The event will take place on Saturday 18th May 2024 at Ashleigh Farm, Lifton (MR201/395842) (What3Words -GUITAR.CHEMISTRY.CONFUSION) by kind permission of Paul Webber
This Trial is a qualifying round of the 2024 ASWMC Sporting Trials Championship.
The entry closes on 13 May 2024. The entry fee is £40.00. All entries must be sent to Pam Wevill, The Manor House, Lifton, Devon, PL16 0BJ (telephone 01566 784451). Email – j.wevill@btinternet.com. There is no online entry for this event.
All entries must be made on the official entry form and accompanied by the appropriate fee. There will be no entries on the day.
It might be April but the weather gods still think it’s November so if nothing else it’s stay in the dry and start the newsletter. It has to be said that your editor is a very worried man, it’s four days to go before the Lands End trial and as far as I can see the car is ready, that’s just not normal at the lead up to any event there’s always the last minute prep, maybe I’m just failing to spot the obvious.
Club AGM Thursday 7th March
The Fox and Grapes kindly gave us the use of their hall for our AGM, the meeting was quite well attended as AGM’s go, our Chairman Simon Riddle went through all the usual procedures and once again all the officer vacancies were filled, we even got two new committee members, Adrian Booth after a short spell away has rejoined and new man Andy Beveridge has joined as our new Motorcycle representative so we have a pretty full house, at a time when some clubs are struggling we are extremely lucky to have such a large and active committee. The Treasurer’s report confirmed we we’re still solvent, although as the treasurer was on holiday on a nice sunny foreign getaway we’re not sure how long for. Andy and Lorraine Rippon reported that club Regalia was doing well and it was noted our Beany hats can often be spotted on various other club events.
Following the AGM we had our usual committee meeting, Andrew and Lorraine Rippon were thanked for procuring the new club gazebo which looks very smart with the club logo emblazoned upon it, and somewhere to stand at signing on when the Cornish liquid sunshine is doing its best to thwart our efforts. The club has committed itself in attending the 40th Launceston Steam Rally again this year, if anyone is able to spare a day and help out on the stand we would be very grateful, that way we can create a rota rather than putting too much pressure on a few committee members to run it.
From our Chairman
I’m led to believe it’s supposed to be spring?! I think it has rained every minute of daylight today, hopefully it’s the clouds getting rid of it all ahead of the 100th Lands End Trial over the Easter weekend. Plenty of club and committee members will be involved either officiating or competing, good luck to all. The clubs ‘official’ section is Crackington but we will also have members present at various other points – look out for the maroon beanies!
Early in the month we held the popular Launceston Trial in Lew and Eastcott Woods, a strong entry and challenging ground conditions for all but luckily overhead was dry in the main. A good mixture of newcomers, juniors, seasoned trailers and some long distance entrants. The catering wagon did a roaring trade boosted by a gathering of a group riding by, by chance on bicycles who seized the opportunity to refuel too! It seemed the day was very well received and we managed to get all packed away in daylight. Also, the club gazebo was present and looked very smart. Thanks to all that helped make the event a success and well done to all those that gained an award.
The AGM followed, nothing too major to report, the majority continuing in post with Andy Beveridge and Adrian Booth welcomed and both joining/rejoining the committee with Andy also taking over the role of motorcycle secretary. With that in mind, we are seriously looking into running a multi venue classic trial for motorcycles covering a small amount of road mileage, if we can drum up the interest and a suitable date.
All for now. Simon R
Launceston Trial Sunday 3rd March
Once again we thank the Newman family for their kind permission for the club to hold the trial in what can be best described as a huge expanse of woods and tracks which are a “triallers” delight. We had entry of some 64 vehicles the owners of which all competing to see who could collect the most mud, and in the case of the bikers maybe even stay upright. (several failed in this).
Motorcycle Awards
Alan and Patrick Keat won the Newman Cup Matt Tilley won the Cycle Bowl William Pixley won a Class award, James Stephens 1st class award Stephen James won a 1st Class award Simon Tilley 2nd class award John Jago 3rd class award Callum Torres Novice award Zak Ruby won the Junior class Oliver Jay Trial Bike class.
Car Awards
Dean Vowden & Paul Jones won The Fulford Cup John Moores & Alan Ede won the Class award Roger Ashby & Sian Davis also won a Class Award Ryan Tonkin/ Claire & Charlie Tonkin won a 1st Class award Dave Ball & Ed Wagner won a Class award Dan Keat & Mitchell Keat won a 1st Class award.
Photos of Launceston Trial Woodyard Mayhem
Showing off the new Club Gazebo
Once again Mr Oates has been out and about.
Torbay TrialSunday 17th March 2024
The night before the trial, I trekked up to Cullompton for the ACTC evening bash celebrating 40 years of their championship and presentations to those lucky enough to have done well throughout the 2023 year. A cracking evening’s company and entertainment with our club unlucky not to win the best Trial of the year (Tamar Trial). It was deservedly won by Minehead with the Exmoor Clouds which I had thoroughly enjoyed at the beginning of September 2023. The biggest win of the night was Jack Selwood (the little whippersnapper) 2023 ACTC champion and youngest ever to date, who deservedly scraped through on the last trial of the season, but boy wasn’t it tight! I was also lucky enough to be called to the front to unexpectedly receive the Dellow Trophy and the Bennett Engineering Cup. Both times I sped to the front in case they realised their mistake and gave them to someone else. It then dawned on me that I had legitimately won them both after all! As I went to sit down there was also a box on my seat with a lovely glass bowl from ASWMC for 2nd place in Classic Trials for 2023. Wow, quite a night for me to then go back home around 1.00am and up again around 6.00am to feed the dog and take him for a walk before loading the car on a trailer and off to Exbourne for 7.30am with Steve Moir as wingman for the day’s entertainment.
We unloaded down the road from the start as it was very congested at the Exeter Court Hotel and queued for the scrutineering which we passed with no issues. We had been advised the previous day about a few amendments to the route (thanks Keith) and modified the instructions. As we parked up, John Cox parked next to us in his fresh to trialling purple Lotus Elan. Nicely prepared and ably navigated by Dee Champion again. Unfortunately the duo only managed a 3 on the first section before having to retire for the day. The first 3 sections in the woods at the top of Telegraph Hill were tough with several big rocks hidden until we hit them. All the cars (except JohnC) seemed to survive the initial baptism of fire and worked their way onward to the two Coombehead sections. Approached through a slurry of mud which no one seemed keen to get out and do tyre pressures, we had 4 or 5 cars at a time let through to the start where it was safe to put your feet outside the car! We watched Joe & Paige Browning fire up Coombehead Creek to the restart and off to clear the section. Clearly a Blue Baja Bug with a Subaru engine in the back with clanking metal weights is the way to goJJ Challenge on and off we went to do the same but not quite with the same style that they managed (definitely no clanking metal). The next section was mud and ruts, so just put your foot to the metal (glass fibre really) and go for it, dropping a point on the Baja.
On to Nicks Nip and Gale Gorse where I dropped a further 3 points when I hit a hole that stopped us on a sixpence. Off towards Ilsington where we watched the Baja attempt Penhale Climb to a 6 which resulted with 1st and 2nd gear being lost. So so disappointed for them as they were romping clear of the rest of class 7 and had to retire back to Stroud. My attempt at the hill was pathetic at best with the weight in the back virtually making it impossible to follow the course and ending with a 7. Simms followed and I planned to ease off the restart, find the grip and off up the hill. I should have powered off the line to then ‘feel’ the grip, but only managed a 6 after making the wrong choice. Over the top of the hill and down to Tipley where we had another restart off the Red Boards. A good position helped us clear the restart and drive on to Narracombe for another clear. From the top we drove on towards Bovey Tracey where we found a garage with sandwiches, drink and maybe a few mini eggs!
Refreshed, we followed the route through a couple of byways (have been sections in the past) and into HecklandFarm for the special timed test through and around some wrapped bales. Last years ACTC champion, Jack Selwood & Abbie Jeffery managed the fastest time of the course with 19.47 sec with me way behind on 22.72. Once completed we travelled over the hill towards Fingle Glen to Kingswell Lane and a queue of class 8 cars waiting to be the next victim. Less than half of the class 8 cars managed to clear the lane so I decided to put my tyre pressures up to 30psi in an attempt to gain ground clearance. It worked a bit but not enough to clear the last marker, so we reversed back down the yellow clay ruts to howls of laughter, so I reminded them all that they now had to have a go – Ha Ha. Matt Facey in his Class 3 praying mantis BMW was the only one to get through the brickworks clay. Tyre pressures were dropped for the penultimate section and cleared with a restart. Up into the farm yard where we were met with 6 – 8 inches of slurry and mud between some of the cattle sheds.
