Results

The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club staged the second round of the 2018 Pat Death Summer Series on Sunday 17th June at Limerstone Farm, courtesy of Geoff and Mary Case. The Club would like to thank them for welcoming us back to this superb venue. Thanks also to Calvin Wright for stepping in at short notice to set six good sections, Viki Taylor (Club Photographer) and Ian Groves (guest Photographer) for their excellent work with their cameras along with all the Observers who helped to ensure a smooth, free flowing event.

The constant threat of rain helped to encourage the riders to make quick work of the five laps, the grass down land does get very slippery in wet conditions. Thankfully the constant strong wind blowing straight off the English Channel kept the rain away long enough for everyone to finish the trial dry.

James Stay rode unopposed in the Expert class but never the less he put in a confident performance to take the points. Meanwhile there were six riders competing in the Intermediate class which proved to be an emphatic win for Mark Coombes. Coombes started as the favourite and didn’t disappoint, finishing with a very competitive total of twenty-five marks, cementing his dominance in the class. Stuart Gummer just about held on for second from Shaun Harris in third – just one mark between these two. Simon Newnham (Sportsman) also taking on the ‘B’ route ended up on thirty, twenty-three of those were lost on the difficult section three.

The competition was much closer in the Clubman class between in first place Ben Brodie and second place finisher, Scott Milton. Brodie had the upper hand on section one which proved to make all the difference keeping him four marks clear at the end. Phil Chase was a few more behind but earned himself five more Championship points. The very well contested Novice class was another close affair which resulted in a win for Rob Baker. Rob has to be pleased with today’s performance that saw him take his first class win. Paul Kent took the second spot, just two more marks adrift – section five proving the decider this time. Dan Flux was forced to settle in third spot – top riding by all three. It was really good to see Ellie Attrill move up from the Beginners, it surely won’t be too long before we see her knocking on the door of the top three. Over in the Twin Shock class, Championship favourite, Nick Symes produced another fine performance to comfortably take the win from course setter, Calvin Wright, who was hampered from the outset with a non-existent rear brake!

The Adult Beginner class was once again dominated by Joe Taylor with an outstanding display of confidence. Taylor finished the trial with the lowest score of the day on a miserly total of five. Gary Jones should be pleased with his effort only six more behind in second. Jason Preece, in only his second trial has to be pleased to land the third place despite the difficult third section accounting for nearly half his total – very good effort by all three riders. Young Alfie Haydon continues to impress in the Youth Novice’s, he only dropped marks on three of the six sections. Youth Beginner winner, Dan Locke, is another young rider gaining in confidence every time he starts his bike – excellent riding by both young lads.

The third and final round of the 2018 Pat Death Summer Series will be held on Sunday 22nd July, please check the Club website nearer the time where all the details will be available once finalised.

The standings for the 2018 Winter Series so far. Please be sure to read the NOTES at the top of page 1. Any questions - please ask away.

This year’s Pat Death Summer Series kicked off on Sunday 20th May at Pagham Farm, Rookley. The Club would like to thank A.B. Farms Ltd for welcoming us back to what is an excellent trials venue. Many thanks also to Stewart Freeman and Michael Brown for setting eight really good sections and of course to all the Observers – top effort people. This year’s Summer Series consists of three trials, May, June and July - to qualify for an Award, riders must complete all three rounds, in the same class.

We would like to extend a very warm welcome to two new members; Joshua Smith and Jason Preece. Both taking part in their first ever trial, deciding to ride in the Novice class. Jason just about had the upper hand from Josh with only eight marks separating them, finishing in sixth and seventh place respectively – we hope they enjoyed the experience and look forward to seeing them both back again very soon.

Six Expert riders this afternoon battling for the top honours. It was George Gosden who stole the show ending the day for a miserly two dropped marks. Will West took the second place on twelve with James Stay just one more behind on thirteen in third, section five proving to be the decider – great riding by all three. Simon Newnham (Sportsman) finished with an almost perfect score, only one lost mark - on the slippery climb out of section five spoiling his score sheet! Meanwhile the Intermediate class was won, with a rare appearance by Mark Coombes who completed the trial for a total of ten. Shaun Harris, who continues to improve, took the second place seven marks clear of friendly rival Malcolm Hawkins.

