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Normandy MCC

SEEC/Teamsnapper Timecard Championship at Yateley Heath
Hosted by Normandy MCC

The weather was very kind us and had glorious sunshine all day despite being in October, Normandy had very much put in a lot of effort and time to get this event running with a very new layout of this popular venue and with a 10 mile lap and a special test that was the longest i have seen this year of about 8 minutes for Clubman and fire roads that were very fast and dry for the not so faint hearted and to top it off a full entry.

Championship Class
Max Varney is very much the rider on top of his game this year and the lad just oozes confidence and talent and today he did not disappoint with an emphatic victory topped off with the fastest test time of the day, Was great to see Dan Beaven push Max and with both being on the same minute made Max a great target for Dan which seemed to pull him along as well to take runners up spot, 3rd Clive Gammage who is always fast but can be a bit wayward and erratic but today he kept a great pace consistently and good tests times gave him that final podium spot.

Expert Class
With each passing event Trials ace Ben Wibberley gets faster and faster and with times today of Championship level to take a much deserved class win, is there any stopping him? Was great to see Dorset's Karl Langford take runners up spot and going by his body language he enjoyed the lap which would have made the long journey worthwhile, 3rd was another well travelled rider whirlwind Dylan Baynton who is so exciting to watch and crash as sadly does far too often but great to get podium.

Veteran A Class
Neil Challice today rode in my opinion the best he has all season and even with the top class riders in the class he really was in a league of his own on championship pace and was a pleasure to watch with his effortless text book style and never looked out of shape once and i think his pace helped Runner up Steve White who looked so happy out there as the result shows and even fellow Vet A rider Chris Stanger commented on how deceptively fast Steve was, Paul Armstrong finished off the podium with a strong showing.
Veteran A Over 50 Class was won by Euan Harrison, Steve Taylor 2nd and Ian Pearce 3rd.
Evo Class was won by Colin Fox.

Clubman A Class
Another outstanding class victory by Richard Ball who was some 30 seconds quicker over the two tests and was fast and fluent on the going, runner up was Carl Lillywhite who was pushing hard which was clear to see and just managed to keep 3rd place Stuart King at bay but 100% effort by Stuart especially on his second test.

Veteran B Class
A good battle here between Jason King and Iain Judkins and two very different styles and today it was the more precise style of Jason that took top honours by 1 second but also best ride of the year from Iain, 3rd Tom Moore who is getting a bit more comfortable with timecard enduros as his results are showing.
Veteran Over 50 Class was won by Colin Cowley who was riding Vet A test times, Stephen Scott was second and 3rd went to Orlando Bayne-Powell.

Clubman B Class
A massive effort on his second test for Felix Warren was just enough to take the victory by a few seconds from Greg Simon who was consistent with identical test times, 3rd went to Dorset rider Paul gentle who has proved again what a great Clubman B rider he is.

Sportsman Class
What a great birthday present for the likeable Keith Fielder with class victory who rode consistently throughout the event, runner up was Paul Garland and 3rd Kerry Mallindine.

Photos www.teamsnapper.co.uk 

Normandy MCC Hare n Hounds
SEEC RD2 Bagshot 22-04-12
Report & photo Rich Troth

Round 2 of the SEEC Hare n Hounds series hosted by the Normandy MCC at Bagshot, due to the horrendous downpours we have recently had it was opted by Clerk of the Course Rob Mussell (Yes Him) and his merry men which does include Andy Greenwood whom i believe was helping out as day patient from local mental institute to have a more flowing faster event which is what a Hare n Hounds event is supposed to be and what a fast circuit it was and a lot of virgin ground used over the 4 mile lap which i rode on my sighting lap on the quad and really enjoyed as i do like a bit of speed.

Championship Class
Midwest/Teamsnapper rider Aaron Smith (Husaberg) led for the first couple of laps at a very fast pace with James (Jacko) Jackman (Honda) the only other rider keeping in tow and pressurising Aaron at every opportunity and eventually passed, once Jacko had passed he used back markers to his advantage and eventually pulled a long gap and lead and never looked in any trouble to claim victory over Aaron, 3rd and a lonely ride went to Teamsnapper rider Si Beken (KTM) who by his own admission is just getting back into a rhythm again after such a long time off with injuries and such a welcome to see Paul Merriman (KTM) back after a long layoff but still be a while till Paul is firing on all cylinders.

