Newsletter January 2023

So here we are then a new year, on behalf of the club Happy New Year and let’s hope it’s a good one. I’m normally a fairly optimistic person but much of the news at the moment seems to be recycled from 2022, ah well it’s got to get better.

A little bit of disappointment in that we had to cancel the Ron Beer Sporting trial in December, with the sudden drop of in temperatures many of the roads were reduced to a skating rink, the road up to the field at Ashleigh is steep and narrow and the last thing we needed was cars and trailers stuck, frustrating when we have a decent entry but safety has to come first.

Later on in the newsletter you can read Simon Oates coverage of his entry in the Camel Classic road trial, I was his latest victim as passenger in the Liege which was a very enjoyable day, I won’t spoil it for you but just to say I only had to remind him a couple of times as to which way up I like my trials cars (wheels below us).
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MCC Exeter Trial        
I’m  sure most of you are aware but the Exeter Trial takes place on the 6th/7th of January. Richard Simpson and I will be marshalling at Fingle Hill and I know there is a contingent of committee members who will also be at Simms Hill, so well done everyone, good luck to all those competing and let’s hope the weather is suitably considerate. (Whatever that is).  

Committee meeting
As we haven’t had a committee meeting for some time I thought it a good idea to remind you of when the next meeting is.
February the 16th  at 7.30pm at Tresmeer Village Hall.

All are welcome, the bar will be open, and as it’s February we might even have the heating on.


Chairman’s Chat


I have informed the last meeting that after over serving the club for over 40 years as a committee member and having served as chair for two separate stints, as competition secretary, newsletter editor, social secretary, membership secretary and having officiated in many ways on events and for the club I now wish to step back.  Andy Prosser is also standing down so there will be a vacancy for both chairperson and secretary at the AGM.  

The club is currently in a very healthy situation with a wide range of youth and experience on the committee and plenty of enthusiasm.  I hope the next chairperson is able to build on this in the future.  

On a lighter note I saw a post in a group I belong to on Facebook due to my activity on rallying during the 1970s and 1980s.  I hope it is not too close to the truth!

Nostradamus in Motorsport 2023 –  I have adapted this from Tom Wilkinson’s post on the Golden Years of Rallying Facebook group.

January

MSUK appoint Paul Gascoigne as trials manager.  He immediately introduces a rule that no Trials Formula sections should deviate from a straight line.

MSUK organises a new committee to encourage young people into motorsport. The criteria stipulate that only people with at least 30 years motorsport experience are qualified to sit on it.

February

Paul Gascoigne redecorates his office at a cost of £147k.

Hexham 12-car rally oversubscribed with entries.

As part of their strategy of encouraging younger people into motorsport, MSUK introduce a new trials championship, combining technology with low cost. 

Buy On Line Low Overall Cost Kitcar Scheme, There was uproar in Motorsport News when they used the acronym.

MSUK in pursuit of a green agenda, introduce a rule that marshals can only use EVs to attend events in.

March

Pictures appear of Paul Gascoigne in his office, dressed in his dressing gown and slippers, fishing rod and unopened bag of fish and chips on his desk and surrounded by empty cans of Stella Artois. He denies having a party.  Keith Sanders denies being in attendance.

MSUK introduce a new rule of all class 5 cars to be equipped with a 17mm restrictor. MSPORT create a new company specialising in only exporting class 5 cars, both new and used.

April

Paul Gascoigne resigns. He wants to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.

An engine building company in the Orkneys, Magnificent Original Race Engines, sponsors the low cost trials championship. Motorsport News runs the front page headline, MORE BOLLOCKS.

May

MSUK appoint Katie Hopkins as trials manager. She appoints Nigel Farage as her deputy saying “There is no place in UK Motorsport for Geordie accents”.

Nigel introduces a license fee for marshals at £185 stating that this will stimulate growth in motorsport, ensure we get the right people officiating on events and encourage younger people to enter the sport.

The Four Turnings Sporting Trial is won by John and Jerome Fack in an MSR with an average speed of 59mph. “It was a great event” said the Facks “as all sections were dead straight”.

June

Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club events are oversubscribed but all are cancelled because of the lack of marshals.

Nigel Farage resigns, stating that he wants to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.

July

Katie Hopkins resigns stating that she wants to pursue other interests and spend more time with her family.

MSUK hold an internal crisis meeting about the state of the trials division. Dave Richards is in attendance, and when made aware of the extent of the problem, he utters “What is a trial?”

On the basis of a personal reference, Nigel Cowling is appointed trials manager.

August

Nigel Cowling repeals all trials regulations introduced this year. MSUK are swamped by requests from marshals for a refund of their marshalling licence fees.

The Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club Testing Trial has to amend its section plans and re-introduce deviations from a straightline.

September

BTRDA changes Trials Formula tyre regulations to come into line with ACTC This enables all 15 inch diameter tyres that conforms to the tyre tread rile to be used.

Previously cancelled Sporting Trials are reinstated and immediately swamped with entries and offers to marshal. The first one is won by Andy Prosser with John Turner.

October

Due to no events having run due to lack of entries the new low cost championship is cancelled.

Motorsport News announces it as “ NO MORE BOLLOCKS”.

John Turner and Andy Prosser still high after the previous win last month, enter the Tamar Trial in a Citroen 2CV, despite not being able to pronounce escargot.

November


The 2CV retires on only the thirteenth section of the Tamar Trial. The power of the car destroyed all their tyres after only twelve sections, and due to the new rule about maximum of 10 tyres per event, they ran out of tyres. “Gutted” was John’s reply when interviewed.

The Tamar Trial is won by Bob Blackman in a Hillman Imp. “It is great to win in a proper car for a change” he said after the event.

December

MSUK are swamped by applications for clubman’s licenses after the announcement of licence for life scheme.

All license fees are scrapped for 2024, along with permit fees and all other charges.

Greenpeace immediately plan a number of protests about the growth of motorsport.

Fleetwood Mac re-release a single in support of motorsport- “Oh Well”.

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Once again roving reporter Simon Oates has been out and about on the…

Camel Vale Motor Club Ltd’s CAMEL CLASSIC TRIAL on Sunday 4th December.

After a successful ALLEN Trial on 27th November (Class 7 win & 2nd overall), I was lucky enough to get a late entry spot after applying on line Tuesday 29th morning. The navigator spot was filled by John Turner for the first time in a Liege. I decided to trailer to the start at The Borough Arms, Dunmere,  Bodmin, just as well as it was b…dy cold and the heated seats were definitely welcome.

The car was quickly taken off the trailer and straps in the car boot. I start the car up and it sounds like 2 cylinders out of 3 are firing but after 10 seconds all is well again. Scrutineering completed and a few forms signed and we were the first Class 7 car out to tackle the course. Sometimes being first can be an advantage, other times not, in the end it’s in the lap of the Trial gods. We were running number 41 and left at 9.18am with 2 minute intervals between cars. With John’s excellent navigating directions and experience, it didn’t take long to the first section Hustyn (1) which was worrying as we watched Brian & Kirsty Andrew reversing down after getting to a 3. The engine on the Beetle was spluttering and a bit down on power. We set up on the start line and went for it through the trees on the slippery track with a right turn at the summit. All the way up without much of a problem, which settled the nerves a bit!

On to Chestnut Rise (2) where we had a bit of a wait with problems for another Beetle with engine misfire etc. This ended with Karen and Greg Warren retiring their car, only to see Greg later marshalling the special test at Helligan. The section was a deeply rutted track up through the woods which we only got to a 4, diffed out the back axle and promptly deeply dented the silencer and knocked an exhaust joint which made the car sound like it had a proper engine. After reversing down we continued 200m to Hustyn Path (3b) which was an offset climb with restart for all which caused a few problems throughout the field.

We managed to clear it and on to Jab & Left Hook (4) with another restart ably marshalled by the Robinsons. Slippery track with a deviation to the left with a restart on a steep bit of clay with tree roots (thanks David R!) which proved challenging but passable by us!! We then followed the arrows and somehow nearly ended in section 2 the wrong way with 3 other cars (arrow missing) but eventually moved on to Pump House Climb (5) which was a fairly straight steep climb through the trees where we got to the 1. On reversing down we went 100m to a T junction and confirmed with earlier cars which way to go (not on instructions or marked) and drove on to Pheasant Pluckers Son (6) where the son? (a pleasant chap!) was waiting to start us off. A short run to a slippery restart before crossing a lane, up a track then sharp left to a dead end and another clear. On to the Hustyn Special Test which was completed in a decent (for us) 17.16 secs.

After leaving the woods and some road miles we moved on to Penkestle 1 (7) which proved to be a tricky little bugger, right track then left up a clay valley where the left throws us across to the right of the valley and we struggle for grip but somehow we see the 1 marker and reverse down (handbrake on and reverse safely). On to a bit of a queue at Penkestle 2 (8) where we watched the cars in front attack the section with varying degrees of success. Nigel Cowling who was marshalling the section asked if I recognised the Singer Chamois behind me in Class 7.

It was one that he had owned and I had moved around for him – I couldn’t believe it was the same car as the owner Nick Symons has transformed it and continues to fettle it for trialling – beautiful. On to the section and a restart where we came down into the section. Very slippery even though I tried to ease it off the line I got nowhere. None of the class 7 cars cleared the section but Class 8 only had one failure. Just proves if you stop in the right place there’s a chance of getting away or is it they’re so much better than Class 7?  Clinnick (9) called as the next challenge with a fair queue of cars waiting to attack the notorious hill. Dave Haizelden and Dee Champion went past in their Reliant SS1 totally elated as I think it was the first time he had cleared the hill in that car! Matt Facey following in his Z3 also managing to get a clear.

The next clear was the Beetle of Garry & Alison Eamer who powered up – superb! Our turn came and the little car kept its footing all the way and powered? to the top, quite a surprise to us and the first time John Turner had made the top even as a passenger. Back to the main road and on to Laneskin Woods’  Where There’s a Hedge (10a) that we had to climb and complete the restart. All completed successfully and on to Laneskin (11) that was waiting for us. We drove up to the restart, pulled gently away only to power through a right deviation and the clay to the finish. The classes before us didn’t have the deviation and some no restart.

