Rowland is going on 30
By TMX Archives on 2nd Jul 09
BELIEVE it or not the National Dave Rowland Trophy Trial enters its 30th year commemorating the name of one of the most skilled trials riders of the 1960s. Dave was instantly recognisable, his factory backed BSA, his tattered beret, with goggles locking it on his head, his remarkable skills, and quiet persona... Yes, the Chapel en le Frith trials rider was one that many will recall easily.
The Manchester 17 MCC has again come up with a testing Rowland course for Sunday. Different, maybe. For a start the near-dawn climb to the craggy limestone tower of Etchings is not on this weekend. That comes up as the last section.
All the old favourites are on the menu, 41 of them. Cumberland Moor, Plantation, Clough House, the narrow beck that forms Hilda's Gully, the demanding beck at Robinsons Rocks and then the red river at Manor Steps. No Rowland would be complete without Hawk's Nest, the slabs at Danebower, a diversion into Cheeks via the lay-by, then Haslins and that final ascent of Etchings.
The man to curse if all goes wrong is Harvey Lloyd - and maybe Ken Roberts. The latter will be lurking with apparent knowledge of who has done what, and where.
And the names? Well Richard Timperley nailed it last year from Liam Walker and a local yokel by the name of Shirty. The Clubman class went to John ‘Yoomee' Hulme. Can they do it again? Well, Timps is back but will be challenged by Dan Thorpe, Dan Farrer and what about Lakeland international ace Jonny Walker? As for the Clubmen, Yoomee will be defending against the brothers Hipwell, Andy and Kev, maybe Scott Dommett, Paul Bennett, Richard Allen, Phil Scott, Mick Boam, or what about Katy Sunter who loves the Rowland country.
Grant Hacking, Andy Cripps and Dave Loney get the show under way at 9.01am. Get there early, the start is Haslin Farm about a mile past the High Edge Raceway stadium outside Buxton, and grab an excellent programme with a stack of history, backed by some cracking Andrew Stewart piccies.