The Quarterly Bulletin of the Classic Trials World RESTART RESTART

The official newsletter of the Association of Classic Trials Clubs Volume No: 28

Issue 1, March 2017 Aer all the Winter’s serious trialling compeon is over, Windwhistle Motor Club have a date for your diary.

April 30th 2017 (2 weeks aer the Lands End) This is the Bank holiday weekend so make a long weekend and stay over in beauful East Devon.

The Bovey Down Trial

Held in the woods (mainly a hillside now due to harvesng) used on the MCC Exeter trial that contains Normans Hump and Clinton near Seaton in Devon.

This single venue trial is not only a fun event, it is especially good for first mers to have a go in the Novice class (there is an award). Non licence holders are also welcome. Experienced crews can also use it as a test bed for new equipment.. No road mileage, plenty of parking, catering by the local carnival club and a loo make it a comfortable and fun day out.

There will be AT LEAST 20 secons to aempt, with results compiled on the day.

For more details please contact [email protected] or download he entry form from the ACTC website or hp://www.windwhistlemotorclub.com/forms

Cover photographs :

2016 ACTC champions:

Dean Partington, 2016 Cotswold Clouds, Bull’s Bank

Dave Haizelden 2016 Allen, Ubley Woods 2

Geoff Wescott 2016 Lands End, Hoskins

(Photos by Dave Cook)

Restart is printed by Hertfordshire Display plc www.hdprint.co.uk

RESTART Volume 28, Issue 1, March 2017 EDITORIAL

ACTC Council Officers Advertising Rates Editor: Mrs Pat Toulmin Northbrook Assistant Editor: 4, Briery Lands Jonathan Toulmin President: Simon Woodall Inside Half Page 1 Issue £12.50 Heath End Tel: 01789 731332 Vice Presidents: Alan Foster Snitterfield [email protected] Martin Halliday 2 Issues £20.00 3 Issues £32.50 Stratford on Avon John West CV37 0PP Robin Moore 4 Issues £35.00 Full Page Double the above Tel: 01789 731332 www.actc.org.uk Anne Templeton [email protected] Chairman: Giles Greenslade Inside Cover Half Page 4 Issues £55 Vice Chairman Brian Partridge After the tragic accident on the Exeter Trial I was contacted almost straight away by Treasurer: Barbara Selkirk Full Page 4 Issues £100 one of our authors, asking whether we still wanted him to write a report in the very Championship Secretary Carl Talbot sad circumstances. Motorcycle Co-ordinator Stephen Bailey All rates payable in advance All income supports the publication of Championship Monitor: James Shallcross Giles and I decided to cancel the authors out of respect for the families. At the time Rights of Way Officer: Andrew Brown Restart. we didn’t know what had happened to the passenger, and of course didn’t know that Secretary: Bill Bennett The opinions expressed by the MCC were eventually going to produce results, albeit for a shortened trial, or contributors and advertisers are not that photographs would be available. We may have overreacted, but at the time we necessarily shared by the editor or the thought it was the right approach. ACTC. In these new circumstances Jonathan very kindly offered to write a report on the Exeter, so we do have a record of the event.. We were an early number and so finished the full trial.

I join the rest of ACTC and send heartfelt commiserations to the driver’s family and

friends..

CONTENTS I did reproduce an article on the 1934 Exeter from the Light Car magazine, but thanks to our authors on other trials I have a full magazine without it, so I will keep Giles’ Jottings 2 in my back pocket in case of future needs. Bill’s Bits 4 Exeter 6 Due to various unforeseen circumstance Carl and I apologise that the Clee 9 championship tables were not ready in time for this issue. However they are being Exmoor 26 worked on almost as I write and will very shortly be available on the ACTC website. Cotswold Clouds 29 Northern 36 Again many thanks to our authors and photographers. Forthcoming Events 44 FINAL COPY DATE FOR So we’re already in March and Christmas is something of a distant GILES’ memory with Easter just around the NEXT ISSUE : corner.

The start of the year saw the Exeter kick- JOTTINGS off the 2017 trialling year only for the 2nd June event to be cancelled due to the tragic

1 2 incident on Wooston Steep. (later Which brings me on to the annual main focus is on speed events from reinstated as a shortened event) It was awards evening. As alluded to Formula 1 to karting and if it weren’t for a shock to the whole trialling world as previously there is a new organising Bill’s Bits the persuasion and influence of the an incident of this magnitude is unheard team this year and I hope as many of ACTC we would have to contend with a of in our sport. Obviously our you as possible will support the event. It lot more regulation which is designed to condolences go out to all friends and is a great social occasion and I am sure regulate those speed events, this would family. will be one of the highlights of the (Sect’s Spin) make our lives much more difficult and trialling year. Keep an eye out for further more expensive. You will hopefully have noticed that a details and as always most information I’ve started writing this at the B&B we number of the committee members will relating to the trials world will be found stay in each year when coming to The ACTC also organises the Annual be standing down at the upcoming on the ACTC website. Cumbria for the Northern Trial, I’ve just Trials Championships and the Awards meeting in May and therefore the ACTC received an email from the Restart Evening which not only is the time for are in need of volunteers to come Finally, there has been some initial Editor saying time is running out for the winners to collect their awards but forward and assist in the shaping of the discussions recently regarding the copy for inclusion in the next Restart also a chance for us all to meet up for sport for the future. Nomination forms possibility of reviewing the car class magazine, so thought I better crack on an enjoyable social evening, meeting have been sent to all clubs, so if you structure and whether what was set-up with it before going to the pub for our friends for a chat without having to get feel you can take on a role please let over 35 years ago still works today. We evening meal. Liz and I have just spent dirty (in a manner of speaking!) The yourself be known. have seen the increasing reduction in a lovely day with the rest of the Bennett ACTC also help clubs with the format of numbers in Class 2, with a clan, walking part way around Derwent the trials they organise, recently this In the last copy of restart I apologised corresponding enlarging of Class 5. Water then taking a boat trip right has been regarding the competitor for a mix-up with the winner of the Classes 3 and 4 have diminished from around the lake, before returning to the insurance whilst taking part in trials, Crackington cup and we published an where they were and Class 1 has Theatre Café in Keswick for a slice of (although there is still a little confusion updated set of tables. Unfortunately, it remained the preserve of a select few homemade cake and a cup of tea, very as to if drivers pay for their insurance in seemed the results were still incorrect for at least twenty years now. pleasant! We are now looking forward the entry fee or have to take out their and the winner was who I’d originally to the Northern Trial tomorrow. own insurance). stated, namely David Haizelden. So Personally I believe classes grow and apologies again, especially to Sticker shrink in size and this has certainly Recently I sent out nomination forms to Another good example of how the Martin who for a time was named as the been evident for classes 4 and 5 since I all member clubs for the election of the ACTC helps organising clubs and winner. I am sure with Carl Talbot have been trialling. In fact it was only a new ACTC officers who will take up competitors alike is the scrutineering looking after the championships for this decade ago when there was their offices at the ACTC AGM meeting card scheme. This speeds up the year the results will be more accurate. consideration given to the removal of next September. All positions are up for scrutineering process at each trial That said, part of the reason for the Class 5 due to such low numbers. re-election. The people currently saving everybody valuable time and incorrect scores was down to confusion However, are we now in a situation holding some positions are prepared to helps to keep track of any faults found as to who had entered as a Clubman whereby thought needs to be given as stand for re-election, but not those of at earlier events and their solutions. and who had entered as a National B to whether the current set-up is working, Chairman. Vice Chairman and (Although this scheme only works if competitor when clubs were running especially considering the increasing Competition Secretary. Obviously each club returns the necessary dual permit events. We do need clubs to cost of classic cars and the subsequent ACTC can’t function without these information after each scrutineering clearly identify each category in the cost implications of both owning them offices being filled, so it’s critical you session, something which isn’t results. as well as taking them up potentially car and your clubs nominate people for happening as it should at the moment. breaking hills. these and all other positions, so that Talking of championships you will see you have the committee you want ACTC also has a Tyre Officer who that this year introduces the new As I say, this is simply a topic that has looking after your trialling interests. keeps an up-to-date list of tyres which regional championships. These will run been raised at this point but if you have can be used for trials. This list can then alongside the existing leagues and will any strong feelings one way or another Why do we need the ACTC? Can’t be referred to by all drivers, clubs and hopefully encourage more competition please discuss with your club and if you clubs just get on and organise their own event organisers, without the ACTC across the geographical areas. So if you feel change is due then raise it through events without ACTC being involved? each club would need to create their have never felt able to do all the rounds your delegate. Well, possibly but who would liaise with own tyre list which then might differ previously, perhaps now you can focus the MSA, the overall governing body of causing confusion for competitors and on a specific region and still be part of Enjoy the rest of the spring season. all motor sport? The ACTC has done a possible wasted money buying tyres the ACTC awards. great job in the past influencing which are not accepted by all clubs. GILES decisions on regulations which affect our branch of motorsport. The MSA’s

3 4 The tyre list prevents the use of very The Exeter Trial – a sad event and was about to stop and reverse, but aggressive tyres which damage the I think the ACTC offer a valuable service decided to carry on, and we got to the sections we use and also increases the by Jonathan Toulmin top without further drama. Next up was to trialists and to the organising clubs climbing ability of cars & bikes which in alike, but what do you think? If you Adrian Tucker-Peake in this highly turn encourages the clerks of the course t started well, but down (and up) hill modified MGF, and I learnt from him that agree then we need volunteers to step from there – at least for some. The to make sections steeper and rougher in forward to contest the offices being the start of the section was indeed on route book and entry booklet looked the tarmac lane, which was not what the an attempt to stop competitors, this then advertised and keep the organisation increases the risk of accidents on these I very smart in their pale blue covers. route book suggested, but no harm alive, active and healthy. sections. There were some differences from done. Rather surprisingly, 43 recent “Exeters”, the first being that the motorcyclists and just 4 car drivers lost run from the start (Cirencester for us) to And last but certainly not the least, we the possibility of a 2017 Triple award Haynes museum just outside Sparkford, get the informative Restart magazine there. Onward to “Underdown”, arriving was actually part of the main trial, no which you are reading right now and exactly on schedule at 3.27am. The Bill Bennett longer a “touring assembly”, so we had which keeps us all up-to-date with section is a long way from the road – the to follow the prescribed route, and would what’s happening on the trials scene, very bumpy track twists its way down, miss out on the opportunity to fuel up at and the Championships. It also offers down and further down – it seems to go Sparkford Services before ‘clocking in’ another chance for everyone to have a th on for ages. I did not notice anything at Haynes. Being an early car (17 out say on events, etc. unusual about the start-line, but ten of 230 in the ‘main’ trial, and another 52 competitors (some very experienced) in class 0), we started shortly before were penalised for a “roll back”, and 13 9.30 pm and we were again glad that others failed. The section is terrific with the X-90 has a roof as it was raining lots of gradient, sharp corners and grip! I quite hard. We felt sorry for all of the could have done with better spot lamps, eighty ‘bikers who were having to brave nearly taking the wrong route a one the elements. Sixty miles later we were point. After section ends there was lots at the Steps Lane observed test. more bumpy track going up, up and Despite being in a “QQ” location, the further up, eventually re-joining the obscure turning was not marked (well public road exactly where we had left it. we didn’t see any), and some competitors missed it. No regularity test After a short stop for fuel and a this time, just the normal “over line B, signature on the all-important control reverse, and forward to line C”. card at Musbury garage, we arrived at Norman’s Hump at 4.15am. I have We pottered on slowly towards Haynes, always enjoyed “Normans”, it just stopping for fuel in the middle of disappears into the black sky and looks nowhere. We still arrived at Haynes over like a real challenge as it is so steep. I 1 hour early, so too much time for probably failed it in my Hillman Imp days breakfast, rest, cups of tea, chatting to in the 1980s, but I do not remember friends etc. Just before 2am we having any real problem with it since departed for the 20-mile run to “Classic then. It seemed a little rougher than I Canes” where we joined quite a queue. I had remembered, and perhaps I was a know that it can be slippery, having little complacent, but near the top there failed to get to the start-line a couple of was quite a hole on the right-hand side, years ago. The queue suggested that it and I managed to drive into, but not out would be a challenge again. Eventually, of it. That was a big sadness, my “gold” after letting out more air from the tyres, gone already! The most difficult part was On the occasion of the 1995 MGCC 60th Anniverary Trials Car Reunion weekend, we were at the front of the queue, but reversing down in the pitch dark and it held at Rodborough. still on the tarmac lane. The marshals was achieved only with a huge dollop of beckoned us in through the gate, and I good luck, my Suzuki’s reversing lights David Rolfe, MG M Type, enjoying a romp up Nailsworth Ladder followed the wheel ruts looking for the shining into darkness, but seemed to ‘section begins’ sign. There was none! I show nothing of the track behind me – (Photo: The R. M. Collection) thought that I had somehow missed it,

