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 New
Venue Report by Mike Grounds
I have just been down to Thorncombe Nr Bridport to plan the course for the 5th Feb, our first of many new venues for 2012. What can I say this track has everything an Enduro rider could ask for! Grassy, open moorland , no shortage of wooded areas and two hilly stubble fields, one for the start area and the second to break up the woodland sections. Plus rocky streams beds , some 3rd and 4th gear flowing open going and plenty of air time inc a tabletop! You will have to concentrate for every second. I can’t wait, six to seven miles of cross country Heaven. This track will be one of the best Enduro tracks you will ride, the 2012 season has the most magnificent tracks you will find anywhere.
Biles Blitzes Tidworth A clear and bright day greeted the riders to Tidworth for round one of the Track n Trail championship. With a large entry busying themselves in the pits, ready to put them up against the skating rink that was a wet Tidworth. Due to the previous days heavy rain the course was sure to be hard going for some. A nine to ten mile layout that included three good hard route options, the first being the concrete tank traps which were a really entertaining feature for the spectators and a big challenge to some of the riders but sure to bring a smile to their faces. The second being a washed out rain channelled hill climb which required some really precise throttle control and good body English. Although the easy section in this part of the course became a real challenge towards the end of the event and was littered with riders. The last hard route was a wickedly steep decent behind the old pumping station which plunged the riders down into the trees and for some this must have felt like a pure freefall. The rest of the course was flowing and varied and sympathetic to the heavy rain throughout the week but still had some nice mud holes.
In the over 40s Expert class Peter Archer ex AMCA motocross champion had a strong ride to take the win after a race long dice with Ewan Harrison. Third place went to Mr Consistency Gary McCoy. I must mention Jonathan Tarr who was a front runner early on, he took the lead on lap five only to have it all go wrong on the mud hole on the far side of the course taking a slightly wide line, he went straight over the bars into the drink. He was seen laps later still kicking a drowned KTM.
Clubman 2t had Mark Mealham have an excellent ride to win by nearly nine minutes over Mark Goddard who had second under control from the first lap. Third went to Robert Moulding followed home by Mitch Frost and Chris Brown.
In the Clubman 4t Giles Richards had a really close scrap with Chris Pratt, the pair of them working their way up the leader board after poor starts. It was Chris who put the pressure on in the closing stages producing his fastest time on the very last lap but it wasn't quite enough to catch Richards. Third place went to Elliot Davis. Over 40s saw first go to Dave Kirtly with a very strong and consistent ride and even a flat rear tyre in the last few laps didn't stop him taking the win. Second was Steve Davey and third went to Dean Allen. All three of these riders had lead at some point during the race, a real close one. Good stuff guys! Over 50s, Sean Skinner had this one under control with Anthony Marshall also managed nine laps, well done! Third went to Gary Taylor.
Sportsman 4t had another clear winner Craig Osment with eight laps. Second went to Mark Lovell followed by Ben body. There was a very large entry in the trail class which was won by James Browning, followed home by Andrew Wakely and Bradley Cannings. Just a small Gripe, whoever it was who chose to straight line the woods at the top of the course towards the end of the event going through three or four double taped areas, I suggest you take a long hard look at yourself as this level of course cutting is pretty sad on what was a nice flowing track through the trees anyway. This event was a great start to the Track n Trail championship which is going to have some fantastic venues over the nine round series. Looking forwards to the next round already! Just a small note to finish, you just don't realise how much hard work goes into these events, Mike and Tom were still clearing the track long after most of us had gone to bed, thanks guys! What had been a clear bright day for the adult event soon turned into something very different for the youth race and during the opening laps the skies blackened and there was torrential rain on what was already a challenging course. The kids really toughed it out in nasty conditions and its hardly any wonder that Track n Trail are producing some fantastic youth riders.
BW 85 class had a great win for Issac Atherley who put in consistent laps in tough conditions and was the only big wheel to get in six laps. Second was Nathan Baggott who is always a rider to be reckoned with no matter what the conditions and third went to Niles Reid. A quick mention must go to Jordan Ridgeway, whose first time out in big wheels, saw him lead until lap four but unfortunately he had to pull out as the cold and damp didn't agree with his asthma. SW 85 George Saunders was the winner with a measured ride taking the lead two laps from home. Josh Wilson and Matthew Martin had a close race for the podium. 65 class, Well done Ben Harvey taking your first win battling through in a determined style, im sure it's the first of many to come, great job! Second went to Carl Benham.
