Silvermist
Trials returned to Silvermist for the first time this year. There had however been quite a lot of activity there in the few weeks before the trial with several riders helping to cut new sections. There has also been a considerable amount of earthwork done on the property by the owner specifically around the dam area. It was along the stream that most of our clearing was done in very dense bush. This was something that we had wanted to do for some time although it was known it would not be easy. A new section was also cut for section one, starting from the last hairpin bend on the access road up to the hairpin bend on the track. The object t of this section was to keep away from the Tree House where there was to have been a function. The exit of this section took a few fives off the clubmen but was otherwise fairly easy. Tim set the next two sections in the firebreak area, combining mostly turns and logs, and these were both cleaned regularly. From there it was down to the river where again sections four and five were set by Tim. Section four was probably the most tricky, for experts anyway, as it involved an entry over a log followed closely by a stream crossing then over a large square rock, where there was really only one line. This section was however cleaned many times. Section six was the new one cut into the bush. The clubmen only had to go a short distance upstream and then turn around and come back, but the experts had to go the full distance where they could also then turn around and come back down. There was a lot of water flowing in this section, and only a few cleans were managed by the clubmen, with the best expert getting a one.
I set sections seven and eight which were consecutive, starting in the dam, up the bank, turning through the trees and then exiting onto the road. The entry for the day was a disappointing seven riders with regular stalwarts Hans being sick and Jorge being sidelined with an Achiles tendon injury from playing soccer. Deon de Villiers was there after having missed a number of trials only to find his clutch and throttle malfunctioning and wisely deciding not to ride. He then observed for many of the sections which was much appreciated.
Adrian De Hutton is a newcomer to trials but certainly not to offroading. He has bought my old Gas Gas and is already riding very well. Struggler of the day was undoubtedly Neil Tweddle with his “64 Greeves, now running with it’s original engine and gearbox. The bike apparently still needs some sorting but Neil managed to finish despite running problems.
Results:
| EXPERTS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Total | Position |
| Brian Barson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 20 | 1 |
| Tim Jordan | 6 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 39 | 2 |
| Total marks on section | 7 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 15 | 19 | 9 | 3 | 59 | |
| CLUBMEN | ||||||||||
| Anton Krause | 10 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 22 | 22 | 1 |
| Adrian de Hutton | 7 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 31 | 31 | 2 |
| Nicholas Lucas | 13 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 15 | 5 | 60 | 60 | 3 |
| Neil Tweddle | 20 | 12 | 17 | 10 | 16 | 16 | 10 | 109 | 109 | 4 |
| Total marks on section | 50 | 20 | 19 | 32 | 30 | 36 | 22 | 13 | 222 |
Thanks to everyone who helped clearing bush, setting sections, collecting markers and to Clive Lucas for adding up the scores.
The next trial is probably also going to be at Silvermist on 17th September.
We all wish Hans Klein all the very best for the Isle of Man Classic Two Day Trial in September. Bring back the silverware again Hans!
Brian.
