High winds with a little rain thrown in for good measure greeted the 38 riders on the hills above Sowerby Bridge. Fortunately the C of C's, Adrian Brayshaw and Neil Anderton had this in mind when they laid the course the previous Thursday, thinking also of the observers by finding sheltered areas for the majority of the 10 sections. Nab End is hilly moorland quarry with a variety of rock outcrops, giving the majority of riders a good challenge and a wide range of marks were dropped.
After a steady starter, the second section included a tight downhill turn followed by a steep uphill gulley catching Dave Ingram and Malcolm Cocking for a dab and Gordon Imrie on his rigid AJS for 3. For the Rigids, section 4 was the first mark taker for the winners. Again an uphill followed by right and left turns with a long uphill narrow rockstrewn gulley where balance was critical. Section 9 was the main mark taker for all classes, a favourite at Nab End, it is a straight climb over unstable rocks where some speed and good throttle control are the key. The effect of strong wind added to the excitement. Only Dave Ingram, Malcolm Cocking and Gordon Imrie were clean all day. The final section was the sting in the tail, a long grass uphill track with rock steps and big rock slabs with only Mick Clarke, John Feather and Malcolm Cocking clean all day but catching Dave Ingram for his second mark.
In the Non Competitive Class, Steve Thomas on his Bantam went clean all day followed by David Wilkinson, dabbing at section 5, a ride around a path strewn with rocks, and section 9. Third placed Brent Cordon lost all his marks on section 9.
Thanks to the Landowner and Riders and Observers who braved the weather. Unfortunately it was too windy for photographs.
Pre-Unit Springers
1st Dave Ingram (Ariel) 2 2nd Mick Clarke (Ariel) 6 3rd Dave White (Ariel) 28
Pre-Unit Rigid
1st John Feather (Ariel) 11 2nd Steve Cordon (AJS) 15 3rd Gordon Imrie (Matchless) 18
Twins
1st Malcolm Cocking (Triumph) 4
Vintage 2 Strokes
No finishers
Just for Fun, Non-Competitive
1st Steve Thomas (Bantam) 0 2nd David Wilkinson (Cub) 2 3rd Brent Cordon (Bantam) 5