Author: classictrials

Simons Clee

Simon Woodall wins Clee Hills Trial after Dean Partington fails Longville Special Test

Simon had a narrow victory. After dropping five in Meadowly Wood Simon slipped behind Dean Partington on the observed sections. However, Dean lost three marks when he failed the excellent, but infamous, Longville Special Test, giving Simon the overall win by one mark.

Long time Clee Hills Trial Organiser Simon Woodall storming Flounders Folly on his way to an Overall Win (Picture by Dave Cook)
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There was a new Clerk of the Course this year, Simon Woodall and Jonathan Toulmin handing over the reigns to Adrian Tucker-Peake who had Graham Austin to assist him. There were some changes to the route. No Alez Oop, as agreement couldn’t be reached with the landowner. This meant taking the long way round to the Priors Holt sections but this was more than compensated for by the lower classes having Castle Hill introduced for the first time.

Adrian kept the double loop system, where the route is two circles, forming a figure of eight with the start in the centre. The entry is split according to class. So 7 and 8 do one loop first while the other classes do the other. It’s a bit more complicated as class 0 have some unique sections and omit some used by 1 to 6, while 7 and 8 also have some unique sections. Why am I telling you this? So you understand that as a competitor in class 4 I didn’t see all the sections and this report starts at section 10!

There was no Penhale’s Puzzler Special Test this year so Classes 0 to 6 started proceedings at Section 10 – Flounders Folly, while 7 & 8 went over The Long Mynd via Castle Hill to Rattlinghope, although they bypassed the new section itself. Flounders Folly is a slippery affair though the trees with a more difficult route for the higher classes which stopped all of them. There were a few cleans for the lesser mortals, including the amazing David Haizelden in his Class 1 Golf.

Section 11 – Harton Wood – John Sergeant was in charge here, for this track through the woods, which was Class 0 only this year, although John was able to give a wave to the other competitors as they drove by the foot of the section. Richard Andrews and Nick Woolett both went clear in their Dellows and it was shame that Nick had failed in the gate area at Flounders Folly as they were to be very close for the rest of the day.

Longville Special Test – Adrian Tucker-Peake reintroduced this old favourite, which was to decide the winner of this years trial. This section is as much a restart as a special test. After going all four wheels over line B you have to reverse all four wheels back before going forward again. The problem is this is on a slippery slope and its very difficult to get going forwards again. Drivers have to decide how far to back down past the line. Go a long way back and it takes time but you get to clear the section. Back up just a bit and you will get a good time, if you get away. If you don’t you get a 3 mark penalty. This is exactly what happened to Dean Partington and it cost him the trial.

James Shallcross was another one of many to fall foul here as well. That was a shame as he was running David Haizelden very close on the other sections. Its only a matter of time before James triumphs over the all conquering Dave.

Section 12 – Easthope 1 –  This is in the same complex as Ippikins Rock and Majors Leap.  It’s a muddy track with some pretty deep ruts, despite some work by the club during the winter. There were only four clears, all in class eight, Simon Woodall and Andy Curtis in their VW Buggies, Dudley Sterry in his venerable MG J2 and Dean Partington in his self constructed Special. Outside of class eight most people came to a stop when they ran out of ground clearance, somewhere between the seven and nine.

Section 13 – Ippikins Rock – Only the lower classes tackled this nice little section which is all about a very tight hairpin right. There is usually a restart here, but Adrian T-P had dropped it this time. That made a difference as only a couple of cars in Class 0 dropped any marks here.

Section 14 – Majors Leap – Only attempted by the reds and yellows this defeated all of the Class Sevens and many of the class eights as well. Four of the top five in class eight went clear, Dean Partington being the only exception in his DP Wasp.

Section 15 – The Jenny Wind – A well known section which has been used on The Clee for many years and was trialled before the war. After the sharp right hander its straight up if you can. For most it was a reverse back down but both Pete Hart (Marlin) and Tris White (Hillman Imp) had the ultimate experience of seeing the exit track at the top. Dean was the only one of the top class eights to fail. He stopped at the two and well done to Giles Greenslade in Class 4 to better this with a one. We expect you to come out of the top next year Giles!!

Section 16 – Harley Bank – This used to be a wonderful long track but the old route has become too easy after council re-surfacing. There are now three different sections. The Class 0’s get to run straight through the old section which they all cleared. 1 to 6 used the same track but had a horrible left had hairpin in sticky clay and nobody got around.

Classes 7 and 8 had a different route. The eights also had a nasty hairpin on their route and all failed. The Sevens had things a little easier and Mal Allen (Marlin) and Steve Kenny (Liege) joined Pete and Tris in going clear.

Section 16 – Meadowley Wood – Only the hard men were are allowed top tackle this, their last section of the trial. If you like mud, tree roots and deep ruts this is your hill. Class eight had to have a minimum of 15 psi. This handicapped them and only Dean and Paul Bartleman (Troll) came out of the top.

The 2nd loop, for the lower classes, the one that 7 & 8 started with, had a very different character. Much more picturesque, more rocks and less mud. It started with a wonderful new section called Castle Hill before climbing The Long Mynd. Unfortunately only the lower classes were allowed a go. There was only one failure but no matter, this was a really, really enjoyable section, very reminiscent of Axe on The Cotswold Clouds.

Rattlinghope Special Test – Adrian T-P and Grahan Austin had tried to spice up his delightful section by making it a regularity test. The Route Card told you it was 1/8 mile long, but you were only given the target speed of 7.5 mph , on the start line. Sitting here its easy to work out that the target time was exactly a minute. Around half the entry got it right and there were only two fails for an incomplete test, including none other than Dudley Sterry. Fortunately the six marks he lost didn’t cost him the trial win but if he had cleaned Meadowley it would have done!

Section 2 – Gatten’s Gamble – Starting in farmer Phil Harding’s yard the big disappointment was that the tank wasn’t there this year! This is another wonderful, long, up and over, Clee section with fantastic views crossing the summit. There was a restart near the top this year which claimed a few scalps before the muddy descent to the road.

Section 3 – Handless – Attempted only by Class 8 this was a new hill. It had a very greasy hairpin right followed by some good grip and a hairpin left. Dave Foreshew was in charge here, to see the three leading cars go clear with the others failing on one of the hairpins.

With Alez Oop off the agenda this year cars had to take the long way round to the Priors Holt Complex.

Section 4 – Priors Holt 1 – This is a steep, rocky climb that gets progressively steeper with tyre pressure limits for the higher classes. The leading class 7 & 8 competitors went clear but the lower classes found life much more difficult. In Class three the powerful Escorts of Dick Bolt and Andrew Martin went clear as did Terry Ball in his Beetle in Class 4. For the others it was a long and difficult reverse.

Section 5 – Priors Holt 2 – Deemed too easy for class eight the remainder of the entry enjoyed this long climb, very similar in character to priors Holt 1, but a little easier, hence a restart for some. This caught out a few experienced competitors. In Class three Andrew Martin dropped 8, denying him the opportunity to challenge Dick Bolt in his Duratec engined machine. Giles Greenslade bellied out here and with the points he lost on Priors Holt 1 had to settle for second in class to Terry Ball. At least Giles didn’t have to contend with the mud and ruts at the summit!

