The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club held the tenth round of the 2018 Winter Trials Championship on Sunday 21st October at Godshill Park Farm, Godshill. The Club would like to thank Mr Angus Baird for allowing us the use of this superb and spacious piece of land. We also need to thank Geoff Taylor, Simon Newnham, Alan Gosden, Dan Locke and Kameron Taylor, who between them set eight top sections. Thanks to all the Observers, Club Photographer, Viki Taylor and all those that helped to clear up afterwards.
The riding conditions were pretty much perfect, absolutely no wind and very warm Autumnal sunshine, presenting the riders with plenty of grip throughout the entire trial. The Winter Series consists of thirteen trials and riders must complete a minimum of eight trials (in the same class) to qualify for an award.
James Stay (the lone Expert rider) put in a confident performance and despite the lack of competition he posted an impressive total of just twenty-three marks. After a short break, Andy Steele, returned to trials with an excellent effort to take the Intermediate class by three marks from Jos Wright in second. Shaun Harris was forced to settle in third on this occasion. Harris remains in pole position for the Championship, however there are just enough rounds, and points, left for Andy to steel the honours!
Scott Milton proved to be the clear winner in the Clubman class. Championship favourite; Ben Brodie finished in second, his first time out on his new TRS, sections one and five were decisive. Meanwhile over in the Novice class it was Scout Gregory who earned himself the maximum ten points. Scout has recently joined the Club – and won every time out, competed in four and won four. There are only three Winter Series rounds remaining, Scout could end the season with the highest total - but still not qualify for an award! John Townsend must be pleased with his performance to take another win in the British Bike class, finishing with a respectable thirty dropped marks.
Gary Jones won the Adult Beginners, by a ‘country mile’, finishing the day for a loss of just seventeen marks. Joe Moore took the second place with fifty-two marks, one ahead of Joe Taylor in third. Young Alfie Haydon (Youth Novice) finished the trial with the lowest score of the day. A miserly three dropped marks – fantastic performance from this young talented rider.
Dan Locke earned himself a fine second place following a move up in class from the Youth Beginner’s. Dan has already secured the 2018 Beginner title and is now taking the opportunity to ‘live’ practise on the harder ‘C’ route, in preparation for 2019.
The next trial will be held on Sunday 4th November - The Guy Fawkes Cup. Please keep an eye on the website where all the details will be available nearer the time.
The Club would also like to congratulate Club member; Chris Stay on his excellent performance in the 2018, RT Keedwell, British Trials Championship. Chris finished the season with a fine third place in the final round held at Totherick Quarry, East Ayrshire. Chris finished in sixth place overall (Expert class) only seven marks from the top three - despite being forced to retire, in round two at the Lakes, back in April. Any finish there would have almost certainly seen him on the Championship podium. Top effort by Chris and the team supporting him.
Isle of Wight MCC Ted Phillips Cup Trial
Isle of Wight MCC