A special little section had been crafted at the end of one shed out of a spoil heap of soily clay. If it was completed successfully you exited under the arm of a swing shovel. We didn’t quite make the exit but grabbed 3 points to finish with and another Class 7 win. Considering the weather conditions we have had, it’s amazing how well the trial went. A few hold ups, but only to be expected. The smiles on everyone’s faces told the story of what a great day’s trialling we had all had. There were a few mileage irregularities but generally the instructions were great. Another year there is little chance we will encounter the same conditions again but great memories of this year will last a long time. As Max Boyce would say – “I was there”.
As soon as I got home the pressure washer was on overtime getting all the clay out of places I didn’t know existed before it all set like concrete. It took the best part of an hour including washing off the drive. Since the trial I have removed all the weight from the back of the car to regain more direct steering in the car. I had taken about 15Kg out after lending the car out on the Launceston Trial as I thought it might help on the Torbay Trial but there were still places that I couldn’t control the cars direction properly. Any suggestions anyone?
Simon Oates
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New Regalia
I mentioned earlier regalia sales, and that since Andrew and Lorraine had taken it on it has certainly increased and now we can reveal the latest brainwave from the Rippon “think tank”. To be honest I think Lorraine needs to be credited with this new addition , when she puts her mind to it she can be quite creative.
Prices have not yet been finalised for either the ladies or men’s garments and hopefully I can bring you the full expos’e next month, one thing is for sure this is a real first for the club, and probably any other clubs for that matter, personally I think these will sell well. Well done Lorraine.
Tailpiece
As we are all aware Simon Oates has made his mark on the trialling circuit with the little Liege but I’m not completely convinced his next motorsport aspirations are going quite to plan. Rumour has it he wants to have a go at Sprinting & Hillclimbing with the liege, yes joining the speedy brigade. He was told he needs to fit some sort of aerofoil to improve the car’s aerodynamics and cut down wind resistance, that’s sensible advice but I think he’s missed the point slightly, most race cars have these units fitted to the rear of the car not the front as seen here, secondly if the device is definitely to be fitted to the front shouldn’t iy be on wheels rather than “skids” ?
Ok so it’s early days and probably as with all plans they will be modified but perhaps someone out there with a bit of experience of the sport could have a friendly word with him, save him the embarrassment.
All for this month folks, please keep the contributions coming billjan299@gmail.com
Hard to believe a month has passed and we’re now in March, I’m still getting over Christmas, who says I live in the past. The month of February is a funny old time for the club, seemingly not a lot happening but in reality a lot is going on if only in the planning.
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Awards Evening
Nigel had been working overtime to make sure the annual awards evening would go to plan, it was a full house at Trethorne,. as you can see in the photos a large table of awards was beautifully laid out awaiting the freshly spruced up recipients (amazing how splendid they all looked) after a very nice two course meal it was down to Nigel and club President Warin Kelly to bring everyone to order and hand out the awards.
A selection of the winner’s photos below but a full batch of all the winners are on the club Facebook page.
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From our Chairman
A generally quiet spell of club activities came back into life last Friday, with the start of a busy couple of weeks, with our awards evening.
A fantastic attendance at Trethorne, with a two course carvery followed by Nigel’s presentation of the 2023 awards and then an hour or two of socialising. It was great to see our youngest members right through to our oldest there. Thank you to Lisa for taking the bookings and sorting the money side on the night along with her assistant Lorraine. The raffle raised over £150 for the air ambulance.
Extended thanks to Warin and Nigel for sorting the awards and the engraving. Furthermore to Nigel for MC’ing the night as well. Again the arranging of it all is a task not to be underestimated. Our new cameraman Mr Turner too with his snappy lense, I’m waiting for the selfie with Warin to go viral! Thank you to everyone that came and made it a very enjoyable evening. I hope you all enjoyed the evening and the opportunity to chat amongst like minded people.
This Sunday is the Launceston Trial at Lew Woods, once again by kind permission of Peter Newman who has been allowing the club to use his land for well over 40 years. We have an excellent entry of 62 at the time of writing. Of course offers to marshal will never be turned down so if you’re not competing but fancy a day out on Sunday you’ll be more than welcome. The popular Proper Ansome catering are in attendance. We plan 22 sections for the bikes and 18 for the cars (slightly conditions dependent).
There’s no respite, as on Thursday 7th we have the AGM at the Fox & Grapes. They have been very welcoming to us since we have started to use them as a base for meetings so if you have an interest in our events then please feel free to come along, a 7pm start.
Finally for this month from me – from a club perspective it’s great to see so many active competitors of all ages in our membership now. I remember a few years ago, you’d look through an entry list on a classic trial and at best one or two of us would have Launceston down as their club. Now when I scan through the list there is noticeably a significant number more which is brilliant, so hopefully we are doing something right and appealing to all with our events. Long may it continue and remember we are more than open to suggestions for events or activities from any of our members.
Hope to see many of you on Sunday, where our new gazebo should be making its debut!
Simon R
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Annual General Meeting
As Simon has just mentioned next Thursday March the 7th is the all important club meeting, the chance to have your say in what the club does and how it does it, and who does it. The Fox and Grapes Lifton, for those who want to make an evening of it there is food available, if you can’t find us ask at the bar as they may well have put us in their hall next door.
Whilst on the subject all jobs on the committee are up for grabs, including the Editor’s job so if you think you might like to try your hand at the newsletter don’t be shy, obviously it should be someone with good IT skills and with a reasonable command of the English language (there’s always Spellcheck) and also be prepared to get out and monitor some of our events so that there is something to report on, a chance of stardom, perhaps I’m overselling it slightly.
Forthcoming Events
Sunday the 3rd of March
Launceston trial, the entry list is pretty much full but you could still have a great day marshalling, Nigel would love to hear from you 07902 542798.
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Simon Oates has been allowed to travel a little further.
Exmoor Trial Sunday 11th February 2024
Nigel Cowling agreed to bounce for the day instead of marshalling which sometimes makes the driver feel a little guilty as there was a late shout out for marshals for the trial due to illness. They eventually mustered enough willing bodies from up to 200 miles away (thank you allJ) to keep all the sections running. As we drove up in the morning and crossed Bideford Bridge, we were aware of the Spring tide and only about 2ft before the tide would touch the top of the bridge arches and it was still coming in. The forecast was variable and wet all the way up to the start at Porte Farm. Too wet to park cars, vans or trailers in the field, so we were distributed around the yards and buildings and unloaded, scrutineered and signed on for a day’s fun. With the car off the trailer, I decided to put the roof up to keep the worst of the rain off the occupants and let the tyre down to 8 psi. Running as 45, we started at 8.45 and on to Porte Farm 1 (1) with a sharp left into the section and up a slippery track. On the corner I didn’t judge it well and was pushed wide hitting one of the markers and then struggling to the top slipping the clutch to keep moving all the way. Did the marker count? I didn’t see anything in the regulations so assumed it was OK.
I think the ACTC rules for 2024 says markers don’t count unless the regulations state otherwise. I’ll put my neck out and say that I think it should be the other way around with all markers counting unless stated otherwise. If they don’t count it could be tempting for some competitors to knock them over if you can get an advantage on a section and that could be all the markers without any penalty! One section over and I’m controversial already. Next section Porte Farm 2 (2) was further along the ground with a restart for most classes. Up a slippery bank and off the restart with little problem. Looping around the same tracks, we made our way to Porte Farm 3 (3) with a restart only for class 8. Only 4 of the 12 class 8 cars cleared the hill and some didn’t get to the restart. When our turn came I just gunned right towards the hill and bounced off the left bank back into the hill, struggled through the first bit with clutch being ridden and then managed to keep going through the restart markers to the top.
Quite relieved to get there which no other class 7 car managed on the day. Tyres pumped up to 14psi for the road and off to Loxhore Cott (4) which was a sunken track and bridleway which only stopped one bike at the start. We also took the opportunity of taking the roof down as the weather improved. Once through the section we waited for Alex Gray in his Fugitive to try and keep the class 8 cars in front. He was having trouble with the engine and kept fettling it throughout the day but managed to complete the trial with a creditable 11th overall for a novice. Further up the road just before Becotts Lane (7), they had to stop again and insisted we all carried on. Tom Walker in the class 8 Liege stayed and helped (Stroud Team mates), both continuing but mixed in with class 6. The section was potentially tricky especially for the bikes but all cars got up.
