Matchless Man

26 Feb 12 BMCA Rd 23 at Ullenhall

2012-03-01T20:19:00.001Z

I haven’t ridden a bike since the TALMAG Trophy trial back in January and with some big trials coming up I need to get some practice in. I hadn’t even cleaned the 350 since the TALMAG and rather than have to wash two bikes I decide to ride the 350. I give it a run on Saturday afternoon around the village and ride a couple of the gulley sections in Mill Lane,Noverton Lane
and pass through Fry’s Quarry. The 350 runs like a dream so I load it into the van for the short trip up the A435.

Ready for the off!

I first rode Ullenhall back in September 2011 and with a lot of dry weather in the preceding week I decided it would be worth going back. The ground is particularly difficult here when it’s wet and there were still a few greasy patches on the steep banks to catch the unwary. The unseasonably warm weather brought out some strange combinations and it was good to see Nathan Jones on a Royal Enfield vice his Triumph Cub for a change.

Always watch where you're going!

Having printed off my entry, signing on is a breeze and thank Carol for sending me the entry form in advance by email. I elected to ride the Intermediate route again this time. Inters have to ride 5 Clubman sections coupled with 5 expert sections as decreed by the course plotters.

The course itself was set in a beautiful wood and was plotted over 10 sections to be ridden over 4 laps. Good use was made of the deep “bomb holes” and natural valleys to create flowing, sinuous routes over big logs and exposed roots. By BMCA standards it was rather more lenient than normal however; the 350 had to be coaxed up some of the steep banks. Subs 1 through 4 were in the furthest reaches of the wood and exploited the banks and exposed roots available. Sub 2 featured a very damp and slippery downhill exit that demanded attention. Sub 3 and 4 were in a muddy bomb hole and the exit of sub 3 (up a huge greasy bank) and sub 4 (over a huge log) took a few marks; I lost a dab in sub 4 on the first lap as the 350 struggled to get over. A tight turn over a thick root in sub 5 accounted for another mark.

Coming down on the front wheel
for a change

Sub 6 caught me out on the third lap as I mistimed a root which spat the bike off line for a maximum. The twisty sub 7 caught me for two soft dabs which really were avoidable! Nevertheless, I clean sub 8, 9 and 10 and it was particularly pleasing to clean 10 as the final climb which was preceded by a steep drop off and tight turn, was so steep, I didn’t think the bike would make it. The video really doesn’t do it justice.

Many thanks to Dave Jones and Mick Hemming for laying out the sections. Whilst the results suggest it was an easy day it really shows the high standard of all the top riders in the BMCA. My nine mark loss was a disappointment but I feel I rode well and I enjoyed being back on the bike. The BMCA really is a great club that caters for all standards of riders on all types of British bikes. I can’t wait for Tardebigge in June!!

Next up: The March Hare long distance trial!!

Action from Sub 6

A short video of Sub 10 is at the end

29 Jan 12 The TALMAG Trophy Trial 2012

2012-02-19T18:38:00.000Z

With Sammy’s advice still ringing in my ears Penny and I defrost the van and head down the M1 from Northampton to Aldershot. The SATNAV worked a treat and we arrive just before the Class 1 riders are due off. I quickly unload the 350 G3LC and head to scrutineering where, thanks to a masking tape ball(end) on the decompressor lever, the bikes sails through and I get my ticket. Signing on is a breeze which is testament to the organisation of the TALMAG club. Fortunately, there are two hot food vans so I grab a tea and bacon roll whilst getting changed.

In the climb on Sub 15

There’s a bumper entry and I’m acutely aware that this event must be directly analogous to the original ‘50s event with every conceivable Pre-Unit bike on the start card; From Ariel to Sunbeam, Velocette to Matchless, they’re all there. The event is so well supported and I’m certain that there are a lot more spectators this year than of late.

It was another full factory outing and I meet up with Dave (Ariel), Teflon (350 Matchless) & Pete Collins who is back on the Ariel this week. In order to avoid last year’s unsavoury comments about my bike (NT410 in the raw), I decide to turn out on my long-stroke 350 G3LC this year. It’s not the most dynamic of bikes however, it’s more in keeping with the event and I could do without the opinions of armchair sportsmen!

This year there were 15 sections over 2 laps and all the subs were long, traditional ones plotted over the notoriously sandy soil. Despite some rain the going was fairly dry and even on the second lap, after the sidecars have gone through, it wasn’t too slippery. It was tight and twisty going with some adverse camber work and any lapse of concentration meant marks would be lost. Sub 6 was a tight twisty downhill section for a change and I had to take care on the loose soil of some tight drop offs. Sub 8 and 9 are long blasts up Hungry Hill which is lined by spectators. I take both subs in second gear with plenty of throttle however, I have to roll off the throttle in sub 9 to negotiate the tight exit. With the crowd so close you know you’re at a special event.

After lap 1 we refuel both body and bike before setting off for lap two. The sidecars have ripped out a good line but you have to watch out for the loose accumulated earth in corners. This year’s special test was a cracker. Located between sub 9 and 10 it consisted of a steep descent down a loose earth bank followed by a full throttle, twisting uphill climb to stop in a box at the top. I never gun my bikes in these sections so record a 28.1sec attempt which is way behind Pete Collins who records a great 21 second effort on the massive Ariel.

I really enjoyed this event and the concentration paid off. I went clean on the day; one of only 4 riders to do so on the Clubman route. The special test is used to decide any ties and it’s my slow performance on the special test that sees me finish the day in fourth place. Nevertheless, that’s a bloody good result and I’m pleased with my performance especially as I was riding a stock 350 G3LC that needs a lot of work doing to it.

Easy does it!

Once again the TALMAG club got it right and the event was all the better for not being set out to take marks off one (famous) rider.

The factory team had a good day and the results for the Clubmen are as follows:-

4^th Jai Jacka (Matchless G3LC) clean

10^th Pete Collins (Ariel HT5) 3 marks lost

13^th Dave Arkell (Ariel HT5) 3 marks lost

26^th Nige Townsend (Matchless 350) 9 marks lost

36^th Ken Wallington (Matchless 410) 16 marks lost

This is a unique Trial in many ways and I’d like to thank everyone at the TALMAG club and the observers for staging such a wonderful event. I for one will be entering again next year.

No report from the TALMAG would be complete without featuring the great Len Hutty Jnr who won the TALMAG Trophy again this year. A great, amiable gentleman and arguably, the king of the TALMAG!!

The great Len Hutty in action

28 Jan 12 - ACU Awards night dinner

2012-02-01T19:45:00.000Z

Arguably, the most daunting aspect of the ACU Sammy Miller products trials series is attending the awards night dinner. Despite attending last year I’m just as nervous this time around. Everyone is in their finery (making them instantly unrecognisable) and whilst waiting to get served at the bar you can rub shoulders with the likes of Neil Tuxworth, Jack Sheppard and Scotty Nichols!! as well as with your fellow SM series trials riders Ali Haigh, Lee Granby & Keith Gardner.

It was a great honour for Penny and I to share a table with the legend and series sponsor, Sammy Miller and his delightful wife, Rosemary. I’m pleased that fellow Gloucestershire rider, Steve Allen and Nina are at our table plus young riders Sam Luscombe and Katherine Alford (who was celebrating her 18^th birthday that night!).

The evening begins with the presentation of the Pinhard Trophy and is followed by the Motocross and National Rally awards. Following the entrée the Trials awards begin and when it comes to our turn the evergreen Sammy gets up to present the silverware. Steve Allen picks up the Class 1 (Pre-Unit Rigid) award for the fifth time consecutively while I pick up the Class 2 trophy (Pre-Unit Springer) and a 2011 ACU Champions medal.

Receiving the Class 2 Trophy from
Sammy Miller MBE

With the dinner and presentation ceremony complete my thoughts turn to the TALMAG Trial at Hungry Hill in the morning and as I look around many of the trials riders are getting away for an early night. Steve and I ask multiple TALMAG trophy winner, Sammy, if he’s got some tips for us in the morning. He looks wistfully at us both and says with a smile, “Keep your feet up boys!”

“Thanks Sammy!” and with that; we retire.

Thanks to the ACU and especially the Trials and Enduro committee for all their hard work in making the night such a memorable occasion; I just hope I can do it all again next year!

22 Jan 12 VMCC at Chedworth

2012-01-24T18:02:00.002Z

This annual meeting is always well supported and there's a plethora of local talent on display as well as quite a few riders from Somerset, Oxfordshire and

Wales

Graham, Me and Dave at the start

It’s another full factory outing albeit with some different mounts. Dave Arkell turns out on his old HT3 and lends his 500 short stroke Ariel to brother Graham. Pete Collins goes all lightweight and turns up on his BSA Bantam while Rich Townsend goes from one extreme to another and rides Teflon’s rigid 350 AJS. Only Teflon (350 Matchless) and I (410 Matchless) stick to our regular mounts.

Graham, Me, Dave, Godfrey, Doug Heeks,
Teflon and "Bantam Pete"

It’s a cold, blustery morning and once again we sign on in the Farm Shop Tea room where the majority of riders avail themselves of Bacon rolls and tea before getting the bikes out.

The factory team all elect to ride the hard route and begin at Sub 3. It’s a tight and twisty course over undulating ground with some loose Cotswold stone thrown in for good measure however, we all go clean and there’s a definite air of competition. Sub 4 features steep drops, tight turns and a steep ascent; understandably, Rich has to take an early dab on the very steep exit as the rigid AJS nears the summit however, the springers go clean.

On Sub 5 we have to ride off camber up and across the face of a loose stony bank which suddenly tightens as you have to negotiate a 90 left back down to the field. I crashed heavily here last year and I’m pleased to go clean on my first lap but I do get caught out on subsequent laps.

Next we head to some new land where the going is very soft. Sub 6 is fairly rudimentary although the exit over a fallen tree followed by an immediate downhill run to the ends cards demands concentration. Sub 7 is a real twisty affair off the old railway line into and out of, a gully.

The camber of Sub 5

This catches a few people out including Dave and Teflon who both have to take dabs; I’m pleased to get through unscathed on all four laps. Sub 8 is a real cracker; tight and twisty around the trees, followed by a rock step and descent plus a greasy exit. A whole trial in one section! I’m really pleased to clean this one on three attempts but I lose the front wheel and have to take a three on lap 2.

Sub 9 continues the theme by snaking into and out of a bomb hole. A little rock step on the final climb catches a few out and I must admit I nearly took a dab here. Sub 10 is another good, testing section. The entrance features a jumble of loose rocks which must be ridden with care. I go clean on three laps but lose the front end on lap 2 recording a maximum and smashing my fibreglass clutch case to pieces on the rocks.

Entry to Sub 10 where I broke the
chain case

We finish the lap on Sub 1 and it proves a wise decision to let a few riders go through this one. The loose, rocky climb catches a few out and those that make the ascent face an extremely tricky steep 90 degree downhill turn to get to the ends cards. It does ride surprisingly well but I record two cleans and two single dabs as I drift out into the loose accumulated shale.

Sub 2 takes tight to a new level nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable section. The real problem is the final downhill turn over loose pebbles. I record two single dabs here but really I should be cleaning this stuff every time.

I’m pleased with my performance as I rode really well at times nevertheless, I need to keep concentration when fatigue sets in to guard against silly dabs. I finish third in Class 2 with 18 marks lost. An "extra 5" in sub 2 is due to poor observing but it makes no difference to my placing.

It was good to see Godfrey Hannam (500 Ariel) out again after an enforced lay off due to illness and also to get some good riding tips from David Eeles (Triumph).

Thanks to Chris Harvey and the VMCC (Cotswold section) for a brilliant day; it’s a shame this trial only runs once a year. Perhaps that’s why it’s so good.

A quick "Thank you for observing" is
always appreciated!

Next up: 2011 ACU Awards dinner followed by The TALMAG Trophy Trial

A Mike Yiend photograph

Our local sports photographer, Mike Yiend, was also on hand to record the event. If you want to have a look at Mikes outstanding photographs which are also available to purchase, please click on the link or here:-
Mike Yiend Motorsports photography

Classic Trials Show – Stoneleigh Park

2012-01-13T18:29:00.000Z

Some of you may remember that back in August 2010 an innovative 2 day trial was run at Stoneleigh Park in Leicestershire by Charlie Prescott and JS Events. Under the title of The Classic Trials Show it featured a Mick Andrews devised continental approach to trials whereby the riders first walk all the sections then head off at one minute intervals and ride the sections in rotation i.e. no stop.

Initially, it sounded a bit dubious but hundreds of spectators turned out out both days and with non-stop action it was not only good to watch but a damn good ride. Dave and I thought it was brilliant. Even now, it rates as the best 2-Day trial we’ve ever ridden.

There was entertainment and a bar on the Friday and Saturday night with Karaoke and a live band too. In addition to the trials there was an auto-jumble, Classic Bike static show competition, trade stands, food and stuff for the kids to do. Mick Andrews, Len Hutty, Neil Gaunt, Colin Dommet, Alan Whitton, Andy Bamford, Wrighty, Dave Dawson and a host of other trials stars were all there too.

Charlie wants to run the show again in 2012 but needs numbers to gauge interest. So, please go to the link below (or click on the side bar) and register YOUR interest in riding or showing your motorycycle. While you're there have a look at what we got up to in 2010 by visiting the gallery.

It was a fantastic weekend and it would be great to do it again in 2012. Visit the webpage and register your interest with Charlie; it’s that simple!

http://www.classictrialsshow.com/The_Classic_trials_Show/Welcome.html

Hopefully, we'll see you at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth,Warwickshire. CV8 2LG

08 Jan 12 BMCA Rd 14 Hanley Childe

2012-01-10T18:08:00.000Z

I’d never ridden at Hanley Childe before and seeing as it was just up the road, I decided to give it go. Located about 5 miles away from the Red Marley hill climb track, the venue was on a beautiful old farm with wide stretching views from the Malvern Hills across to Clee Hill. After heeding the warnings of slippery going from BMCA stalwarts Pete Reed and Pete Dawson I elected to ride the Clubman route.

Sub 1 and 2 zig-zagged across a tree-lined gully and it became immediately apparent that I would have struggled to get the Matchless through on the Intermediate route. It was perhaps a little rudimentary for the Clubmen but that’s no slight on the organisers. Sub 3 comprised a slippery descent into a rocky stream bed which rode well over the four laps. Sub 4 was tight and twisty through some trees but there was only one turn that demanded concentration.

