Results

The Frank Pragnell Cup was held on Sunday 2nd October at Bembridge Down, courtesy of Mr Rob Taylor. The Club are very grateful for the use of this great venue. Very many thanks also to the course setters, Geoff Taylor & Josh Stephens for eight fairly testing but fun sections and to Viki Taylor for her excellent camera work.

Weather conditions were perfect for trials, bright Autumn sunshine, not too warm and with no wind - all helped towards a really enjoyable afternoon. Rider numbers were lower than usual, despite the good weather. The Expert class was convincingly won by Rory Stephens. Rory finished with a total of thirty-six, twenty-one marks clear of second place finisher Simon Newnham. Sections one and six made all the difference. Mark Coombes stepped up from the Inters to have a go in the Experts today and put in a valiant effort to secure third place gaining his first ‘Expert’ Championship points.

Andy Scott-Jackson took the honours in the Intermediate group of riders ahead of Brothers Mike and Geoff Taylor who finished in second and third respectively. Andy finished nineteen marks clear to take the win but just two marks separated Mike and Geoff. This battle proved to be the closest contest of the day.

The well contested Novice class was won by Jon Croft with an excellent performance on what proved to be a tricky course. Championship leader Brian Brockwell was forced into second spot this time out, four marks adrift. Another excellent result today for James Craven who took third place with some really confident riding – very well done James. Meanwhile there was just one finisher in the Twin Shock class, Nick Symes notched up another class win with what turned out to be the lowest score of the day. Nick finished with a total of twenty-five.

We come back to Bembridge on April 22nd and 23rd next year for the annual Wight Two Day Trial. 2017’s event will be the Fiftieth Golden Anniversary Trial. The first Two day was held in 1967 and was won by British Expert Champion Sammy Miller. Sammy went on to take the title another nine times! We will be in a position, very soon, to publish the Regs and entry form along with all the details you need, for what promises to be a very special event. Please keep an eye on the Club website: www.iowmcc.co.uk where all the details will be available in around two weeks-time.

The Club next meet on Sunday October 23rd, 12 noon start. Once again please check the Club website nearer the time as the venue is still to be confirmed.

We thought you would like to see how you stand in the 2016 Winter Series Championship - so far. Just as a reminder: To qualify for an award riders have to compete & finish in at least eight trials (in the same class) However all rounds count!

The Isle of Wight motorcycle Club held the eighth round of the 2016 Winter Trials Championship on Sunday 18th September at Shorwell Chalk Pit. The Club would like to thank Mr Ralph Cook for welcoming us back at what is a great trials venue. Very many thanks to Course Setter Stewart Freeman. Stewart delivered eight really good sections and to Viki Taylor for her excellent camera skills.

The Club would like to extend a very warm welcome back to John Coombes – this being John’s first Club trial for just a few years! John gave a good account of himself, finishing third in the Novice class.

It was really good to see five Expert riders battling for the honours in what was a very close contest. Josh Stephens secured the win with a perfect ride from Championship leader, Will West. Will only lost one mark on section four. Jim West should be pleased with his third place finish with a total nine. Rory Stephens and Simon Newnham’s scores were tied on sixteen, Rory was awarded fourth place, notching up twenty-four cleans with Simon on twenty-two – very good effort by all five riders. The Intermediate class also proved to be a very close affair. Malcolm Hawkins, with an excellent effort, chalked up his first IOWmcc Inter win from Geoff Taylor in second, just four marks separating these two. Mike Taylor stayed focused to secure his third place finish.

The very well contested Novice class was won by Brian Brockwell, with an inspired ride, who finished on a total of just five. Brian’s win today increased his hold on the 2016 Novice Championship from rival Paul Kent in second. Paul was still in the mix going into the last lap where most of his points were lost, ending the trial on seventeen. Returning rider John Coombes took a brilliant third place, just a single mark behind Paul. Nick Symes also rode a perfect trial to take the win in the Twin Shock’s, joining Josh Stephens (Expert) finishing on zero! Calvin Wright claimed second place with a determined ride on his Ossa machine with its dodgy front brake!

