As with last year, the online entry system is available for this event and can be accessed here www.lncmc.co.uk/online-entry/.
This single venue classic trial for both motorcycles and cars is held in Lew & Eastcott Woods, Near Lewdown (approx. 10 miles from Launceston), and will take place on Sunday the 26th of March.
So here we are then a new year, on behalf of the club Happy New Year and let’s hope it’s a good one. I’m normally a fairly optimistic person but much of the news at the moment seems to be recycled from 2022, ah well it’s got to get better.
A little bit of disappointment in that we had to cancel the Ron Beer Sporting trial in December, with the sudden drop of in temperatures many of the roads were reduced to a skating rink, the road up to the field at Ashleigh is steep and narrow and the last thing we needed was cars and trailers stuck, frustrating when we have a decent entry but safety has to come first.
Later on in the newsletter you can read Simon Oates coverage of his entry in the Camel Classic road trial, I was his latest victim as passenger in the Liege which was a very enjoyable day, I won’t spoil it for you but just to say I only had to remind him a couple of times as to which way up I like my trials cars (wheels below us). “””””””””””””””””””””” MCC Exeter Trial I’m sure most of you are aware but the Exeter Trial takes place on the 6th/7th of January. Richard Simpson and I will be marshalling at Fingle Hill and I know there is a contingent of committee members who will also be at Simms Hill, so well done everyone, good luck to all those competing and let’s hope the weather is suitably considerate. (Whatever that is).
Committee meeting As we haven’t had a committee meeting for some time I thought it a good idea to remind you of when the next meeting is. February the 16th at 7.30pm at Tresmeer Village Hall.
All are welcome, the bar will be open, and as it’s February we might even have the heating on.
Chairman’s Chat
I have informed the last meeting that after over serving the club for over 40 years as a committee member and having served as chair for two separate stints, as competition secretary, newsletter editor, social secretary, membership secretary and having officiated in many ways on events and for the club I now wish to step back. Andy Prosser is also standing down so there will be a vacancy for both chairperson and secretary at the AGM.
The club is currently in a very healthy situation with a wide range of youth and experience on the committee and plenty of enthusiasm. I hope the next chairperson is able to build on this in the future.
On a lighter note I saw a post in a group I belong to on Facebook due to my activity on rallying during the 1970s and 1980s. I hope it is not too close to the truth!
Nostradamus in Motorsport 2023 – I have adapted this from Tom Wilkinson’s post on the Golden Years of Rallying Facebook group.
January
MSUK appoint Paul Gascoigne as trials manager. He immediately introduces a rule that no Trials Formula sections should deviate from a straight line.
MSUK organises a new committee to encourage young people into motorsport. The criteria stipulate that only people with at least 30 years motorsport experience are qualified to sit on it.
February
Paul Gascoigne redecorates his office at a cost of £147k.
Hexham 12-car rally oversubscribed with entries.
As part of their strategy of encouraging younger people into motorsport, MSUK introduce a new trials championship, combining technology with low cost.
Buy On Line Low Overall Cost Kitcar Scheme, There was uproar in Motorsport News when they used the acronym.
MSUK in pursuit of a green agenda, introduce a rule that marshals can only use EVs to attend events in.
March
Pictures appear of Paul Gascoigne in his office, dressed in his dressing gown and slippers, fishing rod and unopened bag of fish and chips on his desk and surrounded by empty cans of Stella Artois. He denies having a party. Keith Sanders denies being in attendance.
MSUK introduce a new rule of all class 5 cars to be equipped with a 17mm restrictor. MSPORT create a new company specialising in only exporting class 5 cars, both new and used.
April
Paul Gascoigne resigns. He wants to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.
An engine building company in the Orkneys, Magnificent Original Race Engines, sponsors the low cost trials championship. Motorsport News runs the front page headline, MORE BOLLOCKS.
May
MSUK appoint Katie Hopkins as trials manager. She appoints Nigel Farage as her deputy saying “There is no place in UK Motorsport for Geordie accents”.
Nigel introduces a license fee for marshals at £185 stating that this will stimulate growth in motorsport, ensure we get the right people officiating on events and encourage younger people to enter the sport.
The Four Turnings Sporting Trial is won by John and Jerome Fack in an MSR with an average speed of 59mph. “It was a great event” said the Facks “as all sections were dead straight”.
June
Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club events are oversubscribed but all are cancelled because of the lack of marshals.
Nigel Farage resigns, stating that he wants to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.
July
Katie Hopkins resigns stating that she wants to pursue other interests and spend more time with her family.
MSUK hold an internal crisis meeting about the state of the trials division. Dave Richards is in attendance, and when made aware of the extent of the problem, he utters “What is a trial?”
On the basis of a personal reference, Nigel Cowling is appointed trials manager.
August
Nigel Cowling repeals all trials regulations introduced this year. MSUK are swamped by requests from marshals for a refund of their marshalling licence fees.
The Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club Testing Trial has to amend its section plans and re-introduce deviations from a straightline.
September
BTRDA changes Trials Formula tyre regulations to come into line with ACTC This enables all 15 inch diameter tyres that conforms to the tyre tread rile to be used.
Previously cancelled Sporting Trials are reinstated and immediately swamped with entries and offers to marshal. The first one is won by Andy Prosser with John Turner.
October
Due to no events having run due to lack of entries the new low cost championship is cancelled.
Motorsport News announces it as “ NO MORE BOLLOCKS”.
John Turner and Andy Prosser still high after the previous win last month, enter the Tamar Trial in a Citroen 2CV, despite not being able to pronounce escargot. November
The 2CV retires on only the thirteenth section of the Tamar Trial. The power of the car destroyed all their tyres after only twelve sections, and due to the new rule about maximum of 10 tyres per event, they ran out of tyres. “Gutted” was John’s reply when interviewed.
The Tamar Trial is won by Bob Blackman in a Hillman Imp. “It is great to win in a proper car for a change” he said after the event.
December
MSUK are swamped by applications for clubman’s licenses after the announcement of licence for life scheme.
All license fees are scrapped for 2024, along with permit fees and all other charges.
Greenpeace immediately plan a number of protests about the growth of motorsport.
Fleetwood Mac re-release a single in support of motorsport- “Oh Well”.
“””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
Once again roving reporter Simon Oates has been out and about on the…
Camel Vale Motor Club Ltd’s CAMEL CLASSIC TRIAL on Sunday 4th December.
After a successful ALLEN Trial on 27th November (Class 7 win & 2nd overall), I was lucky enough to get a late entry spot after applying on line Tuesday 29th morning. The navigator spot was filled by John Turner for the first time in a Liege. I decided to trailer to the start at The Borough Arms, Dunmere, Bodmin, just as well as it was b…dy cold and the heated seats were definitely welcome.
