Richmond Motor Club. Eric Ridley Memorial Trophy Trial, Hurst, Sunday.
The remote village of Hurst formed the back drop for the rescheduled Eric Ridley Trophy Trial on Sunday in Richmondshire where almost one hundred trials starved riders assembled at Tonge Hill, Hurst, to ride a Paul Terry designed two lap sixteen section course. The streams were running high and it was bitterly cold, even more so out on the moors near Ridley’s Fold but the forecasted snow did not materialise. In view of the Arctic conditions Mr Terry closed the first section at 2.00 pm to avoid a frostbite/hyperthermia scenario. The photographer’s fingers were so cold he could not feel the shutter release button. The first two sections down the gill were fast running torrents of almost white water rapids which concealed slippery rocks. Guy Kendrew and Jack Stones both lost marks as did Will Reynolds. In the Over 40’s class only Chris Manby managed to clean both sections. A quartet of Vicky and David Andrew, Dave Nesham and Barry Watson were tested at section three to six where they endured a bitterly cold wind blowing across the moors. Only James Stones and Tom Hick bossed the Ridley group. James ran clean to the seventh section ran incurred a damaging five and three. There was a suggestion of ice on the rocks at the third section. Gary Thwaite was really fired up in the Greens and sailed right through to the tenth where two dabs went away. The ‘Gasman’, Roger Williams was right on Gary with a dab on the second on lap one but Paul Dennis dropped away with a stop and two in the penultimate section. On the hard course Matt Maynard was riding well after a three month lay-off to win the Inter category. He dropped twenty to match Tom Hick and John Crinson in the overall scores. For Matt Maynard and Will Reynolds it was a testing event. Neither had competed since the Scott Trial last October. Will’s Montesa was put away in its container after the Scott event but the Japanese bike started first kick on Saturday morning although onlookers thought otherwise. Jack Stones had other excuses to rely on. His twenty first birthday party the previous evening may have played a slight part in his performance. A trio of Richmond ladies braved the cool conditions. Katy Sunter grabbed ninth Green from Brendan Suffell and Paul Terry. Jack Harker was on his new Beta and beat his father Andrew by two marks while down in the clubman ranks Robyn Alderson and Hannah Richardson delivered good results in what was a thirty nine strong mix of Clubmen and Over 40’s. In the Youth Greens Ryan Brown excelled over rated Tom Needham while Joe Tales shaded the Dent boys- Charlie and Harry.
Richmond have dated the Harold Graham Trophy Trial (all classes) at Cogden all on February 21st and the Dick Horner Trophy Trial at Wensley (Green/Clubmen/O 40’s and Twin Shock + all Youth classes) for February 28th.
Experts: Richard Sadler (Beta) 5, Guy Kendrew (Beta) 8, James Stones (Sherco) 13.
Inters: Matthew Maynard (Sherco) 20, Thomas Housecroft (Beta) 33, Russell Cannell (Sherco) 42.
Novices: Nathan Cannell (Gas Gas) 30, Tom Alderson (Beta) 30, Thomas Coates (Beta) 60.
Green course: Gary Thwaite (Sherco) 5, Roger H Williams (Montesa) 12, Paul Dennis (Beta) 17.
Youths: Ryan Brown (Beta) 36, Tom Needham (Gas Gas) 44, Sam Charlton (Beta) 68.
Clubmen: Paul Sadler (Beta) 9, Andy Kearton (Montesa) 14, Shaun Clennell (Montesa) 33.
Over 40’s: Mark Chippendale (Gas Gas) 16, Martin Pratt (Beta) 31, Chris Manby (Beta) 32.
Youths: Joe Tales (Beta) 39, Charlie Dent (Gas Gas) 49, Harry Dent (Sherco) 82.
PHOTOS: JACK KNOOPS
No 12 is Hannah Richardson, No 195 is Guy Kendrew, in the black suit is Mat Maynard and the other rider is Richard Sadler, the Expert Winner
I think our computers are trying to tell us we ought to be past it by now. Trouble is, I was busy when they were stamping the kids with a 'Use By' date...........
