The Quarterly Bulletin of the Classic Trials World RESTART RESTART

The official newsletter of the Association of Classic Trials Clubs Volume No: 17

Issue 2 June 2006

The Fack Trials Differential Some Escort and BMC units ex stock, May 05

A bolt in conversion for Escort & BMC ‘A’ Series axles Now well known in classic trials as well as sporting trials where it originated, this unit has solve the diff problem for those cars using Escort or BMC ‘A’ series axles. Made entirely of racing quality materials, it has four star wheels, instead of two in the standard differential, and all moving parts run on roller bearings. No production components are used, and the superb new casing is machined from solid high Insurance for competitors, clubs grade steel.

It is not cheap at approx. £520 (no VAT, while stocks last) but what price can you and officials put on having the confidence that your differential will not let you down? Your results are bound to improve when you can “attack” the hills without worrying, and still be able to drive home after the event!  Road use for Classic Car Trials All spares still available (including tools, spares and trailers

Julian Fack, Orchard Farm, Shareshill, Wolverhampton WV10 7LE  Road Section cover for clubs Or leave a message on 07812 108 588 at any time (2, 3 or 4 wheels) [email protected]  Personal Injury for competitors and officials Cover photographs :

2005 ACTC champions:

0115 941 5255 Dave Haizelden on the 2004 Exe Valley Trial (Photo by Tina Allaway)

Ian Davis on Allez ‘Oop, 2005 Clee Hills Trial 72 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6BJ (Photo by Roger McDonald)

[email protected] Andy & Anita Petherick, 2005 Chairman’s Trial (Photo by Toby Miller) www.competition-car-insurance.co.uk

A division of THB Clowes Ltd A member company of the THB Group plc Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Restart is printed by Hertfordshire Display plc www.hdprint.co.uk

RESTART Volume 17, Issue 2, June 2006 EDITORIAL ACTC Council Officers Advertising Rates

President: Robin Moore Inside Editor: Pat Toulmin Vice Presidents: Alan Foster Half Page 1 Issue £12.50 Northbrook Assistant Editor: Martin Halliday 2 Issues £20.00 4, Briary Lands Jonathan Toulmin John West 3 Issues £32.50 Simon Woodall 4 Issues £35.00 Heath End Tel: 01789 731332 Snitterfield Fax: 01789 730082 Anne Templeton Full Page Double the above Chairman: Simon Woodall Inside Cover Stratford on Avon [email protected] CV37 0PP Vice Chairman: Giles Greenslade Half Page 4 Issues £55 Secretary: Adrian Tucker-Peake Full Page 4 Issues £100 Tel: 01789 731332 ACTC website : www.actc.org.uk Treasurer: Barbara Selkirk Fax: 01789 730082 Championship Secretary: All rates payable in advance [email protected] Chris Phillips All income supports the publication of Championship Monitor: Restart.

David Haizelden The opinions expressed by contributors wings and roundabouts’... For the last issue of Restart I had almost no Rights of Way Officer : Let’s say it’s ‘s and advertisers are not necessarily bike interest, luckily I can reverse this in this issue! Very many thanks for all the bike Andrew Brown shared by the editor or the ACTC. contributors!

Since Jonathan has taken over as assistant editor he has encouraged many more people to write for this magazine and most have turned out to be very good ‘scribe’s. I

listen in occasionally to his phone conversations with prospective authors and he is very good at persuading people who have not written before to do so………… very often

resulting in very interesting reports. He also has a great time chatting to you all! CONTENTS It’s your magazine, so please help us when you can.

Simon Says …..……..……....…... 3 This issue is a ‘tad’ late. Jonathan & I had a wonderful Norwegian Ffords cruise last Sects Spin.…...……………... 5 week, when I should have been finishing off this issue. No we weren’t on the boat that The Northern …….. …..……...……. 7 got the virus. ACTC council agreed that as it’s the end of the first half of the season (the Chairmans ……. ..…………...….. 13 summer break) there was no problem with a slight delay. Kyrle ...… ….… …...……. 22

Bovey Down ……. …….…… 25 Jonathan and I are well into the sprint and hillclimb season and it’s interesting how Presidents ….. …………………. 28 many drivers do both trial and speed disciplines. Guess it has always been so, but we Lands End ……………………. 30 FINAL COPY DATE have not noticed it until recently. In the 1930s, however, Jonathan’s father works MG Ilkley …………………………….. 25 driver as he was also found time to hillclimb at Craigcantlet in Ireland (he won 3 classes Section Ends ……………….. 45 FOR on the same day with the same car) Motorcycle Championships …...…. 48

Championship Chat …………..… 49 NEXT ISSUE : We hope you have a great summer in whatever way you choose to enjoy it! Forthcoming Events …….…….….. 52

No Simon Says this month—muse not available, so I include some extra photos. 29th September

1 2 Bovey Down The Victory Trail - 2006

Photos by Anne In the 1920s and 30s The Birmingham Motor Cycle Club ran an event Whellock called “The Victory Trial”, for motorcycles, combinations, cyclecars, and cars. 80 years ago in March 1926 the route went from South Birmingham to South Worcestershire and back via, Weatheroak, Waseley, Clent, Abberley, Alfrick, Worcester, Lickey, and Portway. A distance of about 140 miles.

On Sunday 23rd July 2006 it is intended to hold a Touring Assembly type of Paul Allaway non competitive run for Historic, Vintage and Classic Cars and Motorcycles (1) that “trails” the trial of 1926 and hence is called “The Victory Trail”. It will be organized by the M.G Car Club – Midland Centre, under a Certificate of Exemption issued by the MSA. (B 5.1.1)

The start will be as close to the original as possible at Alcester Lanes End, Kings Heath, Birmingham. The finish will be at Wythall Transport Museum,

not far away. Most of the 1926 observed hills are now tarmaced roads. There are a few of them that still exist as green lanes and three of these are passable for those who don’t mind getting their vehicle a bit dirty which we Peter Mountain are hoping to use (subject to pending legislation). For those with concours machines, there will be adjacent tarmac alternatives shown in the route book. The choice will be the driver’s.

The entry fee includes route card, trail plaque, all documentation, plus morning coffee, afternoon tea and entry to the museum at the finish for the rider/driver and navigator. Other passengers welcome, but to purchase their own coffee/teas/museum pass. Pre 1926 vehicles FREE of charge. There will be no awards as it is non-competitive, however successful finishers will receive a Finishers Certificate. All profits from the event will be donated to charity.

For an entry form please download from our website www.mgcars.org.uk/

mgccmidlandcentre or ‘phone :- 01527 89 3034 or e-mail [email protected] Tim Whellock (1) Vintage & Classic are considered to be pre 1974 that are zero tax rated as an “Historic Vehicle”, and can use black & white registration plates. Other interesting Classic type vehicles will be considered on merit, but pre 1985 MGs, Austin Healeys, Morgans, VWs, TRs, and all MG and Morgan sports cars will be welcome, Later interesting marques/models may be acceptable, subject to numbers. – please enquire.

3 4 unday 7th May saw those with regs, with an optional on-line entry form: can expect to see an enquiry in future if interests on four legs and four the idea precipitated extensive discussion you are currently ‘wired’. Fundamentally, wheels converge on the same ’s on this purchasing method from other as Tony Young observed, there is a high locale north of Bristol – a myriad ct fields of activity in today’s world. Chris volume of regulatory paperwork sent out S e Phillips reported that his local club accepts for our trials through the season, with a 4x4s headed for Badminton Horse Trials, S whilst the car trials brigade made for pin such entries, but event acceptance is typically low response rate, so greater Tormarton and the Association’s Council S contingent upon receipt of receipt of a operational efficiency should be Meeting. cheque within 10 days. He then moved worthwhile for everyone. Dave’s notion on somewhat, suggesting Perversely though, it was vehicles on that some members may also now like to Enjoy your summer….when it comes! three wheels that were early on the have their Restart magazine supplied on- agenda, as the Morgan Three Wheeler wheel. With the fire extinguisher fitment line instead: Council agreed that a survey

Club were welcomed as the 25th club to sorted and spot checked during on these subjects would be useful, so you Adrian join our sporting clan. Colin Harris scrutineering, council discussion reviewed explained that he has regularly enjoyed concerns which focussed on the latter two Chris Poel 2005 ACTC (modern & classic) he has a wealth of his class 0 experiences and that he items. John Blakeley asked that all you experience in many events on various sought support towards stimulating trials competitors running cars with exposed Motorcycle Champion machines. As well as trials, Chris has interest amongst his club’s 1000-strong exhausts and hot engine parts please by Richard Eaves enjoyed riding other events such as off- membership. Let’s hope that membership consider the risks of burned hands being road speed hill climbs and more recently benefits this group as much as it has suffered by those who are wrestling with hen I first competed in a Enduros which he hopes to have a real Ilkley for example, who joined just last your steed to get you going again. He scrambles event as a crack at in 2006. Introduced to long year and whose event goes from strength noted that it is primarily some buggies, teenager, I was thankful for distance trials at the age of 17, by myself to strength, while also gaining acceptance Beetles and class 8 cars that need W the advice and guidance of a a life long friend, Chris utilised his road from many sceptic residents. improving, either with a mesh shield, fellow racer; a chap of at least 50 years of transport a Honda XL185, and a team was perforated steel cover or some exhaust age when the paddock was full of formed for MCC trials, composed of Chris, Continuing on the subject of three wheels, wrap, so please don’t let him down when teenagers. How times have changed, now father Melvin, and myself. We called Keith Johnston sent his report which next you’re under his eye. I’m 50, so are most of my fellow riders that ourselves the Hockley Heathens named highlighted concerns amongst some Rose is except one. Chris Poel started long after the village of Hockley Heath where Bowl competitors about the growing use Eyes are at risk from flying mud, and it is distance trials at the end of 2003. He is we all live, which is situated between of sidecars in ACTC events which do not those of us in class 1 indeed who can be unusual in that he is interested in our type Solihull and Stratford-upon-Avon in the conform with ACU specification: enduro the worst culprits, with our frantically of sport, and I guess at 19 years of age Midlands. Chris found he adapted well to biased outfits have no cone or seat, the spinning wheels throwing out debris must be the youngest or one of the long distance trials, actually enjoying the latter of course benefiting the passenger’s sideways from the steered wheels. I was youngest ACTC champions. With father endurance of riding through the night and movement on a section. However, the soon aware of this unpopular hazard Melvin who is a long time off-road attempting sections in the dark, with sidecar class needs encouragement, so when first out with my Pug, so made motorcycle enthusiast, it was no surprise minimal 6 volt lights. Keith seeks comment please from you some wide polyurethane mudflaps to that Chris was riding his first motorcycle, a competitors, scrutineers and officials, tackle the problem, retained with light Honda QR50 at the age of 6, later Chris has found the 2005 season to be particularly so that he can resolve this chains to stop them tucking up around the progressing to a Honda TL125, followed very busy, doing most of the ACTC trials, matter before he leaves his productive wheel on the odd occasion of needing to by a Beta 250, and more recently a 4 going to the Isle of Man and Scotland post at the end of the year. reverse! It was suggested by Council that stroke Montesa/Honda. Chris was quickly events plus all one-day trials throughout such a measure would be good practise progressing in modern trials whilst also the year and his first Enduro. Three gold The above topic also has a bearing on for all in this class in particular, so if being interested in pre-65 and twin-shock medals, gaining an MCC triple was an safety and insurance, as does our you’re one of the ‘premier’ types, please events. He seems to show a real ability to excellent foundation for the ACTC scrutineering activity. In these give it some thought before the next get on any motorcycle and ride it well. championship, combined with good solid increasingly risk conscious times, we event. results in almost every trial he entered, need to show that we are learning and Chris has developed a Triumph Tiger Cub which was enough to win the improving from any mishap that occurs, The primary exponent of class.1, Dave into a competitive pre-65 trials bike using championship. Chris also won the MCC whether it be a car rolling over, a recovery Haizelden, included in his championship his skills as a watch and clock maker to re team championship with his father and crew touching a hot exhaust, or a marshal report the notion of replacing the massive -engineer most of the bike. Having myself, along with the Testing Trial, which suffering mud in the face from a spinning workload entailed in printing and posting competed in the Scottish pre-65 2-day trial on an XL185 with lack of speed and power 3 times, and the prestigious Manx 2-day must be a real achievement.

5 6 After a mere 7 miles, no 100 miles of My first ‘clear’ came on Lowry’s which was touring assembly here, I arrived at the first a very pretty length of single track through special test. A basic A-B-C line test was trees. I wonder how the cars squeezed placed on a firm-packed gravel track in through, but they must have done as Forest Enterprise land and provided a many of them cleared it too. Chris gentle warm-up. When the preliminary Poel at results arrived (only 24 hours after the The lunch stop was at an excellent forest trial!) I was amazed to find that I wasn’t the centre although myself and the other the top slowest. Black Hole should have been an motorcyclists I arrived with weren’t sure of easy section but hard a slippery middle how the eating/timecard/break system was Sandale section that caused the inevitable dab. supposed to work. Nonetheless I did have in 2006 Once above that the ground was dry and I a lovely tofu sandwich and a choice from a suspect a score of ‘1’ would have been no range of vegan cakes. That doesn’t (Photo: by harder to achieve than a ‘3’ or ‘4’. happen very often on these events! Adrian Jowett) Indeed this set the tone for many of the Swinside, Ullister Hill and Widow Hause sections in the various forest areas: After a were quite dissimilar sections in terms of slippery but gentle ascent there would be terrain, I did well on them, but strangely the treacherous loose mud hill, followed by enough are the cause of my only relatively dry and traction-providing grass. complaint on the trial. Each of these So there’s my explanation for scoring far sections finished in a steep climb to a too many points! To highlight this, four out dead end, which on a motorcycle presents of 10 of the motorcycles cleared Little a bit of a challenge. As the ‘section ends’ The Northern Trial 2006 surface and a cold sun was lifting into a Cockup, the rest came unstuck at the ‘9’ you have to decide whether to stop or go by Adrian Jowett cloudless sky. marker, on Routens Romp the catch was on a little to a spot that looks a little flatter the restart box. to help with a turn. As this decision is At scrutinering I was pleased to meet up made near instantly I got it wrong 3 times. ’ve been competing, in the loosest with Craig who I’ve known, mostly as an Falcon’s Crest started with a tricky-looking As one of the ever-helpful marshals tried sense of the word, in classic trials for email correspondent, for what must be rock ramp at an angle to the track. With a to tug my machine around I asked him if it five or six years now but this was my close to a decade. He assured me that the straight approach it would have been was better to go up a little. “Well the I first ‘Northern’ and indeed only my trial would be easy….for him maybe! After easy, but you either crossed it an angle or previous rider did, and he had trouble, the second of this relatively short format. Like the usual signing on and chat about the used the edge of the mud as a berm, or others didn’t make it to here”. I’ll admit to many of the other motorcyclists on the trial route everyone was availing themselves maybe a bit of both. While a few of us being a poor rider compared to others on I had responded to the invitation to MCC of the hot drinks and cooked breakfasts. I were debating this, the marshal said that a this trial but, in my opinion, cul-de-sac members. It was also my first event on a limited myself to coffee as I was starting to lad had used far too much throttle on it climbs are not safe for motorcyclists. If recently acquired Beta Alp 4.0, which get a little apprehensive and anyway, I and they were sure he’d come a cropper, someone could mark a ‘T’ at the top where although only just over 2 years old carries had eaten at the hotel. he proved them wrong by clearing it. I the ground is firm that would be a great the venerable DR350 engine in a fairly think he knew what he was doing: I’m a help. heavy frame and is thus well in keeping As the other competitors arrived there was coward and so I like trickling along just on with my understanding of the ethos of the usual mix of beautifully polished the gas using my minimal skills of balance. Riding around the forest on the fire roads such events. antique vehicles, lightly modified but This worked well on the rocky areas and between sections in the sunshine was a purposeful saloons and the cunningly the nearly level soft sections but was a very restful ‘trail ride’ and afforded fine My first pleasant surprise during the week constructed specials. I suppose the hopeless style on the steeper hills. On views across the northern lakes and before the trial was that the weather motorcycles covered a range of decades, these I put too much power into the wheel, mountains. Skiddaw and other unidentified forecast predicted sunshine. Fair enough, two and four strokes, trials tyres and far too late, lost grip and failed the section. mountains had a delicate dusting of snow during the week there was rain to make otherwise, but to me they have more I needed more speed on the flat part or a that contrasted with their black bulk and the route worthwhile, but I prefer being similarities than differences. As the far lighter bike. I couldn’t have let more air the green valleys. warm and dry to cold and wet. On leaving motorcycles and solitary combination had out of the tyres without risking a dented my hotel in Carlisle on Saturday morning the early numbers there wasn’t too long to rim or pinch puncture. . the forecast seemed as though it would be linger. correct as a thin layer of ice covered every