Expert Class
Daniel Rose (KTM) got off to a flying start and got into a groove that seemed destined for the podium but a mechanical problem over the far side ended his day which left a fantastic battle for the podium between Teamsnapper rider George Hayes (KTM)and Tom Moss (Yamaha) with Karl Langford (KTM) ready to pick up the pieces as the two youngsters passed and chased each other for majority of race but once George sniffed victory that was all he needed to take victory over Tom but somehow Karl Snatched 2nd which left a very unhappy Tom in 3rd , Malcolm Coles (Yamaha) the Finch Cycles/Teamsnapper rider does prefer a bit of technical terrain so he will be well happy with a 4th, Mark Goddard 5th, Bernie Macari (KTM) had a good ride for 6th and i am sure he would have done better if he had cleaned his bike prior to event, Mitchell Merriman (Honda) is a quick rider and was running with the top 3 until he tried to overtake some slower riders on the very fast back straight, he went past me in about 3rd gear and must have been in top gear as he went to pass and as he did one of the riders moved in his path (Not purposely) and Mitchell swerved but went straight into a bog that stopped him dead, we went and helped but he was just shook up but curtailed his day and posted a finish of 7th place.

Veteran A Class
Superb victory by number 13 Graham Burton (KTM) who luckily does not believe in superstitions and rode his own race and did some great hard but fair undertaking manoeuvres which were a joy to watch, runner up and chasing all the way was Paul Jay (Honda) who seemed to get caught in traffic at the wrong times which hindered him at times, 3rd went to the likeable Nick Dyer whom rode the best i have seen him for a while and is definitely more comfortable at the faster pace events, 4th to the housewives favourite and Teamsnapper rider Joe Beard (KTM) who must have still been aching after his BEC outing the previous weekend, 5th to last year's champion RAF rider Paul Hearn (Yamaha) who did what he had to do and that was finish and score points, 6th to Chris Stanger on the Teamsnapper Bike who is definitely getting his fitness and mojo back and will be podium sniffing soon, 7th to Ian Mitchell (KTM) who as usual finished alongside Dan Goodwin (KTM) 8th, Late entry Steve Taylor finished 9th on the KTM and finishing off the top ten with not such a good ride Steve O'Brien (KTM).

Clubman A Class
London Fire Brigade rider Darren Lee won this class with an immaculate ride and did not seem to get into any trouble throughout the day but was pushed by Alastair Brown (Husqvarna) at times but Alastair just could not keep the consistency of Darren but nether less a deserved runner spot, brotherly love appeared to have been forgotten as Brad and Jason Mair (Maico) were in sight of each other lap after lap and fought to the end with Jason taking the final podium and both were cheered on by their N01 fan their Mum, ironically their Dad Dave was at the other event being held in Bagshot (The Nomads 3 Stage Trial), Teamsnapper rider and goon on a bike KTM mounted Lee Barthram who got had a great ride and so enjoys his time on a bike bagged the 5th, Other notables Steve White (Teamsnapper KTM) by his own admission did not have his best day at the office, James De Merist (Husqvarna) looked a lot quicker than his placing suggests and sure podiums await this quick rider, making the top 10 with a lap like it was has to be a great result for Kingston MCC rider James Smith (Teamsnapper KTM) although pressurised with Dad making podium and Grandad Ted watching and shouting from the pits, Dan Sopp is very similar to James in that he likes a bit of technical stuff but still looked happy out there posting a 12th place, Richard Morgan (Teamsnapper KTM) managed to post a finish with a smile on his face in 13th, Darren Perry (Husaberg) was a late day entry and rode well to make the top 10 in 9th position, Ian Hill (Gas Gas) who really showed off for the camera and looked a far better rider than his 11th merits, Matt Hubbard retired early on the Halycon KTM, and not sure what happened to Russ Jacobs (KTM) as he was lying in the early stages but no finish recorded.

Veteran B Class
Pre race favourite Colin Cowley (KTM) did not the bookies down with a strong win over London Fire Brigade rider Iain Judkins (Honda) who had his own battle with Andrew Sharp (KTM) who came home 3rd, 4th went to my good pal and Teamsnapper rider Manny Bernardez (Yamaha) and that's just what the doctor ordered as a little bit of confidence and fitness will get Manny back on the podium, 5th Steve Scott, 6th went to Team Psycho Tim Newman (KTM) who was without his Hatchett man Tom Moore who is currently helping police with their enquiries, 7th Paul Lake, 8th Graham Farquar, 9th to the ever smiling Simon Minch (Husaberg), 10th to Brian Torr (KTM) who seemed to me to do more than 10 laps as results show as mentally thinking how well he was going but never less rode extremely well, 11th to Wayne Straughair (Gas Gas) whom i had not seen ride for a long time and did not realise it was him out there due to him being a late entry, Husaberg rider Torb Kruger retired early.

