CHG John Draper Trial, 27 October 2013

Report by Ben F

Pix by Amo F

HEAVY rain made for a very tough event on the England – Wales border for Cheltenham Home Guard MCC's round of the Western Centre Championship.

Hayes Coppice presents a challenge under clear skies and despite clerk of the course Steve Venn's efforts to ease sections throughout the event, many riders were beaten by the conditions.

Some rose to the occasion though, including Kurt Brain, who pushed reigning centre champion Simon Welch very close for a victory.

Forced to kick start his SXS Jotagas after he stalled it in the middle of section 10 on lap 1, Welch kept his feet up but incurred a five under no-stop rules.

That was probably the hardest section in the trial, with a root 20ft up a very steep bank, followed by an off camber exit. Only Welch and Brain managed better than a three here. While Welch cleaned it on the two subsequent laps, Brain improved from a three, to a one, to a pleasing clean on the last lap.

It wasn't enough to overhaul Welch though, despite Brain being the only rider to not incur a five mark loss all day. Welch had another five on the opening lap on section five, but his 27 cleans compared to Brain's 23 proved enough of a difference for Welch to take the premier.

Youth B stars Toby Martin and Tom Minta were a welcome addition to the entry list and they impressed many with very determined and accurate rides to finish third and fourth overall respectively. The Clubman/Expert class attracted a good entry, headed by Nathan Pekala.

Half of the clubman entry didn't finish, with some struggling not with the sections but the steep banks between them. However some rose to the challenge, including Welsh youngsters Kieran and Ben Heycock. Despite clocking up big scores, they declared the event a good challenge, which was encouraging to hear.

Over 50 rider Martin Jones won the clubman class ahead of Youth B rider Callum Colbourne, followed by a pack of more seasoned campaigners including Andy Perry, Phil Marsh and Dave Morris. Many thanks to observers including our friends from the West Glos club who braved the rain, and the landowner, Mr Wilson.

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Preview by Steve Venn

Unfortunately Langley Hill, Winchcombe is not available to the club for this traditional end of season centre trial, but the now well established Hayes Coppice (Uncle Sammy Wilson's wood!) nr. Monmouth promises to be a suitable replacement and a cracking trial. All the usual classes will be catered for with the inclusion of a straight forward Sportsman yellow route for beginners, occasional riders (old duffers), Pre65, T/S etc. 3 laps of 12 sections are being planned with some steep challenging banks for the experts and 50/50 route to deal with.

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