The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club staged the final round of the 2018 Winter Series Trials Championship on Sunday December 9th at Haslett Sand Pit, Shorwell, courtesy of Mr Glen Draper. The Club would like to thank Glen for welcoming us back to what is a top all weather venue.
Many thanks also to Calvin Wright who managed to set six interesting and tight sections (an excellent effort considering recent changes at the venue), the Observers and Gill Locke for her camera skills.
Very many congratulations to Shaun Harris and Dan Flux for winning their respective Championships – good effort guys.
The Winter Series Championship is made up of thirteen trials. To qualify for an award Adult riders must complete a minimum of eight trials, with twelve rounds to count (in the same class). Youth riders are exempt from the eight trial rule but can only qualify for an award in the class that they completed the most trials in.
James Stay found things rather lonely - being the only Expert rider in action this afternoon – despite the lack of competition he posted an excellent score dropping a miserly seventeen marks. James’s score was the lowest of any rider taking on the tight and twisty Haslett sections.
Shaun Harris kept his head to seal the Intermediate title from Alan Gosden. Harris began today with a slender five point lead but ended the season with a nine point cushion following a solid second place today. Mark Coombes took the win completing the trial with the second lowest total of the day, on just twenty-one. Andy Scott-Jackson secured a fine third place.
There was a similar scenario in the Novice Championship, this time involving Dan Flux and Rob Baker. Rob was trailing Dan by five marks and he put in a spirited performance to finish second today, one place in front of Dan. However the two point gain fell short of what was required to take the title. These two, friendly rivals, have been very evenly matched all year but Dan just had the edge in the end. Simon Watmough finished in first place today with an impressive total of twenty-seven – excellent riding by all three riders.
Scout Gregory just pipped Ben Brodie, by four marks, to take the win in the Clubman’s – top effort by both riders.
Geoff Taylor was the only Sportsman rider competing today. Geoff finished with a total of forty-seven which represented a below average score for the day. John Townsend definitely deserves a mention, John is the Clubs oldest rider competing on the oldest bike! John struggled at times to get the BSA round the twisty sections but never the less claimed maximum points in the British Bike class.
Another lone rider; Gary Jones, this time in the Adult Beginner class, finished the trial on forty-eight, again earning the maximum ten points. Unfortunately Gary just missed out on the 2018 Adult Beginner title, falling just one short of the minimum eight trial rule.
The Club would like to welcome young Alfie Gaskin to the world of trials riding. Alfie (Youth Beginner) was taking part in his first ever trial – he completed one lap before retiring from the trial to make use of the rest of the time as a practice session. We look forward to seeing him back out very soon. Meanwhile the other Alfie (Haydon) continued to dominate the Youth Novice class with an outstanding effort. He completed the day for a loss of thirty-six, beating all but one of the Adults on the ‘C’ route. Only two marks separated Josh Morris and Dan Locke who finished in second and third respectively.
The Club next meet for the annual Boxing Day Father & Son Cup, December 26th. The usual venue, Shorwell Chalk Pit, courtesy of Ralph Cook. Geoff Taylor and Mark Coombes will be setting the sections. For those new to the Club the trial is just for fun and is open to all members – not just Father & Son/Daughter pairings. Prizes will be given to the best fancy dressed rider. The usual start time of 12 noon applies.
Entries are now being accepted for the popular 2019 Wight Two Day Trial - please visit the Club website (Forms section) for the Reg's, Entry form & confirmed rider list. There is a limit on entries, get yours in early to avoid disappointment!
Finally on behalf of the Committee we would like to wish the Landowners, Members, Friends & Associates a very happy Christmas and all the very best for 2019.