East of England Trial

If the Eastern Centre had previously not been heard of amongst the trials riding fraternity it certainly is now. On Sunday 29th June a super entry of 100 riders arrived at the Trials Park near Corton in Suffolk for the Inaugural running of the East of England trial sponsored by Global Racing oils. The event was run as a combined effort from the clubs involved in the Norfolk and Suffolk Group and Chris Edwards  fabulous Trials Park facility.

Much hard work went into the preparation from all parties and the end result was a well laid out course of 14 sections to be lapped 3 times.  Despite a mid day downpour the the sections still remained ride able but the inevitable mud dragged onto some providing extra challenge.

As well as a large contingent of local riders the organisers we pleased to have not only have top national stars such as Andy Chilton and James Fry, Dec and Brad Bullock but also world stars such Emma Bristow and the Eastern Centre's own hero former world champion Jack Sheppard in attendance. 

The elite class provided a "home winner"  with Roundhouse Beta rider Jack Sheppard coming in first ahead of team mate Andy Chilton, Jacks demolition of sections 4 and 14 proved the wining rides loosing only 1 on the final section of the day which claimed many fives. MRS Sherco's Emma Bristow put up a strong display to finish on 93, still a score to be proud of in such slippery conditions. 
Young Elite rider Toby Martyn proved a big hit with fans and fellow riders and rode out a clear winner in the youth class.

Expert honours were fought out in a close contest between ex centre champion Julian Harvey and Tom Ablewhite with the local rider getting the win by a mere one point. 

Perhaps the most closely fought classes of the day were the Intermediate and novice routes which both attracted a bumper entry. Richard Beeles won a hard fought Inter class with Alan Pain proving victories for the novices. 

In the youth classes Josh Bawden was the eventual winner of a tightly fought Youth B class. 

There was however another purpose to this event and that was to raise money for Teenage cancer trust, a charity which has recently helped local rider Dominic Feaks during his treatment for the disease. A raffle was run during the day with many very sort after prizes but perhaps the main event was expert rider James Williams agreeing to have his famous head and beard shaved off in order to raise money for the charity.

Elite Expert
Jack Sheppard - 13
Andy Chilton - 35
James Fry - 41
Dec Bullock - 55
Emma Bristow - 93
Brad Bullock - 98

Youth Elite
Toby Martyn - 79
Tom Minta - 99

Expert 50/50
Steve Bird - 56

Intermediate
Richard Beeles - 53

Intermediate B
Trevor Harvey - 13

Novice
Alan Pain - 39

Youth A
Millie Ray - 100

Youth B
Josh Bawden - 92