Section 6 – Priors Holt 3 – A steep climb with loose rock, demanding close attention to tyre pressures and throttle control. Thankfully there were no restarts this year and pretty much everyone got a clean to enjoy the trip through the forest at the summit.

Long Mynd Special Test – Nice timed rocky climb with a nifty descent where it was all too possible to overshoot the finish line. 

Section 8 – Strefford Wood 2 – No this isn’t out of order! This was the entrance track for the Class 1 to 6’s attack on the main Strefford Wood section. It turned out to be a great challenge. Slippery clay and as it said in the route instructions “flat tyres and flat out”. There was a friendly Land Rover to tow you up to the main section if you failed, all in all a great replacement for the much missed Round Oak.

Section 7 – Strefford Wood – The team had drained the “Gunge Pit” this year but it was still a challenge. Classes 7&8 approached via the Gunge Pit. This wasn’t very Dellow friendly and Peter Mountain and David Bache both stopped here in their Mk1’s, as did David Jackson in his Fiat engined FPS. Once through the Gunge Pit the other Class Eights all went clean.

Class 7 found it a bit more difficult, but it was Marlin friendly, with Pete Hart, John Ludford and Mal Alen all getting to the summit, as did Andrew Rippon his Baja before he retired after Flounders Folly.

None of the lower classes got to the summit. Missing out the Gunge Pit most were defeated by the ruts at the bottom, caused by 7 & 8’s earlier attempts. This was no place to be without good ground clearance and none of the class threes did better than a 10. The FWD contingent did better, perhaps they were able to pick a better line? They all got to at least to the eight and James Shallcross had another good drive to better Dave Haizelden to just behind him in class one.

In summary another excellent Clee. Adrian Tucker-Peake and Graham Austin living up to the challenge of following Simon and Jonathan. The new sections went down well and they had addressed the criticisms of last years trial.

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 or our Social Media

Edinburgh 2009

Dry Conditions meant plenty of medals

A comparatively easy route, and dry weather, meant the competitors won this years battle against the club, with a lot of happy MCC members winning a medal on the trial and 14 the coveted triple. The organisers had a lot of problems gaining permission to use sections and favourites like Litton Slack and Great Hucklow were omitted. Of the sections that remained Putwell and Bamford were considered much rougher than usual.

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It was nice and dry without much wind when competitors gathered for the start at Tamworth Services, those arriving to early getting a nice surprise a few weeks after the event when they got a parking ticket for staying too long! These didn’t include Peter Mountain or Don Stringer as neither were able to take the start. 

The run in to the first section at Wigber Low was over good roads. The MCC had made the holding control a time control as well. With the prospect of penalties for early arrival lay-bys and driveways were full of competitors whiling away time, which in the event may have been more disruptive to the local community than an orderly queue on the deserted country road where the holding control was situated! Ross Nuten was one of those parked up with his Dellow Mk2, not waiting but broken down with electrical problems. At the time Ross thought it was a capacitor issue, but after a re occurrence on a Falcons Brickhill Trial the following week, it appears the inside of the Aldon distributor had come apart.

Wigber Low didn’t present any problems to the main trial and failed only a couple of bikes in Class 0, including John Turner on his Lambretta Li 150. With such an unsuitable machine John deserved a special medal for finishing the route, despite being rather intimidated by the omni-present course closing car for most of the trial. 

Having passed Haven Hill on the way to the first section the route went in a circle before retuning to this rather rutted track across a field before venturing into a small wood. Here competitors on the main trial did a restart and diverted off to the left, round a taped off chicane. This was controversial as it wasn’t mentioned in the routecard and in the end those who wrong routed were credited with a clean, including Bill Moffatt in his Reliant Scimitar who would have lost his Triple had the section stood. 

Class 0 bypassed Clough Wood, where car competitors had their usual long wait for the bikes to clear, this section always causing them problems. It didn’t pose to much difficulty for the four wheeled brigade, Nick Farmer in his Cannon Alfa being a notable exception. The engine kept dying despite Nick changing most of the ignition and cleaning out the fuel system. After the event Nick discovered the problem was the ignition switch. 

Then it was North up the A6 to the quarry complex where Class 0 had their own nice little section at Deep Rake with a restart before joining the main trial for the Deep Rake Special Test and the Black Harry section where they were didn’t have to do the restart. These sections were quite exposed. A cold wind had whipped up which wasn’t so great for the marshals. These sections didn’t trouble the scorer to much apart for poor Reg Taylor who was penalised for hitting a marker on Deep Rake.

While Class 0 went off for their breakfast at Bull I’th Thorn competitors in the main trial went to Putwell, considered by many to be the roughest hill on the trial. Robin Barlow would certainly agree after breaking the diff on his Dellow Mk2, running in Class 8 because of its OHIV cylinder head. Despite being so rough there were were few failures but it did claim the scalps of Kevin Barnes in his Liege and Beetle mounted John Looker. Michael Weeks punctured in his Midget but still cleaned the section, going on to win a Triple in his first MCC season.

Class 0 went directly to Calton after the break, missing out the main trials 25 mile loop as they visited the sections at Bamford Clough and Elmore. David Alderson was Chief Official at Bamford and reckoned it was a lot rougher than when he last drove it a few years ago. Competitors in low powered cars who eased off over the bumps paid the price when they didn’t have the power to re-build their momentum. Classes Seven and Eight had a restart. It proved to much for Nick Farmers Cannon Alfa which was still not running properly and Paul Bartleman was another Class 8 driver who lost his gold here. In Class Seven the restart wasn’t Liege friendly Julian Lack, Mark Endley, Kevin Barnes and Steve Kenny al being penalised. Arthur Jones was clean in his larger engined car running in Class Eight and Colin Marshal proved it could be done with a Reliant engine in Class Seven. Myke Pocock had a drive shaft pop out but fortunately had a spare and was able to change it back down in the village. The good news was that the engine is finally running well. 

After Bamford the main trial headed south to join class 0 at Calton. There was a section called Elmore on the way, located on the rough track between Brough and Abney, heading over the top of Bradwell Edge, bypassing the usual run through Bradwell itself. Everyone had a restart on the section, which competitors reckoned was another rough one. It certainly wasn’t very friendly too Stuart Harrold and Chris Phillips. The rocks proved to much for one of the balljoints on the front section which popped out, disabling their Troll as they exited the section. Not to be thwarted they, like Fred Gregory on Putwell a few years ago, found the missing nut and were able to continue to gain a gold.

Down at Calton Classes 0 and 1 didn’t have to restart but the others did. This wasn’t very Falcon friendly and both John Parsons (VW Buggy) and Peter Thompson (Opel Kadett) were given fails. John’s Buggy sports a type 4 engine, a smart paint job and a different number. However, it is the well trialled machine, campaigned by Graham Marshall before he switched to the RDT, and David Thompson before he purchased his Troll from David Alderson.

Stephen Kingstone had been clean up till now in his Midget. He was also to fail on Calton and was given a run back on the restart at the Excelsior section where everyone except Class 0 had to stop and get going on the polished stones between the ninety right and ninety left, their efforts captured by John Salters lens. The dry conditions made the section easier than some years but it still claimed Myke Pocock in his Skoda and the Suzuki X90’s of Howard Blackwell, Marvin Hurst and Peter Grenyer. Brian Alexander proved it was possible to get away in a heavy XC90 but unfortunately he had failed the previous section at Rakes Head.

