Report Ken O'Brien
Graham Haslam 125 Beta put in a scintillating performance to take the Expert class win and premiere award 'The James Challenge Trophy' with a loss of 22.
Folly Farm Steeple Hill Corner Beckley was the venue where 4 four laps of ten testing sections were ridden we had steep climbs cambered roots muddy slots and sweeping sandy banks with the odd South Midland Rocky stream thrown in for good measure.
This was an Open event and included a round of the Meteor Group Championship Series.
Section 3 was tough a turn in a ditch dropping into a rocky stream then half way down a fallen tree to one side had to be traversed but with various tactics the flick and pin-it method was the only way with Graham managing a clean on his final lap.
Hot on his heels in the Expert class was North Berks Raider Alicia Robinson TTT250 Beta waiting for her chance if Haslam lapsed his concentration but not this time and had to settle for runner-up spot 3 marks adrift on 25.
Another Toughy for the Experts was section 6 a series of fallen trees culminating with a very slick cambered turn and an equally Gripless climb to the ends Alicia prodded twice here on each occasion this was a good ride.
Best Intermediate on the 50/50 route was Ian Watts 300 Beta over from the Midland Centre for a days sport 10 was his total and ran out a comfortable winner in this class.
Ian's 300cc power was brought to the fore at section 2 a double ditch crossing with fallen trees to negotiate before a third gear burn-out to the ends.
A crowd had gathered in the bottom wood as word had got around there could be a stopper section to witness at number four.
On the yellow middle route Adrian Steele 250 Beta accrued 10 marks and just edged out Tim Davis also Beta mounted by the odd mark to take Best Clubman.
This section was an Ixion special No Deep Mud but plenty of watery hazards, a steady approach to a slow controlled turn before crossing a fast running stream the stream was crossed again but with a steep bank this time the tricky bit was to come turning over a cambered lattice of roots to the end cards.
Paul Tinkler over from the Berko club took best Novice with a loss of 38 Paul going particularly well on section 1 a long steep sandy drop with a Rooty Clump it was slick so precise control was required Paul had this and 4 great cleans were recorded.
The easier white course attracted a good entry with British Twinshock and Modern machinery there was also a 50/50 easy-middle route for Meteor championship purposes.
Mick Clarkson 185 Bantam was on the money in the 50/50 Pre65 class losing 47 but it was close run as Wayne Hutton Tigercub 200 parted with 48 the 100 yard muddy climbs of section 10 made for good viewing as the Britbike brigade were selecting various gears for their attempts depending on the power available.
Pete Haines 250 Beta posted the lowest score on the easy course today 27 marks lost with 50 odd years of experience counting for everything acing four excellent cleans at section 9 a not for the feint hearted forty yard drop over a grassy bank in bottom gear then up to third for the long climb to the ends.
Many thanks to all the observers and helpers on the day.
James Challenge Trophy Graham Haslam 125 Beta 22
Expert Alicia Robinson TTT 250 Beta 25
Inter 50/50 Ian Watts 300 Beta 10
Yellow Middle Route
Clubman Adrian Steele 250 Beta 10
Tim Davis 250 Beta 11
Alan Taylor RTL Honda 17
Mark 'Woody' Woodburn Mont 315R 24
Novice Paul Tinkler 300 Beta 38
Twinshock Mark Davidson 200 Fantic 67
White Easy Route
Sportsman Pete Haines 250 Beta 27
Britbike 50/50 Mick Clarkson 185 BSA 47
Britbike David Clarkson 185 BSA 37