The Cotswold Clouds is one of the most established events in the calendar, this year being its 60th anniversary. Organised by Stroud and District Motor Club, probably the most Classic Trials orientated club in the country, with a great depth of organising talent in its membership. Consequently there is no shortage of experienced Clerks of the Course and this year the event was in the capable hands of Nigel Moss.
Although the event has changed over years it still uses many of the old tracks as sections, some dating back before the war. Its a tough event though and its necessary to take care of your machinery otherwise it will bite you and there were a few retirements.
After the start at Fromebridge Mill Alfs Delight was a nice gentle introduction to the competitive sections.
Next on the agenda was Crooked Mustard, an old track rising from Dursley to Breakheart Hill, the old name for the section.
Crooked Mustard was on form this year, needing momentum and a good line to get over the slab on the final corner. Most of the Class Eights were successful but leading contenders Stuart Green (Gruffalo) and Clee winner Paul Merson (Shopland Mk2) retired here with broken front suspension and rear axle respectively.
Outside of the specials only Dave Haizelden (Reliant Scimitar SS) in Class 5 and Nick Aldridge (Honda powered Smart Roadster) in Class 7 cleaned the famous old hill.
Former Clouds C of C Gary Browning failed at the five marker which transpired to cost him the win as he only dropped a further three marks.
Nailsworth Ladder had different restarts according to class with plenty of spectators to witness front ends going airborne over the famous bump.
Next should have been Ham Mill, another historic section climbing the side of the valley from the River Frome and Thames and Severn Canal to Rodborough Common and “The Bear of Rodborough” of pre war trials fame. Unfortunately the section had to be cancelled with a car blocking the entrance to the section.
After Bryants came Wicked Juniper with Matt Facey on hand to capture some video.
The short, sharp Merves Swerve claimed most of the field apart from the overall contenders but there were some notable successes including Bill Bennett (MG J2) and Roger Ashby (Coates Orthoptera) in Class 2.
Climperwell was next, not very steep but deep, muddy ruts as the section wove through the trees. The roots made it a very difficult climb and eventual winner David Haizelden lost his clean sheet here when he dropped six.
Jerrys was to decide the event. After the 90 degree left hand turn the gradient increased and this is where the restarts were. Separate ones for Classes Seven and Eight.
The lower classes went straight through and some of these cleaned the section.
Not so for the restarters who came to grief on a mixture of mud, tree roots and gradient. Nick Aldridge had been leading the event at this point, only having lost three marks, but the five he scored here would drop him to second overall.
There were only two sections left now. The muddy climb through the trees on Talbots Terror took its toll but the leading contenders were all successful.
So ended another challenging Cotswold Clouds with victory going to ACTC Chair Dave Haizelden in his familiar Reliant Scimitar SS. With the top six coming from different classes Stroud are to be congratulated on laying on such a competitive event.
We will leave you with one final video. Talbot’s Terror shot by Matt Facey.
Links:-
- Cotswold Clouds on the Classic Trials FB Group
- All the Cotswold Cotswold Clouds posts on the Classic Trials FB Group. This link works in a Browser but you may struggle with it in the app
- Stroud & DMC Web Site
- Dave Cooks Site where you can view and purchase from his photo archives
- Calvin Samuels Photo Site
Links to YouTube Videos :-
We have been publishing stuff about Classic Trials on the Web since 1995 and always appreciate feedback. Comments, Corrections, Criticism & Concerns are all welcome. You can leave a comment to have your say here on this web site.
Classical Gas 