Just one youth rider today – Alfie Haydon in the Youth Beginner - Small Wheel class. A very competitive score was posted none the less to earn his ten Championship points. This was the last trial for Alfie in the Small Wheels, following his Birthday earlier in the week, next time out he will be riding his ‘full size wheel’ Beta 80cc! Happy Birthday Alfie.

The Club next meet on Sunday 2nd October at Bembridge Down (courtesy of Mr Rob Taylor) for the next round. We are in the process of applying for the permit for next year’s Wight Two Day (Golden Anniversary Trial) which will be held on 22nd and 23rd April 2017. Once we have the permit the Reg’s will then be made available on the Club’s website.

The Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club’s Winter Series trials Championship resumed on Sunday 4th September at Sweetwater Brook, Calbourne, courtesy of Mr Trevor Strickland. The Club would like to thank Trevor for welcoming us back to this brilliant venue. The riders were faced with four laps of eight, interesting and technical, sections. Many thanks to Mark Coombes and Geoff Taylor who between them cleared the ground and set some creative sections. Viki Taylor was on hand to photograph the action for all to see – Thanks Viki.

The Club would like to welcome, new member, Kevin Smith and we look forward to seeing him at future events.

A perfect ride by relative newcomer Rob Howard in the Expert class who completed the trial without dropping a single mark. Excellent work Rob - not even the tricky section seven beat him! Simon Newnham and Mick Brown finished second and third respectively. The well contested Intermediate Class was won by course setter Mark Coombes with a loss of fifteen. Andy Scott-Jackson snatched second place from Malcolm Hawkins in third.

The Novice class produced another close finish by Championship contenders Brian Brockwell and Paul Kent. Brian took the spoils forcing Paul into second place. Paul was leading going into the final lap, sections seven and eight made all the difference. It was really good to see Alan Gosden competing in the Twin shocks which turned out to be the closest contest of the day. Alan took the win from Nick Symes in second, section seven proved pivotal – only one mark between them. Stewart Freeman picked up his five Championship points for his third place finish.

John Townsend took the win in the British bike class, John did very well to pilot his rather heavy Triumph machine around today’s tight and twisty sections. Steve Chase earned himself ten Championship points in the Adult Beginner’s. Kevin Smith entered the Sportsman class on this his first IOWmcc trial and despite finding some of the sections quite challenging, kept going to complete the trial. Three Youth Beginners today, the first two were separated by just a single mark! Harrison Crickmore just held on to take the win from Alfie Haydon in second. Josh Morris earned third place in his first ever ride at Sweetwater – very well done to all three riders.

The next round will be held on Sunday 18th September at 12 noon. The venue is still to be confirmed, please check the Club website nearer the time where the full details will be available. The Club now has a confirmed date for next year’s 50th golden anniversary Wight Two Day trial. 22nd and 23rd April 2017. Once again please check the website regularly for the full details - of what will be a rather special event.

The Club would like to thank the landowners that allowed us to hold this year's Summer Series: A Brown Farms (Pagham Farm) Fred Colson (Hawthorn Manor Farm) Geoff & Mary Case (Limerstone Farm) and Mr Kieron Read of Duxmore Chalk Pit. Thanks also to all those that helped set the sections & clear up at the end.

The Fourth and final round of the Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club’s 2016 Pat Death Summer Series took place at Duxmore Chalk Pit, courtesy of Mr Kieron Read. The Club is very grateful to Kieron for welcoming us back to this excellent venue. Thanks also to course setter – Mark Coombes for six testing sections. Mark was assisted by Ross Haydon and Nick Symes. Very many thanks to Viki Taylor for her photographic skills, Viki captured all the action for us to look back on.

The Club would like to welcome three new members – Rob Howard, Dan Wise-Mellor and Aaron McGrath. We hope all three enjoyed the trial and we look forward to seeing them at future events.

Will West, once again, reigned supreme in the Expert class of riders. Will finished the trial for a miserly two marks. New member, Rob Howard, pushed Will hard to finish in second spot – just six marks between them. Simon Newnham finished third, sections three and four making all the difference. Five Intermediate riders today – headed up by course setter Mark Coombes. Mark also finished dropping just two. The improving Scott Milton took second place – only four marks separated these two, great effort by both riders. Mike Taylor should be really pleased with his third place finish in the Inters, returning from a (non- trials related) back injury earlier in the year – very well done Mike.