There was nice bit of green laning between Excelsior and Moneystones, so the route could bypass the village of Hartington. Unfortunately there was some confusion between the route marking and the route card. Some of the early numbers followed the routecard before getting lost, going back and following the marking which was correct.

Moneystones was similar to last year. Everyone had a restart in one the Edinburgh’s tiny boxes. Class 0 had a straight run up the track but like Haven Hill the main trial had a diversion that wan’t mentioned in the route card. Unlike Haven Hill this stood in the results, costing Stuart Roach his triple, as Stuart was shown as stopping in his Austin Seven. 

The same sort of layout was used just across the A515 at Middleton Steep. This was the last section for Classes 1 to 6 who didn’t have a section at Dudwood, only driving the special test there. 

There was a lot going on at Dudwood, centred on a farm. Class 0 had their own section. The lower part, on a surfaced track, wasn’t too problematical but as it went into the trees there was a restart, followed by some ruts which provided ground clearance issues for some of the lower slung cars. Jonathan Laver was just able to ease his wheels past the sections end board to gain a coveted Trio award in his MGB GT. 

The other Dudwood section was for 7 and 8 and proved a sting in the tail. There was a restart and all the Lieges remaining in the trial failed. It did require a bit of power and there were trees to catch the unwary, as Nick Woolett found when he hit one, damaging a front wing and loosing his gold. 

The Dudwood Special Test was the last competitive section. It was fortunate the weather was dry as there was a soft bank to surmount towards the end. As it was there were a few failures including Paul Allaway who lost a gold in his Astra and Barry Clarke who according to the results didn’t! 

It was still blowing a gale back at the Bull I’th Thorn finish, not encouraging competitors to stay and chat unless they could find some room in one of the crowded bars. The day finished with a club supper in Buxton. This wasn’t very well supported, and with no “words from the management”, provided an anti-climax to what had otherwise been an enjoyable event. It was disappointing not to drive some of the usual sections. However, it was still an interesting route although the very dry conditions didn’t give the sections the bite the organisers would have wished for.

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 or our Social Media

Simons Wet Ilkley

Simon Woodall Won a Very Wet and Muddy Ilkley Trial on 17 May

Simon Woodall and Barbara Selkirk are very happy after cleaning Sword Point 3. They were the only car to clean the hill before, Sword Point 2 and this won them the trial. (Picture by Dave Cook)
 

After a couple of years of good fortune The Ilkley Club were un-lucky with the weather this year. It started raining during the late morning and it stayed all through the afternoon, turning some of the sections into mud baths that had to be cancelled for the later numbers.

Running at the front of the field Classes Seven and Eight had the most favourable conditions but more restarts and some tricky alternative routes to even things out. Overall victory went to Simon Woodall in his VW Buggy when he was the only car to clean the muddy Sword Point 2 at the end of the event.

Earlier Simon was challenged not only by his Class 8 rivals but also James Shallcross and Dave Haizelden from Class 1. James was leading the class at the lunch break before dropping 11 on Brimham Lodge.

Riding a Ural Combination was none other than Fifth Gears Tiff Needell so its eyes glued to the telly in June.

With the benefit of hindsight the club were a bit ambitious trying to stick to their original plan and would have been better to simplify some of the sections to fit in with the conditions on the day.

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The start was back at the excellent Ilkley Rugby club, with plenty of space and an official OK to camp overnight. Lots of attention on Tiff Needell who was competing on a Ural combination, followed everywhere by a Channel Five film crew.

It was dry at the start but there had been rain leading up to the event and more was forecast later in the day.

These two grassy sections are down in a valley. They were cancelled before the start as there would have been problems getting back to the surfaced road.

Only a couple of cars managed to clean the grassy first section and they were early numbers. The rain started after class seven and eight passed through, by this time the grass had gone and most endured the fate of understeering into the 12 marker.

The second section was the usual blast up the gully. This developed a horrendous hole which stopped almost everyone that managed to get that far. However, it was possible to come out the top without a tow and Paul Bartleman (Troll) and Stuart Lambert (Cannon Austin) both went clear.

The first Hawpike section was pure grass PCT, cleanable for the early numbers but impossible for later runners as the mud bath developed.

The second section is in very picturesque surroundings, starting with a small ford before going through a gate, up a bank and following a grassy gully. Unfortunately the conditions made the bank impassable for most outside class eight and the best class one cars. In class four Skoda drivers Thomas Aldrian and Alistair Queen proved it was on. Unfortunately Alistair stopped at the four but Thomas went on to clear the hill.

After the picturesque Hawpike 2 there were some wonderful views from the green lanes that led to the special test at Highfield Farm.

Only Seven and Eight had a go at this as the access from the road became impassable once the heavens opened.

The higher classes had a very difficult deviation that proved impassable causing a long queue to develop, later numbers having to wait the best part of a couple of hours. By the time the later numbers had their turn the rain had become persistent making the grass impossibly slippery. Robin Barlow (Dellow Mk2) was amongst the non restarting class 0’s to be defeated only by the final bank, which Tony Leedal actually surmounted in his GN.

James Shallcross was the only driver to get to the final bank, doing well to get away from the slippery restart.

Up on top of the moor this short little section saw the demise of Tris White’s Imp with a broken diff.

Running towards the front of the cars Dudley Sterry and Nick Farmer both cleaned this one but by now a familiar pattern was developing as the grass became increasingly slippy as the rain came down. Classes 3, 4 and 5 had another wait of an hour and the section was finally cancelled for them when Edward Broom got his Escort stuck on a tree stump. Rather than scrub the section in the results the course closing car scored remaining cars a seven.

It was nearly four in the afternoon when the stragglers arrived at the lunch halt where the caters had kindly waited which was much appreciated. Paul Bartleman was leading the trial overall at this point on 24 with Philip Bovill (Cannon DP) on 27, followed by Simon Woodall and  Stuart Lambert on 28

Dean Partington went into the lead of the trial here when he was the only car to go clean. For the rest it was the familiar mud bath and when Thomas Aldrian got well and truly stuck it was abandoned for the remaining cars who accepted an eleven from the course closing car.

Classes Seven and Eight attempted these classic Ilkley sections which were both cleaned by the leading cars. Later they were cancelled for the remaining cars but there was confusion for classes 3, 4 and 5, by now running with more than an hours gap behind the field, as all they found was a closed gate with no notice or marshal to explain what was going on. This even confused the course closing cars who the stragglers were getting to know very well.

Always an Ilkley highlight. Brian Colman did well to be the only class 7 to get off the restart. In class 1 Dave Haizelden, James Shallcross and Adrian Tucker-Peake all went clear, although without a restart of course, as did Alan Smith with his Marlin in Class 0. With ground clearance at a premium the section wasn’t particularly Skoda friendly so Alistair Queen was delighted to come so close to a clean, demonstrating he hasn’t lost his touch after a long lay-off.

None of the cars could clean this section which had a greasy impossible restart. However, the highlight was the exit track. A wonderful, long, rutted track, worthy of Calton in its prime. Shame that wasn’t the section!

