1. The final approach "road" and entrance to the parking area can be difficult to negotiate.
2. The pit in which the trial is held can be very wet and slippy making sections with climbs and cambers nearly impossible.
3. The pong.
The weather leading up to the day of the event was atrocious, or put another way, normal for the Autumn of this year, very wet, meaning that all three of the above would play a role in the day's proceedings.
On arrival I was feeling quite pleased at having driven the raised track behind the pigsties without losing either the trailer or the car exhaust, only to be stopped on the final incline to be given the advise "give it some welly from here or you won't get into the field" Too late, uphill acceleration from a standing start on that surface was never on. Never mind, ferrying my son to events has its compensations and with Ralph's and others outside help I made it to the parking area. Here experience played a part, as I made sure I stopped pointing downhill thus avoiding the problems encountered by some when they tried to leave
Whilst on the subject of experience, there is nothing like being psyched out by ones competitors before a leg is even thrown over a bike. I found I was parked next to Sammy Miller, winner of eleven successive British Championships, together with George Greenland and Dick Ramplee, both ex British Sidecar Champions. All three will forgive me for saying they are now a bit long in the tooth, but they have only lost a little of the ability that I never possessed.
And so to No.2. Yes it was slippery in the pit, but in the morning the sections were manageable and I got round two laps without making a bigger than normal fool of myself. However, during the lunch break it rained, Oh how it rained and the afternoon presented a far different challenge! I for one spent as much time going backwards and sideways as forwards. Rumour has it that even some of the observers ended up on their rear end.
The pong? Despite washing both bikes and all the gear immediately on returning home the smell of pig sh*t was as usual with me for days.
Why do we do it every year? Because it's a great day out, enjoyed not only for the challenge of riding sections so deviously devised by Jack Pinckney, but also for the good company and the type of banter found only in the trials world.
This year was made even more pleasurable by seeing the obvious enjoyment of so many Club Members new to the sport who turned up to help on the day. Its great to have the support (and extra banter). I hope to see you all at the next trial in February.
THE JACK WHITE TRIAL - A RIDER'S EYE VIEW
By :Brian Boden Club Treasurer and Non Competitive Trials Rider.