On to Ant Hill (12) which only had a restart for Class 8 which helped our success to clear the hill. A few more road miles to the second special test and last two sections held at Helligan. A long cold queue was caused by both the test and following hill had to be cleared before the next car could continue. My target for the Helligan Test was to complete in under 14 seconds. It was a complete failure with losing grip and time on the corners and then knocking the finishing cone as I went astride the finish line – 30 seconds added to the time, 45.34, not very close to target then.

Helligan 1 (13) had been observed while in the queue and it seemed the cars that started gently over the first bump and then powered up the hill did quite well. That was our intention and it proved to be effective and we cleared the hill. Only one hill left which was Helligan Zero (14) up around the first left bend, look forward to position for the next right bend up a clay bank and it was that easy except I probably didn’t get the power down early enough to clear the clay bank. In a video on facebook it appeared that we were so close to getting up, but no cigar. Sections completed, we made our way back to the Borough Arms for a swift pint (non-alcoholic) and packet of crisps!

The titanic battle between Steve Urell & Julie Williams versus Alan & Patrick Keat in the D1 bike and chairs battle was eventually won by Steve & Julie by a couple of points after they managed a clear of Clinnick.

Overall, the route book, route markers, sections etc were superb and we look forward to next year’s event and praise the organisers, land owners / managers and most of all the brilliant marshals throughout the trial. A big THANK YOU, all your efforts and time are much appreciated.

Provisional Results

Richard Maddern (Husqvarna WR250 Class B2) Wadham Stringer Trophy
James Shallcross & Mike Greenwood (Peugeot 205 Class 1) – John Kessell Trophy.
Matt Facey & Craig Allen (BMW Z3 Class 5)  –  Dave Keat Trophy
Simon Oates and John Turner (Liege 993cc Class 7) Class Win

Camel Classic Photos

Whatja mean chaos?



You don’t see many V8 Skodas, very well shoehorned.

Ready for the Off
BMW Z series are definitely gaining popularity, the diminutive Liege actually manages to carry two people, one slightly squashed, probably why JT managed to stay in it.

For Sale, yes still available Dellow Mk2b, fully trials prepared, supercharged 100E rebuilt engine, rebuilt rear axle with uprated half shafts, various other goodies and a quantity of spares £15,750  contact  J.T. 07971 249783 or email billjan299@gmail.com

Tailpiece…………………

I recently read a very interesting article in the Launceston Life magazine all about the time Charles Dickens made a trip to Cornwall in 1842, it seemed he was gathering inspiration for the story “Christmas Carol”. He was particularly in search of “dreary and desolate” areas and after visiting the West of the county it was recommended he visited King Arthur’s Castle at Tintagel, described as incomparably dreary and a place of fine “wreckin scenery”.

To be honest in 1842 I would have thought much of my beloved county would have qualified for the description, many people lived a meagre life, poverty and sickness was not far away and few people would have had a proper education. Fast forward 180 years and if Dickens were able to time travel he would barely recognised the place. No longer do we rely on horse and cart for transport , we have electricity, wifi, good sanitation, and running water (not just through the roof), all the accoutrements of modern living, we even have university education. There are some who say we have taken the “education” element just a tad too far, it now appears that we have even taught man’s best friend to read.

All for this month    J.T.   please send your contributions  billjan299@gmail.com

Newsletter December 2022

Monthly Newsletter December 2022

So, it’s that month of the year when we are encouraged by the advertising establishments to dig deep into our pockets  and buy our nearest and dearest all sorts of finery {or tools} when to be honest many people have got so much “stuff” you wonder how they are going to find room for more. It’s ok I’m not preaching to you the club have regalia available in a very fetching Maroon and Gold to reduce the load on your bank balance, alternatively you can read further into the newsletter of a couple more ideas to fill that yuletide stocking assuming it is still trendy to hang it at the foot of the bed or somewhere similarly useful.

I have a confession to make, many of you will have noticed there was no “motor”vational (did you see what I did there?)  chat from our chairman last month, this was due to the high level of technology employed in the production of this publication, or to put it another way I lost it in the juggling of the pages.

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Chairmans Chat

The Pete Cooper Memorial Tamar Trial was a fitting way to remember our former Chairman and for many years Clerk of Course of Course for the Tamar Trial. This year it was ably organised by Nigel Cowling, Simon Riddle and their team. Special mention and thanks must be given to Bob Slatter who for many years has been the Secretary of the Meeting. He has worked tirelessly, mostly behind the scenes, to enable this Classic Reliability Trial to run smoothly.

This year the weather was on our side and officials, marshals and competitors could enjoy a fine autumn day. As I am no longer able to compete my own involvement started early as Sean Lehni arrived at my house and we set off to run the first section, a special test, at Tresallack. This was new territory and the requirements for a successful clean and time were a challenge to many of the entry. Perhaps it was too early in the morning for some? There was some confusion regarding the restart with some missing it out, the bogey time was often ignored as was stopping astride line B. It kept Sean and I entertained and produced a variety of scores.

After a drive through the track, we continued on to officiate at Scarsick special test. However on arrival we were met by the farmer who was unhappy that he had not been informed that the event was coming through . As he had a contractor regularly going up and down the lane all day and had arranged to move 100 cattle along it for TB testing, I had no option but to cancel the section. Thank fully I had time to return to Tresmeer village hall lunch stop to make alternative route arrangements. With the help of the time control officials and the opening vehicle the competitors were informed and an alternative route deviation was put in place.

Later that evening your newsletter editor, who had carried out the PR for Scarsick returned to the farm and discovered that the member of the family who had received the details of the event had not passed them on to the farmer. All has ended amicably and in future the use of this section that has formed part of the Tamar Trial for many years and is also used by the MCC Lands End Trial is now secure.

I hope all competitors, officials and marshals enjoyed the day and congratulations to all who completed the course and won awards. Commiserations to those not so fortunate.

Don’t forget to support the club by purchasing merchandise, caps, polo shorts and sweatshirts are available – no doubt details will be available elsewhere in the newsletter.

Yours in motorsport
Joe Caudle
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Forthcoming Events

Ron Beer Sporting Trial

The above event will once again take place at Ashleigh, Lifton,  on Sunday 11th of December. This is a round of the ASWMC championship, if you are not planning to compete then we would love to hear from anyone who is available to marshal, please contact Mike Wevill on 01566 784451.  Anyone wishing to compete the regs and entry forms are available on the website, for those who are not wishing to use the online system there is the good old paper version available.

Camel Classic Road Trial.  Camel Vale MC have their full road trial happening on the 4th of December, for those not competing why not marshal, you’ll love it, details and who to contact on the CV website.

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At our recent committee meeting along with all the usual things discussed was the topic of next year’s AGM, and it appears a couple of committee vacancies are due to appear. The Chairman’s position will become vacant   Joe has decided it is time to stand down and let someone younger take the reins,  (thankfully that rules JT out), it’s certainly not the first time Joe has been “chair” so a rest from it is overdue. The next position becoming vacant is Club Secretary, since taking this job on Andy Prosser has done a great job in keeping us all informed as to what is happening and keeping a good record of the committee meetings etc, he has a lot of future commitments which are going to take up more of his time, not to mention the fact that the motorhome he bought a couple of years ago is more than a little under used and he really wants to make more use of it.

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Mr Toad and the Tamar Trial by Simon Oates

Tamar Trial 2022

The Tamar Trial took place this year on Sunday 16th October in memory of Motorsports sadly missed and great friend Pete Cooper. His presence, contributions and character were fondly remembered throughout the trial also with his wife Jan, waving the cars and bikes off from the start.

The weather gods seemed to be with us with clear blue skies and rain forecast from 16.00 later in the day. Earlier when I fed the dog, his bowl that had been outside overnight, told the story of a wet one, maybe 5-6mm, could be an interesting day. The Liege (class 7) had performed well the previous weekend on the Edinburgh trial and today I picked up Paul as my bouncer/navigator for his first taste of Classic Trialling at club level. Food and refreshments were available in Proper Ansome Café for those who needed extra ballast. With scrutineering and signing on done and pre ordering lunch at Tresmeer and Hog Roast at the finish, we were waved away by Jan, on towards Special Test 1 at Tresallack. A simple start on line A, do a restart on R line and astride line B in 25 seconds with 1 second penalty per second each side of target time. 27 seconds and a 2 second penalty wasn’t the best start – trying to over think it??

We moved on to Horse Bridge and a new venue with sections called Starsky (2) & Hutch (3). The words slippery and bumpy spring to mind weaving in between trees. Rear number plate was ripped off and gaffer taped back twice for the remaining sections. A promising new venue for the future which will improve as we explore the site and fine tune access and sections etc.

Barrett’s Mill (4) near Harrowbarrow is a steep slippery stoney lane with a tricky restart on the corner with a nice hole to catch the wheels in. None of this was helped with tyre pressure limits (16psi for class 7) that were checked at the start. Marshals at the ready and up we went and then on toward Danescombe(5) which is a similarly slippery lane and a restart for all classes.

Tanks Terror(6) saw the cars for the first time catching the bikes up. Notoriously difficult to get through. Class 8 and bikes had a slightly different route into a steeply banked field to the rest of the field with 3 class 8’s getting clears. By now we were the first class 7 car as Jon and Calvin Moores MG J2 had decided to expire. Our route was a little easier but the steep bank was the same. Numbers to the right and as much room on the left as you needed (I found out after finishing the section).

On towards Lewtrenchard and Lew Wood1 (7) and Lew Wood2 (8) where the Launceston Trial will be held on 26th March 2023. Two section in the woods with a deviation for bikes and a restart for class 8 on section 8. After the second section was completed there was a massive spine knocking bang to the car on the exit route which luckily didn’t break anything. Back to the main road and 3 miles on we arrived at Lee Quarry (9) and a few queuing class 8 cars. The section cut off a steep track in two different gaps for different classes.

