Sphinx Trial 2008

Results

Other Year's Sphinx's: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Ben Falconer's Photo Gallery in on the Western Centre site

Colin's report

Obviously there were lots of our members riding thanks to the Wyegate being CtC, but 11 of our core members were up for a fun day: Martin and Nick Worgan, Darren, Dave Harris, Stan, Goff, Colin and Robert Davis, Me(ed.), Bill Brown and BenF.

More than a few of us were hoping for that miracle to happen, If Steve Saunders dares to make a mistake and some of us had a fluke clean then we could honestly say 'We've beaten SS... ok only one section but it's a start!' Not that riding a Beta Alp trailbike would hinder his ability. Sadly for us and thankfully for Steve he didn't put a foot wrong. But as I don't normally get the opportunity, I can say I beat him in the 1st Special Test, See my hands can still grip onto straws no matter how thin they are!

With BenF Observing the first section he also managed to take some shots of our club riders which are now on the Western Centre website, which he edits by the way. Goff Hannam also Observed and rode. This means you get to go off before everyone else to man the sections, then stay there for 2 or more hours while the riders go through then tack on at the end completing the final sections. This made for a very long day what with a 90 mile route. I opted to stay with Goff and ride round with him later. This proved to be a useful tactic as my game was definetely raised. The results show I drew with Goff on 10 but any amended version should add a 3 I prodded blindside to the observer on Honeybee's final rocky exit. Damn! One of my luckiest rides was on the last section in Langley where I stalled the CRM cresting a rise and had to pull out the kickstart and prod while sliding down a scary drop, who needs electric boots eh?

So BenF blitzed us all with 4 miserly prods followed by Goff on 10 then, surprise, Me on 13. Nick Worgan and Robert Davis drew on 18 with Nick winning on Special test times. This does mean that the Davis cup stays firmly in Robert's cupboard at present, but Colin Davis will have chance again this year at our trailbike trial to win it back. Colin lost 24 but was behind rejuvenated Darren on his older Honda XL 185 for 22, well if it works for Kieth Wells it must be a good choice! Martin Worgan is now getting to grips with his new toy, the Pamp, and was staying hat side up dropping just 25. It was a shock to see Stan dropping 27 on a sponsored bike (Thanks Kierran) and Bill Brown on 42 and Dave Harris on 51, but maybe the pressure of an easyish trial took its toll, and trying for a clean brought too many 5's instead of dabs!

Ben's Press Report

THE 15th annual Sphinx Long Distance Trial gave 120 riders a long day of relatively easy sections - though only three riders recorded clean sheets.

Those who conquered the trials country of the Cotswolds were Gavin Moore, Steve Saunders and Andy Lloyd. The trio were only split by special test times, with Moore coming out on top by just over one second from the multi-British trials champ and former world number two.

Moore and Lloyd may have had the better of a section in the Langley group, which had deteriorated to a single slot by the time Saunders arrived. But the acknowledged master of mud still found a way through and picked up the Geoff Gibbons Memorial Trophy for the best Western Centre trail bike rider.

Two more riders dabbed only once in the 30 observed sections – club officials class winner Dave Eeles and pre-65 victor Martin Bell.

Liam O'Reilly's ride for two marks lost was pretty impressive too, as was course plotter Steve Venn's, as both were mounted on enduro machines. They finished one mark ahead of Steve Hancox and Mark Kirby, who made a long trip from home just to be at the event he put so much in to in past years.

The Cheltenham Home Guard MCC trial has always attracted a good spread of abilities and it caters for all, who want to enjoy an old style event in the Cotswolds.

It started and finished at Hazleton village hall, where its committee embrace the event with great enthusiasm, and help give the trial that "old time" feel. Many sections took in famous lanes including Pear Tree, Mill Lane, and Greenway in an 89 mile route.

Thanks to all landowners and observers for their assistance in making the event possible.