The very well contested Novice class was convincingly won by Brian Brockwell, Brian kept his head while others seemed to struggle. Second place was claimed by Steve Wood with a very composed performance. Ben Brodie took third spot, only two more marks adrift. Nick Symes won in the Twin Shock class dropping just fifteen marks from Stewart Freeman in second. John Townsend, the lone rider in the British Bike class, put in a solid ride to earn himself ten Championship points. Meanwhile, Phil Silvester took another win in the Adult Beginners, despite riding unopposed Phil finished with the fourth lowest score of the day.

Harvey Grieve headed up the Youth classes, taking the win in the Youth Novice class. Harrison Crickmore took the win in the Youth Beginner’s from Alfie Haydon in second and Josh Morris in third. Harrison (along with his parents) are very thankful to all - following the safe return of his stolen bike. For a 'nail biting' time Harrison was not sure he would even have a bike to ride! Whilst the bike was found, relatively undamaged, the Club is still appealing for any information on those responsible for the theft. Please get in touch if you think you can help.

The next Club trial (the GES Cup) will take place on Sunday 4th of September – when the 2016 Winter Championship resumes. The venue will be announced nearer the time on the Club’s website: www.iowmcc.co.uk.

The third round of the 2016 Summer Series Championship took place on Sunday 17th of July at Limerstone Farm. The Club are very grateful to Geoff and Mary Case who welcomed us back to this stunning venue. A big thank you also to Stewart Freeman who presented us with eight very testing sections. Stewart put himself forward as course setter despite knowing he would be unable to ride – excellent effort.

The conditions were difficult for riders, this being the hottest day of the year (so far) together with some really tricky sections that required total concentration. Will West has proved once again just why he is the current Club Expert Champion. Will managed to fend off two other expert riders and completed the trial for just a single dropped mark – brilliant achievement, very well done Will. Meanwhile things were very much closer in the Intermediate class with just six marks separating the first three places. Mark Coombes, after a costly first lap, did just enough to emerge as the winner from Scott Milton, who moved up a class today, in second and Rory Stephens in third. Scott was leading after lap one - but Mark, by now familiar with his new bike, clawed his way back to take the win - Rory finished with an excellent third place on his 70’s Honda, twin shock, TL125! Good effort by all three.

The well contested Novice group of riders was another close affair - Wayne Brodie found himself with the win, by just five marks, from the improving Ben Brodie in second. I’m sure it will not be much longer before Ben notches up his first Novice win. Brian Brockwell was only four marks behind Ben finishing in third spot. Nick Symes, the lone rider in the Twin Shock class finished with the second lowest total of the day (sixteen dropped marks) to seal another ten Championship points - great ride Nick. Phil Silvester bagged himself another Summer Series win in the Adult Beginners. Despite riding unopposed Phil posted a competitive score, the difficult section five accounting for over half of his total.

Three Youth riders today, Harrison Crickmore and Alfie Haydon in the Youth Beginners and Harvey Grieve, Youth Novice. Harvey found the sections pretty tricky – but didn’t most of us? Harvey never the less finished the trial to earn himself another first place finish. Harrison proved to be the clear winner in his tussle with Alfie, who struggled with some of the steep climbs, on his smaller TY80 machine. Very good effort by both youngsters.

The fourth and final round of this year’s Summer Series will be held on Sunday 21st August starting at 12 noon. The venue is still to be confirmed, please check the Club website nearer the time, where the full details will be available.

The second round of the 2016 Pat Death Summer Series Championship was held at Hawthorn Manor Farm, Chale, courtesy of Mr Fred Colson. The Club would like to thank Fred for the use of this excellent venue. A very big thank you also to Simon Newnham and Malcolm Hawkins for setting eight testing but fun sections and to all those who helped clear the way the previous weekend.