We were with class 8 on the lower route and a lower restart line which was again cleared. Back to the main road and shortly on to Angel Steps (10) or as some of us now say “no steps”! Some trees have recently been cleared from the hill and one consequence was part of the slate slab has been flattened. Shouldn’t be a problem then should it? Oh yes, tyre pressure limits enforced again. Luckily ours were reduced from 18 to 15psi on the day. as we waited for the bikes to finish and the first class 8’s to conquer the hill, all we could hear was the roaring engines and burning tyres. All I remember about the hill was an interesting restart and smoke so thick I hadn’t a clue what was in front or where we were except we were going forward to eventually top the hill. We waited for Philip and Francis Thomas at the top to reminisce about the food and drinks we used to have in the church hall at Marychurch – great memories.

The bikes had an extra section at Hart’s Lane (11a) and then on to Park Impossible (11) which I have never got all the way up before. Phil and Francis changed their tyres (burnt off on Angel Steps?) and we made our way to the start and a 10 psi tyre pressure. I managed to stop in a hole on the restart and we bounced, wiggled and almost had to get the defibrillator out to keep us going, but we got up the first part only to nearly stop at the 2 on the corner further up, never give up too early is the lesson if you can remember it. Off to lunch at Tresmeer Village Hall, a pasty plus R & R.

We were running about 1hr 30mins behind schedule as we left Tresmeer on to New Langleys (12) after a second special test was cancelled. We had the longest wait so far as the final bikes completed the section and the class 8s started the challenge with 11 failing on the restart. This restart hasn’t been cleared for 6 years and has been moved down a few feet to improve chances. The last car, Josh Moss in his Cannon set off and had a cracking climb and cleared the section easily?? My go and a slightly lower restart for class 7. Up to the restart and the engine just didn’t want to pull, so my first fail. Had I let the tyres down too low or is it that intermittent engine fault showing its head again? That cost me 4 points and second overall. Up through the fields and farmyard to Trevilla (13) which is through an old overgrown quarry and trees with tight corners followed by steep climbs. The engine pulled well and cleared it all.

Back on the roads passing High Cliff (735ft high with dramatic formations) to truly impressive views including Lundy in the sea mist and on through Crackington Haven towards Crackington (14) known for its ‘interesting’ muddy qualities on the Lands End Trial. Most vehicles had restarts (and bikes a deviation) with 14psi limits for ourselves. Once completed successfully, we moved on to Trehole Farm with rain threatening not far behind.

Trehole1(15) proved narrow, steep and slippery with class 8 cars having a restart. Only Jack Selwood managed to clear the section with Josh Moss catching a pole. All other classes had a straight run at it but had to navigate around the restart boards. We failed to clear and had a 4. Trehole2 (16) was quite long with a muddy early climb going down through a gate on to a tight quarry incline followed by a tight right turn. This was only cleared by Aaron Haizelden in classes 7 & 8, the following lower classes?? managed 4 clears – who’s the daddy now then? Finally, 2hrs 15mins late we departed to the Frog & Bucket, South Petherwin for a well-earned pint and Hog Roast.

Tristan Barnicoat riding his Honda XR200R was the only bike from 42 entries to go clear on all sections and won the Dunheved Cup. Only one person on bikes managed the special test in the allotted 25 second time which was Andy Beveridge on his step through scooter.

The overall Tamar Trophy was won by Keith Sanders in his Reliant Scimitar with only 4 points dropped. Josh Moss and Aaron Haizelden both had 8 points with Josh coming second because of a smaller capacity engine. Overall there was a great mix of sections that proved challenging to all competitors. The route was clearly marked throughout and accurate route instructions provided. Every year it is kept fresh with old hills rested and new ones invested in. A brilliant tribute to Pete Cooper and testament to his important influence throughout Southwest’s Motorsport. A big THANK YOU to all competitors,
Marshals and organisers.

Above is Norton Selwood in his Liege
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Camel Vale Presidents Trial 2022 ( Mr Toad turns Turtle)
Next outing was the Presidents on Sunday 6th November. The weather promised to be showery with a lot of rain the preceding day. I decided to drive to Gunnislake to pick up Simon Riddle for his first trip in a Liege. Roof up to the trial with torrential rain going past Duchy College and not much better until just past Castle Motors near Liskeard where the Trial started.

The trial is similar to our own Launceston Trial being set in woodland as a single venue event. The turnout was 18 cars with classes 1 & 3 amalgamated along with 6 & 7 due to low numbers entered in the classes. Signing on and scrutineering completed, we entered the woods to the first 2 sections which had to be completed before moving to section 3.

Windlake View(1) was first attempted by Andrew Dams in his now more modified Peugeot 106. Unfortunately, the ground was fresh and he only got an 11 (a long trip from Lincoln) but plenty more to try throughout the day. Eight more cars followed with no score better than an 8 and then Andrew Rippon in his very competitive Beetle flew up to a 6 followed by another 6 on the next section Colvase Top(2). We followed his efforts with a 4 on the first section (only Charlie Merson cleared the section) and a clear on the second hill. What a start, great bouncing by Simon Riddle and a bit of luck! Three of the class 8 cars also cleared the section. Bonyalva Corner(3) was the next hill and as we approached it we could see and hear section 4 to our right with James Vivian in his BMW 318 compact firing up the hill. BANG! Drive shaft broken and out of the trial. When we arrived at the section queue, we had lost two beetles that should have been in front (took wrong route). Once they arrived, we let them through with Andrew R powering to a 4 on the hill.

We managed no better than a 5 and the hill was only cleared by Charlie Merson again in his class 8 Ford Special. Unfortunately Roger Teagle broke their Class 8 car on the section and went for an early bath. On to Beast of Bonyalva(4) where the BMW had now been cleared from the section. We had a quick walk (allowed to no 6) to plan where we wanted to go on the hill and watched a few cars to the 8 & 9 markers. Andrew R went in front of us and scrabbled up to a 5 and then after a lot of back and forward, made a new exit through the undergrowth and on to the next section. Well, we had to do better than that and kept as high on a traverse as we dared and managed a 4. The next problem was getting out especially as I managed to get stuck at the front in a tree.

Once out we positioned ourselves to watch Phil Thomas in his Dutton Melos. Off he went and another BANG with the rear half shaft snapped and another retirement. He followed the marshal / competitor assisted route down the hill that the BMW took. On to Main Road Top(5) which looked like a simple woodland lane with a restart half way up the hill. We got to the restart but failed to progress any further. As it turned out Dan Keat in his Fugitive was the only one with a restart to conquer the hill, it looked so simple. On the way reversing down I somehow managed to lose control turning into the left bank and turned the Liege over jettisoning Simon R out with me remaining in the car landing on my shoulder, roll bar and front screen. It all happens so quickly and we’re still a bit shocked and so, so lucky with no serious injuries. Marshals and following class 8 competitors were quickly on the scene and did a cracking job. First point was to check Simon R was OK.

He’d managed to graze his head through his club beanie hat and a few cuts to his hand. I’m sure he must have cat like reflexes and a lot of luck. After a few minutes we turned the car on to its wheels, started it up, reversed further down the hill and drove straight up the section to the next one. With all three bodies battered we entered Seaton Rise(6) and drove straight to the top to promptly get ourselves lost in the woods (maybe it was delayed shock). Once we eventually found our way to the next section Love you one time(7) we were behind the class 8 car of Charlie Merson. Off he went up the hill to the 3 marker I think. As he was reversing down his hydraulic brakes failed and he luckily stopped sideways half off the section.

With a rope and six of us we managed to get him down and also homeward for another early bath. Jack Selwood also had a car failure to join the 8 retirees out of 18 entries!! Love you one time was cancelled for class 8. The final retirement was Andrew Dams in his Peugeot 106 on Classic Camel(10) but I’m sure we’ll all be back for more. I guess that technically we didn’t break down, we just decided we’d pushed our luck far enough for one day. Of the 10 cars that finished, Simon Groves had a class win in his Troll with 63 points, closely followed by Ross Hancock in his Buggy on 64 points. Overall winner of the Presidents Cup 2022 after indexes were applied went to Andrew & LorraineRippon in their Beetle with 69 points. It was a long cold wet drive home in the rain, praying that there wasn’t a police car waiting en route.

A big THANK YOU to Camel Vale Motor Club, its organisers, Marshals and land owner for all your time and effort to put on such an interesting and testing trial, carry on the great work.

Do not make the mistakes I made when reversing down a section
1 All sections have the potential to hurt you – never underestimate the hazards
2 If you fail a section, listen to and follow the Marshal instructions to the letter
3 Apply the handbrake a few notches (enough to just hold the car) and reverse down the hill with the footbrake off.
4 If you have a hydraulic handbrake, make sure you use it
5 Alternatively, switch the engine off and put the car in 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear with the clutch out allowing the engine compression to gently brake the car back to the bottom of the hill.
6 Please, please don’t get in to bad habits.
Simon Oates
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Just seen the results of the Allen Trial as held by Bristol Motor Club
Committee members who travelled up from Cornwall made it a very worthwhile trip.
Allen Trophy went to Phil Thomas , Ford Escort.
Rootes Trophy went to that man again , Simon Oates, Liege.
2nd in Class award Andrew Rippon, VW Beetle.

Also noted a Dellow driven by Andrew Isherwood won the Dacy Trophy (Heritage)

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Andy Prosser is thinking of going to the Autosport Show  at the NEC, the show is on from the12th to the 15th of January, if you are MSUK licence holder you can get access to the show on the 12th which is a slightly quieter day, if enough people are interested in attending Andy is prepared to hire a minibus, contact Andy at  probilt2005@yahoo.co.uk  could be a very interesting show.

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Below Richard Simpson gives us an idea for that stocking filler at Christmas or is it “Glove at first sight”?

Like most trail/trials motorcyclists, I struggle to find suitable gloves.