Ben Brodie just about managed to stay ahead of Scott Milton (by a single mark) in the Clubman class. Section three made all the difference in this very close contest. Third place was taken by Keith Jacobs with Phil Chase only two more adrift in fourth. The well contested Novice class was won by Simon Watmough, finishing on fifteen. Dan Flux had to battle with Paul Kent to earn his second place finish – some good riding by all three. ‘In form’ Twin Shock rider; Nick Symes continues his recent successful run to take the win from Alan Gosden. Alan was hampered when his drive chain was thrown off resulting in a maximum five mark penalty. Meanwhile John Townsend, despite riding unopposed, finished well in the British Bike class for his ten Championship points. Joe Taylor put in another confident performance to kickstart his Summer campaign with a win, in the Adult Beginners – dropping just four marks. Joe could be seen practising on the ‘C’ route after the trial which could mean he might be contemplating a move up into the Novice class in the near future?

Four Youth competitors tackled the Pagham course, headed up by Harvey Grieve in the Youth Expert class. Harvey did very well to finish on an impressive eighteen. Alfie Haydon also continues to impress in the Youth Novice’s completing the day with a loss of just twenty-three – beating most of the Adults riding on the C route! Dan Locke was the clear winner of the Youth Beginner class from young Josh Morris in second – superb effort by all four young riders.

The Club next meet on Sunday 17th of June for the second round. The venue is to be confirmed, please check the Club website nearer the time for the full details.

The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club held its annual Wight Two Day trial on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd April. There were two venues in use this year and the Club would like to thank the Landowners Mr Roger Morgan for the use of Knighton and Mr Rob Taylor for Bembridge down. Very many thanks also to the course setters, who’s role was vital – the pressure was on them to build twelve good standard sections at each venue. Alan Gosden, Simon Newnham and George Gosden at Knighton, with Rory Stephens and Geoff Taylor at Bembridge, assisted at both venues by Stewart Freeman – excellent work guys. The Club’s official Photographer; Viki Taylor, was on hand over weekend to capture the action with her camera which produced 1000’s of superb shots. There were 142 starters (from an entry of 152) which meant that the Observers were kept incredibly busy for many hours with very little rest. The Club recognises their outstanding performance on both days – top effort by every single one of them.

Saturday’s proceedings were based at what proved to be a sun soaked Knighton pit. The day kicked off with an important rider’s briefing immediately followed by a tribute to one of the Club’s most loved and respected members; Nigel Crouch. Nigel sadly passed away in January following a short battle with cancer. The riders were invited to start their engines to make as much noise as they dare in a fitting act of remembrance for the big man – brilliant!

We were effectively running two separate trials on each day – an all ‘off road’ trial and a trial that included some road work – this format was introduced in 2015 and has proved to be a relatively popular option for some riders. The Club organised a free social evening on the Saturday, held at Smallbrook Stadium, a chance to relax and discuss the day’s events whilst sipping some suitable beverages! The Island was hit by some exceptionally barmy weather late on Saturday afternoon that brought torrential down pours throughout the evening and into the early hours of Sunday morning. As a consequence and following an early morning inspection – the decision was taken to close the sections at Knighton and send the course setters at Bembridge out to try to ease back the sections there. Great British weather – don’t you just love it!

There were seventeen different classes on offer over the weekend, the intention was to be as inclusive as possible. The trial also incorporated the ACU Southern Centre Championship too. Some superb riding by so many different riders, far too many to mention here. Island riders managed to tot up seven first, three second and two third place finishes. The best mainland performances came from; Tristan Robinson (class 4) Mark Baldock (class 5) John Long (class 6) Tom Frearson (class 8) Alex Davies (class 13) and Izzy Watmore in class 14. Very well done to all those class winners.

