Downpour can't dampen Wyegate Spirit
Words By Ben Falconer - Photos by Matt Neale
A GRUELLING 21st Wyegate Long Distance Trial was a true test of endurance and ability - and proved that British really is best.
Steve Grindle, riding his father's pre-1965 BSA B40, lost just two marks on Sunday to claim overall victory in the West Glos and Dean Forest MCC event.
With the majority of challengers mounted on modern Japanese and European trail machinery, Grindle, from Cinderford, applied all his modern trials experience to the old BSA on the 25 section course, spread over 75 miles of the Wye Valley and Usk Vale.
Appalling weather conditions in the first half of the day reduced a good deal of the entry to bit-part players who regarded a finish as a victory, after nine hours or more in the saddle.
Even straightforward looseners Bream Lane and Limekiln Woods took marks early on. By the time riders neared the end of a punishing day out at Forge Wood overlooking Redbrook, many were wishing for a pint just across the River Wye, in front of the Boat Inn's roaring fire.
Twenty-seven non-finishers bore testament to the trying conditions.
New Barn Lane sorted out the best from the rest, with a nasty tight turn around a high wall. Many maximum scores were recorded and it was here that Grindle lost half his score.
Pant-Glas' legendary natural rock steps held few fears for the front runners but made plenty of the also-rans huff and puff. And thanks to the torrential rain, a spout of water pouring in to the side of the section gave a few unwary riders a good soaking in to the bargain.
The results weren't thrown in to the mix until the final group of sections in Forge Wood, and the sting in the tail at Whitecliff Farm.
Simon Sheridan lost the lead with three marks dropped at these two groups to finish on five marks lost.
Nibbs Adams' blunder at the last section cost him three marks and edged him in to third place on seven.
Cheltenham Home Guard team mates Steve Venn and Keith Wells were a mark apart on eight and nine lost, behind Mike Husband who nosed ahead on special test time.
On a trying day for both competitors and the organisers there were plenty of candidates for the Spirit of The Wyegate Award. No-one deserves the honour more richly than Lizzy Enriquez (230 Honda), whose broken toe at Pant-Glas was compounded by the retirement of some of her riding companions. She finished well after 6pm, then hobbled to hospital where she was fitted with a pair of crutches.
Sincere thanks to all observers and landowners for helping make The 21st Wyegate one to remember.