Jack the gripper
By TMX Archives on 26th Mar 08
The Jack Wood National Trial this Sunday (March 30) at Bradfield brings out all the big guns of British traditional trialling into conflict and with an entry of 150 there is quantity As well as quality, writes Barry Robinson. The Jack Wood is a traditional one-lapper with no fewer than 50 magnicent sections all totally natural. And it's 50 years, yes, half a century since Jack Wood first attacked the ravine that became the famed River Kwai. And the old horror will close the trial on Sunday afternoon but take note, the area below the footbridge is a no-go zone for spectators. The Wood tracks its normal route, as they say, if it ain't broken, don't mend it. From the start at Lumbush, High Bradfield, north of Sheffield, the route takes in Fletcher's rocks and gorse, then the tight, climbing stream at TCC followed by the Ughill Valley where it will be soggy. The slippery beck at Hall Broom will test while Hollow |Meadows and the three Hoyles are also no-spectator regions. Rocher End, with its six climbing stream sections, will surely take marks from all the field. And, the big names in contention? Local ace Dan Thorpe surely heads the list to be challenged by two Ludgates, Ben and Sam, Ian Austermuhle, Liam Walker, Dan Farrer, Chris Pearson, Adam Norris and Craig Robinson. Paul Sagar will surely have a fight to retain his Clubman crown and Mick Boam, Rob Bunting, Chris Lord, Andy Turner, Paul Bennett and Chris Manby could be in the plot along with Team Hipwell and Scott Dommett. Top lady rider Katy Sunter rides in the same class and will surely give the boys a hard time. Maria Conway is also in the mix with minder Will Longden around to ride the Wood, in the National class.The first rider fires up at a bright and early 9.01am and with a 7-hour, 15-minute time allowance it will be a late finish for the later starters!