This event report has kindly been provided by Graham Pennington
With Christmas a fast receding memory, Sunday 11th January saw 89 hardy riders gathered on a cold and blustery day at Barry Roberts farm in picturesque Selattyn, North Wales, for the first trial of the Aqueduct Classics year. For the 2015 season I have decided to throw (yes that is the right word) myself at the 50/50 Intermediate route. The approach of this club is to mark a dedicated route rather than the normal half clubman/half expert favoured by other clubs.
As we have come to expect, the 10 sections marked out by the team were excellent, using the many fast-flowing streams, rocks (both fixed and moveable), muddy banks and tree roots available at the venue, on a nicely spaced out lap. The sections at Aqueduct events are always challenging but do-able. As I said I have moved myself up from the Clubman class to the 50/50 route this year and as a result I am enjoying my riding more. It is making me think about my approach and concentrate more while riding the section. I cleaned 9 of the 10 sections at least once and now have to work a bit harder on doing it every lap.
The fly in the ointment was Section 6, drop down the bank, across the stream, left hand uphill turn round a tree on the opposite bank and drop back into the stream, couple more ups and downs on the opposite back then a right left turn up the stream on loose rocks to the exit. Never quite got the first turn right and from that point on wasn't set up for the rest of the section. Will do better next time. I would encourage anyone in the Clubman class to consider stepping up and taking on the challenge of the Green Route.
Finally, a special mention must go to the 10 hardy observers who stood out in the cold, without this dedicated band the events would be far less enjoyable for the riders and it's always nice to have a bit of banter. Also the "Lovely Baps" for their catering on a cold day.
Looking forward to the next event in February.
The overall honours for the day were as follows:
Pre 65 Elite: Russ Jones, 11, Triumph 400; Tony Dillon, 15, Tiger Cub; Kev Ellis, 23, James 350
Pre 65 50/50: Kevin Gardner, 3, Triumph 230; Carl Winstanley, 5, Francis Barnett; Mark Newman, 6, Ariel 500
Pre 65 Clubmans: Tim Lewis, 1, Tiger Cub; Mike Hughes, 2, Triumph Cub; Terry Lloyd, 5, Tiger Cub
Pre 65 Novice: Dave Thomas, 15, Royal Endfield; Dave Crewe, 23, Bantam
Twinshock Elite: Chris Gascoigne,1, Kawasaki; Steve Martin, 5, Majesty 270; Steve Shelley, 19, Honda 250
Twinshock 50/50: Julian Price, 1, Fantic 212; Martin Roberts, 15, Fantic 250; Steve Blackburn, 19, Montesa 349
Twinshock Clubmans: Martin Johnson, 0 Bultaco 250; John Sowden, 7 FC, Bultaco 340; Phil Cottiga, 7, Fantic 156
Twinshock Novice: Peter Higgs, 14, Yamaha 175
Air Cooled Mono 50/50: Gordon Wilson, 18, Honda 250; Martin Powell, 33, Armstrong 250; Gaz Thomas, 42, Yamaha 250
Air Cooled Mono Clubmans: Philip Clarkson, 4, Beta 4RT; Paul Cartwright, 7, Beta 260; Andrew Steele, 25, Yamaha 250
Air Cooled Mono Novice:
Modern Mono Elite: Richard Beddoes, 15, GasGas 250; Paul Edwards, 24, Beta 250; Tom Williams, 27, Beta 125
Modern Mono 50/50: George Waring, 7 Montesa 4RT; Alec Roberts, 8, GasGas 300, Ian Emery, 10, Montesa 4RT
Modern Mono Clubmans: Ray Collins, 2, Montesa 260; Patrick Forde, 12, Beta 270; Des Marsden, 21, GasGas 125
Modern Mono Novice: Nigel Tomkewycz, 18, Beta 250; Simon Edwards, 19 FC, GasGas 270; Ian Edwards, 19, Scorpa 175