The Isle of Wight motorcycle Club held the eighth round of the 2016 Winter Trials Championship on Sunday 18th September at Shorwell Chalk Pit. The Club would like to thank Mr Ralph Cook for welcoming us back at what is a great trials venue. Very many thanks to Course Setter Stewart Freeman. Stewart delivered eight really good sections and to Viki Taylor for her excellent camera skills.
The Club would like to extend a very warm welcome back to John Coombes – this being John’s first Club trial for just a few years! John gave a good account of himself, finishing third in the Novice class.
It was really good to see five Expert riders battling for the honours in what was a very close contest. Josh Stephens secured the win with a perfect ride from Championship leader, Will West. Will only lost one mark on section four. Jim West should be pleased with his third place finish with a total nine. Rory Stephens and Simon Newnham’s scores were tied on sixteen, Rory was awarded fourth place, notching up twenty-four cleans with Simon on twenty-two – very good effort by all five riders. The Intermediate class also proved to be a very close affair. Malcolm Hawkins, with an excellent effort, chalked up his first IOWmcc Inter win from Geoff Taylor in second, just four marks separating these two. Mike Taylor stayed focused to secure his third place finish.
The very well contested Novice class was won by Brian Brockwell, with an inspired ride, with a total of just five. Brian’s win today increased his hold on this year’s Novice Championship from rival Paul Kent in second. Paul was still in the mix going into the last lap where most of his points were lost, ending the trial on seventeen. Returning rider John Coombes took a brilliant third place, just a single mark behind Paul. Nick Symes also rode a perfect trial to take the win in the Twin Shock’s, joining Josh Stephens (Expert) finishing on zero! Calvin Wright claimed second place with a determined ride on his Ossa machine with its dodgy front brake!
Just one youth rider today – Alfie Haydon in the Youth Beginner - Small Wheel class. A very competitive score was posted none the less to earn his ten Championship points. This was the last trial for Alfie in the Small Wheels, following his Birthday earlier in the week, next time out he will be riding his ‘full size wheel’ Beta 80cc! Happy Birthday Alfie.
The Club next meet on Sunday 2nd October at Bembridge Down (courtesy of Mr Rob Taylor) for the next round. We are in the process of applying for the permit for next year’s Wight Two Day (Golden Anniversary Trial) which will be held on 22nd and 23rd April 2017. Once we have the permit the Regs will then be made available on the Club’s website.