The Club would like to finish by thanking all those that travelled across to our little Island to take part in what now has undoubtedly become one of the premier trials events along the South Coast - and we really hope to see you all again next year.

Results for Saturday 21/04/18.

Sunday's results - and the overall Two Day Results will follow on Monday evening, 23/04/18.

The Downend Cup trial was held at Apse Down, Calbourne on Sunday 8th April, courtesy of Mrs Jane Ball. The Club would like to thank her for welcoming us back to this excellent venue. We would also like to thank the Course Setters; Alan & George Gosden, Simon Newnham and Malcolm Hawkins who between them cleared the ground to produce eight top sections and to all the Observers who turned out on a very wet and drizzly afternoon. The Club would like to welcome new member David Craven, not the easiest of trials to start on - but we hope he enjoyed the experience and look forward to seeing him again soon.

There was a question mark hanging over this trial, following all the very wet weather in recent weeks that had saturated the ground. The decision to go ahead was taken on Saturday morning after a few decent dry days which helped to dry the access route. However there was another prolonged downpour during the early hours of Sunday morning that resulted in a tougher than planned trial, which undoubtedly led to the lower than usual turnout. We were determined for the trial to take place as it brings the first half of the Winter Series to a close. Most of the riders scores would be the envy of many cricket players - but this proved to be a very good practice session for the forthcoming Wight Two Day Trial on 21st and 22nd April. Entries for the event will close on Saturday 14th April – if you plan to join us, you have just a few days left to get your paperwork sent in!

Only two Youth riders in action at what was a very slippery and greasy Apse Down. Young Alfie Haydon (Youth Novice) did very well to compose himself, after parting company with his bike on the tricky downhill part of section two, and with a determined effort finish the trial for a loss of seventy-nine. Meanwhile Dan Locke (Youth Beginner) with another determined ride completed with a total of eighty-one. Excellent effort by both riders. Joe Taylor once again finished the trial with the lowest score of the day dropping only thirteen marks to take the win in the Adult Beginners. New member, David Craven in his first trial persevered despite the conditions to earn himself a good second place.

Expert rider; James Stay seemed to really enjoy the testing conditions and although he was unopposed posted a pretty competitive score to claim another ten Championship points. Ben Read emphatically stole the show in the Intermediate class dropping just fifty-nine, nearly eighty marks clear of his nearest rivals, Alan Gosden and Malcolm Hawkins who were tied on one hundred and thirty-eight! Alan was awarded the second spot by notching up more ones. Simon Newnham faired slightly better on the B route dropping one hundred and six in the Sportsman class. Birthday boy Scott Milton celebrated his win in the Clubman class by sharing a rather large chocolate cake (which was considerably smaller when he left). Scott finished just four marks ahead of Ben Brodie in second and Phil Chase in third – some very close riding involved here.

The Novice group of riders saw Colin Brodie take the spoils finishing eleven clear of Rob Baker in second with Paul Kent forced to settle for third on this occasion. Returning rider; Jon Read won the Sportsmans from Stuart Gummer in second and Mike Taylor in third – again, some really competitive riding between these three.

The Club next meet in two weeks-time for the Clubs flagship event – The 2018 Wight Two Day Trial. We have an entry of over 130 riders which will produce some excellent spectating. Saturday April 21st at Knighton Sandpit (11am start) and Sunday 22nd at Bembridge down, starting at 10am. All the details are available from the Club website: www.iowmcc.co.uk. Spectators are very welcome with free entry. Entries for riders close this coming Saturday, 14th April – time is running out!

The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club held the fifth round of the 2018 Winter Trials Championship on Sunday 25th March at Newbarn Farm, Calbourne. The Club would like to thank Mr Chris Spence for welcoming us back to this superb venue. We would also like to say a big thank you to the course setters; Simon Newnham, Alan Gosden and Malcolm Hawkins - who between them set eight top sections, Viki Taylor for her excellent camera skills and to all the Observers – top effort people. The weather conditions were perfect, overcast, dry and relatively warm. Despite the recent wet weather leading into the weekend the ground conditions were also good, a little greasy for the first two laps but by lap three there was loads of grip to be had.

