Harvey Grieve

Isle of Wight mcc riders take on Apes Down

Thanks to Wayne for this latest report from the Isle of Wight mcc. Ed


The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club held the 4th round of the 2016 Winter Series at Apes Down, near Rowridge. The Club would like to thank Mrs Jane Ball for welcoming us back to this excellent venue. Thanks also to course setters, Mark Coombes and Nick Symes, for their efforts, providing us with eight really good sections. A mixture of tight and twisty turns with a good number of steep tricky climbs.

New youth rider
The Club would like to welcome new youth rider – Joshua Morris who wisely treated his first outing as a practise session, he did successfully negotiate a few of the sections though – well done Josh, keep up the good work.

Close competition
The competition was very close between the top three Expert riders, just two marks separating them. Will West narrowly won the class finishing on thirty-five. Nick Read and Jim West tied on thirty-seven. They were also tied on cleans and ones, but Nick was awarded second spot notching up three twos to Jim’s two – you won’t get much closer than that!

Ben Read took the honours in the Intermediate class with an impressive total of just 42. Course setter, Mark Coombes was forced to settle for second place with Stuart Gummer in third. Simon Watmough was the sole Clubman rider today, he nevertheless put in a solid performance finishing on just 27.

Once again Nick Symes was the lowest scoring rider, just seven dropped marks, to win the Twin shock class. Alan Gosden finished second with young Jos Wright in third. Jos battled with his Dad’s Ossa and did exceptionally well to finish – Good effort Jos. Scott Milton was the only finisher in the Sportsman class of riders – Scott finishing with an excellent score of just twenty-seven.

Very good performances
Phil Silvester convincingly took the Adult Beginner’s from brothers Phil and Steve Chase who finished second and third respectively.

Harvey Grieve (pictured) should be really pleased with his performance. Harvey rode confidently on the tricky sections, to earn his ten Championship points in the Youth Novice class.

Youngsters Alfie Haydon (Youth Small Wheel) and Harrison Crickmore (Youth Beginner) both tackled the harder D route. Both earned the win in their respective classes – good effort lads, very well done.

Next meet
The Club next meets in two weeks time (20/03/16) at Lee Copse, Bouldnor. Please check the Club’s Website nearer the time for the full details.

The Club’s annual Two Day open trial is fast approaching, 16th and 17th April where some riders will be taking to the road.

We are appealing for helpers to observe the sections, please get in touch if you are able to give up your Saturday or Sunday to help out.

Image: © Dean Wright