5 6 thank goodness the section is dead when trials hills are all about keeping Tillerton, just ten miles along the lanes, and the class-winning 2-litre Ford “Pop” straight! 27 other drivers who were going! I let the tyres down a tad more was so very different, and it was raining of Dick Bolt. Seventeen other class 7s defeated there and 18 ‘bikers stopped or than for some sections. In fact, the again. There was quite a queue – lost their chance of a ‘gold’ on Tillerton. footed on the Hump. Just a few restart line was on a fairly level bit of the almost half an hour. We were 15 Class 8 fared no better, nine failed, but hundred yards brought us to Clinton, the open hillside, and it seemed easy minutes early when we arrived and as Ryan Eamer, Dudley Sterry, Brian biggest challenge there being the acute enough. At the top, there was an much late when we left. Classes 7 & 8 Partridge and Neal Vile were all hairpin bend at the very start. The enormous tractor ready to pull anyone had to do a dastardly restart, and class successful. section shakes you up and there were up who needed it. With the aid of its 8 were limited to 12 psi, but with the rather large thumps from the bright headlamps we pumped up, it was shark’s teeth rocks that are so much a There was a little drizzle, but no queue suspension, but forward motion was just before 6 a.m. but still dark. The feature of the section, who would want at all, when we arrived at Fingle Bridge maintained. Just after ‘section ends’, results showed that 3 class 8s failed to go softer than that? It was as rough a couple of minutes after 10 o’clock, and Nigel Jones and Dave Hunt were there, and just six from the other car as ever – during our attempt my exactly on scheduled time. You may changing a wheel on the MX5. Two classes and four or five of the ‘bikes. passenger (she who must be obeyed) have heard me mention before that I drivers forgot to stop at the restart (for hit her head on the roof, but not hard have a photograph of my father on class 8 only) and two other class 8s Next was the breakfast stop and we enough to break the glass roof panel! Fingle taken in 1934 in the MG PA that I failed. No class 7 or 6 failed, but 14 of were hungry! We arrived at Crealy One-third of class A, about half of class now have. On the back of the photo, the lower classes stopped, and about Adventure Park more than one hour B, two-thirds of class C and all but two dad has written “Fingle Timed Climb” – ten bikers accrued penalties on Clinton. early – and, it is sad to say, it is not the of class D (the Yamaha outfit of John wow! That must have been exciting and place to while away the hours. Breakfast Young and John Hind, who won that fun. It was rather rougher than Just two miles to Waterloo, and it was was an adventure, but a sad one. There class, and the gold-medal winning CCM/ expected, and just once or twice we had nearly ours too. Unusually, there was was almost no choice, you could buy Rotax machine of Geoff and John rather more wheelspin than expected, no queue at all – we were almost the (without seeing what you were about to Wescottof) failed or footed. Ian Cundy but Fingle caused very little difficulty first car there. The section was slippery, buy) a hot drink or a so-called full (Golf) was the only class 1 competitor to stopping only one motorcycle and four and the sharp corners provoked quite a breakfast. As our next food stop would see the top, but somehow both the early cars. bit of tail-wagging, which nearly got the be six hours away, we had little choice 1930s MGs (of Bill Bennett and David better of me at one point. That did and shared some sort of breakfast and Rolfe) got up – remarkable! In class 3, Wooston Steep was next, and we had happen to another X-90 which ended up several cups of tea. three Fords and an Avenger got up, but quite a wait. Classes A, B, 7 & 8 had to through a hedge and into the adjacent all six BMWs failed. Only four in class 4 tackle the full works, but the rest of us field! Nine bikers failed or footed and 24 I am unsure why the club puts us back were still running at Tillerton – Nicola turned left after the ‘A’ boards, and so drivers met their Waterloo there. into number order there. With many Butcher and Dennis Greenslade being were spared the difficult and steep bit. competitors being much earlier than the only ones to go “clean” there. Class As we waited, some competitors were At quarter past five, but not raining, we their scheduled time of arrival, the 5 boasted a remarkable fifty entries, coming back and having to squeeze were only the second car at Stretes, and ‘canteen’ was very busy. What to do for twenty-two being X-90s of which only 5 past us to get to the “fails route”. In the the first for twenty minutes, so somehow two hours on a wet morning? got to the top – thankfully Pat and I were event, the shorter section for the ‘lower we had overtaken fifteen competitors Eventually 8.30 came and we were on one of them! classes’ was not difficult. without trying. The start line can be our way again and to some excitement! really slippery – we failed it a couple of A brand new section called “Kingswell”, With class 5 now being, For reasons that most will understand, I years ago – but there was no real between Tedburn St. Mary and Cheriton overwhelmingly, the largest car class, will not go into any detail about the difficulty this time. With just one Bishop, awaited us. The start was perhaps the idea of having a special successes and failures for Wooston exception, the bikes were “clean” and it almost above the A30, and the section class for X-90s should be seriously Steep and the later sections. At the top failed just one car competitor – most looked straightforward and almost level, considered! Of the “proper” sports cars, of the woods, there was a noise test and surprisingly one in class 6 and it cost but appearances can be deceptive! After there was a wonderful mix of MG, TR7/ the queue moved ever so slowly. Fifteen him a “Gold”!! Just a mile or so to the a long straight but slippery part, there TR7(V8), TR3A, Reliant SS1, Morgan, miles later we did a “splash & dash” for Core Hill obs. test which was the usual was a sharp right turn into the woods, MX5, BMW Z3, MGB and Duncan fuel at Bovey Tracey, and were looking “stop over line B, reverse behind B, and where the track became very muddy Pittaway’s TVR 4-litre V8 which would forward to sustenance at Ilsington stop astride line C”. Fifteen minutes and very slippery, followed by a sharp end up winning the class. The restart Parish Hall. It was excellent, and made later, we were at Passaford Lane, which left as we emerged from the woods. caused most of classes 7 and 8 to fail. up for the less than mediocre fodder at included the only “restart” on the trial for Suzy seemed to spend a long time The five successful climbs (out of in Crealy Park. Simms was too much of a class 5. Restarts I do not like, mainly sideways, but we made it, and good fun class 7 were a mixed bag – Dick challenge for my X-90, and I only rarely because I am no good at them, and it it was! A few bikes “footed”, but none fell Glossop (Liege), Tony Branson in my got up when I had the Marlin. I think that seems such a shame to have to stop off and no cars stopped. old 2-litre MG Montego-engined Marlin, Tipley is too rough, at least for me. I Ed Wells (Melos), Ray Ferguson’s Liege have got up on all previous Exeters, but,

7 8 sadly, not this time, so it seemed that I of which 16 were motorcycles. With the The forecast for Sunday was cold with The next part of the trial was the first of would not get any medal on the 2017 exception of the Core Hill Observed light showers. But to be fair the weather two special tests Exeter Trial. Reversing down Tipley was Test, class 0 did a completely different that we have had so far this winter has not easy. It was not yet 2pm when we trial, although we met them at Haynes, been reasonably kind. The run down to The Ratlinghope Observed Test. This arrived at Slippery Sam, twenty minutes Musbury Garage, Crealy Park, Ilsington the start was an uneventful one apart was under the expert guidance of Celia ahead of schedule, and no queue at all. Parish Hall and the finish at the Palace from the heavy fog patches around Walton and her team. I had a short chat It seems to get rougher every year, and Hotel, Babbacombe. Derby. The closer I got to the start the with Celia at the start line who said their at the restart (only for classes B, 7 & 8) predicted light rain shower had turned timing device was broken but couldn’t we hit something that produces the Although we had booked a room in the into a light snow shower but I didn’t think deny that they may have inadvertently biggest bang that I have ever heard in hotel and bought supper tickets, it being it was going to turn out to be much. damaged it. any car on any trial. I was convinced only 2.15pm, we decided to go home – that something major in the suspension a four-hour journey, but we were still After scrutineering and signing on which The special test was run over a had broken, but the car was still driving, home more than an hour before the club was a quick and painless affair. The gradually increasing incline of the type and we clawed our way to the top. We supper even started! small route amendment was noted. that I am familiar with, start AA, stop pumped up, all seemed well with the Sometimes I groan in dismay at some of astride BB stop astride CC. This passed car, and we signed off at the finish forty It was Sunday afternoon before we the route amendments. I imagine for the uneventfully and myself and newly minutes early. heard the tragic and extremely sad car people it is not too much of an acquired travelling companions moved news of the fatal accident to befall a inconvenience with a navigator, but onto the next section. I was talking about class sizes, so just competitor whilst reversing down when trying to amend a motorcycle route for the record, the 14 classes had Wooston Steep. I am sure that everyone holder which has been sealed against Section 2 Gatten’s Gamble entries as follows (the number of involved with classic trials joins me in the elements it can be a time-consuming We had some initial trouble finding the starters in brackets). Class A had 8 extending our very deepest sympathy exercise. I really must create a more entrance to the section as there was a entries (7 starters); class B had 60 (45); and condolences to the family of the user friendly water tight route holder that red marker on a prior entrance which class C had 19 (17); class D had 12 bereaved. allows easy additions to be made to the was used for some other type of events (12), E 1(1); 1=9 (9); 2=2 (both golds!); route. that looked to be held on adjacent land. 3=12 (11); 4=9 (5); 5=50 (47); 6=12 The MCC ultimately decided that the Our error soon became apparent and a (11); 7=27(23); 8=19 (14). There were, event would be deemed to have finished Setting off just about on time it was a retrace of our route quickly got us back according to the entry list, 52 in class 0 at the top of Fingle Bridge section. short run to the first section which was on track. just about right for the bike to get warmed up and for me to start cooling There was a slight hold up at this section Clee Hills Trial 22nd Jan 2017 intention off running it in over the warm down, it was colder than I had due to one of the marshals getting summer months and getting it prepared anticipated and I should have used my delayed on route. This is where I by Phil Sanders for a couple of ACTC events. thicker gloves. But it was too late now introduced myself to my new travelling they were sat in the garage back in companions. They turned out to be just had to enter this trial, as it was But no, let’s not bother with that. Better Wakefield. Richard Dawe whom I had met to my knowledge the first time it was to leave it instead laid up in the garage previously on the Ilkley Trial and Carl open to bikes So the entry form was until the Thursday before the Clee Hills Section 1 Castle Hill Kiddle, who I was just behind when he duly sent off and everything was set. then put some trials tyres on it and run it Which was not subdivided a fail would had an unfortunate accident on one of I equal a six on this one. It was a nice the Dudwood sections on the Edinburgh Or so I thought. in on Sunday. This in reality is what happened steady breaker in for me on an Trial which left him with a broken leg. My plan was too immediately after the unfamiliar bike. it was just a steady climb Exeter trial prepare the Serow ready for A quick look of the final instructions and up a stony track Again this section was not subdivided, the next outing. But the Serow had entry showed there to be about 20 bikes so it could be a potential six. From the started playing up on the Exeter so it entered with just one sidecar outfit. The distance to the next section was start it was a gentle climb then a left turned out that it would not be ready for about six miles away. An alternative hand turn and run along a rutted stony the Clee Hills. So plan B was put into The bike and gear were loaded into the route was provided in the case of severe track. There was plenty of grip but been action and the event secretary notified van Saturday evening ready for an early snow but fortunately it was not needed on the left-hand side was probably a that I would be competing on a different start Sunday morning. No need for a though the light snow we had earlier had mistake as some bushes were overhung bike but still in the same class. Saturday night stop over as it is only a settled on the road and called for the left rut. This left me with a choice of couple of hours run from Wakefield to caution. I caught up with a couple of trying to get out the rut which I didn’t Last year I had the opportunity to the start at the Affcot lodge other competitors and tagged along with think I would manage or charge through purchase a new AJP PR4. With the them for the next couple of sections the overhung bush. I chose the latter