Sub 5 was a traditional section; a long blast through deep, thick mud. The majority of my marks were picked up here. I rode too slowly into the section and compromised my progress recording a 2, 3 and 3 however, on the final lap I follow the developing line and record a very pleasing clean. It was a tricky section in many ways, not least the grippy section about half way along. At least two riders came to grief here as their bikes, on full throttle, suddenly found grip and looped!

I incurred a dab at Sub 7 when I lost the back end on a greasy, uphill turn by not using enough throttle. In Sub 8 I failed to look at the exit properly and I had to take a dab on the first lap to get over the lip of a steep bank. Sub 10 initially caused some consternation. I watched a succession of Clubman riders mess up the penultimate turn however, when I got there I found it rode pretty well and I went clean on all four attempts.

My 10 mark loss was only good enough for 5^th place in the Clubman class and even then only on the “furthest clean” rule as Mick Hemming (Cub) and John Duncombe (BSA) also finished on 10 marks lost.

It was a bit of a cop out riding the Clubman route but to be honest, I would’ve struggled to get NT410 around any of the expert subs today; I’m just not that good a rider and having not ridden the venue before, I didn’t know what to expect and heeded the advice.

Hats off to Nick Woolley who, on his immaculate SERCO Ariel, took a convincing win in the Expert Pre-Unit/Twin Class beating the venerable Pete Reed on his Triumph twin; a mighty feat given the tightness of the expert sections.

Thanks to Pete Reed, Laurence Alden, Nigel Randall and Jim Pickering for laying on a very enjoyable, traditional trial.

Dave Jones' Dog waiting patiently at Sub 2

05 Jan 12 – Changes to Sammy Miller series regulations for 2012

2012-01-05T15:56:00.000Z

Following input from the series sponsor the Trials & Enduro Committee of the ACU has decided to reduce the number of classes for the 2012 Sammy Miller products National series. This means that British manufactured Pre-Unit, Unit and 2 Stroke machines will compete in the same class on both the Standard and Clubman routes. This effectively halves the number of Classes from eleven to just six. Classes for 2012 are as follows:-

CLASS 1 Pre-Unit, Pre-65 Rigid frames

CLASS 2 British Pre 70 Pre-Unit/Unit/2Stroke (Twinshocks)

CLASS 3 Machines with twinshock rear suspension and drum brakes as at the time of manufacture which are not eligible for class 2

CLASS 4 Sidecar machines eligible for classes 1,2 and 3 ,

All the above to be run on the EASY route

CLASS 5 British Pre 70 Pre-Unit/Unit/2Stroke (Twinshocks)

CLASS 6 Machines with twinshock rear suspension and drum brakes as at the time of manufacture which are not eligible for class 5

The above classes to be run on the HARD route.

Classes 1, 2 & 5 must have British Engine, Carburettor, Forks (Max 35mm) and hubs, Original or Replica Frame.

Whilst this achieves the sponsor’s aim of reducing the number of classes, I suspect that this rule change can only further reduce the number of Pre-Unit riders competing in the Sammy Miller series.

02 Jan 12 - Herefordshire Classic Trials Club at Clyro

2012-01-04T17:39:00.000Z

Colin Hedges, Tony Sullivan, Rich, Dave, Pete
and me

Penny and I are up early and I load NT410 into the van for the long drive to

Wales

. It’s a full factory outing to Cwmshirhwy Wood at Clyro on the Welsh border. Dave Arkell (Ariel HT5) brings Pete Collins (Ariel HT5) and Teflon (350 Matchless G3L) brings his brother Richard (BSA B40) over from Gloucestershire. We’re joined by Oxfordshire legend Tony Sullivan (BSA) and it’s great to see Tony out and about following his nasty hand injury sustained in 2011.

The roots of Sub 1

We elect to ride the hard route and there’s a definite air of competition brewing between us. After one of the most comprehensive rider briefings I’ve ever witnessed we get underway. It’s 12 sections over 3 laps however, with no observers (but, bizarrely, plenty of spectators) we have to mark ourselves. We group up, grab some punch cards and a punch and head for the wood.

We begin at Sub 1 which is a twisty hill climb that has a thick double root half way up. I immediately come a cropper incurring a maximum as I get stuck on the thick second outcrop. I do the same on the second lap but following a discussion with Richard I throw my weight forward on the last lap to record my only clean on this sub. Sub 2 features a greasy climb followed by an immediate tight turn followed by a right hand drop down over plenty of damp roots. I take care to get the speed right but have to take a pair of dabs on the first lap before eventually going clean over the rest.

Sub 3 is the Yew Tree waterfall; this old favourite demands respect and I take care on the steep and very slippery, algae covered rock of the waterfall. There’s a few spectators here and it’s nice to show them what NT410 can do. Sub 4 immediately follows and is a (now) rather rudimentary rocky climb up a bolder strewn stream bed. I follow the water and go clean over all for laps.

Then it’s a short cross country ride to the gully sections. Sub 5 is a deep bolder strewn ravine that has a pair of high steps in it. However, NT410 seems to float over them and I record cleans on each lap. Sub 6 continues the theme but I get caught out on the first rock step and take a dab on the first lap. Sub 7 uses the last part of the stream then out onto the greasy bank but it rides well and we all record clean sheets here.

The gully of Sub 11

We then head to the bottom of Cwmshirhwy Wood for Sub 8. The entry features a stream crossing which leads to a tight, banked turn in the pine mulch. This catches a few out on the first lap but I take care and come away with three cleans for my efforts. Sub 9 is a belter; the greasy entry leads to a root step which immediately catches me out for a dab. This leads into a pair of tight, off camber, greasy turns through trees and over roots before finishing with a large, damp rooty exit. I’m pleased to record a clean on the second lap but third time around I take another pair of dabs which is needless and annoying.

Pete Collins and the Ariel HT5 eyeing
up Sub 12

Sub 10 continues the sinuous and undulating theme ending in an interesting rooty step that catches a few of the unwary. Nevertheless, I go clean on all three laps. Sub 11 and 12 are both bolder strewn gulleys and could have been a double subber but we ride both separately. Sub 11 is slightly easier and I go clean on all three laps but

Sub 12 demands respect and I have to take 3 dabs on lap 1 before recovering nicely to clean both remaining attempts. This was my section of the day and it was very pleasing to clean it with some spectators in attendance.

Entering Sub 12

Factory honours go to Teflon; his 14 mark loss was good enough to take the day. I came in second with Dave third and Pete Collins in fourth. This is just the result for our group NOT the whole trial.

Teflon in Sub 12

Thanks to Mike Ruck and the Herefordshire Classic team for laying out a cracking trial. The sections were spot on and the mixture of rocks, streams and mud was perfect. It was well worth the trip over to

Wales

and we’ll all be back next year.

I think I’ll get a factory trophy made up so we’ve got something tangible to aim for!

The Clerk-of-the-Course walks
Sub 12

Next up: BMCA Rd 17 at Hanley Childe (I think!)

NT410 after the trial

27 Dec 11 The Gordon Francis Memorial Trial – Somerton DMCC

2011-12-31T13:50:00.000Z

There is a local trial on at Cowcombe in Chalford however, the Golden Valley Classic trial is so well attended that queuing is a major headache. Now I have the van I’m able to go further afield so this year I elect to try something different.

Clean-ish before the start

Penny and I are up early for the long drive to Lime Kiln Quarry near Langport in Somerset for the Somerton Classic Club’s Gordon Francis Memorial trial. Dave and I, along with Teflon and Pete Collins contested this trial in March but December is the normal running date; it having been delayed in December 2010 due to snow.

Approaching the tight turn in Sub 1

The heavy rain sees the venue sodden but we find a hard standing to park the van. The Gordon Francis Trophy is contested by pre-unit bikes riding the A route however, following a quick look at the course before signing on, I elect to ride the B route again. There are a few good riders down this way who can really do the business on heavyweight singles and it’s a joy to watch them on the tight and twisty course.

In the turn on Sub 1

I start at Sub 1 and it’s straight into tight stuff; I get the initial tight turn correct but take a dab when I lose the front wheel in the rock strewn gully. Sub 2 continues the theme but I go clean on all four laps. Sub 3 is trickier; a steep climb takes you straight into a tight double “S” but despite an initial clean I have an altercation with a hawthorn tree to record a total of 4 marks lost here (and a badly cut shoulder and arm!). Sub 4 has just enough room for me to get the bike around and I record four cleans. Sub 5 is a mixture of water and greasy banks which I clean however, on lap 3 I encounter something lurking in the muddy water and have to take a steadying dab.

There was something
in the water here!

I must be half asleep as I go the wrong way on Sub 6 on the first lap and gain a maximum which is disappointing. However, I rally and go clean for the other three laps. Sub 7 is too rudimentary on the B route but there isn’t much scope for the Clerk of the Course to play with. Sub 8 is a cracker; a watery entry leads to a steep climb into a tight gully and despite looking tricky I’m pleased to go clean. The entry to Sub 9 is a joke; You have to limbo under a fallen tree trunk up a greasy bank to get into the section however, I manage to get under OK. Finally, Sub 10 is a long, twisting, undulating section but I maintain concentration and go clean on all four laps.

Carefully does it in Sub 6

I take second spot in the Pre-Unit/Twins Class (B route); my eleven marks loss was not good enough to beat J Pym’s Triumph (9 marks lost) and I rue going the wrong way in Sub 6 as this would have ensured a class win.

Thanks to Dave Fisher and the team at Somerton for a cracking trial; I really enjoyed it. Despite being in Somerset I’m back home earlier than if I’d have gone to Cowcombe.

Chris & Jill spectating at Sub 10

It was good to catch up with Chris Francis and his Mum, Jill, whose late husband the trial is named after.

Thanks to Lynda Metherell for kind use of these photographs. Riders wanting photographs may email Lynda at ljm.1965@live.co.uk quoting their riding number.

Next up: Herefordshire Classic Trial at Clyro

Final shot of 2011!

26 Dec 11 VMCC Oxford Ron Amey Trial

2011-12-31T13:24:00.001Z

This smashing little trial is a Matchless Man tradition and having been unable to get there last year due to snow I am determined to make it this year. As I’m loading the bike on the van I notice the front engine mounting bolt is missing a nut so we stop at Norton legend Pete Le Plain’s house en route and he fixes me up with the requisite washers and a nut.

Sub 1

It’s only a short drive up the A40 to Besselsleigh and we arrive in plenty of time. I run around the course (on foot) and decide upon the hard route this year as I’m riding NT410 not the long-stroke 350. In 2009, I won the Rockley Plate here and I’m delighted that whilst signing on I am handed the silverware by the organiser, Celia Walton. It’s always nice to get a prize before the trial!

On the hard route we contest the Midwinter trophy and I’m happy to report that the sections are perfect for the day. Despite looking rather rudimentary in places the soft ground and festive atmosphere combine to ensure that marks can be lost by the unwary. I hang on in the twisty Sub 1 but sustain a single dab on Sub 2 by not giving NT410 enough throttle up a steep, sandy bank.

The steep, sandy climb of Sub 2

There’s a tricky bit in Sub 6 but I go clean on all four laps and am pleased to do the same in Sub 7 where a mud slot followed by sandy climb combine to keep the riders thinking. I’m disappointed to lose a dab in the soft mud on the entry to Sub 8 but I do well and keep a clean sheet on the climbs and banks of the final two subs. The special test this year comprises a sprint around some cones before stopping in a box; this has to be completed twice and never one to “rag the bike” I take care not to over cook it nevertheless, I record a faster time on the second run than the first.

This trial always draws a good crop of spectators and it’s rather nice when people want to know about the bikes and take some pictures.

The climb of Sub 7

There won’t be any silverware waiting for me next year as Rob Faulkner took the Midwinter trophy; his clean round on a Yamaha 175 was a solid ride.

My two dabs see me take the Best Pre-65 award. I really enjoyed this trial and will be back again next year to see if I can add the Midwinter trophy to the Rockley Plate.

In the turn on Sub 8

Thanks to Celia Walton and the Oxford VMCC for another outstanding trial.

Next up: The Gordon Francis Memorial Trial

Exiting Sub 3

18 DEC 11 - The Mike Kemp Classic Trial Thames MCC

2011-12-21T17:41:00.005Z

With the TALMAG trial only a month or so away it makes sense to get some practice in on the sandy soil and travel over to the famous Hungry Hill venue for Thames MCCs Mike Hunt Classic Trial for pre-67 and Twinshock motorcycles. Fortunately, I entered way in advance as the entry was full before the close.

On the way to the start

Penny and I get up early, defrost the van and head up the M4 to Aldershot There’s a healthy mix of Classic and twinshock machines and I see Ken Wallington from Stroud with his immaculate Matchless G3LC. I elect to ride the Pre-67A route along with twelve others but the cold weather seems to have put a few off as there are a few noticeable absentees. The course comprises 12 sections to be ridden over 3 laps and thankfully, there’s a fantastic hot food wagon.

Now THAT'S a food Van!

I meet up with Ken and we get underway at Sub 1. Pleasingly, the sections are rather long and comprise twisting turns up and down the sandy banks of the venue. Sub 1 and 2 are fairly rudimentary however, Sub 3 is a little more difficult than it looks and I take an early pair of dabs steadying the bike as I lose the front end in some loose earth (where those with rear brakes have dragged the sand). Sub 4 is a good test; a steep 2^nd gear climb followed by a steep descent, tight twisting turns and a steep, sandy, off-camber exit. I pay the price for an innovative approach to the exit and lose another dab. Sub 5 continues the theme although a rather innocuous looking path after the section proves to be anything but; it is a near vertical drop and I spot a Honda rider crashed at the bottom of it. Needless to say, I stay well to the left. (Anecdotal evidence suggests the legend, Len Hutty, broke his frame here during the trial)

Sub 6 and 7 are both 2^nd gear twisty climbs. For Sub 8 it’s back to the twisty, hilly stuff but I take care in the turns to record a clean. Sub 9 is a real challenge. A long steep climb followed by an immediate left, then right hand turn down a bank means I have to stay in first gear. You double back on yourself and down the bank into a 90 right then fire it up a steep, loose sandy bank. This causes lots of problems however, the Bartrum engineering proves a good buy and I sail up the bank taking a solitary dab just before the exit. Sub 10 is a cracker; a root step followed by a 90 left down the bank looks challenging but rides really well. Sub 11 is the real test; there’s a hell of a climb up a sheer bank and on the first lap I get NT410 vertical but hang on for a dab and some applause from the other riders (The rear mudguard went for a burton here so that’s how vertical the bike was!).

