had planned and also reverse my route to give myself the best chance of travelling over it.

By now I was getting in deep.

I had booked accommodation right through to and including Kiev in Ukraine, as well as a few other places further in the trip where I thought accommodation might be hard to find. Although the schedule required a pretty tough riding regime, I had identified four places where I would be able to stop for two nights and take some time out to site see. These were Kiev, Volgograd, Tbilisi and Istanbul. And what else was there to do in Kiev than to take a trip to Chernobyl. There is now a full-on tourist business taking the more adventurous traveller on guided tours within the exclusion zone, to the infamous Prypyat and right up to within sight of the old reactor number four. The trip was duly booked!

Details were now being completed and items ticked off on my lists on a near daily basis. Some currency and an International driving licence from the Post Office, a little used bank account re-activated and some initial funds transferred. Separate email set up and mobile phone cleared and re-initialised.

It was starting to look like everything was ready.

Readers of a certain age may recall the advert “Tense, nervous headache? Nothing works faster than Anadin", and the accompanying schoolboy joke

'So take Nothing!' Although I had no headache, was I tense and nervous? Definitely; along with anxious, worried and probably, a little bit scared.

Yes, it was trip preparation fatigue and I still had a couple of months before the off.

At around this time I had created a packing list for each of my tank bag, roll bag, and panniers, but with no real idea whether everything would fit; time for a trial pack. That all went remarkably smoothly and I was ready, a couple of weeks later, to repeat the process and then also ride up to my parents in WGC for a shake down. Unfortunately, I had not bargained for the pannier liners that I then tried for the first time, not having introduced them during the

trial pack, and discovered how much space they lost. You know how it is, keep pushing hard and this pannier is bound to shut - which it did at the expense of the tyre weld, which then coated everything inside in white slime! Lesson learnt.

Pannier liners dropped and vulnerable items individually waterproofed, I finally got the shake down run in and the actual riding went smoothly, although did nothing to allay either my wife's or parent's concerns over what, to them, seemed like a mad, bad and thoroughly dangerous trip to do. By now both my wife and I wanted only one thing – for me to go and get this thing over and done with and out of my system. It was time for the off!

To be continued...

Clubs Please Note Stephen Westley’s new email address: stephenwestley@outlook.com Please update your address books.

53

BARNET & DISTRICT MCC (0374)

TRIAL

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

THE LEN DENNIS CUP

Open

52029

Meteor Group Trial Dews Farm, Harvil Road, Harefield, Middlesex, UB9 6JN

Sunday 18th February, 2018 Start: 10:30 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Helen Peters (76155) Secretary of the Meeting: David Jordan, 1 Roseacre Villas, Bedmond Road, Pimlico, Herts. HP3 8SG Tel. No. (01923) 264156 Email: davidjordan365@outlook.com

ONLINE ENTRY AVAILABLE members.acu.org.uk

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: 18th February Fees: Solo: £15 Youth: £10 Entry on the day: Adult: £20, Youth: £15 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Barnet & District MCC. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

COURSE: 4 laps of 10 sections without roadwork. 4 routes.

CLASSES: A - Expert (red/blue route), B - Inter (50/50 route), C - 50/50 (50/50 route), D - Novice (yellow route), E - Clubman (yellow route), F - Pre 65Hard (yellow route), G - Pre 65 Easy (white route), H - Sportsman (white route), J - Youth A (red/blue route), K - Youth B (yellow route), L - Youth C (white route), M - Youth D (white route), N - Universal (any route no award) AWARDS: Winner in each class subject to entry of 6 in class.

GENERAL: No fast or dangerous riding in the pits or between sections.

SOUTHAMPTON & DMCC

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

DAVE PRAGNELL TRIAL

TRIAL Open

52048

Southern Centre Championship Round for Solo Star, Solo Clubman, Youth A & B and Pre-65 George Allen Series Hut Hill, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 3YJ

Sunday 18th February, 2018 Start: 10:00 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: S Bond (119489) Secretary of the Meeting: Simon Bond, 19 Elgar Road, Sholing, Southampton, SO19 0JG Tel. No. (07768) 778778

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: 5th January 2018 Close: 18th February Fees: Solo: £20 Youth: £10 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Southampton & District MCC. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

Send 1 stamped addressed envelope(s) (11 x 22cm) with entry.