Clubman B Class
The very bright Dan Isard (KTM) dug so deep and so very nearly grabbed victory but had to settle for 2nd over late entry Jevan Williams (Yamaha) who rode very consistently in a very mature way for such a young rider and took the victory, Dom Wilson (Honda) seemed so much more comfortable in the open fast areas and will be happy with podium in 3rd but he had his work cut out as veteran and Mr nice guy Colin Smith (Teamsnapper KTM) was in hot pursuit and rode top class chasing down the young upstarts but had to concede with a much deserved 4th, not such a good day for Matt Isard who had problems as well as a bad start but will be back to fight at next round, 5th to Tom harbon, 6th to big John Anderson (KTM) who has made good points in his first season in Clubman B, 7th to Carl Smye on his always well presented Gas Gas, 8th Jason Keen, 9th Chris Welch on the Teamsnapper Husaberg another top 10 for the aging big man, 10th to the young Felix Warren (KTM) who was up in the top 5 earlier on in race, 11th James Newman, 12th Martin Davidson, 13th Ian Scott, 14th Andrew Walshe, Paul Todd 15th. Carl Mexter posted a finish on his KTM, Not sure what became of Rich Hobbs (KTM) whom was riding and showing off well and expected him in the top 10, RAF rider Nathan (Jack) Daniels (Yamaha) is a good Clubman B rider but needs to get out more and maybe a tad fitter (Only kidding Jack) but managed to post a finish so well done Jack, Kingston MCC supremo Bernie Coyne (KTM) retired early along with LFB rider Ben Young (KTM), Simon Brown (Yamaha), Ashley Harrison (Yamaha), Dan Catt (KTM).

Sportsman Class
Emily Davey won this class with Richard Turner (KTM) and Frederic Torres (Yamaha) alongside her on the podium, 4th was Mark Staines on his KTM who looked visibly the quickest rider in this class, 5th to Tim Lunn on his black KTM which reflected the look he gave me as i was snapping, 6th to Jeremy Leamy (KTM) who without doubt improves with every outing and so enjoys his bike, 7th to the shortest man in the class Matt (Lofty) Haggart on his trusted yellow peril, 8th and a great result for Jonathan Starkey who certainly knows when to dig deep and earn a finish, 9th Lorenzo Timms, and finishing off the top 10 was Andy Scott. Daniel Lucas (Honda) as always had fun even when falling off (Zoolander Rules eh Dan lol), Kingston MCC riders Jack and John Coyne retired early as did Beta rider Sebastien Bourgoin.

A very different event if i say and a true reflection of what a Hare n Hounds is supposed to be and must say the feedback from the riders is so very positive, also a real abundance of helpers and marshalls which is so good to see and very much a team effort by Richard Thomas, Rob Mussell and all others involved at the club.

Photos www.teamsnapper.co.uk 

SEEC Normandy MCC Yateley Heath GP Engineering Trophy
  02-10-11

Trying to choose the correct adjective for this event has been very hard but i believe the word “Eventful” is a true reflection, a very tough course of just over 14miles which had a bit of everything and Nik Everitt the Clerk of the course has a trials background so there was some very tight nagger bits, some very fast fire roads which caught a few off guard, and roots a plentiful as well as a couple of bogs to add into the mix, the special test was quite short but tricky due to the very soft forest like surface and roots everywhere.

The day was very hot and quite unbearable at times and many retirements down to machinery breakdowns and for some riders the sunshine and long proper enduro going meant an early bath, so all finishers really do need to give themselves a pat on the back as it was a tough tough day.

CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS

First apology comes from Rich Ely (Midwest Husaberg) who not only got up late but then ran out of diesel on way to event so ended up a non starter, Aaron Smith (Midwest Husaberg) went off at full steam and was riding very well and I believe did the fastest first special test and then had a moment which resulted in what i can only describe as a pancake exhaust as it was completely flattened and that ended his day, Paul Merriman(Tri County KTM) seemed to riding very well especially as not been riding regularly but then he went out, so it was left to likes of Jack (Boy Band Looker) Turner(KTM) and Dan(Not a Boy Band Looker) lawry (KTM) both were on the pace but Jack was the quicker and eventual winner of the GP Engineering Trophy, sadly i do not know what happened to Dan Lawry on his last lap so there is a strong possibility of Dan still circling round in the Yateley Heath area.