Sub 12 is very icy and I really have to take care on the slippery grass and soft sandy banks. There's a bit of discussion as to the route I take on the first lap however, I did ride the gates as marked by the Clerk of the Course and I'm pleased the observer is magnanimous enough to realise this.

Lap 2 goes well and I have do not incur any marks even cleaning the tricky Sub 9 and the challenging Sub 11. Unfortunately, I have a poor last lap and with five marks lost on the first lap and nine from the last lap I go round for a total of 14 marks lost. Not too bad however, up against class riders it sees me well down the field in 5th position.

Nevertheless, it was a great day out and I really enjoyed the long, flowing sections which were spot on for the big Pre-Unit singles. I took a gamble to ride the higher route but I was rewarded with a challenging course.

Well done to Thames MCC for a cracking trial and the Clerk of the Course, Martin Kemp, and section plotter, Simon Ward, for setting out some fantastic sections. I'll definitely be riding this trial next year!!

Next up: VMCC Ron Amey Trial at Oxford on Boxing Day (weather permitting!)

11 DEC 11 Provisional dates for the 2012 Sammy Miller championship

2011-12-11T18:28:00.003Z

The ACU have published the provisional dates for the ACU Sammy Miller national trials championship in 2012 and it’s nice to see a local trial in there; The Cotswold Cups trial, which takes place in the Stroud area, has been added this year. Unfortunately, there’s no trip to

Cumbria

this year for the Westmorland MCC Crabtree Cup trial (I must ask why as this is a brilliant trial) and once again, South Birmingham are not running The Harry Perry trial. The provisional list is as follows:-

18 Mar 12 The Vic Ashford trial WEMC

25 Mar 12 The Cotswold Cups trial Golden Valley MCC

20 May 12 The Sam Cooper trial Stratford upon Avon MCC

22 Jul 12 The Yorkshire Dales trial Ilkley & DMC

18 Aug 12 The Frank Jones trial Builth Wells

21 Oct 12 The Greensmith trial South Birmingham MCC

17 Nov 12 The Perce Simon trial Ringwood

18 Nov 12 The Downland Trophy trial N Berks MCC

Shame about the Crabtree Cup; despite being a long ride to

Cumbria

both the scenery and the course are well worth the effort. Hopefully, the Westmorland Club will look to put this trial back in for 2013 (fingers crossed)

04 Dec 11 Zona1 MCC Race Techniques Trial

2011-12-06T19:19:00.000Z

With no classic trials on I decide to have a well deserved lie-in and take the short trip to Nettleton Quarry for the Zona1 MCC Race Techniques Trial. Dave (Ariel HT5), Pete Collins (Ariel HT5) and The Teflon Don (350 AJS) decide to join me and we have our own Pre-65 competition amongst the predominantly modern mono-shocks.

The summit of Sub 4

We ride as a group and it’s not long before the banter begins when I take an early dab to open up the scoring. Still, it’s a long trial so there’s time to get the points back. Pete takes a wrong turn in sub 9 but he’s got some dirt on the observer and goes around again for a clean. With the emphasis very much on fun there is a dearth of concentration. After a quick chat with Bob Miles (of BVM fame) I promptly miss a gate in Sub 1 and gain a maximum and some stick from Teflon.

Taking it careful in
the mud!

To further bump up the scores we all elect to ride the Sportsman Plus route on the last lap where you do 5 Clubman sections and 5 Sportsman sections. It’s a good test and with Pete well out in the lead it’s a chance for the rest of us to catch up. It’s great fun but we all up the totals quite a bit and Dave gets 13 on his last lap. The thick mud of Sub 5 turns my brain to treacle and I gain a maximum for missing a marker. Pete rides superbly for a clean but it is Teflon who masters the tricky conditions to come out well ahead of the gang.

1. Nige Townsend (350 AJS) 11 2. Pete Collins (Ariel HT5) 18

3. Jai Jacka (410 Matchless) 18 4. Dave Arkell (Ariel HT5) 21

Thanks to Zona1 MCC for another excellent trial and to the Club Secretary, Kath Workman, for renewing my club membership and 2012 trials licence paperwork.

Another slippery exit

Thank you to Mike Yiend for kind use of these pictures. Please support your local photographer by visiting Mike’s web page here (or see the side bar to this blog). What better than a professional picture of you on your trials bike for Christmas.

Mike Yiend Motor sports Photography

28 Nov 11 Back to back titles in the ACU Sammy Miller championship

2011-11-28T20:14:00.000Z

Rd 3 at Pateley Bridge

The 2011 results are in and the points have been counted. As stated in the competition rules all riders cumulative totals are minus one (lowest scoring) round over the series. For me, I drop Round 1 (where I only scored 13 championship points) which brings my total down from 138 to 125 pts; a winning margin of just 11 points over second place Dave Arkell (Ariel HT5).

Class 2 (Pre-Unit Clubman)

1. John Jacka Matchless G3LC 410

2. Dave Arkell Ariel HT5

3. Bob Greenhough BSA ZB34A

Congratulations to fellow Matchless rider Steve Allen who took the Class 1 (Rigid) win, Steve Thompson who won Class 4 (Pre-Unit expert), Russell Jones who took Class 5 (Two Stroke) and Keith Gardner who took Class 6 (Pre-Unit)

The full class listings can be found on the ACU Sammy Miller products information page.

I'll do a round up of the SM series in due course!

20 Nov 11 ACU Sammy Miller Rd8 - The Downland Trophy trial

2011-11-22T21:47:00.001Z

Once again we’re up and on the road for 0700. This time Penny and I are on the way to West Hagbourne in Oxfordshire for the final round of the 2011 ACU Sammy Miller products series, The Winston Grove Downland Trophy Trial. The course is run over approximately a 22 mile lap of the South Oxfordshire and Berkshire Downs and comprises varying terrain of banks, cambers and mud along with the completely unique rocks of “The Stadium”.

Select 1st Gear and head
for the start!

Dave gets lost in the fog and arrives 15 minutes before the off but having already signed on and had a cup of tea I give him a hand to get ready. We get away bang on 0913 and Sammy Miller is there to wave us off as we head to the first group of sections at Napper’s Lane. After having worked late the previous evening I’m pleased to find that NT410 is running perfectly and I go clean over the three sinuous and muddy subs. We have a short run to group 2 at The Moors which comprises two stream sections that have steep and very muddy entry/exit gates however, I pay attention and go clean here.

We hit the road for the totally unique setting of Seymour’s Arena. This purpose built stadium section features big rocks and tight turns and always draws a big crowd. I’m pleased to actually reach the arena as an ignorant BMW driver nearly ploughs me off the road but I calm down when I see how many people have turned up despite the fact it’s not even 1000 on a foggy, cold November morning. These sections demand the utmost concentration and I’m pleased to go clean here particularly in the demanding Sub 10. Sammy Miller turns up just as I begin the section and spurred on by his presence, I guide NT410 over the rocks, through the tight turns and steep drop offs to exit for a well deserved clean. It really was a good ride as there was much talk of whether this section was suitable at all!

Dave and the Ariel exiting Sub 33

Buoyed with confidence we head out on the road for the Lollingdon Hill group of six Subs. I’m glad we’re going along at a good pace as these sections comprise notoriously muddy banks which just get worse as the day goes on. True to form the going is soft and the last Sub catches Dave out he exits through an uphill, tightening, right hand turn. We head back to the road heading for two Subs at Aston pit where we refuel the small Ariel tanks for the rest of the trial. This is followed by the chalk and grassy banks of the Pump House group and I’m pleased that I did the brakes last night as the descents are pretty fierce. The theme continues at the next group, Air Raid Shelter, where the steep, off camber hill climbs and descents test man and machine.

In the turn on Sub 33

We now begin the long ride across the downland for which the trial was named. We ride a sinuous course up and down a steep bank at a Sub in Bower Farm located at the entrance to the old Aldworth Scramble course before heading off for five subs on the wooded and greasy banks of Deer Lane. The front end breaks away from me in Sub 28 but having gone clean so far I grip the bike and throttle my way out of trouble. With only two sections left we head back across the downland to the aptly named Dickie’s Rocks. The boulder laden section is quite a challenge but I guide NT410 around for another clean. We head back to the start for the final section at Strange’s Gate which is a rock laden gulley/stream section, located beside the road near the start. I concentrate extra hard and come away with a clean.

I’m pleased with my performance; my first recorded clean sheet at a Sammy Miller round is nothing to be sniffed at and it’s good enough to take the Class 2 win on the day.

It’s been a good weekend with a 3rd on Saturday at the Perce Simon Trial and a confirmed 1^st in the Downland Trophy on Sunday. NT410 went superbly throughout the day and doing the brakes on Saturday night was a wise choice.

This concludes the ACU Sammy Miller products National trials series for 2011 and subject to ACU confirmation, I believe I have retained the Class 2 title scoring a total of 138 points out of the 160 available (86%). Watch this space!!

19 Nov 11 ACU Sammy Miller Rd7 - The Perce Simon trial

2011-11-22T19:29:00.001Z

Having missed the Western Classic Guy Fawkes’ Trial at Bisley due to injury and having not ridden since the accident at the Talmag sidecar trial in October I was itching for this weekend’s double header. First up was the Perce Simon Trial which has been run by the Ringwood club since the 1936.

NT410 looking shiny before the
start

Penny and I are on the road for 0700 for the long drive to Lord Normanton’s beautiful Somerley Estate near Ringwood in Hampshire. At signing on we’re told that the format is slightly different this year. Instead of the long ride out to the God’s Hill group of sections this year, the trial comprises 20 subs located at Ashley Hollow (10 subs), Hamer Warren quarry (3 subs) and Hamer Warren Wood (7 subs) which have to be ridden over two laps. This is a very welcome amendment and means we get to ride more of the excellent land at Ashley Hollow.

The Climb in Sub 1

I elect to ride NT410 for this round as the soft, sandy soil and steep banks tend take a lot more riding on the 350 long stroke. There’s a bumper turn out of riders and spectators and the first two sections go well however, NT410 is not sounding good; as I roll into Sub 3 it promptly conks-out at the bottom of a bank and I incur an early maximum. I immediately change the plug but am not convinced. Sub 4 has a tricky climb and “S” turn but I manage to go clean. Enroute to Sub 5 the front brake snatches when I pull it and braking efficiency doesn’t come back. This is most noticeable when negotiating a tight turn in Sub 6 but I manage to over come it. However, in the tight and sinuous Sub 7 I overrun and have to take a dab to ensure I don’t miss the exit gate. Sub 10 is a graded climb up a sandy hill which I take in second gear and NT410 flies up there for another clean.

The entry to Sub 4

We head out of Somerley to Hamer Warren quarry via estate tracks and minor roads and get some more sand for Sub 11 however, it’s fairly rudimentary for the clubmen and I go clean. Sub 12 is a steep, gravely bank that demands care. The sidecar in front of me doesn’t even make it half way so I use second gear and gun in up for another clean. Sub 13 is the last one here but again, it’s pretty rudimentary affair. We catch up with the sidecars and overtake them enroute to Sub 14 as they lose their way in the dense bracken foliage of the wood which hasn’t been ridden since last year.

A typical steep climb on
Sub 7

Sub 14 features a lot of tall grass and it’s not easy to see the hazards beneath. I roll NT410 down the steep bank and negotiate the tight turn before winding my way back up the hill for a clean. There’s a lot of mud in this group and the course plotters have figured it in. On the first lap Sub 15 rides well as we’re the first ones through however, on the second lap I have to ride aggressively but come away with a clean and a nod of approval from the clubs Technical Officer (who also rides a Matchless!). The next Subs are familiar fare and I take my time on “the Hill” to ensure that I don’t over do it on the throttle. Sub 20 catches me out; instead of hitting the rooty step square on I go at it sideways and the front wheel glances off and I incur another maximum. That’s 11 for the first lap. With Dave on just 6 I’m well down the pecking order.

We head back to Ashley Hollow and refuel both man and machine before starting the second lap. I’m still not happy with NT410 and I change the plug again for one with a wider gap (30 thou vice 20 thou). This seems to do the trick but the front brake is still useless. Dave gets a puncture on Sub 8 when his security bolt pinches the tube and the rear tyre instantly deflates. This costs him a two-mark penalty on Sub 8 but as we’re so close to the start we go to the pits and whip the wheel out and bung a new tube in.

Popping out of the graded climb
ready to apply the non-existant brakes

It takes a while and we’re nearly last but that turns out to be an advantage. Where we were first over the ground we’re now last and there are some clear lines to be had. I ride well and get a clean lap second time around while Dave takes a tired 3 on Sub 20. I finish on 11 marks lost while Dave takes the Class 2 win on the day with a six mark loss.

Thanks to Ringwood MCC for putting on another fantastic Perce Simon trial and the new format was a big hit with me; the long ride out (and back) to Godshill was unjustifiable given the acres of land available at Ashley Hollow. Well done to the Clerk of the Course for taking the brave step to change the format. It was spot on Sir!!

The ding-dong battle in Class 1 between Steve Allen and Mike Holloway saw veteran Mike finally best Steve; his 2 mark loss was good enough to take the Class 1 win ahead of Steve’s 6. Well done Mike!!

Results: 1. Dave Arkell (Ariel HT5) 6 2. Phil Jones (Ariel HT5) 9 3. John Jacka (Matchless G3LC 410) 11

I’m annoyed with the performance of NT410 and after the long drive home I get into the garage and have the front end apart to fix the brake problem. I put a bigger air filter on too which I hope will help for the Downland Trophy in the morning. I finally finish in the garage at 2100 and head off to bed ready for an 0600 start on Sunday.

Next up: ACU Sammy Miller products Rd 8 The Downland Trophy trial

30 Oct 11 The TALMAG sidecar trial

2011-10-31T19:06:00.002Z

My 1956 G3LC Long stroke

The Hungry Hill venue is rather expensive to use so the organising club allow Pre-65 and Twinshock solo riders to compete at the same event. There are routes for Pre-65 A/B, Twinshock elite and sidecars. Any trial at Hungry Hill is always well attended by both spectators and riders and I enter into the spirit of things by riding my 350 long stroke G3LC.