Moreton was the venue for the last round of Track’n’Trail’s summer series. The track was very fast and flowing with a sandy base so it cut up nicely and got quite bumpy. A good extreme section of logs and tyres slowed things up towards the end of the lap. To say it was fast in parts was an understatement with many riders reporting speeds of 90+. Details
Kings of Corfe Castle. Championship class were away first with Phil Studley taking the holeshot but within two corners Craig Callow took the lead, which is where he stayed for the duration. Although I don't think he would say it was an easy win, as he was sick before the start of the race, went straight through a hedge during the race and finished with a back wheel on the verge of collapse. Jack Twentyman (below) had a strong ride and after a big get-off on the last lap "fourth gear flat out up the hill and it kicked sideways end over end", Jack was certainly well pleased to see the finish flag in 2nd place, all be it bruised and battered. David Biles spent most of the race moving up the order after a poor start to finish a good 3rd . Gary Wright, always a solid performer finished with a fine 4th, but Phil Studley certainly didn't have his normal day and after an argument with barbed wire that ended up getting wrapped right round his rear wheel and across his forearm, he finished an uncharacteristic 5th, and took home some nasty cuts.
Over 40s Expert class saw a fine ride from Mark Kirby who took the win and was the only over 40s expert to get 14 laps. Followed home by the ever solid, Gary McCoy and Stuart Keedwell. Experts had a dominate ride from Josh Gotts who took the lead on the 2nd lap and never looked back. 2nd place went to the hard charging Dan Price who was on a borrowed KTM 2 stroke. 3rd was Matt Pemble who lead early on but must have had problems. 4th place was Andrew Gorse who had a well measured ride. Clubman 4t, Giles Richards took a start to finish win and looked in full control of the class. Will Ansell had a great ride and seemed to be up and down the leader board during the 3 hours. Olly Ford had a fine 3rd from 5th on the first lap. I must also mention Scott Clifford, who hasn't ridden for a few years but showed he hasn't lost much of his old speed producing fastest laps before going out with problems.
Over 40s Novice saw a great win for Steve Davey who had to ride through the pack from 11th on the first lap. 2nd went to Darren Laughton. 3rd was Carl Swateridge, all with 12 laps. Over 50s had another start to finish win for Mark Pemble with 3 minutes in hand over Neil Fripp and Colin Paddy. These old boys certainly show that age makes no difference when you're having fun. Sportsman 2t, 1st place went to Callum Collins with 12 laps with Casey Holloway in 2nd and Martin Bone 3rd on 11 laps. Sportsman 4t had another class ride from the big man Jack Liddard, who has won every round so far. A trip through the bushes didn't stop Jack from taking the win by nearly 5 minutes. 2nd went to Kevin Park with Matt Ansell. Trail was the biggest class of the day and was won by David Brown having a great ride. 2nd went to Callum Platts and Jake Futchers taking 3rd. In the Youth 125 Dylan Baynton was something else! With a 8 and a half minute lead at the end on his 85. Although the others rode damn hard to keep with him, 2nd place went to Jake Penhaligan and a 3rd for Callum Reynolds. Big Wheel 85, a great win for Nathan Baggott, 2nd went to a stylish Jake Meaker a minute down, followed by Ashley Cogdell who took his first podium. Well done son! Small Wheel class had Jordan Ridgeway with a win with Bradley Rowland in 2nd. Both with 7 laps, just to upset the big wheels. 3rd went Isacc Atherley. The 65 class had solid rides from Brett Rowland winning, 2nd going to Matthew Martin and Ben Harvey in 3rd. These three are real mini warriors always fighting it out for top spot. Results