The car was quickly taken off the trailer and straps in the car boot. I start the car up and it sounds like 2 cylinders out of 3 are firing but after 10 seconds all is well again. Scrutineering completed and a few forms signed and we were the first Class 7 car out to tackle the course. Sometimes being first can be an advantage, other times not, in the end it’s in the lap of the Trial gods. We were running number 41 and left at 9.18am with 2 minute intervals between cars. With John’s excellent navigating directions and experience, it didn’t take long to the first section Hustyn (1) which was worrying as we watched Brian & Kirsty Andrew reversing down after getting to a 3. The engine on the Beetle was spluttering and a bit down on power. We set up on the start line and went for it through the trees on the slippery track with a right turn at the summit. All the way up without much of a problem, which settled the nerves a bit!
On to Chestnut Rise (2) where we had a bit of a wait with problems for another Beetle with engine misfire etc. This ended with Karen and Greg Warren retiring their car, only to see Greg later marshalling the special test at Helligan. The section was a deeply rutted track up through the woods which we only got to a 4, diffed out the back axle and promptly deeply dented the silencer and knocked an exhaust joint which made the car sound like it had a proper engine. After reversing down we continued 200m to Hustyn Path (3b) which was an offset climb with restart for all which caused a few problems throughout the field.
We managed to clear it and on to Jab & Left Hook (4) with another restart ably marshalled by the Robinsons. Slippery track with a deviation to the left with a restart on a steep bit of clay with tree roots (thanks David R!) which proved challenging but passable by us!! We then followed the arrows and somehow nearly ended in section 2 the wrong way with 3 other cars (arrow missing) but eventually moved on to Pump House Climb (5) which was a fairly straight steep climb through the trees where we got to the 1. On reversing down we went 100m to a T junction and confirmed with earlier cars which way to go (not on instructions or marked) and drove on to Pheasant Pluckers Son (6) where the son? (a pleasant chap!) was waiting to start us off. A short run to a slippery restart before crossing a lane, up a track then sharp left to a dead end and another clear. On to the Hustyn Special Test which was completed in a decent (for us) 17.16 secs.
After leaving the woods and some road miles we moved on to Penkestle 1 (7) which proved to be a tricky little bugger, right track then left up a clay valley where the left throws us across to the right of the valley and we struggle for grip but somehow we see the 1 marker and reverse down (handbrake on and reverse safely). On to a bit of a queue at Penkestle 2 (8) where we watched the cars in front attack the section with varying degrees of success. Nigel Cowling who was marshalling the section asked if I recognised the Singer Chamois behind me in Class 7.
It was one that he had owned and I had moved around for him – I couldn’t believe it was the same car as the owner Nick Symons has transformed it and continues to fettle it for trialling – beautiful. On to the section and a restart where we came down into the section. Very slippery even though I tried to ease it off the line I got nowhere. None of the class 7 cars cleared the section but Class 8 only had one failure. Just proves if you stop in the right place there’s a chance of getting away or is it they’re so much better than Class 7? Clinnick (9) called as the next challenge with a fair queue of cars waiting to attack the notorious hill. Dave Haizelden and Dee Champion went past in their Reliant SS1 totally elated as I think it was the first time he had cleared the hill in that car! Matt Facey following in his Z3 also managing to get a clear.
The next clear was the Beetle of Garry & Alison Eamer who powered up – superb! Our turn came and the little car kept its footing all the way and powered? to the top, quite a surprise to us and the first time John Turner had made the top even as a passenger. Back to the main road and on to Laneskin Woods’ Where There’s a Hedge (10a) that we had to climb and complete the restart. All completed successfully and on to Laneskin (11) that was waiting for us. We drove up to the restart, pulled gently away only to power through a right deviation and the clay to the finish. The classes before us didn’t have the deviation and some no restart.
On to Ant Hill (12) which only had a restart for Class 8 which helped our success to clear the hill. A few more road miles to the second special test and last two sections held at Helligan. A long cold queue was caused by both the test and following hill had to be cleared before the next car could continue. My target for the Helligan Test was to complete in under 14 seconds. It was a complete failure with losing grip and time on the corners and then knocking the finishing cone as I went astride the finish line – 30 seconds added to the time, 45.34, not very close to target then.
Helligan 1 (13) had been observed while in the queue and it seemed the cars that started gently over the first bump and then powered up the hill did quite well. That was our intention and it proved to be effective and we cleared the hill. Only one hill left which was Helligan Zero (14) up around the first left bend, look forward to position for the next right bend up a clay bank and it was that easy except I probably didn’t get the power down early enough to clear the clay bank. In a video on facebook it appeared that we were so close to getting up, but no cigar. Sections completed, we made our way back to the Borough Arms for a swift pint (non-alcoholic) and packet of crisps!
The titanic battle between Steve Urell & Julie Williams versus Alan & Patrick Keat in the D1 bike and chairs battle was eventually won by Steve & Julie by a couple of points after they managed a clear of Clinnick.
Overall, the route book, route markers, sections etc were superb and we look forward to next year’s event and praise the organisers, land owners / managers and most of all the brilliant marshals throughout the trial. A big THANK YOU, all your efforts and time are much appreciated.
Provisional Results
Richard Maddern (Husqvarna WR250 Class B2) Wadham Stringer Trophy James Shallcross & Mike Greenwood (Peugeot 205 Class 1) – John Kessell Trophy. Matt Facey & Craig Allen (BMW Z3 Class 5) – Dave Keat Trophy Simon Oates and John Turner (Liege 993cc Class 7) Class Win
Camel Classic Photos
Whatja mean chaos?
You don’t see many V8 Skodas, very well shoehorned.
Ready for the OffBMW Z series are definitely gaining popularity, the diminutive Liege actually manages to carry two people, one slightly squashed, probably why JT managed to stay in it.
For Sale, yes still available Dellow Mk2b, fully trials prepared, supercharged 100E rebuilt engine, rebuilt rear axle with uprated half shafts, various other goodies and a quantity of spares £15,750 contact J.T. 07971 249783 or email billjan299@gmail.com
Tailpiece…………………
I recently read a very interesting article in the Launceston Life magazine all about the time Charles Dickens made a trip to Cornwall in 1842, it seemed he was gathering inspiration for the story “Christmas Carol”. He was particularly in search of “dreary and desolate” areas and after visiting the West of the county it was recommended he visited King Arthur’s Castle at Tintagel, described as incomparably dreary and a place of fine “wreckin scenery”.
To be honest in 1842 I would have thought much of my beloved county would have qualified for the description, many people lived a meagre life, poverty and sickness was not far away and few people would have had a proper education. Fast forward 180 years and if Dickens were able to time travel he would barely recognised the place. No longer do we rely on horse and cart for transport , we have electricity, wifi, good sanitation, and running water (not just through the roof), all the accoutrements of modern living, we even have university education. There are some who say we have taken the “education” element just a tad too far, it now appears that we have even taught man’s best friend to read.
