Youths Make Their Return

By Andy Withers Photos by Awsportsphoto

With permission granted by the ACU to issue permits for youth and adult rider trials Waterside JMCC piloted the "Full Monty" practice session with all age groups. Using the blueprints for practice trials from local neighbours Waltham Chase Waterside ran a highly successful practice trial at Harrow Wood Farm at Bransgore in the New Forest. Riders were given free reign to use the man made sections in the lane, the woods and the pit to dust off the cobwebs after three months of off-road "inaction". Waterside welcomed several new youth riders and a host of regulars totalling thirty six altogether.

Challenging each other David James and Max Gray

The Harrow Wood Farm site has plenty of space so social distancing when parking and riding was not an issue which could be a problem with a tighter venue. The biggest challenge for riders is in general conversation as the social natural of trials promotes discussions in groups and looking at each others bikes in admiration or to solve problems and to share a cup of coffee. In some cases this was the first catch up after three months. Many machines were superbly turned out as the polish manufactures benefitted from the Covid Lockdown.

Dads and Lads in Convoy Steve and James Goodall

One challenge for riders with the "free reign" approach is not to make the personal challenges too difficult for the individual or those around. Early on in the session a rider fell backwards off of a large obstacle, which three months earlier he would have managed with ease. Caution or guidance is needed but I guess these personal choices are there Covid or not, the intervention by others is the difference now. My natural reaction was to stop photographing and step in to hold the front wheel to stop the machine landing on the rider, social distancing or not! An isolated incident but a note of caution may be needed next time but this was a well run trouble free session.

Jess, Sam and Nick Hosford

Youth riders were raring to go from four year olds in their first practices, to old hands back on their petrol bikes after a long layoff. Four year old Archie Barwood had his first outing. Six year old Dexter Rowden chased around after Dad Matthew as both got out for the first time in months. Without sections to ride, there were several pairs of lads, dads and daughters trailing around in convoy. David

Expert Tom Copp - having fun

James and Max Gray who are relatively new to petrol machines challenged each other without the pressure of losing marks, getting over bigger and bigger logs, Dads having to be reminded that they could not help each other's sons. Youth riders bring their own challenges with their minders on hand to rescue their youngsters if needed.

The practice was very well received with positive comments on social media encouraging Jo Clark and Matt Sleep to run future events. Image of the day was Brian, James and Emily Page all riding Matchless creating an "On Any Sunday" moment riding side by side through a large puddle to create a family portrait, motorcycle style."On Any Sunday" or "On Any Saturday" all riders would be happy to do this again .