There were three Youth riders in action this afternoon, headed up by Harvey Grieve (Youth Expert) who rode the tricky sections with great determination finishing on a total of sixty-two – sounds a big number but actually this was an excellent performance on the B route. Young Alfie Haydon continues to improve and impress in the Youth Novice class. Alfie completed the C route with an amazing total of just twenty-two, beating all of the adults tackling the same route. Relative newcomer Dan Locke (Youth Beginner) also continues to gain in confidence with every outing – very good effort by all these young riders.

The Expert class was emphatically won by Rob Howard who finished with a total of twenty-one, section five proved to be his nemesis, accounting for seventeen of his lost marks – superb ride Rob. James Stay seemed to struggle today but persevered to hold onto second place from Jos Wright in third. James commented, that during his pre-trial preparations, he may well have over lubricated - which undoubtedly accounted for his below par performance! Meanwhile the Intermediate group of riders resulted in a win for Ross Haydon, who took on the B route on his twin shock Fantic. Ross finished four marks clear of Andy Steele in second with course setters Alan Gosden and Malcolm Hawkins in third and fourth respectively.

Ben Brodie took the spoils in the Clubman class, the clear winner, from Keith Jacobs in second with Phil Chase forced to settle for the third spot on this occasion. Some good riding by all three riders none the less. Paul Kent returned to winning ways in the Novice group of riders, ending the day with a score of thirty-four, ten marks clear of Robert Baker in second who just about held Colin Brodie in third. Colin must be pleased with his efforts after only his second trial following a prolonged break of several years. Dan Flux also deserves a mention in fourth along with Robert Herzberg in fifth place – there were only five marks between second and fifth places! Joe Taylor, despite riding unopposed, secured himself another ten Championship points in the Adult Beginner class. Joe completed the trial with the lowest score of the day with only fifteen dropped marks. Gary Jones (Sportsman) should be pleased with his tally of sixteen. John Townsend, the only British Bike rider also went home happy with his efforts, notching up another maximum ten points.

The Club next meet for the Downend Cup on Sunday 8th April with the usual start time of twelve noon. Please check the Club website: www.iowmcc.co.uk for all the details, nearer the time. The 2018 Wight Two Day Trial is fast approaching (21st & 22nd April) entries close on April 14th – If you are planning on joining us you need to get your paperwork sent in asap to avoid disappointment. All the details can be found on the website in the Forms section – time is running out!

The fourth round of the Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club’s 2018 Winter Trials Championship was held at Shorwell Chalk Pit, on Sunday 11th March, courtesy of Mr Ralph Cook. The Club would like to thank Ralph for welcoming us back to what is an excellent trials venue. Thanks also to Mark Coombes for setting eight top sections and to the Observers; Charlotte and Emma Percy, Darren Taylor, Mark Coombes, Calvin Wright and Wayne Brodie – who’s efforts are very much appreciated. Rider numbers were as expected, lower than usual – the trial was originally planned for last weekend but had to be rescheduled due to the adverse weather conditions hindering access to the venue.

We would also like to congratulate fellow Club rider; Chris Stay for his outstanding performance in the first round of the 2018 British Trials Championship, held at Hookwoods trial centre, Leatherhead on Saturday. Chris took his first podium finish in the Expert class, since his return to top flight competition just last year. His total of thirty-six secured a fine third place and provided an excellent platform to kick start his 2018 campaign – Top effort by him. We wish him all the very best as he prepares for the second round at Tow Tops, Cumbria on Sunday 15th April.

Just one Expert rider in action today – but James Stay never the less posted a competitive total of thirty-eight banking ten more Championship points to add to his seasons tally. Meanwhile Andy Steele had to keep focused in order to take the win in the Intermediate class from, with a spirited performance, Shaun Harris in second. Scott Milton on the other hand proved to be the clear winner in the Clubman class (despite a spectacular crash on his last lap) from Phil Chase – sections one, two and four making all the difference here.