Motocross gloves are the obvious choice, but frankly, they are overpriced and most seem to offer little protection other than to the tops of the fingers…the falls I have had onto tarmac or rock while wearing them have shown them to be pretty flimsy.

On the other hand, the protective quality of road motorcycling gloves has improved considerably over the years: they now have to pass relevant CE tests against impact and abrasion.

But they can be hot and clumsy when you ride off-road. I’ve found an excellent compromise…and they were in a bargain bin at B &Q!

Ladies and gentlemen…I present the Mechanix Wear M-Pact glove. From the name, you might think it was designed for changing oil etc, but it’s really not. It provides good hand protection in a variety of hazardous environments, such as tyre fitting, without being excessively hot or clumsy. Washable in cold water too. The gloves are certified to provide protection against abrasion, impact and vibration, and they appear to do this very well in use. Even the wrist strap incorporates protective padding.

All-day comfortable on the bike, and also for operating power tools etc.

I don’t know if you can still get them in B&Q, but they are available on-line at
https://www.mechanix.com/gb-en/mechanics-automotive-gloves/  

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Here’s your second stocking filler option a couple of books.

Rice & Dirt is basically a travel story, get over the fact that it is accomplished on a Vespa scooter with 10” wheels, it’s a journey of epic proportions. The start of the Journey is at the top end of Africa, the goal is the bottom end, en route there is just about everything, border corruption, frustration, attacks from vigilantes, wild animals, even the offer of a bride. Read it and you will look at scooters in a new light. (Even if it is a bloody Vespa)

Frank & Stan’s bucket list There comes a time in everyone’s life when they say “I wish I’d” !!!! This is a story of just that but they actually go and do it, to the point of getting deeper into it than intended, some parts are poignant, others are hilarious, if you want to sit back and read a book that will make you laugh out loud and annoy everyone else in the room then this is the book for you.

My third offering of a stocking filler is a little more expensive, although it has a lot more joys to behold.

Reluctant Sale

Dellow Mk2b , Fitted with rebuilt 100E engine and Shorrock Supercharger, electronic ignition, low ratio Ford 8 gearbox, fully rebuilt back axle with uprated half shafts. Ready to trial, complete with number holders and electric tyre pump, even a Dellow umbrella. £15,750 to include a quantity of spares.

Contact the editor billjan299@gmail.com  or on 07971 249783

That’s just about it for this month apart from my tale of woe. I went in to our local garage to fill up as I was registering empty on the gauge, having filled I went in to pay I was horrified when the lady on the till said that’s £115 , I marched out and drove off without paying, needless to say I soon had a knock at the door from you know who. Before I knew it I was in court and fined £75 , result !!  Watch this page next month for more money saving tips. 😊

Don’t forget to keep them contributions coming     billjan299@gmail.com

Newsletter November 2022

It’s perfect weather for putting the newsletter together,  pouring with rain ! There seems to be a lot having been going on of late , not only trials but boring stuff like first aid training, more on that later.

As I hadn’t entered the MCC Edinburgh trial I offered to marshal, this to be combined with ten days away in the camper van, so the route to the Peak district took in the windiest spot we could find on the Northwest tip of Anglesey, it was so windy that Vivien was convinced she could hear voices in a pub coming across the sea from Ireland, but we still managed to sleep well. I had a call about two days before the event saying that I wasn’t needed on the original planned section so was given two options, one was on a section opening around 1.30am or another opening around 9.00am, after about a second of deliberation I chose the latter one and a chance of a full nights sleep (hard decision} called Hobhay.

We arrived early on the day of the trial, nice cooked breakfast in the van at the top of the section and then set to work, after much tossing of coins I was restart marshal so  kept well occupied but still also able to see the deviation route for class 7 & 8 which to be honest at first glance didn’t look too difficult, {how wrong could I be), of the total field of class 7 & 8 entries only four or five cars climbed it, Mike Leete first of all in his very pretty Dellow and a little while later Simon Oates in the Liege, meanwhile back on the restart myself and Ian Hingley were kept busy, one impressive climb here was the Reliant of George Osborn ably passengered by Celia Walton, it was also great to see the “step thru’s “ going clean, including a lost pizza delivery rider though I suspect his top box didn’t contain any fresh Pizzas.

Not too long after the expected finishing time the course closing car came through, so hand in the kit and job done , back to the van for a cuppa.

Parc fermé  at the Duke of York
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First Aid Training

One of the concerns to the committee of late is getting first aid cover at our events, on two occasions this year we have been let down by our planned first aiders, so we decided it was time to sort something. On a morning in late September a small  group of us and two people from the Launceston Voluntary First Aid Service met up at Tresmeer Village Hall for a day’s training.

The primary objective of the course was for the trainees to be able to give emergency first aid and to keep a patient comfortable whilst waiting for the emergency services to arrive, the course was low key but very informative, we covered aspects such as CPR and use of a Defibrillator. The CPR procedure covered children as well as adults,  it was agreed by all those taking part not to shave on the day we are covering an event, if someone is to get mouth to  mouth they might as well get the full “spikey bristle  effect”. Admittedly we are not up to ambulance staff qualifications but it is good to know that should someone be unlucky enough to injure themselves at one of our events help will be at hand.

 Top left photo shows just some of the equipment brought by the group, top right JT trying to inflate a plastic doll  (never done that before said Vivien) bottom shows Mike talking to his doll whilst Andy is listening for a reply, it’s all a bit worrying 😃
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Sunrise over Screwfix

Tamar 2022

 
Exploring the Bermuda Triangle on the Tamar Trial
 
By Richard Simpson


A period of intense rain after a very dry Summer guaranteed a slippery start to the 2022 Tamar Trial, in memory of Pete Cooper, and it was with some disquiet that I realised fate had dealt a comic blow to Team Incompetence before the event even started: Richard ‘Shaggy’ Simpson (Beta X-Trainer 300), Merv ‘Swerve’ Brown (Honda XR400), and Ben ‘Skyhook’ Watton (Honda XL185) would be starting as numbers 7, 8, and 9. 

This meant we would be sweeping the sections of slime and wet leaves ahead of most of the serious competition: at least until the inevitable blunders make us fall back down the field.

An early start gives me the opportunity to ride my X-Trainer in the dark and pretend that I am in an MCC Long Distance Trial. Breakfast in the Proper Andsome café sees us catch up with the irrepressible George Godkin who originally hails from Ireland but lives in Bury St Edmunds.

He’d not only ridden in a real MCC Trial the week before, but arrived in Launceston at midnight after attending the funeral of Phil Gunn, a stalwart of the enduro and rally riding scene back in Ireland. Respect!

Dawn breaks over Screwfix as we complete formalities, and off we went eastwards into the early light. There is an all-new start to the route this year, down minor tarmac lanes well lubricated with slurry, and with the morning sun shining in our eyes. Well it keeps us on our toes.

The first section, Tresallack, is also the first special test, and straight into the sun. It has a ‘target time’ of 25 seconds, with a restart half way though. Dazzled by the sun, I only realise that the restart line isn’t on the track, but on the bank at the side of the lane, at the last moment, and so drop a couple of points. But I manage to complete the section in 28 seconds.

Congratulations to Andy Beveridge, who relinquished his Suzuki DR650 for a Honda Innova step-through, hit the mark at exactly 25 seconds, and won the Dunheved Trophy for his trouble!

Regrouping at the top of the hill, Merv confesses he’s missed the restart line altogether, but, overwhelmed by the sheer power of his XL185, Ben is three seconds under the target time!

The next two sections are a departure for the Tamar Trial being situated on private land usually used for 4×4 driver training: as you might expect they are muddy and quite a challenge on trials tyres. I drop a miserable nine points on the first, have a harsh word with myself and score a rather more acceptable three on the next. Still a section that most of the field managed to clean though.

Barretts Mill sees me drop an avoidable four where my partners in disaster remained clean, but I manage to clean the next section: Danescombe; along with the rest of the field. This was the easiest section of the whole trial, in spite of the restart.

Tanks Terror took us away from the steep lanes and onto a grassy bank section in a valley. There were various different routes for different classes, and I picked the right one and kept my feet up for a clean. Two clean in a row: things can only get worse!

My teammates both got a bit confused and dropped a mark each.

We trek over to Lew Woods, where there are two sections. Somehow, we managed to pass the Brownes (or Rickman Brothers as I dubbed them), who run a pair of magnificent Triumph 650cc-engined Metisses, on the way. They appear behind us as we are queuing for the first of the Lew Woods sections, and I gesture for them to go in front, saying I want to hear them climb the hill.

This was true, but I also thought those big, heavy bikes are going to shift an awful lot of slippery leaf mould for us.

Up they go, the old Meriden-built twins bellowing heroically. It all sounds very straightfoward.

Well, it was for them. The British bikes run straight up the car section: modern solos have a Dougie Lampkin style deviation twisting between the trees. Ben drops five points and gets further than Merv or I manage with six. Merv’s XR rewards him by having a hissy-fit and refusing to start after he stalls. The second and final Lew Woods section is easier. Everyone cleans it, with the exception of Innova Andy, even me. That’s just six points lost in three sections, either this is getting easier, or I’m getting better!

Off we go again, with just a short ride to Lee Quarry: again there are two routes, with the motorbikes on the tighter one. I confess, I get a bit lost in the woods and drop seven points here, which is seven more than everyone else except Merv.

We all know what comes next: Angel Steps, complete with spectators and a humiliating restart. I’m determined to do better than last year when my old GasGas refused to fire at the bottom of the hill until all the bikes and most of the cars had passed. I then nearly got collected by a car unaccountably coming back down the hill while I was on my way up and ended up being dragged to the top. The Beta is electric start, and the cars are all behind us, I remind myself.

I’ve watched some YouTubes of the hill since last year, including one where one of the Brownes gets his Rickman Metisse up relatively easily by picking a line to the extreme right of the track. The British bikes are excused a restart, but nevertheless, I reckon keeping right is the best line.