7 8 In the end though we had to rejoin the On this, like every other trial I’ve been on, roads and travel to Sandale for a section all of the marshals were incredibly patient Northern Trial that is notoriously ‘clarty’ Just to be on the and helpful when manhandling fallen bikes safe side I let a little more air out of the and riders and I’m very grateful for their photos by tyres and went for it at middle revs. help. In view of current RoW issues, some Adrian Jowett Eventually the mud won and I had to foot, of which are especially acute in the Lake but much to my satisfaction, in the area District, the use of Forest Enterprise land where others did too. There was a small appears to be essential for trials to audience to watch our attempts to conquer continue. this Unsurfaced County Road but I don’t know if the farmer with a big tractor who Although I can’t believe that many of the David Moffat, BSA, owned the adjacent field was among sections have particular historical on Widow Hause them. Apparently it was quite flat before significance they provided a range of he’d made a few journeys. It’s probably terrain and difficulty. No-one cleared the just as well he did or the cars would have trial which shows that it wasn’t too straight found it boring. forward, but a few competitors came close, so the experts can strive for 15 clears next year

2006 Northern Classic Trial by Andrew Watson & Keith This first test led straight to section 1 which was aptly named Black Hole. This Backhouse MGB despite being raised to rubber Falcon’s Crest bumper height only has a ground e set off from the Greenhill clearance of 5.5 inches where the sump Hotel at 8am after a guard passes under the front sub-frame, comfortable night and an this has proved to be just adequate on W excellent breakfast specially MCC trials where the tracks used tend to prepared for us at 7.30am instead of the be wider allowing a certain amount of hotels normal Saturday morning time of position adjustment. Black Hole by the 9.00am.Great service! time we reached it was deeply rutted our We arrived at the Stockmans about only choice was to follow the ruts with the 8.15am and went straight to the scrutineer foot hard to the floor technique; we ground where everything apart from the position to a halt with a score of 7. of the new fire extinguisher was OK. The requirement to carry this has only just On to section 2 Big Cockup this included a been made obligatory on MCC events a restart box. Running at the end of the field new position will have to be found a little usually means that the restart box has nearer the driver and passenger. The diff been reformed to look more like a crater test was passed and we signed on and this was no exception. The front wheels awaited our start time of 9.26am. were placed just over the first line from where a successful restart was made After a short drive we arrived at the first followed by a clear run to the end. Martin special test, which was similar to those Breen,KTM used to in the MCC long distance trials Section 3 Little Cockup was a big cockup only this time we were still fully awake. for us. Whilst the MG has a 1950 cc. Not wishing to fail the test care was taken engine which provides enough power for to ensure the car was well over the lines most hills using standard gearing it is where required which meant a slowish essential that it is on cam before setting time of 14.5 secs was recorded. off from the start line. Driver problem here

9 10 meant that the MG staggered off the start the dense conifers the car eventually slid line and whilst dipping the clutch to get into the deep rut on the left hand side and A PROVEN SUBSTITUTE FOR LEAD IN PETROL back power the car stopped with a score stuck fast slewed across the track. After a of 12, being near the start line we hard struggle ably led by a marshal the restarted unofficially, raced round a left car was eventually straightened up and THE ULTRABURN UNIT hand wall of death and up a steep slippery reversed back to the start only managing

A SCIENTIFIC INVENTION FOR slope grounding out at the No 6 marker a score of 9. flag. The MG would not move forward or VINTAGE, CLASSIC & MODERN ENGINES backwards a grateful tow was provided to A short tarmac drive took us past the GUARANTEED FOR 200,000 MILES the top. Whinlatter visitor centre followed by a long PETROL DIESEL AND SUPERCHARGED APPLICATION drive up a forest track to a holding point Section 4 Routen Romp we had a slight for section 10. The view of Buttermere and FOR PEACE OF MIND AND A SOUND INVESTMENT delay at the start of this section whilst Skiddaw were spectacular and it seemed another competitor changed a wheel due to matter not how long we were held. All FIT AN ULTRABURN UNIT NOW to a puncture. We were soon setting off good things come to an end and section from the start line up a very steep and 10 Lords Seat brought us back to earth AVAILABLE FROM muddy track good progress was made for with a bang, despite a good run at it we a while but unfortunately the mud got the struggled to reach the start line from R & M Moore, Trefrew, Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9TR better of us resulting in a score of 7. where no further progress could be made. Another tow was needed to reach the top. On to section 11 if we could find it. Having Section 5 Falcons Crest had been closed followed the arrows together with other Main Distributors to the vintage and classic movement as it was considered too muddy and cars we eventually ended up back at the Please write enclosing SAE for full details and price list section 6 Where Eagles Dare was visitor centre. We set off back into the restricted to classes 7 and 8. forest where we were redirected by the clerk of the course, it appears that Following some tarmac driving we turned someone had turned an arrow round at a onto another forest track but because the junction. next section start line was hidden by non competitor vehicles we drove straight past Section 11 Ullster Hill was steep rocky to. Section 8 Swinside this section was a fairly straight hill which we should have Fourtune Engineering straight blast up a very slippery rutted done well on but driver error by not track where we lost traction with a score of ensuring the engine had sufficient revs Trials car preparation & fabrication specialist 6. The entry and exit track to this section caused the car to stall the hill being too was narrow and as there were a number steep for time to dip the clutch and Complete car preparation & modifications of competitors waiting we had fun driving maintain forward motion. This was the Windscreens made to your drawings in and out of an overgrown ditch to get out second time today the silly old sod had Tyre racks, sump guards etc and proceed to section 9 Ladyside. done this.

Air bottle repairs & refills Whilst this section was not steep the ruts Onward to section 12 Forest Yump this Trial tyre gauges 0-30 psi with quick deflate valve were very muddy and concealed some section looked promising as cars in front Needle Roller Diff Pins B series axle interesting boulders, which did their best were getting through and it did not look to throw the car into the nearest tree, a too steep it was a good blast but it was If you need it making or mending, give me a ring fate which overcame a Marlin bending his fortunate that the sump guard goes far steering rack. We managed to struggle on enough back to protect the gear box and Steve Holder. It may not cost you a fortune. for a score of 9. overdrive unit as the crashing noise drowned out the sound of the engine. The 4, Withybridge Gardens, Cheltenham, Glos, GL51 9TL We now went back to section 7 Lowry’s fuel tank is standard but is also guarded. Junction 10, M5 where we were advised to keep to the This section was cleared and led straight Tel: 01242 680620 Mobile: 07973 128189 right hand side of the track but despite to the second special test which was the driving nearly blind though the branches of same as the first but on a steeper and

11 12 more rutted track again a cautious collection of various sized boulders all restart marshal had decided to cancel the Jewells Farm provided the next four tests. approach was made resulting in a time of designed to impede progress as quickly restart for class 1 but forgot to tell anyone. Jewells Farm Special Test was first with 20.7 seconds. as possible this they did despite the MG Mike reversed back to have another go Dave Prowse and Ken Richards quickest flying off the start line and valve bouncing and drove over a tree stump, then broke with a 25.9 sec before continuing on down Section 13 Darling How was cleared as far to a stop with a score of 7. From this the the throttle cable, just to make it the track to the old favourite Leigh Woods, as the restart where a lack of traction last section it was a short drive to signing interesting. When he eventually had which had different routes for different precluded any further progress. Section off at the Stocksman in Wigton. This was another go at the hill he scored exactly the classes. 14 looked very daunting but a combination the first time we had done a 1-day trial in a same – a 4. With a higher and lower of flat out in first gear and reasonable grip car and we both enjoyed it tremendously restart on the section only one car Directly across from Leigh Woods was the on a rocky track enabled us to nearly and our thanks go to all the people managed to get away from each restart straight up of Gullijohn. Surprisingly Keith reach the end achieving a score of 2. involved in the organisation and running of and clean the section. Kelly Thomas was Sanders collected a 7, not doing much There now followed a 19 mile tarmac drive the event. the only one off the lower restart and Paul better were Tristan White and Dick Bolt on to the final section. and Andrew Allaway off the higher restart 6 points. Sticker Martin gave Becky Macey

The MG did all sections with 18.5 psi in gaining a one-point advantage over the a flying lesson on this section taking off at Section 15 Sandale this section judging by the 9 marker and landing at the 2 and still the delays as cars failed and had to be the rear tyres to help maximise ground Troll of Paul Bartleman. clearance and covered 850 miles over the managed to clean. dragged out we felt must be the final sting in the trials tail. As we sat on the start it weekend with only starter problems Gordon’s Terror didn’t quite have the On the way out everyone completed Old was obvious that the track consisted of caused by a poor contact on the starter same bite as usual and nor did Gooseham Rocky with restarts for classes 6, 7 and 8 thick glutinous mud interspersed with a solenoid blotting its copybook. Mill, better known on the Lands End as with no failures before turning the corner Darracott. Section 6 Litton Field and and travelling to Crossleigh. Normally a Putshole 1 provided the next stoppers. tough hill it stopped no one this year. The Chairman’s 2006 myself, but thanks to the Collins clan (Kim With most of the field coming to a halt event now set off for Ivyleaf Woods and and John) the FWDs were saved. between the 10 – 8 markers on Litton four sections. Ivyleaf Woods I (with its by Dave Haizelden there were some notable climbs; Mike infamous hairpin left) stopped 12 cars Arnie Martin, who usually campaigns the Collins in the white Golf, who barked his (half the field) at the 12 marker. Courtney chance conversation at the MCC blue Dutton, was acting as chief marshal way up to the 5; again in class 3 Becky Yandle in class 4 managed to claw back prize giving between Paul and his marshals had their work cut out on Macey, who helped Andrew Martin some marks on Hans, with the only clean. Allaway and Adrian Dommett the first three hills, which proved organise a lot of the marshals, aided Ivyleaf II ended Paul Allaway’s run at the A plus a gentle prod from myself particularly troublesome with the first Sticker Martin to a clean and Colin head of the field when he parked the ended up with Paul using Adrian’s class 8 special test being cancelled after the class Jefferies. Tristan White however despite special the wrong side of the tree roots Special on the 2006 Chairman’s Trial. 8s had completed it. his best efforts managed a 1 when the and collected a 6 as did the entire class 7 Paul’s navigator for this event was his engine cut out. field. Mr Bartleman was the only restarter brother Andrew, the third navigator in as Pheasant Plucker 1 was a new section, to get away. Ivyleaf III claimed Paul many events, starting with John Hartshorn, which consisted of a sweeping mudded Much the same on Putshole 1, most of the Allaway, when the special cut out while who navigated on the North Devon who, if climb through trees to a Devon bank and field stopping between the 5 – 1 marker airbourne over the bank. Having dropped anyone watched the 2005 Le Mans 24 then down into a cambered gully with a except Tim Hellings who collected a tree 8 marks Paul rolled back to the start, fired Hours, they would have seen John driving steep finish. This did a good job at (no, not a three a tree!) no change there up the engine and cleaned the hill. the Peninsula TVR Tuscan, then daughter stopping the field. Notable climbs being then Tim! Unfortunately Tim was last seen Rachel who drives like she’s at Le Mans Colin Jefferies and Dick Bolt despite the retiring to the Marfell workshop. Colin Jefferies, Dick Bolt and Kelly most of the time on the Cotswold Clouds fact that it took a four-wheel drive and 20 Thomas were the only cars of the lower and now the turn of little big brother people to extract the Jefferies from the Cutliffe Lane was after Galsham and was classes to go clean on Ivyleaf IV. And of Andrew who had to have his arm twisted section. in fine form stopping all of classes 6 and 7 the restarters only the two Pauls got away to compete in an open car! on the restart, only the two Pauls in class to a clean, which gave Mr Bartleman the Only 7s and 8s completed Pheasant 8 making to the summit. In class 4 Hans Chairman’s Trophy. Colin Jefferies took Kilarney Springs Leisure Park provided the Plucker II with only the two Pauls in class and Karl Viertel were the only ones clean. the Linton Trophy for being best in class 3 start and at signing on the competitors 8 cleaning it. Kilarney Springs provided the mid-way and Trevor Johns took the Mitchells and were met by Janet Mattin, who was halt where diff tests were held before Parnell Trophy for best rear engine car. frantically trying to work out who went It was on to another new hill Rookery setting off to Smallbrook Woods. For where as several drivers changed Woods where Michael Collins fell foul both some reason this section stopped a lot of A very well done to Holsworthy Motor Club navigators at the last minute, including of the restart marshal and the hill. The bikes but very few cars. for a tough but excellent event.

