Sunday 13th December saw the closure to Aqueduct Classics 2015 campaign with the usual Santa fancy dress trial also forming the final round of the championship but more importantly being a charity event with all proceeds from the competition being donated to a local good cause.
The wet weather did cause many Santa's to opt for waterproof trousers and jackets but the spirit of the event remained true with 60+ riders taking part at Plas Onn, always a popular venue and one where once again, the team had pushed the boat out (literally!) to find some great use of the flowing streams available at this venue.
Unfortunately I am only able to comment on the first 8 sections of the first lap as the TY started to run lean and showing signs of something more sinister quickly was loaded on the trailer before more serious damage occurred. Therefore a full overview of the great "green" route sections have provided by Ian Emery.
50/50 Intermediate Green Route – Ian Emery
Out of the entry of 68 riders, 30 rode the 50/50 Intermediate route showing just how popular this class has become. It didn't disappoint, heavy rain made the streams flow at full torrent and seeing the rocks beneath the water was sometimes difficult.
Section 1 began with a drop into the stream and a 90 left before zig-zagging back across awkwardly placed rocks to follow the stream upwards.
Section 2 started in fast water with an immediate 18ins rock step in the stream which once cleared led to a slippy cross camber climb on the left bank before dropping sharply into the stream again over a log on the right bank and out.
Section 3 was a variation on a previous theme with a nasty twist in the middle. After a twisty turn in the stream riders were faced with another greasy cross camber climb on the left bank but then had to get in a very quick right turn to drop back into the stream and perform a u-turn up and round the far bank. It was made more tricky by the markers being set to interrupt the natural line making the turn a lot more difficult. The first lap caught some riders out with an unlucky Ariel ending up upside down on the bank.
Section 4 was a cracker. Second gear for me and loads of beans. A drop in across the stream, up the greasy far bank and drop back in, to then start a full bore 50 yard blast up the steepening stream bed to a 4ft steep exit climb. Wonderful section and catching a few out.
Section 5 had the sting at the start with the field being so slippy it was difficult to keep momentum through the in-cards and many riders lost marks in the first bike length. There followed a twisty run up the stream with the last 20ft covered in slippy exposed roots before a 90 left to the end-cards.
Section 6 had an even slippier entrance with a descent down a grassy bank leading to the in-cards that was so slippy some riders had several goes at just getting into the section! Once in, the line followed up the stream and twisted back and to, over rocks and polished roots to a tight left u-turn and out. Only two riders stayed clean all day on this section.
Section 7 was a drop into the stream around a big tree with a 90 left, up the stream and round another tree, to then blast across the stream right up to the top of the far bank, to drop into another smaller rock strewn stream and out at the top.
Sections 8, 9, and 10 were in a row in the stream below the farm yard. S.8 consisted of several swoops across the stream to a tricky exit climb. S.9 was similar but the second climb out of the water was quite steep and was followed by an immediate 90 tight left and steep drop back in, over a few rock steps hidden by the water flow to then climb out. S.10 had a drop in, a 2ft step out, traverse a muddy bog, before dropping back into the stream towards the end-cards.
All in all, some brilliantly laid out, flowing sections with 2nd gear being a popular choice for many including me. Ride of the day must go to Julian Price for an immaculate feet-up performance.
As always, we cannot close this event report or the year without a huge thanks to the club officials, land owners, observers, catering team and every individual who give's up some of their time in whatever way to give us riders the opportunity to enjoy our sport each month!
Final honours were as follows:
Pre 65 Elite: Russ Jones - Francis Barnett (10), Darren Walker – BSA (14), Tony Dillon (24)
Pre 65 50/50: Owen Edwards – James (11), Carl Winstanley – James (12FC), Vernon Roberts – Bantam (12)
Pre 65 Clubman: Terry Lloyd – Triumph (18), Peter Cottrel – BSA (28), Peter Cockins – BSA (29)
Twinshock Elite: Chris Cascoigne – Honda (7), Danny Littlehales – Fantic (16), Stephen Knight – Yamaha (50)
Twinshock 50/50: Julian Price – Fantic (0), Steve Blackburn - Montesa (18) Barry Jones – Beamish (19FC)
Twinshock Clubman: Jeremy Sutton – Ossa (16), Steve Jones – Yamaha (18), Graham Pennington - Bultaco (22)
AC Mono 50/50: Stephnen Richards – Yamaha (11), Gordon Wilson – Honda (18), Gaz Thomas – Yamaha (19)
AC Mono Clubman: Paul Cartwright – Beta (39), Andy Steele – Yamaha (42), Steven Blaxall – Fantic (43)
Modern Mono 50/50: Philip Cottiga – Beta (2), Jack Derbyshire – Beta (7), Jim Droughton – Montesa (24)
Modern Mono Clubman: D Lewis – Sherco (24), Chris Denver – Beta (49, Mike Sutton – Ossa (82)
Modern Mono Beginner: Hayden Rainford – Gas Gas (70), Tony Rainford – Beta (72), Paul Vernon – Gas Gas (83)
Provisional dates for 2016 are as follows:
31 Jan
14 Feb
6 March
3 April
22 May
5 June
17+18 Sept
16 Oct
6 Nov
4 Dec