The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club held the seventh round of the 2018 Winter trials Championship (The Medina Cup) on Sunday September 16th at Shorwell Chalk Pit, courtesy of Mr Ralph Cook. We would like to thank Ralph for his continued support, allowing us to use his land once again. The Club would also like to thank the (rookie) course setters; James Stay, Rob Howard and Rob Baker. Who between them produced a mix of eight challenging and fun sections – top effort guys. Many thanks also to the Observers, particularly to first timer Jenna Locke. Jenna did a superb job on section five and we hope to see her back very soon.
Guest Photographer; Ian Groves, produced some top images for all to see – so very many thanks to him too.
Club riders were treated with a very welcome appearance from British Championship rider Chris Stay along with his training partner (an accomplished rider in his own right) George Gosden. Both were deservedly put in a class of their own – The Elite class. Chris completed the trial with a total of five marks – all lost on the difficult third section. George finished not much further behind on thirteen - top stuff guys, some brilliant riding and top quality spectating enjoyed by all.
To qualify for an award, riders must complete a minimum of eight trials from a possible thirteen – the riders best twelve finishes count towards the Championship.
The top honours most definitely stayed in the family - James Stay won the Expert class from fellow course setter, Rob Howard. Despite a spirited performance from Rob, it was James that claimed the win in the end with a seven mark margin. Meanwhile, the Intermediate class proved to be an even closer battle between Shaun Harris and Jos Wright. Harris fought hard to secure a narrow win from the talented younger rider - by just two marks. Andy Scott-Jackson did very well to finish in third place.
The Clubman class was won by Ben Brodie, following a short break from the sport – although he still managed to finish twenty-three marks ahead of nearest rival; Phil Chase. The third spot went to Paul Kent, who chose a rather tricky trial to move up from the Novices - but an excellent performance none the less.
Scout Gregory, in just his second competitive Club outing, dominated the Novice class to take his second successive win. Course setter, Rob Baker, was forced to settle in second place - section seven making all the difference here. Simon Watmough was just one more mark adrift in third.
Nick Symes reigned supreme in the Twin shocks, Nick has all but sealed the 2018 Twin shock title. Calvin Wright, who would normally officiate as an observer, took part on his Ossa and secured a good second place finish.
The Adult Beginner class was emphatically won by Joe Taylor, twenty-six ahead of Gary Jones, sections one and three proved decisive.
Three Youth riders turned out for this trial, all in different classes. Harvey Grieve (Youth Expert) Alfie Haydon (Youth Novice) and Dan Locke in the Youth Beginners. All obviously added another ten Championship points to their season totals. There is a target that young Alfie has set his sights on – and that is to finish ahead of Twin shock rider Nick Symes – he came very close this afternoon, only five marks behind! Alfie is definitely closing in, it surely won’t be too much longer before reaching his next milestone.
Geoff Taylor and Mark Coombes were riding in the Sportsman class. The Sportsman riders are free to mix and match different routes, section by section. No Championship points are awarded as a result. This is an ideal way to ride just for fun. Geoff ended up with twenty-five, Mark finished on thirty-two.
The Club next meet on October 7th for the Frank Pragnell Cup. Probably near to the East coast of the Island. Andy Scott-Jackson and Stuart Gummer will be setting the sections. We look forward to seeing you all there. Please keep an eye on the Club website where all the details will be available nearer the time.