13 14 Holsworthy Motor Club novice style whilst trying to emulate John Chairman’s Trial Airey’s style on his XR400. Chairman’s Trial by Stephen Jones, Suzuki The sections kept cropping up without lots

of tedious roadwork and soon section 5 at DR200SE Gooseham Hill lay ahead, this lane was a

pleasure to ride and not only did I t was just before 7:00am when I met successfully restart… I cleaned it! Onto Mike Pote at the petrol station in section 6 at Linton Field on the other hand Plymouth; his DRZ400 was already was causing many of problems – a steep loaded on the 2 bike trailer, so a I hill climb with little grip at the base. Lining matter of 10 minutes later my D200 had Photos by Jonathan up behind Colin Nicholls and Dick been strapped aboard and we were on our Elliott way to Killarney Springs Leisure Centre, Lidstone. I didn’t really get started and the near Bude in Cornwall for the Holsworthy wheel spin resulted in a dropped bike and Motor Club Chairman’s Trial. a very much shortened clutch lever to match the brake lever I snapped on the We arrived at about 8:15 to find the car Tarka Trial… (memo to self: buy park blocked as someone had managed to reinforced bark busters). bog in their Transit van with ‘bikes aboard… didn’t auger too well really. That But to look on the bright side, at least was soon sorted though and scrutineering when I dropped the DR on section 7 went smoothly, as did signing on. We even “Putshole 1” around the corner, I had no further levers to lose. So, a change of tack had time for a quick cup of tea and a rd bacon roll in the café before setting off. on Section 8, Putshole 2; I engaged 3 gear to try to avoid the dreaded wheel spin Section 1 “Pheasant Plucker” turned out to in the mud, made the turn into the hill - be very short, steep and muddy causing and stalled it. the ‘bikes plenty of problems. I joined the list of failures, but as this was only my 4th As we left to seek out section 9 at trial I just aim to get the finishers certificate Galsham the little Dr started to scream fit leaving Mike to aim for the awards – as he to explode. Investigation soon revealed achieved at the Exmoor Trial a few weeks that all that time lying down in the mud earlier. Section 1 was followed by special had clogged up the throttle cam on the test 1 – a 180 degree looping section that carb; a quick clean up and we were on our looked like half of a grass track course; way. The lane at Galsham was a very nice then sliding, pushing and slipping through ride, the restart proved to be no problem the mud bath to join the queue for section for the DR, so – another clean. Just one 2 “Pheasant Plucker’s Son”, behind Nicky more section before returning to Killarney May on a nearly new but very dirty Honda Springs for lunch, section 10 Cutliffe Lane CRF. I found no more success than I’d proved to be Mike’s undoing, he misread had on section 1 so before moving off I the road book and took the restart dropped my rear MT43 down to 0.5 Bar. reserved for the cars. I needed a couple of dabs but still (I think) I managed to beat Section 3 at Rookery Woods proved to be Mike on one section during the day – I’ll a delightful lane with a restart, which I take the small victories! managed to clean. But just when I started to hope that the reduced tyre pressure On arriving back at Killarney Springs we was working, section 4 “Gordon’s Terror” found that the mud was causing everyone should have been an easy enough section to be running very late, so lunch was but I slid off before the restart in true reduced to 10 minutes – just enough time

15 16 to put away a hot cup of tea and a very The 2006 Chairman’s Trial Gordon’s Terror was next and was a welcome steak and kidney pie. The day After a steadying rest, section 14 “Old rough, rocky climb. From the start line a was proving to be bitterly cold and a light Rocky” was a further welcome respite – a by Jonathan Elliott shallow stream was forded which lead sleet threatened occasionally. really pleasant lane with no restart for onto a series of rock steps. This was bikes and only needing a gentle dab and freezing wind and a snow flurry where the restarts for all car competitors The route to section 11 at Smallbrook then onto a similar section, 15 at met me when I opened the doors were placed. We got to the restart but this Wood proved to be the longest tarmac link Crossleigh, where I again needed a dab. to the garage at six o’clock on is where we lost forward motion and after of the day, but on arrival we were greeted A Sunday morning. These were the several attempts and much wheel spinning with a short loop through a veritable mud We arrived at Ivyleaf Woods where least of my problems as my navigator had we were towed out. bath, which I certainly didn’t see anyone sections 16 to19 were all located to find a dropped out the day before and frantic complete. So on to special test 2 at real traffic jam all waiting for the first of the telephone calls had not produced anyone On we went to Gooseham Mill, section 5, Jewel’s Farm where Mike suffered the sections to open… This was the only real to fill the navigator’s seat. I decided to go which is one of two sections to be used on ignominy of dropping his DRZ whilst organisational hiccup of the day, and to the start and hope to find somebody to this years Land’s End Trial. This is a lovely turning around the cone; my little DR isn’t certainly didn’t mar the trail when viewed navigate there. After telling the ladies at hill in a deep wooded valley, fairly long really suited to these tests so a much as a whole. I found that sections 16 to19 signing on of my predicament, a navigator, with a couple of bends to negotiate near calmer approach never really penalises became progressively more difficult; 16 bouncer and all round top man was found. the top of the section. me – and I do believe I beat Mike on a requiring a dab, 17 a lucky “clean” – Over a cup of tea I and my new navigator special test this time. followed by a quite scary drop back down Rob had a quick chat about the day ahead Section 6 and 7 were next and came one to the start of 18 which required two dabs and soon enough it was time to leave for straight after the other, the first of these Onto section 12 at Leigh Woods which and then onto my nemesis the ultimate the first hills. being Linton Field. We arrived to the

proved to be our comedy section along a section of the day – 19. Having seen a The first 2 sections and the first special sound of class 3 Escorts screaming and stream up over the bank line up and gun it competitor on a KMX (sorry I didn’t get test were located in woods about 5 miles being bounced to somewhere near the up the hill; - first, Mike managed to get lost your name or number) fail to crest the from the start. When we arrived we were top, although only 2 from this class went in the section when he climbed out of the bank I then watched Mike clean the met by the last of the bike competitors clean. Our turn came soon enough and stream… I got a little further, then, when I section taking a wider line; unfortunately it coming out of the woods. It soon was over as quickly when we spun to a tried to gun the little DR at the base of the was not as wide as I thought and my transpired that section 2, Pheasant stop at the 9 marker, which seemed about hill the bike span me around 180 degrees chosen line launched me over a tree Plucker’s Son and the first special test, average for class 4. Section 7 was whilst remaining perfectly upright… Oh stump and wedged my bike between a lip Game Old Bird had been cancelled due to Putshole 1, which was a blast up through well never mind it could be worse… and it and the stump – again many thanks are competitors having trouble even getting to the trees that became steeper the further was… due to the helpful marshal who came to the start lines. However after a half-hour you got. Most of the car competitors

my aid in lifting the DR out. wait we had a go at the first section, dropped points here with only 8 cars going Section 13 “Gullijohn” was unlucky for clean. The only class that didn’t have a car some, but particularly me. The section was Pheasant Plucker. This was a short blast And so back again to Killarney Springs to up through the trees where the track went go clean here was class 4. a straight slippery hill climb; Mike only sign-off, collect our hard-earned finishers made it as far as the “10” marker, at the round to the right and over a bank. The certificates and enjoy a final cup of tea class 3 Escorts all seemed to do well here Galsham was next. This was a fairly long start I felt that I could do a little better, but before heading back home. Probably the hill, which made its way up from the valley it was not to be; I managed to get myself and some had just as much fun trying to toughest trial I have competed in – but get out of the section as they did getting round the back of a house and exited cross rutted and took a big tumble – the then I am only a novice. I offer my along a track. This hill had a restart for all foot peg connecting with me somewhat up it. With the other 2 sections cancelled congratulations and appreciation to here it was a short drive to section 3, car classes and embarrassingly we were painfully. I must thank Mike and the Holsworthy Motor Club for an excellent the only car to fail the restart. From marshal for assisting my bike and me back Rookery Woods. day’s sport and their almost faultless Galsham we were routed to Cutliffe Lane, down the hill. Richard Maddern and Neil organisation. This was another short sharp section, with the second of the hills to be used by the O’Connor showed the way to do it on their a restart for all classes. We arrived to MCC on this years Lands End Trial. This Kawasaki Wasp outfi. watch the class 1 Golfs giving it a good go hill starts off under large Beech trees with and the class 3 Escorts all seemed to get the left-hand corner you can see from the At this point a shout for all the marshals on near the top but only Kelly Thomas went start disappearing through a gateway and the Chairman’s Trial, they did a sterling job clean. Several of the class 4s had trouble up the hill. Once round this corner the hill and were the most cheerful bunch getting away from the start line, us is fairly straight with a gradient that considering the bitter weather they had to included. increases the nearer the top you get. endure in some of the more exposed areas.

17 18 From Cutliffe we went back To Kilarney a similar climb to get out the other side. turning left and found the finish line and Springs for the mid-trial halt and a quick Again classes 6,7 and 8 had a restart and Work and family not to say money can say we recorded the third, second or cup of tea. After a short break and a diff a diversion to contend with but this reasons means I tend to “hand pick” first fastest time as the marshals test the route took us away to the east. presented no problems to them. events to enter based on previous cancelled the section due to the access The first section in the afternoon was experience or word of mouth. The problems. Next a “sideways to victory” run Smallbrook Wood, which is a short u The final 4 sections were all in Ivyleaf Chairmans Trial came highly to the start line of section 2 Pheasant shaped section, which is wet and muddy Woods. The first section, number 16 starts recommended by other competitors so I Pluckers Son, again through the non- with a final hump to negotiate at the end. I with a sharp left hand bend. This bend found myself ploughing across a section area. A brief stop to get the all seem to remember that this section is proved to be a bit of a stopper for some, somewhat muddy field in the trailer park clear to start and then off up a narrow taken flat out and we were rewarded here us included but Courtenay Yandle and at Killarney Springs. I don’t normally use a sticky muddy track into a slight left hand with a clean. Bob Jones did well here in there Skoda trailer but something told me I might need bend to be greeted by a tree stump in the and were reward with a clean, the only it…more of this later. centre of the track. Father reckons he We went next to special test 2, Jewels class 4 to do so on this hill. I can’t would have gone round the tree stump; Farm. The test is done on a farm track, remember a lot about section 17, which is So on a somewhat windy but bright good these passengers aren’t they! I where you have to drive through a gate for the best as we only got to the 4 marker. morning we joined the short queue for decided to back off and lost momentum into a field and then retrace your steps A similar story on 18 as well, all of class 4 scrutinering. After years of trials prep in causing a stop for an 8 and a large dent in and continue down the track to the stop struggling, the best again was Courtenay various cars this formality goes without a the petrol tank thanks to the tree stump. A line. The next 3 sections followed straight Yandle who got to the 6 marker. And so to hitch today so time for the compulsory hot good decision by the marshals here after the special test, the first, section 12 the last hill, section 19. This started with a coffee at signing on. The “we” and ballast helped keep the event on time by was a dash across a river and then up left-hand bend followed by a slog up side of the car was filled by my father who cancelling this section for all but class 7 & through the trees to finish in a field. through the woods. Only 7 of the car stepped in at short notice for my normal 8. The results back this up with most class However the best part of this section was competitors went clean here so a bit of a passenger. With mumblings that the last 7 scoring either 8 or 9. That will be the watching the cars in front of you sting in the tail to end the day with. trial my father did was 1960 something we tree stump then. attempting section 13, Gullijohn. This hill started off up the hill from Killarney was dead straight up through a gateway A short drive got us back to the finish at Springs to the entrance where I had to Section 3 Rookery Woods was the top of and into a field. What made it interesting Killarney Springs where we signed off and explain to my father that it was a “multi a forest track that could be viewed from was that about a quarter of the way up the were presented with finisher’s certificates. venue event” using the public highway the top prior to driving into the start. If only field was a hump that, when hit at the right This was a really enjoyable day out and a between sections. “Oh” said my father all sections could be as easily viewed. We speed sent cars skyward and this was well-organised and run trial. A wide “how do we know where to go then?” The floored it off the start to get up the first demonstrated by one of the Escorts. selection of hills meant there was learning curve soon improved and we hump and then crawled through carefully something to keep everybody interested. even managed to turn left at the A39. to the first restart where I decided to stay On to Old Rocky next, section 14. This as A big thank you to Rob who jumped in and low. Big mistake - lots of wheel spin and the name suggests was rough and rocky navigated for me, literally at a moments We arrived at the first section Pheasant we moved about an inch. Not a good hill but very climbable. Classes 6,7 and 8 had notice! And also to all of the marshals who Plucker somehow car 3 on the road so for most with nearly everyone struggling a restart here and everyone bar one class helped out and made the trial run watched the motorbikes disappear up the from the restart. 7 went clean. Crossleigh was next and smoothly. diverted route making it all look so easy. was approached down a steep track. With With tyre pressures suitably adjusted we Section 4 Gordons Terror was totally powered up the blind and unknown different from memory and was wet n Chairmans Trial 26th February suspension. An eventful day ended in me section to be greeted by a hump crossing rocky. The rocks offered no grip at the throwing the mechanical fuel pump as far over a hedge to a muddy bank to climb for restart and we sat spinning merrily. A run 2006 away as possible. Fortunately I had just a clean. Do I or don’t I power it up, back allowed us to humiliatingly drive out by Tom Jefferis, Marlin put the new one on which I didn’t have whoops sideways for a 1 and a difficult the section. In contrast section 5 Roadster (Exmoor Gold) time to fit before the event. I have learnt a part reverse-part bump by marshals Gooseham Mill looked slippery, but we lot over the years and have been using a extraction. The exit caught out most with pulled away without trouble. Sometimes I irstly let me introduce myself class seven Marlin for the past two. only a handful of cleans. never understand the ground conditions, having never written in this “Exmoor Gold” was named by me on the which is pretty poor, coming from a civil magazine. I have been involved in day of purchase and was bought as a Onto special test one Game Old Bird a engineer and geologist. classic trials for about ten years road car and prepared specifically for trial in itself to get to the start, hampered F classics. Much of my favourite Exmoor by a lack of space as section two also Section 6 Linton Field looked like a good and remember back to my first event in a Peugoet 104 without inner tubes or raised Gold beer is normally consumed after started on the same track. We kept old power blast up a very wet boggy field. events. 19 20 I had assumed we would fly over the bog way round for a clean, unfortunately so did same time as the cars we left at the top of Tyre pressures on the day??? Well on fairly low tyre pressures but it seemed everyone else in classes 7 & 8. section 14. I can’t comment on the last anything from 5 PSI to 15 PSI, where??? to suck us in for a poor 8, but the results four sections but the results make …now that would be telling, sometimes I cheered me up as all of class 7 was On special test 2, Jewels Farm I decided interesting reading. have no idea. stopped between the 8 and 10 markers. to take the reversing carefully as the drop off on the drivers side looked like a good So the class was won by Ray Goodnight So moral of the story…. if you drive your Within the same forest complex was potential rollover. I normally take special in the Arkley MG with three Marlins car to the event you won’t need a trailer! section 7, Putshole 1 which was a logging tests easy and try to remember the scores bringing up 2nd, 3rd & joint 4th. Overall went Lesson learnt hopefully. First time I’ve track climb to a dead end which would are only used in a tie. to Paul Bartleman in the Troll with a clean used a trailer and first time I needed one have been nice to know before getting to sheet. I must admit that following Paul to get home. the 2 marker and wondering where to go Section 12 Leigh Woods needed arrows was a bit disheartening as I thought I was next. Just reverse out, no chance we slid to tell each class where to go but full credit way off the pace until I saw the results A good mixture of classic sections, forest back into a large felled tree and called for to the marshals who pointed in the right and the difference between class 7 & the tracks and fields provided a compact help on the rope. No damage done lesson direction. The section started off a track top class 8 boys! route. Only criticism was the double use learnt…. previous experience of sections and went through a ford/stream then up of the forest tracks around sections 1 & 2 definitely required. round various humps and narrow hollows that weren’t wide enough for two cars. (for class 7 & 8 anyway) then a straight Section 9 Galsham looked like a nice steep climb to the top of the field. Its classic track with a restart and we set off always great to clean a section and drive Kyrle Trial 2006 managed to equal the record I know of for gently using the torque in the lower part of back down rather than having to reverse. punctures on one section – picking up 3 the section but still managed to catch a by Ian Davis nails although they were at least all in the pointed rock on the nearside front tyre. Straight out of section 12 into section 13 same tyre! Pressed on to the restart and pulled away Gullijohn. Well if you craned your neck at fter the good run we had last cleanly only to realise that the tyre was least you could see the whole section from year we found ourselves right at These hills caused real havoc among the totally flat at the top. A quick pump up just behind the gateway start. The section the front of the field, no 1, for this saloons and the third was quickly using the compressor got us along the was a straight climb up a grassy field that A years Kyrle Trial on 23rd April. abandoned for them and later dropped road to section 10 Cutcliffe Lane. We was STEEP AND SLIPPERY. Plenty of With very heavy showers on the Saturday from the results for all. There was only one decided to press on using a can of Holts beans required but not enough from the night, the sections were in prime condition saloon that saw the top of the 2 remaining tyre weld to give us a good 5 psi until the good old B series engine and we lost for the almost full field of 65 competitors hills, however and that was Falcon's halfway halt and the luxury of the trolley traction at full revs around the 7 marker. who made the trip down to the Forest of Simon Groves in the flying Escort. This jack in the tow car. (Reminded me of Handbrake on and let it slide back to the Dean for what is traditionally one of the enabled him to establish an early class single venue stage rallies where you can gateway. I think we slid back down faster toughest of one-day trials. lead, which he held on to all day. Later on, go back to the pits after every stage to than we went up! after Greg Dixon-Smith’s Morgan came rebuild your car!) I thought we cleaned this The first three Goldsmiths sections down close to dropping off the side of the section but the results show the entire Section 14 Old Rocky went past with a near Monmouth are very steep and were section, the second hill was also cancelled class and some of class 8 as six. I assume blur. We got to the restart and with too incredibly slippery. We were met at the for classes 1 & 2 this was a restart fail/roll back at the much excitement I pulled the handbrake bottom of the first by a smiling Ian Bates marshals’ discretion. on with some vigour and managed to who said 'when you fail the first section, The next section, Ropers, caused new shear the threads on one of the rear brake reverse back down...'. Well if that isn't a organiser Paul Bartleman a heart stopping Full of hot pies and coffee, still blessed adjusters. Still the handbrake held us long red rag to a bull I don't know what is and moment before the trial had even started. with winter sunshine and threatened by enough to pull away cleanly and get out we duly blasted up all 3 of these sections Calling in to check the condition of the snow we set off with new tyres on the the section. Time to stop and pump the although it has to be said that directional section in a well-known 4wd VW pick-up back courtesy of the front puncture tyres up….argh no brakes and no control was somewhat limited at times! Paul started sliding faster and faster on requiring one of the worn back tyres and handbrake. I had a quick look in the The first section caught out many of the the entry road and wondered at one point ready for a challenge. Section 11, offending rear drum to confirm the front runners including Dudley Sterry, if he was going to end up in the River Wye Smallbrook Wood which was a funny but problem and decided to return back to the Arnie Martin and Carl Talbot, Carl retiring at the bottom. Luckily he didn’t but the exit good little section straight off the road with finish and sign off rather than doing a shortly after with suspension problems and road, which was a section last year, was various twists and turns up and down a dodgy repair and carrying on for the last so not adding to his Wheelspin so greasy that even with 4wd he needed a selection of slopes. I seem to remember a four sections. So a leisurely drive back to Championship points total after his good tow from a tractor to get back to road! restart, but with new rubber we tore our Killarney Springs saw us arriving at the first half of the year. John Parsons Bravely then he kept the section in the