Will West, the lone rider in the Expert class handled the tricky climbs very well to finish on a total of just fourteen marks. Meanwhile the Intermediate class was dominated by Andy Scott Jackson with Mark Coombes in second and Malcolm Hawkins with a great third place finish. Very well done to Andy - his first time out following a prolonged absence, returning with an excellent win, and fingers crossed, back fighting fit once again.

The well contested Novice group of riders was headed up by Wayne Brodie, Wayne somehow managed to just about stay ahead of the improving Ben Brodie – only three marks between them. It was really good to see Steve Wood back riding again, Steve finished in a respectable third place. Paul Kent and Keith Jacobs scores were tied – Paul was awarded fourth place notching up more cleans. Nick Symes completed the trial with the lowest total of the day – just ten dropped marks, to take the win in the Twin Shock class.

Steve Chase convincingly won the Adult Beginner class from Jon Diffey in second. This is Steve’s first win since recently taking up trials riding, I’m certain it won’t be his last.

Young Harvey Grieve earned another ten Championship points in the Youth Novice class. Despite riding unopposed he still put in a good performance. Alfie Haydon took the honours in the Youth Beginner class from Josh Morris in second. Josh has been practising at home and his confidence is growing each time I see him ride – very good effort by both riders.

The next Club trial (Summer Series 3rd Round) will be held on Sunday 17th July. The venue is still to be confirmed, please check the Club website: iowmcc.co.uk, nearer the time for the full details.

The first round of the 2016 Summer Series was held at a new venue – Pagham Farm, Rookley, courtesy of A. Brown Farms. The Club are very grateful to the Landowners for the use of this excellent piece of land – what a great place this is. Thanks also to the course setters, Nick Read, Mick Brown and Will West. Both Nick and Mick spent several evenings last week clearing the way for the sections – top effort guys. Phil Silvester and Paul Kent did a great job clearing up at the end of the day and Viki Taylor was on hand to photograph the day’s antics.

The Youth classes were headed up by Brendon Penn (Youth Expert) and Harvey Grieve (Youth Novice) although both riding unopposed they should be really pleased with their performances, posting very competitive scores. Harrison Crickmore proved to be the clear winner in the Youth Beginner class with relative newcomer Josh Morris finishing in second place.

Adult classes: Will West took the honours in the Expert class finishing ten marks ahead of rival Nick Read with Simon Newnham in third. We must spare a thought for Mick Brown who was forced to retire on section two where his bike developed a mechanical problem. (new piston rings I understand). Mick had put in so much effort to help make today’s trial a very successful event. The Intermediate class was won by Ben Read who put in a confident effort to stay ahead of Mark Gray and Mark Coombes who finished in second and third respectively. Scott Milton finished well to take the win in the Clubman class. Scott completed the trial dropping just thirty seven marks – excellent effort.

The well contested Novice class was convincingly won by Paul Kent. Paul finished with the lowest total of the day, just seven dropped marks – very good effort. Brian Brockwell did just enough to hold on to second spot from the improving Ben Brodie in third, only one mark between them. Nick Symes also finished with a low total of eight to win the Twin Shock’s from second place rider Stuart Freeman. It was good to see Stuart riding again following a non-trial related back injury. John Townsend, the only rider in the British Bike class seemed to really enjoy himself and bagged himself ten Championship points. Phil Silvester, with another solid performance, won the Adult Beginner class by ten marks from Jon Diffey in second with Steve Chase finishing third.

The next trial, Summer Series second round, will be held on Sunday 19th of June at Hawthorn Manor Farm (Gotten Lane) Chale. We are looking for volunteers to come along the Sunday before the trial (12th June) to help clear the venue – the bracken there can grow to 7ft! The bonus for those able to help will be a practise session - once the site has been cleared. So load your bike along with your strimmer’s and rip hooks! The more helpers we have, the faster the site gets cleared - the longer we have on the bikes! I look forward to seeing you there, 11:30 am.

