CHG Farmcote Non-Expert Trial 3rd Aug 2008

Full Results - Report by Brett King.

Cheltenham Homeguard MC staged a non-expert trial at a new venue near Farmcote last Sunday and were rewarded with 57 riders eager to see what the Centre's latest location had to offer... and they weren't disappointed either thanks to sensible course marking by Mike Clarke and Steve Venn. Heavy overnight rain had meant the conditions were going to be testing yet fair in classic Cotswold style, with the 15 sections being set over a 1 mile lap incorporating woodland cambers and a variety of stream based hazards.

The standard route had a broad range of contenders vying for the win, with over 40 throttle masters like Nigel Tomkins and Martyn Wilmore sure to make strong showings on the slick going. The action really got going at the tough stream crossings of section 4 where sure enough, Nigel arrived on clean, Bretton King and Ben Toms each on 2, and Martyn on 7 after a slack 5 on the steps. However, all was to change as both King and Wilmore went clean with Nigel and Ben each dropping 3 as they fought to make it back up the hill from the third turn. As lap one finished King shed another 2 marks to leave Tomkins holding a slender lead on 3, with Darren Walters on 6, Martyn on 7 and Ben one away on 8. Conditions for the second lap deteriorated as mud got dragged onto roots and stream exits dug out into ruts, but it was at this point that it became a two-way battle. Wilmore and Tomkins had double figure losses to put them out of contention while Toms turned the screw to finish the lap with just five further losses, ending the lap tied on 13 with King. As the two leaders exited section 3, Bretton stole a one mark advantage and rapidly turned it into a decisive 4 mark lead as he launched his Montesa to the only clean of the lap on the now treacherous banks of section four, a ride that ultimately gave him the Premier and left Ben as Runner-Up. Martyn Wilmore was by no means out of the pots, as he secured the over 40 award on 32, just 3 ahead of Tomkins.

On the 50:50 route, wizened experience triumphed over "youth" as Jim Delahay took the win from Merv Walker and Adam Colburn, while Richard Townsend chugged his way to the Pre 65 win and Steve Hancox took the twinshock award on one of a plethora of Hondas that were on display. the Easy route saw a comprehensive win for Ron Walters as he beat Andy Bishop by massive 20 mark margin. The trail bike class saw surprised yet delighted Swindon visitor Dave Pontin take the win, especially having been heard afterwards saying, "I can't ride these modern trials you know!"

Finally, long-standing rider and Centre-supporter Billy Andrews was taken ill during the trial and had to retire from the event much to everyone's concern. All who attended wish a speedy recovery to him and look forward to seeing him back in the saddle soon. Thanks must go to those who reacted so quickly and helped, and to the club officials for getting the medical assistance so quickly. All the best to you Billy and get well soon.

Full Results

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