Michael Brown in action at the Jack Wood Trial
Image courtesy of Ray CrinsonThe weekend started with a fantastic win from the new No.1 Gas Gas Factory rider James Dabill on Friday night at a French indoor in the Chalon Coliseum in front of over three thousand cheering spectators in one of the most spectacular, colourful international events organised by Bernard Estripeu. James was buzzing for the win beating Jamie Busto in second. James was brimming with confidence for Marseille the following night for Round 3 of the FIM X-Trial World Indoor Championship. James unfortunately missed the final again with a sliced rear tyre causing a bad five not helping his night. He was disappointed but remains upbeat with his riding, bike and Team.
Sunday saw two big events in the UK. The first was Round 4 of the S3 Parts ACU National Trials Championship with the infamous Jack Wood Trial superbly organised by The Hillsborough MCC. The Trial remains one of the best single lap, old school events of the UK National Trials scene and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, especially me.
Finally the win went to JSTGGUK rider Dan Thorpe who continues his excellent run of form. Four riders were head and shoulders above the rest all losing under 10 marks which was excellent. Dan on 7, Sam Connor on 7, Richard Sadler 8 and JSTGGUK rider Michael Brown on 8. I rode with Michael most of the day (once I'd caught him up!) and he was in awesome form, skipping about the sections like we all love to see him ride. He made one big mistake going the wrong way at the end of a section on River Kwai not noticing the slightly different Expert exit. One of those ‘sick feeling’ moments that is simply bad luck and he shrugged it off well. I was next best GG rider in 12th overall (8th S3 Class) and I loved it. This was my 6th trial of the year and im happy being a trials rider again. Nice to ride with my Team and still an average result. I last won this trial 20 years ago so cool to be still riding! Cloburn/GGUK rider Chris Alford was 14th and riding well. GAS GAS riders filled the top 10 in the clubman class with a win from Darren Wasley, Jordon Potter 3rd, Steve Peat 6th, Andy Longden 7th and Craig Potter 9th. Thanks to Neil Potter for back up crew.
It was also Round2 of the ACU Women’s and Girls BTC organised by the South Shropshire MCC and it looked an easy, dry and nervy event. Maybe with the undisputed no1 Woman rider Emma Bristow at The Jack Wood the club eased the sections. In the main class Cloburn/JSTGGUK rider Nikita Smith was on the podium in 3rd, Cloburn/GGUK rider Louise Alford was 6th after a couple of costly mistakes. GG rider Chloe Baker won the Intermediate route with GG rider Jennifer Stephen 2nd. Cloburn/GGUK rider Catherine Alford was 4th. GG riders Olivia Brooksbank won the Girls B Class, Emily Copp won the Girls C route and Chloe Cross won the Sportsperson route. There’s a lot of classes and routes in Women’s and Girls BTC which does get very confusing.
No big events this coming weekend but with the SSDT only one month away im sure this will be in the mind of the Team