The annual Yorkshire Dales Classic Trial, centred on Nidderdale, was a success story beyond belief. Eighty four cars and motorcycles assembled at the Pateley Bridge Auction Mart on Sunday morning, before 7.00 am, to compete in the annual event. Of that number fifty were cars plus a further thirty four solo contenders with competitors travelling from all parts of the British Isles. Barnstaple car salesperson and solo rider Kathryn Martin and her father Sticker Martin and family spent several days exploring the Yorkshire Dales as well and competing on two and four wheels and will certainly be back next year. Sidecar stalwart Celia Walton and her passenger George Osborn travelled from Oxford on the 700 cc Honda outfit.
The Club plotted a forty mile route with eight groups of sections. After a tough day riding eighteen sections many competitors were even discussing visiting the Yorkshire Dales for the 2017 Dales Trial. Apart from the event winners the Airedale & Pennine organisers raised a staggering £2257 which will be donated the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Prostrate Cancer Appeal Fund.
Results - Motorcycles
Class A: 1 Frank Anderton – Wigan (AJS Stormer), 2 Leslie Humphreys – Oldham (Triumph), 3 Ian Ibbotson –Skipton (Royal Enfield).
Class B1: 1 Mick Whitehouse - Barnstaple (Beta), 2 John Kenny – Ballsall Common (AJS), 3 Kathryn Martin –Barnstaple (Honda)
Class B2: 1 Phillip Sanders – Wakefield (Yamaha Serrow), 2 Brad Mason – Sabden (Gas Gas), 3 Roger Morris – Stafford (Kawasaki).
Class C: 1 Alan Wear – Gloucester (BMW ). 2 Mick Clarke – Leeds (Kawasaki), 3 Richard Clay – Sherburn in Elmet (Armstrong).