Except, this year someone has cut the hedge and the rain has accumulated all the debris in the rut on the right. It would be like riding through a compost heap with added thorns. Working on the great Malcolm Smith’s aphorism that “A bad line done good beats a good line done bad,” I stick to the middle as it will give me more space. All goes well until the restart where I find zero grip on the rock slab. Several attempts later, and with a helpful shove or two from the assembled crew, I get going again.

Merv confesses that he just rode straight up without stopping. Given the amount of energy and tyre smoke I expended, I’d say that was a wise move. Looking at the results, only Rom Dobs (Beta X-Trainer), Jon Mildren (Sherco X-Ride) and Leon Youlton (KTM Freeride) seem to have restarted successfully, so an average six points for the rest of us! 

On we go. Next section is motorcycles only, and another for the Dougie Lampkin impressionists involving a twisty circuit crossing the same drainage ditch twice. It’s scored as a conventional motorcycle trials section so my ‘five’ equals a complete failure. Ben does no better, but Merv does well with a two on the unwieldy XR.

Next one is Park Impossible. Last year, I cocked this up entirely. This year, I entirely cocked it up! What went wrong?

Well, at the foot of the section last year I convinced myself it would be a nadgery ride through the woods, so set off cautiously in first gear. I then realised it was a flat out climb, applied too much throttle, much too late and looped out. I’d forgotten all about it until this year, when I managed a repeat performance. Ten points for me, and clean for all the other bikes!

Next year, remember, second gear from the start and give it hell on the run-up!

No matter, it’s lunchtime. Off we go, back into Cornwall. Team Incompetence refill at Launceston BP station, and one of our number has to be stopped from riding off with his sidestand down. Whoops!

Now for the best part of the day, lunch! Delicious pasties, cakes and tea at Tresmeer Village Hall. There are even Cornish cream teas available. There’s also a GasGas enduro with a broken radiator which apparently resists all attempts at repair, and the unwelcome news that the second special test has been cancelled and the roadbook amended.

What follows is a wise decision, that goes hopelessly wrong. Merv says he will navigate his way to the next section, New Langleys, by using What Three Words.

Good plan, except the three words appear to be Bermuda, Triangle, and Mystery. We find ourselves in a peculiar hole in the space/time continuum somewhere between the Atlantic Highway and the Atlantic Ocean. Circulating in an ever-tightening vortex, we seem to collect more and more lost motorcyclists. One minute Merv’s phone tells him we are about to arrive, the next that our destination is 17 miles away! 

Eventually, we break free, and arrive at what should be the New Langleys entrance, except the gate sign says Trevilla, which is the name of the section after. I piss everyone off by pointing this out, so we ride up the road a while, then Merv remembers that New Langleys and Trevilla are next to one-another and both accessed via the gate. 

Sorry chaps!

To show just how sorry I am I humiliate myself by scoring eight points on each section…but the Bermuda Triangle effect is still at work as I see from the results that four riders managed the first section but missed the second…strange given their proximity.

I’ve got a long-range tank on my Beta, but I’ve no real idea how far it can carry me, and I seem to have used a lot of fuel in the Bermuda Triangle. So, I split off from my companions (I’m not exactly flavour of the month anyhow) and scoot off down the Atlantic Highway to refuel at Wainhouse Corner. From there, I know how to get to the next section at Crackington.

Going through the little settlement of Mineshop, I am alert for the vision of loveliness who saved the day for John Turner and me on the Lands End Trial last Easter, but there’s no sign of her. Around the corner, and Crackington is deserted. No competitors, and seemingly no marshals either. Have I fallen back into the Bermuda Triangle?

Marshals appear, and up the section I go. I’m confident of cleaning this one: I cleaned it last year, and I’ve since ridden it a couple of times without difficulty. So this should be a shoe-in.

Except, it’s not. I get the front wheel caught in some washed-down silt at the point where you have to go to the right of the tape, and fall off!

Idiot! Three points dropped.

I pick myself up and ride to the top, where I stop for a moment to kick myself. And I hear in the background the distinctive sound of Merv’s XR400 coming up the section…what??

How did that happen? 

I thought I was well behind him after my fuel detour. Perhaps he got caught in the Bermuda Triangle again?


It turns out that Ben has taken a tumble and broken his clutch lever. Attempts to replace it with a spanner and some cableties failed, and he’s retired.

There are just two more sections to go, and the weather, which has been kind, starts to close in. The first Trehole section is an undulating path of slippery wet grass over slippery wet clay. It takes points off most of the field, but it’s only me and Innova Andy who drop ten!

Trehole 2 is the final section. It’s long and ends in a quarry. I miss the first of the yellow posts that I am supposed to keep to my left, which costs me six points.

Now it’s a dash back to the Frog & Bucket through steadily increasing rain to sign off and grab a quick bite before heading for home.

My not-quite waterproof riding gear manages to keep the wet at bay, and the rain washes the worst of the mud off the bike, so that’s a result!

And the real results show, that although I finished in the expected last place, I did at least get to the end, and that is some kind of modest achievement given there were four retirements from a field of 46 motorcycles.

Congratulations to Tristan Barnicote, who kept a clean sheet throughout to win the Dunhevd Cup on his Honda XR200, and Rom Dobbs who won the B2 class.

I’ll leave the last word to George Godkin. When we explained the Bermuda Triangle Mystery to him he pointed out with impeccable Irish logic that “What Three Words is great at telling you where you are, but not so good at taking you where you want to be!”

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 Tales of a Liege (Mr Toad – Class 7)                Part 1

Being fairly new to Liege ownership (purchased end of November 2021 not running) and trialing in one is slightly different to the previous Class 8 Triumph Torum I owned for 11 years. Did I really purchased it because it had doors and more modern mechanical parts or was it because I hoped to use it as a run around car (which it does to Bude twice a week) and trial car?

Torum was running around 140bhp, the Liege when on its first trial with me (MCC ExeterTrial) had 30bhp. Putting it simply, the cars engine was struggling to power up the hills and I ended up increasing the tyre pressures to get the tyres to slip so that the engine wouldn’t die on a hill.

A week after the Exeter I went to Mark Shillaber owner of SRD on Newport Industrial Estate and had a short session on his rolling road where he managed to extract a further 10bhp to a staggering 40bhp, 29% of what I was used to in the other car. 

Holsworthys Chairman’s Trial followed on 27th February which ended with a 4th in class still running with half worn Avon cross ply tyres all round. The engine pulled much stronger than before but lost power on 2 hills (electronics?) but all things considered, it was a good result.

Next was the Launceston Trial in Lew Woods on 20th March with a change to Michelin Taxi tyres on the back. There was certainly some improvement in grip except when high tyre pressure limits were applied, you’d just sit there and spin however you approached the section ending with a 3rd in class.

MCC Lands End Trial on Easter weekend was as exciting as usual. Long delays meant we were doing Beggars Roost in daylight which was truly a first for us! An unbelievable clear on all sections and fastest times on the Observed Tests meant that we were overall 1st car in Class 7.

Torbay Trial followed a week later and all was going well until we had the engine once again lose power for about 3 sections and probably lost us 18+ points. It could have been another great result but we did end with a Class 7 Award.
Last but not least was the Flora Trial held by the Pendennis Motorcycle and Light Car Club. What can I say except you must go down and try it? Great sections (some extreme) and fun – very under rated and worth entering. Where did I come?? – home with a massive smile and great memories!!

During the summer the main job done to the car was the fitting of a needle roller cross pin to the differential which should strengthen it for trialing. Several Lieges use Suzuki Jimny rear diffs which have cross pins and are meant to be much stronger but have smaller half shafts (weaker?) which doesn’t make sense to me, basically what I have done is a compromise but improvement.

The new winter season started on 4th September 2022 with the Exmoor Clouds. We were cutting it fine getting to the start on time. I was hoping to be there to see Trevor and Daniel Bailey off on their first trial in my old Triumph Torum. They had purchased it a few weeks before and never competed in class 8. I was too late but spoke to them later after they had completed the whole trial – no mean feat first time. My trial started with poor concentration and a few points in the first section. It got better until we had a simple restart where the car again just lost power and wouldn’t pull away. The drive to my cottage is steeper than that section – not a word of a lie! We got to section 6 which I thought was moderately rough and snapped the axle tube which had about 20mm of steel at the top holding it together. We ratchet strapped across the bottom to stop it completely breaking away and retired to the trailer 4 miles away in 30 minutes. Not a good start to the season. The only positive is that we claimed the fastest special test time of 18.8 seconds (the engine must have been OK then!!)

It took a day to straighten the axle and strengthen top and bottom with extra steel. The finished job looks the part, so I hope it will survive. The diff housing didn’t fare well and the diff input gear to the half shaft was smashed also grinding out part of the housing and part of the end of the half shaft. It was all put together with parts from a spare axle I’d sourced a few weeks before ready for the next trial.

The Taw & Torridge Trial was the next to follow on 18th September. Lovely weather greeted us and some challenging sections. Some too challenging with a couple of cars seriously close to turning over on Rat Run with the section eventually cancelled. The diff wasn’t quite right and the back propshaft UJ had started to knock. We were beaten by Francis Thomas in his Dutton Melos (1 point) because I wasn’t concentrating on one section (Pen Steep) and went off the side costing 6 points.

I’m now hoping that the power loss issue is sorted. I’ve been working through all the sensors and have now disconnected the LAMBDA (O2) sensor on the exhaust. If the problem hadn’t been intermittent or there was a plug in port to interrogate the ECU, it would have been a lot easier. The propshaft UJ was replaced and the diff was taken apart again with new shims purchased and fitted. Once it was all together again I went to Barrets Mill to do some PR work for the Tamar trial. On the way home I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at Angel Steps (or is it no steps now) and drove straight up at 18psi. Another day you wouldn’t get up there with 4psi. As I entered Lifton on the way home, the diff started clicking which I knew wasn’t good.

Back home the diff is removed again to find that the new needle roller cross pin had broken probably due to the original broken back axle on the Exmoor Clouds and the pressure when the diff input gear got mangled. Better it happened here than on the first section of the Edinburgh Trial a week away! Original solid cross pin and gears were then installed and away we go.

