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Track
N Trail Enduro Practice at Tidworth on Sunday 29th December 2013 for Solo
adult and youth. The track is part of the huge Salisbury Plain area its great
for all weather conditions with very good access/parking for all vehicles over
looking 90% of the course. The track offers open going for the first couple of
miles and then the course becomes more technical with some manmade and natural
obstacles with hard and easy choices to keep all riders focused, running in
and out of wood land with climbs and descents in the alpine areas. . Different
lay out to last year’s track, the Tidworth video on the large screen on the
home page above has had a whopping 600,445 views to date on YouTube. Any tyres
Noise limit 94db. Start time 10am
Adult and youth practice run under ACU guidelines. To enter go the events page at www.trackntrail.co.uk click the red button and enter online. Any problems please text your name and event date to 07581143212 or you can email office@trackntrail.co.uk , payment is on the day, Members pay £30, Non Members pay £33 Starts 10am finishes 3pm. You will receive an email or text to confirm your booking within 24 hours, you will receive an email or text with a final instructions on the Friday before the event. Any problem please ring 07581143212 Thanks Mike TracknTrail Round 4 / Elite Enduro Round 2 Combined Event After a gruelling day riding in tough conditions, Mark Kirby beat off 180 riders to win this combined event, held at Brick Kiln farm in Four Marks on Sunday. Aaron Smith had been absolutely flying round, but following a massive crash going through the ‘Curbinator Hard route’, this gave the opportunity to Mark Kirby to go on and take a well deserved first place. Aaron was knocked out, but you’ll be glad to hear his lights came back on shortly afterwards and he’s going to be fine. The youth race was won by Rob Thistle three minuets ahead of Ross Kerr with Ben Churchill closing in towards the end of this very physical one and a half race. TracknTrail would like to say a big ‘Well done’ to everyone who attended – it’s fantastic to see a full entry with such a strong field of riders. It was always going to be hard work in the wet conditions for everybody, but luckily the weather had been kind for the few days before, allowing for a great day all round. A big thanks also to Elite Enduro for designing and building a fantastic track; their great team of hard working marshalls, and everyone else who helped to make the day such a success. Here is a link to the provisional results. Details
There were many new faces at Portland this year with a large contingency from the west country and more than a few riders from the Midlands and beyond. There was a surprising lack of local entries but the regulars who did turn up put in performances to be proud of. With much bigger plans next year, to turn Destination Portland into a 2 day event, with qualifying, this was the last chance to ride the quarry laid out in this format. Track was set out very similarly to the year before but with a couple of new additions this year: one of the main quarry roads was covered in rocks so the track layers had spent many hours removing obstacles to make the route passable. The other main change was a steep descent into the guts of the quarry, which left the treacherous off camber descent from last year as a faster hard route. Of course Mikes Diner remained to test the riding skill and nerve of the top boys, they could opt for a time penalty if they preferred, although most took on the demon. One rider even asking to move up from Clubman, who were not being asked to tackle this part of the course, as he could not resist the challenges of Mikes Diner. With the championship class and the trials class setting off together this race really did become a battle of the machines. In the opening laps it looked as though the Trials bikes had the edge but as time went on the enduro boys with their bottoms on seats, began to edge into the lead. Grant Laming on a Gas Gas Trials bike set off at a lightening pace managing to hold onto the lead for a lap and a half, with David Biles, being the only enduro bike to stick with him. The next 6 bikes through were enduros and then Paul Ansty was the 2nd trials bike though with a stampede of the remaining trials bikes riders rushing through before the remaining championship boys. David Biles led the first lap in the Championship class, over 2 west country boys, Richard Tucker and Andy Frost in 2nd and 3rd. Regular Phil Studley in 4th. Lap 3 saw a dramatic change on the leader board with Grant Laming from the Trials class puncturing his front tyre and dropping down to 6th place. In the championship class David Biles dropped back to 5th, Richard Tucker back to 6th , but Max Hembrooke began to show his potential jumping from 7th on first lap to 2nd place on lap 3. Phil also moving up through the field at a pace to lead the event overall. By lap 5 Max had taken control of the race and the battle was only now between 2nd and 3rd. Keelan Hancock had found his way through to take 2nd place and Phil was having to fight to regain 2nd. The battle was won on Mikes Diner! With Hancock being an ex trials rider his trials bike skills over the rocks were enough to keep him ahead of Studley until leaving Mikes Diner on a very steep up hill climb. Studley made his move and managed to get a wheel ahead of Hancock but in the process the two came together, Phil came out over the top but left Hancock crashing back down to earth! In the trials Class, Grant Laming having dropped 8 minutes limits to fix his puncture, clawed his way back from 6th to