Austy flowers to pluck White Rose
By Barry Robinson on 14th Sep 12
Five-years on from his first victory in the event, East Yorks ace Ian Austermuhle won his second White Rose National Trial premier.
But his victory only came after a titanic battle between himself, Richard Sadler and Michael Brown, that eclipsed triple White Rose winner Dan Thorpe – who finished in fourth place after 40 excellent sections.
No doubt about it all three routes, Hard, 50/50 and Clubman were right on the button.
Austy ended a wonderful day in Wensleydale, west Yorkshire, on just six dabs.
The Beta UK teamster arrived at the murky Troutbeck group on two dabs, dropped in Caught Short and Cascades, but the second Troutbeck sub featured – as usual – the green, gripless rocks at the top of the dank climb.
Richard Sadler, Dan Thorpe and White Rose first timer Michael Brown got out on a hefty dab.
Even grip-king Chris Pearson and his brother Tim had to get a boot down. For the rest of the Hard course runners it was paddle or stop.
Nothing really moved through remote Widdale, Sheepdip and Gritstones, although Chris Pearson left the nine-section group with eleven marks hanging over him.
Jack Stones was getting to grips with his new JST 300cc Gas Gas rocketship after years howling a 125cc in the Youth ranks.
The Arkengarthdale 17-year-old got his new rig on Saturday, so it was a baptism of fire for Jacko.
Evergreen Phil Alderson headed the 50/50 runners, all 33 of them, right up to Renee's Gorge, where the said lady was observing and sunbathing at the same time – which for September is a miracle.
Renee also happens to be very switched-on 87-year-old.
No sneaky blind dabs or elbows on banks and rocks get away from Renee, or travelling partner Margaret Spencer, who climbed the hill to the real meat of the group.
What a section – a fabulous natural straight blast, right up the through the plantation.
The stepped first stream section climbed up to a double rocky angled step, which could be a straight-on blast or a risky move alongside and then up and turn right.
Browny took the second option, as did Sadler, while Austy was sort of mid-way between one and the other but he was tidy and clean.
Dan Thorpe and Guy Kendrew straight-lined and wedged on the top step, so it was boots away and heave to get onto the plateau.
Best efforts came from Sam Ludgate, Chris Pearson and Liam Walker.
Of the 50/50 brigade only Andy Tales, Nathan Cannell and Howard Dixon bit the bullet and Tales really did give the step the Full Monty.
FOR FULL REPORT AND PICTURES SEE TMX NEWS SEPTEMBER 14
National White Rose Trial
Hawes, North Yorks (West Leeds MC)
Hard course
White Rose Trophy: Ian Austermuhle (Beta UK) 6 marks lost.
Dancaster Rose Bowl: Richard Sadler (MRS Sherco) 7.
Steven Trophy: Michael Brown (JST Gas Gas) 8.
First Class Awards: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas) 18, James Carr (AM Ossa) 27 (mc).
Second Class Awards: Liam Walker (JST Gas Gas) 27, Chris Pearson (MRS Splat Sherco) 31, Guy Kendrew (Ossa Moto) 37 (most 1s), Sam Ludgate (Beta) 37, Danny Gamble (Acklams Beta) 42 (mc).
50/50 Route
Chris Ludgate Memorial Trophy: Phillip Alderson (Gas Gas) 29.
First Class Awards: Boyd Webster (Honda) 37, Gavin Black (Montesa) 48, Robert Loney (RAS Gas Gas) 48 (mc).
Second Class Awards: Graham Tales (Gas Gas) 49, Neil Savage (Gas Gas) 51, Shaun Hoyle (Beta) 53 (mc), Andrew Tales (Beta) 55, Mark Reynolds (Gas Gas) 55, Nathan Cannell (Montesa) 55 (mc).
Clubman course
Russ Line Trophy: Stewart Oughton (Beta) 32.
First Class Awards: Paul Heys (Beta) 35, Phil Scott (Beta) 42 (mc), Nathan Allen (Gas Gas) 42, David Cocker (Montesa) 43 (mc).
Second Class Awards: Chris Beecroft (Sherco) 43, Luke Standring (Montesa) 45 (mc), Darren Holmes (Beta) 45, John Holdsworth (Sherco) 46, Jack Raynor. (Gas Gas) 50.
Top Bird Trophy: Katy Sunter (JST Gas Gas) 73.