9 10 option and managed to stay on the bike stony, bumpy and fairly steep towards for a clean on this section but it could the end of the section. It was Copper, Rawhide, Plastics, Rubber, Brass…. have gone badly wrong. approximately 8 miles to the next section The exit from the end of the section was along and down a rutted track which Section 10 Flounders Folly. was quite a pleasant ride. It would be There seemed to be a few people THOR HAMMER approximately 10 miles to the next spectating at this section. So perhaps www.thorhammer.com couple of sections which were held in they were expecting a few failures. forestry commission controlled land. FULL RANGE OF SOFT FACED HAMMERS The section entrance turned right from Section 3, Priors Holt 4 This would be the start line then veered left so you the first of the challenging sections could see a little way up the section. which I would have preferred to be a Once round the corner it became We even still make branded hammers for little later in the trial to give me a little apparent how steep and slippery it was. more time to become familiar with my I opened up the ajp in second gear and new steed. But what do they say about started slipping the clutch. The rear tyre Try your local vintage wholesaler car as per original jumping in at the deep end! found some grip and I somehow managed to get to the section end Duncan Stephens at a trial This section was a straight climb up a boards. gully with a restart in for good measure. Also Spark ResistantBuck Tools & Hickman) – www.safetytools.co.uk or Class B, 7and 8 had the upper restart This section was of the cul-de-sac type (eg Toolbank, Clemson, line and class C the lower line My two and I had to return back down it. This travelling companions who were just in was harder than going up. But I know front of me attempted the section first one young lady and a red Honda and it proved trickier than it looked, then (Humpry) who would have loved this it was my turn. descent. The results would show that only two bikes managed to clean this BSW Accounting Services I reached the restart and didn’t think I section was going to get away from it. Then the Qualified ACMA Accountant & ACIS Company Secretary offers back tyre found grip and I was away, the The next section was about 15 miles exit from the restart was even trickier away and this is where lady luck accountancy services to local new or ongoing small businesses than the approach as the line I chose decided to leave me. And I lost my two Maximise Profit & Cash Flow Minimize Costs was fairly boggy but I managed to exit travelling companions who were just in Self Employed, need help with your accounts or self assessment tax return the section with a clean. Was lady luck front of me when I got a flat rear tyre. A on line? Need to set up a Limited Company? shining on me? Nope as would become tube change was on the cards. So after apparent later on in the trial finding a suitable place to park up the tube was changed. Fortunately the sun Section 5 Priors Holt 6(no section 4 for was shining and was quite pleasant so it class B) was not too much of an inconvenience. Was just a gentle climb which had mud But for some reason I could not get the patches in places. It also had a chicane tyre bead to seat properly. Ah well run it to negotiate about half way up the at 25 psi, take it steady and get to end of section but on a bike if you got your the trial. At this point I would like to say approach right you could straight line thanks to all the other competitors, VAT PAYE NIC Pensions Capital & Annual Investment allowances through them without deviating. I doubt motorcyclists and car drivers who P&L Balance Sheet Cash book Purchase & Sale Books Cash Flow the cars would be able to do the same stopped to make sure I was okay. Free 1st consultation to work through options Section 7 Priors Holt 1 The next stop was at a holding control Contact - [email protected] This section had preferential start lines prior to Section 12 Meadowley Wood. www.bswservices.co.uk 01584 814594/ 07722 820933 with a keen right hand bend soon after the start and then a climb which was With the unfortunate delay of the flat

11 12 rear tyre I had ended up behind quite a It was about three miles to the next I didn’t realise that the 4 or 5 spectators they don’t receive a full entry of cars. few of the car competitors and hearing challenge on this trial which was the and marshals could move so fast but Hopefully someone with more how some of the class 8 car engines second observed test. This test required they managed to get out of the way. knowledge of these events will be able were revving on this section I knew it a start on AA around cone B and stop Best call it a day at that but I did get to answer that question. was going to be difficult. Probably even astride CC. Round the cone was quite applause from the rest of the spectators more so with the elevated rear tyre tight and caution was called for as it was and a fairly reasonable 7. As it turns If I could have made one small change pressure that I was now running. down an incline to the cc line I almost out, I was the joint highest bike on that it would be to the route book. The slide over this as the descent combined section sections that are off the cul-de-sac type I had to wait for three motorcycles to with the mud was a combination for need highlighting in the “section special return before I could move to the section poor stopping ability. After the last section it was a quick instructions”. As it was not always start. When I got to the section start the water splash through the ford and a apparent that you had to return back the some of the more powerful class 8 cars The distance to the next section was short journey back to signing off at the way you came on a couple of sections. had tried digging their way through the about 12 miles and this was last section finish. But the things that I did like about the section. This turned out to be the before the finish. The finish beiing about route book was that the directions slipperiest section so far and I can’t tell a mile and half away from section 17 I really enjoyed this trial and I would like between section was clear and easy to you much about what the section was to thank all the marshals and organisers follow and. It also had a little information like after the 10 marker. The ride to the Section 17 Strefford Wood 1 for putting on a very good trial. The on the section i.e. when first used, next section was about 8 miles away When I got there, one bike waiting to start/finish venue was ideal and persons in charge and a rough attempt the section. I heard the start everything appeared to run smoothly. I indication of the ground conditions. Section 13 The Jenny Wind marshal say that the highest bike so far would certainly like to have a go at it Which was described as soil over hard had only got to the 11 marker. So this again next year. I hope that it will be And as for my experience on the new base, I never found the hard base but I was going to be another muddy one. We open to bikes again and this has not just bike it was a good one and I was doing did manage to get to the top. It was a were slightly delayed in starting as a been a one off. One question that I did okay till I had the flat tyre but that is all nice almost straight climb with a family were walking down the section ask myself is how many more car only part of the fun and challenge of the trial, gradually increasing incline The next and the height of the mud line on the trials could cater for bikes, especially if getting to the finish. section was only about 150 yds away adult’s wellingtons was a bit disconcerting. Section 14 Harley Bank “Clee – nd” Some, Failed Didn’t look like that to me though with This was also described as soil over With only a short distance to the end I some entrants so perhaps if that is to be hard base. This was the section that had decided to drop the tyre pressure down Others, Our 2017 Clee Hills the case then some sort of checking needed the route card amending at the to 15 psi if I got another flat here I could Trial needs to be done or a minimum start. There was a deviation for class b walk back to the finish and pick up the pressure across the board set. and 8 but again I never found the hard van to collect the bike, but I still didn’t By Myke Pocock Described as a stony track it was long, base or the deviation and finished with want the tyre becoming unseated any between high banks and trees with two an 11 The ride to the next section was further so I dare not go any lower. The ince The Edinburgh Trial in October Sir Baldrick hadn’t restarts, a first for us, fairly close about 4 miles. bike before me arrived back at the start, together. A seemingly simple hill that another 11. Then it was my turn. turned a wheel in anger. I wanted to do something before could catch you out if taken too slowly. Section 15 Easthope S A pleasing zero to start the day. Was another section that looked to have The run from the start line to the 12 our own club’s Northern Classic Trial and it would be a good break from been ravaged by the cars and again marker was not too bad but after that Flounders Folly followed. An innocent would prove problematic. Between the the incline increased and mud started to organising the marshals for it and sundry other jobs that needed doing. looking section starting on the flat with a start and 12 marker was already get deeper and deeper. With a left hand 90 left and then gently uphill. The fly in churned up and the marshals were bend to negotiate I was on the right Our first trial ever was the Clee in 2003, if memory serves me well, where we the ointment is a generous covering of allowing bikes to foot from the start to hand side of the section trying to avoid stuff that wouldn’t look amiss in a wheel the 12 marker. No need for that. You the sludge but soon as you got round came exactly last after a recount! We have done it since with better results. bearing, ie; quality grease. A not very would need to be going as fast as the corner you had no choice but to go successful 9 resulted here but no possible between the start and 12 through the deep mud. This just sucked Staying overnight at the start venue we took advantage of the evening different if my memory serves me well marker as momentum was going to be all the power out of the bike. I think the from our previous encounters. It was key to how far you got up this section ,I sump guard was stopping me sinking in scrutineering which made the start far more leisurely. Our first hill was Harton then off for a 9-mile run to Hungerford managed to get to the 10 marker which any further. With the rear wheel spinning Steps. This one I remembered from the turned out to be better than most other wildly it gripped on to something solid Wood with the route book instructing us of ‘road pressures, no adjustment’ past as it requires you to turn out onto a two wheeled competitors and the bike veered violently to the left. main road to line up on the start line.

13 14 This one also starts off between high Following the Longville Observed Test 2017 Exeter banks with deep ruts and eventually we then did Heywood Common where a Trial on flattens out but muddy and rutted. I was 5 was our reward but again memory feeling pleased with my performance and no note in the Route Book for me to Fingle by scoring a 1 but on getting out to assist remember it. Dave Cook the very efficient recovery crew was surprised to see Nigel Whiten in his Now to my favourite section of the day, 1400 Ford Ka pull up behind me, Castle Hill. The route book warns of claiming a baulk and therefore a zero. “mud and a rock slab” but nothing off Sam Elmore, He eventually finished a very creditable the cross gulley. A long section starting class C Yamaha 38th. We then had the longest distance fairly flat then running between steep between sections of 12 miles to travel to banks with the camber switching this The Jenny Wind. I knew I wasn’t going way and that and a nasty cross gulley to to do very well on this kind of section, a catch the unwary. What a hoot and a straight up drag off a forest road on a zero to make us feel a bit better after greasy surface. Who knows, it may the high scores of previous sections. change further up but a score of 8 was our result and was all we were going to Ratlinghope Observed Test followed see of it. The failure route from here with Celia Walton calling the shots here. was actually more fun than the section Access to the start is through a ford itself and would make a good section, then it was an easy AA, BB and CC test zig zagging up through the forest for although the surface is quite rough and some distance. that also went for exit track. Marc Shafer & Enno Schmandt, Easthope 1, our next section was We then had Gatton’s Gamble with the class 3 BMW accessed down a steep and slippery famous WD tank acting as spectator. 318 forest track with a wicked 150-degree How long has that been there? The last hairpin to negotiate. The Ka in front had time I did this there was a deep cross to reverse to get round it but when I trench that had warning signs on it. tried the same tactic had less success Nothing of that this time but again the having to take it so very carefully to start line has caught out more than one prevent the front off side wheel from in the past. dropping into oblivion. We arrived at the section to see David Golightly buried in We then had our last three sections in the engine compartment of his car the same forest, all called Priors Halt which he had built and was running in but with differing numbers so the for a customer who just so happened to organisers must have a few to select be running behind him in an Austin 7. from. These sections are similar to Was he taking notes of David’s some of our own on The Northern. Our technique? Or just observing his first is 4 with a Restart and although we investment. The car wasn’t running reached it with relative ease and I properly on four but none the less he marked an 8 on my route book as we Dick Bolt & set of at a sedate rate, the engine note couldn’t get much further but the final Norton Selwood, betraying the problem. Still it climbed, results scored us as 11 for some class 7 Ford and then climbed and eventually reason. We certainly weren’t 4 wheels Popular disappeared out of sight to record a out! Number 7 took some getting to off clean. Perhaps I should pull a plug lead the forest track as I had to back out to off to see if it enhances my let a previous competitor return. performance? I think not! My Slippery and grassy with not much performance was less successful on a traction for us saw an 8 again. steepish, rutted and slippery surface scoring a 10.