Only classes seven and eight had a go at this, later numbers arrived to find the gate closed and the marshals gone. Like the Incline sections it was shame a marshal hadn’t stayed on to explain what was going on or at least left a notice.

There were some issues finding these sections as the arrow from the main road was missing. Most competitors managed to find these sections but one or two didn’t, including Thomas Aldrian, costing him a win in class four.

The overall winner was decided here, when Simon Woodall cleaned the second, grassy section while his rivals dropped eleven or twelve.

This super little section had a restart on a sharp left hand corner. You had to get going of the start line first though, catching out a few but not affecting the results.

Back at the finish their was an excellent pie and peas supper, even for the later numbers who didn’t arrive till gone 7pm. Very few competitors waited for the results, understandably  preferring to go home and dry out.

Despite all the issues it was a very enjoyable trial, despite the weather.

Best OverallSimon Woodall (VW Buggy) – Class 847
Best IDMCStuart Lambert (Austin – Cannon) – Class 868
Class Winners
0Alan Smith (Marlin)80
1David Haizelden (VW Golf)53
2Bill Bennett (MG J2)94
3Edward Broom (Ford Escort)120
4Michael Leete (VW Beetle)104
5Stephen Kingstone (MG Midget)125
7Brian Colman (Dutton Phaeton)91
8Paul Bartleman (Troll)50

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 or our Social Media

Bovey Downs

Nick Farmer conquers Bovey Downs

Nick had to fend off Bryn Corfield and a hard charging Pete Hart after dropping two marks early on. However, Nick stayed calm and was clean in the Cannon Alfa for the rest of the event to take an excellent win. It was quite dry and the stony surface took its toll on the cars and there were nine retirements. Despite this it was an enjoyable event, well organised, friendly and with super catering.

Dominic Fay on the upper part of Normans Hump. Its a long way down but thats Donny Allen marshalling the start.
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The weather was ideal for the fifth running of Windwhistle’s single venue Bovey Downs Trial. A little overnight rain ensured there was no dust but it was more or less dry on the day. There were 36 entries, perhaps a little surprising when the event offers several attempts at both Normans Hump and Clinton, in the daylight!

In the end there were 30 starters, in a wide range of cars, including a couple driven by Practical Classics Editor Matt Wright (Hillman Minx) and Features Writer Sam Glover (Triumph Dolomite). Neither car was exactly trials prepared and they both retired. However the guys appeared to enjoy themselves and stayed to the end to watch and take pictures. We are promised an article soon so look out for it.

There are no real clearings in the woods so competitors were stretched out in a line along the top track waiting for the off. The basic format was three “laps”, with some hills attempted twice on the first two, including Normans Hump and the bottom two parts of Clinton, the top part being used for access.

Things didn’t start very well for 2006 winner Peter Mountain when he was the first retirement, loosing first gear on section one. This hill, just up the bottom track from the start of Normans Hump, was one of those attempted twice on each lap and had deviations for the different classes. This was also unlucky hill for James Shallcross who dropped 11 in his Peugeot 205 whilst class rival Aaron Haizelden went clean.

After the first round of nine sections it was time for lunch, most choosing to indulge in the truly excellent cuisine on offer from the Sid Vale Carnival Club. At this stage there were still quite a few clean sheets but also a few retirements as well, mainly with broken transmissions, including both the Jago Jeeps and the Peugeot of Jason Byrom who had another diff let go.

The hills were more or less the same for the second round, apart from an additional section just inside the wood which replaced the special test. Although the sections hadn’t changed much they were more difficult as there was a little light rain for half an hour and some of the hills became loser with the passage of the cars.

The hill marshalled by Adrian Dommett and Judy Phillips was to define the event. Running parallel to the top part of Clinton it was steep with a very loose surface with a restart for classes seven and eight.

Clean up till now Nick Farmer (Cannon Alfa) dropped two, Pete Hart (Marlin) five and Reg Salway (BMW) eight during their first attempt, leaving only Bryn Corfield in his special on a clean sheet. The trial was decided on the second attempt on this hill during this round when Bryn dropped 4 while Pete and Nick went clear. None of them lost any more marks for the rest of the trial which left the overall result Nick Farmer (2), Bryn Corfield (4), Pete Hart (5). Pete was also the class seven win over Murray Motgomery-Smith in his Marlin, in class rather decimated by retirements.

Aaron Haizelden won Class 1 in the familiar Golf from James Shallcross. Classes four and five were merged which perhaps rather unfairly pitched Michael Leete’s Beetle against Brian Alexander’s Suzuki and Stephen Kingstone’s Midget. Stephen had repaired the wing damaged on Blue Hills 2 but added to his woes by breaking a diff after lunch.

Reg Salway took class three in his BMW, ahead of Rob Wells who was debuting a rather smart 1700 Escort Mk 2.

Best OverallNick Farmer (Cannon Alfa)2
Best NoviceJames Shallcross (Peugeot 205)30
Class Winners
1Aaron Haizelden (VW Golf GTi)16
3Reg Salway (BMW)30
4 & 5Michael Leete (VW Beetle)74
6 & 7Pete Hart (Marlin)5
8Bryn Corfield (Shopland Mk2)4

We made a long week-end of it, travelling down on Saturday and staying in a rather nice hotel the other side of Exeter, well when we found it as it was rather in the wilds! It was really nice to see Bovey Woods in the daylight, Normans Hump and the upper part of Clinton look even steeper when you can see them!

The maps we received were a little confusing at first but we soon got into a system of finding the hills. Most of the “new” hills were similar in character to Normans Hump and Clinton, steep, straight with loose stones. Two of them defeated me all day, I just couldn’t find any grip on the loose stones. The other one, wasn’t so steep but deviated into the trees half way up. We mostly managed this OK but were defeated on the last round.

In the afternoon there was an additional section amongst the trees just inside the wood. This had a completely different character with soft ground and a circuitous route.

We really enjoyed our day, setting the tyres at 18 psi and leaving them at that all day. No punctures for us but the flint completely destroyed the rear tyres. No problem as we were warned in the finals that this would happened so were using some that could be sacrificed.

The event did seem rather hard on the cars and there were quite a few broken transmissions, no Beetles though.

The event finished before five and we followed the coast on the way back to the hotel, returning to Bedfordshire via The Jolly Diner and Haynes Museum on Monday.

We enjoyed our weekend and will return and do the trial again. The hills were fun, the event was well organised, there were plenty of marshals and everyone was friendly.

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 or our Social Media

Lands End 09

Excellent Lands End

Conditions were ideal. Dry and sunny on the Saturday but damp underfoot on many of the sections.

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The weather was a little drizzly for the night run from Popham, Bristol and Plusha down to the convergence control at Bridgewater where Class 0 was to start, missing out the drive through the night.

Felons Oak was the first observed section for the main trial. The weather was dry now but this is not one to be taken lightly. It has become much rougher recently and the “box” had the boards very close together again this year, making it quite difficult to get either the front wheels or black wheels between. Straddling would mean a fail of course. Nick Bowler, Brian Partridge and Kevin Barnes were amongst those penalised.

Crook Horn Hill Special Test – With Stoney Street lost due to being reclassified this special test took over its position in the route card, taking place in the same woods near the village of Luccombe. It was a nice straightforward affair although Reg Salway, who was marshalling there, reckoned a lot of competitors didn’t perform it correctly.