The Novice group of riders was headed up by the ever improving Dan Flux. Dan completed the tricky and greasy sections for a loss of only eighteen marks. Robert Baker who also continues to gain in confidence had to battle hard for his second place from Robert Herzberg in third – very well done to all three riders. Nick Symes finished the trial with the lowest total of the day in the Twin Shock class, just two marks away from a perfect score. Jos Wright took second spot, choosing to ride his Dad’s Ossa – the typical poor braking performance, synonymous with this type of machine, undoubtedly contributed to his total – good effort though. British Bike rider; John Townsend thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon’s trialling and bagged himself ten Championship points to boot. Joe Taylor proved to be the lone Adult Beginner rider but despite the lack of competition, he managed to be one of two riders to finish in single figures – excellent effort Joe, very well done. Harvey Grieve battled hard with the slippery conditions and persevered for another win in the Youth Expert class – top marks Harvey.

The Club next meet in two weeks-time for the Jeffries Cup, Sunday 25th March, 12 noon. Simon Newnham will be setting the sections, the venue is to be confirmed but will be available very soon from the Club website: www.iowmcc.co.uk. Results from all our trials are also available there. Preparations continue for the forthcoming Wight Two Day Trial (21st and 22nd April) if you are intending to enter please get your paperwork sent in sooner rather than later - in order to guarantee your place.

The third round of the Isle of Wight Motorcycle Winter Trials Championship took part on Sunday 11th February at Arreton Down. The Club would like to thank A. Brown Farms for allowing us the use of yet more new ground. Thanks also to course setters; Michael and Molly Brown with Geoff and Kameron Taylor who between them cleared the ground to set eight excellent sections. We very much appreciate the Observers that help to keep the trial running smoothly and to Viki Taylor and Ian Groves for their top photographic skills. The day began with a rather fierce and prolonged hail shower which served as a reminder that we are still firmly in the Winter season. The sky soon cleared however to leave us with dry and bright conditions for the rest of the afternoon. The sections were plotted on land not trialled on in over twenty years - but with some clever thinking by the course setters they were able to provide the riders with an entertaining and challenging trial.

Some extra difficult deviations were added to help Chris Stay prepare for his 2018 British Championship campaign. Chris managed to clean five of the eight sections only dropping marks on sections one, five and eight. Chris completed the trial with a miserly total of just fifteen, the lowest total of the day – we wish him all the very best for what will be a very well contested British Trials Championship. Meanwhile another Stay was riding in the Expert class. Brother James put in a confident performance to take the win despite a determined effort from Rob Howard – sections four and five made all the difference here. Course setter Michael Brown finished in a respectable third place with young Jos Wright in fourth. Just two Intermediate competitors today which resulted in a win for Steve Groves. Steve finished twelve marks ahead of Malcolm Hawkins to take the spoils – good effort by both riders. Simon Newnham (Sportsman class) recorded the best score on the ‘B’ route with thirty-eight, closely followed by Mark Coombes, sections seven and eight proving pivotal.

The Clubman class was topped by the improving Ben Brodie who finished with a total of thirty-six, thirteen ahead of Phil Chase in second with Scott Milton in third. The closest battle of the day came from the Novice group of riders. Dan Flux produced a brilliant ride to take the win from Paul Kent – only a six marks between these two. Robert Baker has to be pleased with his third place just one more mark adrift. Nick Symes was the only rider in the Twin Shock class but never the less finished with the second lowest total of the day - on twenty, to claim another ten Championship points. John Townsend, another lone rider, this time in the British Bike class also earned himself top points completing the trial dropping only twenty-seven.

Just two Youth riders in action today, Alfie Haydon (Youth Novice) and Dan Locke, Youth Beginner. Alfie must be exceptionally happy – completing the ‘C’ route with a lower score than all but one of the Adult riders – fantastic effort Alfie! Dan Locke should also be encouraged by his score - he has improved markedly in just his second ever trial – very good effort, rewarded with another ten Championship points. The next Club trial will be held on March 4th. The venue is still to be confirmed, all the details will be available from the Club website nearer the time.

