All set for a great Lakes
By TMX Archives on 14th Oct 11
THE Lakes Two Day National Trial takes place this weekend, based as usual on the market town of Broughton in Furness in the south Lake District.
It will play host to a bumper entry of 180 starters split into National and Clubman classes.
Entrants, as usual, will get full value for their money with a long, single-lap loop each day taking in single track roads, tracks, woods and open moorland.
There's around 40 aces taking on the National sections and picking a winner isn't easy.
New World No.6 Michael Brown should just start favourite on his Gas Gas but will have strong competition from his own team mates including Ross Danby, Sam Haslam, British Expert A champ Ricky Wiggins and newly crowned S3 British Clubman champ Dan Thorpe.
Ian Austermuhle and Nathan Wrigglesworth head the Beta challenge while Yorkie Jonathan Richardson will be looking to spearhead the MRS Sherco challenge – although James Fry, Chris Pearson, Ben Morphett and local ace Darren Brice will also be looking to be first Sherco home, while former Scottish winner Alexz Wigg will also be looking for that Premier.
Joe Baker makes the long trip from Devon to ride for Scorpa importer Nigel Birkett in Birks' back yard and local aces include Stephen and Chris Dixon and Richard Gaskell – the latter now riding Ossa.
The Clubman class is, as ever, wide open but you could take a punt on Kieran Hankin, Roger Williams, Mick Boam, Anthony Brockbank or whoever else you fancy!
Don't forget Katy Sunter either while Emma Bristow has opted to ride the full National course.
Kathryn Wardle makes it three girls in the Lakes as she tackles the Clubman class along with Katy.
Routes are broadly similar to last year but there are
differences on both days, with 9am starts each day.
Numbers start in reverse order on Sunday to even things out for all riders. After the morning sections on Saturday there's a new petrol and lunch check at Lind End near Stevenson Ground plus a good final group for spectators at Open Top Wood.
Sunday will see five sections at Newfield, popular with spectators, while the lunch check and punchcard will also be changed.
Riders are urged to check the route and spectators need to purchase a programme in order to work out their plan of attack. Please remember to park sensibly as there is
local traffic – and a milk tanker on Sunday – don't be selfish and just abandon your vehicle without regard for others.
All is set for another excellent weekend. Then look forward to next year, with a whole new course planned for the opening day!
Full report with Eric Kitchen's pics in next week's issue!