15 16 Our last section was number 1 which double loop system appears to work away, but the rear tyre spun on an edge climbs. The first uphill, right onto track. started off the forest track and ran for a well with few hold ups throughout the of rock, could not ‘foot off’, so I slid Downhill and left onto the second climb. few yards until a 90 right up through a day, the longest probably being at back. Thanks to the marshal for picking I lost drive on the second climb – 5 more fire break in the trees. It was marked out Hungerford Steps. The problem though me up! Six points gone! Gary did better points gone! Exit wood on the track to a as a slalom but the mist was well in is they need more marshals to fully on 2 points. Graham, sensibly, did not bridleway to the B4371, right. Another evidence amongst the trees and it was observe them in their entirety and it attempt it. We all carried on half a mile good road along Wenlock Edge to starting to get darker. I found it difficult would be easy to stop in a section and to Prior’s Holt 6. This was a gentle climb Church Stretton, if you follow the road to see in those conditions and ended up restart without being observed and for along a forest track with plenty of mud. I through, however we turn off in 3.5 a poor 9. My excuse anyway. We were bikers to foot without being noticed. managed to reach the end all OK. We miles to Section 15, Easthope. towed out by a Discovery with an rode along the forest track to: attendant bunch of youngsters Our next trial will be the Yorkshire Dales This section is off a disused railway line desperate to get amongst the action and this time I am hoping that I don’t get Prior’s Holt 1. After the start the track at the foot of Wenlock Edge. It was good with Dad. a repeat of the sticking brakes that turns right onto a steep, rocky climb with to see a Stafford Auto Club member and caused our retirement last year, Sir plenty of grip. The bike ‘flew up’ to the long term friend, Michael here. This A fun day with some pleasing climbs Baldrick’s first outing since a re-shell. top and I stopped. Only to be told the section looked like clay with ruts. I only and some very long sections. The section finished around the corner! One went a short way before losing the mark thrown away. We ride on the road steering and stopped. 9 points goner for a while to Craven Arms, for fuel and here! We follow the railway line to the Clee Hills Trial 2017 BB and stop astride, plus ride on to line coffee. Leave on the Bridgnorth road road. Uphill to the main road, right for 1 CC and stop astride. This was uphill, and turn left, heading for Section 10, mile and left to arrive at observed test 2, by Roger Morris with varying cambers and rocky, but no Flounders Folly. Longville. This was a downhill stony problems. After this test was a mountain track. Start on line AA, round cone on e were up early for the drive track for one and a half miles, with a This section started through a gate and the corner at BB and stop astride CC. to the start at the Afcott couple of gates to negotiate. Low cloud turned left onto a clay track, gentle All Ok and we return to the road for 12 Lodge, Shropshire. An early spoilt the long-distance views all day. I uphill. I could not get drive and came to miles through pretty lanes and villages start meant a dark and also am fairly local and it was shame for a halt. 8 marks lost. Speed was required to section 17, Strefford Wood. W here. We return to the main road, the snowy journey. people from other parts of the country not to see Shropshire at its best. B4368, and turn left for the run to I had a good start, but skidded into the Paper work and scrutineering Bridgnorth, which is approximately 12 nearside bank! 10 points gone here! completed, we set off at our allocated A short ride to Section 2, Gatten’s miles. This is a lovely run, with the Now it was just a short ride to the finish. times: Rider 1 Roger Morris, regular Gamble. This was a stony track, gentle Brown Clee on the right, sadly for non- However, Gary’s bike would not start rider with the MCC, Rider 2 Gary Holt, climb, left turn steeper, then levelling locals, no viewing as to low cloud today. due to a flat battery. At failed attempts at British bike trial experience and Rider 3, out towards the top – no problems. I Rode on to the Cressage control, where bump-staring, a kindly car competitor Graham Kelly, New to trialling. stop at the top to wait for the others. we were sent to: helped to jump start the bike, many This is a mountain top, from here the thanks to him. A photographer was A five-mile drive to Church Stretton, left track is steep downhill to Gatten Farm. Meadowley Wood. This was a gentle taking shots at the ford, many thanks to to T at the top of the High Street, R 1 All down safely. slope with plenty of mud. The choice him. A short ride to the finish and a mile turn, L and then R to Section 1, was left r right – BUT – again I did not great day out on the bike. Castle Hill. This was a steady climb up After a few miles of road riding we get very far! 9 points lost. We return to a gully, with cambers left and right and turned right through a gate onto a track, the main road, A458, for 5 miles and I was disappointed with my performance getting steep towards the top. We have then it was uphill for one mile onto the then ride to Much Wenlock. For a coffee on the day, because 5 sections had no problems here and return to the road Long Mynd. The road down to the for myself and Gary. Graham had retired stopped me very early on, losing me a uphill – what is this WHITE on the gliding club was very icy. If you fancy a and was going to spectate at lot of marks. As my old school report road?! The snow was frozen ice where flight in a glider this is the place to do it! Meadowley Wood. used to state: ‘Must try harder!’ Thank traffic had rolled the snow down the day We turned left over the aerodrome to you to the Midland Automobile Club, all before. Progress was slow and hairy on join the Portway track leading to the Section 13 was The Jenny Wind. Thank the marshals and the caterers for the the ride to Rattlinghope. forest. you to the National Trust for the use of welcome refreshments at the finish. A their land. This was a steep climb up great day out, come on and give it a go nd Observed Test 1 (it was good to see The next section was Prior’s Holt 4, with hillside, through trees. I had no next year!! Gary Holt achieved 2 in Celia Walton, an MCC stalwart and a restart for class B. This was a soggy problems here and then it was on class – well done to him. Graham did through the wood to Harley Bank. A well to get as far as he did, as it was his MCC Triple magazine editor) At the gully up to the restart – no problem so th drop of a flag ride from line AA to line far. Stopped to let the clutch out to pull similar section to Jenny wind with two first attempt. I came 10 overall.

17 18 The Clee Hills on two wheels Jenny Wind – a flat-out blast up an old The Clee Hills Trial 70 Years Tom Aubrey in the Baja turn right and winding track that gets steeper as you stopped and we managed to work out by Richard Dawe go, with a killer step at the top – really & Still Going Strong the problem. There was quite queue for hard for cars – but a nice dry spot in the by Tony Branson Gatten’s, I know it can be slippery at the ew for the Clee this year was middle for the bikes – no cars cleaned it top and wondered if road pressures the inclusion of bike classes – but all but four bikes managed it with he Clee hills trial is older than might be a problem, the results don’t a brave step forward given the Roger Ashby’s Ariel sounding spectacu- show many fails and we had a steady weather that Clee competitors me, but not a lot. We attended N lar! Further on in the same location lies the anniversary dinner but climb to the section end. usually ‘enjoy’. And it didn’t let us down Harley Bank – it has a lot of reeds grow- managed to get to our – the car park at the Affcot Lodge was ing out it – never a good sign! Cleaned T We made our way through the mist to Travelodge bed in time for a good dusted in white, and although the A49 by Glenn Morgan on his GasGas and the gliding club and then onto Prior’s was clear the lanes were more than a night’s sleep. Gary Holt on his Suzuki DR, it took Holt. The restart on PH4 seemed to be little lively. Eighteen solos and one outfit points off everyone else. causing quite a bit of bother. Even were entered – the rest of you missed a Sunday dawned with a good sprinkling of snow which typically became heavier Dudley Sterry came out backwards. We treat! Then to Easthope – sadly visited by the had decided to go high and I suspected as we took the car off the trailer. We cars before the bikes arrived – a great were first in the scrutineering queue and we may have been a bit too high, a As usual for the Clee several routes churned up mass of mud and wet clay – suspicion confirmed by the results, were in operation – a canny touch that after the kind attention of John and June horrible; eleven was a good score, ten Blakely we were warm inside enjoying however we did get out of the top and means that several sections are being was exceptional, which makes the two avoid the reverse of shame. traversed simultaneously thus reducing bacon butties and coffee. achieved by Glenn completely amazing! the time that the observers have to PH6 was a new section. We were stand about in the cold and wet, and There seemed to be 2 numbering Given the multi-route organisation, systems. A competitor number and a informed by Ian Williamson that there hopefully reducing any queueing for which works so well, I guess we just was a chicane higher up. I don’t know sections. There was a small concern, start order. I couldn’t quite get the have to put up with it, and you can ar- algorithm that connected these but how we got round it as the steering on but more of that later. gue that it is the same for everyone. the Marlin becomes somewhat optional determined that as number 36 we would Unless you are a superstar of course! be running behind number 62, another in these circumstances with the right First up Castle Hill, a pleasant bridleway The Longville observed test and then foot having more influence than the which caused no problems, and then on Marlin. lastly to Strefford Wood – a very MCC hands on the wheel. However we got to a special test expertly overseen by section with slippery shale and a few out of the top. A great find, a great Celia Walton – woe betide anyone who The first section was Castle Hill to be casually placed rocks which turned into attempted at road pressures. It was a bit section. thinks they can jump the start when Ce- muddy clay around the ten marker – ten lia is in charge! Gattens Gamble next, slippery before the start but plenty of was good, seven the best. grip thereafter. It didn’t seem as rough PH1 has become increasingly rough again few problems, and then into the over the years. I have cleaned it but this Priors Holt complex – Forestry wood- as last year and I didn’t have the need An amazing effort by Simon and the to cover the second half of the section year we could only manage a 3, Dudley, land with six sections laid out – mostly team, and how do you adequately thank Edward Wells and the Fergusons in similar in nature – muddy, pine needles as fast as I could to reach the top before the marshals for being there on a cold, all the air came out of the rear tyre and their Liege managed to get out of the and large logs, and in case you thought cold day. Easy! Say thank you when you top. one was easy the added bonus of some it lost contact with the wheel. This see one! section didn’t add much to the score cones and tape to keep you in the mud- Flounders Folly is frustrating section. dy bit and away from the easy bit! sheet but was great fun to drive. You feel if only you could pick up some momentum lower down this would carry On to Founders Folly which was a slimy The route to Ratlinghope took us over frost covered roads which we took with you to the higher reaches, the problem morass – not deep mud, just incredibly is the S bend and the very slippery bit slippery – only two clean here so con- some care but were probably not as slippery as they looked. We attempted above it. We managed to crawl to the grats to Phil Sanders and Glenn Mor- deviation to the left but not a lot further gan; Meadowley, much loved by car the test steadily, very steadily, as the results will show. for a 7 which was about average for the competitors for its huge step over a root class. halfway up – amazingly cleaned by We missed the turn to Gatten’s as my Glenn, but he was the only one. I am not Last year on Meadowley Wood, after sure I knew that Shropshire was made navigator had skipped to the route after Gatten’s insisting I should go on for 0.7 heeding Ian Williamson’s advice to go purely of clay, but it is, trust me. flat out, I went off the track to the left miles and then turn left. I saw Phil and

19 20

Clee Hills by

Rhiannon Carvell-Crook

John Hustwayte

Simon & Matt Price, Ford Model A, on Harton Wood

Exmoor

by Duncan Stephens Hannah & Kraig Mycock, Riley 9, on Harton Wood Geoff & Jonathan Westcott