All for this month J.T. please send your contributions billjan299@gmail.com
We’re sorry to say that we have had to cancel tomorrow’s Ron Beer Trial 2022 due to the icy conditions. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.
It’s perfect weather for putting the newsletter together, pouring with rain ! There seems to be a lot having been going on of late , not only trials but boring stuff like first aid training, more on that later.
As I hadn’t entered the MCC Edinburgh trial I offered to marshal, this to be combined with ten days away in the camper van, so the route to the Peak district took in the windiest spot we could find on the Northwest tip of Anglesey, it was so windy that Vivien was convinced she could hear voices in a pub coming across the sea from Ireland, but we still managed to sleep well. I had a call about two days before the event saying that I wasn’t needed on the original planned section so was given two options, one was on a section opening around 1.30am or another opening around 9.00am, after about a second of deliberation I chose the latter one and a chance of a full nights sleep (hard decision} called Hobhay.
We arrived early on the day of the trial, nice cooked breakfast in the van at the top of the section and then set to work, after much tossing of coins I was restart marshal so kept well occupied but still also able to see the deviation route for class 7 & 8 which to be honest at first glance didn’t look too difficult, {how wrong could I be), of the total field of class 7 & 8 entries only four or five cars climbed it, Mike Leete first of all in his very pretty Dellow and a little while later Simon Oates in the Liege, meanwhile back on the restart myself and Ian Hingley were kept busy, one impressive climb here was the Reliant of George Osborn ably passengered by Celia Walton, it was also great to see the “step thru’s “ going clean, including a lost pizza delivery rider though I suspect his top box didn’t contain any fresh Pizzas.
Not too long after the expected finishing time the course closing car came through, so hand in the kit and job done , back to the van for a cuppa.
Parc fermé at the Duke of York ————————————–
First Aid Training
One of the concerns to the committee of late is getting first aid cover at our events, on two occasions this year we have been let down by our planned first aiders, so we decided it was time to sort something. On a morning in late September a small group of us and two people from the Launceston Voluntary First Aid Service met up at Tresmeer Village Hall for a day’s training.
The primary objective of the course was for the trainees to be able to give emergency first aid and to keep a patient comfortable whilst waiting for the emergency services to arrive, the course was low key but very informative, we covered aspects such as CPR and use of a Defibrillator. The CPR procedure covered children as well as adults, it was agreed by all those taking part not to shave on the day we are covering an event, if someone is to get mouth to mouth they might as well get the full “spikey bristle effect”. Admittedly we are not up to ambulance staff qualifications but it is good to know that should someone be unlucky enough to injure themselves at one of our events help will be at hand.
Top left photo shows just some of the equipment brought by the group, top right JT trying to inflate a plastic doll (never done that before said Vivien) bottom shows Mike talking to his doll whilst Andy is listening for a reply, it’s all a bit worrying 😃 ——————————————————– Sunrise over Screwfix
Tamar 2022
Exploring the Bermuda Triangle on the Tamar Trial
By Richard Simpson
A period of intense rain after a very dry Summer guaranteed a slippery start to the 2022 Tamar Trial, in memory of Pete Cooper, and it was with some disquiet that I realised fate had dealt a comic blow to Team Incompetence before the event even started: Richard ‘Shaggy’ Simpson (Beta X-Trainer 300), Merv ‘Swerve’ Brown (Honda XR400), and Ben ‘Skyhook’ Watton (Honda XL185) would be starting as numbers 7, 8, and 9.
This meant we would be sweeping the sections of slime and wet leaves ahead of most of the serious competition: at least until the inevitable blunders make us fall back down the field.
An early start gives me the opportunity to ride my X-Trainer in the dark and pretend that I am in an MCC Long Distance Trial. Breakfast in the Proper Andsome café sees us catch up with the irrepressible George Godkin who originally hails from Ireland but lives in Bury St Edmunds.
He’d not only ridden in a real MCC Trial the week before, but arrived in Launceston at midnight after attending the funeral of Phil Gunn, a stalwart of the enduro and rally riding scene back in Ireland. Respect!
Dawn breaks over Screwfix as we complete formalities, and off we went eastwards into the early light. There is an all-new start to the route this year, down minor tarmac lanes well lubricated with slurry, and with the morning sun shining in our eyes. Well it keeps us on our toes.
The first section, Tresallack, is also the first special test, and straight into the sun. It has a ‘target time’ of 25 seconds, with a restart half way though. Dazzled by the sun, I only realise that the restart line isn’t on the track, but on the bank at the side of the lane, at the last moment, and so drop a couple of points. But I manage to complete the section in 28 seconds.
Congratulations to Andy Beveridge, who relinquished his Suzuki DR650 for a Honda Innova step-through, hit the mark at exactly 25 seconds, and won the Dunheved Trophy for his trouble!
Regrouping at the top of the hill, Merv confesses he’s missed the restart line altogether, but, overwhelmed by the sheer power of his XL185, Ben is three seconds under the target time!
The next two sections are a departure for the Tamar Trial being situated on private land usually used for 4×4 driver training: as you might expect they are muddy and quite a challenge on trials tyres. I drop a miserable nine points on the first, have a harsh word with myself and score a rather more acceptable three on the next. Still a section that most of the field managed to clean though.
Barretts Mill sees me drop an avoidable four where my partners in disaster remained clean, but I manage to clean the next section: Danescombe; along with the rest of the field. This was the easiest section of the whole trial, in spite of the restart.
Tanks Terror took us away from the steep lanes and onto a grassy bank section in a valley. There were various different routes for different classes, and I picked the right one and kept my feet up for a clean. Two clean in a row: things can only get worse!
My teammates both got a bit confused and dropped a mark each.
We trek over to Lew Woods, where there are two sections. Somehow, we managed to pass the Brownes (or Rickman Brothers as I dubbed them), who run a pair of magnificent Triumph 650cc-engined Metisses, on the way. They appear behind us as we are queuing for the first of the Lew Woods sections, and I gesture for them to go in front, saying I want to hear them climb the hill.
This was true, but I also thought those big, heavy bikes are going to shift an awful lot of slippery leaf mould for us.
Up they go, the old Meriden-built twins bellowing heroically. It all sounds very straightfoward.
Well, it was for them. The British bikes run straight up the car section: modern solos have a Dougie Lampkin style deviation twisting between the trees. Ben drops five points and gets further than Merv or I manage with six. Merv’s XR rewards him by having a hissy-fit and refusing to start after he stalls. The second and final Lew Woods section is easier. Everyone cleans it, with the exception of Innova Andy, even me. That’s just six points lost in three sections, either this is getting easier, or I’m getting better!