Penny and I are on the road for 0700 and it’s a relief to see a large catering van on site. Having entered way in advance signing on is simple so I take some time to chat in the pits. There’s a large contingent from Somerset there with Dave Fisher and a few Gloucestershire riders also. This is how a Classic trial should be; the pits is full of big Pre-Unit singles as well as the lighter Cubs, BSAs and two-stroke Bantams & Dots.

Me, Dave & Ken at the start

We get away bang on time and head for Sub 5. Having turned out on the 350 I ride the Pre-65 B route and whilst it is rudimentary in some areas the unique sandy soil and pine mulch ensures you can never let your guard down.

The entry to Sub 9 is over a felled pine tree and into a downhill gulley. It looks a bit fierce and Ken Wallington immediately takes a 3, paddling his way over the log and down the bank. I go for a different line but as I open the throttle the bike coughs, the front wheel goes over but I lose it in the gulley. The bike lands heavily on my left thigh and I’m trapped underneath it with petrol pouring out of the tank. Fortunately, some very kind Gentlemen lift the bike off me and the observer elects to alter the beginning of the section. Dave and I straighten the front end out and I ride back to the van to replenish petrol and change my fuel soaked trousers. I’m pretty sore but manage to make it back to Sub 9 and clean it this time.

In Sub 1

The route through the vast woodland is great and the club have put on some very interesting sections to suit all standards of riders although I’d say the Pre-65A route would have been too tough for me on the 350 this time out.

Having ridden NT410 quite a lot recently, I am out of practice changing plugs and the unseasonably mild weather coupled with a lack of wind see me go through three plugs on the day. I incur my only maximum on Sub 3 when the 350 runs out of sparks just as I negotiate a tight corner. Having cleaned the rest of the trial and with a dead leg I’m glad to finally finish however, a 5 mark penalty in this field normally means you're well down the list. This year however, it's good enough to take first place on the Pre-65 B route. Yes it was rudimentary in places but I was not riding a trick bike & rode injured so that's fair enough by me. Next time I'll take NT410 and ride the Pre-65 A route. I must say congratulations to Len Hutty who rode his 410 Matchless to third spot on the twinshock elite course; what a fantastic effort from a fantastic rider (and thoroughly nice bloke).

In the turn on Sub 2

Thanks to Neil and the club for laying on another cracking trial. Even though I got pretty banged up I can honestly say it was a brilliant day’s sport. Roll on next year.

Thanks to Penny for photo duty.

Penny the photographer who patiently
waited on Sub 1!!

Next up: The Western Classic Guy Fawkes’ Trial at Bisley.

A short video before the start

23 Oct 11 ACU Sammy Miller Rd6 The Greensmith Memorial trial

2011-10-31T17:55:00.000Z

As normal we started from a Shropshire Pub and this year it was the Kremlin Inn located in the village of Clee Hill. Complimentary Tea and Bacon/Sausage sandwiches got the day off to a flying start.

Dave picked me up on the way through but there were not many pre-unit riders out on the day.

Unfortunately, the pre-unit entry was a little down on previous years. Dave (Ariel HT 500) and I (riding Matchless NT410) are up against Colin Hedges (350 Matchless), Bob Greenhough (BSA 425) and Ken Wallington (Matchless 410). It’s hard to understand why so few riders contested this trial as it really is one of the best circuits in the Sammy Miller championship.

The ground was generally dry however, the organisers made good use of the countless rocky streams that litter the area. The first group at

Park Lane

consisted of 5 subs all in a rocky brook. I start with a pair of cleans and am pleased to get through Sub 3 with a clean as the rock step located towards the end looked quite fearsome.

The next group at Beech Trees consisted of 3 subs. Sub 6 was a lot trickier than it looked. A winding and steep downhill entry into the muddy stream bed went fine however, when I applied power to get out the bike seriously bogged down and I couldn’t move. Fortunately, I managed to extricate NT410 and collect my 5 from the observer. The next pair were a double and whilst

I clean the smaller rocks of Sub 7 I have to take a couple of steadying ones on the next.

The route to Bedlam was poorly marked and we waste a lot of time before Dave decides to ride down a boulder laden gulley and picks up the route marking. The next sub was aptly named. The long run down a boulder strewn stream bed goes well and I’m pleased to collect a clean for my efforts.

We hit the road for a 3 mile ride to the next group and meet Ken Wallington going in the opposite direction. We stop to speak to the fellow Gloucestershire rider and it’s clear that he’s had enough “rock action” for one trial and decided to call it a day.

Dave and I hit the next group of 4 subs at Furlong. The big rock step in sub 9 is still a challenge and I do as I normally do, and jump NT410 over it off the preceding stones for a clean. The next sub is a real challenge and I’m pleased

to successfully negotiate the boulder strewn stream for a clean but have to take a dab halfway through as some mud catches me out. Not bad for a single dab. The next one catches me for a dab too; the dry banks are getting slippery as water is tracked across them. I gather myself for the last sub and go clean.

Next up it was Hopton Brook for 3 subs in a muddy streams; despite being tacking in places I clean this group. It’s out on the road again as we head to Strandbrook for 5 subs. I misjudge the exit of this fist sub, opting for the easier route up a rock step but this necessitates a pair of dabs as the turn up the bank is too tight to get the big 410 around. The observer at the last sub in this group has a funny interpretation of the course marking however, we ride it his way and come away with a clean.

We head back to Brockleton Brook (opposite Furlong) for two subs in the rocky stream and I come away with a clean sheet here. We’re on the home stretch now and it’s back to Bedlam for 3 subs. I have a magnificent ride in sub 24 to record a clean but have to take two dabs at 26 as I get pushed off line. The following double sub is very tricky and I am elated to go clean. Sub 29 is a killer; it looks so simple but takes maximums off the entire Class 2 entry except me as, having done all the hard work, I take 3 dabs to get out of the tight exit. The final sub is pretty rudimentary and I’m glad to see it.

The 21 mile circuit took a while to get around and we didn’t get back until 1720. As with all stream sections, controlled aggression is the key and I’m pleased with how I rode overall. Perhaps I could’ve concentrated a bit more on sub 26 but I had some good cleans on the day. I finish second to Bob Greenhough but remain top of Class 2, extending my lead to 26 points with two rounds to go in the series.

Results: Bob Greenhough (BSA ZB34A) 14, John Jacka (Matchless G3LC 410) 17, Dave Arkell (Ariel HT500) 31, Colin Hedges (Matchless G3LC 350) 53, Ken Wallington (Matchless G3LC) DNF.

Next up: The TALMAG Sidecar Trial at Hungry Hill

16 OCT 11 After the Trial!

2011-10-18T20:31:00.000+01:00

As I said in my trial report Heath has brought his camera and is keen to see NT410 airborne once more. Ever obliging, I head over to Sub 6 and check out the take off and landing zones.

Take off!

“It can’t be done mate, You’ll never get that hulking great thing over the gap!” says the Observer as he packs up his section.

“He might have a point” I say to Heath “but it’s definitely doable” I continue.

As they say in the cockpit "V1, Rotate!"

There’s a tree smack bang in the middle of the LZ but I think I can avoid it. After a couple of practice run-ups I give it a go. Unfortunately Heath doesn't have his camera ready first time around so I have to give it another go.

In testament to John Bartrum’s skill and craftsmanship the frame stays in one piece after three practice jumps!

I have a go at some of the log boxes too!

Just like Dougie Lampkin eh?!

Thanks to Heath Brindley for these photos.

16 Oct 11 Zona1 MCC John Workman Trial

2011-10-18T19:59:00.000+01:00

Eyeing up the step in Sub 9

Being a Zona1 MCC member I decide to have a rare Sunday morning lie in and take the short drive to Nettleton quarry for the John Workman trial. I phoned my entry in on Saturday and, having printed off the entry form, signing on is a piece of cake. It’s a full factory outing and I’m joined by Dave Arkell (Ariel HT500), Nige Townsend (410 AJS), Pete Collins (350 AJS rigid) and Ken Wallington (410 Matchless). We all elect to ride the Sportsman route which is designated for the Pre-65 entry.

The summit of Sub 2

Despite being a modern club Zona1 always welcome Pre-65 riders and with a wealth of experience and talent on hand, the sportsman sections are laid out perfectly for the big bikes once again.

The sportsman route riders begin at Sub 6 and initially the Pre-65 riders stick together. The deep, winding and rocky gulley ends with a short uphill run to the ends cards and we all begin with a clean. Sub 7 features a man-made gully that is a bit tight for the wide crankcases of the pre-65 entry however, the sides are pretty soft so I gas NT410 up and power through for a clean. The loose earth and banks of Sub 8 ride surprisingly well and the sinuous Sub 9, despite looking tricky rides fine.

Sub 1 turns out to be the trickiest. The tight twists and turns through a rocky gap which scratches and gouges crankcases and eats gear levers demands respect. We all take a penalty here and I record a dab on lap 3 in order to avoid ripping my gear lever off. Sub 3 was a little too easy but on reflection, I think we all may have misinterpreted the section incorrectly. However, since we all rode the same route it doesn’t affect the outcome.

In the turn at Sub 3

I ride pretty well and record a single dab for the day’s efforts and take the Pre-65 win, recording a rare victory over the rest of the factory. Nige is getting used to his short-stroke AJS riding well to beat Dave Arkell. Pete Collins rode extremely well on the big rigid and Ken continues to improve.

Pre-65 Results: John Jacka 1, Nige Townsend 10, Dave Arkell 13, Pete Collins 22, Ken Wallington 48

It’s clear that a lot of development work has gone into this venue and there are lots of big logs and newly arrived Cotswold stone available at the venue. After the trial I tackle the logs and have a go at the “log box”; it’s internal dimensions are only a few inches bigger than the Matchless so it’s pretty difficult to get out but good fun nonetheless.

Making use of the new
logs on site!

Heath Brindley has his camera on hand and we head over to sub 6 for a bit of airborne Tomfoolery. After eyeing up the terrain and landing site I jump NT410 over the gulley a couple of times. It’s great fun and a fitting end to a great run out.

Thank you to Andy Coulbourne for kind use of his picture of NT410 in Sub 9.

Thank you to Mike Yiend Motorsports photography for the rest of the pictures. Why not support your local photographer and visit Mike's website; he took 145 photos on the day so you're bound to be in there somewhere. Click the link below or use the link on the sidebar.

Mike Yiend:

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/mikeyiend

Next up: ACU Sammy Miller products Rd 6 The Greensmith memorial trial

09 Oct – WG & DF “Sidecargate” Trial at Mile End

2011-10-11T18:18:00.002+01:00

A fairly local trial and with a lot of Gloucestershire Pre-unit riders turning out it was always going to be challenging. I’m keen to see how the magneto and clutch handle another long trial and I elect to ride NT410. My riding buddy Dave Arkell along with Godfrey Hannam, Pete Collins (all riding 500 Ariel), Ian Wixon (350 Triumph), Colin Hedges (350 AJS) and another AMC rider (350 AJS) turn up at the Foresters in Mile End and after we sign on grab a free cup of tea and bacon roll. It’s not a full factory outing though as The Teflon Don is absent having played Golf the day before.

Kitted up at the start

The format was initially strange but with hindsight I really enjoyed it. The premise is this; you ride as a group with a lead rider and tail end Charlie. The lead rider takes us to the sections which are laid out in groups. You ride the sections in turn but wait for the other riders to complete the group before you move on to the next group. It seems weird but for a small group of riders it’s a brilliant concept. There was a lot of friendly banter and whilst there was a definite air of competition the emphasis was on fun.

Exiting Sub 20

We get away bang on 1000 and leave as a group. The first group features 7 Subs in a massive wood. The lack of rain makes the going slightly easier although the plotters did find the odd mud slot to use. The morning Groups and Subs are set out for the Clubman but do catch a few riders out as the roots and loose rocks take marks off the unwary. I keep a clean sheet throughout the morning and am firmly in the lead as we get to the tea stop at Ian Wixon’s farm around 1330.

Sub 16 just before a maximum!

Following tea, the terrain changes markedly; Sub 16, is a stinker and nobody goes clean. My rivals do a fantastic job to get a 3 while I come away with a maximum after beaching NT410 on the sump pan. I clean the rocky stream of Sub 17 by aggressive riding but have to foot my way through Sub 18. I’m now on 8 marks lost and have to control the losses if I’m to win. A brilliant, aggressive ride on the long, uphill rocky stream of Sub 19 for a clean is just what I needed however; I have to take three dabs early on in Sub 20 which lifts my total lost to 11. The vultures are circling and whilst the opposition have to take a dab in the tight Sub 21 I rally and coax the big Matchless around for a clean. Godfrey and I are now on 11 marks apiece so the pressure is on not to drop anymore. Fortunately, I go clean over the remaining groups and subs but so does he.

We finally get back to the start after seven hours of hard riding. The Clerk of the Course adds up the marks and it’s clear there’s a tie and a difficult decision has to be made. Godfrey and I have been battling all day but with me being “furthest clean” and having recorded the “most cleans” I'm subsequently declared the Pre-65 winner. Whilst I take the Pre-65 honours and coveted Bush Shield it's Keith Wells who takes the overall win losing just 8 marks on his Honda XL 185.

Thanks to all at the WG&DF MCC for an innovative trial that must have taken an enormous amount of work to put together. Thanks also to Ian Wixon and Mrs. Wixon for their hospitality at the tea stop. I hope Stan's wrist gets better and he can take part next year.

Thanks also to Colin Jones for kind use of his photographs. To read Colin's report visit the WG&DF MCC weblink here:

http://www.wgdfmcc.org.uk/events/sidecargate/sidecargate2011.htm

Next up: Zona1 MCC Club trial at Nettleton Quarry.

02 Oct - ACU South Midland Classic championship Rd 1

2011-10-06T18:21:00.002+01:00

Another early start; I’m on the road by 0730 this time heading to the Plashes

Farm venue in Hertfordshire for a the South Midland Classic championship. This series will be run over four rounds with different clubs in the South Midland centre taking turns to host a round.

Dave Priestner joins me with his SATNAV and it’s at least as long a journey as yesterday’s trip to Devon for SM Rd 5. The weather remains hot and by the time we reach the venue it’s already at 18C. I enter in advance so signing on is simple and pleasingly the club have the next two rounds regs available to take away.