take the win. Steve Davey got a poor start in 6th but took 1st place on lap 3, after the 2 ½ hours was in 2nd. Chris Smith climbed to 2nd on lap 5 but having to settle for 3rd at race end. In the experts Jack Ayres, another rider from a trials background, first time out in the experts took control of the race from lap1, he was briefly overtaken by eventual 3rd place rider Harvey Dark on lap 2. Harvey being overhauled by Charlie Frost on lap 3 and they held their positions throughout. Worth noting that with Mitch Frost in 4th , 2nd-4th positions were all held by lads who have come up through the Track n Trail youth classes, well done boys. In the over 40's Expert Gary McCoy put in an outstanding performance to take the lead over Russell Taylor in 2nd and Chris Salt in 3rd ( has to be said though that Chris had already competed in an extreme event the night before!!) SNIPPETTS Clubman- Chris Morris led throughout, 16 year old Scott Jenkins swapped positions with Mark Woodvine, with Scott in 2nd and Mark in 3rd. Over 40's Clubman - Shane Trotter had a poor start but worked his way up from 5th to take the win over John Muizelaar and Dave Kirtley. Over 50's - Only 2 riders mad enough to tackle Destination Portland, Richard Strawbridge just never gave up and was rewarded with the win over Gary Taylor. Sportsman - Young Bradley Copeland leading from start to finish, Leighton Omerod eventually taking 2nd and Jake Strawbridge 3rd. In the youth race all the young riders put in a sterling effort, with wins going to Jack Nixey, Jordan Ridgeway, Ben Harvey and Stanley Earle. Adult Results
Track N Trail Rd 4 at the superb Melplash nr Bridport. The start is on high ground which gives this venue great views over a large part of the course and the surrounding countryside. The track itself has large elevation changes with climbs and descents everywhere and several tricky wooded sections. The day started bright and sunny for signing on but the sighting lap proved to be a bit trickier than expected due to rain in the week so some revisions were made before the race began. Unfortunately rain came halfway through the first lap and quickly turned the course into a very tough challenge indeed.
The Expert class was a case of the tortoise and the hare or youth versus experience as the two young bucks of the class took off at the front. Drew Slevin taking an early lead closely followed by Joe Dyke, at the end of the first lap it was Joe in first and the following laps saw him pull out a sizeable lead but Joey D should add an NF to the T-shirt as he failed to finish again, better luck next time. A great win for Richard Benham who is always in the mix, having started at the back he picked off riders one by one showing there is no substitute for experience, well done mate. Second was Dan Newman and third going to Chris Gunter.
Over 40s Geoff Brigden absolutely blitzed them, three laps clear of everyone even had time to stop and help others, good man. Pete Nixey and Andrew Smith had a great battle finishing a couple of minutes apart. Clubman 2T Jack Ayres was in a class of his own leading from start to finish, brilliant ride. Sam Wilson and Robin Moulding rode hard trying to catch him. Clubman 4T Julian Earle took a fine win with a fastest lap quicker than any Expert, umm! Olly Ford a strong second place and James Salter third.
Sportsman 2T a fine day for the Brigdens a class win for Karl followed by Alex Knott and Martin Bone. Sportsman 4T, good ride for winner Ricky Christopher, second Luke Gustar and third Mark Bartlett. Trail, a lot of finishers in this class well done guys it wasn't easy! A first for Colin Moore, second Leigh Platts after helping my son out of a ditch, thanks! And third was Rodney Hawkins.
Beautiful weather with sky blue skies greeted the 250+ entrants for RD 3 of the Track n Trail Series, a superb flowing fast course that had 5 wooded sections as well some open going fields. Overall and Championship winner Phil Studley (H20 Hot Tubs Yamaha) was nearly 2 minutes behind the leaders at one stage but on the last lap the top 3 were 3 seconds apart and probably the best Enduro race i have seen, David Biles (KTM) 2nd but led 99% of the race, 3rd was George Bayliss (Yamaha) Over 40 Experts was a great battle between winner Euan Harrison (Teamsnapper Husaberg) and runner up Gary Green KTM but the moment Euan realised he wasn't alone upped the tempo, 3rd was Anthony Marshall (KTM) Experts another super fight between young upstart Joey Dyke (Teamsnapper/Poole M/Cycles Yamaha) and KTM mounted Darren Hounsell and today the aggressive style suited Joey for a great victory over Darren, 3rd was Richard Benham (Yamaha) Clubman 2T the top 8 were all on 11 laps and the lead swapped nearly every lap, winner was KTM mounted Jack Ayers, 2nd Jake Morgan (KTM) and Mark Goddard 3rd (KTM) Clubman 4T i know i keep praising the Super Teen Elliott Davis (Teamsnapper KTM) who won with adult maturity and listened to his pit crew, this lad will go far, nether less he was pushed by Giles Richards (Kawasaki) and Jack Hooper (Honda) who filled the other rostrum places Over 40 Class Well this class was not sorted until the last lap, the top 10 were all on the same lap but victory was Andrew Paul (KTM) with Dave Kirtley (Jan Pix Photography KTM) 2nd and 3rd for Simon Paul Over 50 Class I do hope Shaun Skinner(KTM) and Lewie Davis (Teamsnapper/Premier Bikes KTM) are still friends as a great battle between these two veterans, both completed 11 laps, 3rd with 10 laps was TM mounted Neil Fripp Sportsman 2T the top 4 really battled all day and completed 10 laps with top honours going to Richard Sayer (KTM) who really looked at ease and fell