The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club’s Winter Series Trials Championship resumed on Sunday 3rd September at Sweetwater Brook, Calbourne. The Club would like to thank Mr Trevor Strickland for not only for welcoming us back to this superb venue but also for clearing the eight foot high (in places) undergrowth – very much appreciated. Thanks also to Calvin and Jos Wright for setting six excellent sections, at very short notice – great effort guys.
The weather conditions were quite fitting for the start of the second half of the Winter Series - cold, windy and very wet! Rider numbers were lower than expected but considering the conditions and being the last weekend of the Summer holidays, somewhat understandable.
Just two Experts in action this afternoon. James Stay and Simon Newnham. It was really good to see Simon Newnham back after the Summer break – but it was James who recorded his first Expert class win since his return to trials competition. James managed the slippery conditions well to finish with a total of just sixteen marks. Simon, no doubt a bit rusty, finished not too far behind to claim a good second place. The Intermediate class saw a convincing win from Alan Gosden who also handled the tricky conditions well to complete the trial with the second lowest score of the day. Geoff Taylor took second spot, Geoff seemed to struggle on section five, where he lost more than half of his total.
The well contested Novice class provided the closest battle of the day between Ben Brodie and Paul Kent. Ben eventually emerged as the winner with a two-mark advantage from Paul, section six proving pivotal. Brian Brockwell held off a good challenge from Phil Chase to claim the third place.
Nick Symes was the only Twin Shock rider, despite riding unopposed he managed to finish with the lowest total of the day, loosing only six marks – very well done Nick, great effort.
Joe Taylor and Dan Flux finished first and second in the Adult Beginner’s. Joe’s riding has improved markedly since switching from a two to a four stroke machine. Dan’s confidence also continues to improve with every outing. Gary Jones was frustrated with his bike, that simply refused to start - eventually it burst back into life but only well after the trial had started. Dan then, understandably, decided to treat this afternoon as practise session only.
Only two Youth riders braved the wet Sweetwater conditions; Jos Wright (Youth Expert) and young Alfie Haydon, Youth Novice. Jos was also largely responsible for plotting the Expert route and finished with a very competitive total. Alfie has only recently moved up from the beginner’s and he also should be very pleased with his performance. Both riders did very well to earn their respective ten Championship points – excellent effort lads.
The Club next meet on Sunday 24th September for the Medina Cup. The venue is still to be announced, please check the Club website nearer the time for the full details.