Andy Petherick chasing his Al Lidgate & daughter Xanthia Paul Crosbie, up High Bray Yamaha EML, on Strefford Wood

21 22

Dean Andrew Wright & Parttington, Cressida Delittle, DP Wasp Austin 7

Northern Cotswold Trial by Clouds by Dave Cook Calvin Talbot, on Telf’s Merve’s Challenge Swerve

Nigel Moss & John John & Robin Wheeler, Troll Charles, class 7 Liege

Julian & Colin Archbold, Marlin Richard Clay, class D Armstrong

23 24 before the 12 marker. After reversing reversing down sections, he followed me The ups and downs of the who kept the queue moving and back onto the track we were able to down at the front of the car giving me minimised the effect on local traffic in a blast out of the top. This year I was a bit directions. All was going swimmingly Exmoor Trial narrow country lane. In the end the low more circumspect and kept in the until he suddenly disappeared. Seconds by Carlie Hart restart and rugged climb did not present grooves until the tree roots stopped us later the creature from the black lagoon a problem to most with only one car and at 3. This seems to have been the emerged, pulling itself up the bonnet. I e had not done the Exmoor an outfit and the two Lieges who failed standard Marlin score and the same for was finding it had to keep a straight face Trial for many years but as the restart, and scored 12 and 10 Dudley Sterry. The rest of the class but Eric had a bit of a sense of humour we were unable to do the respectively. were clear. failure so I just followed his muttered Clee due to commitments in commands, at least the ones to do with W We then headed onto Hurstcott with a our village at home we decided to enter The next section was the Jenny Wind. In reversing, until we were off the section. the Exmoor and see how it has slightly downhill start, deep ruts and the wet conditions and with 15 PSI this By this time the king of slime had changed. When we received the final then up to a slippery restart which was always going to be a challenge so regained his composure and was able to instructions we saw that the entry was caught out all but the Scimitars in the we were content with the 7 we scored. direct me to the Longville test. This we quite low (24 cars and 16 bikes). There lower classes. Luckily we were following Harley Bank has never been a section I did with due care and attention but not were eight cars in both class 7 and 5 Murray who bottomed out in the deep warm to. It would seem that if you get much speed. and the rest were spread between 8., 4, ruts, so as we waited for his return Pete over the first hump the possibility of a 3 and 2. On studying the route card we pumped the tyres up. We went on to good score or cleaning it opens up. This I’ve struggled in the past to get far on found the infamous High Bray and complete the section and continue to is just what Dudley did and contributed Strefford Wood 1, I even tried 3rd gear Floyds Bank and the Land’s End Stoodleigh Woods, a complex of three to his class win. The rest of us could sections. Section 1 was downhill and on one occasion but to no avail. This Riverton and Beggars Roost but the only manage 8, 9 or 10, 10 in our case. then up around a very tight bend. time we managed to get some speed up other sections were all new to us. We also saw that there were plenty of and bounced over the bomb hole but the There seems to be a particular route on restarts and a tyre pressure of 14 on This led onto section 2 where the restart Easthope 1 for the Marlins I drive. It slippery bit above defeated us and we many sections for class 7. had caused many problems last year. involves getting quite far up and then a scored 8 which was as good as any Once again many of the lower classes sharp right hand turn (not ordered by the Marlin. t was a fitting finale to an We decided to stay at the Stags Hunters failed although Craig Allen (Beetle) and driver) into a tree. This year was no excellent trial. We particularly enjoyed (finish) for the weekend with the Francis Thomas (Escort) climbed successfully. Stoodleigh 3 with ford and exception. We started off with some the new Priors Holt section but almost Bennetts and Montgomery-Smiths and excitement when I had a bit of wardrobe restart caught out competitor across the all were a joy to attempt. Many thanks to travel over Exmoor to the start and we malfunction with a glove coming off and were not disappointed with the classes including the relatively new all who made this event possible. If I am getting tangled in the steering wheel. I hospitality offered. At 7 am along with Gruffalo of Stewart Green in class 8 and managed to sort this and get back onto doing as well at 70 I’ll be happy. the Liege’s of Trevor Wood and Ray the smart silver Marlin of Mark Kessell the track. We started to pick up some Ferguson, we followed Bill up and over in class 7. momentum but our Exmoor to Scrutineering and the start at rendezvous with the Cedars, which is an ideal venue with The next section was Riverton which the tree further up plenty of space and good choice of presented very few problems and the at the 5 marker breakfast options. trial then headed via South Molton for was pre-ordained. petrol and refreshments if needed, to We managed to The first two sections were gentle High Bray where there was no queue stop at right angles openers with all but 1 car cleaning. I but a restart for class 7 as well as 8! to the track before hope the number of marshals that lined Having done the tyres we headed round intimate contact each section did not get too bored. The the bend to the restart and then on up with the tree had route card then became a little the section. Pete could remember that been made. confusing as the bikes left and then we needed to keep left and it worked rejoined the cars twice to do bike only but at the expense of a puncture in the Eric got out of the sections, before reaching the rough sidewall but we were not alone there. car to see me back Kings Cott with start line just off the Whilst some came to a stop high up and onto the track and tarmac road. This was our only delay as scored 2 or 3 many also cleaned the Lee Peck & Brian Partridge, Dutton Melos then, using the we queued on the road and let the bikes section and continued to the special test on Flounders Folly by Calvin Talbot excellent go by. Luckily the section had a very and Beggar’s Roost. suggestions on large and experienced marshal team

25 26 By the time the trial reached Floyd’s We then had a drive back down Doone could stay there playing all day, so good I got to the start line, had a bit of banter Bank six cars were still clean including Valley to the finish but it was getting for the skin too. Chris Barham was the with Guy Winsor and away we went. the 3 Scimitars. The bank caught out dark and the rain had set in so we could section starter. He said to me, "Off you Approaching the first corner I yelled hi to most but Craig in his Beetle and the not really appreciate the scenery. go, get paddling". Well that's not some mates who had come over to Scimitars of Aaron and Keith went clean. Despite the gloomy, drizzly weather we happening' I thought to myself. watch. We stopped at the restart, pulled The final hill a very muddy cross track had a very enjoyable day and would away and OMG, I saw a couple of better caught out all but Keith in the red highly recommend the trial which is very My little chubby Humphrey, well he was lines, pointed Humps and he felt like we Scimitar who went on to win the trial well organised and marshalled with bred to encounter such lanes, and were on a motorway. Best part still was I overall. It appeared that this section did good start and finish venues. triumph it for me he did. The smile wasn't scared...... It’s taken 3 goes up get easier as the first few cars scored factor going on inside my lid was the hill and I've beaten it. I was so happy double figures and then the later cars Thanks to the organisers and marshals. priceless. I loved it. Such a turn on I I was patting Humps while railing a scoring less than 6. can't begin to tell you. At the end of the corner at the top and nearly crashed. lane he had such big pat pats on his But as ever Humphrey saved the day. tank guard ------What? It is horse power after all :) Floyds Gully at Brendon was another The 2017 Exmoor Trial his straps and settle him down...... memorable moment. The little uphill nip there was silence from him until The lunch halt was welcomed with a felt like riding on butter. A good section by Kathy Martin scrutineering. Good boy Humps :) lovely warming cappuccino. Being a that caught all us losers out. country garage they didn't host i all, been asked to put a few I could waffle for ages, so I'll speed Humphrey’s usual super nitros, but that The finish was very welcome with a hot words together about the things up. Phil Ireland was his usual was ok. He agreed to a drink of regular drink and strip down by a log fire. Most Exmoor Trial, hosted by an obliging self, with Humps requiring little unleaded. And the jet wash, well that of the bikers were huddled around it. I H awesome band of enthusiasts, more than a mere glance, well he is a was tempting for him. hung my gloves on the antlers above it, so here goes... Honda after all. One of my MCC team made little difference as they were still mates was bent over inside Irelands. So with everyone and everything fuelled saturated when I left! Adds to the fun I The week before was an exciting one. Screwdriver in hand replacing a rear up, we set off towards the infamous High guess. My Dad and Mandy had enjoyed Work obviously gets in the way, but bulb on his Pampera, clearly not of Bray. Two years earlier when I first themselves in their Escort and tucked around that was a lot of fun. The Honda build quality :) pmsl... At signing started riding, Humphrey and I joined in into a hearty roast. I had a sandwich and beautiful horses I have kick off the day on he told me that not only did Phil lend with you lot at your trial, got near the top there was enough for two which was with a workout while evenings involved him tools, but also a bulb FOC to ensure of High Bray and fell off on the roots...... great, taking to the water with swimming & he could compete. So fair play Phil, he ooooooo I had a bruised hip/arse cheek water aerobics. Gotta work off that cake was very grateful of your kindness. for ages, hurt like hell. From that Although I've written of a few memorable somehow. moment the very two words High Bray sections, I thoroughly enjoyed them all. I Signing on was met with some fresh would send shudders all over have the attention span of a gnat and a However my penultimate event before smiling banter filled faces, and by the me. Petrified of it. The next year I was memory of a fish like Dory which is the trial was a rush up to Birmingham. time we had finished the laughing, we back to face my fear and while queuing I great, because of the 15 sections you This was to watch my son Dan Mundell had bizzardly finished signing was almost hyper ventilating. Terrified. hosted, I can only remember 3 of them. receive his 2016 ACU British Enduro too! Spirits seemed high all around. The Terrified because I associated the hill So every trial I do feels like a new one. season wins. Arriving home around 1am weather had other ideas, but bring it on, with acute pain I guess and felt almost Welcome To My World !!! yet bursting with pride set me up on ain is defo required for this awesome certain to fall off. Best way to overcome cloud 9 to begin your Exmoor Trial. fun. it is to tackle it head on. So I keep See you next year, thank you to coming back and pay you money to be everyone. So the morning arrived. Humphrey (my At the first section we were welcomed frightened half to death...... clearly I am Honda) had been waiting patiently all by a young man and after talking with not right ! night in the back of my van. Driving him, he has been marshalling for 8 along the lane to the horses he kicks off, years, and he is still in his teens - thanks However, for some strange, very strange smashing his handle bar against the dude for obvious reasons. Section 1 reason I couldn't wait to get there this side of my van. This is quite normal was a nice opener. year. Perhaps it was the fun Humps had behaviour for Humphrey. He just wants given me in the morning, let’s face it, I to get out of the dark, cold box and go And onto probably the most memorable have got a bike that'll climb like a play in the mud. So horses fed, I jumped and fun section of the day, Drunken Pit. mountain goat in the right hands. in the back to check my steed, tighten Quite simply a lane with some mud. I