EXPERT CLASS

The ever entertaining Tony Williamson (KTM) was riding well and fast and from my perspective looked to be the winner but in the latter part of the proceedings he retired, Dan Groom was another quick precise expert and riding well but the heat and lack of regular riding made him for safety reasons retire just before the end, Fast Freddie Davis was not so fast today and did not look that happy out there or at least not as happy in the last few events i have watched him, and to his defence he probably rides more than any other rider i know so maybe a rest needed, so that left the very likeable ever smiling Matt Brown (KTM) to win the class and the thing with Matt is that he does adapt to most circuits and never appears to be manic or in a hurry yet when you see his times he really does move on and i know i am repeating myself but i always compare him to being the Troy Corser of Enduros as deceptively quick.

VETERAN A

I heard Euan Harrison(Husaberg) saying to his beloved wife that he will be seeking permission for extension at their house due to the collection of trophies this year.... only kidding Euan but what another superb calculated winning ride from the man i dub “The Legend” who is having a superb season and is the most liked man in the paddock with his advice and help to all that seek his wisdom, when i was riding i seeked his advice and took notice ..... and retired lol. Runner up spot went to Paul Hearn (RAFMSA Yamaha) who had a very consistent ride and is also having a good season and this year he seems to be enjoying himself more and not quite so intense, well done Paul. The final Podium spot went to the tall Croydon member Ian Mitchell (KTM)who puts the T in trier as he is always a finisher and always knocking on the door of the top 3 and i am sure Ian prefers the more technical tougher events like this rather than the fast stuff as he digs deep when the going gets tough and it pays off, well pleased for you Ian. Would also like to mention what a great result for 6th placed Lewie Davis who has been on long layoff with injuries and amused Kaka and myself with his cheers and shouts each time he passed us.

CLUBMAN A

No surprise today as been doing it all season and am sure will make awesome Expert rider next season KTM mounted Gareth Hughes who simply looked like a man and machinery in harmony and from what Kaka and i saw he never put a foot wrong and his main rival George Hayes(KTM) went out early after crashing which eased any pressure also Iain Judkins(Honda) had cramp issues which in the conditions made things too tough and he headed for early bath.

Runners up spot went to Kaka’s favourite rider Malcolm Coles(Yamaha) who again relishes in the tougher conditions and looks as fit as a butchers dog (Maybe not if it was Rob Mussells) and am sure the expert class will be his goal in the next couple of years, 3rd place went to the blonde bombshell Jason Mair (Maico) who makes riding that beast look like poetry in motion and great to see it on the podium in such hard conditions. Would also like to mention what a great ride James Smith had, by James own admission he is not the quickest rider out there but his dedication and sheer will and text book style will make him a regular podium placer in the next couple of seasons a well and hard earned 6th place in a very competitive class.. well done James.

VETERAN B

Congratulations and well done to Teamsnappers best buddy Chris Stanger(Freestyle Husqvarna) on not only winning his class but also sewing up the championship and its been a tough season for Chris simply due to mechanical niggles time and time again but with his never give up attitude he so deserves this...... Vet A next year my man. Runner up spot went to Ian Pearce(Husaberg) whom i know very little about but what i do know is that he man handles that Berg around like its a nippy 2 stroke and a very pleasing rider to watch, 3rd spot went to Martin Bond (KTM) who in this class was the smoothest rider out there especially on the special test where he looked in his element.

CLUBMAN B

A great win by Andrew Gilden(KTM) who i spoke to briefly at the start and he looked very calm and collected which then relayed back into his riding style as he rode a very consistent race and seemed to be enjoying himself and am sure is still smiling today, runner up spot went to our good friend Richard Morgan(KTM) who is having a superb season and seems to surprise himself more than anyone else with his results, well done Richard, the final podium spot for Clubman B went to Dom Wilson(Honda) who looked damn quick on the special tests but still great result for the young Normandy rider.

SPORTSMAN

No surprises here for this class winner Alexis Russell (KTM)who will make a big impression in the clubman class next year with his very smooth style and seems to get better at each event with comes down to that confidence factor, runner up spot went to my good friend and ex rival Big John Anderson(KTM) who does not know the meaning of giving up and really is made of true mettle, the final podium of the day went to Carl Mexter (KTM) who not only rode well but is also the winner of a Teamsnapper Hoodie due to his placement of a Teamsnapper sticker ;-)

Please note that these are provisional results only
Normandy MCC, Enduro News and Teamsnapper would like to wish a speedy recovery to our good friend Brian Collins from Croydon MCC who had a nasty incident on the special test which resulted in multiple fractures to his leg and is currently being transferred from Frimley Park to St Peters for specialised treatment.

