This year’s Reg Bowker Trial at Warren Heath, Blackbushe was yet again the final round of both TVTC & Star Group Trials championships. 101 adult & 31 youth riders tackled 2 laps of 18 sections around a 6-mile wet & challenging forestry lap with a special test to decide ties.
Previous event winners Sam Connor & Phil Wiffen were joined by Trial GB regular Joe Snelling in a 3-way battle for top honours. Phil had the advantage of his local knowledge & always rides well at sandy venues, however Sam had the extra challenge of coaxing his two children Rosy & Arthur in his first ever trial, around the testing course whilst trying to concentrate on his own riding.
Sam riding the new 2024 Beta Evo 300 put on a masterclass, cleaning every section, remained unpenalized for the day to take the overall win. Joe Snelling had a great ride to finish on 8ml with Phil nipping at his heals with 10ml. Close friends Max Dance & Thomas Packham continued their regular battle in Youth Expert with Max taking top honours on the day.
Ashley Hall & Mark Budgen were in a league of their own in Over 40’s with 13ml & being decided in Ashley’s favour on the special test.
Jon Yendal in a one-off ride easily headed the large Intermediate class with a score of 21.
Youth intermediate class was hotly contested with close scores right down the order, Rowan Dean, Howard Mumford, Oscar Peach, Oscar Sacre & Marley Lowman had a fantastic battle but could not get near Kai Fisher’s loss of 23ml.
Tim Bird always rides well on the Novice route at this event & was joined on single figures by Mark George, Russ Olivant, Mark Taylor & Glen Slowly. Alex Edwards had a great ride to top the Youth novice class & Sonny Noble made the trip from Kent worthwhile to win the Youth Beginner class.
Many thanks must go to all the observers who braved the wet & rainy conditions to provide riders with a great day’s sport. We look forward to seeing you all again next year for the 2024 Reg Bowker Trial