I’m a bit embarrassed that NT410 is still dirty from yesterday but it’s not the muckiest bike there. I grab a bacon roll and tea, refuel the bike and get away promptly. Not knowing how this club sets its trials out I elect to ride the Clubman route as I know that Oxford Ixion will set out a stinker of an expert route for the third round. The sections are set out reasonably tight but given that the ground is bone dry it’s not a problem.

I start at Sub 12 and pleased to record a clean straight off. The clubman route is very fair for big bikes and riders of all abilities would find something interesting in the sections. The path through the vast woodland is clearly marked and the organisers should take credit for that.

The first lap (of three) is crucial and I make a couple of mistakes. I’m disappointed to take a couple of dabs on Sub 1 and my “innovative” route for Sub 6 is a complete disaster resulting in a maximum on the first lap. Sub 8 features what appears to be a rudimentary downhill tight turn near the exit however, I mess it up on lap 2 and 3 gaining another maximum and a three.

I finish on 16 marks lost and by virtue of being lumped in with all the Red route riders, my sixteen mark loss is not good enough to gain even a single point. I’m pretty disappointed with my ride; it was a cleanable course but I made some bad decisions that cost me dear. It’s now pointless riding any other rounds in this championship and it’s a real body blow to go crashing out in the first round.

The Plashes Farm venue coupled with the organisation that went into the trial was outstanding and the team involved deserve much credit for their efforts.

Next up: WG & DF “Sidecargate” Trial near Coleford.

1 Oct - ACU Sammy Miller products Rd 5 – Peter Keen Trophy Trial

2011-10-03T19:57:00.000+01:00

Ready at the start

A 0415 start is not the best start for a National trial but due to work commitments I have to travel on the day. We travel down the M5 in convoy meeting up with Ariel Dave on the Somerset levels. The journey down is uneventful and we’re the first at the venue along with the Burger van so pick good parking spots for a quick getaway. It’s pleasing to see toilets and a hot food van on site and after a hassle free sign on we tuck into bacon rolls washed down with tea. I decide to turn out on NT410 with the new mag fitted and clutch problem sorted.

Getting some face time with "the Man"

Sammy Miller turns up to send us on our way and we get away bang on time at 0948. It’s a short ride to the first group of Subs (1-7) at the aptly named Paradise where after a gently start it’s into the granite boulder laden stream beds. With little rain the level is down but the algae and moss make it tricky going for the unwary. A dab in the stream on Sub 5 leads to a pair of threes in Sub 6 and Sub 7; What looked like a rudimentary entrance to 6 is anything but and the deep mud of Sub 7 is nigh on impossible to power through since it’s located in a tight turn.

The next group of subs at The Grove (8-17) feature the same type of ground but I find the going a little easier. I get a dab on the entrance to Sub 8 but when Sammy Miller arrives on his BSA I’m determined to show I can ride a bit. All goes well until sub 14 when I have to take a couple of steadying dabs. Sub 15 is a daunting stream section but I carefully pick my line and come away with a clean. The last two subs are tight and twisty affairs but I get through unscathed.

You have to concentrate in this terrain

We get back out onto the road for the long ride to Bickington. NT410 is sounding very rough and I begin to lose power as the exhaust tappet works its way loose. We arrive at the next group, Hadrian’s Wall, for three Subs (18-20) that feature some loose going. Sub 20 is a long twisty uphill ride that I take in second and with the new mag performing well I get up there fine. We refuel before heading off to the next group located at Rentor (21-23). NT410 is even worse here but I nurse it through all the sections with no penalties. Dave decides it’s best to get the exhaust tappet done before heading on the long run to the next group and with a pair of adjustable spanners cures the problem.

Is that mudguard bent?

The long ride from Bickington takes us to Mill Wood for three Subs (24-26) and having seen Dave take two dabs in Sub 26 I elect to use the clutch which immediately pays dividends in the tight, rocky section and I record a clean sheet in this group. A short road ride past Bag Tor sees us at the next group located at Ruby Rocks (27-31). This is a great location; lots of rocks embedded in the soft grass land with a rocky stream running through the centre. Sub 30 is a cracker; I ride the rocky stream well, electing to ride a massive rock in the centre which takes me over most of the marbles. I’m on the right line and negotiate the exit for a single dab and get some heartening comments from the onlookers. Sub 31 is easily cleanable and I take care not to over do it on the penultimate section.

We ride back to the start via the last section entitled Ripon Tor Splash. There’s a good crowd gathered around and even a herd of Black Angus cattle sheltering under woodland canopy away from the oppressive heat. I negotiate the tight turn two and ride the deep, rock strewn stream for a final clean.

It’s only a short ride up the track to the finish and I’m pleased to complete the course on what was a really hot day. Thanks to Dave Arkell and his magic with the spanners I finish on a bike that’s running well and there’s not sign of clutch problems either.

Happy to have finished &
next to Sammy's van!

I finish with an 11 mark loss, taking a convincing win and now lead Class 2 of the Championship by 24 points. However, in motorsport nothing can be taken for granted and I’ll have to ride well in the remaining rounds to retain the Class 2 trophy.

It was a smashing trial; totally different sections in some places interspersed with some familiar hazards. Thanks to all at the WEMC for putting on another great national trial. Hopefully, next year it won’t be so hot.

Thank you to the WEMC photographer for kind use of his action photos.

Next up: South Midland Classic championship Rd 1 at Plashes Farm, Hertfordshire

25 Sep BMCA Rd 3 Earlswood

2011-09-28T17:49:00.000+01:00

With rain forecast I don’t fancy the local trial at Hawks and elect to ride BMCA Rd 3 at Earlswood off J3 of the M42. It’s a tiny piece of land consisting of two wooded bomb holes separated by a field. You do five subs in one then move over to the next. The ground has everything; bogs, water, steep climbs, cambers and a multitude of roots. It’s a great venue and well worth the trip.

Sub 3 after the big rooty entrance
AND feet up!!

With rain threatening most of us get off to a cracking start. However, Sub 1 is nigh on impossible to get to. A few of us move a massive, old log and bung it in the gully so that we can start the trial. I ride the Intermediate route once again and thankfully Sub 1 is a clubman section. A steep drop into a muddy hole with lots of tight and twisty turns before the exit. Sub 2 is an expert section and the steep climb and twists really wakes me up. Sub 3 has a tricky turn and massive rooty step located at the start but as the trial drags on I get more tired and the marks keep coming.

In the second bomb hole Sub 6, 7, 8 and 10 designated for the intermediates to ride the expert route. Sub 7 really tests your mettle and I’m pleased to get the bike up a steep bank, over the rooty base and down the other side on each occasion. The entrance to sub 8 is tricky and I have to take a maximum here on the second lap as the 350 won’t go over the big step. Disappointingly, I lose the front end twice on Sub 10 and get two maximums which puts me well out of the points. The rain begins on my last lap so I incur more points on this lap than any other as the ground goes from good to downright slippery in the course of a few minutes.

Still, I finish in 6^th instead of 8^th this week but if I had been a little bit fitter I could have finished 3^rd on the Intermediate route. Thanks to Nathan Jones and Steve Hay for such an entertaining trial. Unfortunately, the camera was playing up so only one picture this time.

Next up: ACU Sammy Miller products Rd 5 The Peter Keen Trial in Devon on Saturday.

24 Sep Somerton & DMC Final Rd of club championship trial

2011-09-26T18:56:00.000+01:00

Now I’ve got the van I fancy a Saturday afternoon run out and decide on the Somerton Club’s final round of the club championship at the Turn Hill venue near Langport. With NT410 still off the road I load up the trusty long-stroke 350, pick up Dave Priestner (navigator & camera man) on the way and we arrive at the venue to be greeted by predominantly modern bikes. I immediately fear I’ve made a big error but am pleased to see a “Pre-65” notation on the entry form.

Dave refuels on a Pasty
before camera duty!

The start of the climb in Sub 1

I elect to ride the Intermediate route (5 Clubman, 5 Expert sections) and get away on time. Sub 1 is a rooty, up hill climb that is fairly rudimentary although the practice of using trees for markers vice markers themselves makes some gates rather tight for the Matchless.

Sub 2 is tight & twisty with an exit over a tree stump. It’s a section where the “factory dab” to haul the bike around is very effective however, I eventually get the hang of it and go clean on the last lap. The entry to Sub 3 over some big roots is a real challenge; you can never know where you’re going to end up and I take a couple of steadying dabs here.

Entry to Sub 3 over the roots followed by
a climb an twisty exit

Sub 4 catches me out on the first lap as the tightly packed trees fool me into thinking there’s little room for manoeuvre. Sub 5 is a twisty, sinuous affair that rides well. Sub 6 is a long, steep climb with a tight turn at the top. I witness a lad get it wrong and keen not to see the 350 tumbling down the bank I take extra care here.

Sub 7 is a mudslot that cuts out nicely as the day wears on and leads directly into Sub 8 which features a series of tight turns in the stream bed with a greasy exit.

The beginning of Sub 8

The entrance to Sub 9 is a hop over a large (for Pre-65 machines at least) lump of sandstone followed by a mudslot with a tricky, greasy, uphill exit. I gas the 350 and I fly over the block which is pleasing and ride the slot with aggression which pays off in the end. Sub 10 is a rudimentary affair which rides well in the dry weather.

I finish on 23 marks lost taking 2^nd on the Pre-65 Inter route (just two marks behind the winner who was on a C15). I’m pleased with my ride and despite the almost total lack of pre-65 entries I would definitely ride with Somerton & DMC & LCC again. The sections, whilst tight in places, were spot on however, I caution that had it rained, I would have had to revert to the Clubman route.

The tricky exit to Sub 9

Thanks to Somerton MC for a great afternoon’s trial; it was definitely worth the trip down the M5. There was a hot food wagon on site too and a hot cup of tea at the end is well deserved.

Who knows, I might ride the whole of their club championship next year!

Next up: BMCA Rd 3 at Earlswood

18 Sep 11 BMCA Rd 2 East Lodge Farm

2011-09-19T15:34:00.002+01:00

With a choice of trials available I decided to opt for BMCA Rd 2 at East Lodge Farm off J5 of the M5. I meet up with Ken Wallington from Stroud who’s there with his immaculate Matchless G3LS. I elect to ride the intermediate route (5 clubman sections and 5 expert sections) and having printed out my regs before hand, signing on is breeze.

With NT410 off the road with a persistent mystery clutch problem I turn out on the heavyweight 350 long-stroke G3LC. It’s a bit of a gamble but if I can get this beast around I can have some confidence in my ability as a trials rider.

I get underway bang on time but am obviously half asleep as I go the wrong way in Sub 1 incurring an immediate 5 mark loss…..not a good start. The twisty and root laden Sub 2 would have been tricky in the rain but is fairly rudimentary in the end.

Sub 3 is a real tester on the 350. A steep climb followed by a downhill section leads to an off-camber, uphill turn back on oneself to the exit. The 350’s funereal pace and new IRC front tyre combine and I am relieved to only incur a single dab at this sub a feat only bettered by the class winner.

Heading to the tricky turn in Sub 3

Sub 4 was a very tight & twisty uphill climb which would have been impossible had the venue been wet. Initially, I really struggle here but rally as the loose earth is kicked down the bank to reveal a hard surface and I finish with two cleans which is a good ride in my opinion.

Sub 5 was pretty rudimentary however, on lap two I touch a marker and incur a maximum. Strange really, I didn’t think the observer had a Yorkshire accent!! Anyway, Sub 6 was a cracker; a long section of tight, twisty turns followed by a mud slot and rooty exit. A typical BMCA sub this one and I ride it well by slipping into 2^nd gear and gunning it in the mud slot. Sub 7 and 8 were deceptive and disappointingly, I take a dab on the expert route in sub 7.

The uphill Sub 9 featured a tricky exit and I nearly collect an unwary onlooker as I exit on the last lap. Unfortunately, the over zealous observer perceived my foot coming off the peg but not touching the ground as a dab so I get a penalty however, I go clean on the sinuous Sub 10 over the four laps.

Eyeing up the exit to Sub 10

Thankfully, the predicted rain never materialised and as such the going was much easier than it could have been. I finish in 8^th spot again incurring a 24 mark loss but beat a BSA C15. Nevertheless, I’m pretty annoyed with myself for going the wrong way in Sub 1 and rather disappointed with some harsh observing in Sub 5 and 9 but that’s trials.

It was a great venue and one to which I have never previously been. Once again the course was set out very fair for big singles so credit to Pete Dawson and the BMCA team for that. The next round is just off the M42 at Earlswood.

Thanks to Penny for taking the photos.

Lovely new Beta gloves from BVM in Stroud!

11 Sep 11 - BMCA Round 1 - Ullenwood

2011-09-12T21:59:00.001+01:00

Man, van & bike on the verge

I load up my new van with NT410, the missus and a picnic and we head up the A46 for the first round of the BMCA season at Ullenhall. This very friendly British only club has an impressive fixture list and has access to some great trials land throughout the Midlands. The clientele tend to favour the light bikes such as Cubs, C15s, & Bantams and their trials are always a good challenge given the high standard of riders at the club.

It's bound to be greasy so
better do a pressure check!

This season I have elected to move up to the Intermediate class in which competitors ride 5 Clubman route subs and 5 hard route subs at the course setter’s discretion. I sign on with Pete Reed and get away bang on 1030. I’ve never been to Ullenhall before so I’m delighted to see a beautiful wood with lots of climbs, cambers, roots and due to a lack of rain, only some mud. It must be very difficult here in the rain.

NT410’s clutch is still temperamental and I have to nurse it throughout the trial. Inadvertently, I’m one of the first through each section and it’s all going good until I incur a 5 on Sub 4 by running the starboard fork leg into a hidden tree stump. Section 5 is the killer. It’s sinuous tight turns, roots and loose peaty soil really is too much for me and I struggle to get the big 410 around incurring 72% of my final total on this section alone.

Getting under way!

Subs 6 and 7 are in perma-shade which on the subsequent laps catch me out particularly the exit of Sub 7 over a massive log. With strong, consistent riders in the class these unnecessary dabs see me well down the field and I eventually finish with 25 marks lost which equates to 8^th place on the Intermediate route. Nevertheless, I do beat a C15 which is encouraging as I was the only “big bike” in the class.