On through the lanes to the woods and Stoodleigh Stream (8) where I rolled back on the restart last year. No such problems this year and around the tight right bend to the finish. Following the track through the woods (well actually most of the woods has been clear felled) and on to Stoodleigh Steep (10) and a lower restart which we cleared with more riding of the clutch to the top, to then reverse down and out to the next hill Clockhay Climb (11). A quick blatt up the section which all class 7 & 8 cleared. At this point we were unbelievably still clear (along with 4 class 8 cars), the sun was trying to shine and a couple of kites decided to show off in the sky. We made our way across country to South Molton and a refuel at Rogers Garage (pasty, drink and some mini eggs for dessert). The stop here gave time for a good old chitter and an opportunity for some of the morning marshals to move to the afternoon sections for us to continue playing in the mud. To the next section Holdridge Hell (12) which had a tricky lower restart for class 8, up a muddy bank with tree roots thrown in. Four class 8 cars were successful, so well done Paul Merson, Tom Walker, Thomas Jones & Jack Selwood.
The higher restart was failed by us due to a tree root just at the wrong place, but there was one exceptional result by Dave Haizelden (class5) in his Scimitar who completed the restart. We watched and listened to the class 8 cars on the next hill Holdridge Hill (13) which was pure clay. None got higher than a 6, so I thought I’d drop to 4psi and blast the hill. “What happened was”, not a lot. The car just refused to rev and pull, maybe because of too much grip and not enough power but we managed to struggle to the 8. The tyres were then pumped to 14psi for the road and on to High Bray (14). Last year we managed to clear the restart after a late stop (didn’t see the R markers) so it shouldn’t be a problem. WRONG, rough as rats to the restart that was lower down the hill. I should have stopped on the right but kept high to the left and no matter how much Duracell bouncing Nigel did, we were stuck good and proper. Having failed we dropped back a few inches and drove off up the hill, but it wasn’t over yet. After 15 to 20 yds, I managed to hit one of the rocks so hard that the drivers front tyre lost air straight away (I could put my thumb straight through the side wall) but we continued through the section for about half a mile until we found somewhere safe for cars to pass and relatively flat.
That is the first puncture in the Liege in 33 trials and I don’t think an inner tube would have saved us. The front tyre was on 12 psi which is pretty standard for the road in this car. Since I have been adding weight (64kg this week) over the back wheels this year (3 trials), I’ve buckled two wheels badly and now a puncture, I guess it’s got to be expected! Once we had changed the tyre we moved on to the Bentwitchen Test (OT 1) and manages a time of 14.14 seconds. We then followed the lanes to Floyds Bank (15) where 6, 7 & 8 went on the right hand track. The more cars that went through, the more slippery the section got. In retrospect I should probably stayed as high to the right in fresh ground and knocked all the markers over (a bit tongue in cheek) but I didn’t and slid sideways failing to pass the last 4 markers. That was four failures and points dropped in a row, as they said at school all those years ago, “could have done better”.
It was great to see Charlie Merson taking video of the section with his arm in a sling and grin on his face as we failed miserably! Quarter of a mile further up the hill was Cross Lane (17) which needed commitment to clear the rough terrain. On past Simonsbath to Scoresdown (18) (with two of the What3Words being gobblers.dribble!!) and a restart for 7 & 8 which caused no problems. The last section was Beggars Roost (19) also with a restart for most classes which again was pretty uneventful. With the last section completed we drove to the finish at the Old Station House Inn, signed off and had a swift one (0%). Weather and ground conditions were truly variable which made a massively challenging and enjoyable trial. Route instructions were clear and marshalling excellent. At the end of the day we managed a class 7 win and 7th overall behind all those class 8 cars. I’ve just spotted some drops of oil under the back of the car – Oh dear, more fettling is required!!
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Willing Horses by Richard Simpson
Trialling in a 2CV
Before the years of PSA corporate blandness and common platforms, Citroens always seemed as though they had been designed by an engineering genius who had never seen a motorcar, but had heard about them, and was determined to build one that could beat all comers in a particular niche market.
Hence, we had wonderful creations like the DS (Goddess) designed to whisk a French family and their luggage across Europe equipped with ‘magic carpet’ hydraulic suspension and headlamps that could see around corners. And the 2CV (two horses), which was designed to carry four French farmers wearing hats, and a basket of eggs, across a ploughed field without breaking any of the eggs!
The latter’s unique qualities would appear to make it ideal for use as a trials car. It comes as standard with the world’s cleverest car suspension, and really not much else. You don’t have to strip it out to make it into a trials car, there’s nothing in it that isn’t essential anyway. And given it’s built to drive across fields, there’s not a great deal more needed in the way of modification.
Hence, one has appeared in John Turner’s garage as a replacement for his much-loved Dellow. And having suffered for a night and a day in the passenger seat of the Dellow doing the Lands End Trial, the idea of doing the one-day Chairman’s Trial in a car with proper seats and a roof seemed quite appealing. I might even still be able to walk at journey’s end!
The roof was very welcome, because after rain all the previous night, the downpour continued all the following day. Even with the roof, we still finished with a pool of water in the front footwell. Over-vigorous ‘fording’ of floods caused water to rise up through the heater vents and hit us in the face. Hilarious!
The day got off to a flying start when we arrived at the venue to be told that the scrutineer had drunk too much cider the night before and was still in bed. We retired to the cattle market café to await our start time, only to be told that the motorbikes had all left, and we were the first car away so there was already a queue behind us.
The 2CV clattered heroically out of the car park, and I used a high-tech navigation aid John had fitted: a GPS trip meter accurate to 0.1 of a mile.
It was brilliant, I don’t think we missed a turning all day. Just reset read the distance to the next junction in the roadbook and start looking when you are within 0.1 of a mile of it.
The trial itself was relatively straightforward: some of the sections had been quite rightly cancelled because it was so wet, and most of what was left was at least partially driveable.
Although the 2CV’s air-cooled flat-twin engine would run out of puff on the steeper climbs, the suspension did an excellent job of maintaining traction and a relatively smooth ride. Just for the record, the 2CV’s engine output is 29 hp, less than that of most of the motorcycles taking part in the event!
We did end up with a wheel in a ditch on one of the lanes between sections, but the crew of a following BMW kindly helped us to lift it out. To celebrate, John drove over my foot!
Only once did we actually get stuck on a section, and that was one that defeated most of the other cars.
We were told that we would be towed up by a tractor, and then that the tractor wouldn’t start. So we sat and watched as the rest of the field tackled the section with limited success, churning it up all the more.
Finally, they got the tractor started; A Renault tractor. No doubt it had gone on strike, faced with the prospect of having to recover a Citroen. It pulled us to the top the hill to the amusement of on-lookers.
Having gone from first car on the road to almost last, the remaining sections were badly rutted and a bit too much for the little 2CV. But it got us to the finish, having used a tiny amount of fuel, pulled up some horribly steep inclines, and never missed a beat.
I can confidently say that we won Class One. I confess we were the only car in class.
We didn’t have a basket of eggs with us, but John and I both wore hats because of the rain. Oh, and I could still walk at the end of the day. Citroen’s design brief fulfilled, I think!
John thought he’d ditch the car but I finished up washing my socks after he’d run over my foot!
For Sale.
Alternator I bought this a couple of years after converting the Dellow from dynamo, the idea was to carry it on long distance events in case the one on the car failed, as it happens it did several events but never got used so in as new condition. First £30 buys it J.T. 07971 249783
The Bikers on the Holsworthy Chairman’s Trial found it muddy as well !
Tailpiece or was it a wise move
Having got the 2CV in a reasonable stage of fettle it seemed a good idea to maybe enter a one day event, AHA the Holsworthy Chairmans Trial is on the horizon let’s give it a go. I summoned Richard and he was up for navigating so the entry was pinged.
I should have known better really, it has rained virtually solidly since the beginning of the year but so what let’s give it a go. I don’t want to steal anything from Richard so I will just add a photo although I was stunned to having won the event “outright”, well I think so as I did have the highest score and as trialling is comparable to cricket when it comes to scoring I must have, anyway we survived and are still able to laugh about it.
That’s all for this month, please send contributions to billjan299@gmail.com
As with last year, the online entry system is available for this event and can be accessed here www.lncmc.co.uk/online-entry/
Welcome to the 38th running of the Launceston Trial, we invite you to join us on Sunday 3rd March. The trial will again run in its popular format as a single venue trial held in Lew & Eastcott Woods, Near Lewdown (approx. 10 miles from Launceston). As always, we hope to introduce some new sections and variations of previous sections. There will be a port-a-loo on site, and the popular on-site catering will be in attendance again.
