Yes folks, it's that time of year again, when strange rumblings can be heard in the deepest depths Littondale and Wharfedale. It can only mean one thing – preparations are being made for the 2015 running of the Allan Jefferies Trophy Trial. My spies have reported back and I can now give you a sneak preview as to what is being planned for the event to be held on the 5 July 2015, starting from the reading room at Halton Gill.
Overall the route follows the groups of sections that were used last year, but with some significant changes to the individual sections in some of the groups. The course plotters Major Injury (MI) and General Disdain (GD) have been very busy shuffling rocks around in the becks and opening up some brand new sections. Yet again there is a new route to ride over the final moor and riders should have a great day in prospect.
As per usual, competitors will depart Halton Gill Reading Room, with the first rider away at 10:01 sharp. To get riders warmed up and on their way, the first group of sections will take in the 3, "very easy sections" at Flamethrower. Fountains Fell is the next group; the lower 2 sections, which are never too taxing on rider or machine but could hold a sting in the tail for the big boys. The next two sections are higher up on the fell side, located within the narrow boulder strewn gully. The course plotters have slotted in an additional section before the usual final test here, the fairly steep climb up the beck over the sharp angular boulders.
Always good from a spectator point of view, much" leg work" can be seen here. Next, it is down the Litton Track. Care and slow riding along here, RAMBLERS about – I know from first hand experience it's not always easy, but just try to be pleasant and cheerful. Only 2 sections planned here this year, which are off the track to the right and I have been assured they are on the "hard side of easy" (whatever that means). Now, it's a short ride down the track and left on to the tarmac. An easy couple of miles and then it is into Ellershaw Farm – this is where the fun starts with 5 good sections. A short blast a cross the bottom of the moor and into Wilks field for a quick pit stop and that's the first 13 sections sorted.
About 3 miles down the road and Arncliffe Scree is next on the menu with 4 slightly changed sections. The top 2 are located within what is locally referred to as the "Rock Garden". The limestone boulders embedded in the short grass always catch the unwary out. Next, it's down the road, through Arncliffe Village and on to Haweswick Cote for 1 section this year. This group was originally introduced for the sidecar brigade in the dim and distant past and should only catch out the riders who are not vigilant. Next up it's Sleets, only 1 Section here this year, but it's the one next to the road (a real snorter of a test). Not much more can be said about this roadside section - the limestone outcrop is always very slippery and guaranteed to take marks, even from the top lads. As usual, if the exit on the grass bank turn is tightly flagged, ear defenders are a useful accessory, for both observer and spectator. From here it's back to the road and the short 3 mile run down into the garage at Kettlewell. A quick pit stop and maybe a quick ice cream from the café across the road, but don't dwell too long, especially if the sun is out like it was last year. So that's it for the first half of the event, 20 sections down, only 20 more to do.
Next for the riders as a 5 mile stretch of roadwork up Wharfedale, take your time and enjoy the scenery. Next up is the new group of 2 sections located in the rock filled gully behind the house of Redmire Farm. Back to the road and onwards to Hagg Gill. These 3 sections, first used last year,have had some remedial work done on them during the past twelve months. The first section being only 10 metres from the roadside with the last one located only 200 metres from the road and is possibly, the stiffest of the group, but nothing a good clubman should be able to cope with.
It is only a short gallop down the moor and along the road to the group at Yockenthwaite. These 4 sections are the usual fair for the Allan Jefferies – the higher up the hill, the harder they become. The top 3 sections are all above the wire fence and always take marks from the unwary. Now it's back down the hill and on to the road for 400 metres, turning right into Raisgill. This will be the last you see of tarmac before signing off in the Reading Rooms at Halton Gill. This year the route is past the wooden hut and follow the boulder-strewn stream to 2 new sections higher up the gill. Slippery bedrock sections are on offer here which are sure to catch some clubmen riders out.
Riders are well on their way to the finish by the time they leave Raisgill behind but there is still some work to do. Up the steep quad track turning left on to the beginning of the moor. Yet again, it is not the usual way across and riders need to follow the route marking closely from here to the little gate at the top. On the lower slopes of this side of the moor are many "Shake Holes" and yes, as last year, I don't know what they are either but I'm only repeating what I've been told. The "Shake Holes" are numerous, deep and well camouflaged – take the safe option and follow the route flags closely.
Bouther Gill is up next, 4 brand new sections here. My spies inform me that the first two could prove to be the real "meat & veg" of the days proceedings, with the last 2 being assessed as "Medium". From here it's a short climb to the top of the moor, avoiding the "Yockenthwaite Bog Monster" at all costs. In the past it has been known to swallow bikes (and riders) wholesale and without mercy. You have been warned. Through the small gate at the top of the moor and then it's "onwards and downwards" back to Wilks Field. Another quick pit stop here and then you are nearly in sight of the finish.
The 3 sections in Wilks Field are right alongside the parking area with the top one usually being a real mark taker. Leaving Wilks Field via the top left hand gate, a quick trip back up on to the moor brings riders to 2 sections in the Penters(A) group. The last section in this group usually provides a stiff test for the top lads. From here it is a short ride across the side of the moor and on to the final waterfall section at Halton Gill. This is the last section and being so late in the day, always proves a good test of rider throttle control and stamina. All riders need to do then is remember to sign off in the Reading Rooms and it's job done. Grab a cup of tea and a bun - you will have earned it.
So that is it, a total of 40 sections and nearly 40 miles of glorious Dales scenery, especially if the sun shines. I have been assured (by GI/GD) that all sections will be set out sensibly, "no initiative tests" with plenty of opportunity for clubmen to get their tired feet down.
This route is what is proposed at the time of going to press and could well be altered nearer the time.
As always there is the thorny problem of getting sufficient "Observers with Bikes". Some of the more remote sections are only accessible by bikes and therefore; "Observers with Bikes" would be particularly welcome and will be guaranteed a good run round on the day, as well as a food voucher for the excellent fare available from the Halton Gill ladies.
P.S. BREAKING NEWS . . . .
I have been advised that General Disdain has finally move into the 21st Century and has now got himself a "Facebook" account. The word is that he will attempt to "post" some pictures of the sections as marked out for the trial. It should be interesting – watch this space. Personally, I can't wait, but will believe it when I see it.
Closing date 1/7/15