Red Rose Classic MCC rounded off their 2016 Championship in fine style at a brand new venue, Tinklers Farm, near Slaidburn. Nestling in the heart of the picturesque Trough of Bowland, Tinklers Farm had almost every hazard known to trials riding, including streams, rock steps, tree roots, gullies, grass bankings – even a waterfall. Clerks-of-the-course Andrew Scott, Malcolm Bell and David Wilkinson had a difficult job creating sections suitable for clubman and expert riders from land never used before. However, their hard work paid off with a varied and demanding four laps of ten sections, which were well received by the 54 competitors.
Ride of the day went to Ben Butterworth, who kept his feet on the pegs to clean the entire route on an Ariel borrowed from Carl Winstanley. “It was very enjoyable and it’s always good to ride somewhere new,” said Ben. “There are lots of variations in the sections, although the uphill exits were a problem for everyone as they began to cut up badly. It also made up for my disappointment last time out on the Red Rose Classic!” Such was Butterworth’s superiority in class A, runner-up Tim Baker, also riding an Ariel, finished on 88 points.
Following the retirement of Chris Nutter, John Dugdale and Colin Benson were left to fight it out for class Ae honours, with Dugdale and his BSA getting the verdict by 16 marks.
Norman Shepherd and his Bantam had a great run to top class C with the loss of only five marks, with Tony Calvert (Cub) right behind him on eight.
Jake Ingram completed the top three on his BSA with 11 marks lost.
In class Ce, just four marks separated the top three, with Craig Haworth (James) edging out Eric Boocock (Cub) 24-25, and Mick Whitlow finishing third on 28 with his Cub.
Andy Hesketh took the lead of class D on his Terrier and had a clear run to victory following Eric Atkinson’s retirement.
The highly-rated James Moorhouse made a rare Red Rose appearance on his Bultaco, dropping just two marks to win class T with ease. Mick Clarke finished as runner-up on his Ossa with the loss of 26 marks, closely followed by Geoff Potts (Fantic) on 28.
Clerk-of-the-course Malcolm Bell cleaned up in class Te, with a score of 38 on his Bultaco. John Wilson (Yamaha) claimed second on 50 marks, with Mark Wilson (Honda) third on 58.
Red Rose Classic MCC are finishing the season with a Christmas fun trial at Copy Pit, Cliviger, on Friday, December 30. Nearest postcode is BB10 4SZ.
Results
Class A: Ben Butterworth (Ariel) clean, Tim Baker (Ariel) 88.
Class Ae: John Dugdale (BSA) 42, Colin Benson (Ariel) 58.
Class C: Norman Shepherd (Bantam) 5, Tony Calvert (Cub) 8, Jake Ingram (BSA) 13.
Class Ce: Craig Haworth (James) 24, Eric Boocock (Cub) 25, Mick Whitlow (Cub) 28.
Class D: Andy Hesketh (Terrier) 35. No other finishers.
Class T: James Moorhouse (Bultaco) 2, Mick Clarke (Ossa) 26, Geoff Potts (Fantic) 28.
Class Te: Malcolm Bell (Bultaco) 38, John Wilson (Yamaha) 50, Mark Wilson (Honda) 58.