Greetings and Happy New Year to everyone, here we go again it’s our chance to repeat all the fun we had in 2023 and hopefully a little more added. I sometimes think we are extremely lucky to be able to enjoy our pastime in the way we do with all the freedom we enjoy, at a time when the world is in so much turmoil somehow we can carry on doing our own thing, enjoy it while we can. Mid December I and several others were out marshalling on the Camel Vale Classic trial, seemed like a good event, lots of happy faces and plenty of mud along with on/off rain showers, essential ingredients.
Many of us are putting the final preparations together for the MCC Exeter Trial on the 5th/6th of January, the 2cv aka Mona is about as ready as it’s going to be (apart from fitting buoyancy aids ) if the weather carries on as it has done it will be a wet one. Phil my passenger/navigator has been stocking up on travel sickness remedies, bouncing along in a 2cv can be somewhat compared to a small boat in a rough sea, he’ll love it.
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Our Chairman welcomes us to 2024
That’s a wrap for 2023, my first year as Chairman of our now 103 year old club and I would like to thank each and every one of you that has supported the club and our events in any capacity. We always need entries of course to run and similarly we need landowners, marshals, organisers so it is always a big team effort.
Our only event in December was the Ron Beer at Ashleigh. With the wet autumn conditions were tricky but with a small team of marshals it seemed to run well and all smiles at the end.
With the new year upon us the annual subscriptions become due, your membership fees go directly into helping us maintain events, equipment, our website and all the bits and pieces needed to keep us functioning. The event entry fees themselves are more the direct costs of those events (which like most things creep up year on year) such as permit fees, toilet hire, land expenses etc. Memberships are easy to renew or indeed join, on our website, it would be great if we could get plenty of early sign ups.
Our first event of 2024 will be our awards night scheduled towards the end of February. Details to be confirmed early in the new year but these have been very well supported in recent years so I’m sure will follow a similar format.
A happy new year to all and if you have any ideas or feedback on anything we do as a club we’ll be very pleased to hear from you.
Simon R ********
Our travelling reporter Simon Oates brings us up to date on what he’s been up to.
The Camel Classic Sunday 3rd December 2023
A cold crisp morning and a start from the Borough Arms at 9.58am, so a bit of a lie in. Nigel Cowling was wrapped up warm and raring to go as last minute wing man. It all started with Hustyn (1) which was already stopping a lot of cars due to it being wet and muddy with loose stone. Just in front on the hill was Nick and Ben Symons in their gorgeous and powerful gold Singer Chamois having trouble with fuelling problems with the engine. They’ll get it running well soon and be serious threats next years’ championship I think. As soon as we started up the hill, I knew I’d forgotten something. I eased off a little early at the summit and lost momentum and stopped on the 1. Embarrassingly we reversed down. I’d forgotten to re adjust the coil over damping (I soften them off for road use and had forgotten to tighten them for the first section) and on to the next hill, Chestnut Rise (2).
Straight up a rutted and rooted hill to the 5. No better than last year and on reversing down, stuck the exhaust tip into a tree stump that stopped us in a millisecond. Nigel jumped out, which was enough to lift the car and get us back down the hill. The two Dean’s, Partington and Vowden were the only clear cars (both Class 8). Battered, bent and dented, we moved to Mine Shaft (3a) and another blast to the top of a steep slippery bank in the trees. Jab & Left Hook (4) followed with a sneaky restart in the middle of the left hook which caught many out. A trip on the tracks down to Pump House Climb (5) where we watched several blasts up the hill until Paul Watson in his Golf powered Imp reversed with zest (lost a gear?) on to some logs and a steep precipice to a stream. Drive to the wheels was lost and beached like a whale, everyone jumped into action, stabilising the car. Strap attached to the front which was then attached to Darren Rubys’ BMW and off he tried to go with rooster tails of mud over the front of the Imp. 3 or 4 volunteers were pushing in that area, but only room for 3 to find shelter! Poor Ashley Ruby didn’t stand a chance. I’m sure it’s on video somewhere ready for £250 from “You’ve been framed”?
Once the car was cleared, we only managed a 3 on the hill. This then led on to Pheasant Pluckers Son (6) where we were met with a higher start for classes 7 and 8. Well the higher start line presented a problem as it had been set up in the dry and some of the class7 cars couldn’t even get to the start line, even when coming from below the line. All of class 7 only managed a 12. Class 8 fared slightly better as they bit through the surface and 7 (out of 22) cleared the section which shows the difference between classes 7 and 8. On through the woods to the first Observed Test 1 in the woods and a reasonable time of 15.41 seconds. Back to the roads and on towards Bodmin Station and Penkestle Woods. Under the viaduct and arrowed to Penkestle 1 (7) we managed to get to the 6, not far past the restart for class 8. How the class 8 cars cleared the restart I’ll never know, but we couldn’t get any further! Along a track to the next section, Penkestle 2 (8) where we watched Phil Thomas and “Father” attempt the start where ‘snick’ the half shaft snapped.
The car didn’t move forward, so did he attempt the section? Greg Warren (marshal) said he did, otherwise the half shaft wouldn’t have broken. Fair comment, we could argue the point, but Greg was right! A great opportunity to gain points on Phil here then. I took the start too casually as I didn’t recognise any real problems off the line. The car just sat there and eventually crept up to the 11. What a cock up. I suddenly remembered last year the restart was where the start was this year and I didn’t get off the restart, serves me right!! As we passed Phil and father, they had already got the broken half shaft out and were unpacking a new one to fit, I think they’ve done this before. On to the queue for Clinnick (9) where we failed to clear and scored a 3. Phil and father in their now running Melos plus Joe &; Gary Browning in their Baja cleared the hill in class 7. Four class 8 cars cleared the hill even with a restart – respect. Back under the viaduct towards Cardinham and in to Laneskin Woods to Where there’s a hedge (10a) with a restart and 2 points dropped. Laneskin (11) again had a restart which we successfully cleared but still dropped a point. The last one in the woods was Anthill (12) which was cleared and without a restart. We were then back on the roads to the final Observed Test 2 at Helligan. An anti-clockwise dash around some cones done without hitting any in 13.65 was ok. This then led to Helligan 1 (13) which was looking very slippery. Keeping it as straight as I could we managed a 5. On to the queue to the last section of the day Helligan Zero (14).
I heard that some of the bikes had got to the top, but cars were struggling to get up the last bank where class 8 had a restart. We gave it a go, but didn’t climb the bank and dropped 7 points. In summary, this truly was a hard trial with grip hard to come by. Several sections were blind sections which had to be reversed down which isn’t always ideal. Thoroughly enjoyed the day run by a brilliant club and fantastic marshals.
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Simon’s Summary of 2 years of ownership of Mr Toad The first trial was the MCC Exeter 2022 with cross ply tyres all round and an underpowered engine that hadn’t been used in anger by me yet. It all started poorly with 5 hills failed mostly because of the engine dying on the steep hill gradients. I tried to increase tyre pressures so that the wheels slipped and the engine couldn’t lose power with limited effect. I was heard to say at Ilslington just before Simms ‘the bloody things no good and couldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding’ with a few choice expletives thrown in as well.
A week after the trial 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(140bhp) in Torum, my previous other car. I carried on with the same cross ply tyres to manage a 4th in Class 7 on the next trial to also find the engine power cutting out mid-section a few times. It was progress which was further continued to a 3rd in class on the next trial and the addition of radial tyres (Michelin Taxi) on the back. I was starting to understand how the car worked and next did the MCC Lands End Trial 2022 where the car kept power to the end and won a Gold Medal and class 7 win!! On a high we competed in the Torbay trial and had a few engine power cuts but still managed 2nd in class.
The Exmoor Clouds was the first winter trial where we managed to split the rear axle tube which we then held together with ratchet straps and retired to the trailer park. To this date, that was the only trial where I have had to retire because of mechanical failure! (30 trials entered). Two weeks later after drastic strengthening of the axle casing, improved internal gear structure and the addition of 175/80/15 Yokohama Geolanders, we managed another class 7 win in the MCC Edinburgh Trial.
A massive improvement in grip at the rear. The Tamar Trial followed with another class 7 win. The Camel Vale Presidents was next where I turned the car over and retired after 2 more sections (the adrenalin soon disappeared). This caused another mod to the car of the addition of a hydraulic handbrake. On to the Allen for 2nd overall and 1st in class 7 and finally in 2022, the Camel Classic with another class 7 success. Results for the 13 trials entered in 2022 were: Class 7 wins – 6. 2nd – 1, 3rd –1, 4th – 1, unclassified – 2 and retired – 2.
