Who’ll be King of the Castle?
By John Dickinson on 31st Jan 14
After the disappointment of cancelling the National Phil King East Anglian trial due to heavy snow in 2012 the organising team have acted decisively to ensure that the club will be able to stage what is once again the first round of the ACU Normandale Traditional Trials Championship this Sunday, February 2.
The event utilises farm tracks and field edges all of which are completely saturated. With more rain forecast the start has been moved to a more central position at the Concrete Road at Pebmarsh (CO9 2NR) which will be signed from the A1124 at White Colne.
Unfortunately these changes mean that there will be fewer groups of sections and less off-road riding but the organisers are confident that they will be able to provide a trial worthy of its Championship status.
CoC Jim Cammack has done his best to come up with sections that will provide a challenge to the impressive line-up of 109 entrants.
As per the Championship Regulations the competitors are sent off in class with the first man away, at 9.30am prompt, being Rusden Fireman Billy Bishop on his Triumph Cub in A Class (Pre-65).
The category is smaller than in previous years, just nine entrants. Local veteran Allen Collier, who has been champion in several classes, is making his debut on his Francis Barnett and will be looking to put his local knowledge to good use.
Next away are Over 60s (Class E) where Dave Thorpe once again travels down from his Derbyshire base and must be in with a shout for maximum points.
Class B (Twinshock) is also down in numbers but local rider James Williams could embarrass many on his 100cc Honda while Class C is the Aircooled Mono Class where Kev Nolan has a good chance on his ultra-trick SWM although watch out for Yorkie Barrie Darrell on a recently acquired immaculate TY250 Yam..
The big growth class is the Over 50 (Class D) on modern bikes where amongst 38 hopefuls are many experienced riders ready to do battle for points and it would be a brave man to make any predictions - although Chris Koch is always a good tip. Or how about former National winners Richard Allen and Dave Clinkard.
Just two riders have chosen to enter Class G which is a new category created by the ACU for Air-cooled riders on a harder route.
The last Championship class away is the Over 40 (Class F) which has 32 riders facing what is sure to be deteriorating conditions.
The tail end Charlie's are the 12 non championship riders.