Off we go again, with just a short ride to Lee Quarry: again there are two routes, with the motorbikes on the tighter one. I confess, I get a bit lost in the woods and drop seven points here, which is seven more than everyone else except Merv.
We all know what comes next: Angel Steps, complete with spectators and a humiliating restart. I’m determined to do better than last year when my old GasGas refused to fire at the bottom of the hill until all the bikes and most of the cars had passed. I then nearly got collected by a car unaccountably coming back down the hill while I was on my way up and ended up being dragged to the top. The Beta is electric start, and the cars are all behind us, I remind myself.
I’ve watched some YouTubes of the hill since last year, including one where one of the Brownes gets his Rickman Metisse up relatively easily by picking a line to the extreme right of the track. The British bikes are excused a restart, but nevertheless, I reckon keeping right is the best line.
Except, this year someone has cut the hedge and the rain has accumulated all the debris in the rut on the right. It would be like riding through a compost heap with added thorns. Working on the great Malcolm Smith’s aphorism that “A bad line done good beats a good line done bad,” I stick to the middle as it will give me more space. All goes well until the restart where I find zero grip on the rock slab. Several attempts later, and with a helpful shove or two from the assembled crew, I get going again.
Merv confesses that he just rode straight up without stopping. Given the amount of energy and tyre smoke I expended, I’d say that was a wise move. Looking at the results, only Rom Dobs (Beta X-Trainer), Jon Mildren (Sherco X-Ride) and Leon Youlton (KTM Freeride) seem to have restarted successfully, so an average six points for the rest of us!
On we go. Next section is motorcycles only, and another for the Dougie Lampkin impressionists involving a twisty circuit crossing the same drainage ditch twice. It’s scored as a conventional motorcycle trials section so my ‘five’ equals a complete failure. Ben does no better, but Merv does well with a two on the unwieldy XR.
Next one is Park Impossible. Last year, I cocked this up entirely. This year, I entirely cocked it up! What went wrong?
Well, at the foot of the section last year I convinced myself it would be a nadgery ride through the woods, so set off cautiously in first gear. I then realised it was a flat out climb, applied too much throttle, much too late and looped out. I’d forgotten all about it until this year, when I managed a repeat performance. Ten points for me, and clean for all the other bikes!
Next year, remember, second gear from the start and give it hell on the run-up!
No matter, it’s lunchtime. Off we go, back into Cornwall. Team Incompetence refill at Launceston BP station, and one of our number has to be stopped from riding off with his sidestand down. Whoops!
Now for the best part of the day, lunch! Delicious pasties, cakes and tea at Tresmeer Village Hall. There are even Cornish cream teas available. There’s also a GasGas enduro with a broken radiator which apparently resists all attempts at repair, and the unwelcome news that the second special test has been cancelled and the roadbook amended.
What follows is a wise decision, that goes hopelessly wrong. Merv says he will navigate his way to the next section, New Langleys, by using What Three Words.
Good plan, except the three words appear to be Bermuda, Triangle, and Mystery. We find ourselves in a peculiar hole in the space/time continuum somewhere between the Atlantic Highway and the Atlantic Ocean. Circulating in an ever-tightening vortex, we seem to collect more and more lost motorcyclists. One minute Merv’s phone tells him we are about to arrive, the next that our destination is 17 miles away!
Eventually, we break free, and arrive at what should be the New Langleys entrance, except the gate sign says Trevilla, which is the name of the section after. I piss everyone off by pointing this out, so we ride up the road a while, then Merv remembers that New Langleys and Trevilla are next to one-another and both accessed via the gate.
Sorry chaps!
To show just how sorry I am I humiliate myself by scoring eight points on each section…but the Bermuda Triangle effect is still at work as I see from the results that four riders managed the first section but missed the second…strange given their proximity.
I’ve got a long-range tank on my Beta, but I’ve no real idea how far it can carry me, and I seem to have used a lot of fuel in the Bermuda Triangle. So, I split off from my companions (I’m not exactly flavour of the month anyhow) and scoot off down the Atlantic Highway to refuel at Wainhouse Corner. From there, I know how to get to the next section at Crackington.
Going through the little settlement of Mineshop, I am alert for the vision of loveliness who saved the day for John Turner and me on the Lands End Trial last Easter, but there’s no sign of her. Around the corner, and Crackington is deserted. No competitors, and seemingly no marshals either. Have I fallen back into the Bermuda Triangle?
Marshals appear, and up the section I go. I’m confident of cleaning this one: I cleaned it last year, and I’ve since ridden it a couple of times without difficulty. So this should be a shoe-in.
Except, it’s not. I get the front wheel caught in some washed-down silt at the point where you have to go to the right of the tape, and fall off!
Idiot! Three points dropped.
I pick myself up and ride to the top, where I stop for a moment to kick myself. And I hear in the background the distinctive sound of Merv’s XR400 coming up the section…what??
How did that happen?
I thought I was well behind him after my fuel detour. Perhaps he got caught in the Bermuda Triangle again?
It turns out that Ben has taken a tumble and broken his clutch lever. Attempts to replace it with a spanner and some cableties failed, and he’s retired.
There are just two more sections to go, and the weather, which has been kind, starts to close in. The first Trehole section is an undulating path of slippery wet grass over slippery wet clay. It takes points off most of the field, but it’s only me and Innova Andy who drop ten!
Trehole 2 is the final section. It’s long and ends in a quarry. I miss the first of the yellow posts that I am supposed to keep to my left, which costs me six points.
Now it’s a dash back to the Frog & Bucket through steadily increasing rain to sign off and grab a quick bite before heading for home.
My not-quite waterproof riding gear manages to keep the wet at bay, and the rain washes the worst of the mud off the bike, so that’s a result!
And the real results show, that although I finished in the expected last place, I did at least get to the end, and that is some kind of modest achievement given there were four retirements from a field of 46 motorcycles.
Congratulations to Tristan Barnicote, who kept a clean sheet throughout to win the Dunhevd Cup on his Honda XR200, and Rom Dobbs who won the B2 class.
I’ll leave the last word to George Godkin. When we explained the Bermuda Triangle Mystery to him he pointed out with impeccable Irish logic that “What Three Words is great at telling you where you are, but not so good at taking you where you want to be!”
——————————————-
Tales of a Liege (Mr Toad – Class 7) Part 1
Being fairly new to Liege ownership (purchased end of November 2021 not running) and trialing in one is slightly different to the previous Class 8 Triumph Torum I owned for 11 years. Did I really purchased it because it had doors and more modern mechanical parts or was it because I hoped to use it as a run around car (which it does to Bude twice a week) and trial car?