COURSE: 4 laps without roadwork. 3 routes.

CLASSES: A - Modern Solo Expert, B - Modern Solo Intermediate, C - Modern Solo Novice, D - Modern Solo Over 40, E - Twinshock, F - Pre-65, G - Youth A, H - Youth B, I - Youth C AWARDS: As per centre ruling.

GENERAL: Refreshment van booked. Sections designed by Pre-65 riders to be ride-able by all. Please bring your licence.

Take the details from these regulations to fill in your entry form elsewhere in the magazine. Include your class & status on the entry

54

MOTORCYCLE OFF ROAD EVENT ENTRY FORM EVENT: ORGANISERS: VENUE: DATE OF EVENT: PERMIT NO:

COURSE LIC/CERT NO. (where applicable):

This event is held under the National Sporting Code of the Auto-Cycle Union, the Standing Regulations, Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions issued for the meeting. The ACU National Sporting Code and Standing Regulations are published annually in the ACU Handbook.

Entry declaration: I the undersigned apply to enter the event described above and in consideration thereof: I declare that I have had the opportunity to read, and that I understand the National Sporting Code of the ACU, the ACU Standing Regulations, such Supplementary. Regulations as have or may be issued for the event, and agree to be bound by them. I declare that I am physically and mentally fit to take part in the event and I am competent to do so. I confirm that I understand the nature and type of event I am entering and its inherent risks and agree to accept the same notwithstanding that such risks may involve negligence on the part of the organisers or officials. I confirm that I am not currently suspended from ACU permitted competition or on the ACU Stop List as a result of incurring a Concussion injury. I accept that insurance arranged on my behalf by the organisers of events that I may enter specifically excludes liability between the participants. I understand that this form may be used in litigation as evidence that any serious injury will be principally the result of my voluntary decision to engage in a high risk activity. I consent to details of any injuries I may suffer at this event being passed between all medical services and the Clerk of the Course. I consent to the collection and retention of my personal information by the ACU. I confirm that the machine(s) as described below which I shall participate on shall be suitable and proper for the purpose. I confirm that I am eligible to compete on the machines for which I have entered. I confirm that if any part of the event takes place on a public highway, the machine(s) described below shall be insured as required by the Road Traffic Acts, or equivalent legislation, and that they will comply with the regulations in respect thereof. I accept responsibility for any items borrowed from the Organiser during the course of the event. These items include but are not restricted to (safety clothing, transponders, accessories). I understand that I am liable for the cost or replacement of any items lost or not returned and non-payment or non-replacement of items borrowed may affect my entry into subsequent events. I confirm that I have not been refused an ACU Licence, nor had an ACU Licence suspended, nor have I been excluded from any ACU competition.

I / we enclose the entry fee of: £

Extras

Total

Acknowledgement of the risks of motorsport: I understand that by taking part in this event I am exposed to a risk of death, becoming permanently disabled or suffering some other serious injury and I acknowledge that even in the event that negligence on the part of the ACU, any event organiser, any circuit owner, the promoter, the organising club, the venue owner, or any individual carrying out duties on their behalf were to be a contributory cause of any serious injury I may suffer, the dominant cause of any serious injury will always be my voluntary decision to take part in a high risk activity. I have read the above and acknowledge that my participation in motorsport is entirely at my own risk. I agree that I am required to register on arrival by “signing on” at the designated place before taking part in any Practice Session/Race, Trials or Enduro.

RIDER’S SIGNATURE DATE

PASSENGER’S SIGNATURE

*For riders and passengers under 18 years of age – I accept the above conditions or entry to this event and give my approval:If under 18 state date of birth*:

RIDER

PASSENGER Riders & Passengers under 18yrs who cannot produce a valid ACU Competition Licence/Trials Registration must also complete an additional ‘Parental Agreement form (Single Event).

SIGNATURE OF PARENT (or person with parental responsibility:)

ENTRY DETAILS DRIVERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS POSTCODE EMAIL

TEL. NO.