Two days later on the Monday before the Edinburgh, I went to see Alan Murton at his engineering workshop to see if he could produce a modified stronger cross pin and needle bearings for the diff. He agreed it was possible and I left feeling more positive but definitely not expecting the call the next day confirming that I can pick up the machined parts. After some haggling and crossing his palm with silver, I picked up the parts but was dreading taking the diff apart again and whatever my darling wife Alison will say (or not say) to me about working on the car again. It came apart and went together very well (must know what I’m doing now) and was completed by mid-day Thursday in time to drive to Bude for a game of golf (a drive on so many levels). New steel wheels that had been made for the car were now shod with new Yokohama Geolander rubber and picked up from Wicketts of Bradworthy and fitted to the car. A final fettle, grease and check through means it’s time for the MCC Edinburgh Trial.

Edinburgh Trial 2022

Having had all the paperwork for the Edinburgh Trial emailed to me the week before its start and reading it all through, I felt there was a Big Brother feel to some of the advice and instructions. It’s a shame that a small minority can cause so much hassle and red tape for the majority of competitors. I do begin to wonder if common sense is being bred out of people or is it excess legislation and HSE (rant over).

The trip up from Cornwall took the best part of 7 hours, so we arrived in the dark at Brassington where we were staying. A quick fish & chips and chat with our hosts and it was time to head back to the start at Lichfield Rugby Club. Running as car 158 we left at 01.38 according to the marshals mobile phone (the planned display clock had broken) and made our way to Tissington Ford where we queued until our allotted time and drove through the ford steadily on to Haven Hill(1) where 20psi and a restart greeted us. Once completed we drove through Brassington (left here 5 hours ago!) and made our way to Cliff Quarry(2).

We’ve often been in queues until daylight in the past, only moonlight this time. Starting at the gate, we progressed to a restart on the corner and then to a deviation through exit A. Restart OK, pass exit C and then to the left was a sign low down with A & B with arrows to show the way. The problem was that the A arrow was obscured by something and it couldn’t easily be read. Last second reactions only just saved the day and I got to the left side. Nasty.   I hoped this wasn’t the way the Trial was going to be. On to Whites of Calver for a top up of petrol and next to Tumbletrees(3) which was a wooded section with a yellow restart for us. Onward in the dark to Special Test 1Rebellion which was completed but not very fast. I guess it’s better to be clear at this stage! After the test, big brother was meant to be watching on the moors in the shadows in case you got over 15mph☺ The mileages and route instructions became a little inaccurate on the way to Special Test 2 Middleton Moor(4) which threw us a little but once we got there the test route was shown on a board. Two cones or was it three, one clockwise, the other anticlockwise and the next to your right I think!

As daylight had crept up on us we approached Calton(5) which in the past has claimed many a dream. Two cars in front had failed the hill and was reversing back to get a run at it and the next car was released before the hill was clear. By the time they got to the restart the fail car was still ahead of them. Quick thinking by the marshals held the car on the restart until the hill was fully clear and then let them away for a clean restart. For us, the restart wasn’t too slippery, so all good and on to The Duke of York and a well-earned Bacon Bap and cup a Tea. 83 miles of the route so far + 44 miles from Brassington + 280 miles from home, only 407 miles so far.☺☺

Great stop at the pub and catch up with other competitors, felt a bit more with it after that. Departure was at scheduled time of 08.48, some left early which I guess (in the route book) will be penalised. Excelsior(6) called and wasn’t too wet or slippery with the restart good on the wide approach. We then drove on to Clough Wood(7) where the cars had caught up the trailing bikes which caused a bit of a delay, but boy were we entertained by all that went on around us. Too much spare time had many looking at the second section worrying about if it was possible off the top restart. Off to section 7 where we were Ramp A, Exit A which were well signed, so no problem.  Clough Mine(8) was to follow. The instructions were Exit A and top Red Restart box, what could possibly go wrong? Answer – nothing, all goes to plan and up to the top. What were we all panicking about when waiting earlier, funny lot aren’t we?

Five miles further on we arrive at Dudwood2(10) where the first section was cancelled so we waited in the queue for our turn. It didn’t seem that many were getting up – don’t panic. Eventually it was our turn and we went around to the right and kept to the left to suddenly find ourselves approaching two markers between trees and the end of section on the right. Don’t know how it happened, but it did. Only 4 cars got to the top I believe, with the ‘A’ board coming into play for classes were no car got to the top. Shell shocked we went down the hill and on to Special Test 3 Dudwood where it was shorter than previous years and I didn’t reverse far enough back in the middle of the test, so lost a lot of traction on my way to the finish. There’s only so quick you can do a special test with 40bhp so I shouldn’t complain. The trouble is, I know I left a lot of time out on the special tests☹. On for another 32 miles to HobHay(11) where I waited for Rob and Elizabeth Haworth in their Liege as they had stopped for petrol. While I was waiting I had the pleasure of seeing 147, Michael Leete and Dean Partington in their Class 7 Mk1 Dellow, clear the section – well done both, there’s hope for us yet.

A few cars later a VW Beetle took the class 7 & 8 deviation only to get stuck and 8 – 10 minutes to extract the car and a bit of a mess where we had to go, such is life. When it was our time, we gunned it as best we could at the deviation and it felt like we took off (safer to fly than drive they say) and just went through the heather and bog to the end! At the top of the section I took a picture of 3 Liege cars (146 John & Robin Charles, 158 myself & John Werren & 160 Rob & Elizabeth Haworth) together to celebrate the trial so far and what a view from our vantage point. Only 4 cars from classes 7 & 8 cleared the section this year. Hollinsclough Chapel Hall was calling 9 miles away for a time control, cake and liquid refreshment. It was much needed and appreciated after the last section. The views coming down into the village was stunning, you couldn’t have asked for more, how lucky we are.

Break over and we’re away again for another 3 miles back up on top of the dales to Booth Farm(12) where it was up and over a rough bit of moorland and then on to Corkscrew(13) that in the past had stopped me in my little GTM Coupe before breaking the diff at a later section. We collected a lost car at the bottom of the approach to the section and pointed him in the right direction. Corkscrew was very stoney and rough and luckily we didn’t have a restart in class 7 to contend with.

Only two sections to go and on to Litton Slack(14) which has such good and bad memories. It turned out to be as easy to get up as I can remember, so let’s hope that the section can be retained for the future. I almost felt cheated as it didn’t bite back as we all know it often can, but the clears continue. Only Waterloo(15) to go which was a gravelled sloping track plus restart for all classes which would provide few problems to anyone. Off to the Duke of York again to sign off and a good old natter.

The trial proved to be thoroughly enjoyable with less queuing to contend with and it felt as though we were moving between sections more than in previous years. There’s no question that wonderful weather, cracking marshals and beautiful views may have had something to do with it. THANK YOU ALL. We managed a Class Win (7) and finished 3rd car overall, much better than I could ever have hoped for.

Part 2 Mr Toad and the Tamar Trial next month.           

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Tailpiece

It’s been all go at home with the arrival of “Mona”, or as Vivien named her “Mona the Vampire” (you’ll have to google it). She’s a bit of a project (understatement said Vivien who is not happy that JJ the Fergie Tractor has been turfed out of his cosy shed for some foreign upstart!)) but I’m sure she will be up and running in no time, unfortunately the tin worms were given her address before I could find her but as I have said to others there’s no holes where there’s metal. As with most classics the spares these days are almost better in availability terms  than when they were built. Once up and running she will gradually be brought up to trials spec and will be floating over those bumps, rocks and potholes as if they didn’t exist, in the meantime the spanners and welder are going to be busy.

All for this month J.T.            contributions to billjan299@gmail.com

Ron Beer Trial 2022 Regs and Entry Form

The regulations and entry form for The Ron Beer Trial 2022 are now available to download below.

Ron Beer 2022 Regulations (1841 downloads) Ron Beer 2022 Entry Form Word Format (1618 downloads) Ron Beer 2022 Entry Form PDF (1759 downloads)

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We won’t be making use of the online entry system for this event so please send your paper entries to Pam Wevill The Manor House Lifton Devon PL160BJ.

Entries close on 7th December 2022 with no entries on the day.

The trial will take place on Sunday 11th December 2022 at Ashley Farm, Lifton (MR201/395842) by kind permission of Paul Webber.

Newsletter October 2022

So another month has shot past me and it’s back to the keyboard to try and conjure up something interesting for you. Our recent David Ayers Sporting Trial held at Marshgate by kind permission of David Langley was well attended, the weather was also suitably organised, rain was not on the menu so the waterproofs were left well alone, I will give you a run down on the event later.

Our recent committee meeting was well attended with various items being discussed, Andrew Rippon gave us a résumé of the recent ACTC meeting, interestingly there is no official tyre list, the general principle is that tyres used in classic trials should not have a gap wider than 8mm, anyone not sure on their tyre eligibility should consult the ACTC website.
There is concern over the possible movement of dates for the 2023 season, in particular, the date of the Tamar Trial is under threat, hopefully, this can be avoided.

One item that has been discussed at the committee many times is first aid, we have on two occasions booked someone from an organisation to be responsible for this and both times they have failed to appear on the day. With this in mind we are attempting to get some of the committee members trained in the hope that we will at least have someone at an event with some knowledge of first aid. We cannot however guarantee that in the event of mouth to mouth resuscitation being required that the person administering it will have shaved that day.!

Should and members feel they want to attend a committee meeting they are very welcome to sit in, there is even a Bar, our next meeting is on Thursday the 6th October 7.30pm at Tresmeer Village Hall.

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No Chairman’s Chat this month unfortunately so here is a newspaper cutting of our esteemed chairman from 2001 at the water splash Knighton.