Was great to see the new slim version of Rob Mussell after his accident and will apparently be riding KTM 125 next season (Yeah Right)

What an event and well done to Normandy MCC for hosting a well run and organised event and of course to the many other SEEC members there helping out, also big shout to Alan Woods who managed to get the provisional results out so quickly.

Report by Teamsnapper Photos www.teamsnapper.co.uk 

Warsop Trophy
Normandy MCC Bagshot 17-04-2011

This was an event i was very much looking forward too as Normandy MCC had promised something different from the usual courses at Bagshot and they were going to be using the North side only, very privileged as Rob Mussell and Nik Everitt from Normandy MCC gave Teamsnapper a guided tour of course pointing out some good photo spots., The weather was gorgeous sunshine and the going was dry .

The start was a long fast straight going into a sharp right which then went into a zig zaggy MX section that went into a small wooden glade with a footpath as most of track that was quite fast, back into open field for a few metres then into the forest stuff that in one moment was single track and the next wide open, however the wide parts were fast and everyone knew it so made overtaking quite hard at times, there were three log sections, the first being the trickiest due to the soft ground in front and a run up was best course of action although later on the left hand side became nearly level, the second log was at an angle but had many limbs still attached so easy for rear wheel to lock into, the third was in that very deep gingery soft forest dirt so again a run up was best option, some tricky climbs as well which seemed to catch a lot of riders out especially as day wore on and the ruts got deeper was a pleasure to watch the experts ride them like turbo charged gazelles and then see the other end of the spectrum riders struggling for many minutes to complete exhaustion.

The Overall and Championship Winner was Paul Merriman who had an all day battle with Runner Up Dan Lawry, Dan led for first two laps with Paul in hot pursuit but the ever smooth Dan Lawry made a couple of small errors which resulted in paul taking the lead but Dan was never much more than a few yards behind, during refuel Dan got out before Paul but again another silly mistake cost him the lead back to Paul who never really looked back again and although Dan maintained a close distance behind it was only going to be a mistake from Paul to lose the event a great spectacle to watch, both did 15 Laps.

With 14 laps KTM mounted Dan Groom had the expert class won from the off, a very good ride from Dan who has not ridden much lately due to work commitments abroad

Vet A Graham Burton won in quite convincing style with 14 laps however a good battle between 2nd placed Bernie Macari 13 laps 3rd placed Graham Legge 13 laps.

Club A George Hayes with a fantastic 15 laps i have said from end of last season this teenager will surprise and at the moment he is on a wave of victory after victory and the world is most definitely his oyster, even the legend 2nd placed Iain Judkins 14 laps cold not keep tabs on the youngster, 3rd was the much travelled campaigner Dan Brundell 14 Laps who again is having a great season.

Vet B Colin Cowley 12 Laps 2nd Stephen Coulsley 12 laps 3rd Nick Ford 12 laps, the top three in class over the day swapped places many times but wily old fox Colin Cowley just seemed to have the edge on his KTM.

Club B Liam Thomas 13 laps 2nd Paul drane 13 laps 3rd Andy Gilden 13 laps, what a surprise this was, young Liam who is a teenage trials rider on his very first enduro bags the win from two very good experienced guys in the guise of Paul Drane and Andy Gilden, Liam looked best through the technical stuff but not a slouch on the fast stuff either, maybe another one to look out for.

S/Man Richard Troth 12 laps 2nd John Gilbertson 12 Laps 3rd Adam morrison 11 laps. Teamsnapper/LFB rider/blog writer/enduro news reporter had his first win since coming to the dark side of Enduro racing after a successful road racing career, it very nearly did not happen as just past the 2 hour mark after riding exceptionally well and smooth had a big off on the Midwest Husaberg in front of Vet A rider and Best friend Chris Stanger, Rich was going to retire but Dan Lawry’s pet talk before event drew some mettle from within the ex Royal Marine to continue albeit plodding round to finish and a popular victory it was for London Fire Brigade rider, 2nd place also went to LFB rider John Gilbertson who rode superb race and if the event had been another lap he would have won, 3rd was yet another rider that has been helped by LFB Adam Morrison who seems to get better as the event wears on.

A special thanks to Richard Thomas/Rob Mussell and Nik Everitt and the Normandy MCC team for such a well organised hospitable enjoyable event.

Report by Teamsnapper

Photos www.teamsnapper.co.uk