War of the Roses!
By TMX Archives on 11th Sep 08
Can Ian Austermuhle put his BetaUK.com machine at the top of the awards again at the National White Rose Trial, to be held at Gayle, North Yorkshire, next Sunday? Not if Dan Thorpe, Chris Pearson, Liam Walker and Sam Ludgate have their collective say, writes Barry Robinson.
Thirty-two years on and the West Leeds MC National, based south of the tourist town of Hawes, still holds that magic attraction. Shorter this year, due to the loss of Kate's Cottage and Piggeries, the nine sections at Snaizeholme will test all 128 starters. Snaizeholme comes after Widdale, Sheepdip and Gritstones, which overlook the B6255.
Also overlooking that famous biker's blind' will be the boys in blue, so no wheelies, stoppies and certainly a tax disc and number plate adorning the motorcycle.
From Snaizeholme, the script reads as last year with Cascades, Knocknee, B'stard, the Butts, Troutbeck and a finale of Legless and Easy Street. That makes 40 sections over a one-lap course that should clock up roughly a dozen miles, with seven hours time allowance.
West Leeds have a three-section layout with a National route, then Fifty Fifty and finally Clubman. Becky Cook and Katy Sunter take the Fifty Fifty with Jason Turner, James Noble, Andy Carter, Danny Cockshott and newcomer Sam Jennings. Ulster's David McKnight rides Clubman as does Jonny Hagan, Stephen Murphy and John Manton from Ulster. Nick Shield, Antony Brockbank and Mark Barrow make up a strong Lakeland trio.
This year, West Leeds have a brand new trophy, donated by the family of the late Russ Line, who died at the trial in 2006. Russ always supported the lesser lights and his new trophy will go to the best Novice rider.
Access route is by way of Buckden or Gayle. Start time is 10am. Dorothy Wardle will be at the start with her a la carte catering unit from dawn until dusk.