We can now confirm four of the five venues for our 2011 Summer Series. We have a great variety of tracks this year catering for everyone from beginners to championship riders. At Track n Trail we spend a considerable amount of time securing new land and in the last 12 months have offered riders 3 new race courses and 3 new practice venues. In addition we spend weeks after each of our events re-grading the land to ensure riders are able to return to wonderful tracks, in perfect condition. Track n Trail are well known for laying on friendly, very well organized events and providing some of the best venues in the south of England. This summer we will be running 2 Sprint Scrambles, as well as 3 Hare & Hounds events within this exciting new Series! During the summer riders will visit some of our most popular venues and be able to discover our new tracks. Riders will enjoy the challenges of all our different styles of tracks inc, 4 wheel drive courses, forests, fast open going , stream beds and sandy trails. Racing kicks off, on the weekend of 11th/12th June. There is a chance of a full weekends riding at Two Valleys Nr Dorchester. Incorporating, round 1 & 2 of the Summer Series, riders will be revved up and ready for the first of the four heat Sprint Scramble races on Saturday morning. And in the afternoon, the eagerly awaited Youth Sprint Scramble. On Sunday the track will be reversed and lengthened for the adult 2.5 hour Hare & Hounds & youth 1.5 Hare & Hounds for our amazing youth riders. Saturday Evening is the Winter Series championship presentation and with free camping, all weekend why not bring the whole family! Throughout the series riders and on lookers will be able keep abreast of what's going on at each race with Track n Trail's Matrix Live Timing system showing riders names, lap times and position in class and lap by lap results on a large LED screen. This system even tells you the time difference between you and the rider in front of you. Plus there is no need to stop anymore, as riders use DAG passive transponders. For the youth riders aged 10-16, Track n Trail offers a sighting lap plus a 1.5 hour race giving quality bike time and riding over miles of incredible, natural terrain which is excellent value for money. We are seeing more and more lads sign up for our events, as they appreciate this exciting riding which improves fitness and technique in a fun, safe atmosphere. Not only will we be offering youth and adult races at all events there will be a free beginner's course for the youngsters who are itching to get going but not yet ready to face a full Enduro course, helping to offer a great family day out. Throughout the summer Track n Trail will also be putting on plenty of our popular practice days, we will be using large parts of our Hare & Hound tracks and introducing some new land in Dorset and Hampshire. Whatever the event, Track n Trail welcomes riders of all ages, levels and disciplines. For entryforms, dates & information please go to
www.trackntrail.biz or send ASAE to Track n Trail Summer Series 2011 Dates Round 1 June 11th Two Valleys Winterbourne-Abbas (Nr Dorchester) Round 2 June 12th Two Valleys Winterbourne-Abbas (Nr Dorchester) Round 3 July 17th New Venue to be announced Round 4 August 28th Longbridge Deverill, Nr Warminster Round 5 September 25th
Biles Blasts Melplash As the riders drove through the picturesque village of Melplash and up to the parking and finish area they were treated to the spectacular view of rolling hills out to the sea. It was a beautiful sunny morning and the ground was in perfect condition. This spectacular track offered riders yet another style of terrain, it required some good technical riding, sorting the men out from the boys! The track incorporated an original scramble track from the 1960’s which had very steep decent and climb which was all but impossible to find grip on in the early stages of the race until the sun warmed the air and dried out the grass. This course was certainly a fitting end to a truly great winter series. Full Report
The foul weather that was forecast all week held off until Saturday night where it continued to rain on and off throughout the race, there was still a strong turn out and all riders were positive before the start flag. On the sighting lap some riders found it more interesting than they had anticipated and many of the novice class riders decided that they would take an early bath.
The Expert over 40 class was won by Charlie Richards, chased home by Stuart Keedwell. Clubman 2stroke class was taken by Daniel Richards with Ian Barnett coming home second. In Clubman 4stroke Giles Richards was 1st and Jacque Stevens 2nd. Over 50's was won by Steve Taylor, with Mike Hill finishing 2nd. Not everyone found the going so straightforward. Some even chose to practice their crowd-pleasing wheelies on the Way.