27 28 2017 Cotswold Clouds Report Simon and Barbara scurrying back past us; it seems their Buggy has lost one by Adrian Tucker-Peake half of its dual circuit braking system and their prompt retirement is a prudent but A tough trial” became a common very disappointing outcome for the observation after the 54th year of dedicated pair. this classic trial. And with our MGF’s roof down for the day, much of the Soon we come to a fork in the road, “ Ryan Tonkin route felt as if we were actually driving ‘odds’ to the left, ‘evens’ to the right, through some Cotswold Clouds, a damp signalling SDMC’s attempt to reduce the chill seeping into competitors and well-known holding delays at the marshals alike and dew regularly Mustard and Axe. A good thought, but dripping into our faces. After several our eventual total wait for both hills is days of rain, we could all expect very still about 90 minutes! Mustard’s misty slippery conditions under our wheels, so banks are again well populated with hopefully some consequent easing of spectators and videographers, and we restarts and tyre pressures to help usher already hear some cheers raised for along the event’s progress in the short good climbs by Duncan, Aaron, and Mal hours of daylight. Allen. James Shallcross confides that his ride with Dave H in the still rather A foggy run down the M5 sets the tone lumpy Duratec Scimitar remains his best Launceston for the day, arriving at the ideal SKF chance of ever seeing the summit, but trading estate premises in Stonehouse his wish is not to be today. Nor for Mike Trial by for efficient two row scrutineering, then Ellis, bouncing for Mel in their bright Jonathan trundling back over the M5 for signing orange Beetle: high up on the first wall- Kelly on, coffee, route amendments and route of-death hairpin is a point to halt, a card assessment. We note and like the shame after the car’s good record here. club’s practice of listing the organisers’ Otherwise, high up on the second bend contact details on the front page, a with wheels akimbo provides some Nigel Allen useful idea that might be taken up by spectacle by Matt Facey and Gary others; we are naturally all especially Browning. And what a difference in mindful of ‘continuous improvement’ successful climbs, between David opportunities post-Exeter. Better still, we Golightly chugging up at 1500 rpm and appreciate those of us in production cars then Dean on the rev limiter! Ourselves, having just two restarts, some we manage a good line and speed, but preferential start lines and some the big holes and steps bring the MG to leniency on tyre pressures. However, it a shuddering halt for a reasonable four was going to be challenging for class 8 marks dropped. on typically 14 – 16 psi, though that is the balancing act that every CoC tries to Arriving at Axe, behind a chuffed achieve of course, to give every entrant Duncan changing a puncture, we find a sporting test and a chance of success. we’ve no compressor pressure. But there is an MCC-type delay here, so Running towards the end at 71, Liz and I there’s ample time to dismantle and Robert Williams are away at 9:11, and shortly to Alf’s repair our inflator’s sticking nozzle valve. Delight, noticeably slipperier than our As for the hill, it seems that a fallen tree last run in 2015, but it’s now spared an has recently deterred much off-roader observed hairpin, with just the stimulus traffic, so the lane’s already claggy clay of an alert marshal leaping back off the ruts have filled up to block the attempts track taking his class 7 & 8 deviation of most of the first third of trial runners. tape with him! Shortly, pumped up and Finally, approaching the line, we know en route to Crooked Mustard, we spot there is only one way to tackle Axe, but

29 30 the start marshal has us pause to allow bends, then the car hauls its way to jiggle it is – we carry a little too much early class 8s nimbly running to the foot the thrusting passage of four green lane another exciting clean on full throttle – momentum and can’t make it round and then blasting up, but for us the mud lake bikers, knobbly tyred, mud spattered and not much subtlety here! Carefully back up the steep exit ramp from the junction, has the car slithering across towards the rather cockily confident! Shortly, he down through the trees to a compliment the same fate as everyone apart from sturdy trees and beaching on an earth signals OK and we’re hustling up the or two, and leave the gasping MG’s Wasp-man. Then onwards through the mound for a sorry 12. Five beefy deep set track…good momentum… cooling fans on for a while. It’s another woods to another very thorough marshals bounce us around to make a reasonable control, then whoa! The four wait before Wicked Juniper, so snack example of tyre pressure checking at the moderately dignified exit. Finally, bikes are stopped in front of us, one time and a welcome catch up with ‘Begins’ for Merve’s Swerve, a tricky Badgers Run test in pitch dark proves an rider has fallen off and is vainly kick- Stroud stalwart Mark Hobbs, a very section which we’ve never conquered in equally slippery route, taken gingerly to starting his machine. So it’s real ‘baulk’ capable trialler who now looks forward to either RWD or FWD cars. However this avoid reversing, then nailed uphill to line time and so disappointing. The riders enjoying more sprinting motorsport. time we manage consistent good grip off C since Carl obviously likes his tests to shake their heads and fumble, but More gunning of the engine on Juniper, the line and up the gully, spotting the include gradients. It certainly suited concede defeat and have us reversing a bit wayward in the ruts, but another route around the roots and pop out at Ryan Eamer’s wispy Cannon, at FTD, back down to the start. The gauntlet is strong climb nets a 7, pretty fair, but Mel speed over the brow to a delighted clear while Sam trickled round in nearly 2 thrown down for a production sports car managed a brilliant ‘best in trial’ 3. - one of only five on the day! minutes! on road tyres, so we gain agreement to have a proper go and thrill at the drive, Next, we’re up over the Bulls Cross Likewise, Climperwell has been our We get signed off as one of the last nudging between the banks, struggling junction, taking a new route down into downfall before, but the lumpy twisty runners at the excellent golf club venue, through the clay and delight in breaking the Fred’s Folly woodland – obviously its track up past Dave Cook is manageable, take a light meal then run home for a free to burst round the summit bend. new because a couple of local the restart seems quite tacky and the fun pretty extensive Monday jetwashing That’s why we go trialling! ‘itinerants’ know nothing about our really begins on the exit ramp where session. passing and only grudgingly shift their marshals encourage us all onwards up Excited and good to be motoring on cars to let our convoy down to to the road for a wheel de-clagging Monday evening’s prompt results again, we pass a mud spattered Evoque Pheasants Run test, trundling passed session. But notorious Bull Banks restart showed that almost all of the awards that is taking its guests out on their dozens of birds and feeders on route: awaits, having been polished through came from the second half of the entry, genteel £150 ‘Land Rover Experience’ well done SDMC’s PR team! The test the day by nearly 70 attempts, and in the with Dean dropping eleven marks for day, then for us it’s the time honoured itself begins on a flat gravel track, but fading light I suspect the high left line first overall. route of hairpins leading up to takes a B line excursion up a steep looks flatter… so clutch in at idle revs Nailsworth Ladder, seeming much more slippery track: OK for a brisk ascent, but but all we get is wheel spin upon Colin Other winners viable today without a restart. A quick I’m less happy about reversing down at Biles’ flag signal, so that’s six marks greeting to Neil Forrest, then we’re going speed, finding some off-camber and an gone! The dreaded spot caught around Class 1: Alex Wheeler 80 steady up the knobbly approach, adjacent drop! (since duly noted by an half of the entry. Class 2: Bill Bennett 26 swinging wide of the curb and startling attentive Carl). Anyway, all done safely Class 3: Matt Facey 37 the spectators, then pleasingly out to the in a pretty good 30s – credit here to Paul It’s getting dark now as we trickle into Class 4: Craig Allen 24 classic common summit. Great fun on Barker in his MR2 pipping Dean’s woods up past Station Lane to Jerry’s, Class 5: Aaron Haizelden 19 the historic section! Ham Mill is much spritely 26.7s by half a second. new to me, where the start marshal tries Class 6: Mike Hobbs 31 the same, the lower bend proving to help by saying ‘it goes left at the Class 7: Duncan Stephens 24 slippery, and once again a heart of this Fred’s Folly has for many years been a clump of spectators’ – well he actually trial. long run up through the trees, capped meant after them, as I wrestle the car We really enjoyed our puncture-free with a slippery, rooty and cambered right back onto the section proper, gather it Clouds trial and wish to thank Carl, Mark Onward through Stroud and up into the bend: this year it is spiced up by a mid- up round the hairpin and aim for the H & L, Nigel, Suzanne and Ben and all Bryan’s and Juniper woodland hillside. climb deviation, tight into the trees. We summit…spin on roots to get a 1. Seems the stalwart marshals for contributing to Well down with the tyres for these two approach it to glimpse a marshal it wasn’t too bad overall, but I’ll know this benchmark event around attractive very slippery steep climbs, where we beckoning us left, then on the deviation Jerry’s for another time in daylight. Cotswold villages. You even laid out a see our class 6 Beetle co-runners laying spot a tree stump and happily manage carpet for us all at the top of Alf’s – now down some strong climbs. Sam Holmes to regain the track without damage. Alex The final section, Talbot’s Terror, is also there’s dedication! also does well to get his cl. 4 version to Wheeler, the sole Cl. 1 entrant, did well new to us, where the frozen marshals a 2. The only snag for the event is that to score a 3 here in his Golf. are looking forward to packing up after a these are ‘dead end’ hills, for which the longer day than they expected. It’s a descents are steady and time Next, and also new to us from 2015 is swathe of mud at the foot, a gentle bend consuming. We nail the K Series from Catswood, where Pete Hart advises of a then steep uphill on dry earth between the line, drift nicely round the two lower jiggle at a cross track – and a pretty tight the trees. Here, YouTube shows the

31 32 The Clouds – 5th February passenger and I ate bacon, drank coffee Nailsworth Ladder - A diverse route just drive off. Nothing, we gave up and I and we were ready – worried but ready. towards the Ladder and I find my reversed down wailing I can’t see, I can’t 2017 – Ed Wells (Dutton 82 cars in total were running so the hills comrades from the Ross Club doing **!ing see. A dismal 4 the same as Melos – number 72) would be changing a lot during the day, their thing. Now I have been up the Duncan but Dudley had hit worse so was running late such a good idea? – ladder every time so I know exactly what problems for a 7. n the run up to the Clouds I we would soon find out. We were I was going to do. Dick Andrews on the was mainly fretting about my running 72 in class 7 so at 9:13 the restart flag, away and up, perfect – Climperwell – not too steep so no need windscreen wiper motor which actual trial began, we left the start just clear. for speed, Bill Cole and Richard on the was playing up on the Exeter ahead of Duncan Stephens but as the restart – came away easily for a clear. O odd numbers would be running a Ham Mill – Car noises getting worse and threatened to stop completely on the Clee. So I had been looking for a different route so we didn’t see that and vibration now on the faster road bits Bull’s Bank – easy all the way to the Ford wiper motor that would get me out much of him. Dudley Sterry was running – but clear. restart but the stones were really well of trouble and running out of time, the 31 so the best of class 7 were running polished. We just about moved off the forecast for the Clouds wasn’t brilliant. I hills at significantly different times – so Bryan’s – Wasn’t expecting much grip restart, then wheels speed did nothing, opted in desperation to get it rebuilt, the what was the right answer? so launched at this almost straight climb we let it drift down on idle and it wriggled man promised Thursday but it wasn’t it like a lunatic. The car found a ton more a bit of grip from somewhere and we got done until Friday – no problem, all day Alf’s Delight – clear no problem grip than I was expecting, so much so out. How I really don’t know! Clear. Saturday to fix it. Well what a pig! A that I shot right with no control at all at Dutton appears to be built around the Axe – we joined the queue – the huge the top and nearly clouted a tree, so that Jerry’s – 12psi, clear windscreen wiper mechanism and queue, complete with odd numbers that stopped me – A totally unnecessary 1. having taken off the steering, taken off had already done Mustard. I think we Talbot’s Terror – Aptly named, slick as the dashboard and broken a wiper blade were maybe 2 hours adrift on timings by Wicked Juniper – Very slick and this hell and steep, no line I could see that it was finally off. The repaired one went the time we got to climb the hill. The first time despite attack I found little grip, would work so just attacked it. Second on eventually after some modification of 35 to 40 cars had had big problems and Dudley 8, Duncan 5 – us 7 gear will be great if ever I get one I can brackets I hope never to see again. that is a big long hill to reverse down. pull. Interestingly I had almost forgotten Eventually I reassembled it all. And at But this was good news for the late Pheasants run test A – we clocked that the noise. Maybe it wasn’t that bad after that point the entrails of my 1970’s Ford runners like us as the hill was now we were now 2 hours 8 minutes late. all.. Duncan and Dudley did 8 so it wiring loom came up with so many driving, we gave it some serious attack With all the noises coming from the clearly wasn’t that easy. A dismal 10 for problems that it took hour after hour to because I really don’t like reversing – Melos transmission there was no way I us. fix. clear, hard hill. was attacking this timed nonsense – so we plodded along and did a magnificent Badger’s Run – Really interesting timed Finally all electrics were working again – Crooked Mustard – As we headed up 32.70 – Only 7 seconds slower than test, a slimy downhill into a slimy but then it wouldn’t start! Ignition into the Cotswolds the fog was causing Duncan!!! roundabout – a climb up and left to Wiring? – I hot wired it – still nothing. us some problems and the folks on straddle a line. Interesting and not the Fuel – no that was fine, coil – swapped Crooked Mustard must have been Freds Folly – no problem despite the normal mindless tests I so admire a 51.8 still nothing. So nothing left but disbelief perished. I hate this hill, never been up it 14psi and a deviation – clear for me – only 10 seconds behind and an aching back – I had finished the yet and its becoming a psychological Duncan this time!!! How does he do Clee, driven home, cleaned the car and problem, I know what I need to do but it Catswood – really slippery tight left for that? ran it the following day - all good. But keeps going wrong. I opted for 12psi immediate tight right over roots and the somehow the gremlins had got in and because I didn’t fancy punctures on the class 7 restart had dug some holes. A So after the noises which appeared on killed the igniter in the distributor. I rock steps and simply I didn’t get dismal effort which needed far more Crooked Mustard and vibration and replaced it, started, re-timed the ignition enough speed for the wall of death. I attack. Dudley 6, Duncan and me 7. clunking on overrun we had finally and staggered back into the house was down in the bottom hitting the rocks finished all the hills and trundled gently around 8pm exhausted. Trials are very hard and listening to a dire sound in the Merves Swerve – well yet again the drive train. We failed and my nemesis restarts seemed to be in the same off to the sign off at Minchinhampton aptly named - and I had no warm feeling Golf Course. We had made it, a pint and that Sunday on the Clouds wouldn’t hill remains. I had to reverse down which impossible places. Class 8s had a deliver more problems. fills me with fear as I can’t see a bloody mighty hole to climb out of on their a chat in the warm before home – the thing out the back. The noises restart and we jumped that to land in our fog had gone and clear sky’s sent the As it happens I drove over with no underneath were bad but as we did a own class 7 restart disaster. We temperature down rapidly. I drove home problems and all seemed to be running few road miles they reduced to clanking stopped. It should have gone easily so I slowly with tears in my eyes not knowing on overrun only - so we continued – 4 persuaded the marshals to pull me properly, we scrutineered, filled with fuel if the diff, a half shaft or a gearbox job and went for sign on. Stan my lost, depressing. forward which I would have expected to