Thank you for posting that, brilliant find, yes, that's the chap!!! He knew more about my own bike than I did! (I sent you an email, to your offroarchive gmail, with the AJS reg instead because I couldn't figure out pm)!!
All the very best,
TTSpud
Hi Garry,
I've already answered your email........you could be lucky......
"Deryk, not sure if you know of, but second lap, after Hungry Hill, stopped and a chap called Giles Walley (I think) said he knew well the bike that I was riding......"
I reckon this is a picture, taken at the 1983 Talmag of, L to R, Sammy Miller, Julian Wigg and Giles Walley?
PHOTO: MICK CLARKSON
Enjoy.
(Mick has since shown the photo to Giles, who said: "Sorry, not me........"
Yes I used to see Giles regularly - if you pm me your reg no I may well have pictures of your bike when Mick was riding it - Mick was not, too my knowledge, a works rider, but was more likely supported by a dealer.
Any news on the winner, I heard that Ben Butterworth went round clean?
Hi Ken,
I hope to hear from Ben shortly - and also with a little luck the next ORRe will be a TALMAG SPECIAL with a very full photographic report.
Pity about the rain - and the inevitable Talmag delays at sections - but usually that just gives more opportunities for old mates who only see each other at Hungry Hill to have a good natter............
Whenever I was asked about the Talmag in days gone by I always replied: "It isn't a trial - it's a social occasion."
For me, for example, it was usually a chance to have a good natter and update from Bert Thorn, the Comerford's sales director, whose garden rockery featured the large stone that Gordon Jackson planted his right foot on to lose his single mark in the '61 Scottish.
Two beggars are sitting side by side on a street in Rome, Italy. One has a Cross in front of him; the other one is holding the Star of David.
Many people go by, look at both beggars, but only put money into the hat of the beggar sitting behind the Cross.
The Pope comes by. He stops to watch the throngs of people giving money to the beggar who holds the Cross while none give to the beggar holding the Star of David.
Finally, the Pope approaches the beggar with the Star of David and says, "My poor fellow, don't you understand? This is a Catholic country; this city is the seat of Catholicism. People aren't going to give you money if you sit there with a Star of David in front of you, especially when you're sitting beside a beggar who is holding a Cross. In fact, they would probably give more money to him just out of spite."
The beggar with the Star of David listened to the Pope, smiled and turned to the beggar with the Cross and said, "Moishe, look who's trying to teach the Goldstein brothers about marketing!"
Here's the young lad in question, trouble was he always wanted to 'have a go' at every section we could find in my various trials series - and inevitably cleaned everything in sight - in spite of the girder forks and rigid back end. Say 'hello' to Perce for me sometime.
Age has certainly mellowed you Laird, back in the early to mid ninties, younger riders albeit on big bikes got mild to caustic stick in your off road review almost on a monthly basis. I am all for younger riders who compete on a regular basis, what I don t agree so much... with is younger good riders borrowing a bike for a well know trial or two, showing off and then disappearing again.
Hi Hamish,
In the old Review the younger riders only got stick from me in the nineties when they 'spoiled' the classic aspect by wearing multicoloured 'pyjamas', even when they were on nice Ariels, like yours..........and, where there is a choice of images available to me now, I will always pick the one with the more classic aspect.
So there's another clue to the youngsters - if you like seeing your photograph in a digital magazine, watch your fashion styles........
I totally agree with your 'borrowed bike' thoughts.
I didn't say I would be there - much as I would like to be, there are sure to be a lot of old friends, some that I haven't seen for years - what I said was 'ORRe will be there' - because our digital magazine may be put together by me personally but the material that will be included will be collected by a group of respected colleagues, including more than one camera - just like we did in the printed Review days, me riding the trial and personally judging the sections, Mary, Gordon Francis and Nick Nichols busy with their cameras. Sadly they are all dead now - but a new generation has taken their place.
One last request - please spell my name correctly.