First place was taken by Matt Baber followed closely by Harvey Dark taking second place in the Youth 125 group. The popular Big Wheel 85cc class was won by Dylan Baynton, 2nd place was Mitchell Miller. Jake Meaker took first in the small wheel 85cc class, followed home by Joe Newman. The ever happy 65cc class was won by Matthew Martin, 2nd place was Joseph Peppard. Finally. Thanks to all those who helped throughout the, wet, muddy and cold day. Next event www.trackntrail.biz
After a very wet and windy week the track laying crew where faced with much better weather on Saturday for the commencement of the track laying. The teams leaders were kind enough to take Friday off work to plan the course and had walked the whole ten mile course in the pouring rain, contending with the huge milky, coloured puddles collecting from the chalk. They then met before light on Saturday and started to set out the start area by Quad head lamps & torch light! The teams leaders were kind enough to take Friday off work to plan the course and had walked the whole ten mile course in the pouring rain, contending with the huge milky, coloured puddles collecting from the chalk. On race day the huge crowd turned out to Tidworth from all over the country to find a very different day, a beautiful January morning with lightly frosted ground and the sun shining once it rose above the alpine back drop. At 9.30 the long sighting lap got underway with some riders taking over forty minutes to complete the sighting lap track! With some completing a lot more than ten miles and some a lot less, due as some have commented on, to the track not being laid out as clearly as it perhaps should have been. Unfortunately I would have to agree, that the course marking was not up to the usual very high standards of Track n Trail events that riders have come to expect. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for this, but I would like to reiterate my thanks to all the track layers that gave up their time and support for three days very hard graft. It was a real shame that there was confusion as the intended course was
a real mix of hills and descents, fast open going which is hard to find in
the wet season but this had a down side the hard ground was icy at the
start then incredibly slippery once the ice melted. Most of the going was
very open with large dry moorland sections giving the riders time to
relax. There were 2 cracking hard routes. The first hard route added to
the confusion. It was in the centre of the driver training area and the
first part of the hard route was to jump up a 4 foot concrete slab set at
90 degrees, after jumping down the other side the riders had to
immediately clamber up a twelve feet high, massive pyramid shaped concrete
slab then ride down the other side without being thrown over the bars, not
for the faint hearted! Leading the Championship class David Biles had a great ride leading from start to finish. Biles did have the advantage of this being his home venue, he had walked the course with his beautiful girl friend on the Saturday. Still his fastest lap at 18mins and 6sec was very impressive. 2nd place Tyson never really looked like threatening Biles but did well holding off Phil Studley in the closing stages of the race. In the Over 40's expert Gary McCoy put in a good steady performance to take 1st. Steve Bird closed the gap on Anthony Marshal in the final lap to just 3 seconds but not enough to take away Anthony's second place. The Expert class saw Adam Kerr loose his lead on lap 3 to Jack Turner but stayed within seconds of Jack until the penultimate lap when he slipped back in to take the lead. Daniel Price took 3rd just missing his chance to add an 8th lap to his score. Young Dan Newman, took a convincing win in Clubman 2stroke. Gethin Francombe, having led in the mid race took 2nd. And Barry Mitchell showed us he does still have it, when it comes to these tough events taking third, all on 6 laps and just minutes apart. Jacque Stevens kept his head and made no mistakes to take a win in Clubman 4stroke. Shaun Adams and Marcus Clare battled it out throughout the 2 ½ hours for 2nd and 3rd with Shaun taking 2nd on the last lap. In Over 40's Sportsman Brian Sweet led the race convincingly to lap but then DNF'd leaving it clear for Paul Jenkins to slip into the lead. Jim Allwood 2nd and Robert Waring 3rd. Our new Over 50's class has already become quite a competive little group. With Steve Taylor, Malcolm Buck and Peter Nash all sitting comfortably in that order from mid race to race end. Another of our Youth race competitors, Mitchell Frost, took a win first time out with us in an Adult race in Sportsman 2 stroke, 2nd and 3rd going to Derek Smith and Mike Owen respectively. Sportsman 4 saw Adam Smith take a win and Olly Ford 2nd. 3rd went to
Phil Cole. And once the drama's of the adult race were over the youth lined up for their turn not at all perturbed by the then, very slippery course. The 125cc class were first off the line with Harry Hinson flying from start to finsish. He took the lead a good 2 minutes over 2nd place Matt Baber, who also put in a great performance. Jack Liddard took third, all were on a very respectable 8 laps. In the 85BW class it is usually Dylan Baynton who is the one to watch but today he was out ridden by Todd Kellett who led from the start. First time out with us Nathan Baggott put in a great performance to take 3rd. But it was in the 85SW class that the closest battle was fought. With Bradley Rowland leading for half of the race over Joe Newman but Joe was always just seconds behind and on lap 4 slipped into the lead which despite Bradley's best efforts he held to race end. Third went to Isacc Atherley. Matthew Martin in the 65cc class felt right at home on this terrain and took a convincing win over Brett Rowland. Whilst Ben Harvey had to make a concerted effort to make sure that he held onto 3rd over is good friend and rival Joe Peppard. Next event www.trackntrail.biz
Track n Trail Thrills at the Deverills With rain threatening to pour between 7am and 10am, the Track n Trail Team were pleased that the strong winds gusted the clouds away from Longbridge Deverill, in time for the racers to climb the long, steep entrance to the top of this hilly venue. Once at the top everyone was rewarded by breathtaking panoramic views across Wiltshire. The Sportsman and Trail classes had the first crack at the course.