he could have upped his game if needed, runner up was Kody Richards (KTM) and 3rd to Chris Welch (Teamsnapper KTM) who got consistently better as the event wore on Sportsman 4T Mark Bartlett won this very competitive group on his KTM but life was not made easy with Craig Osmett (KTM) 2nd and Chris Twiggy (KTM) 3rd and had to dig hard for his victory Trail Class was the biggest class of the day and some great talent and the talent topper was Brett Moulding (Honda) who rides very text book style and dare is say a lazy looking style but terrific win, 2nd was Chris Jones (Yamaha) who again had a very good style and looked like he was having fun, 3rd was Yamaha Mounted Mark Ryder who had a great season with PMCRC last year. A Track n Trail would not be complete without the youth series with Mike Grounds and his team feel very passionate about and watching these tomorrow champions i can see why. Youth 65 Ben Harvey knew he was going to have a troublesome day with his arch rival Brett Rowland signing on and what battle it was with Ben just being that bit hungrier and aggressive , 3rd spot went to Carl Benham. Youth 85 SW Brett's brother Bradley had a battle with two others before he could claim victory in yet another close race with George Sams 2nd and Josh Wilson 3rd Youth 85 BW Sadly for Nathan Baggott he had a couple of spills that let Jordan Ridgeway take the victory but a gallant 2nd place, 3rd was Lyzander Bigwood Youth 125 The top 3 in this class will all make superb adult riders period, but today belonged to Dylan Baynton who just quite simply buggered off and left the others too it, the others being Paddy Twentyman who grins as he passes you which just shows the enjoyment, 3rd went to Ben Skinner whose style i love, very committed yet text book style with flair. Thank You Mike Grounds and Track n Trail for inviting me to your event and allowing me to do a report and take Photographs Richard Troth Teamsnapper
A new track at Thorncombe was the venue for round two of the track n trail championship and what a place! The course had a little bit of everything to make a great enduro loop and would have been superb had it been a little dryer. Several days of heavy rain had turned the course into a muddy mess, which became a challenge for all with one exception; Phil Studley on the h2o hot tubs Yamaha who absolutely revelled in the heavy conditions could be seen smiling ear to ear throughout the two and a half hour race. He simply rode away from the rest of the championship class to win by nearly ten minutes from David Biles who had spent a bit of time stuck on one of the hard routes but hung in there to also make eight laps. A great ride for Ross Blackmore for third. Jack twentyman was out on a borrowed KTM and must have been pig sick to go two laps down on the leader, not his usual self!
Over 40s Expert - Gary McCoy was really on it taking the lead on lap two and settling into a fast rhythm to ride away from the pack, taking the win by a clear lap. Terry Beecham got faster and faster as the event went on and slipped into second one lap from home with Karl Woarfield in a very close third. Clubman 2t - Geoff Brigden had a great ride moving up from an early forth to take a great win. Jack Ayres had to settle for second having lost the lead on lap four. Dean Seddon had a good Third. Clubman 4t - First went to Llewlyn Pavey with a dominant ride and the only clubman to get 7 laps, James Salter in second and Lee Scriven getting third. This will have shaken the championship points up as the usual front runners didn't manage to finish.
Over 40s - Well done Graham Widdicombe a fine win in very testing conditions,
followed home by Andrew Smith and Steve Davey all on fine laps. Sportsman 2t - A very large entry in this group, the winner Tom Bartlett put in his fastest lap right at the end to snatch the lead from Harry Lawrence and Alex Knott. Sportsman 4t - Nick Gulliver took a great win with a lap clear of Mark Bartlett and then in third was Luke Gustar.
Trail - Another large group, the top six all managed 2 laps and everyone of them deserves a mention for hanging in there! Winning was Leigh Platts, second went to Daniel Stone followed by Jake Miller, Katie Swaffield, Gary Carter and Andrew Harper. Well done guys and girls! With Mike and the TnT crew having to spend the two and a half hours of the adult event cutting bits of the course out as they became to much it was going to be a tough call to know how much to leave in for the youth race. After a very long sighting lap, it was clear that the youth riders were in for a hard time. First into the battle was the 125 youth with Mitchell Miller taking the holeshot and with Dylan Baynton on the floor in dead last things were going to get interesting. At the end of the first lap it was Charlie Frost with the lead, but then the challenge of the course seemed to get the better of the front runners with them pulling into the pits not wanting to continue. Parental encouragement soon had most on their way again. Owen Richards kept his head taking a fine win with six laps. Dylan put in a great recovery for second and Jack Nixey in third. Big Wheel 85 - Jordan Ridgeway made up for the disappointment of the first round DNF to take his first Big Wheel win from Isaac Atherley and Niles Reid.
Small Wheel 85 - Matthew Martin crept up the order to take the win on the last
lap from George Saunders, Third went to number 257 (sorry we didn't get your
name) and then it was Adam Kirby all with three laps. I would just like to say well done to each and every finisher, you all deserve a pat on the back… Boy that was a tough one!
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 |