I decided to enter the ACTC and ASWMC championships for the first time in 2023 because of half decent results at the end of 2022. I had 4 months of chronic back pain and sciatica in my left leg which wasn’t the best way to start the year. The MCC Exeter returned another class win and my 1st Triple. Cotswold Clouds and North Devon Exmoor trial yielded two class 7 2nd s. Next was the Torbay where I lost power on a few hills, thought I hadn’t done very well, bought a supercharger for the car, only to find I was 1st class 7 and the overall winner of the trial. I was gobsmacked!! Andy Prosser drove the car in the Launceston Trial to a 2nd in class (first time he had ever driven the car). The MCC 99th Lands End Trial again ended with another gold and class 7 win. Various people drove the car in the next 4 events with varying success but always with a big (surprised?) smile. The Minehead Exmoor Clouds yielded a 2nd overall and 2nd in class 7.
I visited the Stroud Mechanics trial in dry conditions for the first time to a 3rd in class. The MCC Edinburgh again was another gold, class win and overall win. A week later we did the Ross Kyrle Trial for the first time to another class win, getting to be a bit of a theme. The last three trials of 2023 were the Tamar, Allen and Camel Classic where my form seemed to desert me with 2nd in class for all three. The results for the 13 trials I drove in 2023 were Class 7 wins – 5, 2nd – 7, 3rd – 1 including 2 overall trial wins, much more than I could possibly have expected. Over the two years the car has entered 30 trials, 26 driven by me. It has broken down once and not finished once but was still driven home to be straightened out, modified and ready for the next trial three weeks later. The last 5 consecutive MCC trials, the car has managed to win class 7 on all occasions, so no pressure in the Exeter on 7th January 2024!!
The car is meant to be the first road registered production car out of the factory. How different is the car to a standard Liege? I’ve raised the windscreen 2” and fitted bucket seats, added a heater that works (sort of). The rear wings have been widened to accommodate wider tyres but keeping the original profile. There’s a Suzuki 3 cylinder G10A engine, Jimny gearbox and Super Carry 5.125:1 back axle (all allowed in the class 7 regulations) instead of original Reliant Kitten parts. Standard suspension and brakes with a mixture of Protech coilovers at the front and Gaz at the rear with 15.5” x 90 lbs springs at the rear (probably need stronger). A hydraulic handbrake, 4” x 15 steel wheels are used for trialing although the original 16” Liege alloy wheels are used when not trialing for pottering around. The original alloys are so nice, I just don’t want to chip or buckle them on trials. There are classic mini wheel spacers’ front and rear to aid steering lock and keep the front and rear wheels in line with each other.
The Yokohama Geolander tyres on the back have made a big improvement to the grip and I run all radial tyres without inner tubes down to 4 psi on sections without any punctures so far (kiss of death). I have been doing this for over 3 years so far without incident. I have added 25 kg of weight between the spare wheels 4 times and not really seen a big increase in grip.
The steering isn’t as direct in my opinion with the weight added. Nothing to hide and all information available to anyone that wants it. It’s important to know your car and use it regularly and have faith in the car on sections, trusting that it will go where you want it to go and sometimes pull you out of situations that you shouldn’t be in. It’s a very direct and forgiving car often making the driver look better than they really are! It’s important to give the car a really good check over both before and after events. Will I ever add the supercharger that’s sitting in the garage to get the power above 40bhp? It’s doing well as it is, but if I put more weights in the back to improve grip, it will need more power from somewhere. Clearly the original concept and design by Peter Davis as a ‘lightweight two seater sporting and competition car for the enthusiast’ was bang on the money in my opinion.
Simon Oates. *******************
The Ron Beer Sporting Trial
Our last trial of the year was held at Ashleigh Lifton on 10th December. This trial was the last round of the ASWMC Championship but the positions had already been decided with Thomas Bricknell being the clear winner. This meant the Gloucester contingent, apart from John Cole, did not travel leaving an entry of only seven providing a friendly trial that is just about viable.
The site had been checked several times in the week leading up to the trial because of the constant rain but fortunately the drainage is good and things looked OK. Three old codgers & one approaching that status met to lay out the sections in glorious weather on the Saturday morning. It was reminiscent of scenes from “Last of the Summer Wine”; I will leave it to your imagination to match the characters. Three familiar hills were laid out in the woods; three new hills out in the field. Overnight there was heavy rain which just petered out by the time of the start of the trial. 3 PSI tyre pressure was decided & off we went to do 3 hills in the woods 4 times. There wasn’t much grip, one could be caught out anywhere. It was soon apparent that Jerome Fack was in a class of his own on the day; he led comfortable at lunchtime. John Cole, Alan Murton & myself where all within 4 points of each other but 16 behind Jerome.
During the leisurely lunch break Ann Cole generously provided festive mince pies for all. Suitably fortified, we set off to tackle the 3 hills in the field 4 times. I started off with great expectations, with a fine trickle, by clearing section 5 which involved a set of difficult ruts over virgin grass the surfaces soon cut up and it was all downhill from thereon. Jerome continued to show us the way and consolidated his lead. There were good climbs right across the entry. It was good to see Stewart Stamp out in his newly liveried Hamilton &; first time out Steve Pritchett should have been pleased with his 3 clears. When the scoresheets were added Jerome Fack was the clear winner on 46. John Cole pipped Alan Murton by just one point to win the Blue class on 83 with the rest further behind. The weather held out & there was bright sunshine in the afternoon. I know I am bias but I thought we had a really good trial & hope it was enjoyed by everyone involved. I must admit I was quite knackered after unloading; I slept soundly that night.
Thanks to the Landowner, Warin for acting as COC, & the small band of Marshalls. My special thanks to Andy Beveridge for stepping in at the very last minute to passenger for me after Nigel dropped out with flu (a bit of a come down from bouncing for Thomas B)
Mike Wevill
Thanks to Andy Prosser for photos of Ron Beer Trial
**************** AWARDS Nigel Cowling has asked me to remind all award winners from last year to please return their awards to him, the awards evening is looming (date to be confirmed, probably early March?) and he needs to get them sorted and engraved so as to be ready for the new recipients. If you need to contact Nigel please ring him on 07902 542798.
******************** Success in the Landscapes Review
Some great news to start the year. You might remember that back in the Spring of 2022 we encouraged everyone involved with the club to take part in the Government’s Landscape Review Consultation, which contained a not very subtly-disguised attempt to get motor vehicles banned from using unsurfaced roads and byways in the countryside.
Most significantly, it asked: Should we legislate to restrict the use of motor vehicles on unsealed unclassified roads for recreational use, subject to appropriate exemptions? As a club we decided that the appropriate response to this question was: “Local authorities already have regulatory powers to restrict motor use where there is a legitimate reason to do so (while a route is being maintained, for example) so there is no need for more legislation from a Government that is supposed to be ‘deregulating’ where possible.” And we asked people to make this point when taking part in the consultation. Incredibly, it seems that for once the Government actually listened to reasoned argument on this topic.
The Government’s response reads: “The consultation shows many people feel strongly about protecting green lanes, but it did not identify clear support for removing vehicular rights. Therefore, we will not proceed with this proposal. We believe that the current Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process is legally robust enough to protect green lanes with carefully targeted local action to protect sensitive areas while allowing vehicle users to responsibly enjoy the countryside.”
This was exactly the point that we had made. On a more local level, a green lane in Derbyshire was recently saved from an attempt by two women to downgrade it to Bridleway at a Public Inquiry by evidence from the Long Distance Trials community. The Government Inspector was swayed to the view that vehicular rights existed on the route because it had been used by hundreds of drivers and riders on two occasions as part of the MCC’s Edinburgh Trial. The MCC had informed locals, the parish council, the country council and the police that the route of the trial would take in this public road, and no objection had been raised. This established that the route had been used without stealth, permission or objection, and vehicular rights were therefore conclusively established. This indicates the importance of archiving route-books and entry lists, together with supporting photography.
Congratulations to all who joined in the efforts to save our green lane and trials heritage. We will keep you posted when more effort is required, because we can be sure that it will be!
Richard Simpson
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The photo below which has been doing the rounds in Facebook is taken in Western Road, Launceston , cars lined up are taking part in the 1930 Lands End Trial, presumably a lunch stop on a somewhat rainy day. I’ve also seen the photo in colour but in some ways it seems nicer in black & white , maybe because colour was unusual in the thirties. One thing that is very striking is the lack of visibility from inside the cockpit of the average sporting car, once squeezed in with passenger the driver has very little forward or sideways visibility, no wonder it’s more likely to see old trials photos with the hood down whatever the weather.
