The trial, hosted by the Club, was an idea the Chairman Andrew Perry had to help raise funds for the MCUI Trials Des Nations Team who are representing Ireland at the event in Italy in September.
The format of the day was a “fun” trial of two laps over the eight sections that Andy had set out in the park for all grades, then a break for lunch.
At lunch we had hot dogs, hot drinks, and the very welcome arrival of an ice cream van for all attending.
After lunch the prize giving took place in the car park for the winners in the OHA sponsored 2024 Summer series. Again, the Club are very thankful to Jonny Annett from OHA for his continued assistance in the series.
Once the prize presentation and ice cream were finished, we then went back up to the park, where our top riders including Stuart McClurg, who is riding at the TDN, as well as Jay Pyper, Josh Hanlon and Jonny Lunney put on a show for the assembled riders to show how practice helps take your skill to that higher level.
Back to the trial then. The event was very well attended with 54 riders taking part, as well as another 6 up for practice too, and as a Club we would thank every rider who took the time to come and take part and support us. We had riders of all ages and abilities from all over the country including the Hampshire and Bublis families who travelled from near Wicklow to take part, amazing commitment.
As usual Andy had set out lines for all grades and in the Semi Expert grade we had two locals who fought it out with Sam Hampshire for the win. Well, Ben Johnston is from Dungannon way, but, you know what I mean, and Alex Andrews is from Groomsport and has just won his first season in the Enduro championships Nationally. Ben is a regular at the park, Sundays, and Wednesdays and that really shone through as he took the win from Alex by the odd mark, Ben on 5, Alex on 6, with Sam, who to be fair following injury does not ride as much anymore, on 13. Sam really has his hands full chasing the next generation of riders in Arthur and Lucy!!
In the Clubman grade we had a few rider pushing to try to take the win, but as is often the case, experience wins the day and that is shown by Phillip McClurg taking the win on only 2 marks lost, with Alan Young keeping him honest by taking second on 5. Third home was Jack Sloan on 7 and a special mention to Davy Gault in fourth on his Mono Yamaha with 12 marks, including a massive 5 where he was lucky to walk away without major mishap!!
On then into what is always the best supported grade with over twenty riders, the Sportsman grade. And as is often the case this was a super, super tight battle with the nerves on edge for many riders. We had SIX riders who held their nerve to remain faultless all day, Gary Woods, George Robinson and Bailie Thompson on Mono Yamahas, Richard McConaghie, Nigel Mowbrey and Chris Hampshire. How do we call the winner? Well, for this event as a Club we plumped for “Furthest Travelled” as the decider and as Chris came with his son Sam, and Sam’s wife, as well as the grandkids, it is only fair we think. Well done Chris. In fact, they all enjoyed their day at the park that much that I think it is fair to say we will see them make the journey a few times over the next few months. A mention too, but for one slack dab returning legend Johnny McKimm would have joined the other six on clean cards. Great to see Johnny back out after many many years.
No Novice adult riders today, so on into the Youth grades.
In Youth B on the Sportsman course we had five riders competing. another perfect score too for Tom Stevenson, who took the win, with Toby McKimm in second on 5 marks, and Jenny Crawford on 10 marks. Arthur Hampshire was next on 19 with Nate Anderson next on 26 marks lost
In Youth C then on the Novice course we again had five riders. Harry Annette took the top step with a low score of 7, followed by another rider who travelled some distance, Ewan Bublis, on 14. Next in third was Ben Griffiths on 18, only pipping Oliver Seaton by 1 mark, with Lucy Hampshire next on 33 marks.
So in closing, thank you to all those who supported the event. The Club are very happy to say that we raised £1000 for the TDN team as a result of the trial. Thanks to the riders, and as always, a special thanks to the Observers, Billy Rodgers, Stevie Johnston, Stuart McClurg, Robert Bustard, Jonny Lunney, Jonny Hagan, Andy Jones and Josh Hanlon. Thank you to Nicola and Stephen for their efforts with the food and drinks, and bringing along the lady in the ice cream van, and to Warren for the paperwork and scores.
For those with classic bikes our next event is the classic kickstart trial at the Classic Bike Festival at Bishopscourt on the weekend of 1st – 3rd of August. Last year was the first time at the event and from feedback as long as Warren stays off the bikes it will be another great day!!!
