A really Brittish trial!
By TMX Archives on 18th Dec 08
TRADITIONALLY the Vic Brittain Trophy National Trial opens up the British national scene in January and nothing changes in 2009 but on Sunday, January 4, the old-established event will surface with a new-look traditional course instead of the Farley Quarry venue of recent years, writes Barry Robinson.
Clerk of course Norman Crump and Bewdley Motor Cycle Club trials secretary John Wells have gone back to basics with a 30-mile long road lap, taking in old favourites Easthorpe Wood, Tugford, and New House Farm. Norman and John and their happy helpers have dug out, cut back and unearthed no fewer than 38 sections. They will feature a bit of everything, streams, quarry workings, rock climbs and steps. (Sounds like Dan Thorpe country). Base camp is the Wenlock Edge Inn, just off the B4371 Much Wenlock to Chruch Stretton road. Good news is that the kitchens will be open all day.
The trial will be observed under Rule TR22a so stopping is on the cards. Just two weeks away and with an entry closing date of December 29 (Monday) the trial is going to be a High Noon shoot-out.
The big boys head to head at the Brittain, who have already made the right noises by contacting Bewdley, are Alexz Wigg, first time out for Beta-UK, and his new riding partner Shaun Morris. Along with World Youth champion Jack Challoner they make-up what will be a formidable Beta trio for John Lampkin. Jumpin' Jack has shown first time out that he can tame a 270 Beta but this will be his first taste of a trad-nat. And in the Blue corner come the Gas Gas trio of Dan Thorpe, last Sunday's Southern Expert winner Ross Danby and 2008 Vic Brittain winner Sam Haslam. Sam Connor also joins in the fun.
Becky Cook and Katy Sunter are the ladies in the party but that number can and probably will rise. Putoline have weighed-in with support with section marking gear and goodie bags for the winners. Entry limit is set at exactly one hundred.
And for the younger riders - the two elderly gentlemen in charge at the start have been there and done it all many times - so respect for Johnny and Pat Brittain.
Regs are in the T+MX columns now and also on the Bewdley MCC website.