  TBEC
RD6
ASHDOWN FARM
11-08-12
Photo & report Rich Troth
One of my favourite events of the year, great venue and a very welcoming
friendly club that make us feel part of the family and hopefully next year we
will try and follow them more, a 5.8 mile loop that included the very famous MX
course (Wooded and Open), open pastures, tight wooded areas, forest section, and
a bit of trail stuff as well....and.....no rain, as usual with TBEC they have a
no nonsense scrutineer and rules which is a breath of fresh air in my opinion as
nice to see bikes with correct numbers/colours and all up together bikes.
Dave Munday gave me and Kaka a rundown of procedures and overview briefing, full
entry with a variety of classes.
Elite Class
I was so chuffed when i found out Tony Williamson won this class (KTM) as the
only luck Tony gets is when his Misses says yes, have watched Tony lead events
for laps but 9/10 ends in a DNF which to be honest is usually the result of an
off and that boils down to Tony's commitment and hard riding style and he won by
about a minute from Danny Haskett (KTM) who does not visibly look as quick as
Tony (Due to Tony's animated wild style) but is as smooth as silk and very much
a skilled rider and kept Tony on his toes throughout, 3rd and keeping the pair
honest up front was Matt Willis (KTM) who visibly enjoys his riding and seems to
smile as passed me every lap (Probably a grimace....Bloody Snappers), Lee Smith
(KTM) as with the top 3 all completed 14 laps but i did notice 3 times poor Lee
get stuck behind slower riders through the tight woods which may have cost him a
podium, Darren Bedford on a very nice looking KTM 5th, Paul Bailey (KTM) 6th on
11 laps and Ben Ilott 7th on 8 laps.
Veteran Class
When the son is away Daddy will play, as son James is away practicing to be a
monk in India his Dad Jon Foxley (KTM) had no other focus than his own and Wham
Bam Race win and in my view Jon rode well and consistent although 2nd placed
Taffy Lloyd (Husaberg)was visibly the quicker and lead for a long time but as
event wore on so did Taffy and looked happy to finish both Taffy and Jon
completed 12 laps, 3rd and a bit of a lonely ride for Keith Townsend (KTM)
although behind him Roger Walker dug deep and just scraped in that 11th lap for
4th, nothing separating the next 3 and came down to who could pass slower riders
through the tight bits and Anton Ridden did just that for 5th, 6th on the Gas
Gas was Paul Cosgrove and 7th for KTM mounted Mick Hewitt, Not sure if 8th
placed Peter Beer (KTM) had problem but looked quicker and better than his
result showed, likewise for Mick Ryder (KTM) 9th who was very confident over any
jump and was one of the longer jumpers on the big downhill in afternoon, Alan
Gilmore (KTM) 10th looked happier with the morning lap than afternoon lap, 11th
to Kim Haughton on the Suzuki looked happy and comfortable but only completed 7
laps so maybe a problem i am unaware of, 12th went to Gary Macreadie (Yamaha)
who looked a bit intimidated on the MX parts but ok elsewhere.
Legends Class
No Dave Munday riding as on Clerical duties (HeeHee) which left Gas Gas rider
Neil Lewin to win class comfortably and is a rider definitely not afraid of
heights and registered fastest lap in class but only a few seconds quicker than
runner up Robert MacNevin (Husqvarna), 3rd went to a real legend Ken Jarman on
his very tidy KTM.
U 21 Class
Was great to see the very talented Jonny Senior (KTM) back after injury although
by his own admission was slightly nervous he showed no signs on the course and
looked liked he enjoyed the format and had great battle with Jake Kell (KTM) who
were so equally matched and Jakes fastest lap ...2 seconds quicker than Jonny
and too rub Jonny's nose in it Jake also took the win, great win for Jake and
great comeback for Jonny, also on 12 laps and getting last podium place was Amos
Rowell on the very beautiful Sherco and posting the fastest lap, i did have Amos
leading in my head for a while so not sure how/why he slipped to 3rd but great
skill level in the woods, 4th to KTM mounted Jordan Hatherly on 7 laps along
with Yamaha rider Ben Golding 5th, 6th to Jack Hoad who only managed 2 laps.
E3 Class
Out on his own was Tommy Batts (KTM) who completed 8 laps and looked happier in
my opinion in the afternoon session, am bit puzzled why only 8 laps as should
have been 11 - 12 laps with all his talent and experience.
