The Moor the merrier
By TMX Archives on 11th Mar 09
THE village of Castleton on the North Yorkshire Moors will be the focus of attention for the trials fraternity this Sunday, as Middlesbrough and DMC run the National Cleveland Trial, writes JOHN WATSON.And it promises to be better than ever. Sticking with the one-lap, 36-section format, all the old favourite hazards will be used, plus some with a bit more bite added. For spectators following the action, superb spectating points are Clitherbecks, Danby Bank Top, Crossley Side and then the ultimate, unmissable finale at the Stormy Hall group, just off the Castleton to Blakey Ridge road.
With new blood rising through the ranks of the club on the organisational side (though still overlooked by the old uns') the first class entry of 168 which includes a host of exceptionally talented riders from across the country will be guaranteed a great day of competition. With last year's winner Graham Jarvis away on other business, there will definitely be a new name added to the Trophy this year.
Leeds rider James Dabill, now Gas Gas-mounted will hope to repeat his outstanding ride that secured victory in the recent British Championship round at Scarborough and with John Shirt riding alongside it would be hard to bet against him.
However Shaun Morris, the Hemingway brothers Dan and Ben Liam Walker, Dan Thorpe and Jack The Lad' Challinor will be giving their all. Also, add local ace Ian Austermuhle, winner in 1999, will be up for this one and will be in with a shout at the finish. He is extremely well backed-up by a string of East Yorks stars Guy Kendrew, Simon Kershaw, James Carr and young Andy Chilten, first time out on the ex-Alexz Wigg Montesa.
Becky Cook on the MRS Sherco and Katy Sunter JST Gas Gas take on riders of the calibre of Roger Williams, Ian Hopley and Phil Mayfield in the Inter class, while Rebecca Rennison fights a lonely battle for the ladies in the Clubman class against James Percival, Mark Buckworth, Mike Watson, the Chapman brothers and Terry Raw.
Get there early programmes will be on sale at the Cricket Pavilion, containing a detailed map of the course. And everyone, please remember, park sensibly as it could seriously jeopardize the future of this event.