The penultimate round of the Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club Winter Series Championship took place recently at Bembridge Down.
Thanks to the Taylor family for inviting the club back to this superb natural trials venue. Riders were greeted by steady rain which quickly cleared leaving lots of mud and exposed roots on the steep banks of the down. John Coombes, Tristan Osborne, Rory Stephens, Stuart Gummer and Andy Scott-Jackson set out a tremendous four laps of eight section trial.
Experts and Intermediates
The Expert Class positions were reversed this week with Tom Richards (pictured above) taking a decisive win with 15 mark buffer to Jack Ayres, who could not get on with section two, which ended up deciding the final result.
In the Intermediates, Adam Morgan straight out the blocks had a very determined ride covering the four laps for a loss of only 12 marks, which should have been good enough for the win at such a tough event.
However Ross Haydon used all of his experience in the wet and slippery conditions to snatch the win with the only single figure score of the trial on nine marks. Which meant local ace Rory Stephens had to settle for third on his new vertigo machine.
Over 50s Class
In the Over 50s Class Andy Scott-Jackson’s attacking style proved to be the most effective with a clear win over John Coombes and Phil Chase not that far behind.
In the Novice classes Adam Brodie came out on top through a tie break with Jason Elford, who lost the tie break on most ones. James Rogers rounded out the podium places with a very convincing ride in his first Trial against more experienced opponents.
In the Twin Shock class only two competitors were in battle, in which Nick Symes was victorious with a comfortable gap to Graham Darby who for his first trial since 1978 put an accomplished ride in which he looked as if he’d never been away.
In the Adult Beginners Kevin Smith won posting a respectable score of 33 dropped marks. Derek Farndell came in second with a score of 60.
Youth riders
In the Youth Experts Alfie Haydon posted a score of 22 marks with a final lap of two marks lost.
Harrison Crickmore enjoyed his new beta 125 machine finding it ideal in the slippery conditions to finish in second.
In the Youth Novices Ollie Elford took it all in his stride on the C route and with some Father and Son rivalry, Ollie even managed to beat Dad on a couple of sections showing how far he has progressed in a short time.
Observers and more
Thank you for the four observers who braved the wet weather and the long walk down to the sections to make sure the riders losses were accounted for, much appreciated.
Good to see Simon Watmore and Geoff Taylor back riding in the Sportsman Class joined by Calvin this week. All riders who finished the event could count themselves as victorious with the tough conditions and physical test of the trial which led to ten retirements.
The final round of the championship will be held on Boxing Day at Shorwell Chalk Pit with optional fancy dress and the father and son trial incorporated too.
Find out more by visiting the Website.
News shared by Alfie on behalf of the Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club. Ed
Image: © Viki Taylor