E2 Class
Have watched Clifford Barnett (Husqvarna)many times and he never fails to
impress me as he is like the silent assassin and just goes about his business in
an invisible fashion and always finishes with a good result and from what i see
is one of the gentleman riders when passing and not a bully and deserved the
victory today but was kept on his toes by KTM rider Chris Webster 2nd and 3rd
placed Peter Charles (KTM) who all completed 12 laps, fastest lap went to 4th
placed John Evans (KTM), Aaron Boot (KTM) 5th, Andrew Skinner 6th on the Husky,
7th and 10 laps completed for Yamaha mounted Mark Chamberlain along with Colin
Prior 8th on his KTM, Mike Bailey (Honda), Martin Neczaj (Husaberg) and Kevin
Silvain (KTM) all completed 9 laps, Peter Marriott on his KTM completed 7 laps,
KTM rider Mark Price completed 5 laps.
E1 Class
Well i thought in my head Peter Davies (KTM) had won this with 12 laps but maths
was never my top subject as Peter came home 2nd in what looks like a very close
duel with winner Ben Knight (Yamaha) who also posted fastest lap, 3rd to Brian
Torr (KTM) who did not look as comfortable as i have seen him especially in the
MX arena, 4th and 5th was a family affair for the Husky mounted MacNevins with
Jonathan out doing Andrew.
Family Class
Although only entrants in this class it is clearly visible Jase n Bev Callaby
enjoy their trip to Blewbury even if Bev snapped her chain in the morning
session, great team.
Ladies Class
Again only the one entrant Jaime Knight and she went out and enjoyed herself and
completed 5 laps on the Gas Gas trial bike.
Members Class
On John Austin's (KTM)headstone it will read lived, breathed, battled but
conquered Ashdown and conquered he did in John's very text book style of riding
and consistency that creates that great winning formula although afternoon
session he was not quite as committed but committed enough for the popular
victory and fastest lap, runner up Adam Playford (KTM) fought all the way and
looked livelier than John in the afternoon but could not quite pass but 12 laps
posted along with John, 3rd Ian Matthews (KTM) along with Kevin Coates (KTM) 5th
who had a bit of a bike problem and Adrian Smith (KTM) 6th all posted 10 laps,
4th went to Teamsnapper rider Andrew Playne who is having a great few weeks
after injury and posting some good results on the Teamsnapper KTM, Percy
Dickson, Jonathan Canning both KTM mounted posted 9 completed laps, Ian Robinson
(KTM) and Steve Hayden(KTM) both completed 8 laps yet both had very fast best
laps, Richard Barford 11th on the big KTM looked happier in the open than the
tight woods as did Barry Magee (Husky) 12th who showed some great skills over
the MX terrain, 13th Yamaha Mounted Adam Clapham posted 3 completed laps.
Trail Class
What a great example of this sport Ian Jones (Gas Gas) who never fails to make
me smile with his "I will finish, no matter what" attitude and despite
his more mature years gives some of those young guns a run for their money with
his never give in attitude and 8 laps round here is commendable, great win Ian,
runner up with 6 laps on the big TTR Yamaha to Keith Lyon whom would have
completed more laps but had a mechanical problem.
Sprint Class
6 laps apiece for 1st and 2nd with winner Joshua Blunt (Yamaha) getting fastest
lap, but runner up Noel James (KTM) kept up the pressure and rode well, 3rd with
5 laps was Yamaha mounted Steve Rampling.
MX Class
3 very quick guys in this class and on paper anyone could have won but victory
went the correct way as also fastest lap in class to Scott Pope (Yamaha) closely
followed by KTM mounted Andrew Brooks whom i found most entertaining with some
of his unconventional lines (Only Kidding Andrew), 3rd went to another Yamaha
rider Scott Rannochan who was also the most fashion conscious out there as
perfectly matched/colour co-ordinated kit n bike.