Flagged away with a dead engine start, they shot off around a sweeping
left hander into the tight S bends before following the tight and twisty
grass course. This in turn led to a large pile of wood chippings to
manoeuvre and then up and over a big mound of soil. Next the fast part of
the course with the first drop off leading them down and round before
jumping back In the Championship class we saw the top 5 riders all complete 9 laps in both heats. Jack Twentyman (right), was flying in the first heat, he led throughout and finished a good minute ahead of Phil Studley (above). Jack couldn’t keep up his blistering pace in the second heat, this time it was Phil who took the lead from the beginning. Daniel Beaven found his pace in the second heat and was snapping at Phil’s heels in the final laps but couldn’t quite take the win. So the day went to Phil once again.
The expert class, also had the presence of a Hudson. Ashley, Neil’s son put on a great performance chasing Craig Callow throughout, both riders results would have made them worthy of the Championship class. Craig having the fastest lap of the day, 6mins 42.29 and Ashley’s fastest lap only a second slower. But the day went to Craig, with Ashley 2nd and Matt Pemble 3rd. With each hour long heat every class saw some great cat and mouse racing and all the adults thoroughly enjoyed the course and we would like to thank everyone for their positive feedback. Mark Kirby Over 40’s Expert Winner The sun shone in the afternoon and there was a fantastic turn out for the youth race. Even our smallest class, 65cc had an amazing 15 competitors, over double the usual numbers in this class. As usual the young riders were not daunted by the track. When Mike told them, he wouldn’t be changing any of the course, there was no apprehension but a great feeling of anticipation and eagerness to get going. In the 125’s, we again saw George Hayes out ahead, but the race for
2nd and 3rd was hotly contended by Liam Manchip, Connor Davis and Jack
Liddard. With much changing of positions it was Liam who eventually
secured 2nd and Jack 3rd. Dylan Baynton,in the 85Bw class, who always
stands out excelled himself to take the win on 12 laps, making him the
overall In the 65cc class Josh Wilson and Brett Rowland were just seconds apart throughout but at race end it was Josh who just got through for that precious extra lap, whilst the flag came down on Bradley. In 3rd it was Connor Smith. Ben Harvey (rignt) was 6th. Round 5 now done and dusted, were off to the re-graded course of Two Valley’s for 22nd August Rd 6...See you there!
