REPORT: Austy edges it in Reeth nail-biter

By John Dickinson on 29th Jul 15

IAN Austermuhle, perhaps surprisingly riding in his first ever Reeth Three-Day Trial, made it a debut win and lifted the Premier Award on Sunday evening at the culmination of yet another fantastic trial staged by the guys and gals of the Richmond MCC deep in the Yorkshire dales.

But it was the narrowest of narrow victories as Austy only pipped local ace Richard Sadler on a nail-biting most cleans tie-break after both contenders contrived to drop just 11 marks through the 95 sections.

The Clubman course in contrast saw a conclusive winner as veteran local ace Philip Alderson beat strong challenger, Flintshire's Phil Houghton (who's son Harry was riding the Hard route) by a full mark!

Phil bagged victory on his venerable air-cooled Yamaha TY with a superb ride on the third and final day to just pip second day leader Houghton.

The Reeth Three Day, with its massive 250-strong entry, is an object lesson is superb organisation, being based in the picturesque village of Grinton, just half a mile from the market town of Reeth.

The social side was a lively as ever with evening meals and entertainment in the marquee and the trial everything you would expect given the dales countryside.

Friday's opening day saw 30 sections starting at Woodyard in Reeth before heading off to take in a loop up on Hurst and Kexwith Moor taking in 30 sections.

Saturday then saw a superb route deep in Scott Trial country circling remote Arkengarthdale with 35 sections at such famous places as Faggergill, Punchard and Whaw Bridge.

RESULTS

Premier: Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 11

Experts: Richard Sadler (Beta) 11, Guy Kendrew (Beta) 22, James Fry (Sherco) 24.

Inters: Matthew Maynard (Sherco) 61, Chris Alford (Gas Gas) 93, Dale Robson (Ossa) 103.

Novice: Oliver Sharp (Gas Gas) 92, Mark Sunter (Gas Gas) 98, Sam Yeomans (Gas Gas) 103.

Best Lady: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 75.

Clubman course

Premier: Philip Alderson (Yamaha) 8.

Clubman: Lee McGee (Sherco) 27.

Over 40: Phil Houghton (Montesa) 9.

Over 50: Nigel Crowther (Scorpa) 14.

Twinshock: Ben Butterworth (Ariel) 31.

First Class Awards: Graham Tales (Montesa) 20, Andrew Jackson (Scorpa) 28, Stuart Gaskell (Scorpa) 28, Richard Fraser (Sherco) 28, Paul Dennis (Beta) 29, Paul Bennett (Sherco) 31.

Hard course first timer: Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 11.

Hard course local rider: James Stones (Sherco) 31.

Clubman course local rider: Jason Ayre (Beta) 54.

Daily Awards

Hard course: Friday Guy Kendrew 1. Saturday Ian Austermuhle 2. Sunday James Fry 5.

Clubman course: Friday: Neil Wright 1. Saturday: Phil Houghton 3. Sunday: Philip Alderson 3.