The route bypassed the infamous Porlock Hill, winding its way down into a deep valley in the narrowest of lanes to a ford before climbing high onto Exmoor before rejoining the A39 and the holding control at The Culbone Inn.

The restart at Beggars was over on left again, on the loose stuff. It was good to see that the direct route was closed off with tape, directing everyone through the box. This prevented the debacle of last year when some competitors who didn’t have to re-start were penalised when they didn’t go through the restart area. Mike Warnes had his only failure of the event here in his TR7, caught out by the grip level and applying to little throttle.

Rodneys Revenge

There were a few crews having navigation issues and had problems finding Rodneys Revenge. Simon Robson was one and lost nearly an hour having to backtrack when he missed the turning off the A39. With a loose surface this forestry section favoured the later numbers, many of the early runners spinning out in the stones if they didn’t fly round the 90 left at the bottom to build momentum ready for the steepening gradient with restart to spice things up for class eight. There may even have been a localised shower of rain in this area! Nick Bowler wasn’t to have a great run elsewhere but was one of the early runners to emerge clean.

This hill has a very similar character to Rodneys Revenge, starting on a slope leading to a 90 left followed by a steepening long, straight climb on loose stones. In the case of Rodney’s Revenge its a 90 left and at Cutliffe Lane 90 right, otherwise very similar. Now the gate is no longer there its possible to blast round the 90 right but many didn’t and failed on the upper reaches with insufficient momentum.

This really is one of the most atmospheric hills on The Lands End, approached in the morning it has everything, a ford at the bottom, a rocky restart and a finish in the village itself with refreshments provided by the local ladies. It isn’t the most competitive section, provided you stop in the right place! This caught out a few drivers who should have known better, including Bill Rosten in his Imp and Falcons Geoff Hodge in the RDT. Former biker Roy Opie stopped here and retired soon after, returning home. John Aley reports in the MCC News of the Week that there was a fire that night, destroying Roys Marlin, his collection of bikes and all his tools. I am sure everyone will join Classical Gas in saying our heart goes out to Roy.

Darracott

The restart box was over to the left again this year, on a camber that drew you towards the centre of the track and towards the restart markers! Fortunately for many the marshals didn’t seem to penalise hitting these boards. This restart configuration wasn’t that easy to get away on. Positioning was everything and it caught out a few experienced drivers, including Harvey Waters in his Pop who lost his gold here, and the experienced beetle Drivers Terry Ball and Mark’s Tooth and Smith.

This wonderful Lands End section has lost some of its sting in recent years, are the cars and drivers better or haven’t the locals been doctoring it as much? This time it seemed to benefit from a heavy, very localised, shower on the upper reaches and a herd of elephants all stopping to defecate in the same place, exactly where the MCC sited the class eight restart. This certainly had the desired effect and kept the winch crew busy for the lower slung or less powerful cars. For the others who was a wonderful blast accompanied by the shouts of encouragement from the knowledgeable spectators who gather on the banks.

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 or our Social Media

Kyrle Trial

Duncan Stephens Reports

Duncan in his Nova on Frans Frolic in this picture by Dave Cook
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The Kyrle Trial started from its normal Monmouth services on the A40 on Sunday 29th March. With the clock change, it was an early start for all but with the gorgeous sunshine no-one seemed to mind. The preceding weeks had been very dry, so Paul Bartleman and his team had to find some new initiatives to stop everyone. Only half the hills employed pressure restrictions and ten sections had restarts for different classes. Alan Keat was debuting a new 1303 Beetle, having stopped using his Dad’s tired Gold beetle. 

After a short journey competitors found the first two sections, Griffins Grove and Widow Maker. Julian Lack was the only person to have trouble on the grippy, sandy service on the first section, probably running out of power in the little Liege. Further into the woods was Widow Maker, which had a restart (for 7&8) and small deviation half way up. This section was much longer than the first and caught a few on the restart. Whilst easy enough in the dry both sections would be very different in the wet. 

Three miles further up the road and Pillbox and Goldsmiths. Pillbox has a good run at the rutted ninety right followed by a steep climb. Tim Smith retired his powerful Corolla with a broken differential here, and Simon Groves engine was playing up stopping him for a six. The1300 Beetles really struggled with the gradient, as did sporting trial expert Duncan Stephens who was debuting a Nova, which proved to be vastly over geared for the conditions. Goldsmiths was just round the corner with a restart for all but class one. This saw the retirement of previous event winner Keith Sanders, and Brian Alexander’s Suzuki, who burnt out his clutch.

Next was Ropers….very different to last year in the wet, but still slippery on the man-made bank. With it been so dry Paul had put an artificial bend at the top. Adrian Marfell was first on, and the only person to climb the hill under the watchful eyes of multiple PCT Champion Bill Moffatt who was nursing a badly bruised leg at the bottom, having been hit two weeks previously by a car at a Car Trial. All classes achieved a range of scores, with James Shallcross learning from the rest of the class and beating them all by four points. After driving along the bottom field next was the “Alfa” special test up the concrete road. Long run to line B, all over, all behind, short run to C. This was power sapping as it was a deceptively steep roadway. Fastest unsurprisingly was Ade Marfell and Dean Partington with 17seconds…Paul must have known something when naming the test! 

Jack, Jill and Pludds were next, all stalwarts of the Kyrle. The first few cars found deep leaf mould and were not able to climb Jack, but things quickly improved as the ruts were cleared. Only seven cars cleaned Jack outside classes 7 & 8, including none of class three which was quite surprising. Straight back down to the bottom, and onto Jill which had a restart half way for seven and eight. Again this proved very hard for eight, with Dudley climbing furthest with two. Things had improved when class 7 arrived late on with four climbing. Tubby would have but had a close shave with a tree up the top on the steep bit whilst out of the ruts, followed by a wheelie for Dave Cook’s camera. Tubby couldn’t see the camera through the floor so thought he best stop, but would Harvey who had just wheelied all the way up Jack. Simon Groves unfortunately rolled his Escort at the bottom, reversing down. Both he and Emma were very shaken but fine, although Emma wasn’t very keen to continue, the Escort came back fighting though, as ever!! Simon later admitted it was driver error having got flustered coming off Jack. Two weeks later on Camel Vales President’s trial on Easter Monday no-one could believe how straight Simon had got the roof (with a lot of help from numerous tubs of filler)!! Pludds restart caught all front-engined class 7, with the rear engined (Tubby, Andrew Rippon and Derek Tyler) all getting away. Ian Moss commented on the start that the restart was very strange this year. Only four got off in class eight, and Dave Hazlelden showed class one how it should be done taking the class lead back. 

A short trip to Sallowvallets which suited the upper classes despite their restart, incorporated in a deviation round a tree halfway up, which two competitors missed out completely! The results apparently show the section worsening as cars passed round the deviation, until the powerful type four Beetles arrived at the end of the field which sailed up. 