21 22 route and his decision was vindicated our tyres up, let them down and then was well back from the hill when long-time organiser Adrian Marfell pumped them up again as the officials and decided maximum went clear in his blown VW/Lancia rail. decided whether to impose the tyre speed would be the best Next best were Arnie, Mike Chatwin and pressure restriction or not. Usually I go approach. Unfortunately I Ross Norman all on 4. We chatted to the right on the restart when left is probably perhaps persisted a little farmer at the top of the section and when better. This year I went left but even as I long with this tactic as flew he explained that he’d pumped ‘thousands did so I realised the restart was lower and out of the top of the of trailer loads of slurry’ down the hill over that I should have in fact gone the other section, but not the years we began to understand why it’s way…the ensuing cloud of smoke said it unfortunately around the such a challenge. all really. Even some of those who read tight corner to the section the restart well didn’t managed to keep it ends board. The top pitch On to the excellent Jack/Jill/Pludds going over the big rock step and were was very steep and complex. All challenging hills, easily faced with a daunting reverse back down. slippery and I'm not sure accesible for spectators and set in a any of the saloons or even natural amphitheatre. Along with nearly all On to a couple of new forestry sections, Ian Davis on Jack class 7s got out the top of the field Jill caught us out near the top - the first looking innocuous if slippery (Photo: Dave Cook) which, given the length of only Ross Norman, Adrian Marfell, Mike under the pine trees but hiding a fiendish the section, led to some Chatwin and Eric Wall doing the Jack & restart, positioned on tree roots where rewarded with a rather fine trophy, thanks lengthy delays. The general consensus Jill double this year. As Dave Cook’s twigs and branches mysteriously seemed guys! On to Snompers where last year's seemed to be that despite the delays this excellent picture shows Andrew Martin to re-appear between each competitor to ruts had been dug in making the section was a very worthy addition to the route. made a spirited attempt but suffered a disguise the best place to stop. Only 4 straightforward for the early runners. The little loss of directional control near the cars went clear from the restart – Ross route back down from the top though was The final hill was called Point & Press and top…perhaps just the two chopped up Norman, the light-footed Eric Wall, Tim more challenging though and I managed the idea is that you do what it says on the Agas in the back for ballast next year Foster and Arnie Martin – although Giles to rip a handbrake cable out of a rear tin; point the car in the right direction and Arnie? Greenslade went close. Class 8 front drum and in the process let air into the press the right pedal all the way to the top. runners Mike Workman, Adrian Marfell wheel cylinder, resulting in a worrying lack We did try but being first car reckon we Burnbrae was its usual twisty, wet self and Mike Chatwin all dropped 6 points of brakes. lost too much momentum clearing out 2 with the restart clear of the tree roots this and fell behind Ross Norman. The years worth of leaves and sticks...that’s year and fairly straightforward for classes saloons faired better, for a change, and Not that it mattered for Tomlin because we our story anyway and we’re sticking to it 7 & 8. The Escorts also mostly blasted up good scores of 1 or 2 were achievable just dived into a huge pile of mud. In fact it OK but it was tricky for the other classes with Tris White actually managing to beat was so muddy we had trouble reversing Back to the club room for a natter and a with Jon Robilliard, now in a 1300 Beetle, Kelly on this one by going clear. out. Amazingly Ross Norman blasted drink and so ended another hugely the only other saloon to see the top. through the mud, both front wheels high in enjoyable & competitive Kyrle trial. Simon The final section before lunch was more the air and with the car luckily pointed in Groves managed yet another class win in Andrews Alley was again on for classes 7 straightforward but had a sharp left on a the right direction, for the only clear of the class 3, Jon Robilliard ran away with class & 8 but the steep entry ramp stopped all of steep bank, which caught out quite a few. day. So tough was the section that it was 4, as did Keith Sanders with class 5. the saloons with Adrian Dommett and later abandoned altogether. Adrian Dommett and Mike Collins won Keith Sanders the only ones from the Lunch was a welcome relief from failing unusually small classes 1 & 2 respectively lower classes to go clear. hills for us and for many others, indeed so On to a version of a historic section called and Arnie, predictably, took class 7. In tough were the conditions that some Jacob's Ladder, whose use dates I think terms of overall results, however, it was After the traditional trip down the forest competitors had to wait for the penultimate from the 1930s but which hadn't been definitely a class 8 year with two cars track to the first special test we faced the section of the whole trial before reaching used by cars for many years. It’s an old failing only one hill all day, Ross Norman Pludds. This section is pretty much like some section ends boards and a few winching incline, much like the Jenny pipping Adrian Marfell to the Kyrle Trophy Simms but twice as long, straighter and never got that far all day. Wynd on the Clee Hills but twice as long by just two points with a fantastic drive. steeper for longer...and they put the with a surface that is more grass than ruts. restart right on/near the huge rock step After lunch was the second special test Despite stopping to try and get some Notwithstanding the tough conditions and rather than give you a run at it. A great where, on the one day that it didn't really brakes back all my fellow class 7 & 8 the change of organiser the trial ran section but one of those that I seem to matter, we managed the fastest time and competitors very kindly let me go first. smoothly and was greatly enjoyed by all – have a mental block about, not helped this secured the trophy for fastest special test Knowing Barty reasonably well I reckoned well done Ross & District, and particular year by a length wait whilst we pumped times of the day, which on the Kyrle is there must be reason why the start line thanks to Paul, Stuart, Mark and the team!

23 24 INDWHISTLE MOTOR Broom; Ford Escort, Michael England; CLUB'S third single venue Kingfisher Sandpiper, Andrew Shepperd; Lands End photos clubsport classic trial in the Bugrat, Nick Cleal; Mazda 323 particularly on Blue Hills 2 woods at Bovey Down appreciated the opportunity to have three W enjoyed a bright sunny Sunday on 30th attempts at each section.

April. 25 sections were on offer including Catering was provided by Sid Vale

three attempts each at Norman's Hump Carnival Club. And there was plenty of Murray & Creanne and Clinton in valuable daylight hours opportunity to stop for tea, burgers and Montgomery-Smith, @ £1.00 a section. pies. Marshals Draw bottle of whisky to Marlin John Blakely and bottle of wine to Tim

The event attracted 29 car entries (11 Keeling. John raffled his bottle of whisky to

MCC, 5 Camel Vale, 6 Minehead and 7 generate more proceeds for June’s Race

Windwhistle) comprising 17 'experts', 7 for Life. 'novices', 2 n/s and 3 undeclared. 2 class (Photos by Pat Toulmin) 1, 3 class 3, 2 class 4, 1 class 5, 12 class The only casualties were Tim and Anne 7, 8 class 8 and 1 class 9. Entries were a Whellock. A tree jumped out of nowhere bit down on last year possibly due to the on the first section so both Tim and Anne fact that there were three trials on hit their heads on the windscreen making consecutive Sundays – the Lands End two pretty patterns in the glass. There was followed by the Kyrle and then Bovey insufficient damage to fail to continue. But Down. But Windwhistle just managed to a new windscreen now needs to be fitted. make a small profit after paying for the The venue is hard on tyres. But there is venue, the loo, the permit, the postage, plenty of time to change wheels, fit new the printing and the awards. tubes, etc. Kylie Allen &

There were four clean sheets. Should Many thanks to all the competitors, William Appleton, have been five but Pete Hart was looking marshals and supporters from Jerry VW Buggy for a restart box so he missed the restart Shepperd; cerk of the course, Pete Young; line. The winner was decided on special chief marshal and results and Sheldon test time. Could easily have been Emma Ware; recovery. Hope to see you all again but she failed to find second gear quickly next year when the plan is to build in a enough. Well done to Peter Mountain free slot after the Lands End so that the Dellow Mk 1 (Class 8 MCC Expert) who Kyrle and Bovey Down are not struggling declared in his acceptance speech of the quite so much for entries. Broken Diff Trophy that this was his 'favourite trial of the year'. No pumping up and down of tyres, free tyre pressure limits, lots of practice, mobile loo, fantastic catering, excellent marshalling. Other clean sheets were Ryan Tonkin, Pete & Carlie VW Special, Nick Farmer, Hart , Marlin BMW 318; and Emma Robilliard, VW Beetle. Highest scoring novice Tom Jefferis, Marlin from Taunton. Novices Trine Selwood; Marlin, David Robinson; Reliant SS1, Ed Head Banging trials style!

25 26 The Thomas Bricknell Robilliard. who stormed to the top for the Kyrle Trial first clean, filmed by Mrs Robilliard President’s Trial perched in the hedge. Also at the top was by Dave Haizelden Tristan waiting for Kelly Thomas, who unfortunately took a tyre off the rim and fter the weather gods wrecked with the aid of 10 men, who appeared from Andrew Martin & havoc on last year’s event and nowhere, got the Escort going again. Ken Beccey Macey, with a few complaints from land Bassett in the yellow Escort managed to Dutton Melos, on A owners a brand new route was clear the section but got the car stuck on Jack introduced with a plethora of new sections the final crest and needed a pull from Dick for the competitors to play with. With the Bolt to get going again. elite from classes 1, 3, 4, 7 and 8 (Photos by Dave gathering at Morrison’s car park A couple of miles further down the road Cook) scruitineering took place watched over by was the lunch halt at the Seaton Café with the ever watchful Tristan White, who stunning views of Cornish Coast, presided unfortunately had to withdraw his entry as over by Bob Barrow (the fish & chips were the yellow Escort was poorly. as good as promised!) After a half hour wait the trial set off for the new sections at First up were the forest sections in Treveria Woods. Polvean Woods. Section 1 was a straight up blast along a muddy track with a 90 Section 6, Waterworks, was another hard blast, diff rubbing climb up to a sharp degree left near the summit which hairpin right and the final climb up a grassy defeated the entire field. The best climbs section, which defeated the entire field bar Ben Johnson & from the lower classes were made by one – Barty! Two competitors were Barry Wright, Adrian Booth in the Pug and John Mildren reported to the scruitineer for removing Vauxhall Nova in the class 4 Beetle who both spun their ballast on the corner. Mike, (third bumper on Jill way to the 2 marker, they were only bettered by Barty in the Troll who gained a this year) Collins and Mark Crowle also in 1. Polvean 2 proved just as difficult as a Golf.

none of the lower classes got near the top Further along the track was Bokenver but Harvey in the Pop was the first to clear Climb a seriously steep ascent. In class 4 the section, followed by all of class 8. none of the early runners could get past

Next was special test 1 (Ringworthy) with the 9 marker but then along came Jon Roger Bricknell, Tony Young and Barty the Robilliard who stormed the Beetle to the only ones to break 13 seconds. Hans top. In class 3 Kelly Thomas showed the Viertel in the Beetle must have carried out men how to do it by getting to the 2 with the test with the handbrake on (21.68 only Dick Bolt getting close by stopping by seconds). the 3.