Still, it’s my first time on the Intermediate route and I’m reasonably pleased with my performance and that NT410 kept going. Whilst the clutch is far from OK it did not cause me any real problem other than worry. I’ll have to get this sorted in short order if I want to keep on riding the bike but with mechanical help and advice in short supply it’s going to be a challenge.

Approaching the tight turn in Sub 2

Well done to Dave Jones and Mick Hemmings for laying on a great trial. I’m looking forward to my next outing with the BMCA at East Lodge Farm next week.

Thanks to Pete Dawson who kindly provided these photographs which were taken during the trial.

The entry to Sub 4

21 Aug 11 - ACU Sammy Miller products Rd 4 - The Frank Jones Trial

2011-08-23T18:27:00.005+01:00

Unbelievably, I’m up at 0445 to be at Dave’s at 0600 for the long drive to Builth Wells in

Wales

. We meet up with Teflon and Pete Collins on the A40 and travel in convoy. With only a minor detour we arrive early and sign on in the pub.

Teflon, Bob, Pete, Me & Dave

Whilst the entry appears to be less than last year there’s a good showing of pre-Unit Clubmen (Class 2) ready to take points off me if I ride badly. Bob Greenhough (BSA Goldie), Pete Collins (Ariel HT5), The Teflon Don (410 AJS), Dave (Ariel HT5), Godfrey Hannam (Ariel HT5) and Colin Hedges (350 Matchless) are no slouches on the big bikes. I elect to ride NT410 this time as I don’t want to risk destroying MH410 on the rocks!

We get away promptly at 1007 and it’s immediately apparent that NT410 is not happy on the road and there’s a lot of popping and farting. The first two subs are just off the road and by the time we get there they’ve had the surface taken off them by some sidecars. Nevertheless, I focus the mind and start the day off with a pair of cleans. Happily, NT410 runs great in the sections.

The club have selected a lot of new sections this year and some of the streams are particularly slippery which take marks off the unwary. Sub 9 looks innocuous enough; a long ride along a rocky stream bed but it takes marks off all of us and I incur my first dab here. There was a killer rock step in the contentious Sub 11 followed by a very slippery exit and when I walk it it’s got “3” written all over it. However, I ride aggressively and finish with a dab which puts me ahead of my class. The aggressive riding pays off in Sub 14; where the rest are taking “3s” and “5s”, I change into second gear mid-section, gas it up and launch the Matchless into the air. This way I sail over the mud and when I look around I’m greeted by applause (which is always nice to hear).

L to R: BSA ZB34A, AJS 410, Ariel HT5 x 2
and my Matchless 410

The streams take their toll and this trial really is a war of attrition on bike and body. The bike conks out on sub 22 and I’m very kindly pushed out by Dave Dawson and Russ Jones; Thank you!! The clutch is slipping so much that there’s not enough oomph to turn the fly wheels over. We bump it and “viola”, NT410 fires up. However, I have to keep the bike running for the rest of the trial or risk not being able to start it again.

A five at Sub 22!
Russ Jones & Dave Dawson look on!!

One of the final subs is a jagged waterfall that looks impossible but I’m over the moon to get through it with a single dab. With a bike that’s rapidly failing I’m relieved to get through to Sub 30, finishing with a 13 mark loss. It was a long day in the saddle; starting at 1007 and finishing at 1730!! Nevertheless, it’s easily been the best trial of the year and the Builth club richly deserve praise for such an outstanding day. The sections, whilst daunting in places, were just right and nobody finished with a clean!

My 13 mark loss is good enough to take the Class 2 win and 20 valuable points. Colin Hedges rode superbly (19 marks lost) to take 2^nd place and Dave Arkell rounds the podium out with a 26 mark loss.

I’m pleased with my performance; it was aggressive at times but that paid dividends. NT410 needs some more TLC and I think it’d benefit from a BT-H magneto in the near future. Now, where's that wallet ?..........

Pete Collins and his Rolls Royce overalls
"you get a set free with the car!"

Cheltenham Spa scramble club charity trial at Wainlodes

2011-08-16T18:39:00.001+01:00

Me, Dave, Teflon & Pete at Wainlodes

Dave Arkell, Pete Collins & The Teflon Don have already signed on by the time I get there.

Despite the threat of rain none actually materialises which is good because this venue is slippery enough. The course comprises 14 sections on a long, steep bank that is predominantly clay. Difficult to ride in the dry because the ground turns into little marbles, it’s nigh on impossible to ride in the wet on a big pre-unit single.

We all elect to ride the Clubman Plus (green route) and head off to sub 1 which is a steep downhill section which flattens before an off camber uphill climb. The lady in front of me comes a cropper on her Scorpa however, despite my reservations it’s no problem. The Theme continues and subs 2,3 and 4 consist of tight, twisty off camber marbles with a penalty of going down the bank if you get it wrong!

Pete & Dave (Ariel HT5)
take a breather at sub 14

The organisers, having lulled us into a false sense of security, then up the ante in sub 5 which begins with a hop over a log immediately followed by a tight right hand uphill turn around a tree, a steep down hill run with a 90 degree right off camber (on marbles) turn back up the bank. It looks impossible but Pete Collins and his Ariel ride it like a main road for an impressive 2 dabs, while Dave and his Ariel take 3 dabs. Teflon and I tuck the front under for a maximum apiece. I eventually get the hang of it and go around for a single dab on the last lap; a feat only matched by Pete Collins. Even the steady Dave Jones on his Triumph twin can’t match that.

Sub 5 entry over a log

Sub 6 is nigh on impossible for the big bikes and we all incur penalties on the exceptionally tight and twisty uphill section. Sub 7, 8 are tight and twisty on off camber marbles which are pretty rudimentary however, I get offline in Sub 7 on lap 2 and incur a maximum as I get friendly with Hawthorn tree. Sub 9 has a hazardous low exit, but we all go clean while the tight entrance to Sub 10 forces a dab out of me when I rush and neglect to get lined up on the last lap.

Sub 11 and 12 are tight, twisty affairs while 13 is a real challenge featuring a tight entrance followed by a steep climb which I get wrong, incurring 3 dabs on lap 2. The last sub, Sub 14 is pretty rudimentary and despite the tight exit we all go clean.

Finally getting it right at Sub 5

It’s been a great trial and the bikes are only covered in a light coating of baked clay dust. Thanks to Brian Bridson and the gang at Cheltenham Scrambles Club for a great day.

Dave Jones (Triumph twin) 18, Dave Arkell (Ariel HT5) 20, Pete Collins (Ariel HT5) 20,

Jai Jacka (Matchless G3LC) 31, Nige Townsend (AJS 16M) 35.

Sub 5 on lap 2

Next up: ACU Sammy Miller products Rd 4 at Builth Wells

Thanks to Mike Yiend for these photgraphs. Click on the link to find Mike's Trials photgraphs which are for sale and support your local photographer!

Sub 5 on lap 1 incurs a
hefty dab!!

Aug 13 Cheltenham Auto Jumble

2011-08-14T20:19:00.000+01:00

It’s not raining and I fancy taking the 350 for a spin. Where better than the Cheltenham Auto Jumble. I’m pleased to report that THB events do discounts for servicemen and it’s well worth the £3 entry fee. I leave home around 1030 and ride the bike inside leaning it against an electricity distribution box on arrival. I have a wander around and pick up a selection of second hand AF spanners out of a box and get some new vinyl numbers (only to discover I’ve got lots of spare vinyl numbers at home!).

The 350 Matchless gets a run out

There’s lots of people about including a fair smattering of foreign visitors and I notice a Dutch gentleman buying a stack of old Motorcycle magazines from Bob Greenhough. Teflon and Pete Collins are in attendance and they both agree to have a go at sorting the front brake out on NT410 which is a great relief.

It’s good to see Tony Sullivan at the autojumble; amongst some Montesa twin-shock bikes he’s got his lovely Triumph for sale. It looks wonderful and I’m half tempted but decide on a chat with Tony instead. Jim Pickering has some good news about the BMCA and following a committee meeting it appears that the BMCA will be easing things up a bit for the big Pre-Unit singles which means the Intermediate route should be viable for me.

Tony Sullivan's Triumph twin
It's for sale you know!!

After a couple of hours and a good trawl through I head home to get the 350 ready for the Cheltenham Scramble Club’s charity trial at Wainlodes in the morning. Teflon, Pete & Dave will all be out on pre-units so I better have my wits about me!

31 Jul – ACU Sammy Miller products Rd 3 – Yorkshire Dales Trial

2011-08-12T18:03:00.000+01:00

Ilkley & DMCC know how to set out a trial and with some great land which offers plenty of variety it’s well worth the long journey North. I’m in the Sprinter with Dave P while Dave A drives the camper. Setting off well into the afternoon we get to Pateley Bridge around 1830. There’s a few lads around including Dave Dawson who has already set up camp and is well into the dessert course of his evening meal as we roll in. We whip the awning out and head to the pub.

Dave P in the morning

Normally frequented by the travelling trials riders (which makes for a thoroughly good night out) this year, unfortunately, it’s full of very drunk middle aged women intent on bellowing profanities to one another. It’s time like these I wish I was still a smoker; a cigarette filter placed into each ear canal would have helped alleviate the cacophony of noise. Nevertheless, the food is acceptable and when our ears finally begin to bleed we head inside for some relative peace. It perks up nicely and there’s a lad singing so Dave P and I stay late.

Following a good night’s sleep we head for scrutineering, sign on and book a lunchtime sandwich before heading back to the van to fuel up and get changed. We return to the cattle market and start bang on time.

"What time are we off?" MH410 ready to go!!

As usual it’s a short ride to the first group of 4 subs at Watergate and predictably there’s a massive queue. The first group are on a rocky hillside and with the dry conditions there’s nothing to worry about; in fact, this group are rather easier than last year.

We move onto Cock Hill Mine for four more subs. Sub 5 is uphill across some loose material and despite looking pretty rudimentary Sub 6 has a tight right hand turn in it that makes you think. Clubmen don’t ride the long, boulder strewn Sub 7 but criss-cross the stream bed which is a shame (although I’m not on a rigid!). Sub 8 is a twisty, rocky affair and after this it’s back to the road for the long ride back to Pateley Bridge.

On the way to pine copse that is called West Wood I have a cat run out in front of me and a get chased by an ambulance! Sub 9 is a slippery uphill muddy run followed by Sub 10 a twisty dry section in which I smack a tree and hurt my hand. We head off for 3 subs at Rayner’s Field where the going is surprisingly easy this year.

Dave and his HT5 ready
to go!

Out on the road Dave and I miss the turning for Covill Farm and on arrival at West House Farm realise the mistake. We compound the error by not going immediately back to the missed group favouring completion of this group first. Still clean, we head back to Covill Farm and realise our error; The observers are packing up for their well deserved lunch. Thankfully, they mark out the route however, in the rush I lose concentration and gain get 2 dabs in the rock stream of sub 15 and miss a gate on sub 16 incurring a maximum. That’s the day over and as we head to the lunch stop I’m gutted.

Following a fantastic ham sandwich and a long, hard ride over the moors we arrive at High Ray Carr for 3 subs. The ground is littered with large granite boulders which makes for some interesting going. We do sub 21 first and I take a dab on a tricky uphill right hand turn rather than risk a maximum. Sub 22 looks like a killer however, we all clean it. On the way out we do the rudimentary sub 20 which we missed on the way in.

Next up it’s Winksley Moor for 4 subs in and out of a stream. The first, Sub 23, into and out of a rocky stream is great but I have to take a dab and the next, sub 24 down a bouldered stream is a real test and I take an early dab. Sub 25 is a killer and I wrestle the bike around for 3. Looking at the results it’s hard to see how anyone could have clean this!! The last sub here is a cracker; downhill into a stream then a protracted climb up a boulder strewn ravine. Dave looks completely at home, riding the rocks with ease; despite a rather laboured approach I go clean too.

MH410 in the climb on
Sub 5 at Cock Hill Mine

The last group at Kingstone Farm comprises five subs; I clean the first three but get knocked off line in sub 30, miss a gate and incur a maximum. Similarly, in sub 31 I lose my way and the bike conks out on me for another maximum.

Not the way I wanted to finish and I’m disappointed with my performance as I ride back to Pateley Bridge. I eventually get home at 2300, totally knackered and glad I’ve got a day’s leave booked.

It doesn’t cost me too dear THIS time and effectively I’ve only lost a point; being 12 points clear vice 13 in Class 2.

Next up is

Wales

and with a lot of pre-unit riders travelling over for this one I’m going to have to be on top form!!

The death of Alan Saunders

2011-07-25T22:23:00.000+01:00

Alan Saunders, one of the founding members of the Hawks club passed away recently. A stalwart of the trials and scramble scene in the Cotswolds he will be sorely missed by many in Gloucestershire.

An Alan Saunders picture of me on his bike at
Colgate Farm in 2007

Back in 2005 he was kind enough to let me buy his long stroke 350cc Matchless. This was my first ever Matchless and I instantly gelled with the machine. Indeed, it is the bike on which I won Class 2 of the ACU Sammy Miller Championship in 2010.

It was only after months of incessant pleading and badgering on my part coupled with Alan’s ill health that he finally agreed to sell it to me. As I proudly put it on the trailer he reminded me that the bike was to be ridden in trials and NOT kept in the garage.

I hope he was proud to see that his bike won the 2010 SM Championship and I hope he keeps an eye on me during this years campaign. All the best Alan; you will be sorely missed and thanks once again for selling me that Matchless!!

13 Jul 11

2011-07-14T18:19:00.000+01:00

Gloucestershire Bike Night – Cheltenham Imperial Gardens

I’m very particular about my magnetos; after the bikes get washed the mag cover and slip ring are removed, any moisture dealt with and finally a bag full of silicon is taped over the points end to ensure it’ll be dry for the next ride. Unfortunately, I didn’t go through this routine after I washed the bike off following Rd 2 of the Sammy Miller trial in

Cumbria

and as a result the bike won’t start – Zero sparks!

I arrived home late plus Dave is coming over on his bike which adds to the pressure. I remove the mag cover to reveal rust and lots of water (bad sign!); this is going to take some time. I clean and dry everything including the brush and pick up ring but it still won’t spark.

Perfect parking spot!

