Trials Torque: It’s all set for Reeth cracker
By John Dickinson on 20th Jul 16
THE biggest and best trial in Great Britain outside the Scottish Six Days is upon us.
It is, of course, the Richmond club's Reeth Three Day Trial which will run this Friday/ Saturday/ Sunday, July 22-24.
A mighty 250 riders will gather at Park Field, Grinton, the picturesque village just a mile from the equally pretty Yorkshire dales town of Reeth.
And if that isn't enough to show the event's popularity there were no fewer than 60 riders on the official reserve list.
The three-day long weekend will, as usual, comprise three totally different courses on each day, with Nathan Stones as CoC, aided and abetted by Bruce Storr and Andrew Brown.
Between them they know every rock in the area.
Friday's action will get underway at 10am and will comprise a 30-mile day in Swaledale, with a loop up on Kexwith Moor taking in 30 sections.
The meat of the trial takes place on Saturday when the 9am start heralds a day in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, with 35 sections to tackle along the way.
Sunday then winds down slightly back to a mere 35 miles(!) and 30 sections in Swaledale thanks to Andy Brown.
The entry comprises quality as well as quantity with last year's winner Ian Austermuhle ready to defend his trophy.
He won last year on a tie-break after losing 11 marks, the same as Richard Sadler.
Richmond club member Richard will be out for revenge over his fellow Beta rider although Guy Kendrew will be trying to leapfrog both after finishing third last year.
Also in with a shout will be Scott Trial winner turned enduro ace Jonathan Richardson.
Local man Jonathan joins a host of Richardsons including Chloe, Hannah and Niamh in a real family dust-up.
Stir in the likes of Alexz Wigg, James and Jack Stones, Rob Waite, James Fry, Iwan Roberts, Richard Timperley, Luke Walker, James Carr, Andy Chilton and Darren Brice having a rare outing and the Premier could be anyones.
Top Ladies include Emma Bristow, Becky Cook, Katy Thorpe and Louise Alford all fresh from World Championship success at Tong last weekend.
Naturally there's a whole heap of good Clubman and Green course riders like last year's class winner Phil Alderson, Paul Dennis, Glen Scholey, Barry Roads, Stuart Gaskell etc, etc
The Reeth isn't just a cracking trial – three trials actually – there's a whole social scene with a carvery for all (as long as you have a ticket!) in the giant marquee on Friday and a selection of meals on Saturday plus a lively bar.
Not too lively though lads and definitely NO sliding down the marquee roof! If you want to watch a good trial why not get along to Grinton over the weekend.
Get yourself a programme and you can find out where to go and who you are watching.