Off topic I know, but I was very happy to see the Kawasaki trials development taking shape when they tempted my old mate Alec Wright to join them, that meant his Ossa sidecar outfit with a works motor became surplus to requirements.
I offered to buy it, but he could only sell it without the motor - but the Ossa concessonaire at the time was another old mate from the West Leeds club, Fearless Fred (most publications use his posh name - Peter Fletcher!) so I was able to do a swift deal which left the outfit intact........
Mary and I had great fun - with gobs of help from Jack Matthews.
I know we have seen some young entrants on the classic trials scene, like Steve Allen from Dursley (thanks, Jon!) who I remember as a gawky youngster, probably about fifteen, riding with us at Golden Valley, on an old Fanny-B - and he is still riding, will be at the Talmag on Sunday - moreover I don't think he has ever owned a 'modern' trials bike,
Then checking through old negatives I came across this shot taken by Mary at one of the first Scarborough Two-day trials (I think). It shows Harry Stanistreet's lad riding one of his rigid James Commando's, just like the very first bike that Arthur Lampkin rode as a teenager. The young lad is Martyn (my thanks to basil) - and I shall shortly post a more up to date image of him, photographed by Jack Knoops for ORRe during the 2015 Pre-65 Scottish - remember we published a photograph of every competitor in that event in ORRe.
The wife came home early and found her husband in their bedroom making love to a very attractive young woman.
And she was somewhat upset. 'You are a disrespectful pig!' she cried. 'How dare you do this to me -- a faithful wife, the mother of your children! I'm leaving you. I want a divorce right away!'
The husband replied, 'Hang on just a minute love so at least I can tell you what happened.' 'Fine, go ahead,' she sobbed,' but they'll be the last words you'll say to me!'
The husband began -- 'Well, I was getting into the car to drive home, and this young lady here asked me for a lift. She looked so down and out and defenceless that I took pity on her and let her into the car.
I noticed that she was very thin, not well dressed and very dirty. She told me she hadn't eaten for three days.
So, in my compassion, I brought her home and warmed up the enchiladas I made for you last night, the ones you wouldn't eat because you're afraid you'll put on weight. The poor thing devoured them in moments.
"Since she needed a good clean-up, I suggested a shower, and while she was doing that, I noticed her clothes were dirty and full of holes, so I threw them away. Then, as she needed clothes, I gave her the designer jeans that you've had for a few years, but don't wear because you say they're too tight.
I also gave her the underwear that was your anniversary present, which you don't wear because I don't have good taste.
I found the sexy blouse my sister gave you for Christmas that you don't wear just to annoy her, and I also donated those boots you bought at the expensive boutique and don't wear because someone at work has a pair the same.'
The husband took a quick breath and continued - 'She was so grateful for my understanding and help that as I walked her to the door, she turned to me with tears in her eyes and said,
'Please ...
Do you have anything else that your wife doesn't use
"A side issue of which is something that always puzzled me; why, after selling a trials bike in those days, did they never seem to be seen again - who bought a trials bike not to use it?"
The answer, I suspect, is possibly that they fancy being a competitor in the 'pretty bike arena' of shows. You see there is much concentration on compliance to sales leaflet looks in the show arena, and many road machines have awkward plastic panels, etc., etc.
But trials models have, very often, alloy mudguards, chainguards, no awkward to find toolboxes, definitely a far less demanding restoration task. Moreover not many marque 'experts' remember the competition models, so as long as everything is nicely buffed and polished..........
There is no simple answer to your question, simply because there is no indication of the image size that all these megapixel are spread across.....nor is there any real comparison in the grain size of different types of films, often their slower rated films have finer grain - I rarely used more than 50asa films in my medium format cameras when I was working on landscape photography - but that meant you lost all control over action blur when photographing bikes.
However I have now swopped totally to digital and even at 40 megapixels I can spread an action shot to print far larger than I could ever use.
The camera you have seen is most likely a highly specialised unit for creating very large high resolution images such as might be used on huge outdoor advertising hoardings.