Day Entry Class
Mixed emotions for me on this one as my helper for the day and so enjoyed her
company was Jemima Salt young daughter of extreme rider, legend and race winner
Chris Salt on the Kriega/Dockland Riders KTM as had to cheer him every lap or
Jemima would have bashed me, however 2nd place also on 14 laps was Teamsnapper
rider Joe Beard who matched Chris lap after lap and what a great battle it was
but on the day best man won, another Teamsnapper rider in 3rd was KTM mounted
Steve Bird whose middle name is "Consistent" but battled with my best
mate Chris (One Brick Short) Stanger (Teamsnapper KTM) who made the fateful
error of going for that extra lap and maths not being high on Chris's agenda was
his downfall and 4th spot it was, 12 laps and 5th to Ashdown regular the man in
black Teamsnapper rider Dan (I am not a Hippy) Brundell, 6th to the very
likeable yet short Husaberg rider Jim (No Legs) Browning who also posted a very
respectful 12 laps, 7th on his Honda was ever smiling Teamsnapper rider Dom
Wilson (12 Laps) who so enjoys his riding and is one of the most improved riders
of the year in my opinion, 8th and a Bloody damn great result for Husky mounted
and good friend the very genuine Matt Seare and with 12 laps to his credit and
to beat rival/friend Quintin McCloughlin (KTM)11th place made him a happy man,
Quintin is having counselling sessions to deal with this, 10th went to Gas Gas
mounted Adrian Francis, 9th went to Teamsnapper/Nick Robinson Motorcycles Gas
Gas rider Tristan Robinson who posted a very fast lap but was quite up and down
throughout the day and knows he can do better but still gelling with his new Gas
Gas not that he gives a shit as he still beat his Nemesis Aaron(In a Dream)
Dibnah, 12th to KTM mounted and super style Steve Taylor who had not ridden for
a while and if i was to be honest if Steve was bike fit he would have been top
5, Steve Bryan 13th (KTM) also made 12 laps, 14th to Stunt Rider the very multi
talented Sybe Algar , finishing off the top 15 was Teamsnapper rider Stephen
Head who will be well chuffed with that especially as biggest class of the day,
Other Notables, Teamsnapper rider Dan Sopp looked as happy as Larry the lamb
through the woods and trail/enduro patches but not so comfortable on the MX
parts, John Wilmer (KTM) is quick and entertaining but is lacking bike fitness
but once the cross dressing extreme sportsman gets fit ... look out, Seb
Chilvers (Honda) can be well chuffed to in the top 20 in a class so big and yet
again Seb shows he has the will/want and endurance but just needs to find a bit
more pace, Rob Knight in only his 3rd event can be well chuffed his placing in
the top 20 albeit very sore from a nasty off, The big man David Sharpe (KTM)
enjoyed his day more than previous week and a big contrast in conditions and 11
laps posted is very respectful, Rich Hobbs on his immaculately presented KTM
posted 10 laps, James Pittaway could do so much better if he stopped stressing
and stopped throwing all his toys out the pram (Enough said eh James lol),
Stewart Churchyard (Teamsnapper Husaberg) is looking the real deal these days on
his new steed and looked better as event wore on with 10 laps posted, Jonathan
Starkey must be pleased with a finish and 10 laps as been out for a while with
injury, Jack Coates was entertaining in the MX areas but his weakness seems to
be the very tight stuff and is definitely a smoother rider the faster he moves,
The battle of the Guildford Goons was won by Kevin Miller from the luckless
Terry Carter who tried to play football with a root whilst in control of a
motorcycle (Did i say control) but did get a faster lap than Kevin, Reece Fisher
on the little KTM posted 8 laps, Barry John had an enjoyable ride and posted 7
laps and had a fast individual lap which is encouraging, Ashley Harrison is one
rider i always look out for (as he owes me money.... only kidding) as so enjoys
his riding and you can see his grin every time and always glams it up for
Teamsnapper and a pleasure to photo as well as being a good lad, Matt Lambert (KTM)
posted 6 completed laps, Darren Lambert (Yamaha) posted 3 laps completed.
Photos - Results
  Daring Daniel
triumphs
Daring Daniel Haskett (KTM) triumphs in a game of 2 halves which helps
him catch up for the TBEC overall championship.
What a beautiful morning as we set off from Bournemouth early Saturday
morning for a day with the TBEC crew for round 7 of their championship at
Ashdown Farm Blewbury near Oxford, parked near the entrance so most
arrivals could see the Teamsnapper van and introduced myself to Belinda
the TBEC club secretary, we must say what a friendly club on both sides of
the fence (officials and Riders).