Five miles down the road, and an easy wrong slot into the forest again was Blue Bell. A short little bank of the start, onto a flat section then a long steep finish with different restarts. Tubby didn’t read that bit and stopped at the wrong line, costing him the class and a shot at overall. Oops, another IF ONLY for the book!! Only Terry Coventry and Peter Mountain in class eight got off their restart, which won Terry the class in his immaculate V8 Marlin, which won him the ACTC championship so much many years ago. The lower classes restart still enabled them to reach the upper reaches of the section. Blue Bell also saw Timothy & Samantha Withey roll their Imp. Having climbed the hill, apparently he tried to turn round, which resulted in two rolls, only been stopped by a tree half way down the section. Both were okay, but very shaken. The Imp was worse for wear though. 

Just down the forest was Barty’s Bank, which had a bend round a tree and some soft ground just after on a slight camber. Those that didn’t climb this ended up with fours and fives. Yet more forestry track took competitors to Snompers, with a restart for all but class one just after the first damp bank, which was also on an adverse camber which caught a lot of the field out. A tree nicely sprayed red so you could see it was fast approaching if you didn’t get it right. Arnie took a decisive class lead here, while Ryan Tonkin and Tony Young continued there Beetle tussle. Dave Haizleden was left very puzzled having just dropped a six when Mike Collins drove straight up as if the whole section was tarmac, unfortunately filmed just for Dave to remember! 

The lunch halt followed at a picnic area, with an hour scheduled, which for later numbers was nearer half due to a the only small hold up at the bottom of Jack. Bravo special test was next where Ade thrashed everyone again to win the TC Longford trophy. This was shortly followed by a new section called Frans Frolic. Starting on a gravel track faced with a short steep bank which was wet, then dried out as it got flatter further up and easier. Generally about half of each class climbed this, but it suited the Escorts better, with only two stopping. 

Next was Waterworks, with a natural chicane at the ten and then a ninety left up a bank at the four. Not to be rushed early on as it was quite bumpy at the first bends. Ryan and Tony continued their battle and were the only class 4 to climb. Arnie stopped while Lester Keat (Avenger), Groover, Tony Underhill and Dave Miller showed him how it should be done. Just back towards the road was the old favourite Point and Press. This year starting on the straight it really was power sapping stuff. Dick Bolt got all crossed up and had a worrying few moments back off, while Dave Hazledean flew up to regain the class lead from James Shallcross on test times. 

Four miles down the road was High Hope. Having been introduced last year in wet conditions, grip wasn’t an issue this year, with a restart for all, just through the gateway. The entire field climbed this with no trouble. 

Five miles back to the centre of Ross on Wye and the clubs headquarters to sign off ended another successful Kyrle and supper put on by the ladies within the club. Paul had managed to extract points off everyone despite the condition in his last year as Clerk of Course. Who is going to take over this the tough mantel of Ade and Paul? With only 55miles, 16sections and 2 special tests, this has to be one of the most compact trials in the calendar, but how many miles are on tarmac?!

Who had done what during the day? Running classes together and seeding them reduces the chance of running order making too much difference to the results. Gary Browning and Alan Keat (who was debuting a new 1303 Beetle) only dropped one mark on Ropers, so special tests decided the Kryle Trophy to Gary by 2.2 seconds, running right at the back of the field. Third overall and winning class seven was Andrew Rippon who dropped his three on Ropers too. Next were two more Beetle’s, but this time little ones in the hands of Ryan Tonkin and Tony Young on six each, dropping different marks on Ropers and Sallowvallets. Also on six was Arnie, but he had a maximum on the second special test but he dominated the class with the next been on twenty-one. Seventh overall was that old Marlin master Terry Coventy on twelve delightedly beating the local knowledge of Ade on eighteen. Harvey had a good day, having taken some ballast out to tie with Tubby for eighth overall and beating him by 0.1 on the tests, dropping twelve also. Lester Keat completed the top ten another point back. Dave Haizleden won class one by two seconds having dropped twenty-seven points, to a disappointed and delighted James Shallcross. Peter Jones won a closely contested class five with Geoff Stone five marks behind, and Adrian Dommett beat Bill Bennett in class two. 

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 or our Social Media

My Mechanics

My Mechanics Trial from the passenger seat by Peter Mountain

It was Jim Mountains turn to drive on Stroud&DMC’s Mechanics Trial. With Peter relegated to the passengers seat of his immaculate Class 8 Dellow he had the chance to turn reporter.

Peter in the passengers seat as Jim makes smoke on the Greenway lane restart. (picture by Dave Cook)
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Jim’s not done the Mechanics Trial before so we decided it was his turn for a drive.   A 5.30am start got us to the venue well in time to unload and have an excellent breakfast roll from the mobile caterers.  I noticed that the Wall family had stirred up their normal line up as well with nobody in their usual driving seats and Eric marshalling. 

We had a fairly uneventful trial, except that the engine cut out and then recovered in two critical places, so I have to have a close look at the fuel system next weekend.   There were quite a few delays and we ended up running about 2 hours late.   However, it was a glorious sunny day and the delays gave us time to get the refreshments eaten. 

The restarts were real tests and congratulation to Simon Woodall in getting off nearly all of them to take the honours in class 8. 

Falcon’s Simon Groves passengered Emma Robiliard in her excellent 1st in class 4 and 2nd overall. 

Stuart Roach had a grand event to win overall in his HRG, which was the only class 5 car in the event. 

The Stroud & DMC do a very good job organizing two classic trials so close together and nearly all on different hills.   On the Mechanics you don’t get the classics like Nailsworth Ladder and Crooked Mustard but the club gave us a good variety of decent hills with some stoppers to test the cars and drivers. 

I hope that the crews of the Jago Jeeps and Sierra enjoyed themselves; it is hard to think of any more unsuitable vehicles to go classic trialling with.   A couple of the old lanes had us leaning at crazy angles, it must be far more difficult in a wide softly suspended saloon car. 

With only 1 class 5 car and no class 6 cars entered I wonder where all the class 5 and 6 cars have gone. 

Classes 3, 7 & 8 are the numerically dominant classes and most of the cars in these classes are based on running gear that has been obsolete for a long time now.  

I’m looking forward to the Kyrle in 2 weeks; a trial that I’ve not done before.

Best OverallStuart Roach (HRG)2
Class Winners
1David Haizelden (VW Golf GTi)8
2Emma Wall (Austin Seven)12
3Stuart Deacon (Ford Escort)12
4Emma Robilliard (VW Beetle)6
7Pete Hart (Marlin)9
8Simon Woodall (VW Buggy)8

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 or our Social Media

Deans March hare

He came close last year, this time he did the business. Dean Partington won the weather shortened March Hare Trial, one of four clean sheets.

After a glorious morning the rain came down in buckets just after lunch, resulting in the cancellation of some of the afternoon sections when too many cars got stuck. These included some of the sub-divided “stopper” sections so there were four clean sheets, Dean in his Class 8 special, Steve Kenny (Liege) in Class 7 and the Class Four Beetles of John White and Michael Leete. Once special test times had been taken into account the order was Dean – John – Michael – Steve.

March Hare Trial winner Dean Partington successfully restarts on Hill Farm. Peter and James Mountain skilfully positioned the line to catch out many of the experienced competitors (Picture by Dave Cook).
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This is one of the tracks that changes from year to year according to the amount of water that has run down it over the winter. This year Falcon had to contend with the landowner resurfacing it! Simon Robson had arranged a deviation for classes seven and eight towards the summit but even so everyone went clear.

