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© Bob Mullins   

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Originally scheduled for 27th December GMCC's traditional winter Hare & Hounds event at Woodside, this year became round three of the newly established Scottish championship. Previous years have seen the event run in very cold and very wet conditions but it has always been able to go ahead. This year Elgin was subject to the same heavy snow and low temperatures as the rest of the UK. As such it was impossible to run the event on the original date. Rescheduled for the 24th January but again the weather ruled this date out. Finally the event took place on 14th March.

After a week of dry and relatively warm weather the forecast for the day was for rain and as we travelled towards Woodside it rained fairly heavily, but as we descended into Fochabers there was a patch of blue sky in the distance. The rain stopped as we arrived in the paddock. A quick walk round the course showed the ground to be fairly dry. As usual Les, Willie, Ian, Kevin, Barry and the other course setters had put a lot of time and effort to make a challenging but rideable course. The steep climbs opposite the lap scoring container had a new and extensive "chicken run" for riders not wishing to tackle the climbs. As it turned out, with the dry conditions the hills didn't become a problem for most riders. Previous years in the wet had seen dozens of riders struggling to make the climbs. Almost all of the motocross track was utilised though it didn't run in the conventional loop. The track was in superb condition with extensive grading taking place beforehand. As in previous years the auto track was utilised and the sharp turns and whoop sections added to the character of the course. There were a couple of logs placed on the trail and another chicken run for riders too tired or unwilling to attempt them. The tyre section from the BEC special test was included and all riders had to cross it as there was no alternative route.

Prior to the main event a youth Motoduro took place on a shortened course. This is one of the few venues where youngsters get the chance to ride a distance event over varied terrain under the close supervision of travelling marshals. The 125 cc class saw some hard racing with Mark Farquhar and Andrew Bisset swapping the lead many times though Mark eventually took the win by around 90 seconds. Willie Coutts took the honours in the big wheel 85 class with eleven laps and Reece Robertson was first in the small wheel 85 class. Claire Winthrop did extremely well in the 65 cc class with seven laps. Congratulations to all riders in the youth motoenduro, all rode very well and everyone went the 1-1/2 hour distance. Possibly some enduro stars of the future?

The adult race was scheduled for a 12 o'clock start. The start was dead engine with a 1 minute stagger between the classes. A welcome sight on the start line was Richard Hay riding his first competitive event after a serious injury last year. Derek Little is always a force to be reckoned with in the expert class and on home ground is never easy to beat. Frazer Norrie is also a Woodside regular and few would bet against him. Sand isn't Murray Thomsons favourite surface but his pace in the woods is always impressive. Euan McConnell and Neil Flockhart add to the mix. Local rider Kagen McKenzie continues to improve and is worth watching.

The starts went off without incident though the first lap or two were fairly chaotic as riders jostled for position and learned the course. GMCC events traditionally offer very little respite and this years course is no exception. The well worn trails have been repaired in places prior to the event but not so much that the rider can relax at any time. Normally this event takes place in atrocious conditions and the hills become greasy, muddy bike traps but the dry conditions give very few problems and make the climbs great fun to ride. The last major descent through the trees prior to heading for the edge of the sand quarry becomes fairly rutted and potholed as the day progresses but remains rideable though the broken tape at the bottom shows that some riders struggle to make the tight turn at the bottom. A new route takes us briefly into the quarry where the deep sand catches a few riders out. Out of the quarry and down the tight, whooped trail facing Elgin & the A96. Back into the trees and a couple of climbs before descending to "brick corner" then on towards the log section (or chicken run) followed quickly by the tyre obstacle. After the tyres, a bumpy ride round the one-ten track and the sandy track along the side of the swollen Lossie river and on to the motocross track. The deep sand has a few riders off, as does the large table top taken in the opposite direction from normal. A hairpin turn off the motocross track takes us to the tunnel and onto the auto track then a fast approach to the last table top and the chicane that is the end of the lap.

In the expert class Euan McConnell and Derek Little are the only two riders to make 19 laps with Euan taking the win. Frazer Norrie is a very creditable 3rd with 18 laps.

Fraser Flockhart takes 1st place in Clubman with David McArthur a couple of minutes behind. Both riders complete 17 laps with Mitchell Brown in third on16 laps.

Over 40's honours go to Leslie Winthrop with Gavin Johnstone second (both 17 laps). Mark Ritchie takes third with 16 laps.

GMCC rider Angus Donald secures the win at Clubman B level in his first adult event on 14 laps followed by John Stewart. Gordon McGregor of the Bon Accord club takes third. Local road racer Les Shand from Mosstodloch entered this class and managed to complete eleven laps. Well done to Les, we hope to see you at some more "dirty" events.

Scott McBeth on 15 laps is winner in Sportsman. Lee Phillip is second with 14 laps and Nigel Love third, also on 14.

Thanks again to Les, Willie, Ian, Kevin, Barry and all others involved in setting out the course. Thanks to the marshalls and scrutineers and thanks to Colette, John, Ilene & Gilbert for spending the day scoring the race. Thanks to Charlie for Stewarding and thanks to all riders for attending and making the day a success.

Results Sportsmen Youth

Report Brian Donald