Army invade Docklands
By TMX Archives on 29th Apr 09
SEVEN of the Army's finest Enduro Riders plus Army-sponsored motocross hotshot, Ashley Thomas, stormed the gates of Track KG5 recently in London's Docklands. The morning was spent attacking the newly developed Enduro-cross course. Casualties were kept to a minimum but all obstacles were assaulted with the full vigour of HM Forces.
Lunch time saw a tactical retreat while supplies were obtained from a well known Scottish' fast food outlet. Following the consumption of several hefty ration packs', the troops advanced again, this time to ride the motocross course.
Ashley Thomas whipped up a storm, leaving everyone else eating his dust. An hour of pounding out laps saw all the bikes given a good airing.
A few simple changes were made to the track, allowing it to be ridden in its 50/50 format. Half-a-lap of the motocross circuit to develop speed and overtaking skills and then a seamless off ramp which took riders on to the second half of the Enduro circuit to practice the more technical skills and increase the intensity of their training.
The 50/50 variant went down well with the riders, giving everyone an opportunity to show their strengths.
It also promoted some great racing, culminating in an intense ten-lap battle between Kevin Murray and Neil Hawker.
Lap after lap, Kevin took the harder and slower of the split lanes on Enduro-cross track then clawed back the distance inch-by-inch around the MX section. However, Neil held his nerve, line and lead, keeping Kevin behind him until a very SX style block-pass' was used to give Kevin the advantage on the final lap.
Docklands Riders would like to thank Captain Rob Howard and all the guys for coming down to test out the facilities.
The 50/50 course will soon be open to the public on Wednesday evenings for that post-work practice session.
Contact Docklands Riders by e-mail at info@docklandsriders.org.uk or telephone 0207-473-4434.