West Glos & Forest of Dean MC held their annual Wyegate Trial on Sunday 17th March. The 85 mile course took in some of the best of the green lanes & leafy woods in the picturesque Wye Valley. The start was in the Orepool Inn, Sling which is an excellent facility with ample parking. The 125 riders were waved off in pairs from 8.00 am by Julian Bishop. The weather was perfect with a cloudless sky. The course was tulip marked on 6 sheets of A4 with additional arrows on the going. The first section at Bream Lane was a simple rut which eased the riders into the event but the second section was not so kind. The Lime Kilns above Tintern Abbey is a series of slippery, stone steps & a sharp reminder that the event is a trial. It was also a reminder that Pant Glas steps was out there waiting. The turning to Pant Glas can be easily missed. Unfortunately I didn't miss it. On the plus side I got an encouraging cheer from WTRA originals John Evans & Simon Cleave who were amongst the small crowd of spectators. Unfortunately - after a good start - I hit one step full on & stopped dead loosening a couple of nuts. The relief at getting up Pant Glas was short lived as it was followed by the boulder strewn descent of the Devil's Staircase. Every year the club demoralises the riders by placing a bloke on a pre-65 at the top to tell you "We use to ride up here". At midday I took a leisurely lunch of Welsh cakes & a pint of milk, sat on a wall in the Spring sunshine outside Mr & Mrs Brown's shop in Llandogo. Highly recommended. The Special Test on Glyn Farm was a short run through a copse of trees with a muddy section in the middle. Steve Hodges & Phil Gunn set the fastest time of 29 seconds. Nigel Smith did it in 33 seconds on a serow he got his wife which sounds like a bargain. The final sections were in a private wood that could have staged a mini H&H. The last offraod stage was a barrelling climb which blew away the last thought of what 26x5 equals. The Wyegate is a gem of an event. Thanks to everyone involved. David Eeles was the overall winner plus taking the best 250 & over 45 awards ahead of runner up frank Luther. Ian Watkins won the Pre 65 rigid & Steve Allen won the Pre 65 sprung. Keith Wooster was the Best 250-450cc Trail ahead of Nibbs Adams. Paul Cox was the Best Open. Trudi Silvey won the Ladies award. Results