Torum was running around 140bhp, the Liege when on its first trial with me (MCC ExeterTrial) had 30bhp. Putting it simply, the cars engine was struggling to power up the hills and I ended up increasing the tyre pressures to get the tyres to slip so that the engine wouldn’t die on a hill.
A week after the Exeter I went to Mark Shillaber owner of SRD on Newport Industrial Estate and had a short session on his rolling road where he managed to extract a further 10bhp to a staggering 40bhp, 29% of what I was used to in the other car.
Holsworthys Chairman’s Trial followed on 27th February which ended with a 4th in class still running with half worn Avon cross ply tyres all round. The engine pulled much stronger than before but lost power on 2 hills (electronics?) but all things considered, it was a good result.
Next was the Launceston Trial in Lew Woods on 20th March with a change to Michelin Taxi tyres on the back. There was certainly some improvement in grip except when high tyre pressure limits were applied, you’d just sit there and spin however you approached the section ending with a 3rd in class.
MCC Lands End Trial on Easter weekend was as exciting as usual. Long delays meant we were doing Beggars Roost in daylight which was truly a first for us! An unbelievable clear on all sections and fastest times on the Observed Tests meant that we were overall 1st car in Class 7.
Torbay Trial followed a week later and all was going well until we had the engine once again lose power for about 3 sections and probably lost us 18+ points. It could have been another great result but we did end with a Class 7 Award. Last but not least was the Flora Trial held by the Pendennis Motorcycle and Light Car Club. What can I say except you must go down and try it? Great sections (some extreme) and fun – very under rated and worth entering. Where did I come?? – home with a massive smile and great memories!!
During the summer the main job done to the car was the fitting of a needle roller cross pin to the differential which should strengthen it for trialing. Several Lieges use Suzuki Jimny rear diffs which have cross pins and are meant to be much stronger but have smaller half shafts (weaker?) which doesn’t make sense to me, basically what I have done is a compromise but improvement.
The new winter season started on 4th September 2022 with the Exmoor Clouds. We were cutting it fine getting to the start on time. I was hoping to be there to see Trevor and Daniel Bailey off on their first trial in my old Triumph Torum. They had purchased it a few weeks before and never competed in class 8. I was too late but spoke to them later after they had completed the whole trial – no mean feat first time. My trial started with poor concentration and a few points in the first section. It got better until we had a simple restart where the car again just lost power and wouldn’t pull away. The drive to my cottage is steeper than that section – not a word of a lie! We got to section 6 which I thought was moderately rough and snapped the axle tube which had about 20mm of steel at the top holding it together. We ratchet strapped across the bottom to stop it completely breaking away and retired to the trailer 4 miles away in 30 minutes. Not a good start to the season. The only positive is that we claimed the fastest special test time of 18.8 seconds (the engine must have been OK then!!)
It took a day to straighten the axle and strengthen top and bottom with extra steel. The finished job looks the part, so I hope it will survive. The diff housing didn’t fare well and the diff input gear to the half shaft was smashed also grinding out part of the housing and part of the end of the half shaft. It was all put together with parts from a spare axle I’d sourced a few weeks before ready for the next trial.
The Taw & Torridge Trial was the next to follow on 18th September. Lovely weather greeted us and some challenging sections. Some too challenging with a couple of cars seriously close to turning over on Rat Run with the section eventually cancelled. The diff wasn’t quite right and the back propshaft UJ had started to knock. We were beaten by Francis Thomas in his Dutton Melos (1 point) because I wasn’t concentrating on one section (Pen Steep) and went off the side costing 6 points.
I’m now hoping that the power loss issue is sorted. I’ve been working through all the sensors and have now disconnected the LAMBDA (O2) sensor on the exhaust. If the problem hadn’t been intermittent or there was a plug in port to interrogate the ECU, it would have been a lot easier. The propshaft UJ was replaced and the diff was taken apart again with new shims purchased and fitted. Once it was all together again I went to Barrets Mill to do some PR work for the Tamar trial. On the way home I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at Angel Steps (or is it no steps now) and drove straight up at 18psi. Another day you wouldn’t get up there with 4psi. As I entered Lifton on the way home, the diff started clicking which I knew wasn’t good.
Back home the diff is removed again to find that the new needle roller cross pin had broken probably due to the original broken back axle on the Exmoor Clouds and the pressure when the diff input gear got mangled. Better it happened here than on the first section of the Edinburgh Trial a week away! Original solid cross pin and gears were then installed and away we go.
Two days later on the Monday before the Edinburgh, I went to see Alan Murton at his engineering workshop to see if he could produce a modified stronger cross pin and needle bearings for the diff. He agreed it was possible and I left feeling more positive but definitely not expecting the call the next day confirming that I can pick up the machined parts. After some haggling and crossing his palm with silver, I picked up the parts but was dreading taking the diff apart again and whatever my darling wife Alison will say (or not say) to me about working on the car again. It came apart and went together very well (must know what I’m doing now) and was completed by mid-day Thursday in time to drive to Bude for a game of golf (a drive on so many levels). New steel wheels that had been made for the car were now shod with new Yokohama Geolander rubber and picked up from Wicketts of Bradworthy and fitted to the car. A final fettle, grease and check through means it’s time for the MCC Edinburgh Trial.
Edinburgh Trial 2022
Having had all the paperwork for the Edinburgh Trial emailed to me the week before its start and reading it all through, I felt there was a Big Brother feel to some of the advice and instructions. It’s a shame that a small minority can cause so much hassle and red tape for the majority of competitors. I do begin to wonder if common sense is being bred out of people or is it excess legislation and HSE (rant over).
The trip up from Cornwall took the best part of 7 hours, so we arrived in the dark at Brassington where we were staying. A quick fish & chips and chat with our hosts and it was time to head back to the start at Lichfield Rugby Club. Running as car 158 we left at 01.38 according to the marshals mobile phone (the planned display clock had broken) and made our way to Tissington Ford where we queued until our allotted time and drove through the ford steadily on to Haven Hill(1) where 20psi and a restart greeted us. Once completed we drove through Brassington (left here 5 hours ago!) and made our way to Cliff Quarry(2).
We’ve often been in queues until daylight in the past, only moonlight this time. Starting at the gate, we progressed to a restart on the corner and then to a deviation through exit A. Restart OK, pass exit C and then to the left was a sign low down with A & B with arrows to show the way. The problem was that the A arrow was obscured by something and it couldn’t easily be read. Last second reactions only just saved the day and I got to the left side. Nasty. I hoped this wasn’t the way the Trial was going to be. On to Whites of Calver for a top up of petrol and next to Tumbletrees(3) which was a wooded section with a yellow restart for us. Onward in the dark to Special Test 1Rebellion which was completed but not very fast. I guess it’s better to be clear at this stage! After the test, big brother was meant to be watching on the moors in the shadows in case you got over 15mph☺ The mileages and route instructions became a little inaccurate on the way to Special Test 2 Middleton Moor(4) which threw us a little but once we got there the test route was shown on a board. Two cones or was it three, one clockwise, the other anticlockwise and the next to your right I think!