The Isle of Wight mcc held its annual Wight Two Day open trial on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th April. The Club would like to thank Mr Roger Morgan for the use of Knighton Woods and Mr Rob Taylor for Bembridge Down. Very many thanks also to Terry Graves, ACU Southern Centre Steward who was on hand to officiate and keep us all in check. The Observers, Club officials, photographers: Viki Taylor and Sandra Power, Caterers, spectators and of course the riders – many travelling across from the mainland. We appreciate all your support. The Club ran a raffle for the observers with three prizes each day. Saturday's winners were Brian Hall (1st) Alan Downer in second and Adam Brodie picking up the third prize. In first place on Sunday was Mark Coombes. Matt Power took the second prize with Adam Brodie, once again getting the third prize. Both raffle draws took place back at signing on at the end of each day and drawn by Southern Centre Steward, Terry Graves.

There were in effect two trials running side by side – an all off road course and a course that included roadwork. Those who took part on the road set off from Knighton to ride one lap (of ten sections) at Bembridge before returning to Knighton for two laps of the ten sections there and on the Sunday they rode from Bembridge to Knighton for one lap before returning to Bembridge for the final two laps. The all off road course consisted of three laps at Knighton on Saturday and three at Bembridge on Sunday.

The great British weather had a massive impact on the first day, following twenty-four solid hours of rain, the conditions at Knighton were extremely difficult. Riders had to work exceptionally hard just to get around but never the less kept going, after all it is a two-day trial, all was not lost! Bembridge Down was a different kettle of fish entirely, what a difference a day makes! The sun was shining, the chalk down was dry and rider’s spirits were lifted -Phew!

The overall winner was Will West (class 1, Twin shock hard, with roadwork). Will managed to build a healthy lead on Saturday from second place rider Rory Stephens. Nick Symes was not far behind Rory after day one but was forced to retire due to a twisted pair of front forks. Shaun Harris finished in first place in the Twin shock easy (class 2). Nick Read and Jim West had a real close finish in the ‘on road Expert’ class. Jim was leading after day one by five marks, Nick put in a determined effort on day two to take the win by just four marks with Josh Stephens finishing in third. The closest battle of the weekend proved to come from the open hard (class five) – between friendly rivals Andy Scott-Jackson and Stuart Gummer. Stuart was the overnight leader with a three-point lead however Andy emerged as the winner at the end of day two, by just a single mark! Good effort guys.

The all off road part of the trial was also part of the Southern Centre Solo Star Championship. Expert rider Brian Francis managed Saturday’s testing conditions very well and continued riding even better on day two to take the win. Out of Centre rider Brandon Youngman (Southend & District mcc) finished in second. Things were much closer in the Intermediate class between Ashley Colledge and Shaun Francis – Ashley had a healthy lead after day one and despite a solid performance from Shaun on day two Ashley took the win by three marks. The Solo Star Novice was convincingly taken by Ian Newcombe with Brendon Colledge in second spot.

Island rider Ross Haydon took the win in the Twin shock hard (class 7) from Rob Fleet in second and Tom Bartrum in third. Both Rob and Tom representing Bexleyheath & District mcc. Ross built on a healthy lead from Saturday and put in a blinder on Sunday to stay ahead of the Bexleyheath boys. The Twin shock easy (class 8) was won by Tony Henbest of Blackmore Vale mcc, Tony did very well to get his BSA Bantam through the Knighton mud on the first day and saw him hold an overnight lead from Andrew Blacker (Mendip Vale mcc) in second and Leslie Youngman (Southend & District mcc) in third. These three finished in the same order on Sunday.

The open hard, class 9 was dominated on both days by James Brown, Paul Nash and Chris Every all from Southend & District. These three finished in first, second and third places respectively – on both days – very well done guys. Island riders Ben Read and Mark (kickstart) Gray finished in fourth and fifth places. The open easy, class 10, group of riders was headed up by Island trio Jon Croft, Mike Taylor & Ben Brodie. Jon protected a good lead from day one to finish on a total of 75 marks. Mike finished in second and Ben in a brilliant third place. Ben is relatively new to trials riding and has proved this weekend that he is a very fast learner!

Planning will shortly begin for next year’s Wight Two Day trial as the 2017 event will be the Two Day’s 50th Golden Anniversary and we want to celebrate this important milestone with something special. I would just like to thank everyone one more time for your support this year and I hope you will all join us again next year for the Golden Anniversary.