I tried going on to the DVLA website and doing a vehicle check to see if any of the cars were still listed but alas no, probably stored away in someone’s private collection.
All for this month, please keep the contributions coming in billjan299@gmail.com J.T.
Blooming heck, December has started with a chill, all of a sudden we have to accept it’s Winter, mind you I was “up North” in Derbyshire last weekend and they had a proper frost now that was chilly, I’ll put up with being a woosie southerner if we don’t have weather like that. Last night we had a committee meeting down at the Fox & Grapes, Lifton, a good turn out of members including Nick Symons who has dipped his toes in to being a committee member, well done Nick.
All the usual matters of committee business were chewed over, such as dates of events for next year and the purchase of a new Gazebo complete with club branding for use at shows etc, somewhere to hide from the rain or sun depending on time of year.
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Simon Oates as always keeps us posted on recent events he has completed so here is his account of the Tamar Trial.
The 76th Tamar Trial Sunday 22nd October 2023
Liam Hartley arrived just after 8am and was raring to do his Duracell bunny bouncing for the day (he just bounces forever!). He had ridden his motorbike down and his ‘waterproofs’ were soaked through after he hit one of those tropical showers! Off to scrutineering at Proper Ansome Cafe and a start at 9.17. A great turnout of 46 bikes and chairs along with 36 cars. A dry start and off to Petherwin Old Hill (1) and a restart for 6, 7 & 8, catching a couple of class 8’s. Next on to the first timed Special Test 1 at Lewannick Down. ‘Front wheel on Line A.
Forward with all wheels through Line B. Reverse with all wheels back behind Line B. Forward, straight through Line C and stop astride Line D. I half watched Bob Blackman in his Arkley do it in front of me. It shouldn’t be hard to do unless you’re me where I failed to register the Line B and only used Line C – Failure of test 1 and a bollocking from Liam (well it was worse than that really!) Bowing my head in shame, we made our way over the moors which were looking at their best in the Autumn sun to Warleggan (2) and 14psi and a restart which we managed to clear to our relief. On through St Neot and Wild Boar Lane (3) for another high restart on the slab of slate which dropped 3 points (all class 7 were caught out here and half of class 8). Once at the top we toured on to Watermain Lane (4) where we were greeted by Anna Robinson at the start with David Robinson on the restart, hanging like tinsel on a Christmas tree in the hedge!!
We saw his flag drop (or was it rise?) and cleared the section. A short lane dash on to Lestitha Well (5) which had a few interesting crevices in the lane down to the start. A tricky deviation in the middle of the section made sure everyone was awake and a restart for class 8 that caught a few out. The bikes went on to Ladye Park (6) with a best score for bikes of 3 and not one managed a clear (sneaky little organisers). The cars moved on to the second Special Test 2 at Waylands which we managed to complete without incident! (only one B line in the middle).
Out of the test and through Pensilva, Callington and right towards Harrowbarrow. Right just before the village to Barrett’s Mill (7) with a restart for all classes which everyone cleared apart from a few unfortunate bikes. We then drove on to Tank’s Terror (8) which was cleared by 5 bikes and only 1 car, driven by the legend known as Dean Partington. We managed a 2 and were well chuffed with that (steep grass, muddy and tiered bank with a twist). Time Control and refreshments were just up the road at the Tamar Valley Donkey Park where we were held for 30 minutes. Once we’d chatted to the donkeys, we were off to Horse Bridge and the woods we had first used last year for four brand new sections. The Twister (9) and The Quarry (10) were twisty and slippery and a true challenge. Next was The Slates (11) with a restart for class 7 & 8, followed by The Firs (12).
All tight and testing amongst the trees and overgrowth. 17 points dropped here which shows how tough it was although Dean Partington with Duncan Stephens as wing man only dropped 1 point on the four sections. Both Keith Sanders and Matt Facey’s class 5 cars also did the impossible and only dropped 6 points each within the wood sections – fantastic driving. Conditions dictated that the early cars had a distinct advantage on the day but that’s trialling! A few later cars had trouble finding their way out of the woods where maybe some of the many arrows had been knocked down with all the slipping and sliding! Out of the woods and across Horse Bridge and right towards Lee Quarry (13) with restarts for classes 7 & 8.
A truly tough section with only two class 8 cars clearing the section, all the rest of the cars spinning like a top and failing any further upward motion. A mile further up the road was Angel Steps (14) which was levelled out a bit with a digger last year and we feared could have ruined the hill. Fear not, it’s still a formidable challenge especially on 14 psi for us. We were stuck in a cloud of tyre smoke for over a minute making miniscule progress off the top restart (couldn’t see the markers or marshal) and made it to the 3. Liam was well on form with some up and personal bouncing to infinity and beyond. Disappointed, we drove on to Lew Wood 1 (15) to drop a further 3 points on tree roots off the lower restart. Liam was not happy!!
Further on through the woods to Lew Woods 2 (16) where we managed to clear the section. The bikes had a bike only section at Harts (17) which only 3 bikes cleared. On to Lifton and Park Impossible (18) where we were meant to be on 12 psi, but when I asked the starting marshal he said there were no tyre pressure limits. It’s a tough section to finish on at the best of times and we got away off the restart but were stopped by the hill just before the 2. Not a normal place to stop the cars! I have to mention here that Phil Thomas ably assisted by Keelan Hancock in ‘Fathers Dutton Melos’ were the only car to clear the section. They also had cleared everything from Angel Steps which truly took some magical skills.
Off back to the finish at the Frog and Bucket in South Petherwin and signing off. Unbelievably we managed to come second in Class 7 and dropped 35 points, 6 behind class 7 winner Phil Thomas (29 points). Overall winner was the red hot Jack Selwood ably assisted by Abbie Jeffery in their Class 8 DP Ford special. Class 8 dominated the top 4 positions with a stunning 5th for Keith Sanders in his Class 5 Reliant Scimitar (it really does have 4 wheels Dell Boy!).
The bikes had a 3-way tie on 17 points with John Reeves pipping Kevin Miller and Tristan Barnicoat. Steve Urell and Julie Williams (did she have a stuffed donkey in her pocket after lunch??) had a fantastic trial for 6th overall and a win on 3 wheels. A truly fantastic trial with a great mix of new and old sections, giving a rest to sections used in previous years. The weather made the route between sections fantastic and showed Cornwall at its best. Route instructions were clear and concise, marshals were legends and land owners so much appreciated.
The biggest THANK YOU must go to SimonR, NigelC, AndrewR and JanC plus all their behind the scenes team for organising my Favourite Trial of 2023 so far despite my poor showing. This is what club trials are all about with sections that are capable of stopping all classes with tyre pressures, deviations, roots, restarts, other sneaky means etc. It’s rare to see a clear round on this trial, maybe that’s why it’s called a trial and long may it continue.
John Hadwick. I received a sad telephone call on the 3rd of November from Polly Hadwick to give Vivien and I the news that John Hadwick had sadly passed away. John had spent the last ten years battling with cancer, despite being constantly in pain he never complained, whenever I asked him how he was the reply would be “I’m alright John”.
We first met John and Polly on a Lands end trial in the early to mid 2000’s, ending up sharing dig’s with them and several other competitors in a couple of over crowded hotel rooms (I use the term Hotel loosely) near Zennor. From then on we always kept in touch, John was a very clever engineer working on everything from trials and race cars to reboring the engines for the local Council dustcarts, John and I would occasionally go off to an event together spectating, we would be walking around the pits and he would stop me and say “fancy that they’re using Vauxhall steering gear on that” such was his knowledge, meanwhile all I could do was admire the carburettor set up and nod.
The photo below was at the top of Bluehills on the 2007 Lands end Trial. Left to Right Rosemarie and Ray Goodright, John, Mike & Pat Gomm, far right J.T. the two ladies in the foreground are Polly and Viv T. Happy Days 😊
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Calendar of Events
10th of December The Ron Beer Sporting Trial which is a round of the ASWMC to be held at Ashleigh , Lifton , Devon. Once again we are needing marshals so if you are able to help Mike Wevill would love to hear from you, tel 01566 784451.Have a day out watching those strange (to some) little sporting trials cars in action with their passengers acrobatics putting their weight where needed.
January 5th/6th is the date for the annual long distance MCC Exeter Trial , last year it was floods, will it be the same again or icy roads, who knows but there will be a lot of our own club members out there doing their best to defy all that is thrown at them.
A little way off but a date for the diary, February 23rd for our annual awards evening, more info to follow.
Thursday 7th of March is the club AGM , have your say in what goes on in the organising of events.
