Welcome readers to a report of the Brackendene event, where 32 riders took part.

Clerk of the course today was Trevor Dibnah. It was four times around the eight sections comprising of rocks, cambers and tree logs that was going to take points off all the youth riders apart from one, that was outstanding expert rider James Graham, he would clean the entire course on the Gas Gas.

Section 1 was down the concrete steps towards the murky waters edge, along the muddy bank then full power up around the lonesome tree. Aidan Bowker (Clipic) cleaned this one on his very first attempt. James Grist cleaned the novice route over the 2 logs that required a wheelie, around the 2 trees, care was required if it was not to be a fall down the bank and an early bath, so nice and steady before getting lined up for the rocks.

Section 2 was not a favourite for the inter riders, big rocks and more rocks, Ian Petrie observed this one. Tristan Robinson got caught on the boulders but pulled himself and the bike up, then composed himself and cleaned the rest of this hard section.

Section 3 observed by the Slark family, all dropping down the bank, as the sun was shining on it, it was drying out nicely. Blues went around the skinny tree, then up and swirling around the 5 trees by the bank. Climbing up the tree routed bank, Ryan Thomas sped through for another clean. Whites had to go up through narrow gates. James Graham had a clean sheet on this one.

Section 4 A nice easy one for the reds, because they had so many cleans, there was a slab before the end gates that many a novice would enjoy a wheelie over. PJ Slark (Beta) was one of these, cleaning this one well. Chris Bow settling in nicely now, recorded all zeros on this section on the yellow route, twirling in and around the trees.

Section 5 (The rocks) Rock after rock for the inter class. Dropping down the big rocks up to ledges then down three, back up two, then dropping down. As soon as the front wheel drops a turn into the mud, with many a blue taking a dab. Then the extra large rock face, many not getting up it. Harriet Shore stalled the Gasser on this one.

Section 6 All going down towards the waters edge. There was two ways to go for, many Novice riders avoiding the drop off the boulder and choosing the easier route. It was then a Left hand turn, around a tree then into the mud that was very deep in places. A turn in it then up the hill, there was a rut that just got bigger and bigger as the blues and whites were using this path also. Smaller c.c bikers were to spin and spin. The idea for the reds was not to go into the mud, so that their tyres would be clean. Then take a quick left hander, thus avoiding the dug out rut, then power all the way to the top, like Elliott Tickner on the Yamaha a 3 for him. Elliott did not make it on his last attempt mind you, as I forgot to top the bike up, and he came to a spluttering halt up the incline which he did not like at all. A quick trip back to the van for him to get the petrol, and after a few kicks he was on his way again.

Section 7 The area where this was located has not been used much, I do not know why as it is good basically. Down the bank around the trees and power all the way to the top towards the roadside. Hannah Penfold (Beta) cruised through, with good throttle control. Number 36 David Vincent (Gas Gas) gave a good exhibition of a wheelie out.

Section 8 The log section by the fence. Bob Shore on observation duty on this one. Novice riders had a quick right hander, then get lined up for the 2 logs, over these and a brief climb up, and a turn to come down, then up and around the trees, over a log and into the clearing, then another set of banks to play with. Jack Foulger (Gas Gas) had fun here like Harry Petrie on the big logs.

Many thanks to all who helped out and observed at this trial, it makes it all so much easier, thanks also to Francis for secretary work.

Graham Tickner signing off.

Click HERE for trial results.