A splendid entry of 90 riders turned out last Saturday afternoon for the second in the series of Dead Easy Trials organised by Manchester 17 MCC. Clearly the 2 00 pm start time is a popular one. Haslins Farm near Buxton was the venue, set in spectacular Peak District countryside.
Four laps of ten sections was the format with the first five sections set out on the high ground, affording superb views for miles around, particularly as the weather turned out sunny and warm out of the wind, perfect for riding a trial.
These sections were straight forward, turns on grass and a few limestone crags, and gave riders a chance to settle in to their rhythm.
The next five sections were down in the valley and given the terrain were more demanding. Again tight turns on limestone and grass were to the fore but they were greasier with larger steps and bigger, more awkward rocks.
On the Harder Route there were no less than ten clean rides but to put it in perspective, there were some very good riders among the entry. Experienced riders such as Andy Hipwell and Colin Fray were taking the opportunity to give their Pre 65 Scottish bikes a run out to blow any cobwebs away.
The most unusual bike was a 1938 Japette, girder forks, rigid frame, ridden on the Hard Route by Werner Eckel superbly for a loss of only eleven marks. Great ride!
The Easy Route threw up four clean rides, Shane Oliver, Ray Critchlow, Martin Henstock, and Peter Kirkman. Peter was riding probably the heaviest bike in the trial, a standard looking 350cc Royal Enfield.
The spread of rider’s ages and abilities, and variety of bikes on show was remarkable and it just proves that at these events you can simply come along, wherever you are in the sport, and have a good, fun afternoon out.
Thank you to all those who helped to make the trial possible, the observers, and the riders for their support.
Report: Roger Townsend