Sunday saw the first running of a new addition to the classic trials calendar, the Northern Classic Experts. Based in the Scottish Borders, north of Newcastleton, the competitors tackled a one lap 40 section course of roughly 10 miles with no road work.
The challenging sections were quite varied, but rocks, becks, waterfalls and grassy banks featured throughout the day with marks being taken from all riders on both the Clubman’s and Expert’s courses. The best expert score was that of Colin Ward Sr. who only dropped 7 marks on his Yamaha 250. Triumph Cub mounted John Maxfield won the battle for best Clubman, with a score of 6 marks.
The overwhelming majority of the 70+ starters were extremely positive and some commented that although difficult, was the best trial they had done for years. Although most of the competitors were either Scottish or northern based, the event attracted entries from all over the country. However a special mention must go to Martin Gilbert and Chris Berry who completed an 800 mile round trip from Devon to compete, with Chris making it worthwhile by picking up a third in class on his Chase 220.
Thanks are due to the following; the organising club, those who had the mammoth task of laying out such a huge course, the landowners, all the officials and observers and anyone who helped in any way to make this such a success. Finally thanks need to go to all those riders who came and supported us, not really knowing what to expect. Without you, there would have been no event!
Given the response to the trial, it is quite possible that there may be a second one in 2018, watch this space!
pdf Download Full Results (14 KB) (Updated 15/8: Sorted by class)
Photo Coverage
It was a relatively short journey for TC to travel down to take in this new event. Not a huge gallery due to a number of the sections (or at least the ones we could find!) being in dark gullies which don't lend themselves to photos particularly well, but gallery can be viewed by clicking here