Down the road was the famous Treveria 1 & 2 followed with Julia Bricknell Bucklawren where class 1 was told to drive on number 2 acting as start marshal. Class Ray Goodright & by as it was deemed too difficult and to 8 had a difficult start line with 50% of the Nikki Jones, make their way by road to the top of the class not leaving the start. Alan Keat was Arkley MG, on Jill section to help push out the other classes. the only class 8 driver to see the top along Hans Viertel drew the short straw and was with you know who! The lower classes had first to tackle the section and only got as a more difficult job in getting to their start far as the 6 marker and was then pushed line, as they had to reverse 50 yards down and pulled all the way to the top, which the section to get to the start. Most of the Hans was not happy about as it then competitors found it very difficult once cleared the section out for Jon and Emma there to get away, but Dick Bolt in class 3 was the only one who hammered the

27 28 3. Harvey, in the puffing Land’s End Trial 2006 lacquer is worse than useless, going slimy Pop was the only class when wet. 7 to clean this section, by John Lees although Roger in the Our run from Plusha, some 98 miles up the Vincent was close etter take a spare trailer tyre, I’ll road, done at a pace of 45 to 50 mph was behind at the 1. put a bit of air in’. Twenty miles interrupted by Tom having a splash of up the road on the way to our petrol at Crediton and was a little boring Next up was the B start at Plusha there was an and hard on the poor old back. I even tried dreaded Looe Mills with enormous explosion inside the car. I out my heated jacket - two meters of wire a track through the guessed what it was, well, it had to be the from an old electric blanket, cost - a fiver rhododendrons and a old Mini wheel with old tyre carried in the for the body warmer, poke holes in the final climb through a back, it had creaked when being pumped lining with a hot soldering iron, weave the very narrowing rock up to 30 psi, ah well, have to carry on. wire in an out as required and make up the gully, which usually ends. My heated grips are a yard (British scraps the wheel nuts. Our party consisted of Tom Beckerleg on bike!) of Nichrome wire, cost - about £3 Paul Bartleman on Tawnamoor With class 7 restarting his HT5 Ariel, Richard Harvey on one of from Maplin for enough to make about six. (Photo: Aaron Haizelden)) at the narrowest point those modern Beta Alp thingies, Basil on the hill, Dave Prowse Stocker and myself on 650cc Triumph First section Felon’s Oak at last, down with was the only one to get Trophies – Basil’s of 1957 vintage, mine the tyres, mine at about 9 psi for the rear Escort to the summit. With the two Golfs in off clawing back 6 points from his fellow being a 1961 version. Basil had entered in and 15 at the front – it is a 3.50 X 19 trials class 1 matching the feat Adrian Booth competitors. Dick Bolt ran into trouble class C, both Tom and myself, were in and impossible to get hold of now. The finally allowed the Golfs to get ahead of when he punctured and had to change the class A. Richard was in with the Gazelles rear is a MT43 and forms a big chunk of the Peugeot after dropping 2 points. tyre on the hill, Kelly got sent up too early and Mountain Goats – class B. the rear suspension. A restart here, no and had to claim a baulk, and Ken Bassett problems except that Basil had not With a loop around the forest the damaged the o/s rear quarter. My bike is a standard road going Triumph checked his route sheet and went straight

competitors had to tackle Trelowia Lane Trophy, a single carburettor version of the through! (One of quite a few as it turned next. The section started with a difficult The penultimate section Trenay was Bonneville but with a E3134 racing inlet marshalled by Ian Cundy (recovering from out). The exit from Felon’s is a little better crossing of a stream strewn with rocks. cam, also fitted with a set of wide ratio than it used to be, the first year I recall One nameless Beetle driver decided to a broken shoulder) and Roger Hancock gears which were standard extras that I and it proved to be very tough with only having to foot all the way out after a take a look at the river crossing and obtained in 1988 when I first started MCC relatively easy section. We also used to unfortunately took too close a look and one clean. trials - £45, not bad as they were unused, have a tricky descent down a slippery track nearly got washed away! The section itself The final section Tawnamoor in this gives a standard top gear for from the moor, which seemed to go on consisted of a very narrow steep sided Cardinham was probably the toughest comfortable running between sections. It forever. lane with a deep rut on the right hand side section of the day with Tristan White on will, however, do up to 30 mph in bottom if for which seemed to go on for half a mile. the restart for all classes. John Robilliard its neck is wrung. 12 volt electrics have Stoney Street has an increasingly mucky As ground clearance was the order of the was the only Beetle to the top so securing been fitted which enables modern bulbs to approach through the bottom of the woods day none of the classes struggled except the class win. None of the class 3s be used with 180 watts to run other things. and those pipes in the section seem to be for class 3 and once again Kelly showed cleaned the section but Ken hounded the I carry spare tubes for the front and back getting higher and higher by the year. the boys how to do it. Escort up to the 2 but still not enough to tyres. There were only three bike failures, which was quite amazing. The twisty road to The competitors finally left the forest and take away a class win from Dick Bolt. Roger Bricknell and Harvey were the only This year, I had made a continuous route Culbone followed, no fun when it was made their way to Trebrownbridge, where roll holder out of square section drain pipe foggy a couple of years ago. ‘The Highest they were met by the retired John Cox class 7 cleans with Harvey taking a narrow 1-point win. Paul Bartleman running last and plastic 15mm water pipe plus push-fit Free House on Exmoor’ and it is well who was threatening to come out in a joiners cut in half used for the turning qualified. A bit of spare time here, allowing Porsche one day. Unusually this section car drove off the restart like he was on a Sunday outing and took the overall win by knobs which eliminated changing over of a forty-minute break. I Spent about four started down hill before joining the forest sheets. I did give the roll a quick spray of hours here a couple of years ago when I track and then making a 90-degree left up a distance. cellulose lacquer (not so easy to get now) had a big wiring failure with lots of smoke through the slippery bit. None of the lower A massive ‘thank you’ to Thomas Bricknell in case a bit of moisture got in and made at the Stoney Street start, I eventually classes got further than the 7 marker and for all his hard work and to all the my ink run, I always spray the control card followed Duncan Welch up the section, me even classes 7 and 8 struggled, marshals who gave up their time so we and numbers as well to prevent them without lights and Duncan going a bit slow surprisingly the master himself dropped a could enjoy our sport. getting soggy, I have found that the acrylic or so it seemed relative to my gearing.

29 30 A short stop at Barbrook and onto before the section - trying too hard to keep usual leap into the air but Beggars, I thought it appropriate to stop out of the muddy bits. more to the left this year- with front wheel just out of the box and nearly went into the bushes! pulled away OK but veered to the right, There then followed those lanes to get to Very few bike failures, but had a dab and then another, oh dear. Tom the A39 – it seems to take ages and I then we don’t have to do the went straight through without stopping – always feel lost, I can’t read those old type restart. one of those senior moments. ‘I can’t signposts from the side in the dark or is it remember what I did’ he said. Basil just me? Then it happened, as I turned left Starting to meet the holiday stopped low in the box, and found that he to go to Sutcumbe the back end felt traffic on the run down past could not manage to pull away. The squidgey, Flat tyre! Thank goodness I was St Columb where I lived restart was hard over to the right and a bit not alone. Light is everything when it many years ago and on to unexpected. We followed Richard after comes to security bolts and valves. The the check at Perranporth. returning to the road, but he somehow Triumph has a very good QD rear wheel, I Only a short wait here and missed the right turn over the bridge and had removed the centre-stand (Great almost back on time. We we ended up going down the valley for a Hucklow rock basher) so had to lean the A very good welcome! noticed on the descent down mile or so. We guessed it was wrong soon bike right over onto the foot- rest with Tom to Blue Hills 1 that bikes enough, but were wondering where to turn steadying it and Richard providing much were having problems on around, well, Lynmouth it was! Now we needed light. The process of re-inflating the restart. Ah well, better know where the road goes. the tyre was not helped by my air hose Crackington, just how muddy will it be? get on with it, as I went around the sharp splitting (one of those little electric things – Well, not to bad this year, I always drift left turn I kept on the side thus avoiding A bit of a wait at Riverton after a nice run very small when the plastic is removed). down to the left by the hedge and then go the puddle and so had dry tyres, then off the moor, no fog or snow! The Also, the valve was not protruding by towards the centre, certainly, this year the stopped with the front wheel just in the recovery tractor at Riverton had to take up many threads, which was not helping. I trials tyres helped. We all went through box and well over to the left in the gravel. position and went up just in front of us – it was afraid to let the tyre down below 12 without footing, another good traditional It really did pull away easily, unlike two didn’t have any problems. Not so for our psi after that. classic section. years ago when lots of pushing was lot! Tom and myself had to start footing required. Tom fell off, Basil stopped but before the right turn – the ruts were so Cup of tea and piece of cake after We were still a bit behind time at the Richard got away cleanly. narrow and deep it was impossible to Sutcombe and then it was off to Darracott breakfast stop where we all put down the keep balance in them, plenty of grip and another restart – a super section that full breakfast. After an hour’s stop it was Basil footed on Blue Hills 2, the cause though, Richard’s bike got knocked out of we all got through. The Test at Ledden on to Warleggan noticing that the signpost was a puncture in the front tyre. He tried gear, I think the only way up by bike must was an opportunity for a blast but the to Treglasta had been turned towards some magic sealant but it lasted for fifty have been up the middle, but to fall into reversing bit took an age – such a heavy Launceston! One or two had been coming yards and it was once more another tube the side ruts may have been bike. Tom’s clutch was dragging causing back asking where they had to go. change, luckily, I had one that fitted. It was uncomfortable to say the least. Not a him to get a time slower than the thirty- Warleggan is getting a bit rougher every a delight to change it in the sun and on a section liked by the motorcyclist I think, I second bogey allowance. year, but we all got up OK. Hoskin for the nice bit of grass and no security bolts. Our would be happy to see it go. bikes seems never to cause any time between Bluehills and the finish thus Widemouth Bay and the usual surfers, a difficulties, the complete reverse of became a bit extended, but hopefully Next, Cutliffe Lane after a short stop for bit behind time now, a couple of class 0 Riverton. I always restart in the middle within time. I claimed a bronze and fuel at Roundswell, I made sure it was cars were providing entertainment pulling where it is un-polished and perhaps give it Richard claimed silver. Riverton was not ‘Super’ but its still not a patch on the old each other out of the sand, I was sent off rather too much welly right to the top. I cleaned by any in class A so I got ‘Esso Golden Extra’, I have gradually straight away, there being no-one in front note that those cars that kept to the left upgraded to silver and Tom to bronze, no reduced the compression over the years of me. Richard got off his bike here, sat generally did better, with one wheel on the golds for us this year. but still it pinks – more retard (manual) = down and was discovered fast asleep by centre of the track. I hope the centre An excellent trial, just maybe Riverton is a hotter engine = more pinking. I failed Tom, his five minutes seemed like an hour doesn’t get too polished over time! Cutliffe last year on standard tyres, I didn’t bit of a lottery for the bikes, there are three he said. options, left, middle or right, with the want to go through the turning around and The test at Bishops Path is a bit of a blast coming back experience again, so it was choice having to be made before seeing On to Millook and what a nice welcome on followed by an adverse camber turn back the section proper. All together a very trials tyres for this year. We all got up the hill by the two youngsters again this to the finish, the first bit is max revs but without problems, made easier by less good event, I didn’t think so sometimes as year, I wish I had a spare programme for the second part is not too good for my I was suffering from some sort of throat ruts and mud at the start, I did, however, them, just had to take a photo. Next, heavy machine. Bishopwood produced the fall off – gracefully I was told, in the ruts infection, but that was me not the trial.