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Going back to our visit to Prescott in July, during the lunch break we visited the on-site Bugatti Museum . Although the museum is not huge it showcases a lovely range of the “Bugatti Products” , not just cars but all sorts of innovative engineering ideas which would not normally spring to mind when the word “Bugatti” is mentioned. The price tags are eye watering, several noughts follow a number but the cars themselves are both exquisite and possibly somewhat ostentatious, if one drove down any high street it could be the cause of several neck injuries as people turned in surprise at what was passing them, dream on.

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Forthcoming Events

POSTPONED. Our touring assembly booked for the 2nd of October has been postponed until the spring, unfortunately, it clashed with another one on the same day which was also being held locally, but at least the route planning is done so our chairman and secretary can sit back and wait until next year to enjoy.

7th & 8th October many of our members will be travelling north to take part in the MCC Edinburgh Trial, good luck and hope it all goes well for you.

16th of October we have our Pete Cooper Memorial Tamar Classic Trial, entries are already coming in for this so if you don’t want to miss out get yours in. The organising committee are working hard to make this a great event so please give it your support, yes, we need marshals so if you are available please contact any committee member or myself.

11th of December is the date for the Ron Beer Sporting trial to be held at Ashleigh Lifton, more on this in the November news

Text Box: 						From the Archives

Back in 2000 Vivien and myself along with a trusty band of volunteers used to run the Launceston Trial as a full road going trial. Knighton was used as a special test, always a bit of an unknown element until the day of the trial as you could never be sure of the river level. It wasn’t unusual to see someone get out of their car in the middle of the river (Clive Calber, Sticker Martin?) and remove all their spark plugs in order to pump the water back out of the engine cylinders, motorcycle riders could also be dumped unceremoniously in the river after hitting a hidden boulder.

The photo below was produced in the Western Morning News , (photo by Peter Sentance) in 2000, Adrian Dommett and Judy Philps,  pictured in the water splash at Knighton, Judy is already preparing herself for a dousing.

David Ayers Sporting Trial

With an entry of 14 on the day we all assembled before the start of the trial for a 2 minutes silence in honour of the passing of our Queen. Following this Warin Kelly gave a quick briefing to all congregated and then it was off to the hills on the lower side of David Langley’s farm at Marshgate. We were to complete four hills in the morning three times and a repeat of that but a different set of hills in the afternoon.

I was given the pleasure of passengering Andy Prosser, the car had recently had a change of ignition system which was proving far more reliable than the old one so it was a case of “all guns blazing”, or is it all ribs bruising? Section 1 wasn’t too bad with all the twists and turns expected on this type of event, sections 2 & 3 were like climbing grassy stairs with a loop around some gorse bushes and repeat, not only did you have to be quite quick to change positioning in order to get the best weight distribution but somehow manage to keep a grip or risk being thrown out, as luck would have it I did manage to stay with the car although on the last attempt of section 1 the only contact I had with the car was my backside , legs and arms were flailing helplessly before I managed anything that resembled the composure of a proper passenger. I once heard it termed as being an old man’s sport, to some extent this is true, if you aren’t at the beginning of the day you feel pretty much like it by the end of the day.

When lunchtime arrived we all travelled back up to the car park for a bite to eat and a chat and a chance to add more padding . Back down to the slopes, the afternoon hills were much more hidden whereas the morning ones were open to be seen much easier, I can’t remember an awful lot about the afternoon round with the exception of going up a hill leaning out as far as possible and realising I was staring into the lens of the MSUK photographer who had been despatched to the depths of Cornwall to cover the two day sporting trial festival jointly held with Camel Vale Motor Club.
Somehow I survived the full day even if I walked like a Robot for three days after. When the results were read out Andy and I had won one of the classes , well done Andy, all worth it.

Results
David Ayers trophy                                                            Thomas Bricknell
First Class award                                                                Andy Wilks
Blue Class award                                                                Jason Daniel
Frank Ayers trophy                                                            Andy Prosser

So it was a very enjoyable day, held in lovely weather and a great relaxed atmosphere, well done to all, organisers, competitors and of course a big thanks to all the marshals who without you we would be struggling to run these events and to David Langley who as landowner we are very grateful.                                                                                       J.T.
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Tailpiece.

So not much more to tell you, I managed on the 3rd attempt this year to attend a big scooter gathering over the last weekend but it’s alright I won’t bore you with that (yet). In a few days Vivien and I will be travelling North for a well earned break although I have been given the privilege by the MCC to take time out of it and be out on section at 4.00am for a marshalling stint on Middleton Moor, wherever that is!

All for this month J.T.                                    
Newsletter contributions to billjan299@gmail.com

September Newsletter 2022

Panic, Emergency meeting. At a recent visit with the club treasurer and secretary to Prescott Hillclimb we were all admiring the beautiful cars on display, I turned my back to talk to someone and on turning around again I caught the Treasurer and Secretary writing out a club cheque for a large amount of money for the car pictured below.

Ok so the purchase didn’t come to fruition, it was valued at much more than what is in the club account and it also wouldn’t fit on Mike’s trailer but I have to admit it would have been fun using it on the testing trial.

The Prescott meeting was held in beautiful sunshine which had me running for the shade, I like to see the sun but I’m rubbish at actually being in it, if the school careers advisor had said “Turner why don’t you become an explorer” I certainly would not have chosen the Jungle, more likely the Arctic. Enough digressing the theme of the day was for people to drive their own car up the hill {not timed} so Mike very kindly took Andy and myself for a ride up the hill in his MG and after lunch Mike actually let me drive it up the hill, it was a tentative drive with me thinking, no heroics, this thing is worth too much, but I can now say I’ve driven Prescott, thanks Mike.

Off the Hill
Andy Passengering the Invisible Man

Chairman’s Chat

Since the last newsletter 25 of our members competed in the August Testing Trial. The rain on previous days had dampened the ground sufficiently to allay fears of fire risk. The day was enjoyed by all who took part and thanks must go to the officials and marshals for putting on another good event.

It is my turn to organise a social event and so I have been working out a route exploring the highways and byways of East Cornwall and West Devon. It will provide the opportunity to ride or drive along some in-teresting roads and visit some landmarks and places of interest along the way.

This will be a Touring Assembly on Sunday October 2nd and will start at Race Hill Car Park in Launceston at 2.00pm and should take about 2 hours to complete with the incentive of the opportunity to purchase re-freshments including a cream tea at the Strawberry Fields finish venue. (Jam first)

The overall distance is approximately 50 miles and is all on tarmac county roads. It is suitable for all vehi-cles from classic cars and motorcycles, family cars, motorcycles etc (not commercial vehicles) so come and enjoy a non-competitive Sunday afternoon drive and the opportunity to socialise.

The entry is open to all, not just club members and although you could just turn up on the day advance notice would be appreciated so we have enough directions etc for all. Initially there will be a limit of 20 entries. That may be increased if there is sufficient demand. Please click my chairman’s email link on the club website, message the club via our Facebook page Facebook or send a text to me – 07495 358904

The entry fee is £10.00 to raise money for Launceston Voluntary First-Aid Service.

To receive more details about this event please look for updates on the club website or Facebook.

Joe Caudle
Chairman

Past Event, August Testing Trial

Results :
Overall car              J Sandercock       Novice             J Cobbledick
Best FWD              A Seward          Class win              J Moores
Overall bike            M Bowden       1st Class award       R Baker
Under 12 award       H Baker Over      12 award               Z Ruby

Once again well done to the Gregory/Cowling team for organising this well supported event and thanks to David Langley at Marshgate for the use of his land.

Next event David Ayers Sporting Trial

We return to Trevilla, Marshgate on the 9th of September for the David Ayers Sporting Tri-al, this is one of our flagship sporting Trials events with a chance of seeing some of the top drivers in the country along with an assortment of very interesting and unique cars. Once again we will be needing marshals to enable the smooth running of this popular event. If you are able to help please contact Mike Wevill 01566 784451

See website for regs and entry form. https://www.lncmc.co.uk

Tamar Classic Road Trial

On October the 16th we run what has become our biggest event, in honour of our past chairman and club stalwart it will this year be named the Pete Cooper Memorial, Tamar Classic Trial, the event is also a round of the ASWMC & ACTC so points to collect Plan-ning is at fever pitch, that’s approximately two levels above “dreckly” and all is set for what is hoped is a cracking event, hopefully by then there should even be a drop of rain to soften up the ground, and yes you’ve guessed it we need a large amount of marshals please do give it some thought, no marshals = no event.

Testing Trial Photos
Courtesy of Jonathan Kelly

A bit serious 🙂

Looking determined

Going for it !

Mind that pole !

The two pictures above are what I took at the centenary celebrations in the Town Square August 2021, what a difference a year makes. Last year we were all tuck-ing into pasties and hot tea and coffee to try and keep warm and dry, had it been this year it would have been ice creams and cold drinks. One thing is for certain you can never be quite sure of the weather despite all the best laid plans, alt-hough it was wet we still made a success of it (dry would have been nicer though).

Last month I put in a plea for correspondence about your summer travels, I can only assume that none of you have been anywhere worth mentioning, if you did why don’t I know about it?

All for this month J.T.

Contributions to billjan299@gmail.com

David Ayers 2022 Regs and Entry Form

The regulations and entry form for The David Ayers Trial 2022 are now available to download below.

David Ayers 2022 Regs (1230 downloads) David Ayers 2022 Entry Form (1353 downloads)

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The trial will take place at Trevilla Farm, Marshgate, Camelford, Cornwall, PL32 9YN on
Sunday 11 September 2022.

Map Ref. 190 145911.What3Words Lane Entrance –
STILTED.CURTAINS.DIGNITY Field – EMINENT.SLICK.APPOINTS

We will also be needing marshalls for this even so if you would like to volunteer please email Mike Wevill at j.wevill@btinternet.com.

Entries close on Tuesday 6th September 2022.

We are only accepting paper entries for this event so the online entry system won’t be used.