Sunday 3rd of March is the Launceston Trial.
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Get well soon. Bouncer and general club supporter Liam Hartley is somewhat under the weather at the moment, hopefully he will be out on the hills in the not too distant future.
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From our chairman
The last newsletter of 2023 so I would like to take the early opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and to thank you all for your support in any capacity of our events during the year. No events of our own during November but we do have one final event this year with the Ron Beer Sporting Trial at Ashleigh near Lifton on Sunday 10th December as ever any offer of marshals for the day would be most welcome.
We had our last committee meeting of the year last week and I’m pleased that we have added another active competitor to our committee with Nick Symons being co-opted on. We’ll be looking to run a full programme of events next year similar to this and I feel that the club ends the year in a strong position. Just a little reminder that subs from the 1st January will have a slight increase to £12 and to £2.50 for all ancillary memberships.
Thanks again to all for 2023, here’s hoping 2024 is a good year to look forward to.
Simon R
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Mr Oates is back again with his account of the Allen Trial, take it away Simon.
The Allen Trial Sunday 26th November 2023
A late start number of 68 saw us leaving the Bull Inn in Hinton at 9.40, so a reasonable start time from Cornwall in the morning. The first section was Tog Hill (1) and was a straight forward climb to break us in and maybe a false bit of confidence. On to Bitton Lane (2) for a yellow restart on 12psi for ourselves. All cleared and no problems yet. 7 miles on to Fairy Hill Observed Test 1 for a downhill right slippery bend to all wheels through the B boards, Reverse all through again and a short blast to astride the C boards in 19.5 seconds, not too tardy! A couple of hundred yards on was Fairy Hill (3) where classes 6 & 7 (10psi) had a restart on the bottom muddy corner. Class 8 could drive through our restart and have their own higher up the hill (I thought it looked easier than ours).
The previous cars and drizzle had not improved the traction at the restart. We fought as best we could and struggled to move forward for a 5. Impressive to see Paul Watson in his Imp cleared the section and he wasn’t that far in front of us. As we left the section I could see more room wider on the restart that might have helped me. A mile along the roads we came to Big Uplands (4) (Byeway Open to All Traffic) a long rough, slippery and stoney track with a restart for classes 6, 7 & 8 around a sharp left bend. No problem and cleared fairly easily. 7.5 miles on to Guys Hill (5) (BOAT) with a notoriously hard restart on 10psi. Restart for classes 6, 7 & 8. There were 6 clears in 1 – 5, only Dean Vowden cleared in class 6, 4 out of 18 class 7 cleared and 6 class 8 failed. Luckily we snuck off the line to infinity and beyond!
On for a further 10 miles to Travers Hill (6) (BOAT) which was a track on the side of a steep wooded hill overlooking Blagdon Lake Slippery and rough to the top with a restart for classes 7 & 8. We stopped at the top of the line and nearly slipped back over a root, but got away with it. Most cleared the section. Lunch was at the Chew Valley Lake picnic area. The sausage and chips were tasty and consumed in no time at all. We turned right out of the picnic area and on to the next section Burledge 1 (7) (BOAT) where the section was split in two with a restart on Burledge 2. 5 miles on we went into Fry’s Bottom Wood and past Fry’s Bottom 1 (8) on the left that was only for Class 8 and only cleared by 5 cars.
The rain was now starting to change the ground conditions for the worse. Observed Test 2 which was a quick blat from the ‘A’ boards into a box over the ‘B’ board with all wheels, reverse all wheels over again and astride line ‘C’, 15 seconds flat was good enough for me. It’s always fun if you get it right even with 40 bhp! Up the track to Fry’s Bottom 2 (9) which was a zig zag through the muddy undergrowth to a restart on a sharp muddy corner and around a tree. Fairly technical and good fun. 100 m further on, we came to Fry’s Bottom 3 (10). While we were waiting Andrew & Lisa Dams arrived in their Peugeot 106, beaming from ear to ear.
It appeared the restart marshal had jumped out and stopped him for the restart even though he didn’t have one. He then pulled away, went around the tree and cleared the section. Wow some achievementJ. The section was a wiggly weaving woodland track to a restart for Classes 6 & 7 on a bank with little grip and a sharp right up a clay bank. So little grip after the restart and no chance of turning up the hill for a clear. Further into the woods we went on to, you’ve guessed it, Fry’s Bottom 4 (11) which was a nasty little climb through tree roots after a sharp right turn in wet clay.
Class 8 had not done the previous section and had a restart around the roots on this one. None of the class 8 cleared the section but Thomas Jones in his Ford Snipe Special managed a 1. The last wet section John Walker (12) was a further 13 miles away and we put the hood up on the car enroute to reduce the precipitation in the car. The rain nearly stopped before attacking the long narrow, stony, rough and slippery section which was preceded with a dip in a swollen stream (to clean the car off?) before covering it in mud again on the way up the section.
Throughout the trial, all marshals were so helpful, the route was clearly marked at junctions and the venues welcoming. THANK YOU ALL for making the trial so enjoyable and friendly. May be a few changes for next year to rest some sections, add some new to keep the event fresh?
Provisional results show two amazing clear rounds by Rob Holden in his re engine BMW in class 3 and David Haizelden re finding the grip after the Tamar Trial in his Reliant Scimitar in class 5. David pipped Rob by some 8 seconds on the combined test times and wins the Allen Trophy. We eventually managed 2nd in class 7 after Travers Hill was corrected to a clear.
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For sale
Acewell 258 mini dashboard computer. This compact unit does speed (mph), trip,clock, fuel level and more. Primarily aimed at the motorcycle/ATV market but can also be used for a car.I bought this for the 2CV but it’s not quite what I’m looking for , comes complete with wiring and set up instructions. Buy it new for around £100 inc postage, this one’s only a few weeks old, yours for £30. 07971 249783
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Tailpiece
So here we are at the tail end of another year, our committee has worked hard throughout the year to put on events which we hope appeal to our members, we know we don’t always get it completely right but in general I think we do ok, doing our best to cater for all aspects of motorsport be it on 2,3 or 4 wheels and also putting on events to include our youngest members, always good to see them enjoying themselves, the smiles tell it all.
The next newsletter will be at the start of 2024 and an opportunity where we will be able to do it all again, so on behalf of the committee it’s Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Keep the contributions coming, billjan299&gmail.com
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. The entry fee is £40.00.
Entries close on 5th December 2023with no entries on the day.
The trial will take place on Sunday 10th December 2023 at Ashley Farm, Lifton (MR201/395842) by kind permission of Paul Webber. What 3 Words –GUITAR.CHEMISTRY.CONFUSION
Entries are now open for the Tamar Trial which will take place on Sunday the 22nd of October 2023. The regs and entry form are available to download below.
This year’s event is again being run in memory of our long-standing Clerk of the Course, Pete Cooper who very sadly passed away in 2021. Pete put a huge number of hours of work into the Tamar and many other grassroots motorsport events over the years and his hard work was rewarded with the Tamar Trial being awarded trial of the year in both 2019 and again in 2021. Indeed, in Pete’s memory there is an award for the best car performance by a club member on the Tamar.
The 2023 route will head west to start, skirting Bodmin Moor for some classic hills and hopefully some new sections. Then back towards the Tamar valley around late morning/lunchtime before crossing the Tamar into West Devon for the afternoon hills. Angel Steps, Lew Woods, Park Impossible are all planned favourites that will be familiar to competitors
Entries close on Saturday the 14th of October.
Entries can be made online at: www.lncmc.co.uk/online-entry/. and we encourage competitors to use this facility, however, paper copies with cheques are also very welcome to the details below.
August is obviously monsoon time as we all know the rain from last month is persisting, feels more like October, it will be interesting to see how the ground is for our Invitation Trophy Trial later this month, if it’s anything like it is now “mud” will be the order of the day. Let’s hope things improve, not much fun for the holiday makers when it’s like this although cafés etc should be busy with families wanting to find shelter. A good time to hide away in the garage and tinker with those jobs that need doing before the serious events start in a month or so.
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From our Chairman
A comparatively quiet month in July for club events compared to June. After the dryness of spring and early summer the weather has recently turned however other than one or two downpours the Motor Traders ran in reasonable conditions. An entry of 20 assembled including some double drives and pleasingly we welcomed a handful of ASWMC competitors from the Somerset/Dorset area. A range of scores came through – congratulations to Gareth White who managed to maintain a clean sheet over the 24 hills to take the Motor Traders Trophy. He was closely followed by the double driven Citroen of Tim Dovey (with son Charlie) dropping just 3 points in a superbly well set up front wheel drive but it does show that the class 8 type machines can be pushed by a cheap productions car on the grassy fields.