As daylight had crept up on us we approached Calton(5) which in the past has claimed many a dream. Two cars in front had failed the hill and was reversing back to get a run at it and the next car was released before the hill was clear. By the time they got to the restart the fail car was still ahead of them. Quick thinking by the marshals held the car on the restart until the hill was fully clear and then let them away for a clean restart. For us, the restart wasn’t too slippery, so all good and on to The Duke of York and a well-earned Bacon Bap and cup a Tea. 83 miles of the route so far + 44 miles from Brassington + 280 miles from home, only 407 miles so far.☺☺
Great stop at the pub and catch up with other competitors, felt a bit more with it after that. Departure was at scheduled time of 08.48, some left early which I guess (in the route book) will be penalised. Excelsior(6) called and wasn’t too wet or slippery with the restart good on the wide approach. We then drove on to Clough Wood(7) where the cars had caught up the trailing bikes which caused a bit of a delay, but boy were we entertained by all that went on around us. Too much spare time had many looking at the second section worrying about if it was possible off the top restart. Off to section 7 where we were Ramp A, Exit A which were well signed, so no problem. Clough Mine(8) was to follow. The instructions were Exit A and top Red Restart box, what could possibly go wrong? Answer – nothing, all goes to plan and up to the top. What were we all panicking about when waiting earlier, funny lot aren’t we?
Five miles further on we arrive at Dudwood2(10) where the first section was cancelled so we waited in the queue for our turn. It didn’t seem that many were getting up – don’t panic. Eventually it was our turn and we went around to the right and kept to the left to suddenly find ourselves approaching two markers between trees and the end of section on the right. Don’t know how it happened, but it did. Only 4 cars got to the top I believe, with the ‘A’ board coming into play for classes were no car got to the top. Shell shocked we went down the hill and on to Special Test 3 Dudwood where it was shorter than previous years and I didn’t reverse far enough back in the middle of the test, so lost a lot of traction on my way to the finish. There’s only so quick you can do a special test with 40bhp so I shouldn’t complain. The trouble is, I know I left a lot of time out on the special tests☹. On for another 32 miles to HobHay(11) where I waited for Rob and Elizabeth Haworth in their Liege as they had stopped for petrol. While I was waiting I had the pleasure of seeing 147, Michael Leete and Dean Partington in their Class 7 Mk1 Dellow, clear the section – well done both, there’s hope for us yet.
A few cars later a VW Beetle took the class 7 & 8 deviation only to get stuck and 8 – 10 minutes to extract the car and a bit of a mess where we had to go, such is life. When it was our time, we gunned it as best we could at the deviation and it felt like we took off (safer to fly than drive they say) and just went through the heather and bog to the end! At the top of the section I took a picture of 3 Liege cars (146 John & Robin Charles, 158 myself & John Werren & 160 Rob & Elizabeth Haworth) together to celebrate the trial so far and what a view from our vantage point. Only 4 cars from classes 7 & 8 cleared the section this year. Hollinsclough Chapel Hall was calling 9 miles away for a time control, cake and liquid refreshment. It was much needed and appreciated after the last section. The views coming down into the village was stunning, you couldn’t have asked for more, how lucky we are.
Break over and we’re away again for another 3 miles back up on top of the dales to Booth Farm(12) where it was up and over a rough bit of moorland and then on to Corkscrew(13) that in the past had stopped me in my little GTM Coupe before breaking the diff at a later section. We collected a lost car at the bottom of the approach to the section and pointed him in the right direction. Corkscrew was very stoney and rough and luckily we didn’t have a restart in class 7 to contend with.
Only two sections to go and on to Litton Slack(14) which has such good and bad memories. It turned out to be as easy to get up as I can remember, so let’s hope that the section can be retained for the future. I almost felt cheated as it didn’t bite back as we all know it often can, but the clears continue. Only Waterloo(15) to go which was a gravelled sloping track plus restart for all classes which would provide few problems to anyone. Off to the Duke of York again to sign off and a good old natter.
The trial proved to be thoroughly enjoyable with less queuing to contend with and it felt as though we were moving between sections more than in previous years. There’s no question that wonderful weather, cracking marshals and beautiful views may have had something to do with it. THANK YOU ALL. We managed a Class Win (7) and finished 3rd car overall, much better than I could ever have hoped for.
Part 2 Mr Toad and the Tamar Trial next month.
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Tailpiece
It’s been all go at home with the arrival of “Mona”, or as Vivien named her “Mona the Vampire” (you’ll have to google it). She’s a bit of a project (understatement said Vivien who is not happy that JJ the Fergie Tractor has been turfed out of his cosy shed for some foreign upstart!)) but I’m sure she will be up and running in no time, unfortunately the tin worms were given her address before I could find her but as I have said to others there’s no holes where there’s metal. As with most classics the spares these days are almost better in availability terms than when they were built. Once up and running she will gradually be brought up to trials spec and will be floating over those bumps, rocks and potholes as if they didn’t exist, in the meantime the spanners and welder are going to be busy.
All for this month J.T. contributions to billjan299@gmail.com
So another month has shot past me and it’s back to the keyboard to try and conjure up something interesting for you. Our recent David Ayers Sporting Trial held at Marshgate by kind permission of David Langley was well attended, the weather was also suitably organised, rain was not on the menu so the waterproofs were left well alone, I will give you a run down on the event later.
Our recent committee meeting was well attended with various items being discussed, Andrew Rippon gave us a résumé of the recent ACTC meeting, interestingly there is no official tyre list, the general principle is that tyres used in classic trials should not have a gap wider than 8mm, anyone not sure on their tyre eligibility should consult the ACTC website. There is concern over the possible movement of dates for the 2023 season, in particular, the date of the Tamar Trial is under threat, hopefully, this can be avoided.
One item that has been discussed at the committee many times is first aid, we have on two occasions booked someone from an organisation to be responsible for this and both times they have failed to appear on the day. With this in mind we are attempting to get some of the committee members trained in the hope that we will at least have someone at an event with some knowledge of first aid. We cannot however guarantee that in the event of mouth to mouth resuscitation being required that the person administering it will have shaved that day.!
Should and members feel they want to attend a committee meeting they are very welcome to sit in, there is even a Bar, our next meeting is on Thursday the 6th October 7.30pm at Tresmeer Village Hall.