Newsletter August 2022

Yes frightening isn’t it, August ! Well it’s been a bit of a busy year one way or another and I’ve not even started the Christmas shopping, to be honest being a bloke I’m not supposed to give  it any thought until Christmas eve. Anyway it’s still Summer so make the most of it, what would be really good is if someone could write a piece about any long distance journeys they have done this year, (I went from Lanson to Exeter last week but I don’t think it really counts) so come on put your fingers to the keyboard and let us know what you’ve been up to.
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The following account should have been in last month’s newsletter but somehow computer skulduggery lost it so here it is now.

Sporting Trial Festival 21st May 2022

It was pleasant to be mentioned by Mike Wevill in the last newsletter as an attendee at the Sporting Trial Festival held at Long Compton in May, I’m not sure if Mike was being diplomatic or did not know about our woes! I have been on Martyn Halliday’s radar since he started the Historic Trials thing, I had originally intended to use the Coates Special in their events but having prepared it with MCC and ACTC events in mind it had become too heavy to be competitive, in addition whilst I have all the cables etc forthe fiddle brake there was limited room for the operating levers in the car.

When the Heritage class was announced I was straight in there, feeling the Coates was just what it was all about.

We entered the first event, a glossy programme was printed and we had submitted a short resume of the car and a couple of photographs, as I recall the trial was scheduled to take place at Crewkerne.

Sadly, we then all suffered the onslaught of Covid and the event was postponed, we do have a glossy programme though.

Post Covid the postponed event was promoted just after the John Aley Trial, my entry went straight in and a three night stay at the Hollies Hotel was booked for Ruth and I, unfortunately after gaining a silver in the JA the little car expired on the return to Tavistock.

A couple of pistons had melted and an engine overhaul was required, it became apparent that we would not be ready in time for the trial, we utilised the booking went to the trial and gossiped, then spent some time looking at the surrounding area and relaxing.

Those of you who are aware of my exploits in the Coates will know that the little beast has been performing well since the relaxation of the Covid rules, three MCC golds and the resulting Triple, a number of successful entries in ACTC events with a view to undertaking as many as possible championship rounds, and no “Did not Finish” in any event, it was looking good.

I was aware of the Long Compton Trial but had not entered as 2022 was intended to be focused on MCC and ACTC championship events, then I realised the little car was going well and there was nothing on until September, I discussed it with Ruth and we knew we could do the trip and back in a day (we have a pony and a number of cats, so for both of us to be away overnight requires some planning), a single site event so minimal car mileage, let’s do it.

Ruth and I are both hoarders, both our late Mums were hoarders, the result being we have a house full of “stuff”, we are hoping to move to the South West and to downsize and to this end have tried being ruthless, with varying degrees of success. One of the “heirlooms” was my grandmothers bone china tea service, probably dating from 1900, beautiful but not used since our ownership and has been in a display cabinet for the last 20 years.

Too good to chuck out but who would want it, I then thought of a cousin whose daughter is getting into the family history thing, a call was made and she was delighted to be the next custodian of the artefacts. They live in the Milton Keynes area, could they make it to Long Compton, they have no idea what a trial is, just something their strange relative has done for some years, so come and have a day out.

The day arrives we leave on time, M20, M25 and M40 all go well and we are there on time, car unloaded, starts well, Ruth gets us breakfast from the burger bar, we see Nigel Hilling and some other West Country stalwarts, chat to all sorts of people, all is well.

Then the drivers briefing, all ok accept we are required to carry a pen and mark a score card, we drive back to the truck to get a pen, as we pull up the car dies, it never does that!

A quick check, we have fuel at the carb, must be the spark, I change the trigger unit in the distributor, still nothing, then it appears to be flooding, it will start on choke but not run without it, we run it with the fuel pump switched off with Ruth switching it back on intermittently, all of sudden it is ok.

Keeping in number order for some reason is of great importance, having lost some time getting it going we are now out of sequence and get criticised for it, we explain and this seems to pacify the official. On the first of our sections I get the route wrong and lose 6, the marshall takes the mickey, “you’re not on a classic trial now, no need to blast about”, I recognise him as a regular official from most of our other events, on the second section I think we lose 1 or 2 but spin out in some reeds, this definitely needs more thought. On the third section I watch the others and identify the turn where they are all failing, Ruth and I agree our proposed route and all goes to plan, we just have the climb out where it appears no one else has got to. Early in the day it is still damp and we cannot make the last climb but pass the 2 marker of the section, we roll back to get out and to cut a long story short, unbeknown to us something solid in the undergrowth gets caught under the nearside front wheel, turns back with the wheel, gets locked up with the mudguard bracket, totally trashes it and rips out the hydraulic brake pipe!

We clear the section and now only have (the very effective) handbrake, we make the decision that it’s not feasible to continue, take the car back to the trailer, load it up, get a tea and go to watch the sections.

To say we are disappointed is an understatement, all those events where the little trooper has been flogged mercilessly, covered hundreds of miles and never missed and we get stuffed in a field, oh well that’s motor sport! We then spy Cousin and daughter looking for the truck, we go to meet them, show them the now defunct car, get out the chairs we have bought, pass over the china (she is delighted), more teas and we go through a number of old family photos I have that I want Alice to have, the wonderful thing is that they already have some photos and I am able to identify some of the relatives they cannot.

We spend a wonderful sunny afternoon relaxing in the countryside and just talking about family stuff, we have not all met up for possibly a year prior to Covid, we eventually leave when everybody else does and have a good journey home, but it was a long expensive 3 sections.

We seem to be fated in these events; will we do the next one? Almost certainly, as was remarked it is the Goodwood of Trials!

And what is next? Well as I write this, I am working on the ex-Stuart Highwood Marlin that I have entered the MCC 3-day trial with, I am aware that the Launceston Club is playing a big part in officiating at this event and I am very appreciative of the work you all do.

I should also like to thank those in the club who supported the suggestion to put cars like the Coates into class 2.

My normal passengers (is that an oxymoron) are not available so have convinced an old motorcycle friend to accompany me, he is very competitive and in going through the format of the event and instructions he is spurring me on to really go for it, my own thoughts are that more emphasis needs to keep the car going for 3 days! By the time you read this I expect the event will have passed and we will see who was correct.

Best wishes
Roger Ashby.

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Motor Traders Trial results held 05/07/2022

Motor Traders Trophy  Phil Thomas
Class awards to Nigel Shute, David Robinson, Calvin Moores.
Novice award   Liam Hartley
U18 award  Patrick Warren.
Many thanks to John Werring for the use of his land.

Our next event is the Testing Trial to be held at  Trevilla Farm Marshgate by kind permission of David Langley. Reg’s for this are on the club website and can also be found on the club facebook page.

We will be back at Trevilla again on the 11th of September for the David Ayers Sporting Trial.  

As always both events can only run if we have marshal’s so if you are able to help it would be very much appreciated, no experience needed, you get them at the events. (:


Tamar Trial.
Nifty Nigel and the gang are well on their way with the preparations for this years Tamar Classic Road trial in October, mutterings were heard of “new sections” and a change of route so watch this space.

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Our club were invited to have a stand at this year’s Launceston Show, the weather on the day was hot and sunny so the crowds were out in force. We were lucky enough to have a superb line up of cars and Phil Ridgeman brought his Honda motorcycle along  to add to the interest. Our roving reporter/cameraman Andy Prosser managed to take some snaps in between talking to the many interested visitors to the stand, well done all the club members who gave up their time on the day.

 Chairman’s Chat

The Motor Traders Car Trial was our last event, held at Waterloo Farm.  It attracted a good entry including two members of the Hartley family driving Simon Oates’s Torum Special and the Liege.  Liam Hartley winning a novice award in Torum.  Simon was also busy running the event so special thanks to him for all his support and hard work.

Everyone seemed to enjoy competing and congratulations to Phil Thomas who won the Motor Traders Trophy.  It was good to see a MK2 Escort in competition, particularly in a very period colour.  Patrick Stewart took the under 18 award in it too.

Our next event is a Testing Trial for the Invitation Trophy at a familiar venue that is new for this event.  Thanks to the Langley family it is at Trevilla Farm.  That will be a familiar place to many as we also hold the David Ayers Sporting Trial there and there are one or two sections each year in the Tamar Trial – Langleys is the best known of these.   Entries are now being taken for this event so get yours in now.

Simon Oates was also very busy organizing our stand at the Launceston Show.  Thanks to a last minute demand on my time to provide a family taxi service and carry out modifications to my daughter’s camper van I was in Bovey Tracey so was unable to attend as planned.  I look forward to hearing all about it.  There has also been a recent meeting of the Tamar Committee, Nigel Cowling, Simon Riddle and their team are well on task planning our round in the ACTC championship to be held in October. 

I am still contemplating whether to organize a social run in the early autumn,  Having received no positive feedback I await interest.  It is also pending information from MSUK to determine what, if any, permit is required.

I hope to see you at the Testing Trial later this month, in the meantime stay cool in the unusually hot and dry weather.

Joe Caudle
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Tail piece.

The garage is fairly quiet at the moment with only minor tinkering with the Dellow and various scooters, so nothing to report (fingers crossed)
All for this month  J.T. don’t forget those contributions  billjan299@gmail.com

August Testing Trial 2022 Regs & Entry

The Regs and Entry Forms for the August Testing Trial are available to download below. The Online entry is open for this event.

Please note there are additional supplementary regs which cover both cars and motorcycles, thus apply to all entrants.

August Testing Trial 2022 Car Regs (1833 downloads) August Testing Trial 2022 Motorcycle Regs (1706 downloads) August Testing Trial 2022 Suplementary Regs (1668 downloads) August Testing Trial 2022 Car Entry Form (1564 downloads) August Testing Trial 2022 Motor Cycle Entry Form (2202 downloads)

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The event is taking place on Sunday the 21st of August 2022 at Trevilla Farm Marshgate Camelford Cornwall PL329YN. What three words- STILTED.CURTAINS.DIGNITY and will consist of a number of observed tests. Marks will be awarded for completion of each test or section correctly as well as times taken where appropriate. There will be a number of tests and rounds dependent on time and size of entry.

Entries are open immediately and close finally on Wednesday 17th August 2022.