31 32 Lands End Trial Here we took advantage of the full tyre Section 6, Sutcombe, though rough is a night. As I said, the hill was easier then. pressure allowance and let them down to short section and all Liege cleared it This year the restart box was at the by John Sawle, Liege - L1 EGE 10 psi. I should say here that in previous despite a restart. Next is Darracott, one of bottom of the incline on Blue Hills 1 and trials all marshals that checked tyre my favourites – I love the hairpins and we because of the panoramic views all the pressures did so with an assortment of cleaned it as usual. Leddon Farm spectators get, we were able to watch his year’s Lands End Trial was gauges, one each of course. This time observed test was not a very good other driver’s techniques as we queued on our third of recent years. I did it many of them seemed to be using the performance by me and I over-ran line C. the hill down to the section. Once started, twice in the 1960s in a Dellow and same type of gauge and I gathered later we went through the water splash and T on returning to trialling found the that the MCC had bought a quantity to Crackington is another enjoyable hill. I stopped with the front wheels in the box sections a good deal rougher than I ensure uniformity in checking tyre especially like the entrance to the section. and the car pulled hard left so that the remembered. Others have said the same pressures. The next step has to be to I would think it is a lovely place to live in nearside wheel was on the bank. We got thing to me and they put it down to make these gauges available to drivers. that valley. Once again all seven Liege moving from the restart and with modern cars being so much more Hopefully then we would not have to get cleaned this section. considerable wheelspin cleaned the capable. out and pump up because the marshal section, much to our relief. Up the hill to says our tyres are ½ psi below the set Next up is the rest halt at Wilsey Down (no Blue Hills 2 behind one of the Trojans. He My partner Mel Brown and I use a Liege pressure. Beggars was slippery this year penalty for early arrival, ha ha). We were didn’t make it and had to be winched with the 850cc Reliant engine. These little and to our dismay I failed to get away from three hours late. Another breakfast and which gave the public time to jest with us. cars can perform well but have no excess the restart. We’ve been used to cleaning chat with our running mates – everyone’s “Two cars have turned over already, John of power. The first two years trialling were this one so I felt I had been put in my OK so far. Section 9 is Warleggan – – are you going to make it three?” “What done with a naturally aspirated engine and place, so to speak. another hill that the Liege copes with kept you boay, youm hours laate, get lost 14 bhp at the back wheels. Since fitting a easily. We seem to do well on stone, didee?” etc etc. I was glad when we got twin screw supercharger before last year’s The next section, Riverton, was a trial all having grip enough and plenty of ground the signal and set off. This section gets Edinburgh we now have 28 bhp. Liege by itself. We got caught in the long wait of clearance but we are taxed on the more rougher every year but we kept moving up owners are now looking around for a about 2 hours. When we finally got going it slippery sections. to the left hander and the restart. We better 16” tyre than the 5.00 Avon cross was daylight. We found the hill very rutted stopped in the box OK and got away again plys we presently use. and Mel rates the hairpins as ‘Very Scary’. Now we come to Hoskin Hill, spoken of to clean the section but Mel said the This is a hill to take flat out in first gear, only in subdued tones. Not a section for marshal shook his head as we pulled So to the trial. We started from Plusha, nr slowing only for the corners. We were very boys of any age. This is a man’s hill, so away. We found out from the provisional Launceston, at 8:10pm, our earliest start pleased to clean it. At the start of sections naturally I have never seen the top of it. results that we were given ORL. Since we ever, and left North Petherton at 12:30am. I always stretch several rubber bands from This one stopped all the Liege and nearly were not in line for an award I accepted it, The first section, Felons Oak, was rated the gear lever up onto the top of the everyone else as well. We got up as far as but not without grumbling. an easy one, from our previous year’s dashboard. This ensures that the gearbox our (class 7) restart and no further. This notes, so I left the tyres up at full pressure, cannot jump out of first gear and gives a one, like Simms, is on our list of hills to So to Scorrier and the sign-off. Another 16 psi. On coming to the restart box, I little extra peace of mind in that conquer. One day perhaps we’ll see the finisher’s certificate to add to the found it so small I’m sure a long department. Seeing me fasten the elastic view from the top. collection, nothing broken on us or the car wheelbase car could have straddled it and bands at one start the marshal remarked and all the Liege finished. Then a good had all four wheels outside the box. We that “the MG boys use leather straps”. Almost home now – just 2 sections to go. dinner with good company. Another happy coped OK with the front wheels in the box Quick as a flash Mel smiled and replied Bishops Wood we found easy but with a trial. but I do think all boxes should be the that we had done leather and we were into nasty restart. I stopped high in the box same size. Having cleaned the first hill we rubber now. I think the poor man was glad and got away to clean the hill but it was went on to Stoney Street and let the tyres to send us on our way. close. Now the home run – we live about a down to 12 psi. This one is rougher and mile away from Blue Hills. This is not a hill cannot be taken too fast in the Liege, Then to Cutcliffe Lane, which we failed we can fail – every second spectator especially over the concrete bars. We through lack of grip. It was one of those knows us or our car and the amount of cleaned it, however, and so on to Culbone occasions when the car goes slower and teasing, leg-pulling etc we would suffer Inn control where I was dying for a cold slower with increasing wheel spin and you can be severe, as we have found out on drink but none was to be had, only tea or know you cannot make it. Very frustrating previous occasions. When I first starting coffee. but at least we weren’t the only Liege to driving in the 1960s, each car, always be stopped. second-hand, was ritually taken up Blue After the statutory 20 minutes wait we Hills 2, usually after the pub on a Saturday were off again towards Beggars Roost.

33 34 Ilkley Trial 21st May 2002) on 106. Class 4 went to Alastair the morning. The first six cars to try to find lane! There then followed more grassy McQueen’s Skoda Rapid, class 5 to Paul section 1 were led into a large field with PCT type sections with Peel’s Wood, Hey by Phil Whatmough Clay’s Austin 7 Ford Special on 130 and three possible exits, none of which were Slack, Wilson’s Wood and Brimham class 6 saw Richard Peck’s Beetle on top arrowed nor did they seem to lead Lodge. At lunch , we were pleased to see ince missing the Land’s End for with 120. Even the more able vehicles in anywhere. On returning to the access the chuck wagon and enjoyed burger, the first time in 10 years, I was classes 7 and 8 were struggling with the track, we saw an arrow attached to the chips and tea. Onwards then to Incline 1, pleased to be given a pass-out conditions – 7 was one by Keith Oakes back of a stone wall and facing us as we Watergate, Cock Hill Mine then finishing S for the Ilkley Trial as a (Dutton Phaeton) on 96 and class 8 by were leaving. How we were supposed to with three hills at Strid Wood. We finished consolation prize. With a start time of 8.57, Robin Preedy in his VW Scorpion on a see it as we arrived, I don’t know. (Apart at 4pm and I suspect that some cars we left base at 6.30 and were through the remarkable final score of only 27. There from that, the instruction asked us to wouldn’t have got in until 6. formalities at Ilkley Rugby Club by 8.30. were only three finishers in class 8, last of proceed through the gates (plural), which Having never done a non-MCC event which was the often indomitable Dudley we did, but what they really wanted us to On balance, we enjoyed the experience before, I assumed that the Yorkshire event Sterry driving his MG J2 with 84 penalties. do was to go through just one gate. and I think Ilkley & DMC did a good job on would be similar, i.e. rough and rocky. an absolutely awful wet day - many clubs How wrong could I be? I was surprised to I guess you have to sympathise with the Sections 3 and 4 had been cancelled due would have struggled to get enough find my non-existent trickling skills being club who would normally have been to rain, and as we got to the end, Sections marshals out in those conditions. tested on some very slippery grassy blessed with some dry weather, if not 22, 23 and 24 had also been closed. The Hopefully, they dried out as quickly as we sections. Never mind, I reasoned to my sunny, during the second half of May. The results also show that section 16 (Incline did. Oh, a special thanks - we thoroughly passenger Ian Blackburn, at least it will sections were laid out with imagination but 1) was cancelled for cars. 5, 6 and 7 enjoyed the free hot pie and fruit tart give us chance to practice on wet grass. not, perhaps, with an expectation of quite (Sword Point) had tricky uphill starts, the provided by Ilkley which we ate in the rain And, was it wet – boggy in many places – so much rain. Having said that, the Clerk last one requiring a permitted flying as we made our way back to Cheshire and we were one of the early cars. As the was aware that it had rained for the past attempt from the other side of the public through the wind and spray of the M65. day progressed, we got more and more week and must have known that the rain and unfortunately some of the forecast was no different, so he could sections were not really able to adequately have been a little kinder with many of the Ilkley Trial 2006 ballasted by son-in-law Chris Smith. handle the 30-odd cars that followed us. hills. And I didn’t understand the need to Together with Sid Hill on his very tidy BSA

limit pressures to 15psi even for the less by John Hinds Gold Star we made up a scratch team. TR-engined Morgans are very torquey and competitive classes (18 for the others). can handle steep rocks and gravel (it loves Many of the sections would have been he Ilkley and District Motor Club The first section at Carr Side was a steep Bluehills 2) quite well but with a big lump very tricky had pressures been free, at once again showed how a trial of cast iron at the front and little facility for slope on dewy grass with the finish at a least for car classes 1 to 5. should be organised. Everything particularly steep part. All the solos taking much ballast at the back, wet, from the “tulip” route card to the muddy, grassy sections are always the Whilst having a gripe, Ian and I were a T cleaned it, but it was nasty for the chairs pie and peas at the finish was just about most testing of surfaces. And so it proved, little concerned about the experience of, or because of the camber. A sidecar is right. The sections are interesting and particularly horrible in reverse so Malcolm but not just for me – I think everyone instructions given to, some of the challenging and the countryside is glorious found it hard, as evidenced by over 80% marshals. For instance, since there was and I both chickened out by turning right (although I suppose the IDMC is not out of the section for a 2. Alexander of car finishers totalling over 100 penalty no indication in the Route Instructions as actually responsible for that.) points from 18 hills. Of the 19 sections to the nature of the one timed test, the Lidgate with his daughter Sallie-Jane in the chair made a determined climb to the tackled, we scored in double numbers start marshal was left to explain what was The forecast promised heavy rain for (10s, 11s and 12s) on most, with seven in required – I just hope she gave the same finish but then they tipped up and all Saturday and Sunday. We drove north tumbled down the hill, Alex taking a hefty single numbers and two cleans, total 135. advice to everybody. And the timing through continuous rain to our digs in thump from the outfit as it rolled over him. appeared to be mental – i.e. I think the Ilkley and were pleasantly surprised to be Amazingly, Ian Thompson riding a Beta man at the end had counted in his head As this was Sallie’s first trial and only her Alp in class A managed a clean round, greeted with clear blue skies on Sunday second time in the chair she gets full and entered ‘9’ on our card. When we morning. next best bike scoring an equally checked, he confirmed this was the time in marks for climbing back on and finishing remarkable six penalties. No class B so the trial. “I’m all right, now,” she said, “it seconds and suggested we move on The motorcycle entry list reads like a class C was won by John Hind on his before we ask any more awkward can only get better!” The other section Triumph with 18 penalty points. Moving to Thames Valley versus Yorkshire match, here was a bit milder but there was a questions! although there is the odd stray from the the cars, class 1, was won by Nigel Sykes scattering of ones and twos from riders in his Mini Moke on 89 and class 2 saw The only other problem we had with the Midlands. I was campaigning a 1960 who (like me) didn’t notice the sharp left at Richard Parker in his Austin 7 on 94 whilst organisation was a lack of arrows and Triumph with Jon Stobbs in the chair while the end until too late. class 3 was won by Colin Perryman (BMW misleading instructions, particularly during Malcolm Brown, also on a Triumph, was

35 36 Sections 3 and 4 were cancelled because Hey Slack was the last section before Ilkley Trial the Dob Park Splash used for the first lunch and it was here that Malcolm special test was running about waist deep. showed his class by cleaning it – one of only eight cleans in all classes – while the John Hind & John At Sword Point 1 I missed the second rest of the sidecars all got a three. At this Stobbs, Triumph 7T deviation from the otherwise straight climb point four bikes were still unpenalised: on pine needles through the woods and Derek Jones, Philip Kinder, Graham earned myself a completely unnecessary Makepiece and Ian Thompson. three. (As Goethe put it: “Against stupidity The lunch break provides an opportunity the gods themselves wrestle in vain.”) to see what everybody else is riding. One (Photos by Steve of the attractions of these events is the Brown) I was very wary of Sword Point 2 having gained an 11 here last year but this time sheer variety of machinery, ranging from all went well and I got my first clean of the Roger Tushingham’s 1930 Scott via day. Sword Point 3 started on a sharp left George Cook’s standard 125cc Bantam, hand across ruts and there were a couple Dennis Buckle’s Tiger Cub (both from of dabs amongst the solo riders; for the 1954) and Ian Chapman’s mid-eighties chairs the tricky bit was getting over the lip 800cc BMW right up to Ian Thompson’s onto the track right at the top. We came to 2006 Beta Alp and the age of the a stop just there, but with the front wheel competitors covers nearly as wide a spindle over the line it counted clean. range. The sky had been clouding over

and by the time we were ready to start the

While Fewston 1 didn’t trouble the scorers second half of the trial it had started to

much, Fewston 2 was much more of a rain. It did not stop. Michael Johnson , challenge, penalising about half the bikes. Suzuki DRZE Wilson’s Wood has been pretty anodyne After a few jeers and cat-calls from the in the past but the organisers had tweaked other sidecarrists when I took a handful of it this year so we had to go round a group throttle and went backwards in neutral, I of bushes at the bottom to be surprised by engaged first and we just about made it to a vertical step which put a lot of elevens the top, though the last few yards were on the sheet. We managed to sneak by on quite hard. After a shaky start I was the right and get into the restart box. The beginning to feel better with a few 0s on rest of the way up was fairly easy provided the card. you kept a lookout for the deviations.

Malcolm, last year’s sidecar winner, was I cannot remember Brimham Lodge 1 at not having a good day. An all; apparently we cleaned it and it was uncharacteristic 9 at Sword point had followed by the remaining timed section. I dented his score a bit. Still, there’s a way gave it full welly here and we clocked a to go yet… good time. It would have been even better if I had realised it was a flying finish (but At Peel’s Wood we saw Roger probably scarier for the observers!) Tushingham sans mount. His Scott had Malcolm Brown & blown a crankcase seal and he’d had to Incline 1 had caught me out last year, but Chris Smith, retire, so we’ll never know if he could have this time there were no problems. Malcolm Triumph T110 made it three wins in a row. The section was meanwhile stuck on Incline 2, which had an extra loop at the bottom for solos served him right, as he wasn’t supposed and Sid collected his first serious penalty. to do it!

For us it was a straightforward climb with Having lost Malcolm we arrived first at a tight right at the summit. Watergate, before it had opened. This is one of my favourite trial sections: through

37 38 VINTAGE & SPORTS CAR SERVICES a stream up a steep left-hander followed deep, soft, black peat on the right of the by a right across some slippery, slabby track. In fact almost everybody got an 8 SPECIAL FUEL TREATMENTS rocks and then along under a drystone here. I think there’s a way to do it, but I’ll wall to a sharp right and finally a hairpin have to wait until next year. Strid 2 was a left at the top. To get across the slabs you lovely off-camber blast across some fairly Silkolene Octane Plus – gives your engine a power boost need a good head of steam. All went to rough ground – OK if you kept your nerve Pro Boost Octane Improver. Specially developed to 250ml treats 50 litres unleaded petrol £3.60 plan and we came out at the top with no – and the last section of all was an uphill combat pre-ignition and improve acceleration. Box 10 special price £31.00 Diesel Power Plus trouble. There was then a long wait before right-hander on grass. Improves throttle response and facilitates cold starting a second machine arrived. It’s a great 1 litre £10.99 500ml treats 500 litres £6.99 Pro FST fuel system treatment. Guards against cold place to watch because you can see all of Just two riders, Grenville Pullan and Ian start engine wear, carburettor icing and fuel system Castrol the section so we hung around to see the Thompson managed a clean card in the corrosion. Combats carburettor sticking and jet Valvemaster Plus lead replacement petrol additive other sidecars’ antics. The Lidgates afternoon – quite an achievement in the blocking. Reduces engine “knock” (pre ignition). plus octane booster 250ml treats 250 litres £9.99 needed a push at one point and I was unremitting rain – so Ian took the honours. Enhances fuel octane rating 500ml £3.60 Valvemaster lead replacement petrol additive foolish enough not to get out of the way of Graham Makepiece missed a marker on 250ml treats 250 litres £5.99 the rooster tail when the big Yam set off Wilson’s Wood, which was enough to drop

