Lake charmers
By TMX Archives on 15th Oct 10
THERE'S top British National Trials action in Cumbria this weekend when the Lakes National Motorcycle Trials Association (LMTA) runs its annual Lakes Two Day Trial.
As usual the eagerly awaited ‘Lakes' will be centred on the market town of Broughton-in-Furness and each day will take in a cracking single lap course in the lanes, moors and woods of this picturesque area.
There's a maximum 180-plus entry all ready for a great weekend of trials and of that mighty number there's a healthy 53 entered on the full National course although as ever the majority of riders choose to ride the more section-friendly Clubman class.
There's bagsa of quality as well as quantity in the entry, in both classes, with the National entry boasting reigning British champ and last year's winner James Dabill. Dibs will be taking on an impressive list of challengers including his big friend and rivakl Michael Brown on the Sherco and Scottish Six Day winner Alexz Wigg on Beta.
There's a host of other top lads capable of springing a surprise victory as well with Ian Austermuhle, Dan Thorpe, Michael Phillipson, Sam Haslam and Jonathan Richardson just for starters. Local favourites include British Expert B champ Darren Brice who will be out on the 2011 two-stroke Birkett Scorpa along with Stephen Dixon and Nigel himself. Harold Crawford and former British Championship challenger Tony Scarlett (along with Nigel Birkett who has ridden every Lakes since it started in 1976) will have plenty to reminisce over on their way round as Harold and Tony have drawn adjacent numbers. Nigel, Tony and Harold were all top sponsored Yamaha riders in the 1980s.
Back to 2010 and it would be a brave man who forecast a Clubman class winner from the huge entry. There is a handy trio of girls though headed by the skilful Katy Sunter plus Becky Rennison and Kathryn Wardle. Dave Wood will ride his twin-shock Bultaco, Michael Irving and Paul Heys a Triumph apiece and Mike Batty his well-known James and Kiaran Hankin his tidy air-cooled TLM Honda to add a bit of spice on the machine front.
There have been a few route changes to the Lakes this year for one erason or another so spectators are advised to buy a programme, from the start at the Auction Mart in Broughton in Furness, and all the details will be made clear.
T+MX will of course bring you a full report - with Eric Kitchen's pics - in next week's issue!