The Club is still coming to terms with the passing of Nigel Crouch following his battle with Cancer. Nigel was involved with the Club for well over fifty years, on the Committee for forty plus years and Treasurer for around thirty years. More than all of that though – he was such a welcoming and friendly man with not a bad word to say about anybody! He will be very sadly missed - but very fondly remembered. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his Family. Nigel’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 21st February at the IOW crematorium at 12 noon. I would like to urge as many IOWMCC members as possible to attend and help send ‘Big Nige’ off in a manner befitting such an inspirational and friendly man.

The second round of the IOWmcc’s Winter Championship was held at Lee Copse, Bouldnor, on Sunday 21st January courtesy of Ann Gustar. The Club would like to thank Ann and her family for making us so welcome and allowing us to pretty much take over their property for the afternoon. Thanks are also due to course setter, Mark Coombes, who was faced with an impossible task given the recent, very wet weather - but never the less he managed to provide us with a very entertaining trial. The Observers and Viki Taylor, who was on hand to capture some top images.

Four laps of eight sections awaited the riders at the rain soaked Bouldnor course. The sections held up remarkably well for much of the first lap but with the rain continuing to fall - conditions soon deteriorated into a bit of a mud fest! We would like to welcome two new members; Andy Bedwell and Dan Locke. Not the easiest of trials to make a debut but we hope they enjoyed themselves and we look forward to seeing them signing on again soon.

The Expert class attracted five riders, and there was just seven marks between the top three. Rob Howard managed to take the win finishing with a total of forty-two from in second, James Stay with Will West in third on forty-nine. This is Rob’s first time out for a while but he clearly managed to keep his composure and kick start his season off to an excellent start - top riding by all three. Andy Steele proved to be the clear winner in the Intermediates, with a thirty mark cushion from Malcolm Hawkins. Malcolm did well to recover from a heavy fall on the difficult section one (third lap) to complete the trial. Andy Scott-Jackson blasted his way through the tricky ground to secure a good third place finish.

The Novice group of riders produced another clear winner, this time for Dan Flux. Dan should be really pleased to have finished with a total of thirty-seven. The battle for the minor placings was much closer, just four marks between second and fourth. Rob Baker just about held on for second with Steve Chase in third. Rob Herzberg was the fourth place rider. Ben Brodie and Keith Jacobs (Clubman class) were separated by only two marks, Ben held his nerve well to take the win by the smallest of margins. Phil Chase ended up a distant third after sustaining an injury to his hand following an acrobatic dismount on an earlier section. Lone Twin Shock rider, Nick Symes finished with the joint lowest total of the day on fourteen. Despite the lack of competition Nick still put in a very competitive performance. Another lone rider, this time in the British Bike class, saw a determined effort from John Townsend who battled the mud well to complete the trial. Simon Newnham (Sportsmans) proved to be the lowest scoring rider on the ‘B’ route, managing to restrict his total to fifty-two – very good effort in the conditions.

The Adult Beginner class was taken by Ellie Attrill who just edged Joe Taylor into second place with Kevin Smith in third. Ellie equalled the lowest score of fourteen, Joe was only three more adrift, some confident riding here. Harvey Grieve found the mud hard to deal with but never the less added another ten Championship points to his seasons tally in the Youth Experts. Alfie Haydon (Youth Novice) should be happy with his efforts – only section four defeated him, otherwise a really good performance. New youth rider Dan Locke did very well, taking part in his first ever trial. Riding in the Youth Beginner class, which must have seemed like a ‘baptism of fire’, never the less he soldiered on to some very well earned points.

The Club next meet on Sunday 11th Feb for the Spring Cup. The venue is still to be confirmed but will be made available on the Club website, once finalised. The Club’s Annual Awards evening is fast approaching, Sat 24th Feb – again all the details can be found on the homepage of this website.