Millers – state of the art fuel treatment formula All prices include V AT and got liberally sprayed with mud for my him to second overall. I managed to finish VSP Plus Lead Substitute & Octane Booster £8.50 for overnight delivery troubles! Alex wasn’t moving around much ahead of Malcolm to take the sidecar 250ml treats 40 litres unleaded petrol £4.00 All major credit cards accepted and may have cracked a rib at Carr Side. class and Sid came in with a respectable Box 10 special price £35.00 score so that together we won the team CVL Competition Valve Lubricant Cock Hill Mine is used for nadgery one- award. 250ml treats 20 litres unleaded petrol £5.50 Reliability brings success Box 10 special price £50.00 day trials, but we just used the main drag with a restart. Malcolm had a blonde I must thank the IDMC for their hard work, moment in the restart box (if that’s their obvious organisational talent and Tim Whellock Tel / Fax 01460 66434 possible for a chap with so little hair) and their great welcome. The Ilkley has [email protected] earned himself a few more points. become an unmissable trial for me; I can only recommend it. Three sections together in a field at Strid Wood finished the trial off Beetle Specialist Workshop as Langbar was Spare Wheel Carriers I.R.S. Conversions apparently turning into a bog. Sid T4 Engines Free Advice and I were on a roll by Carburettor Kits then, but Oversize Barrels Strid 1 put a stop to

that. Four “Next Generation” Parts Restorations solos managed

NB: Although the advice is free, If that advice includes buying a product, it would be polite to buy it from us to clean it, Stockists of Superblend Zero Lead 2000 – FBHVC Approved Lead Substitute – Will deliver to most trials but the outfits all fell up to Ballards Place Eardiston Tenbury Wells Worcs WR15 8JR Malcom Brown T110 their axles Tel: 01584-881348 Fax: 01584-881684 (Photo by Steve Brown) into the E-Mail: [email protected] beautiful,

39 40 Ilkley Trial 2006 replaced with an electric fuel pump and But just getting to the start proves a Section 11 Hey Slack. This is the hill regulator, however in typical style not until challenge and our attempt ends with very before the lunch stop (just in time!). It by Ian Cairns, Marlin Roadster the week before! Hence very few miles little traction and a 12. On Sword Point 2 involves a run though a reed bed followed are covered with the car and on the Friday the organisers very kindly allowed by a short difficult climb. It’s a nice hill to ollowing a significant break from night before the trial the hydraulic fuel competitors to take a run up first due to attempt but the last few yards are the trialling after the demise of our pipe bursts and sprays fluid all over the the muddy start to the hill. However as our difficult part where most get caught out. MG Midget, I decided that the hot exhaust, which proves to be a little bit attempt ends in an 11, I think I should We gain a 3, which is pretty reasonable F time was right for a return. smoky but no flames. Frantic searching have used a mile rather than 10 yards. and more fun. Unfortunately this coincided with the locates a replacement pipe and it is duly Sword Point 3 proves to be more to my happy news that we were expecting a fitted and finally bled accompanied by a liking. Here there’s more than just mud To help with our apparent problem with baby. It was certainly going to prove a bit of tyre kicking and choice words. We and the track twists through the woods traction on mud, we both agreed it could challenge. The OK was given and I duly now ready, I hope! before leading to a tricky bit at the top. potentially be cured by the extra ballast starting searching for a Marlin B-series Enjoy this one a lot more and achieve a 3. provided by tasty rain soaked burgers. Roadster, mainly as I always wanted one So we arrive on the morning of the Ilkely And so after a short lunch stop we in the 80s and also as I have to admit a trial on a bit of a low expecting more Sections 8 & 9 lie together on two levels progressed to the section 12 Wilson’s certain perverted fondness for my first car, problems to happen particularly as we within the same field. Fewston 1 was a wood looking for better results. The rain a Morris Marina. Spare the jokes. developed a misfire the night before. We short travel up the field with a long left was still lashing down and the wait for this arrive to find Keith Oakes with his Dutton hand bend. As it was wide with little mud hill was a long one. It appears that they After finding a good road car (in Glasgow carb in pieces. This comes as some this was dispense with fairly easily. were having a lot of delays by getting cars of all places) it was quickly converted to comfort to know that others have late However we were surprise to see queuing out of the hill. I haven’t seen more than trials specification with the assistance of problems as well as me. However I am cars just after the finish given. At Fewston about 12 feet of this hill from last year and Steve Holder (Fourtune Engineering). impressed to see that Keith strips, clean 2 we were presented with the sight of the this year did not offer any more glimpses First trial was last year’s Ilkley. A number and rebuilds the carb in time for MG J2 precariously balanced near to the resulting in an 11. The hill had a restart of faults were uncovered during the trial scrutineering. top being towed out. We unfortunately after a tight’ish left turn. Class 7 & 8 had to ranging from a flat engine, failure of the overheard a marshal saying that this was take a short detour around a tree stump starter motor, electrical problems and a For those of you who haven’t tried the the furthest anyone had got to at that before this restart. This detour has a very lack of weight in the right places. However Ilkley trial yet you will find that it’s a nice point, and fare enough our attempt end in nice step, which threw the front of our car we seem to manage it to the end trial run by the enthusiasm and the same place as many at the entrance outwards and resulted in an abrupt stop unfortunately with lack lustre results. organisation of the Ilkley Motor club. They of a gateway with step, 9 achieved. with nasty noise. Investigation after the hill really do put on a good event with a showed a missing front indicator and bent The next few months were devoted to cheery welcome and it’s certainly worth On arrival at section 10 (Peels Wood) the tie-rod bar bracket, nothing a little bit of sleep depravation following the arrival of finishing just for the food at the end. So to heavens opened and down came the rain. soggy gaffer tape couldn’t resolve. baby Emily. It’s amazing just how much summarise our Ilkley trial. Shortly after From this point on it was pretty constant time they demand. Very rarely am I leaving we went wrong. It’s going to be a throughout the day. I remember this hill Section 13 Brimham lodge 1 is yet another allowed the key to the garage door. long trial. from the previous year and given that it’s grassy field with a very muddy start. We heavy rain have to admit to being spend a significant amount of time The Exeter trial proved to be good fun, to Sections 1&2 (Carr Side) are within the concerned. The hill starts in one field and analysing the best starting position. As it’s start with. However we quickly developed same field, which are short climbs and then leads to another through a gate. The muddy I decided to try and grab second a fuelling problem, which gets tend to be muddy. The first proves difficult previous year the start had originally been once on the move. I did this and ended up progressively worse until the fuel pump with a 6 and the second is better than last lower and we got stuck in the bottom of by removing the top part of the gear lever. finally gives up. To keep the trialling year and we manage a 2, mainly as I went the field before the start. This year the However this idea failed and we achieved momentum going I entered the Cotswold the wrong way at the end, Oops. start was higher up and we were a 12. I think next time we should take on clouds but with little time only manage to determined to go nowhere near the more burgers at the lunch stop. replace the existing mechanical fuel Section 3 & 4 were removed from bottom of the field. As with a lot of pump. But unfortunately to no avail as we programme due to the weather. Section 5, sections so far you could see the main Section 14 Brimham lodge 2 is a simple quickly develop the same fuelling problem 6 and 7 (Sword Point) are within the same problem was getting a significant distance timed section. For fun we decide to try and and make an early exit. woods. On Sword Point 1 we see hardly from the start. The field was just a muddy get a reasonable time; however with the anything other than an MG J2 get much grass field. We tried to take a wider arc on top part of the gear lever missing this So after a year with the car I decided that further than a few feet from the start. The the first part to evade the muddy stuff, proves interesting. we needed to have a better stab at the hill is a straight climb up a muddy track. unfortunately with little effect and we Ilkley. The mechanical fuel pump was skulked off with a 12, not good.

41 42 Sections 15 & 16 (Incline 1 & 2) are two first corner. We had troubled trying to get sections one after another up the same to the start of the second and when we track, which is basically muddy grass. Due tried it I just applied power in the wrong to the weather conditions the section part place and ended up pointing up the hill had been cancelled. The first is rather than going along the track. The last approached though a gateway and then a we made a reasonable attempt but with Bikes on the sharp left turn up the straight climb. The the rain and mud couldn’t get that far. I Lands End tricky part is getting enough speed and think the results were 12, 8 and 10. This traction after going through the gate to was a lot worse than last year. make it up the climb. This defeats us somewhat and we only get a 12. We really The last sequence of hills, sections 22 to do need to look further into the burger 24 (Langbar), by this time had been ballast idea. cancelled due to the weather. So we arrived at the Ilkley Rugby club to sign off, Section 17 Watergate is one hill I like as I partake in a very welcome meal and swap remember it from the Scrap Heap stories with others. challenge television programme. You approach the hill through a ford followed My overall impression of this trial is one of by a muddy rocky climb up a twisting wet weather and frustration. As this trial track. It’s fairly rocky. We enjoy this contains many field based sections they immensely and make a reasonable seem to get quite muddy when the attempt but get caught out but a rocky weather is very wet. I accept that this just step, which causes a rear wheel to lift. We makes it even for everybody, but claim a 6, but I shall look forward to see sometimes it’s a little frustrating not Tim & Anne what we can do next time. making much of an attempt at the hill. Whellock on the However on a positive note I am finally Bovey Down Trial Section 18 Cock Hill Mine. After some please to have a car that is now proving to difficult hills and foul weather this hill be reasonably reliable. So I think I’ll give it proves to be simple but rewarding another go next year and hope that the complete with restart. It is a short open weather improves. twisting track with a mud and rock surface. This hill is cleaned with no dramas.

Section 19, 20 & 21 (Strip Wood) are 3 sections in the same field. Well Bill & Liz I think it must Bennett on have been the the ? Special weather as I test completely mucked up this (Photo: Pat sequence of Toulmin) hills. On the first we couldn’t Ian on Jack steer round the (Photo: Dave Cook)

43 44 Section Ends over the previous year, although support Twenty miles after having climbed the Sevenoaks. The entry included MG’s, a for the classics was still evident. I started quagmire and loose stone section at Lotus 7, H.R.G., Morgan, Peugeot 504., by Dennis Greenslade from the Heston control by passing Boreston drivers found themselves N.S.U., Dellow, Cannon, Honda, Ford Newbury and then along the A 34 and A delayed for at least an hour whilst Escorts, Anglias and Populars, Minis and he Middle East war, the fuel 303 to the main time control for all attempts were made to reach the summit various Imps and Volkswagens with two of shortage and the subsequent competitors at Yeovilton. In previous years of Simms. There were many failures – see the latter fitted with Porsche engines. severe restrictions on motor sport all competitors drove from this central reference to Keith Richards attempt in the T in 1974 enabled some re- control to Exeter for breakfast but in an last edition of Restart – including my own, The trial commenced with the first attempt organisations, which had been under effort to finish the event before darkness through no fault of the car. It was the first at “the Ladder” where at 9.15 am quite a consideration for some time. During the the Heston starters were directed to occasion that I had failed Simms in the large crowd had gathered to watch the enforced break the MCC, which at the time Stretes which was identified as section 8. Beetle and was principally caused by antics of cars and their occupants was undoubtedly the premier motor club initially setting up too much wheelspin by endeavouring to reach the summit of this promoting trials, decided that the 1974 And so it was that Josh Sadler in his using the full power from the new engine. treacherous hill, which had been used for Edinburgh Trial would be a stand-alone Porsche 911 and myself in the VW Beetle Other notables driving Volkswagens were trials over the previous forty years or so. If event and that the three trials, which became the only two cars from the early Alan Foster, Ian Hall, and John Sargeant, unsuccessful most failed either low down qualified for a Triple Award would attempts to satisfactorily complete a very and in addition the likes of Dave Hilliard – 11 or 12 - or virtually half way up – 6 or commence with the 1975 Exeter and slippery Stop and Go test on the hill. Not (1172cc Ford), John Kessell (1600cc 7 - with only Ian Hall (1500cc VW Beetle) henceforth any Triple won would be seen for many years now a Stop and Go Volvo), ACTC President Robin Moore just stopping at the one marker and failing achieved in the same calendar year. The test which formed part of the section (972cc Singer), Graham Greenwell to scrabble over the top. MCC, which today is no longer held in necessitated starting from line A and (1200cc Ford), Ron Grimwood (1600cc such esteem, also decided to become crossing line B some distance further up Ford), and Duncan Welch (1098cc Austin The long lane at Axe was deep in mud more time conscious with timing of the hill within a specified time; on this Healey) were amongst those not to reach with virtually the whole entry stopping at sections of route becoming once again a particular event it was five seconds. In the summit. the seven marker or earlier. Morton Hill, a feature of the events. Time and reliability those days all restarts were also timed, rutted track through a farm was also much had hitherto been part of the three usually allowing two or three seconds to Cornish drivers fared well with Dave Keat more greasy than it appeared and this traditional classics and it was deemed cross the line depending upon the class (1500cc Hillman Avenger), Roger Brewer caught the unwary driver on the approach appropriate to tighten up in order to try to entered. One of the problems for the (1294cc Simca) and Gerry Kempthorne to a gateway on the upper reaches of the keep the trials moving. In my view a organisers centered upon the accuracy of (1600cc Ford engined MG Midget) climb. Penalised low down were Arthur sensible decision which could be re-visited the timing, which was conducted by hand winning their respective classes in Cleveland in his 1600cc Porsche engined today in an effort to reduce those regulars held stopwatch. Over the course of a long company with Peter Le Couteur (1172cc Beetle, a car which had been prepared by who hold back in the belief that it might period of marshalling a section, where, on Dellow) and Maurice Croome (3528cc Lansdown Motors, the donators of one of give them an advantage on certain occasions marshals even changed, it was Morgan). the major trophies for the event and Ken sections. deemed insufficiently accurate as a tenth The renowned Cotswold Clouds Trial Malin driving his 1172cc Buckler MK5. of a second or so might be the difference expertly organised by Stroud and District The 1172cc Dellows of Peter Le Couteur During the summer of 1974 I took the in gaining a Gold or Silver medal. On this Motor Club was eagerly awaited in that and Nigel Brown, the 1250cc MG J2’s of opportunity to improve the performance of particular Exeter the Stop and Go element winter of 1975. Owing to swine vesicular Dudley Sterry and Roy Newton, Ian my 1970 VW Beetle, which by now had of the hill became so atrocious that the disease in the area in 1973 and the fuel Davisons 939cc MG PA, John Tucker- won twelve trials championships and two marshal decided to cancel that aspect after problems of 1974 there had been a lapse Peake’s 1600cc Ford Popular and John of my subsequent eight Triple Awards. The twenty or so attempts and it was excluded of two years. The trial was avidly Blackwell’s 1500cc Ford Anglia, the 1584cc engine, which had covered 44,000 from the results. encouraged by the population of the 1000cc Mini of David Powell, the 600cc trouble free miles, was increased to nearby towns and villages and even more Honda of Peter Turner, the 875cc Hillman 1776cc by fitting 90.5 mm barrels and From the breakfast halt at the Countess entertaining for spectators was the Imp of Darrell Smith and my 1776cc pistons and the Nikki carburettor was Wear Hotel at Exeter we were directed to a inclusion into the route of the notorious Beetle were the only clean climbs from the replaced with a Reece-Fish. More power section at Battleford, which was found to Nailsworth Ladder, which was to be forty nine car entry. but not necessarily better results! be impracticable due to adverse weather attempted twice. conditions in the previous week, and so all The entourage returned to Nailsworth The new year commenced with the Exeter cars were diverted to Strete Gate. This Most of the well-known contenders in where it appeared that the watching crowd which attracted two hundred and seventy section which climbs the cliff side reliability trials had entered for the event had quadrupled. To make the section entries. Perhaps a larger entry had been overlooking Start Bay was extremely easy, having travelled from places as widely even more difficult a chicane had been anticipated but the Arab-Israeli war had the only failures being a 1098cc Morris and spread as Liverpool, Truro, Rhyl and introduced near the apex, necessitating increased the cost of motoring dramatically a Citroen DS21.

