Results

The fourth round of the Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club Winter Trials Championship was held at Pagham Farm, Rookley, the Club would like to thank A. Brown Farms for welcoming us back to this brilliant venue. Thanks also to Stuart Gummer and Martin Moore who cleared the ground to set eight excellent sections. Thanks to Viki Taylor for her work with the camera and to the posse of people who helped to clear up afterwards.

Rob Howard and Simon Newnham were locked in a very close battle for the top honours in the Expert class, it was Rob who emerged the winner from Simon, just two marks separating the two. Mick Brown put in a confident performance to secure the third spot. Meanwhile in the well contested Intermediate class, Ben Read had total command, he proved to be the clear winner with an inspired effort. Things were much closer for the minor placings – Mark Gray just held on to take second place from Andy Scott-Jackson by a single mark. Course setter, Stuart Gummer, decided to take a full on backwards plunge into the stream which helped relegate him into fourth place – very good effort though!

Despite being the only rider in the Clubman class, Scott Milton finished with a very respectable score on his way to another ten Championship points. Novice rider, Ben Brodie continues to improve with another convincing win from Keith Jacobs in second and Phil Chase in third. Paul Kent eventually finished in fourth following some very annoying mechanical problems. Nick Symes was the lone rider in the Twin Shock class, Nick did seem to struggle at times with a few uncharacteristic maximum five point penalties. John Townsend (British Bike class) was another victim of reliability issues with his bike and was forced to retire early on into the trial. Just two Adult beginners competing this afternoon which saw Steve Chase take the win from Course setter, Martin Moore, some very close riding here – section eight proved to be the decider with only three marks separating the two.

Jos Wright headed up the Youth classes (Youth Expert) Jos should be more than happy with his performance, finishing with a score to rival the Adults on the same route! Harrison Crickmore took top spot in the Youth Beginner’s securing the win from friendly rival Alfie Haydon – both riders were affected by some unexpected fuel/carburettor issues with their Beta 125 machines! Excellent effort by all three riders.

The Club next meet on Sunday 19th March for the Jeffries Cup. The venue is still to be confirmed but all the details will be available from the Club website once the details have been finalised.

The third round of the Isle of Wight motorcycle Club’s 2017 Winter Championship was held at Shorwell Chalk Pit, courtesy of Mr Ralph Cook, on Sunday 12th February. The Club would like to thank Ralph for welcoming us back to what is a brilliant trials venue. Thanks also to Mark Coombes, who once again gave up his time to set the trial. Mark even managed to develop some new ground, presenting the riders with eight excellent sections – brilliant effort Mark. Very many thanks also to Viki Taylor who braved the bitterly cold conditions to capture the day’s events with her camera.

We would like to welcome two new members, Martin Moore and young Tobin Taylor. Martin finished his first trial with a win in the Sportsman class whilst Tobin, who is just eight years old, treated today as a practise session on his electric powered Osset machine. We look forward to seeing them both at future events.

Just two Expert riders, Simon Newnham and Mark Coombes, battled for the top honours. Simon just about held on to take the win in this evenly matched contest. Only three marks between them – good effort by both riders. The well contested Intermediate group of riders proved to be another close affair. Rory Stephens emerged the winner from Andy Scott-Jackson in second. Mike Taylor finished in third, by the narrowest of margins, from Stuart Gummer in fourth. Scott Milton returned to trials today this time on a twin shock machine. Scott was the lone rider in the Clubman class but never the less put in a confident performance recording the lowest total for the day dropping just five marks.

Ben Brodie also rode very well in the Novice class to take the win from the improving Phil Chase in second. Keith Jacobs finished in third spot, once again just a single mark between these two. Paul Kent suffered a few mechanical problems but managed to complete the trial to finish in fourth place. British Bike rider John Townsend must be pleased with his performance, John’s bike has been dogged with reliability problems recently but the Triumph behaved itself and helped John collect his ten Championship points. Steve Chase rode unopposed in the Adult Beginner class and earned himself another win - The beginner’s course was made up of just seven sections - section eight, a steep winding climb was judged to be too difficult for this group of riders.

The Youth classes were headed up by Jos Wright and Harvey Grieve in the Youth Expert class. Jos proved to be the clear winner today whilst Harvey is improving well having recently moved up from the Novice course. Brendon Penn rode a blinder in the Youth Novice class, despite riding unopposed, he finished the day with the second lowest total of only ten. Meanwhile things were very close between Harrison Crickmore and Alfie Haydon who finished first and second respectively in the Youth Beginner’s with just three marks separating the two. Alfie did well to even finish after a spectacular crash, hurting his knee, on the tricky section three. Joe Taylor continues to improve and posted a good third place finish for a valuable five Championship points – excellent effort by all these youth riders.