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No Chairman’s Chat this month unfortunately so here is a newspaper cutting of our esteemed chairman from 2001 at the water splash Knighton.
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Going back to our visit to Prescott in July, during the lunch break we visited the on-site Bugatti Museum . Although the museum is not huge it showcases a lovely range of the “Bugatti Products” , not just cars but all sorts of innovative engineering ideas which would not normally spring to mind when the word “Bugatti” is mentioned. The price tags are eye watering, several noughts follow a number but the cars themselves are both exquisite and possibly somewhat ostentatious, if one drove down any high street it could be the cause of several neck injuries as people turned in surprise at what was passing them, dream on.
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Forthcoming Events
POSTPONED. Our touring assembly booked for the 2nd of October has been postponed until the spring, unfortunately, it clashed with another one on the same day which was also being held locally, but at least the route planning is done so our chairman and secretary can sit back and wait until next year to enjoy.
7th & 8th October many of our members will be travelling north to take part in the MCC Edinburgh Trial, good luck and hope it all goes well for you.
16th of October we have our Pete Cooper Memorial Tamar Classic Trial, entries are already coming in for this so if you don’t want to miss out get yours in. The organising committee are working hard to make this a great event so please give it your support, yes, we need marshals so if you are available please contact any committee member or myself.
11th of December is the date for the Ron Beer Sporting trial to be held at Ashleigh Lifton, more on this in the November news
Back in 2000 Vivien and myself along with a trusty band of volunteers used to run the Launceston Trial as a full road going trial. Knighton was used as a special test, always a bit of an unknown element until the day of the trial as you could never be sure of the river level. It wasn’t unusual to see someone get out of their car in the middle of the river (Clive Calber, Sticker Martin?) and remove all their spark plugs in order to pump the water back out of the engine cylinders, motorcycle riders could also be dumped unceremoniously in the river after hitting a hidden boulder.
The photo below was produced in the Western Morning News , (photo by Peter Sentance) in 2000, Adrian Dommett and Judy Philps, pictured in the water splash at Knighton, Judy is already preparing herself for a dousing.
David Ayers Sporting Trial
With an entry of 14 on the day we all assembled before the start of the trial for a 2 minutes silence in honour of the passing of our Queen. Following this Warin Kelly gave a quick briefing to all congregated and then it was off to the hills on the lower side of David Langley’s farm at Marshgate. We were to complete four hills in the morning three times and a repeat of that but a different set of hills in the afternoon.
I was given the pleasure of passengering Andy Prosser, the car had recently had a change of ignition system which was proving far more reliable than the old one so it was a case of “all guns blazing”, or is it all ribs bruising? Section 1 wasn’t too bad with all the twists and turns expected on this type of event, sections 2 & 3 were like climbing grassy stairs with a loop around some gorse bushes and repeat, not only did you have to be quite quick to change positioning in order to get the best weight distribution but somehow manage to keep a grip or risk being thrown out, as luck would have it I did manage to stay with the car although on the last attempt of section 1 the only contact I had with the car was my backside , legs and arms were flailing helplessly before I managed anything that resembled the composure of a proper passenger. I once heard it termed as being an old man’s sport, to some extent this is true, if you aren’t at the beginning of the day you feel pretty much like it by the end of the day.
When lunchtime arrived we all travelled back up to the car park for a bite to eat and a chat and a chance to add more padding . Back down to the slopes, the afternoon hills were much more hidden whereas the morning ones were open to be seen much easier, I can’t remember an awful lot about the afternoon round with the exception of going up a hill leaning out as far as possible and realising I was staring into the lens of the MSUK photographer who had been despatched to the depths of Cornwall to cover the two day sporting trial festival jointly held with Camel Vale Motor Club. Somehow I survived the full day even if I walked like a Robot for three days after. When the results were read out Andy and I had won one of the classes , well done Andy, all worth it.
Results David Ayers trophy Thomas Bricknell First Class award Andy Wilks Blue Class award Jason Daniel Frank Ayers trophy Andy Prosser
So it was a very enjoyable day, held in lovely weather and a great relaxed atmosphere, well done to all, organisers, competitors and of course a big thanks to all the marshals who without you we would be struggling to run these events and to David Langley who as landowner we are very grateful. J.T. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Tailpiece.
So not much more to tell you, I managed on the 3rd attempt this year to attend a big scooter gathering over the last weekend but it’s alright I won’t bore you with that (yet). In a few days Vivien and I will be travelling North for a well earned break although I have been given the privilege by the MCC to take time out of it and be out on section at 4.00am for a marshalling stint on Middleton Moor, wherever that is!
All for this month J.T. Newsletter contributions to billjan299@gmail.com
The event is taking place on Sunday the 21st of August 2022 at Trevilla Farm Marshgate Camelford Cornwall PL329YN. What three words- STILTED.CURTAINS.DIGNITY and will consist of a number of observed tests. Marks will be awarded for completion of each test or section correctly as well as times taken where appropriate. There will be a number of tests and rounds dependent on time and size of entry.
Entries are open immediately and close finally on Wednesday 17th August 2022.
I don’t know how many of you are really thinking of motorsport or jobs to do in the garage, at the moment there is a big focus on the Jubilee Celebrations with village halls buzzing and street parties taking over neighbourhoods, perhaps it gives people time to reflect and enjoy what they have, away from our little island there is more than enough turmoil to contend with.
The club recently had a stand at the Launceston Steam & Vintage Rally, an ideal showcase for us to show the general public what we are all about, we had a good variety of machines present 2,3,&4 wheeled varieties and several members on hand to talk to anyone interested to know more, thanks to all the committee members for giving up their time, in particular Andrew and Lorraine Rippon for coordinating everything and taking charge, well, except for the erecting of the gazebos which was confusing as always but Lisa sorted it out by reading the instructions, we men aren’t big on reading instructions.
Chairman’s Chat
I hope you are all enjoying the spring weather although the temperature outside today is more conducive to writing this contribution than some fettling in the garage.
Our last event was the Northgate Trophy Sporting Trial and this was unfortunately curtailed due to Roy Hartley having a heart attack. Thanks particularly to Andy Prosser and other club members for their assistance for Roy and to the ambulance crew for helping them gain access down across the field and difficult terrain. The ambulance took Roy post haste to Exeter where he underwent expert care and treatment. Following his treatment Andy collected him from hospital and reports that Roy is now recovering with his family. We all wish him well and look forward to seeing him in the not-too-distant future.
The club is assisting the MCC to run a number of sections local to us and I am liaising with Launceston Town Council and Cornwall Council to arrange the lunch halt. The competitors will be in the Cornwall Council Race Hill car park from 11.30am onwards. Pat Gomm is officiating at the time controls in the car park and would appreciate offers of help. They are then due to pass though Launceston town centre to be waved off by a dignitary. Hopefully this will give Launceston a view of classic trials vehicles and help to promote our sport.
