The IOWMCC's 2020 Winter Series Trials Championship was kickstarted on Sunday 5th January at Sweetwater Brook in Calbourne. The cold, wet and muddy conditions that might usually deter some riders, attracted nearly 40 entrants, with both new and old faces which was great to see. This was a brilliant turnout for a club trial and long may it continue. The trial was set out by two of the clubs longest serving members, Nick Symes and Geoff Taylor who did a great job of marking out a variety of sections along either side of the brook.
Elite rider George Gosden completed the four laps of eight sections with a score of thirty-two. George would have no doubt hoped for a lower total on the A route, as Expert riders Jack Ayres and James Stay both posted lower scores, twenty-seven and twenty-eight respectively. George had an out of sorts ride having not spent much time on the bike recently but take nothing away from Jack and James who were battling it out with each other all afternoon. Expert newcomer, Tom Richards finished on fifty-five, an impressive score considering his recent move up from the Intermediate class.
Former Intermediate champion Mark Coombes, scored twenty-seven on the B route in the Intermediate class and will be disappointed to have lost out to his old mate Alan Stay who finished first on a score of just twenty. Alan is making a return to trials having not ridden for a few years - although watching him ride you would struggle to know as he made light work of the super slippy sections. No wonder they call him the mad dog! Scout Gregory finished in third place on thirty, which he will no doubt be happy with having not ridden much over the past few months. The ever impressive Simon Newnham was the clear winner in the O/50 class riding the B route, some eleven marks clear of the experienced Rory Stephens in second place on thirty-one. Andy Scott-Jackson finished in third place on fifty.
Adam Morgan's trials riding continues to get better and better as he comfortably won the Clubman class riding a 50/50 split of both B and C route sections. Adam no doubt found his shiny new Beta somewhat easier to manoeuvre than his not so-easy 1990's Scorpa! Phil Chase and Colin Brodie will surely battle closely for the championship again this year, having finished in second and third place on forty-seven and forty-eight.
In the T/Shock class, Nick Symes put in an impressive ride on his trusty Honda TLR, scoring just forty-six on the C route sections. Calvin Wright put his old Ossa through its paces and finished in second place on seventy-four.
The Novice class had some very close competition on the C route, with three riders being tied on twenty-nine. Ryan Munt was awarded the win however with an outstanding twenty cleans. The number of cleans wasn't enough to separate John Coombes and Joe Taylor however, as both riders cleaned up seventeen times! John was awarded second place with nine ones's and Joe third place with six one's. The Novice class will no doubt be tightly contested this year.
Sam Jurich was the only rider in the Ad/Beg class finishing on sixty-eight. This class follows the D route which is perfect for beginners or those who are unsure of their ability.
Having spent most of 2019 trying to convince his Dad to let him move up to the Youth Expert class, Alfie Haydon has now made the move and will no doubt thrive on the extra challenge the B route will present him with. Alfie went round for a score of just forty-two under the watchful eye of his Dad who is an extremely accomplished rider himself. Alfie Gaskin is looking more and more confident on his GasGas 125. Alfie finished on 109 in the Youth Inter class, riding a 50/50 split of both B and C route sections.
The Sportsman class was won by Steve Chase despite having not ridden for around six months. Steve completed a 50/50 split of both C and D route sections to finish on twenty-five, ahead of Tristan Osborne in second place on sixty. The clubs oldest rider John Townsend rode the D route and completed the trial on eighty-four. It's always brilliant to see John out on his old twin shock machine.
We would like to thank Mr Trevor Strickland for welcoming us back to this brilliant trials venue for which we are very fortunate to be able to use. We extend our thanks to; Wayne Brodie – This man not only signs everyone on at almost every trial but does so much behind the scenes! The club's photographer, Viki Taylor and to our loyal observers who brave almost all weather conditions; Darren Taylor, Adrian Daish, Mike Morris and Colin Hare.
The club's next trial will be on Sunday 26th January at 12pm, signing on from 11am – the venue is to be confirmed. Please check the Club website where all the details will be available, once finalised. The entry window is now open for the Club’s flagship event – The 2020 Wight Two Day Trial, on Sat 25th and Sun 26th April. Entries are limited for what has become a very popular event. All the details including the Reg’s and Entry form are available from the website. Entries can also be submitted via the ACU website.