The Club next meet on Saturday evening for the annual Awards evening. The next Club trial will take place on Sunday 5th March. Please keep an eye on the Club website: www.iowmcc.co.uk where the full details will appear nearer the time. Entries for this year’s 50th Golden Anniversary Wight Two Day Trial, 22nd and 23rd April are steadily coming in with confirmed riders from Australia, Northern Ireland, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Counties a bit closer to home. If you plan to take part please send your entries in sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

The second round of the 2017 Winter trials Championship took place on Sunday 22nd January at Lee Copse, Bouldnor. The Club are very grateful to Ann and John Gustar for allowing us the use of the copse and for making space for parking. – fantastic hosts. The Club would also like to thank Simon Newnham, Malcolm Hawkins, Stuart Gummer and Mark Coombes who between them cleared the ground and provided us with eight excellent sections. There were concerns beforehand about just how wet the ground would be - we need not have worried – all were surprised at just how much grip they found helping to make this a very enjoyable trial. The days antics were captured on camera by Viki Taylor – very many thanks Viki, we all appreciate your efforts.

The Club would like to welcome new member – Paul Brading. Paul has been heavily involved in motorcycle sport on the Island over the years but this was only his second attempt at trials riding.

Two of today’s course setters battled for the top honours in the Expert class. Simon Newnham took the win from Mark Coombes, section seven proving pivotal. Simon managed to stay in front despite going over the handle bars, twice – good effort! The very well contested Intermediate class was convincingly won by Ben Read who with an inspired ride finished forty-three marks clear of second place finisher Malcolm Hawkins. Stuart Gummer was close behind in third – only two marks separated these two. Stuart Gummer and Mike Taylor’s scores were tied – Gummer was awarded third place by notching up more cleans with Mike having to settle for fourth. James Craven should also be pleased with his performance, in this his first attempt at the more difficult ‘B’ route.

Ben Brodie emphatically took the Novice class, dropping just ten marks for the day. Phil Chase battled hard to finish in second place and new to trials, Paul Brading with a solid third place finish. Only one Twin Shock rider this afternoon – Nick Symes, never the less Nick posted the lowest total for the day loosing a miserly six marks to earn another maximum ten Championship points.

Just two riders on the Beginner routes, Steve Chase (Adult) and Josh Morris (Youth). Steve must be happy with his score, he lost just sixteen marks and most of those were on the tricky section one. Young Josh is steadily building up his confidence following a scary crash, a few trials back. Josh showed good determination to keep going and notch up his first win of the season – very well done young man.

The Club’s Awards dinner and dance night is fast approaching (Feb 18th) don’t miss out on what promises to be a really good night out for all the family. All the info and menu choices are available in the ‘forms’ section of the Club website. Completed forms need to be returned by Feb 4th please. The next Club trial will be held on Sunday 12th February – please check the website nearer the time for the full details. The 2017 Wight Two Day (Golden Anniversary) Trial is also fast approaching – we are asking for volunteers to observe the sections, Sat April 22nd and Sun April 23rd, please get in touch if you can help. Special commemorative engraved glasses and enamel badges will be presented to all observers.

The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club’s Winter Championship kicked off 2017 with The New Year Shield - held at Sweetwater Brook, courtesy of Mr Trevor Strickland, on Sunday 8th January. The Club would like to thank Trevor for welcoming us back to what is a brilliant trials venue. We would also like to thank the owners of Calbourne Mill for kindly allowing us the use of their car park.

Today’s course was set by Nick Symes and Mark Coombes - very well done to them for giving up their time to provide us with eight tight and tricky sections. I would like to welcome Malcolm Hawkins into the ‘exclusive’ group of riders that have ended up in the brook, soaked in the not so sweet water. Malcolm, an Inter course rider, gained double first class honours, with distinction as he managed to do it twice in the same trial - Good effort!

The Club would like to welcome young Erin Avey into the world of trials riding, taking part on her new electric trials bike. Erin chose to use today as a practise session – very wise decision given the greasy riding conditions. We look forward to seeing her at future events.

The Expert class was convincingly won by Chris Stay. Chris finished with the lowest score of the day, dropping just five marks, showing all how it should be done! George Gosden finished in second with Josh Stephens, hot on his heels in third. Rory Stephens put in a solid performance to take the win in the Intermediate class. Simon Newnham battled well to hold off a determined challenge from Mark Coombes in third, just two marks between these two.

