Used for the first time last year, Emmotts Farm is reminiscent of the Pre 65 Scottish with its long winding riverbed climbing the hills above Silsden. C. of C.s, Graham Wilkinson, Colin and Tim Pawson had plotted10 sections up the river to challenge the 44 strong entry in the Club's 6th Championship trial of the season. On the day the premier route took marks from everybody with only Steve Thomas and Gordon Imrie going clean on the Clubman route. Best on the Premier route were John Maxfield and Robin Luscombe on 6 with Chris Haigh on 9 and George Emmott on 11.
For the Clubmen, Section 1 was the main mark taker. A tight turn down a grassy bank into the river, followed by a deep water section through hidden rocks, which took marks from all except John Holdsworth on his C15 and Paul Jackson on his Velocette and the 2 winners.
On the Premier route, Section 8 was the most difficult with its tight turn and underwater rocks halting progress up the grassy bank to the end. Section 7 also proved difficult, crossing the river and up through a gulley full of rocks needing careful negotiation. For the Clubmen, a steep rocky climb out of the river requiring accurate positioning and then some speed caught many riders. Outside the winners, only M Nelson, John Wilson and P Williamson went clean.
With the heavy rain the previous night the water level in the river had risen quite a lot but this had not caused any serious disruption and in some ways had increased the interest as riders could not see the hidden rocks and which line to take. Graham, Colin and Tim had plotted very good sections, all of a similar standard. Section 4 followed the river and finished up a grass banking which ended up as a deep groove halting the progress of the Clubmen, if they did not manage to position their bikes carefully. The 5 of the day went to John Feather on his big Ariel who got off line on Section 9 and finished up under water. Observer, Terry Wright, was pleased he was not needed for the rescue!
Our thanks to the Landowner, Clerks of Course, Observers and Riders, and Barry Pickard for results and photos.
Results
Premier Route
Class A Pre-Unit Springers
1st Chris Haigh Velo - 9 2nd John Feather Ariel - 51
Class D Cubs
1st John Maxfield – 6 2nd Dave Wilkinson - 31 3rd Dale Harrison - 47
Class F 2–Strokes
1st Colin Fray DOT – 34
Class G Twins
1st George Emmott – 11 2nd John Patefield - 62 Triumph Twins
Class S Specials
1st Robin Luscombe Cub- 6 2nd Mick Haslam McD - 44
Clubman Route
Class B Pre-Unit Rigid
1st Tim Pawson Norton – 14 2nd Will Harrison Ariel - 14
Class H Vintage 2-stroke
1st Eric Atkinson James – 42
Class K Open Clubmen
1st Steve Thomas Bant - 0 2nd Paul Preston James - 1 3rd Les Humphries Cub – 3
4th Richard Bainbridge Cub - 5
Class T Pre-Unit Springer
1st Gordon Imrie Ariel – 0 2nd Paul Jackson Velo – 10