CLUB

MX TRANSPONDER NUMBER

PASSENGERS NAME

LICENCE OR REGISTRATION NO.

ADDRESS

POSTCODE

TEL. NO.

MACHINE MAKE

CAPACITY/ STROKE

STATE CLASS(ES) YOU WISH TO ENTER

STATUS NOVICE/INTER/EXPERT (TRIALS) EXPERT/JUNIOR (MX)

PREFERRED RACING NO. IF APPROPRIATE

South Midland Meteor Group Trials Championship 2017

QQ By John Eckhart

Final Results We have had a successful year with a programme of twelve rounds promoted by the South Midland Meteor Group Clubs.

The Oxford Ixion Club was welcomed into the Group this year and they ran a successful meeting at Howe Wood in October. The K&K Club’s event was rescheduled in August after the cancelation in May due to land access problems.

All the events were staged over three routes plus a 50/50 route for Intermediates with the eleven best scores counting for all individual awards.

Veteran multi-year winner Graham Haslam (HUX) was in the top spot again this year 40 points ahead of joint second placed Jeremy Callow and Richard Vockins. Graham rode in 11 events whereas Richard was the most consistent as he only contested seven, winning five and having two second places. The Intermediate class was won by Wycombe’s Jason Clifford who won 5 events in his second year as an Inter. Second was Steve Clements who was also the winner of the most improved Intermediate award in his first full year in the class.

Third was Paul Heron who only contested 5 events. Last year’s second placed man Tim Davis from the Wycombe club won the Novice class by winning 4 of the rounds. Second was Marcus Haynes and third Dave Hill.

The Pre-Sixty-Five (hard) class on the middle route was very poorly supported this year with only a total of seven rides (not 56

riders) recorded over the 12 rounds. It is thought that the middle route is getting harder as the modern bikes (and riders?) improve and is then less suitable for the classic bikes. The Group has discussed running this class on a 50/50 route of middle and easy sections and this will be voted on at January’s AGM. However, the Class was won by HUX clubman Jonathan Bannister on a 250 BSA who rode twice and won twice. Tim Blackmore was second on the Bantam and Jason North on the Tiger Cub was third. The Pre-Sixty-Five Sportsmen class on the easier “white” route was much more popular with 19 riders scoring. It was won

by K&K’s Mick Clarkson on the Bantam with seven wins and two second places from his ten rides. Last year’s champ Chris Pickup on his Tiger Cub was second and Giles Whalley on another Tiger Cub third.

The Youth Championship ‘A’ class is contested over the same sections as the Experts and was won by Ronnie Day (Berko) who contested 2 rounds. William Clark, Bret Harbutt and Gus Oblien each won their single ride and tied for second place. The Youth ‘B’ class on the middle route was won by HUX’s Benn Howman ahead of Jonathan Bathe and Joe Selling who all contested three rounds. The ‘C’ class was won by George Clark (Berko) ahead of Harry Chatto, Benn Howman and Doug Lote.

The two Club awards were again strongly contested by the Berko and HUX clubs with Wycombe also featured in the

Club Team Event. After winning the Club Championship for the last four years Berko were beaten by 3 points this year by the HUX club with Farnham Royal a distant third. HUX also took the top spot in the Club Team Championship by 34 points ahead of Berko with Wycombe just one further point behind. The Club Championship is based on the results of all competing experts and intermediates while the Club Team Championship is based on the positions of each club's best rider in the expert, intermediate, novice, pre-65 and pre-65 sportsmen classes and involves a larger portion of the entry.

It is planned to present the trophies to the winners at the Berko Group trial on 18 March 2018.

All 2018 Meteor Group events will count towards the Group Championship with a rider’s best 11 scores counting.