The course itself was very well laid out with included both parts of
the MX track (woodland and open) plus 5 miles of fields and 2 big wood
areas making the course nearly 6.5 miles, as we all know Ashdown is sheer
heaven to ride......in the dry.....but ....in the wet ........its hell
with a capital H.
TBEC were running a 4 hour event 2 hours AM, hour break, 2 hours
PM....... the morning was gorgeous with perfect riding conditions as not
cold and not too hot.... however at lunch time the skies opened up and for
the afternoon session it became Hells Valley with sticky claggy horrible
mud.
Class A winner and Overall went to Daring Daniel Haskett (KTM) who had
some serious rivalry early on with Freddie Davis (KTM) who has not been
long back from Erzberg and has to be one of the most travelled riders in
the country competing with a multitude of clubs, it was a great battle in
the morning session with fuel stops playing a vital role with the lead
being exchanged a few times, Daniel is a very smooth and precise rider
whereas Freddie is fast and can be prone to the odd overshoot etc, however
Freddie did not come out for PM session (Not sure why) which made it an
easy win in the end for Daniel and has done his championship chase easier,
the other two podium places went to current championship leader Lee Smith
(KTM) who rode the perfect race and knows points make prizes and also won
my photo of the day and Darren Bedford (KTM) who was again spectacular in
the woodland MX track all podium riders managed 13 laps with fastest lap
going to Daniel Haskett 16.41, Darren Bedford 17.19 and Lee Smith 17.58.
Ladies Class winner Fiona Newport (KTM) showed her experience with 7
laps and best lap of 20.44, Fiona is so consistent which is her forte yet
2nd place Beverley Callaby (Yam) is fast but makes a few errors here and
there but great riding and in 3rd was Amanda Harper(Yam) who rode a great
race and looked very confident over the open MX jumps.
Class B winner Giles Greenaway (Suzuki PE250), well what can i say
about this man, he seriously impressed Kaka and I by running up front with
Freddie, Daniel and Lee on a bike that is nearly as old as Kaka and so
entertaining with it, sadly he ran out of fuel which dented his day, his
fastest lap was 17.19 which just goes to show how quick this man is, god
knows what he would be like on a piece of modern machinery.
Class C first 2 podium places was very close with the lead exchanging
many times but Andrew Playne (KTM) got the better of John Wraight (KTM)
both did 9 laps, Andrews best lap of 20.48 and John’s 20.53, in 3rd
place the legend himself David Munday who was plagued with mechanical woes
during the day.
Class D An overwhelming win by Matt Willis (KTM) with 13 laps and a lap
time of 17.06 and was not troubled throughout the day, however the other 2
podium places Jed Davies (KTM) and Paul Hunt (Honda) had a battle all day
and both completed 11 laps with Pauls fastest lap being 18.07 and Jeds
20.27.
Class E Stuart Jackson (KTM) showed his quality especially when the
conditions turned who looked so fast and comfortable on the woodland MX
section, completing 13 laps, fastest being 17.19, however a great battle
for runners up spot between Nicholas Burns (KTM) and Clifford Barnett
(Husky) who really did battle all day, but Nicholas had the edge, but both
completed 12 laps, Nicholas best time 17.37 and Cliffords was 17.41.
Class U21, I am a little bit uncertain who actually won this class but
it was between Amos Rowell (Sherco) and Daniel Hunt (Honda), Amos was
super Mr Consistant and completed 11 laps best time 19.43, whilst Daniel
having also completed 11 laps but was definitely the quicker of the 2 in
the mornings session with a fastest lap of 17.55. In 3rd was Daniel Smith
(KTM) who managed 10 laps with a fastest lap of 19.12.
Vets class what a great battle this was between 2 very close rivals,
and on this occasion Jon Foxley (KTM) most definitely out foxed Dave
George (KTM) for the class win with Tony Britton (KTM) in 3rd. Jon and
Dave completed 11 laps, Jons time was 18.56 and Dave 19.31 and Tonys was a
21.36.
Sorry if i have made any mistakes with the results but struggled a bit
with my notes during the change in conditions.
Rich T’s photo of the day was rider no 3 Lee Smith and Kaka’s photo
of the day rider 379 Tony Woolmore who both get a A4 print of their choice
if they contact us ( erika@teamsnapper.co.uk
)
A big thank you to TBEC for making us feel most welcome and look
forward to seeing you again (if you’ll have us?) Photos
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