The damp weather in the Peak District didn't deter the 125 riders from turning up to ride the Hipwell / Hartle Trophy trial and the event certainly lived up to its reputation of providing a cracking run around the Derbyshire countryside. With 20 sections laid out by the section plotting team of Andy Hipwell and Rob Bowyer to be ridden around a two-lap course, the riders set off to test their skill against the rockery.
With Richard Timperly wanting to repeat last year’s win, the battle was on immediately at the slippery limestone rocky outcrop of the first group, where eventual winner Chris Alford cast away his first mark straight away so the pressure was on!! However, Chris kept his cool all day and eventually the win was his, although he was put under a bit of pressure from visitor Dan Clark having fun on his Beta twin shock before the Costa Brava trial.
Gavin Black took the intermediate win on the 50/50 route but he didn't have it all his own way as probably the ride of the day must go to John Cowley in the Over 40 + class to finish on an incredible one mark lost spotted by the eagle eye of observer Matt Bradley, followed by a host of over 40 riders all in single figures.
The Clubman route was always going to be a hard fought battle as the overall win could go to any one of about 20 riders, all very capable to take the class win on their day. After a very unusual maximum marks on the infamous first waterfall section 5 in the big group of Bettfield, the Les Hipwell memorial trophy has been earned by the consistent Mike Leddy after a most cleans tie decider with unlucky Stefan Walters, with Novice winner Ian Watts a close one point behind.
The organisers were very pleased to see so many different riders from all over the UK, including a good twinshock and ladies entry with lots of smiling faces at the end.
Report :- Bert Fletcher