Meanwhile the Novice class was emphatically won by the improving Phil Chase forcing Paul Kent into second spot this time out – sections one and four making the biggest difference. Nick Symes took another convincing win in the Twin shocks from Alan Gosden in second. Nick’s excellent riding on the tricky first section helped make all the difference. Steve Chase must be pleased with his efforts today in the Adult Beginners. Steve finished twenty-eight marks ahead of Darren Taylor. Darren had to dig deep in the difficult riding conditions to earn himself seven Championship points.

The Youth Expert class was fought out between Jos Wright and Harvey Grieve. Jos took a convincing win from his friendly rival. Harvey stepped up today from Youth Novice and should be really pleased with his efforts – well done to both riders. The Youth Beginner class was won by Harrison Crickmore from Alfie Haydon in second. Both these lads have recently moved up onto their larger wheeled bikes and are doing very well getting to grips with their new machines.

The next Club trial will be held on Sunday 22nd January. The venue is to be confirmed, please check the Club website nearer the time for the full details. We are appealing for volunteers to help set future trials – we have been relying on the usual few people for a while now, this could be your chance to influence the severity of the sections. If you don’t feel confident enough to set the whole trial, that’s fine and understandable but you can still get involved, your help would be greatly appreciated. Don’t forget the Awards, Dinner and Dance night, 18th Feb, 6pm at Rookley Country Park – all the information and the forms are available here on the Club website. Completed forms and payment need to be sent to Ann Gustar by Feb 4th please.

The final 2016 Winter Series Championship standings. We would once again like to thank all the Landowners for their kind and generous support throughout 2016 and we look forward to returning to all those venues in 2017.

Just as a reminder, to qualify for an award, riders had to complete a minimum of eight trials (in the same class) but all rounds counted. Congratulations to all the award winners.

The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club held its annual (Father & Son) Boxing Day Trial at Shorwell Chalk Pit, 26/12/16, The Club would like to thank Mr Ralph Cook for welcoming us back to this brilliant venue. Thanks also to the course setters Nick Symes and Mark Coombes – who between them set eight tight and technical sections. I would like to thank Calvin Wright for helping to clear up after the trial. An unseasonal, mild and sunshine filled day greeted the riders who were eager to work off some of their Christmas day indulgences!

Riders were invited to turn up in fancy dress with prizes for the best Adult and Youth competitors up for grabs. Presentations were made to Paul Kent (Adult) and young Josh Morris (Youth) for their efforts.

Congratulations to Ross and Alfie Haydon who proved to be the clear winners in the Father and Son competition. The individual riders scores were added together with the lowest scoring pair earning the top honours. Alan (Nelly) and George Gosden took second spot with Calvin and Jos Wright in third.

There was just one Expert rider today – it was great to see George Gosden returning to trials riding after a break of several years, although you wouldn’t have known it! George tackled the sections like he’d never been away, finishing the trial with the joint lowest total of just ten dropped marks. Rory Stephens claimed first place in the Intermediate class of riders with a confident performance. Second place was taken by Ben Read with Stuart Gummer third. Mark Coombes (2016 Inter Champion) was forced to retire after sustaining a back injury, thankfully Mark was in good spirits with no long-term damage caused.

The Novice group of riders was headed up by James Craven. James managed to hold off a determined challenge from Paul Kent. The improving Phil Chase secured third place, just two marks behind Paul – very good effort by all three riders. It was really good to see Alan & Moss Downer back on their bikes following a break of several years. The popular Twin Shock class was convincingly won by Ross Haydon who finished the trial for a miserly ten dropped marks. The 2016 Twin Shock Champion, Nick Symes, was forced this time into second place. Clavin Wright should be pleased with his efforts taking third place form Alan Gosden - just seven marks between these two. Phil Silvester was the lone Adult Beginner competitor and despite picking up a shoulder injury, finished the trial to claim the win. Simon Newnham proved to be the clear winner in the Sportsman class with another confident performance. Brothers Paul and Steve Baldwin took second and third respectively.

There were five Youth riders taking part today led by Jos Wright (Youth Expert) Jos handled the tricky ‘B’ route very well and completed the trial with a respectable loss of eighty-two. Harvey Grieve (Youth Novice) found some of the sections quite challenging but never the less finished with a smile. Alfie Haydon took a convincing win in the Youth Beginner class, his effort also proved to be decisive in the Father and Son competition – excellent ride Alfie. The improving Josh Morris finished well to take second place.

The Club next meet at Sweetwater Brook on Sunday 8th January (12 noon) for the first round of the 2017 Winter Championship. The Club would like to wish its members, land owners, friends and associates all the very best wishes for the New Year.

