Le Allan Jefferies Trial 2014 Up-Date

[schmorgas]

AJ2014

Just a sneak preview as to what is being planned the Allan Jeffery Trophy Trial on the 13 July 2014.

Overall, there are some significant changes planned for this year. Namely, out goes the usual loop out from Kettlewell, up Park Rash and back down into Kettlewell. Course plotters Major Injury (MI) and General Disdain (GD) felt that the usual sections in Diamond Pastures were “getting a little tired and in need of a rest”. In comes new, never been used sections at Ellershaw Farm, Hagg Gill and Bouther Gill. Add to all this, a different route over the final moor and riders should have a great day in prospect.

Riders will depart Halton Gill Reading rooms, first man 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. (It might be worth noting straight away, that any words quoted, have to be attributed to what has been gleaned from my spies out in the Dales). Fountains Fell is the next group, again 3 sections which are never too taxing on rider or machine but could hold a sting in the tail for the big boys. 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. The 3 sections are off the track to the right and are on the “medium side of easy”. 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 4 good sections in a ”never been ridden” gully. Initially, these sections were planned as the next to last group of the day but GI/MD felt that it might be too much for the clubmen so late on in the day. So you see, those evil course plotters do have a heart. A short blast a cross the bottom of the moor and into Wilks field for a quick pit stop (Petrol/drink) and that’s the first 13 sections sorted.

Arncliffe Scree (4)

Water Works (2)

Next up it’s Sleats. 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. If the exit on the grass bank turn is tightly flagged, ear defenders are a useful accessory for both observer and spectators. 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 7.25 mile stretch of road work, take your time and enjoy the scenery. Hagg Gill is next up. These 4 sections (not to be confused with the sections in Hagg Beck which run up the middle of the moor) are all brand new. The first one being only 10 metres from the roadside and is severity rated as being easy-medium. The next two are much of the same standard, but keep an eye open for the old iron bedstead littering the bank side. Why would one want, or even require, such a piece of kit on the lower slopes of the moor is beyond me. The last section lays only 200 metres from the roadside 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.

Raisgill, with its 2 slippery sections in the boulder strewn stream by the green wooden hut, always 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. It is not the usual way up 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, 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.

On a clear day riders will be able to see the 2 brand new sections in Bouther Gill for quite a while before they arrive. My spies inform me that there were 5 new sections originally planned for this group, but with the excessive amounts of rain over the winter months clearing out the gully, it was felt that the full length of gully might be a little too much for the clubmen riders. My understanding is that once in the gully proper, the only realistic way out is up through the sections to the top. There was also the thorny problem of getting sufficient observers with bikes out to this remote gill – but more of that later. A short climb to 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 Robbos(A) group , quickly followed by 2 sections in Newshot Gill. The second section in this group will provide 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 skill and stamina. All riders need to do then is remember to sign off in the Reading Rooms and it’s job done.

So that is it, a total of 40 sections and nearly 40 miles of glorious Dales scenery. I have been assured (by GI/GD) that all sections will be set out sensibly, “no initiative tests” (I feel somebody is showing their age here) and with plenty of room 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.

“Observers with bikes” would be particularly welcome and will be guaranteed a good run round on the day.

Keep ya feet up

http://www.bradfordtrials.com/