Horsforth SGME Club trial 2

I think all we can say is, we are glad there was little rain during the day, as the 45mph gusty winds were certainly playing havoc with riders preferred choice of lines, making riding exceptionally difficult for the youngsters.

To see the OSETs removing their plastic covers, gives you an idea of the ingenuity needed on the day to help the riders stay online, equally those with Helmet visors were certainly getting their money’s worth out of their function and for those without, using a pair of goggles was a great idea, and frankly looked pretty cool. Bit of Dessert Storm about it.

Due to the less then preferred weather, it is no shock that scores on the day across the board were high, yet still relative to these riders’ skills and ability, so across the classes, the competition was still high.

Red Route:

Benjamin Swainson once again showed his impressive accuracy on the OSET 24 to take 1st place with 31 marks.

Benjamin needs to keep a watchful eye over his shoulder though, as 8 yr Tom Mitchell is fast approaching to match Benjamins skill. Tom finishing in 2nd place on 59 marks dropped riding only an OSET 20, I strongly believe if he was on a 24 that gap would be much closer.

50/50 Route:

Only one rider on this route for Round 2, Josh Bancroft on the Beta 80, rode exceptionally well to try battle the wind. Unfortunately, 45 MPH wind was no match for the small framed 11yr old + 70Kg bike and with a couple of failures relating to being blown off course, dropping 45 marks was nothing to be disheartened with.

Yellow Route:

Certainly, the closest scoring route on the day. Rex Hunter firmly made his mark on his first HDMC trial against seasoned member Oliver Clark. Both riders not only battling the wind, but also the millions of hidden Rocks Addingham has to offer, both rode an impressive trial. Rex took 1st place on 44 with Oliver very close behind on 45.

White Route:

Oscar Bratley also decided to ensure the seasoned club members knew there was a new kid in town. Taking 1st place on only 11 marks dropped with most of his points on Section 1, was a strong performance throughout the day.

Freddie Moore also showing section 1 was his nemesis, dropped 17 marks to secure 2nd place and little smiler Jack Fawcett was more than happy to get back to the warmth of the van taking a commendable 3rd place with 30 marks dropped.

Huge thankyou to Harriet Swainson for jumping in to observe, and for Paul Swainson for collecting the flags after each section, before they blew away and scattered the moorland.

Also thankyou to Rob Bratley and Matthew Clark for jumping in to help observe.

It’s a difficult situation to have when kids are needing to be watched, taught and caught, but pulling together certainly helped move the trial along.

Big thanks to Chris Mitchell and Chris Bancroft for marking out yet another successful trial.

But as always, huge thankyou to all the Parents / Guardians for giving these young ones such a great opportunity to be involved with a great sport.

Next Trials :

> 2nd March, Spen Valley Yorkshire Clubman Championship, its still a TBC unfortunately whether a Conducted trial will be run at this event. Watch this space.

> 23rd March, *NO CONDUCTED* our ‘Centre Trial’ the Basic Memorial at Blubberhouses. Observers needed with or without bikes. If you can observe with a bike, this is *WITHOUT* your conducted rider, this land is NOT suitable for Conducted riders.

Chris Bancroft