The Isle of Wight motorcycle club held the final round of the 2016 Winter Trials Championship on Sunday 4th December at Knighton Sand Pit, Newchurch. The Club would like to thank the landowner, Mr Roger Morgan, for welcoming us back to this excellent venue. Very many thanks also to Nick Symes, assisted by his band of merry helpers, for eight fun but challenging sections and to Viki Taylor who braved the biting cold wind to record the day’s events with her camera.

The Expert class was won by Will West who lost just nine marks, all on the tricky section four. Rob Howard pushed Will all the way - but finished in second, only five marks between these two. Simon Newnham battled on well to secure third spot. Ben Read proved to be the clear winner of the well contested Intermediate class. Ben completed the trial with the lowest total of the day – a miserly seven dropped marks. Andy Scott-Jackson just about took second place from Mike Taylor in third. Andy’s final attempt on the graded hill climb (section eight) was very impressive, pretty much all on the rear wheel, I’m not sure it was planned that way but it looked awesome for the spectators!

James Craven should be really pleased with his performance, the clear winner of the Novice group of riders – great effort James. Keith Jacobs must also be happy to settle in second with Phil Chase in third. Course setter, Nick Symes was the only Twin Shock rider today and added another, maximum, ten Championship points to his seasons tally.

Phil Silvester finished the year on a high with another win in the Adult beginner class, despite riding unopposed, today’s result has earned him his first Winter series Championship – great achievement Phil, very well done. Meanwhile Jos Wright rode an absolute blinder in the Youth Expert class, his section scores rivalled some of the adults on the B course. Harrison Crickmore sealed the Youth Beginner’s Championship - emerging as the clear winner today from the improving Josh Morris. The beginners were presented with a separate section eight, the graded hill was deemed to be too difficult for the beginners to attempt. – however the youngsters found the alternative (rocky) section to be rather testing too - I understand they nick-named it 'the nut cracker'! Very good effort by both riders.

The Club next meet on Boxing Day at Shorwell Chalk Pit for the annual Father and Son trial. At the earlier than usual start time of eleven o-clock. Prizes are on offer for the best Adult and Youth fancy dressed riders. I hope to see you all then. The Club would like to wish all its members, land owners, friends and associates a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2017.

The Club will be returning to Knighton in April 2017 for the 50th Golden Anniversary Wight Two Day Trial. The Reg’s and entry form are available from the Club website and entries are now open. We are expecting a bumper entry so please get your paperwork sent in sooner rather than later to secure your place in this historic Club milestone.

The penultimate round of the Isle of Wight mcc’s 2016 Winter trials Championship was held on Sunday 27th November at Haslett Farm, Shorwell. The Club would like to thank Mr Glen Draper for welcoming us back to this superb venue. Very many thanks also to Mark Coombes and Nick Symes, today’s course setters who between them set eight good and testing sections.

Rob Howard took the top honours finishing the clear winner in the Expert class from Simon Newnham, sections five and seven made all the difference. Meanwhile the well contested Intermediate class was won by Mark Coombes – Mark also sealed the Championship with today’s win. Ben Read put in a great performance though to finish in second with Andy Scott-Jackson third. Malcolm Hawkins did well just to finish the trial after injuring his hand shortly before the start.

The Novice group of riders was headed up, once again, by Ben Brodie with an excellent performance. Brodie finished twenty-five marks clear of second place rider Keith Jacobs with the improving Phil Chase in third spot. Phil Silvester took the win in the Adult Beginners, completing the trial with the lowest total for the day – just six dropped marks and moves one step closer to his first Winter Championship title. Steve Chase finished in second.

Three Youth finishers today led by Harvey Grieve in the Youth Novice class and despite riding unopposed he put in a determined effort for his ten Championship points. Young Josh Morris should be over the moon with his ride. Josh notched up his first ever win in the Youth Beginners, two marks clear of second place finisher and Championship leader Harrison Crickmore. Excellent effort by both riders.

The final round of the 2016 Championship will take place on Sunday December 4th starting at 12 noon. The venue is still to be confirmed, please keep an eye on the Club website for the full details.

The 50th Golden Anniversary Wight Two Day Trial (22nd & 23rd April 2017) Reg’s and Entry form are available from the website and entries are now open. We are expecting a bumper entry for this special event so please get your paperwork sent in sooner rather than later! We can now announce Sammy Miller - eleven times British and two times European Trials Champion (who also won the Wight Two Day Trial, a record seven times) has agreed to make the journey across the Solent to set the riders off on the Saturday, to help mark this important milestone in the Club’s history.

The annual Matt Russell Memorial Trial was held on Sunday 06/11/16 at Nodewell Farm, Totland. The Club would like to thank the Morgan Family for welcoming us back for this special event. Very many thanks also to Viki Taylor for her excellent camera skills.