As the missus heads out to a committee meeting for the Hawks Trials club I borrow her hairdryer to warm the mag. After 90 minutes of drying, cleaning, and general praying I get a spark. I pack out my jacket with 2 plugs, spanners, screwy & mag cover remover and it’s off we go to Imperial gardens.

MH410 sounds great going through

Cheltenham High street

and I get some admiring glances. The venue is packed and there’s a veritable cornucopia of motorcycles on show once again. I find a suitable spot to lean the MH410, switch off the petrol and head to the bar for a coke. There’s a lovely Desmosedicci RR and a couple of beautiful RD350LCs. There’s not too much old stuff on show but we do see a nice Vincent in oily rag condition, a couple of old Triumphs and a G80S Matchless (not leaking much oil!)

Who needs a side stand?

Once again, I have to leave about 2100 as the sun is coming down and I’ve no lights. I see a jam sandwich at the traffic lights but they don’t give me any hassle. “It was worth putting that bulb horn on then” I mutter to myself as I ride back home.

It’s been a great night out so thanks to all who make GBN possible. I look forward to my next GBN outing at the Apple Tree in Woodmancote during September but rue the nights drawing in.

10 Jul 11 Euro Cup Day 2

2011-07-12T17:43:00.000+01:00

I arrive early and at sign on pick up the Pre-Unit trophy for Saturday’s win (nice!).

Dave, Teflon and Pete Collins are riding today plus Halliday and Ross are out on the Enfield’s so its imperative to put in a good performance. The sections are completely different to Saturday and somewhat more difficult. I’m on the Clubman route (4 laps today) and ride with Dave, Teflon & Pete which should ensures some healthy rivalry and good banter during the proceedings. Godfrey once again, elects to observe.

More heavy rain overnight makes the terrain more challenging and it’s definitely a 2^nd gear day. Even with a worn IRC rear NT410 finds plenty of grip in the slick conditions but the clutch problem is getting worse and I again offer prayers to the Trials Gods.

We start at Sub 6 and I elect to get underway quickly rather than goof and get behind. This immediately pays dividends as sub 7 is a tricky mud slot however, I get cross rutted and have to take a dab before the end gate. Sub 8 is a long, steep twisty climb which gets slicker over the day however, in 2^nd gear NT410 flies up there. Sub 9 and 10 are fairly rudimentary and no penalites are incurred.

NT410 in the turn

Sub 1 is the killer; a very slick entry is followed by a pair of tricky banks which severely punish offline riding. I’m pleased with two cleans and a pair of dabs. Sub 2 is again quite tricky but NT410 grips well on the greasy climbs/tight turns and I go clean on all 4 laps. Sub 3 features a steep climb over rock and big roots bu NT410 takes the strain each lap which results in 4 cleans. Despite two plug changes, low fuel, a poorly clutch and very hot engine NT410 finishes the trial for a respectable 4 mark loss.

At last; I’ve finally beaten Teflon, Dave & Pete!!

I hang around for the results; I’ve convincingly taken the Pre-Unit Clubman route however, it’s Rob Halliday who comes up trumps; his 40 mark loss on the hard route is good enough to take the Pre-Unit trophy today. Fair play; I can’t complain at that.

Well done GVCMCC and the Euro Cup Team; a fantastic weekend's trialling.

Verdict: Two highly enjoyable local trials which resulted in two emphatic wins over some rateable opposition plus an unexpected trophy.

Next up: Sammy Miller Rd 3 The Yorkshire Dales Trial

8 Jul 11 - The AJS Trophy

2011-07-11T21:30:00.000+01:00

The AJ Stephens Trophy gets returned to the AJS & Matchless owners club (AMOC)

The AJS Trophy 2010

The AJS Trophy is awarded to the best Trials performance at the annual Jampot Rally. In 2010 the trial was held on the BMCA ground at Hunnington where I was lucky enough to win it riding the long stroke 350.

9 Jul 11 - Euro Cup Trial

2011-07-11T21:14:00.000+01:00

Euro Cup Trial Day 1

This year GVCMCC use Cowcombe Wood; a vast woodland on the limestone escarpment above Chalford that is perfect for trials. Tacky leaf mulch on top of clay with a fair smattering of loose Cotswold stone makes for an interesting track. I get home late on Friday and don’t do the scheduled bike preparation. I decide to ride NT410 but with a slipping clutch, no front brake and a dodgy oil system I make hefty offerings to the Trials Gods!

Dave P the camera man!

I elect to ride the Clubman route and there’s a good turnout of riders from across the country and continent. Ken Wallington (350 Matchless), Dave Dawson (shiny, twinshock SWM thingy) and Martyn Wilmore (beefy trick Cub) are riding and fortunately Dave Priestner turns up to do camera duty.

It’s a punch card system with a different card exchanged for each lap which means you can gauge your progress through the event. I start late and noticing the massive queue at sub 1 head for sub 7. With inclement weather for much of the preceding week the going is slick however, the gates are pretty wide and there’s a definite continental feel to the marking out.

Sub 10

Sub 7 features a steep rooty climb but NT410 copes well on the loose stuff. Sub 8 has a wicked downhill off camber turn over some loose Cotswold stone which deserves some respect in order to avoid a dab. Sub 9 is a cracker; an off camber, muddy turn into a stream bed followed by an immediate exit over a very slick clay bank; again, NT410 copes well but I have to take a dab on the last lap. The rest are all pretty straightforward although sub 4 deserves a mention for the slick turn followed by a long off camber exit across loosed stone. It catches me out on lap one but I go clean on lap 2 and 3.

NT410 behaves itself and there’s no sign of the aperiodic smoke screen. The clutch problem doesn’t hamper things too much but I must get it fixed before the Trials Gods become angry.

Sub 3

With many of the top Pre-Unit riders either observing (Godfrey Hannam) or absent (Teflon, Pete Collins, Rob Halliday and Alex Ross) I take the Pre-Unit win with 5 marks lost. I celebrate in the beer tent with Dave and Bing by downing 3 Cokes.

To much amusement, Godfrey Hannam gets all Leonardo da Vinci and measures the fork angle of NT410 suing a Heath Robinson device! A brilliant end to a great day. Thank you Golden Valley Classic / Euro Cup Team.

Exit of sub 10

3 Jul 11 - ACU Sammy Miller products Rd 2 - Cumbria

2011-07-11T19:48:00.002+01:00

The Crabtree Cup Trial

Penny & a local lad

Following a dismal performance in Rd 1 it was imperative to capitalise on the points available in Rd 2. With Bob Greenhough and Dave not attending the door was open to increase the points tally. Penny (the missus) and I hire a van and with MH410 and a hefty picnic onboard head to

Cumbria

on what was, it has to be said, a beautiful summer’s day. We stay at the very well appointed Cavendish Arms in Cartmel and being with Penny, we do the Cartmel culture tour and eat ice cream. It’s actually a very historic village that has a lot more to offer than just Sticky Toffee pudding. After a shoby we do the “historic pubs of Cartmel” tour and meet up with some of the other early arrivals.

Me & a local enjoying Ale

Following an extensive breakfast at The Cavendish we check out and head to the racecourse. The weather is great and signing on is easy. The format is slightly different this year in being one lap of 35 subs vice two laps. Having entered early and travelled so far it’s disappointing to have a late start time. Sub 1 is in the racecourse and it’s an immediate clean which sets the day up nicely.

A cloudless Cumbrian morning!

We ply the usual route with its dense woodland and rocky moors and it’s not long before we’re up in the hills with extensive panoramic views across the Lakes’ peninsulas. The first wood features the added obstacle of numerous horseflies; as I ride through I thank God for the hardy Northern observers! I get my first dab on sub 9 as the back wheel gets kicked out by a tree stump.

I finally get to start!

Thankfully, the organisers have a water stop organised after the wood and I eagerly replenish lost fluid. Once again we head up onto the hills for some distincltly rocky sections. I rue letting so much air out of the front tyre and ride very cautiously over the rocks. Despite the heat MH410 is going well and I don’t get any cramp/arm pump/fatigue which is great.

I finish on 4 marks lost and take the Class 2 win going top of the table by 13 points. With Yorkshire and

Wales

on the horizon I know these points will be critical come the end of the season. Bob and Dave will be back for Yorkshire/Wales and in addition to the plethora of local talent I know The Teflon Don, Pete Collins and Godfrey Hannam will be riding

Wales

so the pressure is very much on!

In action at sub 1

Verdict: A great trial but the drive back is a killer!!

Next up: Euro Cup!

That'll be a clean please Miss!

Please can I start now?

25 Jun 11 Rickman Championship - Rd 2

2011-06-30T18:05:00.001+01:00

Mossy’s British bike bonanza at Sallywood Park at Horsley normally attracts a good Trials entry but this year it appears numbers are down. A few “key” riders are missing namely Nicky Woolley (and his beautiful Ariel), Rob Halliday and Mike to name but three pre-unit riders. I’m up at 0600 and on the road for 0700. Glos Highways have finally got around to patching the winter damaged road surface however, the buffoons decide to do all the roads at once. What should have taken me 30 mins takes an hour but signing on is a breeze and because of the HEAVY overnight rain the start is delayed (in order to allow some easing of the sections). I haven’t fixed the clutch problem on NT410 since Nige rode it at Tardebigge so it’s the long stroke 350 today – A mistake!

It’s one lap of Sallywood’s 13 sections followed by 15 sections on the road. We start on sub 9 and I immediately grab a couple of dabs however, sub 10 and 11 are fine. A tricky exit to sub 12 incurs a dab but I clean tight and twisty sub 13. The going is definitely soft and as we head to cow corner for the notorious hill sections along the fence I get a sense of foreboding. Nevertheless, the rain hasn’t made much of an impact here. Sub 1 features a couple of tight twists in a long climb and an exit over some rocks. Sub 2 has a tricky twist but it’s pretty rudimentary. Sub 3 is in and out of the gully with a nasty looking pit half way up; however, it rides better than it looks. Sub 4 is a mud run and I’m glad to clean it. Sub 5 has the crowd enthralled and I go well over the hard bit but lose two on the exit. Subs 6-8 are twisty, rooty climbs and the bike is playing up. Still, after a plug change it seems to hang in there. We leg it back to the start to change punch cards and as I reach the van the bike stops. The reason for the bike playing up is clear; NO PETROL. I refill bike (and body) then head out on the road with Dave, Teflon and Pete.

The road sections are great but a little more challenging than Sallywood and I make lots of errors particularly with the front end. Once again, it’s my mistake as the front tyre has 13lb in it causing me to lose the front end at vital moments. I drop 13 in Sallywood and 28 on the road for a despicable total of 41 lost. Looks like I’ll be bringing up the rear again!! This doesn’t bode well for round 2 of the Sammy Miller on the 3 July. Hope I ride better up there.

Verdict: A very good trial; shame I’m not riding well once again. Next up; Sammy Miller Rd 2

20 Jun 11

2011-06-30T18:04:00.000+01:00

GUTTED!!

After organising a series of Summer evening trials at Colgate Farm in order to raise money for the LINC clinic in Cheltenham I'm forced to cancel the series. It never ceases to amaze me how nepotistic motorcycling can be.

Anyone want a job lot of 5 trophies…..brand new…….only £40!!

AMOC Tardebigge Trial

2011-06-05T17:59:00.000+01:00

It’s the best trial of the year. The BMCA / AMOC annual trial at Tardebigge near Redditch. A vast wood adjoining the Birmingham – Worcester canal this land is only used once a year and is all the better for it. Fortunately, the threatened rain did not materialise as the ground can be particularly tricky when wet.

Dave and I are joined by Teflon (riding NT410 as his one hasn’t come off the production line yet) and Dave Priestner who is on camera duty this weekend. Unfortunately, I leave my camera behind so he makes do with my phone!! With Teflon riding my new Matchless I elect to have a run out on the trusty 350 Long Stroke. On the Saturday I wind the Rockshocks down to 35mm (from 20mm) which I hope will provide some better response over the bumps!

Teflon changing the Jesus sandals for Trials boots

Clerk of the Course Andy Hunt indicates that the Clubman route has been eased (from BMCA standards!) so I run around the course (literally) to check the Intermediate route. Sub 1, 9 and 10 are the main concerns with Sub 10 being particularly tight for the big bikes. Nevertheless, we all elect to move up to the Intermediate class and I get riding number 13!!

While I’m checking out the course on foot Dave gets to grips with the clutch problem on NT410 which caused problems at the Zona1 trial the previous week. Working out of the back of the Sprinter Dave soon has it fixed. At 1030 we head off to the wood.

Dave Priestner & Dave Arkell

Sub 1 features a large, off-camber root but (with the rear suspension set to 35mm) the 350 seems to glide over it and the exit over a fallen tree goes similarly well. I’m pleased with the suspension already as we head around to the canal side sections. Sub 2, 3 & 4 are tight and twisty but with no rain the going is good and the traditionally difficult exit to Sub 4, whilst tight, is not slippery. I get a dab on Sub 2 on the second lap but apart from that it’s a clean sheet. Sub 5 and 6 are long, twisty sections in a massive crater but again, I go clean on all laps here.

Lucky Number 13!!

Surprisingly, Sub 7 proves to be my nemesis. A tight left hand turn over some roots into a muddy gully catches me out on two occasions and when I finally do get past it I mess up the exit. I’m bitterly disappointed, incurring a total of 15 marks at this section out of my total score of 16!! Sub 8 proves to be rudimentary and despite my reservations about sub 9 & 10 I go clean on all four laps. I’m particularly pleased with my performance in sub 10 as it really was tight on a standard pre-unit machine. I get some admiring nods from the BMCA elite as I go clean.

Sub 5

Nige rides superbly on NT410 and takes the Best AMC award finishing a very creditable 2^nd on the Inters route with only 9 lost, while Dave loses 15 and I bring up the rear with 16. Still, I beat a lot of Cubs, Bantams and C15s which is pleasing.

Once again, this much anticipated annual event did not disappoint. I really ENJOYED riding the 350 and I have to wonder why I bout the 410s!? Despite section 7, I know I’m riding well and hopefully, this signals some much needed return to form; with several National status events looming on the horizon I’ll have to be at the top of my game to do well against top class riders.

Nige on NT410 in Sub 5

Dave guides the HT5 in Sub 6

The 350 goes like a dream in Sub 10!