The dates for 2018 are: 21st January - Hayes & Southall 18th February - Barnet 18th March - Berkhamsted 15th April - Hillingdon & Uxbridge 20th May - Kenton & Kingsbury 27th May - Milton Buzzards 17th June - South Harrow 26th August - WMA 7th October - Oxford Ixion 21st Oct - North East London 18th November - Wycombe 16th December - Farnham Royal

Experts 1 Graham Haslam H 174 =2 Jeremy Callow B 134 =2 Richard Vockins FR 134 4 Matthew Le Fevre B 80 5 Chris Howman H 49

Intermediates 1 Jason Clifford 2 Steve Clements 3 Paul Heron =4 Mark George =4 Ryan Tomkins

W B W FR Ix

194 98 82 52 52

Most Improved Intermediate Steve Clements Novice 1 Tim Davis 2 Marcus Haynes 3 David Hill 4 Ivan Thatcher 5 Brian Tomkins Youth A 1 Ronnie Day =2 Brett Harbutt =2 Gus Oblein =2 William Clark 5 Jazz Hammond Youth B 1 Benn Howman 2 Jonathan Bathe 3 Joe Snelling 4 William Clark 5 George Clark

Youth C 1 George Clark 2 Harry Chatto =3 Benn Howman =3 Doug Lote =5 Josh Brown =5 Max Golla

B B H B SH B

40 37 20 20 17 17

Pre-65 1 Jonathan Bannister H 2 Tim Blackmore H 3 Jason North B =4 Roy Haines Ix =4 Martin Kemp SH

40 37 20 17 17

W 189 MB 99 W 92 MB 81 Ix 74 Pre-65 Sportsman 1 Mick Clarkson B 37 2 Chris Pickup B 20 3 Giles Whalley B 20 4 Jim Bell B 20 5 Nick James SH 17 H H SH B B

60 57 48 40 20

This years Adult Championships were to be 6 rounds with dropping one score.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the final round due to bad weather conditions and safety at the venue. It is not possible to re-run the trial on another date so this round has been cancelled.

The ACU rules stipulate that Championships have to be calculated on the number of rounds held. So this year’s results have been calculated on the 5 rounds held and riders have to drop their worst score.

It has changed the winner of the Expert and Intermediate classes.

Club Team Championship 1 HUX 268 2 Berkhamsted 234 3 Wycombe 233 4 Milton Buzzard 188 5 Kenton & Kingsbury 116 6 Farnham Royal 113 7 Oxford Ixion 89 8 North East London 55 9 South Harrow 20 10 Hayes & Southal 7 11 WMA 6 Barnet 0

K&K 187 MB 147 K&K 145 H 112 B 69 Key: B - Berkhamsted Club Championship 1 HUX 199 FR - Farnham Royal 2 Berko 196 H - Hillingdon & Uxbridge 3 F Royal 82 Ix - Oxford Ixion 4 Wycombe 74 K&K - Kenton & Kingsbury 5 M. Buzzard 55 MB - Milton Buzzard 6 NEL 54 SH - South Harrow 7 S.Harrow 32 W - Wycombe

South Midland Trials Championships 2017

QQ By Karen Southwood

8 Ixion 30 9 H&S 6 10 K & K 5 Barnet 0 WMA 0

So I would like to extend my congratulations to the following riders who are our 2017 champions :Chris Koch- Expert class Jason Clifford – Intermediate class Christian Hatcher – Novice class 2017 Novice upgrades I would like to congratulate the following riders who have all this year won 3 or more Novice classes and therefore qualify to upgrade their Novice status.

So for 2018 you will either have to ride as an Intermediate and ride the 50/50 route or as Clubman and continue to ride the yellow flagged deviations.

So well done too:

Christian Hatcher - 2017 South Midland Novice Champion David Hill Jack Hudson Ivan Thatcher Brian Tomkins Tim Davis All good wishes and I look forward to the 2018 season.

Expert Chris Koch Steve Swanson Rob Warner Joe Collins Dan Greeves Sam Rolls Pete Tombling Matt LeFevre

NEL NV Ix NV B CM B B

70 69 35 35 30 26 23 20

Continued overleaf 57

Jeremy Callow John Cowley Jack Lee Jonathan Lee Ian watts Tom Bishop Scott Howlett Sean McCullagh Dan Cameron Stuart Woodfield Mark Nunn S Douglas Steve Douglas Harry Coleman Lennie Tidd Chas Lee Simon Nunn

