Rock ‘n roll for trials stars
Last updated 05:39, Friday, 01 August 2008
TRIALS riders turned on the thrills in spectaculr action at Nordvue Farm, Armathwaite.
Run in three categories, several local riders took part and tackled some of the most awesome sections I have ever seen, some involving sheer rock faces several feet high.
The event was being observed by the top brass to see if it would qualify for an international event next year.
Among the top Cumbrians was 17- year-old Jonny Walker from Keswick who comes from along line of family trails riders.
Jonny is at university but came back to pit his skills against the toughest of opposition, including 12-time world trials champion Dougie Lampkin, from Yorkshire, who made the sections a mere ride in the woods!
Dougie recently held the vast crowds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in total awe as he not only drove over cars, bales and anything that stood in his way but proceeded to drive up the steps of Goodwood House, home of Lord March.
Once inside, Dougie rode through the state rooms, and then went upstairs through corridors and bedrooms until he found a small staircase up to the attic from where he emerged on the roof to huge applause.
This sort of top flight skill, bike control and balance was put to good use in the Nordvue trail and it is hoped that there will be a major event held there in May 2009 and that the organisers publicise it a good deal more as it is exciting and a great day's motorsport.
Last Sunday several local four-wheel motorsport competitors made the journey over the border to take part in the Festival Stages Rally, the 4th round of the Scottish Tarmac Championship.
It had been planned to be staged on the open spaces of Albermarle but when the Army decided they need it at the last minute, the organisers switched to the Ingleston Show ground near Edinburgh.
Best placed Cumbrian after the fast series of 90 rights and twists and turns of the stages was Smithfield's Keith Taylor and Simon Rogers in the Border Caravan Subaru Impreza who clinched 7th overall and 6th in class.
Carlisle's Brett Mitton with Derek Blyth on the notes had a bit of a torrid in time in his classic Escort because lying a comfortable 5th going into the penultimate stage he lost four gears and had to drive in 5th which is a tad inconvenient.
True rally freaks, the decide to battle to the finish in order to collect championship points and despite the gear handicap still came 15th and 1st in class to leave them still 2nd in the Scottish Championship.
In a bit of classic rally glamour, the Darrian of Michael Willis and Richard Hortin were pleased with their 37th place. All the local crews are now gearing up for the superb Pendragon Rally on Sunday August 24th which for the second year running will have a Penrith town centre ramp.
I will give all the spectator times next week but make sure you book some time off to enjoy this very popular rally in the heart of our district which also raises considerable money for charity.
I know several classic car buffs will be joining me in September for the Goodwood Revival
But as usual, anyone planning to go to the ticket-only event had better not only get their tickets but all book accommodation as the only billet I could find two months ago when I planned my visit was Butlins at Bognor Regis.