The Launceston show was last Thursday on a fairly unseasonable day, a drastic change from the heat of last year’s show. A nice range of vehicles on show, unfortunately as it’s on a working day I was unable to attend.
Looking ahead, the second of our Testing Trial’s on 20th August at Trevilla, again Lisa is on entries so if you would like to give it a go send an entry in, these events are always relaxed and in good spirit and you don’t need an expensively prepared car or bike to do it.
Then we will be into the autumn for our flagship sporting trial the David Ayres, and flagship classic trial, the Tamar. We are working hard on some new additions for the Tamar and securing other venues and sections, so as they say…watch this space.
Hope to see you on an event soon. Simon R.
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From Mike Wevill – Part 2 of “The Old Git Cycling Scotland”.
Sunday, set off for run to Blair Atholl via Pitlochry. Drizzle for less than 2 hours (the only rain for whole trip) Stopped at Dunkeld, a really attractive little city with a Cathedral, for coffee. Another stop at Pitlochry, a rather dull tourist resort . There were outdoor shops so I was able to buy windproof cycling gloves as I had lost one (always just one ) of my heavy gloves in Perth asking directions. Actually, I had been suffering from numb and cold hands for some time and as I travelled north it was getting worse. Next time I will invest in battery operated electric motorcycle gloves.
Arrived at Blair Atholl (gateway to the Cairngorms) at the very smart Blair Atholl Arms before Ben who had deviated to take in a guided tour of the famous Royal & Ancient (home of golf) golf course at St Andrews on the east coast near Dundee. Next was likely to be a testing day, initially climbing for 20 miles up the Drumochler Pass to the highest point of whole ride at 462 metres above sea level. However, the climb was gradual but at the peak it was many degrees cooler. Then a steady drop down to Dalwhinnie a visit to the famous Distillery where I bought a bottle of Malt Whisky as a present for Pam. A pleasant run into Aviemore (a fairly soulless tourist town) there was still snow on the surrounding Mountains.
Tuesday was the longest day in the saddle all the way from Aviemore to Alness on the coast (68 miles but still 15% left in the battery). Luckily more downhill than up. Negotiating Inverness was again not straight forward as I was taken straight in the centre of the city. Nevertheless, all went well. Ben played his second round at the Spey Valley Championship course. Wednesday was planned to be my rest day but there was not much to see at Alness apart from the Dalmore Distillery (a really nice whisky) so I decided to do a short 25 miler to reduce the mileage on the last two days. It was so windy that I could hardly stand on the bridge over Dornoch Firth and was forced to walk and push the length of the bridge (almost ½ mile). Ben picked me up before lunch, we did a tour of the Glenmorangie Distillery at Tain. This included a few wee drams & we were now beginning to acquire a taste. Ben bought a bottle for Richard.
Thusday. The route from Tain involved 50 miles on the dreaded A9. I had been told stories of cyclist & walkers being run over & killed because of inconsiderate drivers. I was very anxious but it was not too bad & the further North I got the traffic got lighter. However, I was very grateful that I had fitted a handle bar mirror (best investment on trip) and I wore a very yellow Hi Vis jacket. On Route I stopped to assist a Swiss guy called Frank (cycling the North Coast 500) who had a puncture & was having trouble refitting the tyre. Easier as a two man job, my apprenticeship with Murt came in handy. I continued well beyond Helmsdale (with some very steep climbs) which left a short ride for the final day.
The final day was a simple 35 miles across very quiet straight rural roads. Mile after mile of rough scrub land & hardly even any sheep. Little habitation and what must be a very hostile environment in winter. On pulling into the car park at John O Groats before lunch I noticed that Ben had already arrived. He had deviated to Duncansby Head and spotted whales, dolphins and puffins. Took the appropriate photos by the signpost & phoned home to announce job done. After coffee and cake started the 100 mile car return to Alness for the night. The coastal route was also desolate but included many fabulous quiet beaches.
Early start next morning for a whistle stop tour through the middle of the country along Loch Ness (no sighting of Nessy but probably not enough whisky!) to Fort William with Ben Nevis to the left. Then through the pass of Glen Coe with fabulous wild scenery and on along the banks of Loch Lomond. Good Trialling country but a bit far to take our poles, The outskirts of Glasgow were uninteresting and very busy with heavy Bank Holiday traffic going in the opposite direction to the Lochs and hills. By mid-afternoon back in Moffat (just 40 miles over the border into Scotland). Bought some Bowmore Islay Malt in case Pam didn’t like the Dalwhinnies.
Sunday & last day of the trip involved a relatively early start as we had 440 miles to cover & it was Bank Holiday. Quiet for the first couple of hours and then very heavy traffic around Manchester with trippers for the coast and Lakes. Got home by mid afternoon (7 hours including stops) to meet Pam & Richard for a family meal.
As an aside I would mention I did buy expensive padded shorts and a padded seat cover which worked fairly well but there were parts of my anatomy that were less than comfortable on the longer days. This may be attributed to the fact that I later discovered the shorts were actually Ladies (not padded in the right places?) In the modern world I frequently hear the term Ba**s Ac** and I now understand the true meaning. Again on returning home and catching up on my emails I came across a technical article from Cycling UK explaining how to measure pelvic bones to get optimum saddle size & comfort (all too late).
IN CONCLUSION
The bike performed superbly. I performed OK (406 miles in 9 days) but the challenge was nothing compared to my niece’s partner’s walk from Lands End to John O Groats carrying his tent (Tarp actually) on his back unsupported over two months and he is now well into Scotland but he is young.
I did not suffer the fate of a Lifton resident who in the early 1960’s did the Billy Butlin Challenge Walk John O Groats to Lands End. He was delayed in Scotland for a few weeks due to sickness & when he eventually reached Lifton towards the end of the walk he was met by his wife who famously shouted ‘ when you get to Lands End Bill V****R you keep walking’.
I am pleased to report I raised £500.28 plus Gift Aid for RNIB, many thanks to Sooty and all donors. I did meet many very nice walkers and cyclists having a vast variety of itineraries. Special thanks to Ben as without his support the trip would not have been possible and to Pam for being so understanding.
The big question still remains- ‘WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NEXT THEN ?’ Watch this Space Mike Wevill
********* As mentioned by our chairman the Motor Traders Trial had a good entry, interestingly a good amount of front wheel drive cars, we don’t always manage to attract the FWD entries, one in particular, the Renault Clio was extremely impressive, no matter what I did with my hill (marshalling) it kept on clearing it, don’t think the engine ever went above tickover. As always we are grateful to those who turn out to marshal and in particular a big thanks to the organising team, without you, no event!
The ladies are in charge & didn’t they do well. Yes it got a little damp at times but not too bad.
The Blues Brothers made a guest appearance in their virtually unstoppable Renault Clio. I think my favourite car of the day was Brian Alexander’s beautiful little blue Fiat.
That’s odd, the sun is shining on the Dellow, but it’s raining on the Liege, I suppose he could be hiding from the glare of the sun, tricky to see where you’re going though.
Once again our band of brilliant committee members were out in force at the Launceston Show , reminding the locals that the area has a fantastic Motor Club. Great show of vehicles to get the public’s interest . Unfortunately I was unable to make it as my day went slightly askew but well done everyone.
Yes it was a bit damp on the day but they’re used to that.
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Forthcoming Events.
Sunday the 20th August is the Invitation Testing Trial to be held at Trevilla Farm, Marshgate , Camelford by kind permission of Mr David Langley. Please note this event will be a paper entry, you can download the entry form from the club website.
Sunday the 10th of September is our David Ayers Sporting trial which is a round of the MSUK, ASWMC & BTRDA championships, this will also be held at Trevilla Farm, Marshgate, Camelford. This is a brilliant chance to see the top Sporting Trials cars in action.
Holsworthy Motor Club will be having a two day event at Tatson Farm on the 26th/27th August, see their website for more information.
Camel Vale MC have an Autotest on the 3rd of September, more details on their website.
Tailpiece
Most of us over the years have bought one or two Haynes Manuals, for many it was the “go to“ book when you had a change of wheels and needed to know it’s technical merits, I was discussing this last week with Andy Bunt at LanesAuto Repairs, he said yes we’ve got a few……..
Not only the entire length of the shelf but more below.
Ironically a message popped up on my phone yesterday which read : If you think you are smarterthan the previous generation….. 50 years ago an owners manual of a carshowed you how to adjust the valves. Today it warns you not to drink the contents of the battery.
All for this month J.T. contributions to billjan299@gmail.com