We are now looking forward to the summer events on our calendar and I hope to see as many of you as possible at those. There may be more news of social events as well soon.
Joe Caudle Chairman
SPORTING TRIAL FESTIVAL 21/5/2022
The Midland Trials Car Club announced plans to run a festival to cover Heritage ,Historic, Post-Historic & Modern cars & it seemed like a good idea to take part. However, because it was scheduled for a Saturday , when Nigel normally works ,the plan was shelved. I think we have all become a little ‘can I be bothered ‘ over the last 2 years & the thought of a three & half hour trip was off putting . Then with just over a week to go Nigel comes back with’ I have the day off’, so we are going.
Up at 4.30 & left home by 5.00. Overtaken by Murt’s van between Taunton & Bristol. Stop at Gloucester services & there was Murt ,Gill & Nigel Hosken at the counter . We took a brief stop for a bacon bap & expresso.
On crossing the car park I heard ‘ that brings back memories’, so got talking ‘did you compete’, answer ‘No but my family did, named Penhale ‘ . Is that from Holsworthy ? Yes my Dad was Allin Penhale. Reply –‘ I competed with your brother Richard in Sporting Trials in the 1980’s ‘ What a small world. For course Allin Penhale will be remembered by members of my age and older as a very successful regular competitor in Classic trials winning many of our Trophies .Richard is now living in Denver having been in the USA for many years. Photos of me & car were taken to send to Denver .
We then set off for Long Compton with Murt in pursuit & arrived on site at 8.45 where a large number of competitors were already parked. There were many familiar faces ,some from the classic car world & others not seen for a good many years. The format was- 3 Trials
HERITAGE ( entry 28)
Basically, 1950’s road going without fiddle brakes& including 11 Dellows & an Allard. These tackled 6 sections on the lower slopes 3 times. Familiar faces included Dave & Anna Robinson, Pete Tudor & Roger Ashby
HISTORIC & POST HISTORIC (55 Entries )
Historics are NTF cars from 1953 to early 1970’s with fiddle brakes & there were 30 side valve Cannons plus other specials. These guys appear to have an emphasis on having a jolly good time & often dress in period attire –namely flat cap, tweeds & tie. Also look to have a good picnic.Definitely from another era. Post Historics are NTF cars from early 1970’s to 1978 with mainly BMC A series , Imp ,Renault 16 & Ford crossflow engines & drum brakes. Again these classes tackled 6 sections 3 times on the medium slopes
MODERN ( entry 34)
This was the Jacobean Trial being a round of the BTRDA Championship. We tackled 6 sections 3 times on the steepest terrain & we ran on 8 psi.
There was a good local contingent comprising Murt ,Stewart Stamp, Jason Daniel, Duncan Stephens, Thomas Bricknell, Jerome Fack & myself.
I had 2 bogey hills which keep my score unnecessarily high but still kept in close contention with Murt & Jason ending just 5 points adrift but well down the field.
For the record the winners were- Heritage Martyn Halliday Lotus Historic Ian Wright Cannon Post Historic Simon Kingsley Kincraft Modern Thomas Bricknell Crossle
It was a privilege to take part in such a truly extraordinary event (117 entries) which was superbly organised by Josh & Elaine Veale & the MTCC team.
It was a pity that with simultaneous running we did not really have much opportunity to watch the older cars in action but I don’t think it could have been any other way.
All that remained was to load up after assisting a transporter beached on the corrugations of the field & start the long journey home followed by Murt . It was touch & go whether we could make home( 380 mile round trip )on a single tank so stopped for top up & expresso to keep awake Don’t know how we would manage such a trip in the future with an electric tow car ? Someone said it was like a Goodwood for Sporting Trials & that was a fair observation . I will probably look to go again another year after all it’s the taking part that matters.
As usual many thanks to my long suffering bouncer Nigel as without his enthusiasm I would probably have stayed at home. Mike Wevill.
GasGas 250cc Pampera Mk III For Sale
A rare opportunity to acquire a GasGas Pampera Mk III…recognised as one of the best long-distance trials bikes ever made. This bike is genuine one owner from new, and has recorded just over 3000 km. The original rear-wheel sprocket is still in place. It is one of the last two Pampera MkIIIs imported to the UK, and was purchased new from BVM of Stroud.
It is all original, except for Renthal trials bars and grips, nearly-new Pirelli trials tyres, security bolts, KTM handguards, and an Iris O-ring chain. Even the original speedo and indicators are still fitted and working. There is a good quantity of spare parts and consumables with the bike, including original type Vee-Rubber enduro tyres. All documentation is present, including the original bill of sale, handbook, sales brochure, and an information pack.
I’m selling because a Beta X-Trainer has replaced both it and my four-stroke trail bike. There is a small ‘ding’ in the front wheel rim (not a problem at MoT-time), and a small hole in the seat cover over the base. Apart from that, just a few little scrapes and scratches.
These machines only rarely come onto the market now.
Offers around £3000. Call Richard on 07812 402021
Future Events 12/06/2022 Testing / Production Trial at Smithson Farm Kelly.
Lisa Gregory is the entry taker and can be contacted through our facebook community page or you can enter online via the club website .
19/06/2022 Spry Sporting Trial. We have a new venue for this, Higher Frankborough Farm, Broadwoodwidger. Mike Wevill is your contact 01566 784451. Email j.wevill@btsupport.com
10/07/2022 Motor Traders Trial at Waterloo Farm North Petherwin.
MCC 3 Day Trial 24/25/26 June Our club is running hills on Day 2 of this event and as always any offers of marshalling help would be most welcome , contact myself on 07971 249783.
Anyone at a loose end on the 19th of June may want to come along to the Tresmeer Village Hall family treasure hunt. Starting at 2.00pm at the hall, all clues are done using the What 3 Words app, on completion return to the hall for tea and cakes.
So as you can see we are busy planning events for you the members to enjoy, in particular the Testing Trial is one that caters for all age groups in whatever form of vehicle you have, preferably not an electric one (only joking) as one of our Vice President’s Les Connect is yet to be convinced of the concept. Unfortunately his application to the local Council to turn his garage into a giant fuel store was refused, Les was last seen at a hardware shop in Newton Abott buying a pick and shovel with plans to excavate an underground fuel store under the veg plot in the garden.
All for this month, don’t forget to send contributions to billjan299@gmail.com J.T.
We won’t be making use of the online entry system for this event as it normally has low entry numbers.
The event will take place on Sunday 19 June 2022 at Higher Frankaborough Farm, Broadwoodwidger, Lifton ,Devon (mr 190/393916)( What 3 words-boards,footsteps.pylons) by kind permission of the Harvey family.