B Ix NV NV Ix NV B Ix Ix MB CM MB MB B B NV CM

19 17 17 17 13 13 13 11 11 11 11 10 9 9 9 8 8

Martin Greeves G Price Darren Phypers John Chatto M Banham Steve Bird Martin Rushbrook Rich Woodfield Rob Faulkner Chris Tesseras Gary Priestley Dean Devereux Colin Ridgeway Daniel Ledger G Baker B Holland M Cross

B CM NEL B CM NV CM CM Ix H NEL K&K NV NV NEL CM CM

27 26 23 21 20 20 20 20 17 13 12 11 9 9 7 6 5

Intermediate Jason Clifford Aaron Wakefield Neil Saunders Paul Hadingham Ryan Tomkins Julian Collins

W CM B NV Ix NV

54 48 46 36 28 28

Novice Chris Hatcher Simon Thake Brian Tomkins Ivan Thatcher Jack Hudson Jake Woodlock

MB NEL Ix MB MB B

69 64 37 37 32 28

22nd April & 16th September 2018 - Astra 6th May 2018 - Maidstone Aces 27th May 2018 - Frittenden "The Battle of Britain" 10th June & 2nd September 2018 - GTSA

58

Benn Gobey Ian Horner S Parr T Davis T Brown Josh Sedgewick T Brown S McCall Ryan Brown Snr Lionel Cox H Childs S McHugh Simon Clark

MB Ix CM W CM MB CM CM NV B NV W B

Key: NEL - North East London NV - Nene Valley Ix - Oxford Ixion B - Berkhamsted CM - Cambridge Matchless MB - Milton Buzzard W - Wycombe H - Hillingdon & Uxbridge K&K - Kenton & Kingsbury

29th July 2018 - Frittenden "Summer Spectacular ‘Pairs’ Meeting" 26th August 2018 - Waterlooville 9th September 2018 - Maidstone Aces 7th October 2018 - The Frittenden Flyer

19 15 11 11 10 10 10 9 9 9 8 8 7

NORMANDY MCC (288)

TRIAL

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

GOODWIN SHIELD TRIAL

Open

51994

A round of the SE Centre Pre 67, Twinshock, Pre 67 And Modern Sidecar Championships Bagshot Heath (South) Test Track

Sunday 25th February, 2018 Start: 10:30 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Mick Auger (89068) Secretary of the Meeting: Mr G R Hill, Courtyard House, 1 The Courtyard, North Chapel, West Sussex Tel. No. (01428) 707625 Email: grahamhill226@msn.com

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: 18th February 2018 Fees: Solo: £20 (Entry on the day: £25) Sidecar: £25 (Entry on the day: £30) Entries on the day for no awards. Cheques and postal orders made payable to: Normandy MCC. Send to Secretary of the Meeting.

Send 2 stamped addressed envelope(s) (11 x 22cm) with entry.

COURSE: 3 to 4 laps of 10 to 12 sections without roadwork. 3 routes.

CLASSES: A - Pre Unit Construction, B - Unit Construction, C - Twostroke, D - Rigid, E - Twinshock, F - Novice, G - Pre 67 Side Car, H - Modern Side Car, I - Pre 85 T/S Side Car, J - Sportsperson, K - Over 40, L - Over 50 AWARDS: Best in each class. Next 10% 1st Class Awards. Next 10% 2nd Class Awards. All Subject to a minimum of 6 entries in class.

GENERAL: Petrol and oil not available at start. Final instructions may be issued at the start. Catering and Toilets will be on site.

ISLE OF WIGHT MCC LTD (0341)

Open to all ACU club members and ACU licence holders

THE WIGHT TWO DAY TRIAL

TRIAL Open

51715

The 71st Wight Trial Knighton Sandpit PO36 0NT on Saturday and Bembridge Down PO36 8QT on Sunday

Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd April, 2018

Start: Saturday, Knighton 11.00, Sunday Bembridge 10.00 OFFICIALS

Clerk of the Course: Wayne Brodie (128766) Secretary of the Meeting: Wayne Brodie, 45 Castle Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1DT Tel. No. (07824) 318491 (after 6pm) Email: wayne@iowmcc.co.uk

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS JURISDICTION: Held under the National Sporting Code, Environmental Code and Standing TRIAL Regulations of the A.C.U., Trial Regulations of the organising Centre, these Supplementary Regulations and any final instructions that may be issued.