45 46 even more skill if a successful climb was by a member of the host club leaving me needs as much encouragement as to be achieved. An extremely rough pot to collect the Lansdown Motors Trophy possible. However the following points holed section at Catswood was cleaned being one point behind and Kent driver MOTORCYCLE have been made: by virtually the whole entry and then as Simon Durling (1584cc VW Beetle) to take was the character of the Cotswold Clouds a class award. Ian Davison won his class First, the ACTC/MCC sidecar at the time we entered the Ebworth Estate in the MG PA, John Tucker-Peake won CHAMPIONSHIPS specification is quite clear in requiring to compete over another five sections. the battle of the Ford Populars and David sidecars to conform with ACU Harris (1600cc Ford Escort) won the battle Championship registration requirements. It is the responsibility of Cambridge garage owner Jack Frost with of the remaining front-engined saloons. 2006 Championship registrations as at the event scrutineers to ascertain that all his 1600cc Porsche engined Buggy won David Powell’s 1000 cc Mini won the small beginning of April totalled 22 for the competing vehicles meet the required the overall award closely followed by that class for front wheel drive saloons. Pouncy championship and 5 for the Red specifications. It may be illegal to use a expert Dellow driver, Peter Le Couteur. Rose Bowl. The total includes seven new sidecar with a passenger and no seat on Darrell Smith won the Best Performance members. A promotional article was the public highway. A couple of years published in the Lands End edition of the ago an ACTC competitor was given Triple and I am confident will result in points on his licence because his Cornish garage proprietor further membership applications. passenger was standing up whilst on John Kessell competed in the road between sections one of these very versatile The 2006 Championships cars on the 1975 Exeter In terms of championship positions, after If the event is being run under the ACU Trial where he won a Silver the publication of the provisional Lands Medal only failing Simms, regulations what would happen if one of as did many others. As we End Trial results, Yoshi Adams is these outfits injured a marshal, will see from the next maintaining his lead in the Pouncy spectator, fellow competitor or edition of Section Ends Championship on 30 points, pursued by a themselves. Would the insurance be John obtained a Gold gaggle of riders including Tom Beckerleg, valid? Medal in the Land’s End of Graham Makepeace and Chris Poel. Last that year also sharing a year’s Champions, Andy and Anita Whilst ACU sidecar specification class win with Dave Keat Petherick lead the fight for the Rose Bowl conformists do not believe that the (1500 cc Hillman Avenger), on 37, ahead of Alex Lidgate and John absence of a nose cone makes a both drivers achieving Webb on 22 and John Hind on 11. serious difference in performance, the exactly the same time on ACU requirement for a seat almost the combined speed tests. Sidecar eligibility certainly does make a difference. There This article is being written before the date is a distinct advantage for enduro type of the meeting to meet the Restart sidecar teams in not having a seat deadline and the following report was getting in the way of passenger presented to the ACTC council meeting on movement on a section th 8 May. Rose Bowl competitors are understandably seeking a clarification of John Kessell 1600c I have been contacted by a number of the Rose Bowl competitors regarding the the position regarding compliance with the Volvo PV 544 published sidecar class specification and growing use of sidecars in some ACTC events, which do not conform with the the continued use of enduro biased outfits. 1975 Land’s End – One suggestion has been that such Bluehills Mine ACU specification in respect of nose cones and seats. This is an issue relevant sidecars may be permitted to take part in to both competitors and organising clubs individual events, but their results will not and requires debate on 7th May. impact upon the scores of Rose Bowl Championship contenders.

I must make it clear that the last thing The thoughts of competitors, scrutineers Rose Bowl competitors who have and club officials are invited. Any change contacted me want is for these enduro to the existing rules would clearly need to biased outfits to be excluded from events be approved at the Autumn AGM to take altogether – after all the sidecar class effect from 1st January 2007.

47 48

Situation vacant? Crackington Table 2006 After: Kyrle Date 14 May 2006 Due to competing demands on my time, I am finding it increasingly difficult to give the role of Motorcycle Co-ordinator the Keith Johnston focus I believe it deserves. I would be very [email protected] interested to hear from any ACTC

01225 760415 Exeter Clee Hills Exmoor Cotswold C Northern End Land's Kyrle Taw & Torridge Exe Valley Edinburgh Clouds Exmoor Tamar Hardy Allen Classic Camel Best 9 Total No Events Scored motorcycling member who would be Andrew Martin 5.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 9.8 5.0 11.0 63.8 63.8 7 interested in working alongside me and Adrian Dommett 3.0 11.0 10.5 9.4 10.5 5.0 10.2 59.6 59.6 7 Simon Groves 5.0 10.5 10.7 11.0 7.7 11.0 55.9 55.9 6 possibly taking over at the end of this year. David Haizelden 5.0 10.5 10.6 10.6 5.0 41.7 41.7 5

Carl Talbot 10.0 10.9 10.0 10.8 R 41.7 41.7 4 Giles Greenslade 10.5 9.2 10.4 10.2 40.3 40.3 4 Bill Bennett 5.0 9.0 10.4 9.5 5.0 38.9 38.9 5 Tristan White 3.0 7.5 5.0 10.0 1.0 9.0 35.5 35.5 6 Championship Details Dudley Sterry 5.0 7.0 9.9 4.0 3.0 6.0 34.9 34.9 6 Championship Chat Now on to the tables and we’ll start off with Ross Norman 1.0 9.0 6.9 6.0 11.0 33.9 33.9 5 Sticker Martin 5.0 9.7 8.0 10.7 R 33.4 33.4 4 the Crackington where Andrew Martin is Adrian Marfell 11.0 11.0 10.0 32.0 32.0 3 Team Table still leading the way, just, from Adrian Nicola Wainwright 5.0 9.4 5.6 5.0 6.9 31.9 31.9 5 First thing is a confession and an apology. Dommett. Simon Groves in this Escort is Harvey Waters 3.0 10.0 8.8 3.0 5.0 29.8 29.8 5 Ray Goodright 1.0 8.0 R 8.0 5.0 7.0 29.0 29.0 5 Due to a major blunder on my part I have going very well in third place and only Ian Davis 8.0 7.0 9.8 4.0 28.8 28.8 4 managed to delete the Team Table folder eight points covers the top three. Dave Terry Coventry 1.0 8.5 8.6 9.5 27.6 27.6 4 from my PC in its entirety. I shall be able Haizelden and Carl Talbot are tied in Dick Bolt 5.0 8.5 5.7 5.0 3.0 27.2 27.2 5 Peter Hart 5.0 9.0 10.8 1.0 25.8 25.8 4 to reconstruct the table, but I’m currently fourth with Giles Greenslade, Bill Bennett Paul Allaway 1.0 9.6 7.6 5.0 23.2 23.2 4 checking with the various teams to make and Tris White not that far behind. Clearly Andrew Rippon 3.0 7.0 3.0 10.0 23.0 23.0 4 sure that I get the correct personnel in nothing is settled in this one and the final Mark Tooth 3.0 9.5 7.4 3.0 22.9 22.9 4 each. So the Team Table probably won’t Peter Barr 3.0 10.4 1.0 7.9 22.3 22.3 4 eight events should prove very interesting. Mike Workman 6.0 8.0 8.0 22.0 22.0 3 be in this Restart, but I’ll let Pat have it as Richard Peck 5.0 6.5 9.2 20.7 20.7 3 soon as possible so that she can put it up Mr Martin has more of a grip on the Keith Sanders 10.3 10.3 20.6 20.6 2 on the website. Wheelspin, with a lead of 14 points from John Ludford 6.0 5.0 8.0 19.0 19.0 3 Paul Bartleman 5.0 9.0 5.0 19.0 19.0 3 Adrian Dommett. Carl Talbot, Adrian Derek Tyler 10.0 9.0 R 19.0 19.0 2 Electronic Restart? Marfell, Dudley Sterry, Bill Bennett, Dave Kelly Thomas 9.0 10.0 19.0 19.0 2 One of the subjects which was discussed Haizelden and Ross Norman are Tony Young 2.0 7.9 0.0 8.8 18.7 18.7 3 Colin Perryman 4.0 8.7 6.0 18.7 18.7 3 at the May ACTC Council meeting was the scrapping for the minor places so there’s Ian Moss 10.6 1.0 7.0 18.6 18.6 3 possibility of sending out the Restart every prospect of seeing a close end to Mal Allen 7.0 0.0 7.8 3.0 17.8 17.8 3 electronically to those of our Members this one as well. Terry Ball 5.0 8.4 3.0 16.4 16.4 3 Stephen Potter 7.5 8.4 15.9 15.9 2 who would like to receive it this way. I was John Wilton 8.5 7.4 15.9 15.9 2 asked to carry out a survey of members Becey Macey, Andrew Martin’s ever- Michael Chatwin 3.0 3.0 9.0 15.0 15.0 3 and very shortly I shall be e-mailing all present passenger leads the Navigators Nick Farmer 1.0 9.5 4.0 14.5 14.5 3 Dave Sargeant 8.6 5.9 14.5 14.5 2 Members for whom I have an email League from Ralph Talbot with Liz Michael Warnes 5.0 9.3 14.3 14.3 2 address to ask them if they would like to Bennett, young Aaron H and Tina Allaway Bill Rosten 5.0 8.9 13.9 13.9 2 receive Restart electronically. If you think not that far behind. Still plenty of time and David Miller 3.0 0.0 9.7 12.7 12.7 2 John Looker 5.0 7.5 12.5 12.5 2 that I don’t have your e-mail address and events for all those positions to change, Stuart Roach 3.0 9.3 12.3 12.3 2 would like to opt for the electronic route though. Roger Reed 4.0 7.5 11.5 11.5 2 then drop me an email and let me know. Derek Reynolds 6.5 4.7 11.2 11.2 2 ([email protected]) David Dyer 10.4 10.4 10.4 1 I hope you all have a good summer, as Jeff Buchanan 10.3 10.3 10.3 1 and when it arrives, and I shall look Richard Dawe 1.0 9.3 10.3 10.3 2 The results of this survey will be presented forward to the rest of this year’s Trials and Nigel Green 2.0 8.0 10.0 10.0 2 to the next ACTC Council meeting in Tony Branson 4.0 5.80 9.8 9.8 2 to getting out again in September. Thomas Aldrian 3.0 6.5 9.5 9.5 2

September for further discussion. Gregor Dixon-Smith 1.0 8.3 9.3 9.3 2 Brian Partridge 5.0 0.0 1.0 3.0 9.0 9.0 3 Murray Montgomery-Smith 5.0 0.0 4.0 9.0 9.0 2 Chris Tom Jefferis 9.0 9.0 9.0 1

Tim Smith 0.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 1 49 50 Wheelspin Table 2006 After: Kyrle Date 14 May 2006

Exeter Hills Clee Exmoor C Cotswold Northern End Land's Kyrle & Torridge Taw Exe Valley Edinburgh Clouds Exmoor Tamar Hardy Allen Camel Classic Best 9 Total No Events Scored FORTHCOMING EVENTS Andrew Martin 57109754 4747 7 Adrian Dommett 3 2 8 10 5 5 33 33 6 DATE EVENT CLUB STATUS Carl Talbot 9 9 9 27 27 3 Adrian Marfell 10 2 9 21 21 3 16th July Testing Trial MCC * Dudley Sterry 5 3 7 3 3 21 21 5 17th September Taw & Torridge Holsworthy Championship (C/M) Bill Bennett 5 8 3 5 21 21 4 David Haizelden 5 3 7 5 20 20 4 24th September Exe Valley Crash Box Championship (C/M) Ross Norman 1 8 10 19 19 3 7th October Edinburgh MCC Championship (C/M) Simon Groves 5 2 6 3 16 16 4 Peter Hart 5 8 1 14 14 3 14th October Ebworth Stroud ACTC invite Harvey Waters 3 6 1 3 13 13 4 14th October Welsh VSCC * Michael Chatwin 3 8 11 11 2 Sticker Martin 5 6 11 11 2 22nd October Exmoor Clouds Minehead Championship (C/M) Ian Moss 10 1 11 11 2 29th October Tamar L&NCMC Championship (C/M) Paul Bartleman 5 5 10 10 2 Nicola Wainwright 5 5 10 10 2 5th November Tarka North Devon Championship (M) David Miller 3 5 8 8 2 5th November Bodmin Camel Vale ACTC invite Tristan White 3 4 1 8 8 3 Terry Ball 5 3 8 8 2 11th November Lakeland VSCC * Mike Workman 7 7 7 1 12th November Mechanics Stroud MC ACTC invite Ian Davis 6 6 6 1 Brian Partridge 5 1 6 6 2 26th November Neil Westcott Exmoor MC Championship (M) Andrew Rippon 3 3 6 6 2 26th November Hardy Woolbridge Championship (C) Mark Tooth 3 3 6 6 2 Paul Allaway 1 5 6 6 2 3rd December Allen BMC&LCC Championship (C) Ray Goodright 1 5 6 6 2 10th December Camel Classic Camel Vale Championship (C) David Bache 5 55 1 Dick Bolt 5 55 1 Giles Greenslade 5 5 5 1 John Looker 5 55 1 Richard Peck 5 55 1 Michael Warnes 5 55 1 Bill Rosten 5 5 5 1 Tom Jefferis 4 4 4 1 Colin Perryman 4 4 4 1 Derek Tyler 4 4 4 1 Peter Barr 3 1 4 4 2 Kelly Thomas 3 3 3 1 Mal Allen 3 3 3 1 Roger Bricknell 3 3 3 1 Barry Clarke 3 3 3 1 Nigel Moss 3 3 3 1 Bryan Phipps 3 3 3 1 Stuart Roach 3 3 3 1 Rob W ells 3 3 3 1 Michael Collins 3 3 3 1 Tim Foster 2 2 2 1 Terry Coventry 1 11 1 Richard Dawe 1 11 1 Kim Dear 1 11 1 * Member club events with restrictions as to which clubs are invited or which vehicles are eligible. Nick Farmer 1 11 1 Stuart Harrold 1 11 1 Tommy Kalber 1 11 1 Peter Mountain 1 11 1 Keith Sanders 1 1 1 1 Chris Symons 1 1 1 1 Tony Young 1 1 1 1 Gregor Dixon-Smith 1 1 1 1 David Symons 1 1 1 1 Paul Weston 1 1 1 1 51 52