Track n Trail Summer Series Track n Trail now well known for laying on friendly, well organised events is offering a 7 round Summer Series with great variety of tracks this year catering for everyone form beginners to Championship riders. After the popularity of our first Sprint Scramble we are planning 2 sprint scrambles as well as 5 Hare & Hounds events within this exciting Summer Series! The events will visit some of our most popular venues and introduce some new ones, riders will really enjoy the challenges of all our different styles of tracks inc, 4 wheel drive courses, forests, fast open going , stream beds and sandy trails. Starting with Round 1, set in a huge valley with woodland gulley's ,this is a brand new venue at Melpash, Nr Beaminster on 25th April. Track n Trail's Matrix Live Timing system offers riders lap by lap results on a large LED screen. This system even tells you the time difference between you and the rider in front of you and there is no need to stop anymore. Not only will we be offering youth and adult races at most events there will be a free beginner's course for the youngsters who are itching to get going but not yet ready to face a full enduro course. For the youth riders aged 10-16, Track n Trail offers a 1 ½ hour race with lots of time on the bike which is excellent value for money. We are seeing more and more MX lads signing up for our events, as they appreciate the track time and non-stop riding over our great, natural terrain tracks. This type of riding aids fitness and technique in a fun, safe atmosphere. Not to mention the exciting array of prizes on offer this year for the Youth Championship, a massive prize fund of £3500. Prizes and trophies are awarded in all 4 classes down to 6th place. 1st place a pair of Alpinestars Boots Teck 7's For the Adult Championship, Trophies are awarded down to 6th place in all 9 classes. Plus the Expert riders have the chance to compete for a customised helmet, paint work worth £275 courtesy of www.demondesigns-uk.com . A prize that was highly coveted last year. Track n Trails Summer Series 2010 To take part, please visit www.trackntrail.biz
for entry forms or for further information ring Mike on 01202 600675 |
In
the Championship class David Biles is really stamping his mark on Tidworth as
his own, the winner of last years event simply rode away from the opposition
in an almost effortless style. Nick Life had a great ride and was the only
rider to match Biles' eleven laps and he finished five minutes back. Phil
Studley, on the H2O hot tubs Yamaha, took third place after a tight battle
with Life which saw them swapping positions several times. Tyson Mayton-Jones
moved up the order after spending the first lap riding a very sick sounding
Husaberg, come on Midwest crew WD40 in the ignition cover next time please!
Top motocrosser Jake Shipton gritted his teeth and pushed on to finish fifth
in front of Jack Twentyman having a very workman like ride to come from way
back.
The Expert class had John Lister being the only rider to get ten laps in
and with a fastest lap that would have put him top six in the championship
class he rode to a fine win. Second went to Richard Benham. Third place went
to Drew Slevin in his first time out in the experts and put in a great ride in
tough conditions. Forth went to Darren Hounsell who was only forty seconds
behind Slevin. Poor Joe Dyke (left) had been in the mix for a good position until lap
seven when his engine let go.
In the Sportsman 2t Alex Knott had a great win a lap clear of Richard Sayer
and Elliot Croft.
Youth 125 im so pleased for Charlie Frost taking a fantastic win after
handling the relentless pressure from Dylan Baynton and let's face it Dylan is
a hard nut to crack. Well done mate, cracking ride. Second place was Dylan
Baynton, look out everyone he is up to a bigger bike soon. Third went to
Ashley Wilcox and a good forth for Paddy Twentyman.
The Fast & Furious
Moreton Park 23rd October 2011
Clubman
2t, this was the closest battle of the day with Drew Slevin (pictured
left) and Chris Marsh swapping places for the best part of 2 hours. It
was Drew who took the win having pushed through from 3rd on the first
lap. A good 2nd place from Chris Marsh, the early leader. 3rd went to
Geoff Brigden.
The
weather and the track failed to dampen #99 Phil Studley's efforts (above)
and he took an admirable first place in the Championship class, he was
chased hard throughout the race by David Biles. Expert class winner was
Dan Bray, closely followed by Darren Hounsell.
up into the last of the flat sections where riders charged
down 100
ft towards the valley bottom, with the bravest riders taking a heart
pounding leap from the top and then suddenly disappearing around a steep
bank to work their way around the second valley before eventually coming
back into view. The bravest riders the clambering up the steep hard route
on the last leg of this four mile, adrenalin pumping scramble track.
In
the Over 40’s Expert we were pleased to see 1980’s Moto-x world
champion Neil Hudson, slip quietly into our ranks, although lots of the
spectators were pleased to spot him. Neil put in a very respectable
performance taking 3rd and the 4th in his heats. But Mark Kirby (left), 10
years Neil’s younger, was once again flying taking a convincing win in
both heats. Marcus Barnes, also on fine form took 2nd in both heats.
winner of the youth event. 2nd went to Nathan Newman and 3rd to Charlie
Frost. For the 85SW Bradley Rowland led from beginning to end, and try as
he might Isacc Atherley could not close the minute gap and had to settle
for 2nd. Jordan Ridgeway put in a strong performance to take 3rd.