33 34 was in store. A hard trial, a long trial but day. Considering how close we had WICKED JUNIPER CLIMPERWELL apart from Axe all was well. Thanks to come to a mechanical failure I can’t be A muddy blast between trees, not Rutted, tree lined section with a wicked Ben and Carl and the rest of the Stroud too down hearted. The noises turned out particularly steep but not good for the re- start amongst tree roots, quite level Suzuki as it doesn’t steer in these sort of with a kick at the end. We got out onto club for making those special tests a bit to be a disintegrated Hardy-Spicer on conditions and tends to accost trees! the tarmac road for a clean. more real – yes I’m still the slowest on the rear of the propshaft – so in the most - but hey at least they were scheme of things bloody lucky it didn’t PHEASANTS RUN. BULL BANKS 1 interesting. The results show that what give up completely and thrash the car to Timed test. By the time we arrived the B Section with good start and steady we thought was dire was consistently a pulp. But on the up side my wiper boards were beyond reach and progress to a rocky re-start. We failed re the case. Duncan beat us to second in motor is working! Till the next time with therefore the test was a waste of time. -start due to driver error for a 6. Feeling quite happy. class 7 with Mal Allen third. Running my Mustard phobia still intact. FRED’S FOLLY later was clearly the best option on the This is a hill that we have cleaned in the JERRYS past; not every time but more cleans Scored 8 but cannot recall the section. Cotswold Clouds Classic Trial hander. We gathered momentum than fails. We are looking forward to this around the left hander using the right- hill after the previous three fails. We TALBOT’S TERROR 2017 by Chris Maries hand bank but then the rocks and holes start well at the bottom of the hill until a Short blast up slippery, near vertical left by lots of other cars and the incline slight deviation that is far too close to a bank for an 11! eft Cheshire at 6am with trials killed the momentum. We then tackled car on trailer plus Graham, my large tree. We missed the tree but the the long reverse back to the start. deviation is far too narrow and we lose BADGERS RUN passenger, and the famous Liege S pilot Julian Lack, who momentum and stop. A good Observed test B. No time on results but L AXE challenging hill ruined by PCT type shown as clean with a zero after hitting agreed to passenger my brother Dave in The wait at this hill was close to 1 hour his Suzuki GV Sport, lured by the thinking! a tree! with the course closing car in the queue thought of a WARM, DRY and behind us. After two hills I hope we don’t COMFORTABLE trial. The journey was CATSWOOD My personal summary is that this trial is get a puncture. This hill is one I have Another hill on PCT lines with the well run and organised by the club and uneventful until, with TWO EXPERT never cleaned in all the years I have numbers from 8 to 0 out of reach of officials. But favours classes 7 and 8. navigators in the car, we managed to competed in this trial. This year could be leave the M5 on three occasions and most cars other than class 7/8. We finished on 92 points in a class 5 the year! Not to be. We got within sight still finished up going through of the bend and the sunshine and failed. car. The overall winner on 11 was from Stonehouse! MERVES SWERVE We are becoming experts at reversing Got half way up for a 10. Enough said. class 8. back to the start! Scrutineering and sign on completed we awaited our very late start time as we NAILSWORTH LADDER. Myke’s house. After a quick cup of tea were the last two cars to start. I have Fell Side Auto Club Northern This is another hill that has eluded us. th and with the car collected it was a short competed in this trial for five or more This time there was no restart so we Trial 18 February 2017 trip south to the excellent Wallace Lane years. In that time I have always been reached the top and were pleased to Car 44 - VW Scorpion - Class Farm B&B at Brocklebank. an early or middle start so this was to be say the least. 8, Driver - Charlie Knifton, a first time being last. After a good night’s sleep and a full HAM MILL Passenger – Ian Phillips English, we set off through the mist and The first hill was “ALFS DELIGHT”, We love this hill as it has rocks, tree drizzle to the start at Wigton Cattle There were no problems until half way roots, leaf litter ruts and mud. This suits he crew set off from Derbyshire Market. The reality of the weather up a marshal ran across the track in the Suzuki. A fair degree of momentum on Friday afternoon and battled became apparent as we unloaded the front of us trailing a piece of red and is required and was given, leading to a heavy M6 traffic with Charlie’s car with the wind and rain whistling white tape. Confusion reigned and the clean. trials car looking lost on a 22’ through the cattle pens leading to a fight throttle was lifted. We slowed until the T plant trailer. The reason for the trailer with a tarpaulin to protect the new other marshal waved us on to complete BRYAN’S overkill being the collection of my newly purchase from the elements. the hill with a clean. A short run from a gravel path to a wide purchased VW based class 8 trials car muddy hill that is very steep. The Suzuki from the ‘Northern’ Clerk of the Course We then discovered that after class 8 CROOKED MUSTARD does not perform well on this terrain. It Myke Pocock. After a hearty meal at competitor Steve Gozzard had We had a small wait in the hold control is however, warm, dry and comfortable Westmoreland Services we navigated withdrawn due to a poorly passenger, and away we went around the first right inside! through the suburbs of Carlisle to the only two other remaining class 8

35 36 competitors were Dean Partington and slippery slope and Charlie quickly A pleasant 10-mile road run took us to After this we descended back through Alistair McVittie. Dean’s passenger for recognised that speed would be the Lothwaite Side Gate forestry the forest to the Wythop observed test the day was to be Bill Rhodes, so required. This however came at the complex beginning with section 9, Big just prior to the exit. Arriving at the humour would not be in short supply. expense of some extreme fishtailing Cockup. However, there were no bottom at the AA markers the view of the After setting off a little late due to the when the Subaru turbo motor came on cockups for the class 8 drivers, so it was course revealed one of the longest tarpaulin fight and having lost the self- boost, but there was just enough traction onto Little Cockup which all three cars special tests we have seen. It consisted tapping screws for the (vital) perspex to clean the section. Both Dean and cleaned. of a drop along the track to a right-hand side deflectors we made our way to the Alistair had the same issues, but ended hairpin bend with a cone visible on the first section with high crosswinds up at 90° to the 2-marker giving us the Onto section 11 and the unfamiliar bend before the usual pass through BB battering the car as we climbed out early advantage. Kestrels Roost. The only visible part of and reverse to CC. A quick consultation towards the Northern Fells. the section was a short slope into a right of the test plan and we were off with The fourth section, Black Hole, lived up -hand turn and no view of what was Charlie in full attack mode which We arrived at Carlislegate Lane to find a to its name with headlights required due beyond. We set off with no issues to the produced a very quick and incident free short delay due to the VW Beetle of to dense forestry, but there was enough turn and were then confronted by a time of 41 seconds (fastest of the day). Nicola Butcher and family stuck light available for us to find our way to steep narrow grass covered slope and Next it was Dean’s turn and we stood at broadside across the track. This gave us the top with no issues at the restart. All no tyre tracks giving evidence of any the end of the section to watch. Dean time to realise that the dashboard was three class 8s clean again. previous success. This was obviously certainly went for it and blasted down held in place with the same type of self- going to be a challenge and as we the hill to the hairpin bend were the tapping screws as the side deflectors, We then headed back to the road for the progressed up the hill the long grass and shout of the marshal alerted us to the which were then soon back in place at run to Revelin Moss Gate via mud seemed to sap the power, but fact that Dean had failed to go around the expense of a slightly loose dash. Cockermouth town centre where open some vigorous bouncing kept us going the cone as per the plan. This meant top cars on a cold wet February to miraculously reach the 3-marker. I got that he had failed the section, but no one All three class 8s cleaned the section afternoon attracted some very strange out as per the open car rules and again knew how many points he would lose for without issue despite very deep ruts and looks. waited to watch Dean who as usual set this amateur mistake. rocks to the left of the lane which tested The fifth section in Hobcarton Plantation off up the hill in full attack mode, with the both the ground clearance and the tyres. was Cheshire Cat’s Smile. This started engine sounding spectacular up to the The penultimate section, Solway View, It was obvious why cars with lower ride with a short gentle climb on soft wet rev limiter. However, it wasn’t enough was Carlislegate Lane in reverse. At height had issues here. slippery clay to a sharp right hander and and his car stopped dead at the 7- least we knew what to expect with deep no view of the slope beyond. Charlie marker with Alistair only managing to ruts now to the right-hand side, but as A 10-mile road section took us to went for it, but lost some momentum on reach 10. Could this be the class 8 deal the ruts were now on the downward Setmurthy Gate Woods. The first section the right turn and the inner wheel spun breaker? slope momentum helped us to clean the was a short-observed test which Charlie up and we had to fight our way to the 3- section. completed efficiently in 20 seconds with marker. Exiting the car while Charlie We arrived at Routen’s Romp with a 3 Dean being 0.4 of a second faster. reversed down gave me the chance to point advantage of over Dean and prior The final section of the day, the Alistair came in at 21.9 seconds which watch Dean attack the hill and power knowledge of this section. Charlie set of infamous Sandale, was a short drive hinted at how the day may pan out. clean through the top having dropped with confidence, but this became over away and this is not a hill on which to be his tyre pressure after witnessing confidence as we hit the sharp left-hand complacent. We arrived at the start to be Watch Hill followed with a slippery start Charlie’s efforts. This put Dean 1 point turn too quickly. We ended up stalling told by the marshal that the restart had through a tight left turn onto a restart ahead and of course he was smiling like the car and were now at 60° to the been removed due to the conditions with tree roots across the track, but no the proverbial...Alistair fell fowl of the nearside bank. We soon restarted but near the top, so the anxiety was reduced issues getting away for us and another clay and scored 6. picked up a 7. Dean and Alistair were a little. Despite the deep mud and ruts section cleaned. Dean and Alistair were both clean here, so Dean was back in we cleaned the section and walked back also clean so level pegging for class 8. Long Crag followed and caused no the lead again by 4 points. to watch Dean through and have a chat Section 3, Telf’s Challenge, started with issues for all three class 8 cars and with Clerk of the Course Myke Pocock. a steep and slippery initial climb which failure to read the road book correctly The next two sections were on the high The drive back to the finish was through was causing problems for most of those took us to the Grotto, but no Santa for us ground at the top of the forest and we thick fog, so no spectacular view across before us and the majority of them that as class 8 were not tackling this one, so were certainly exposed to the elements to Scotland this year. did get up we’re beaten by the second on to Ladyside, a steep climb with with Bassenthwaite Lake just visible slope which was out of sight. Our turn enough traction for us to clean the hill. through the mist. Credit to the marshals Back at the finish our damage came and the first part of the hill was There were no issues for Dean here up there who had braved the wintry declaration was exchanged for an LED easily despatched and we were then either, but Alistair picked up a 5 and conditions. Both sections were stony keyring torch and the day was finished presented by a steep grass covered began to slip behind. and the class 8s had no issues. off with fish and chips and much