MEDICATION: It is your responsibility to declare at signing on if you are taking any drugs, you may be tested.

CHILD PROTECTION: The Secretary of the Meeting is the point of contact (National Sporting Code 6.16).

ENTRIES: Having entered the event, if you become a non starter you must explain your absence to the promoting club. Failure to do so is a breach of the Rules. All entrants must show their club membership and ACU affiliation card when signing on at the event and state the number on the entry form. No Card = No Ride.

ENTRY DETAILS: Open: On publication Close: Saturday 14th April late entries until Wednesday 18th if not full Fees: Solo: £28 Youth: £18 Cheques and postal orders made payable to: IOW MCC Ltd. Send to Secretary of the Meeting. Enclose 1 SAE for postal result if required.

COURSE: 3 laps of 12 sections with and without roadwork. 4 routes.

CLASSES: Course A (Roadwork): Twin Shock Hard Class 1, Twin Shock Easy Class 2, Pre 65 Hard Class 3, Pre 65 Easy Class 4, Open Hard/Inter Class 5, Open Easy/Novice Class 6. Course B (All off road): Twin shock Hard Class 7, Twin Shock Easy Class 8, Expert Class 9, Youth Expert Class 10, Open Hard/Inter Class 11, Open Easy/Novice Class 12, Youth Hard/Inter Class 13, Youth Easy/Novice Class 14, Adult Beginner Class 15, Youth Beginner Class 16. Machines of any type/manufacture can be used in Classes 5, 6 and Classes 9 to 16.

GENERAL: Expert: to ride Blue/Red with White deviations. Hard and Inters: to ride Blue/Red, no deviations. Easy and Novice: to ride Yellow only, no deviations. Beginners: to ride Pink only, no deviations. There will be a free social evening on Saturday 21st at Smallbrook Stadium and there will be an arrangement with Red Funnel Ferries for discounted ferry travel. Please see the club website for details.

Results and further details on club website www.iowmcc.co.uk.

Take the details from these regulations to fill in your entry form elsewhere in the magazine. Include your class & status on the entry

59

From the Sunny Side of the Solent A Date for your diary - GRASA AGM GRASA AGM will take place on 17th March at 7.30pm West Wellow Village Hall West Wellow SO51 6AP. Why not join GRASA, the injured riders fund? A Membership Form can be obtained from Mrs Diana Wain, 104 Purbrook Way, Leigh Park, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 3SB.

GTC Ashorne 26th August Lincolnshire Poacher Wainfleet & DMCC, Skegness

Oxford Stadium Interesting piece in a recent issue in Speedway Star, to the effect that Oxford City Council are considering the feasibility of pursuing a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in regard to Oxford Stadium, which was Track Racing Fixtures 2018 purchased several years ago The ACU has recently announced by Risk Capital Partners. Risk the following Fixtures; Capital (who presided over the destruction of the historic 16th June Wimbledon Stadium, where Guernsey MCC & CC Vazon Bay the land is currently being 10th June transformed for housing and British Masters Challenge lower league football) are one GTSA Dig Dog Lane, of those property companies Frittenden, near Maidstone that never give up on a piece 17th June of land, and were keen to build British Championships 500 houses, but planning permission Sidecar Association High Easter was turned down, and the City 5th August Council successfully conferred Pre 75 Championships Conservation Area status on the MCPMM, Roche stadium. Since this occurred in 2014, a stalemate has existed.

Upright Championships, With the current owners, Bristol GTC TBC Cowley Investments, a subsidiary 12th August of Risk Capital, apparently British Masters, Cheshire unwilling to sell , the only other GTC, Gawsworth Bowl way to wrest back control of 1st September the venue is via a CPO, and British Youth Championships this possibility is currently the Fenland GTC Wood Walton subject of a feasibility study by 16th September the City Council. The Council are British Under 21 Astra understood to be very serious GTC Swingfield about regaining control of International/National Events; the stadium for public leisure and sporting use, so hopefully 22nd April the study will recommend the FIME Individual Championship course of action that the Council m SF1 Astra GTC Swingfield wish to pursue. Locally there TBC is no doubt that the stadium Masters of Midshires 60

will be a going concern, so possibly the Oxford Cheetahs, who last raced at the Stadium in 2007, may soon be back on the comeback trail.