Teflon, Me and Dave after the trial

Gloucestershire bike night at the Pheasant Inn Toddington.

2011-05-31T22:18:00.000+01:00

I’ve been looking forward to this for some time! With Belstaff pockets loaded with plugs, spanners, a screwdriver and an AA card I took MH410 for a road run to Toddington. I pump the tyres up to “road pressure” and head off up Cleeve Hill with the 410 “ringing” under load. For variety I turn off and head down the Langley road into Winchcombe where again, the 410 echoes crisp off the Cotswold stone walls of the narrow streets.

I eventually reach Toddington around 1910 and it’s already packed. I park up against a blue shoe recycling box (no side stand) and have a wander around. There are all sorts of bikes around; everything you can think of (and lots of girls in leather! Always a bonus!!). The queue for the bar stretches to about 35 people long; and that’s OUTSIDE the pub. Similarly, the food stall is equally popular.

Snapped leaving the Pheasant Inn, Toddington

I have a good look around and spot another 3 Matchless motorcycles one of which unsurprisingly, has left most of its oil on the car park tarmac. I meet a lot of nice people and talk about bikes, especially trials bikes; my favourite subject. Anyway, at about 202 the sun is going down and I need to get home as I’ve no lights. Again, I got via Winchcombe and Langley and it’s a very pleasant (but cold) ride home. I arrive in time to catch the Apprentice!!

I wince when I see the damage the tarmac has done to my soft IRC tyre. Bollocks!! I’ll have to turn that one around for the next trial!!

Looking forward to the next local GBN meet at the Apple Tree in Woodmancote.!

Zona 1 Tim Fry Land Rover charity trial at Piccadilly Farm.

2011-05-31T22:00:00.000+01:00

Another very local trial located on Cleeve Hill. There were 20 sections over 2 laps and due to a lack of observers the more difficult to get to sections were self observed. Once again, Dave & I elected to ride the Sportsman route and we were joined by Heath Brindley who was riding Steve Saunders Scottish winning Trifield. Steve Thompson turned up on his Ariel HT5 and elected to ride the Standard route (eventually finishing with a very credible 70-odd mark loss; Good ride Steve!).

Heath on Steve Saunders' Trifield

In testament to Steve Saunders, once again, it was pretty fair on the Sportsman route for the pre-65 machines. Sub 1 – 6 were climbs on banks, sub 7 was twisty around tree, followed by some good stream sections and a couple of bomb holes which were fun. The Exit to sub 12 was extremely difficult and I had to create my own exit after failing to get out of the section proper.

A painful set of starboard ribs as well as a total lack of energy for the last lap meant I was always going to finish well down the order but it was nevertheless, a very enjoyable ride. I eventually finished with 35 marks lost with Dave losing 48.

Well done to Heath who wiped the floor with us seasoned Pre-65 riders on his first run out!! You can’t beat talent!! His 12 mark loss really was a very good effort for a man with a dodgy knee on his first Pre-65 win.

Exiting Sub 14 - Concentration required!

Next up: Tardebigge!!

Sam Cooper / Union Jack Trial – ACU Sammy Miller products Rd 1

2011-05-27T19:49:00.002+01:00

It’s the first trial of the SM series and this one is always a belter. Dave’s got a new Holt works tank on the Ariel and I turn out on the very shiny MH410 thanks to some heavy polishing on Saturday afternoon. Signing on is a breeze and Ian Hannam (441 BSA outfit) informs me he’s read the Matchless Man blog!

We have a chat with fellow Gloucestershire riders Ken Wallington (Matchless) and Class 1 champion Steve Allen (Matchless) while we tuck into a bacon sandwich and drink tea.

Despite the sun there’s a wind chill so it’s jackets and carrying waterproofs. Thanks to good admin, Dave and I have an early start and depart immediately after the sidecars. The first group of sections are less than a mile away and feature 6 rudimentary subs with plenty of room to get around. Nevertheless, I lose concentration on sub 5 and have to take a dab to get back on course.

We head out onto the road and the next group at Bridge’s are always tricky. We try to get ahead of the sidecars and after a quick look at sub 7 I get going. However, after a good start I catch sight of a gesticulating sidecar man, think I’ve gone the wrong way and thus incur a 5. I’M LIVID – What an idiot I am!! Next up is the special test and innovatively, the observer informs us, you get penalised for dabbing. I gun it in second gear and get an immediate single dab – things are not going well and I’m increasingly irate. Thankfully, I clean sub 9 and we head off to the next group. Dave’s going well and he’s well on course to give me a pasting today!

Next up is Camp which comprises 3 subs featuring rocky climbs and gulleys; all of which, I clean. This is followed by a long ride to Scarborough Farm and we meet Ken O’Brien and his sick Cotton on the way. The first two subs are on a bank in a pine wood and thanks to the dry conditions are easily cleaned, including the exit of Sub 14; a high step through a gate!! Sub 15 an 16 are both rudimentary and we both go clean (it appears that not much thought has gone into these two sections – that is not a criticism, just a statement of fact).

There’s a 7.5 mile road run to Saintbury Quarry and by the time we get there I’m freezing. The Quarry is bone dry but the multitude of loose, small rocks and crumbly earth make for tricky going if you’re not careful. I clean sub 17 but have to take a dab in 18 as I can’t control the front end for some reason. Sub 18 features a tricky turn on loose rocks at the bottom of a hillock and I have to dab as I straighten up to come up the bank – Not happy!! I clean sub 19 which is wide but sub 20 is tight and twisty again, on loose, small rocks and I have to take a 3 which is poor form and I’m very disappointed. I can’t understand why I’m not cleaning this stuff!! Something’s wrong!!

We head off to “Garlic Wood” (aka Weston Wood) and I’m glad we are the first there. The smell of Garlic is strong and I know that these subs are going to be the trickiest of the day. Unfortunately, my bad form continues. I clean Sub 21 but on Sub 22 I elect to use second gear for the long climb and have to take two dabs at the start. My poor form continues to sub 23 where I take a single dab on what should have been a dead cert clean and after a long wait for an observer, I take 3 dabs on sub 24.

The next group of sections are at Tunnel and comprise 3 subs on a postage stamp of land. Consequently, they are tight but I clean all 3, which reduces my ire somewhat until we meet up with our main rival Bob Greenough and he informs us he’s clean!

I’m fuming with my lack of performance as Dave and I head off to Totty’s for the last group of sections. The B route does not feature a sub 29 so we do sub 28 and 30. Sub 28 is a bit perplexing; I’ve never seen a sub like it in any trial and it appears to be an afterthought. It’s very tight but I go around for a credible single dab and clean sub 30.

As we head back to the start it begins to rain heavily and I’m glad Dave and I got a wriggle on at the start and managed to get ahead of the sidecars before we hit the Garlic Wood. As soon as the bikes are loaded and we’re changed, we grab another bacon sandwich and a cup of tea followed by a large slice of homemade cake. This trial always has the best food wagon of the year bar none!!

Most people have had a good day and it’s clear that Dave has beaten me convincingly this round. I reckon I got 18 dabs which will see me well down the field and struggling for vital points towards the end of the year.

It’s clear that I’m still suffering from the steroids and I need to overcome their debilitating effects if I’m to have any chance of securing the class 2 title in 2011. Still, it’s not all bad news; I didn’t get leg cramp or arm pump this time so my work-outs must be helping.

I’m pleased for Dave; he rode well and deserved to beat me but with Bob going clean and Godfrey Hannam taking points off both of us we need to improve before the next round.

Verdict: Must do better!

Red Marley Trial

2011-05-27T19:40:00.000+01:00

One of the best trials of the year! Organised by the AJS/Matchless owners club with a lot of help from the BMCA, this is always a cracking trial. Generally difficult but not dangerous and with a good spectator base, you really feel you’ve gone back in time to the hey day of trials in the late 50s / 60s. Dave and I meet up with Teflon and Pete Collins who are both on Rigid AJS machines this time. Dave has fitted a new BTH mag but as soon as he fires the big Ariel up it is misfiring. He immediately takes it apart and with the help of Pete Collins gets it retimed in order to begin the trial at 1200. Teflon and I add moral support!

Pete Collins, Teflon & Dave re-time the HT5!

It’s dry as a bone and therefore set out very tight. There are 3 laps of 15 subs and the crowds are out in force. It’s great to ride with some many spectators. The Clubman route is quite challenging in places and I get a couple of dabs on sub 1 and a 1 on sub 2. Sub 4 is very twisty and tight that ends with an exit over some tricky roots. Amazingly, I go clean and take some stick from the lads…..something about my springer etc. etc. Sub 6 – 9 are in the streams and predictably difficult. Sub 6 is in and out of the mud but despite a good showing I lose 3 on the slippery exit. Sub 7 has a big stump at the exit and I have to help Pete Collins’ AJS over it when he gets stuck. I do quite well over it but have a dab on the entrance. Sub 8 has a difficult entry and on the last lap I drop the bike for a 5 out of sheer exhaustion. Sub 10 is twisty and features an over-root exit but I clean it all the time. Then it’s up to the wood section for more very twisty, tight work. I nearly decapitate myself in Sub 11 on the last lap as my helmet gets caught in a tree however, I keep going and clean it all three times. Sub 12 is seemingly impossible but Pete Collins records a clean which is an amazing feat on his rigid AJS.

I’m not feeling 100% but make a half decent fist of it. The first lap I make a few mistakes and go around for 15 or so. The second lap I’m feeling a bit tired and by lap 3 it’s all over. Cramp in the hands is followed by arm-pump and eventually I’m so exhausted that I fall off between sections 13 and 14 and can’t lift the bike up on my own. One of the other riders stops to help me and I get going. Then I get right leg cramp and I’m glad it’s the end of the trial. Since I haven’t been riding regularly due to illness, fitness is now a problem and I need to get the push bike out tout-suite.

I reckon I’ve gone around for 30 or so which is a lot less than last years 77 over two laps however, there’s not going to be an award this year!!

The ever smiling Joe Owen is dishing out regs Tardebigge and I pick up a couple of sets for me and Dave and look forward to the next BMCA outing.

Sphinx trial Cheltenham Home Guard MCC

2011-05-27T19:32:00.000+01:00

Dave and I enter Class 1 and there’s only 4 british riders. It’s really a trial for the enduro boys as the distance takes its toll on the Classic machinery. It’s a red hot day and as soon as we set off I get a bad feeling. The top gear on NT410 is not high enough for road work and as we travel down the

Fosse Way

to Chedworth I’m beginning to regret riding it for this trial. Still, we carry on and meet up with Leckhampton Pete on his Pampera (a rare outing for Pete!!).

Dave and I at the start of the Sphinx 2011

My fears are founded and by the time we’re heading for section 4 I’ve already got the magneto cover off and the bike is sounding awful. As always, Dave gets it running and we carry on but it’s clear the bikes not well. By the time we get to Prestbury I’m really ready to call it a day but I just can’t bring myself to give up. I go through nearly all my plugs on this trial, the bike is leaking oil out of every orifice and the hydraulic effect makes it a bugger to kick over. Every section is “no inspection” which really takes the piss and adds to my general ire.

To compound matters, route marking is bloody diabolical; half marked, half not. Anyway, we meet up with Andy Weddle on his Panther who shows us the quick route around the rest of the course and we cheer up a bit. Both Dave and I run out of petrol (at different times) but again, thanks to Andy and Dave we make it to the finish for a Shandy and the best Ham sandwiches in the world!

NT410 and Dave's Ariel HT5 after the Sphinx

Verdict; Not a pre-65 trial and No inspection for the WHOLE trial takes the piss. We won’t be riding this one again.

Prescott Bike Festival

2011-05-27T18:49:00.000+01:00

I get up early, make sandwiches and take MH410 to Prescott for the Prescott bike festival. I leave at 0830 and get to Gotherington by 0845 and park up, chaining MH410 to the fence. I miss the track walk but head for the hair pin viewing area on the lower side of the road. There’s some good action as inexperienced riders crash their pride and joy in the gravel traps or outbrake themselves into the gooseneck.

Easy does it!

I meet up with Steve & Nina and decide to take MH410 up the hill. I pay £25, get a briefing and await my turn. My first run the rider in front crashes and I get red flagged by the marshals. They let me go up the hill and I use it as a practice. I immediately go back down and queue again (lots of queuing). My second run I give it a bit of throttle off the line and it’s exhilarating. I lean into the corners and remembering my brief don’t over do it into the first hairpin. The run goes great and I feel like I’m flying. Good momentum through the corners and I can’t stop smiling.

I Should 'ave taken up Road racing!

I go back down and chance my arm. My first run was wasted and I want another go. The marshals are excellent and I get a final go (as it’s the end of the day). I go faster and smile wider. I say to the starter “I think I’ll give this trials lark up – road racing is much more fun!”. I have a great run and Nina and Steve take some photos for posterity. I feel elated; a great feeling. MH410 runs like a dream and I really get him cranked over even on knobbly tyres!!

Thanks must go to Allan Rhodes and Geoff Robinson for these pictures of the day!

By 'eck Chief!

27 Mar 11 - The Cotswold Cups Trial (Rickman Championship Rd 1)

2011-04-03T09:51:00.000+01:00

Having already entered this trial I am gutted that due to illness I cannot ride. The Rickman championship series is one that I have never really done well in and with NT410 I was hoping to make an impression this year. It's hard to stay at home knowing that Dave, Teflon & Pete are all riding one of the finest trials in the country.

Still, it's not all bad news. Had the ACU Sammy Miller championship begun as per the 2010 schedule then I would have missed the first round. This would have effectively put me out of the championship running for 2011.

I turn my mind to the Cheltenham Home Guard Sphinx Trial on 17 Apr 11; hopefully, I will be back to fitness by then

I console myself watching the ICC Cricket World Cup match on Sky!

24 Mar 11 - BAD NEWS!

2011-04-03T09:41:00.000+01:00

I haven’t been feeling well following the Zona 1 Trial and notice a profusion of bruises and red spots all over my body. I go to the Doctor at 1400 who does a blood test. At 1900 I get a call from a consultant haematologist at Gloucester Hospital informing me to report to hospital immediately. It appears I have a blood clotting problem called ITP and at risk of severe haemorrhage! (no pressure)

I go to Cheltenham A&E and get admitted overnight. Fortunately, they need the bed and I get released back home with Steroids and under strict advice NOT TO RIDE – BUMMER!!