37 38 discussion over whether or not the class sections in a spectacular location. Special) and Nigel Hilling (Ford Anglia/ Our last section in this forest was win was ours or Dean’s. Thanks to all organisers and marshals. Popular). These three were performing Falcon's Crest, steepish start, turn sharp Next year I hope to take part as a driver. particularly well, as was Bill Bennett right then sharp left to a steeper finish The results arrived on the Monday (MG J2) who had got ahead of us. where we stopped at 5. Many others following the event and to our surprise Ian Phillips A further 10 road miles brought us to were more successful with clean sheets. Beck Wythop with its well-known We then did the second observed test, we had the overall victory as Dean had forestry sections. We found Big Cockup quite a long one, located close to the been given 6 marks for his mistake on Class 8 results st difficult as did everyone in class 2, all exit. theWythop special test. 1 Charlie Knifton - 13 marks nd scoring 8. Conversely, the previously 2 Dean Partington – 15 marks rd mentioned Messrs. Golightly and Hilling Back then onto the public road and yet Despite the typical Cumbrian weather 3 Alistair McVittie – 26 marks this was a cracking trial with some great drove up like a main road for a clear! another 10 miles to Section 15, Solway Little Cockup looks tough but always View, which was Carlislegate Lane has ample grip and was cleaned by (Section 1) run backwards. Here, we nearly all cars. Next, Kestrel's Roost is experienced a minor disaster. 50 yards No. 3, Telf's Challenge really was a Fell Side Trial 2017 one of those impossible climbs where after starting, the engine stopped dead! challenge with a steep initial climb you just have to go for it and see what The coil lead had unscrewed from the by Richard Parker where we spun to a stop within a few happens. Most people had double figure distributor. 10 seconds to put it back and yards of the start. The results show very penalties. restart, we were off to drive to "section nother year, another Fell Side few cleans here. The familiar Black Hole ends" but, of course, the damage had Northern trial! Once again, was next on the agenda. The bottom The next section, number 12 was been done. A penalty of 10 marks on a class 2 had a good entry of part looked a muddy mess but once Routen Romp, very well known to me as section cleared by every other car!! mostly pre-war cars, - Bill clear of this, the surface offered some A it is also used on the VSCC Lakeland These things happen. Bennett's familiar and always successful traction and most cars ran clear or with Trial. Quite a long section and fairly MG J2, four Austin Sevens, Richard low penalties. There was a restart for steep, under dryish conditions it is Now to the grand finale, - Sandale. As Matthews' Singer Junior which has an classes 7 and 8 which appeared to have usually not much of a problem but when usual it was thronged with spectators, all Austin Seven engine and James Child's given little trouble. wet (as it was), wheelspin can set in in good voice, encouraging everyone Ford Pop. early, reducing speed and eventually all with equal enthusiasm. This is one of A road section of over 10 miles took us forward motion. This is what happened the few sections available to spectators Fell Side's usual efficient srutineering to Hobcarton Plantation on Whinlatter to us, and we failed soon after the right- as the forestry is out of bounds for cars and signing on had everyone away on Pass to a new section called Cheshire hand bend for a score of 8. Bill Bennett other than those involved with the trial time on February 18th. Overcast skies Cat's Smile (don't ask me why!). Run by and Andrew Wright cleared but other and walking to sections is not really an and light rain most of the day meant Hamish White, usually a competitor, this class 2 runners scored 8 or worse. option because of the distances slippery sections and in an open car, had a surface like old porridge and took Because of the need to tow out failures, involved. Sandale is a very important wet occupants. Section 1 was the now hefty penalties from everyone except the top part of the section soon cuts up section for this trial and we should be familiar Carlislegate Lane. This is a Dean Partington in class 8, who cleared! badly, making conditions more difficult. mindful of how fortunate we are to have muddy lane with a gentle gradient, Next was Long Crag, a familiar section it. usually fairly innocuous, this year it had run by Hamish's dad Andrew. A straight, A short run then took us back ruts deep enough to swallow a small car fairly steep climb, this was cleaned by to Wigton to sign off and and although we got through, there were everyone. Section 7, Grotto, was new to enjoy some welcome warmth, several times when we thought we'd me and was attempted by only classes a beer and good food. had it! 1 - 4. There was a restart which most Mention of some especially did successfully but no-one cleared the good performances is On then to Setmurthy to the first special top. Last section here, Ladyside, is also appropriate. Firstly, Andrew test, run by Pat and Jonathan Toulmin well known and although very rough and Wright in his Austin 7 had who were taking a day off competing to rutted is do-able with a good number of only 36 penalty points before help run the trial. Close by was section cleans. The restart for classes 6,7 and 8 the final section when his 2, Watch Hill. This had a deviation for looked to have caused problems for engine failed on the road. He some classes and two different restart some. would undoubtedly have been lines. Very claggy off the start line, there an award winner without this was actually some grip and we made it Up to press we had been running in misfortune. Bill Bennett won successfully along with most of the company with a group of cars, including class 2 with a score of 29 and entry. Andrew Wright (Austin 7), David Richard Parker on Falcon’s Crest Nigel Hilling, running in class Golightly (vintage Ford Model T based by Jonathan Toulmin

39 40 3, cleaned 10 sections out of 15 for 30 organisation was good, as usual, with a 11 miles to Winlatter forest via view to the lake below awe inspiring but penalties. Most remarkable was David clear route book and good direction Cockermouth to Revelin Moss Gate car misty the weather damp now, Robin Golightly in his vintage Ford who signs in the forestry. Thanks to the park the section looked after by "Blood was hoping for snow.! A short trip to dropped marks on only two sections for marshals, all volunteers, without whom Bikes Cumbria" hopefully not on duty! a score of 13 and second place overall. there would be no event. Many are Where newly graded flinty tracks lead Section 13 Falcon's Crest, a muddy Quite astonishing. members of other motoring clubs who to. climb going right then left for a clean, travel long distances to stand out in all passenger out and reverse back only I thought this was an enjoyable though weathers to ensure its smooth running. Section 5 Cheshire Cat's Smile. halfway then forward out and signed to: quite difficult trial with some extremely Thanks also to everyone else involved (previously Tweedledum/Tweedledee) A slippery sections resulting in fairly heavy with the organisation, particularly the muddy section starts on a gradient Section 14 Where Eagles Dare. Fellow penalties for some competitors. The host club. I look forward to next year. shortly turning right not too steep but Liege Ray Ferguson went before us as slippy our best a 5. I managed to turn we lent some motorbikes tools to adjust round and exit forwards. their chain, by the accent they were The 2017 Northern Trial one Liege going clean Richard Irvine, from the north east. We watched as one less than half the entry go clean. On to section 6 Long Crag, a long motorbike went clean followed by what by John Charles section with a water splash followed by seems like ritual ground kissing or is it Just over 10 miles led us into the forest a rising rutted left hander and out clear. worship of the mud god? The section riday 17 February 6-30 collect for the first Observed Test, Setmurthy, Next section 7 not for us but we was very steep and loose turning right my eldest son and off to forwards stop back stop forwards round mistakenly visited where Stan Peel and left to a full stop on an exposed Cumbria for the Northern Trial, a grass mound on to loose gravel to greeted us, quick chat then round the hillside with a reverse the only option. F admittedly my favourite trial and stop astride, OK but already I am trying corner to. The signs led to the chance to spend a day with Robin to think of excuses! A short uphill to: catching up. He is a busy lad with a Section 8 Ladyside a muddy trip Observed test 2, Wythop. Rain quite family, the girls into horses and his son Section 2 Watch Hill. Bikes were through the trees to a restart, stopped persistent now, quite a long test trialling a motorbike. Robin is a Land waiting, and as they went we got a look too low and the tree roots got me that downhill 90 right round a cone on Rover addict and he has just re- at where things went, one bike being would be 5 then. The marshal’s fault he downward 90 left on loose leaves to chassised his lightweight, he has owned dropped most seemed to make the said it was easy! Exit the forest after a finish. On now 10 miles towards it 3 times! Well 170 odd miles, a night in restart. We had a diversion, I checked swift wrong direction a route back 10 Cockermouth past lake Bassenthwaite, a Travelodge, and then on to the with the marshal my proposed wide line, miles to Louthwaite Side the directions rain now heavy. excellent start at Hopes Auction Mart then off wide to the right, sharp left into out a little, fortunately David Golightly Wigton. Trailer unloaded, paperwork mud and ruts sharp right over roots was familiar with the area so we Section 15 Solway View, a reverse of completed, bacon sandwiches sharp left to restart all good clean. The followed him down steep forest tracks to section 1, to the usual greetings from devoured, a chat round the yard, I section continues over the hill to the Burney. You can't do without such discovered Roger Goldthorpe was track and on to Section 9, Big Cockup, a steep muddy characters never malicious but fruity! A unfortunately a non-starter leaving just 4 uphill turning right with ruts David was stony muddy section with some Lieges, a good number of motorbikes Section 3 Telfs Challenge. Just a few clean. We managed 8. Ruts! Possibly overhanging branches another clean and 26 cars. feet before hard right up a muddy climb, we ought to have inflated the tyres? but the exit ruts passable at speed slow approach to make sure the car downhill. Just a mile to First car off was Chris Maries in his turned, watch out for the tree and up we Section 10 Little Cockup, I can't class 5 Suzuki GV2000 sounding very go for a clean. Forgot to mention, a remember but we went clean. Section 16 Sandale, a muddy rutted fit, followed by Bill Bennett class 2 MG quick flick of the hair before starting, boggy track, our restart cancelled we J2 then ourselves class 7 Liege. On the Dave Cook was behind the tree camera Section 11 Kestrel's Roost my mind is bottomed out or a 3 and a tow from a run out to Carlislegate the nice day at the ready. Vain me!! Returning on blank but we only managed 8. 4x4. Quite a spectator spot this. On our seemed to be disappearing. On route a forest track to journey today we have seen a number deer emerged from the woodland Section 12 Routen’s Romp, a forest of waving locals and plenty of smiles crossing in front of us, something not Section 4 Black Hole to a "fruity" track turning rutted. Our diversion and waves. 6 miles took us to the finish, seen every day. On arrival lowered tyres greeting by Burnie Pugh. The section marked by what seemed like many lines where we heard Trevor Wood bent a (first mistake) it's quite a grippy section starts muddy, then a little firmer with of tape, fortunately plenty of good wishbone and an Austin 7 suffered a but rutted. With the first two cars clear, ruts to a restart. All OK on to the top helpful marshals pointing out the route plug lead jumping off. An enjoyable off we set and we dropped into the ruts where turn round and return, thankfully round trees before rejoining the track meal followed then we load up and which seemed deeper than I have seen as I hate reversing. Out of the forest with a final flat out over the infinity finish away, thoroughly enjoyed thanks to all them and bellied out for a 5. Here just opening a gate for two others, turn left for a clean. Above the tree line now, the concerned.

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