Matt was a popular and a well-liked member of the Club. He was an accomplished Intermediate class rider who tragically and suddenly lost his life at the age of just twenty-nine. His close friend, Ross Haydon assisted by Keith Jacobs were today’s course setters. Matt’s Dad, Tony Russell accompanied by Simon Morgan presented the ‘Matt Russell Cup’ to Andy Scott-Jackson, winner of the Intermediate class. Presentations were also made to Chris Stay (best Expert) and to the best Twin shock rider, Ross Haydon. Simon contacted me after the trial to say that Tony was touched by all the support and kind words from the riders - and to thank everyone involved. So very well done to all of you.

Now to the trial itself - Andy Scott-Jackson won the Intermediate class by the narrowest of margins, just a single mark separating him from returning rider James Stay. This being James’s first trial for twelve years or so – James must be pleased with that – an excellent effort. Stuart Gummer finished in third place. Meanwhile James’s Brother, Chris Stay was the clear winner in the Expert class, completing the trial for a total of just four dropped marks. Simon Newnham persevered, despite finding some of the sections a little difficult, to take second place and importantly seven Championship points.

The well contested Novice class was once again won by the improving Ben Brodie – a cushion of ten marks between him and second place rider Mike Taylor with John Coombes in third. Ben should be more than happy with this result as both Mike and John normally compete in the more difficult Inter class! Four Twin Shock riders today, headed up by the clear winner Ross Haydon on his Fantic machine. Ross finished the trial with the lowest score of the day, only three dropped marks – good effort Ross. Rory Stephens and Alan Gosden’s scores were tied on thirteen, Rory was awarded second place notching up more cleans. Stewart Freeman finished in fourth.

Phil Silvester took the win in the Adult Beginner’s from Steve Chase in second, sections three and five proved decisive. Young Harvey Grieve was the only rider in the Youth Novice’s, He never the less put in an excellent performance, his total of twenty-nine was better than most of the Adult’s on the same route! Harrison Crickmore should also be pleased with his win in the Youth Beginner’s dropping a miserly five marks. Alfie Haydon also finished with a very respectable total to land second spot. Returning rider, Matt Power took third with Josh Morris in fourth – very well done lads.

The next Club trial (Ted Phillips Cup) will be held on Sunday 27th November, the usual start time of twelve noon applies. Please keep an eye on the Club website: www.iowmcc.co.uk where the full details will be published, once finalised.

The tenth round of the 2016 Winter Championship was held on Sunday 23/10/16 at Godshill Park Farm, courtesy of Mr Angus Baird. The Club would like to thank Angus for welcoming us back to this superb venue and for the use of his ATV which was used to ferry the course setters up to the sections. Very many thanks also to Geoff and Mike Taylor, Simon Newnham, Malcolm Hawkins assisted by young Cameron who between them spent all day on Saturday clearing the land and setting the sections – excellent effort guys.

Seven Expert riders battled it out for the top honours. Returning rider and former Club Champion Chris Stay took the win with an impressive performance, losing just six marks. Chris finished with the lowest total of the day following an absence of two years or so – excellent ride Chris. Josh Stephens rode well to secure second spot from Will West who was third. Simon Newnham did very well to pick himself up, after a heavy landing on section eight (first lap) to complete the trial. Mark Coombes led the bunch in the Intermediate class with a cushion of twenty-five from Andy Scott-Jackson in second. Geoff Taylor should be very pleased with his third-place finish on today’s challenging course.

Ben Brodie must also be pleased with his effort, Ben won the Novice class from Paul Kent in second, just eight marks separated these two, section one proved to make all the difference. Third place was taken by Keith Jacobs with an excellent effort – very well done to all three riders. Alan Gosden was the only rider in the Twin Shock class, Alan struggled on section four, but kept going to earn his ten Championship points.

Steve Chase and Phil Silvester went head to head in the Adult Beginners. Section three was the deciding factor and saw Steve take the win with Phil in second – just ten marks separating the two. Two Youth riders today, Alfie Haydon and Josh Morris. Alfie emerged the clear winner but Josh is making good progress and gaining in confidence with each ride. Great effort from both lads, keep up the good work.

The Club has now published the Regs and Entry form for the 2017 Wight Two Day (Golden Anniversary) Trial on the Club website. 22nd and 23rd April 2017. We are expecting a bumper entry for this important milestone in the Clubs history, therefore places are limited, so get your paperwork off sooner rather than later!

The Club next meet on Sunday November 6th at Nodewell Farm, Totland for another special event – the Matt Russell Memorial Trial. I look forward to seeing you there?