Sidecargate & Moto Britanica Trial - 8th October 2006
A STALLED engine cost Ian Hannam and Deborah Smith a winning return to home territory in the annual battle for the best pre-65 trials outfit pairing in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
The recent winners of the European pre-65 cup lost three marks and their only marks of the day at section six after the BSA 441 engine coughed, handing the win to Dave and Steve Burdge, who took a pair of dabs – one each on the very first and last of the 30 sections, set out by West Glos and Dean Forest MCC.
Hannam's misfortune should not de-value Burdge's win, because after several attempts, he finally got his hands on the coveted Sidecargate Cup. Dry weather kept most sections straightforward, so there was little margin for error – third placed crew Pete Pesterfield and Keith Laker failed section 14 in Lords Grove, which effectively lost them the trial too.
Local crew Merv Morgan and Steve Cooper showed a big improvement too, losing their lowest ever total in the Sidecargate. This event is their only three-wheeled outing of the year and they demonstrated they are finally mastering some of the dark arts of controlling an outfit.
This year's event was also a first, as it was the third round of the British Bike Championship.
R Halliday recorded the only clean ride of the day, after N Woolley took a dab on section two and K Gardner also took a dab on the next section, both in the Pingry Lane group.
M Bell, Colin Hedges and Goff Hannam were not far back but on a dry day there was little margin for error.
Ben Falconer took the trail class win.
The club would like to thank all landowners and officials for their help with the event.
Snippets:
Our on-the-spot reporter (Cliff) brings us: DAVE HARRIS CLEANS NIAGARA. Dave finally conquered Niagara after many, many years of trying. The smile, caused as a result of this feat, came out about 3 inches either side of his helmet!! He was absolutely chuffed to bits.
How heavy is a Montesa 310 sidecar? Just ask Steve and Merv. The photo on the right should demonstrate their latest weighing method.