HNP 331 was a series of bikes, since it was one of the registrations used by the Competition shop at Redditch and fitted to whatever works machine Johnny Brittain was riding at the time, therefore there were rigid Bullet versions, then various swinging arm versions, then early Crusaders even through to the very last plastic-tanked Crusaders, all bearing the HNP 331 plate.
Most of them are already illustrated in ORRe.
Over the years there were HNP 330, 331 and 332 - but also many more whilst Royal Enfield were very active in competition - but only Johnny carried his own sort of 'personalised' plate over the years.
The film that you found was one of the excellent productions of C H Wood, also famously involved in the development of the Scott trial. The filming and photography was Clarrie's day job, the motorcycling was his dominant hobby. There are many fine examples of his work in ORRe - and many more still to come.
I had, for a very brief period, a Cotton Cavalier - I regret to say I would suggest a name change for you to 'old trials masochist'.........
I swapped mine very quickly for a Greeves Pathfinder, which was almost as gutless until I changed the exhaust for the Comerford's alternative developed by my old mate, Reg May. That transformed the bike and made it an enjoyable proposition - also the Wilkinson's swopped their exhausts to the Comerford's version on their works bikes.
Here's another image to recall, I hope, your excellent Forgotten Era classification.
It is Malcolm's brother Gerald Rathmell, riding a 125cc Sprite in the Scottish, photographed by Barry Robinson.
There are plenty of similar photographs, without the visible watermarks, in our digital magazine, ORRe, and don't forget my offer, stacks of free publicity plus extensive Photoreports of any of your events in ORRe if we can.
To help with your restoration thoughts how about a period shot of welsh champion Mike Leddy with his 325 Beamish Suzuki,
There are plenty of period shots of Beamish Suzukis in current and forthcoming issues of our digital magazine, ORRe, where for a simple fee of £12 per year you get immediate access to (currently) thirty-six issues, plus probably another twenty in the year, and copies of any photographs at no extra charge if they would help.
Each issue is fifty or more pages, and many photos are being published for the very first time - no space is wasted on advertising and when we make a mistake we put a correction UP FRONT and EMPHASIZED, not ignored or tucked away in the small print..........
Oh, and there are no visible watermarks in the magazine
If your wallet/management can't associate enough asset release to support your own in-house museum, maybe you could be sneaky and indulge yourself at minimal expense with an 'in-house reference library'?????????
That's what you get from a subscription to our in-house digital magazine - and as an example of the value of the library, here is one of the images, with Chris Sutton in action on his orange 250 Ossa Gripper - and I'm sorry it is in black and white - but that's what we photojournalists had to use back in the day if we were to meet deadlines........
By the way, subscribers can have copies of the photos at no extra charge - and there are no watermarks in the magazine.
Ripon Motor Club held their Annual Dinner and Award Presentation at the Millstones, Kettlesing on Saturday 23rd. January 2016.
Eighty club members attended the excellent carvery meal followed by music by the Mee Kats Trio. A slide show of Jack Knoops photos was shown, before and, during the meal.
Chairman, Nigel Simpson welcomed everyone, especially the landowners, and also congratulated, Danny Gamble, and the two Blacker brothers, Bevan and Alldis on their Team performance at the Scott Trial.
The awards were presented by Mrs. Heather Langstaff, wife of Club President Mark. As always Mrs. Judith Blythe kept everyone in order and this went off smoothly.
A special award was made to Club Chairman, Nigel Simpson, by Mrs. Sarah Laws of a photo taken of him Bog Diving at one of the Acklams sponsored summer trials.
Dancing to the live group followed by a raffle and further music.
Mr. And Mrs. P Fleetham organised the event.
Photos: Elliot Laws receiving his award from Heather Longstaff, and Nigel Simpson receives the Bog Diving Special award from Sarah Laws. Photos by JACK KNOOPS
Richmond (Yorks) Eric Ridley Trial
in UK Trials Talk
Posted · Edited by laird387
Richmond Motor Club. Eric Ridley Memorial Trophy Trial, Hurst, Sunday.