Last year was the first time the modern March Hare has used this section although it may have been used back in the 50’s. Competitotrs who went up it last year weren’t expecting much of a challenge but drivers in 7 and 8 were in for a surprise as Chief official Murray MacDonald had devised a route up an adjacent grassy bank to test them. It looked daunting, it was daunting and the seven competitors that cleaned it deserve a special mention. Jack Endley, Mark Endley and Steve Kenny, all in Lieges in Class Seven. Ed Nikel (Dellow Mk2 Replica), Dean Partington (DP Wasp), Duncan Welch (Austin Healey SS) and Mike Chatwin (Troll) in Class Eight.

This is another section that has lost its bite after resurfacing. These days its all about the restart up onto the road which usually catches a few competitors. This year Clive Hillier was the only failure in his Marina. Unfortunately he retired soon afterwards.

Kensworths grassy slopes weren’t to much of a problem for higher classes but the saloons and sports cars had problems finding grip.

There was a rest halt after the two Brickhill sections. Time for the trial to regroup and for the mornings marshals to move to their afternoon duties. It also saw a change in the weather. The morning had been gloriously dry but now the rain started.

Rain was falling by the time the cars arrived at Ivinhoe. Unfortunately the observed section was to ambitious given the conditions and it had to be cancelled.

Although this track is yet another to suffer from resurfacing Ian Davis had placed the restart in just the right place to catch the unwary. It certainly did its job and around a third of the entry didn’t get away.

Back at the finish at the Bull in Redbourn the results indicated there were four clean sheets, Dean Partington emerging the ovearll  winner by virtue of the special tests. It was a shame that the weather had curtailed the end of the event as the Binghams sections are more than capable of resolving the results on the hills.

Plans are afoot to make Binghams more “rain proof” for next year by constructing better escape routes.

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 or our Social Media

Dean’s Allen Trial

Dean Partington wins Allen Trial

It was a close run thing. Dean dropped all of his three marks in the Lakeside complex with his Toyota MR2 based DP Wasp. Dave Foreshew was the only driver to clean these three sections in his Ford Dingo special, but hadn’t got away from the Guys Hill restart earlier in the event so had to settle for second. Simon Woodall was third in his familiar VW Buggy.

David Bache on his way to the muddy pool on the first Lakeside section.
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Pete Hart and his team ordered good trialling weather for The Allen Trial. Nice and damp but with the rain holding off until the drive home. 

There were problems after the introductory Tog Hill, when a police motorcyclist closed the A439 in the village of Wick after half the entry had passed because a wide load was on its way out of Bristol. This delayed proceedings for quite a while and some competitors retraced their steps to make an off-routecard diversion to Bitton Lane. In the end everyone regained the original route, but the running order was mixed up for the rest of the trial. 

There were two challenges at Bitton Lane. The restart and getting to it! From the start it looked smooth enough but after the 90 left there were deep ruts on a 90 right and this stopped a lot of cars with limited ground clearance. The restart was in the usual place, a left hand bend surfaced with polished stones. This caught out a surprising number of people, including Mike Hobbs in his Class Six Beetle and Mike Workman, Bill Foreshew and David Bache in Class Eight. 

Uplands was next, approached along the normal flooded track, although the water was not as deep as a few years ago. The Yellows and Reds cruised up the resurfaced Little Uplands on a non-competitive transit. They were to have their go at Big Uplands later, the morning was for the minnows in Blue and White who were able to make their assault without having to restart. It was tough enough though, the ruts were fearsome. All the diff draggers in class three bottomed out, leaving the glory to class two who all went clean, even the low powered Austin Sevens! 

Guys Hill was next, not to much of a problem for those who didn’t have to restart but the steps and tree roots awaited those that did. Few of the re-starters could get away. Dave Foreshew was one of them and dropped six, which transpired to be the only marks he would loose on the trial. If he had gone clean here Dave would have won the event! Andrew Rippon retired his VW Baja with a broken transmission, concluding that a powerful engine and grippy Matador tyres don’t mix! Michael and Colin Weeks retired their MG Midget here as well. Mainly PCT drivers they had entered The Allen to prepare for The Exeter. 

Travers was another traditional Allen Trial hill with a restart for the Yellows and Reds, situated on a nasty rocky area. The non re-starters should have been able to carry enough momentum through the rocks for it to be a trouble free section. However, it wasn’t so easy for some, and three of the Austin Seven’s failed, only Emma Wall going clean in her ex Peter Trelving car. Colin Perryman (BMW 2002) and Michael Leete (VW Beetle) also failed and both should have known better! The Yellows and Reds had quite a challenging restart amongst the rocks. Mike Hobbs made up for his failure on Bitton Lane by being the only class six Beetle to get away. A Marlin was definitely the wrong car here, only Jonathan Ellwood succeeding while all the non-Marlins were successful. Most of the leading runners in class eight were OK, apart from Dave Wall, in his smart Dellow Mk1, which dropped him out of contention. 

At the top of Travers competitors turned left into a muddy field for the two Ubley Woods sections and the first special test. The sections were similar, both very muddy, starting on the flat and turning 90 right up a greasy bank. Tyre pressures were free and going as low as possible was definitely the order of the day. Although decidedly out of character with the body of the trial these two sections placed a premium on driving skill and throttle control and while there were a lot of failures the leading contenders in all the classes cleared them both. The trial lost Steve Johnson here after suffering half shaft failure on his Triumph Special.

There was a rest halt beside the reservoir at Chew Valley, with hot meals available in the visitor areas cafeteria for those wanting them. Burledge was just up the road, not the same challenge now the ruts have been filled in, nerveless Simon Groves and Michael Leete both failed the restart under the eagle eye of John and June Blakeley who were marshalling here. 

It was back to the mud for three sections at Lakeside. The first was a strange affair, a gentle run up a tree lined muddy bank before dipping into a watery pool with a very sharp right-hander around the trees, taking care to avoid a hidden tree stump, which a kindly Mark Hobbs was pointing out. 

Up until now there had been some clean sheets but Dave Haizelden (Golf GTi), Nick Cleal (Peugeot 205), Tristan White (Class 7 Hillman Imp), Dean Partington (DP Wasp), Charlie Shopland (Shopland) and Ian Davis (VW Buggy) all lost them here, failing to get around the right hander in Mark Hobbs pool and dropping either one or two. This left only Adrian Dommett clean in his supercharged Wolseley Hornet. The other two Lakeside sections were PCT style up a muddy bank. Adrian surmounted the first one but failed to get around the bend at the bottom on the second, dropping nine and falling back to fourth overall behind Dean Partington, Dave Foreshew and Simon Woodall. 

And that’s how it remained at the finish. The Yellows and Reds had their attempt at Big Uplands and the wonderful John Walker section rounding off the event in fine style but not impacting the leading positions.

Best OverallDean Partington (DP Wasp)3
Class Winners
1David Haizelden (VW Golf GTi)10
2Adrian Dommett (Wolesley Hornet)9
3Andrew Martin (Ford Escort)12
4Giles Greenslade (VW Beetle)14
5Peter Jones (Suzuki X90)44
6Adrian Marfell (VW Beetle)16
7Tristan White (Imp)10
8David Foreshew (Ford Dingo)6

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 or our Social Media

Edinburgh Trial 08

Edinburgh Crushes Triple Hopes

It was a cold and wet Edinburgh for the later numbers, causing problems at Litton Slack and especially the final section at Moneystones which finished off many triple hopes.

