Clerk of the Course Chris Barham Reports :-
After the challenges of 2021’s Tarka Trial, I tried my best to make this years trial a more enjoyable event with a range of sections rideable even if the weather gods decided to drop copious amounts of rain on us. True to form it rained! Solidly for the best part of the morning in fact. The trial though, went smoothly without any sections becoming mud baths.
A brand new first section on the edge of Bideford gave riders a taste for the day, slippery rocks strewn with autumnal leaves. Then on to three more sections new to the trial! One last used in 1982 for MCC Lands End trial. An easy section today but I can remember being in the sidecar of my Dads B44 outfit and struggling to get off the line!
On then to The NDMC’s own land for 2 tight sections in their woods and the Observed Test. A mini motocross type circuit which caught a few riders out with the slippery grass turns.
Spittle next, not used since pre COVID and the exposed roots still played a part on the score sheet. Then Oakwell with its notorious lane and boggy swamp. Stones and deep clay both in one woodland!
After a rest stop the riders visited Riverton and Kingscott. Both used before and favourites of NDMC trials. A solo only section in Stony Cross was next. Last year the water flowing down, was so deep it was like riding up a stream. This year the rocks could be seen and a clear path was easier to be found. The final 4 sections were in private woodlands of a local estate. Steep drops and steeper climbs caught out many and a tricky exit from a small stream caused a few problems.
Congratulations go to Overall winner Ryan Woodward who finish on a clean sheet but pipped John Reeves to honours by only 0.34 seconds on the Observed Test! Class wins go to Steve Kingstone, Class A. George Godkin, B1. John Reeves, B2. Bryson Williams B3 and Sidecar honours to Steve Urell.
Many thanks as ever to all the NDMC organising team and the Marshall’s who assisted on the day.
- Tarka Trial on the Classic Trials FB Group
- All the Tarka Trial posts on the Classic Trials FB Group This link works in a Browser but you may struggle with it in the app
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