Steve Schofield It was good to read a piece about Steve Schofield, also in Speedway Star. Steve was one of Britain's most successful riders in recent times: he reached eight World Longtrack Finals, and seven European Grass Track Finals. He was British 350 Grass Track Champion from 1980 to 1986 inclusive, won the British Masters Championship, spent five seasons racing for Gdansk and was inducted into Poole's Hall of Fame in 2008.

Many readers of TSM will have been at the Bonfire Burn-Up in 1999, when Steve's racing came to a horrifying end in a first corner crash into the Boards in the Grand Final, just as the light was fading.

After the accident Steve was unable to do anything for a couple of years, but he ended up going back to work as a Gas Engineer, a job he still does.

National League Following the National League Promoters recent AGM, the League will have 10 Clubs next season. Coventry Bees, who will be racing at Leicester, have been accepted as new members, with Lakeside Hammers and Cradley Heathens dropping out, although the latter have been accepted into the National Trophy, for a restricted number of meetings. There is not much change overall in the league

QQ n By John Bramall for 2018, and clubs much continue to adhere to a total points limit of 49 points.

Southern Centre Moto Cross 2018 Winchester Motor Club have four dates for 2018, of which I understand one is a reserve date in case of a cancellation.

The Dates are: Friday 22nd March (Good Friday) Sunday

Letter

April 22nd, Sunday August 5th, and Sunday 2nd Sept. The Club can be e-mailed at Winchester, WinchesterMCC@hotmail.co.uk MAXXIS ACU Sidecar British Championships 2018 Dates are as follows: 27th May Desertmartin - North Armagh MCC

1st July Foxhill - Nora MX 5th August Dean Moort - Iveston & Satley MCC 9th September Wakes Colne - Halstead & DMCC 7th October Canada Heights Sidcup & DMCC.Â

Do you have a comment to make about motorcycling matters?

Send your comments to the Editor. Contact details on page 3.

Re: A few comments from an "old" Cambridge Matchless member In theory trials riding has never had a better press profile within the ACU than at present as we have John Collins for two years as chairman, he's a Welshman and if you cut him in half it would read "let's go trials riding on a Bultaco". He has spoken often of his trials involvement and references it to other disciplines when they are discussed at ACU meetings rather than the usual idolisation of higher profile events, usually.

Silverstone There is an acceptance that trials ability is the best way to start off as an entry to almost all the other branches of the sport which is backed up by looking at CV's of successful competitors in other branches.

One of the best quotes I can recall was when a disillusioned remarked that he could not believe how difficult it would be to ride so slowly, or how hard

it was to maintain control over obstacles in a confined space!

So far trials remain a fairly cheap way into the sport , machinery is well built and reliable and more capable than the rider which is not a problem as there are a 1001 classes to enter thus keeping entries up and allowing silly old gits like me to ride a bit longer.(Thank you)!

Lastly it has to be added that "The Sporting Motorcyclist" has a mighty oak trials riding, observing, board sitting, secretarial role filling editor in charge. I suspect that if he were cut in half it would read "do not attempt to recycle, not suitable for dog food", but nevermind, Bob Twigg is in the hot seat and every month trials get a positive plug for which we should all be grateful. Whenever I meet him he always seems pleased to see me (that may change if he prints

this letter) and the number of trials I see him at illustrates his dedication to the sport.

Any more volunteers in whatever capacity always welcome!Â

Guy Stanley.

Editor's comment: Guy is not a "silly old git", far from it.

His work for the Cambridge Matchless club extends well beyond just laying out sections.

He visits ALL the farms involved in the Brian Stonebridge course, a mammoth task in itself, stores all the clubs marking and I have never seen him get "stroppy" at and event.

He is a very successful rider on both two and three wheels and still rides the "middle route" on what some might say are slightly "unsuitable" bikes!

Many thanks for the boost though Guy, the cheque is in the post. I'm not sure of the "dog food" bit!

61

The Sporting

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