The remote village of Hurst formed the back drop for the rescheduled Eric Ridley Trophy Trial on Sunday in Richmondshire where almost one hundred trials starved riders assembled at Tonge Hill, Hurst, to ride a Paul Terry designed two lap sixteen section course. The streams were running high and it was bitterly cold, even more so out on the moors near Ridley’s Fold but the forecasted snow did not materialise. In view of the Arctic conditions Mr Terry closed the first section at 2.00 pm to avoid a frostbite/hyperthermia scenario. The photographer’s fingers were so cold he could not feel the shutter release button. The first two sections down the gill were fast running torrents of almost white water rapids which concealed slippery rocks. Guy Kendrew and Jack Stones both lost marks as did Will Reynolds. In the Over 40’s class only Chris Manby managed to clean both sections. A quartet of Vicky and David Andrew, Dave Nesham and Barry Watson were tested at section three to six where they endured a bitterly cold wind blowing across the moors. Only James Stones and Tom Hick bossed the Ridley group. James ran clean to the seventh section ran incurred a damaging five and three. There was a suggestion of ice on the rocks at the third section. Gary Thwaite was really fired up in the Greens and sailed right through to the tenth where two dabs went away. The ‘Gasman’, Roger Williams was right on Gary with a dab on the second on lap one but Paul Dennis dropped away with a stop and two in the penultimate section. On the hard course Matt Maynard was riding well after a three month lay-off to win the Inter category. He dropped twenty to match Tom Hick and John Crinson in the overall scores. For Matt Maynard and Will Reynolds it was a testing event. Neither had competed since the Scott Trial last October. Will’s Montesa was put away in its container after the Scott event but the Japanese bike started first kick on Saturday morning although onlookers thought otherwise. Jack Stones had other excuses to rely on. His twenty first birthday party the previous evening may have played a slight part in his performance. A trio of Richmond ladies braved the cool conditions. Katy Sunter grabbed ninth Green from Brendan Suffell and Paul Terry. Jack Harker was on his new Beta and beat his father Andrew by two marks while down in the clubman ranks Robyn Alderson and Hannah Richardson delivered good results in what was a thirty nine strong mix of Clubmen and Over 40’s. In the Youth Greens Ryan Brown excelled over rated Tom Needham while Joe Tales shaded the Dent boys- Charlie and Harry.
Richmond have dated the Harold Graham Trophy Trial (all classes) at Cogden all on February 21st and the Dick Horner Trophy Trial at Wensley (Green/Clubmen/O 40’s and Twin Shock + all Youth classes) for February 28th.
Experts: Richard Sadler (Beta) 5, Guy Kendrew (Beta) 8, James Stones (Sherco) 13.
Inters: Matthew Maynard (Sherco) 20, Thomas Housecroft (Beta) 33, Russell Cannell (Sherco) 42.
Novices: Nathan Cannell (Gas Gas) 30, Tom Alderson (Beta) 30, Thomas Coates (Beta) 60.
Green course: Gary Thwaite (Sherco) 5, Roger H Williams (Montesa) 12, Paul Dennis (Beta) 17.
Youths: Ryan Brown (Beta) 36, Tom Needham (Gas Gas) 44, Sam Charlton (Beta) 68.
Clubmen: Paul Sadler (Beta) 9, Andy Kearton (Montesa) 14, Shaun Clennell (Montesa) 33.
Over 40’s: Mark Chippendale (Gas Gas) 16, Martin Pratt (Beta) 31, Chris Manby (Beta) 32.
Youths: Joe Tales (Beta) 39, Charlie Dent (Gas Gas) 49, Harry Dent (Sherco) 82.
PHOTOS: JACK KNOOPS
No 12 is Hannah Richardson, No 195 is Guy Kendrew, in the black suit is Mat Maynard and the other rider is Richard Sadler, the Expert Winner
Report by BARRY ROBINSON,