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The usual start at Tamworth Services saw a route amendment that eliminated Haven Hill for the main trial, who joined class 0 on Wigber Low. The sky was clear, so it was a cold trip north up the A515 through Ashborne to Wigber Low, where the normal holding control ensured there wasn’t a queue on the main road where the section started just up the track. This was a pretty straightforward section, although quite rocky, which may not have been ideal for the more delicate cars in Class 0. It wasn’t a happy hill for Myke Pocock, as having come all the way down from Carlisle he had too retire with damaged rockers. Fellow Skoda driver Aaron Homewood had to nurse his car round with a collapsing driveshaft bearing and starter solenoid problems. Team mate Nigel Jones was the only one who went round trouble free although both Litton and Moneystones defeated him. 

It was quite a long way to the second section at Clough Wood, considered a bit rough for Class 0. The cars were delayed at the start as quite a few bikes had still to make their attempts. There was a restart for 6, 7 and 8 but this wasn’t to present many problems. 

The Deep Rake special test was a real corker. A nice straightforward figure of eight blast round a super track in a quarry, ending with surfing through a small lake! This tested out the waterproofing of the electrics before the forthcoming rain! Roger and Tania Beaumont, on their first trial on their 2CV based Blackjack Avion, were amongst those who discovered some improvements were required! 

The observed section at Black Harry was in the same quarry complex, although it was a a couple of miles away, mostly on extremely well made tracks. Everyone attempted this, with a restart for all except class 0. 

Litton Slack was next, passing the approach to Putwell, sadly not on this years agenda. The section was pretty slippery, but the bikes were having a fair crack at it, with a lot of them going clean. The successful solos seemed to choose the grass by the side of the track, many of those who chose the ruts fell off! The bikes were starting on the main track by the telegraph pole. But Chief Official Roger Ugalde was concerned that the less able cars would be able to get across the grass to the start line, so changed the section in order the four wheeled brigade could blast off on the lower reaches of the normal approach track. This didn’t help a lot initially as many of the cars really struggled for grip in the start area. It started to get easier as successive competitors cleared the mud off the limestone chipping’s put down by the MCC in the early 90’s. Good conditions didn’t last long and things got tricky again when the rain come down and remained for the rest of the day. 

Harry Butcher lost his triple here but some class eights stormed to the top, including Dudley Sterry (MG J2), Dean Partington (DP Wasp) and triple contender Bill Appleton (VW Buggy). Non Restarting Triple Contenders Simon Groves (Escort) and Giles Greenslade (1300 Beetle) both got to the A Boards so were hoping they would still be in the running. Andrew Martin saw his triple hopes disappear in a shower of stripped teeth as the diff on his Dutton Melos failed as he tried to restart. 

Calton was a killer a few years ago, until the ruts were filled in and emasculated the section. The restart was more or less on the flat so not to many problems here. 

Breakfast at The Bull I’th Thorn was a copious and rather heavy affair, but gave later competitors a break out of the wind and rain. Falcons Ross Nuten and Ted Holloway both retired here. At the start Ross noticed he had lost a lot of oil on the trip up from Hertfordshire. He topped up using all his spare but it was still disappearing as the morning went on, and as neither Ross nor his passenger were feeling that great they called it a day. Ted was finding his rather low slung Enigma special was taking too much punishment. Running so late, and having a lot to do on Sunday, Ted decided to turn for home. At least his SU carbed CVH motor ran well. 

Haydale – Like Calton there was a restart on the flat. However, it was more slippery and had to be approached through some fearsome ruts so Class 0 were probably relieved they didn’t have to attempt this one. Once away from the restart the gradient starts and its quite a well surfaced track. 

Bamford Clough – Along with Litton Slack this is one of the Edinburgh’s “big ones” and this year did not disappoint. There is no mud on Bamford. Just rock and some concrete where the MCC working parties have been active. This forms some fearsome steps. Some describe these as rough but its all a matter of how you approach them and they very much form the character of the hill. This year the restart for the higher classes was quite high up, on one of the steepest concrete steps. This caused a delay when competitors failed as it takes more than a minute for most competitors to get up the hill, even if they go clean. This is extended to more than a couple of minutes for failures. There was a delay of the best part of half an hour for the first cars so it was inevitable this would build up to more than two hours by the time the last of the entry went through. 

The early cars found plenty of grip but even so the restart was to prove quite a challenge, which was to increase as the surface became more and more slippery through the day. Mike Pearson was one of many who couldn’t get off the restart, backed down a few yards and just drove up.

Peter Mountain was pleased to go clean in his Dellow Mk1, but no sooner had he hit the road again than he got involved in an emergency at the petrol station by the traffic lights, where a staff member was receiving artificial respiration and it took some 15 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. 

Great Hucklow has been one of the Edinburgh’s most feared sections in recent years. Many competitors feeling that deviating left over the dinosaur eggs was far to damaging for their cars, even if good spectator value. No problems this year, as it has been fenced off, so the organisers were limited to the main track. Even so this was quite rutted and muddy and was probably challenging for the lower slung class 0’s. There was a restart for the higher classes. 

Hollinsclough Village Hall – A nice break for tea and some excellent cakes although the ladies of the village had to work some overtime as Mike Pearson, running at the back of the field arrived there no less than three and a half hours behind schedule. 

Rakes Head – Starting on the surfaced road this short sharp section is all about a rocky restart for the higher classes which didn’t claim too many victims amongst the early numbers but was really slippery towards the end and even Mike Pearson couldn’t ease his Dellow Rep away. 

Excelsior – Here the challenge is a very slippery restart for all except Class 0 on polished flint. To make things tougher the shallow box was positioned in its usual place, right on the 90 left just where the gradient is the steepest. Again there was a half hour wait even for the early cars, boosted in numbers by the Class 0’s who were doing this one as well. Consequently the Chief Official wisely decided to abandon the restart to keep the trial moving. 

Moneystones – Normally considered far to easy for the main trial competitors still on for their triple must have been mentally clearing space on their mantelpiece for the coveted award. However, their was a catch. In the summer the MCC had solicited the services of local man Dean Partington and his fearsome special to test out some new ideas. This resulted in a restart, immediately followed by a deviation off the stony track onto the grassy verge. This may had been OK if it had stayed dry but as the day went on and the rain came down it became muddier and muddier until the end it was only cleanable by supermen in their rocket ships! These didn’t include Ray Goodright, Simon Groves or Giles Greenslade, both of who lost their triples here. Andrew Martin manged to blast his way through, as did Dudley Sterry, one of the few car competitors claiming gold. 

Moneystones Special Test – Another nice straightforward special test but not enjoyed by those who had just lost their triples on the observed section. 

Middleton Steep (Class 0 only)

Club Supper at The Pavillion Gardens – The day finished with a nice meal at the Pavillion Gardens which would have been pretty much perfect had the presidential PA worked. However, he rose to the occasion by walking round and repeating his message to those who couldn’t hear him. Well done for that.

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