12 September 2012 - It was a day of mixed emotion as the final round of the six round OSET Cup Series was held at Offham Quarry, Kent.
The double round weekend was held across two venues, Detling Showground and Offham Quarry. Andy Hogg, from No Limits Trials Academy and the man behind the series delivered a weekend jam-packed with riding, fun, games, prizes and a family barbeque.
Across both days the sections were ridden forwards before all the riders taking a rest break, eating lunch and riding the sections in reverse. It’s a formula that’s been adopted by the Northern Series and works extremely well to ensure children maintain energy and concentration. The winners of the weekend across the hard, intermediate and easy routes were each presented with sprocket trophies courtesy of Inta Bikes.
The scores from both days were added together to decide on the weekend awards before being added to the championship totals
Alex Davies, a great little rider that has demonstrated winning ways all year, was the only rider to attempt the hard route and demonstrates his determination to continue to improve his skill level. The youngster, who brought home the OSET Cup, was also awarded a DVD looking at trials techniques as he prepares to step up to national-level riding next year.
Doing it for the girls was Sophie Baily who won the intermediate level, followed by rider-of-the-day, Alfie-Ray Turner and Harvey Lauder in third.
Rowan-Campell-Pilling had another winning weekend ride to take the top spot on the easy route with Jack Brush in second and Conner Heathfield in third. Jack stepped up to the harder route on the Sunday and was awarded a voucher from Inta Bikes for his achievement.
Andy Hogg from No Limits Trials Academy, said: “The kids and parents have thoroughly enjoyed the OSET CUP Southern Series. At every round we’ve had loads of practice time, played games on the bikes, camping and barbeques which has resulted in delivering OSET trials that are really fun.
“Naturally there is competition within the riders but we are inclusive of everyone. It’s especially nice to see more experienced riders helping beginners by showing them good lines to take or talking to them about how to position their bodies on the bike to help them over an obstacle.
“We are especially grateful to Inta Bikes who have sponsored all the trophies this year. All of the riders have been awarded a medal or trophy of some kind, which means they have all left with a feeling of real achievement.”
Ronny Taylor won the end of year award for most improved rider. The four year old, who at the beginning of the series literally wobbled his way round the course is now riding with his feet on the pegs and looking very confident indeed.
Rowan Campbell-Pilling was awarded a money box cup trophy (to save up for next year) for the most travelled rider. The five year old (with the help of his dad) made a round trip in excess of 450 miles and totalled over 1,700 miles to attend the No Limits events. Although it was a close run cup with Alfie-Ray Turner making the return journey from Peterborough to Kent each time – he did pick up rider the day on the Sunday though!
Sophie Bailey, Harvey Lauder (biggest smile) and Rowan Stewart were all presented with a new NAU crash helmet, the helmet worn by the official OSET team and generously donated by Rory Campbell-Pilling. He commented: “Rowan and I have thoroughly enjoyed the Southern Series OSET Cup. Andy Hogg has worked tremendously hard all year to pull off a brilliant championship for fledgling OSET riders that has seen the kids have a great time and improve their riding ability. I just wanted to show a small token of gratitude. And we’re very much looking forward to supporting Andy next year and would hope to attract lots more riders to these events which are ideal for youngsters!”
Alfie-Ray Turner, Jack Brush and Oscar Peach were all awarded vouchers courtesy of Inta Bikes, who said: “It’s incredibly important to support trials riding at the very grass roots. For the sport to thrive it needs new people coming through all the time and the OSET Cup Southern Series is a blue ribbon event that attracts riders from all over the UK.”
Andy Hogg and No Limits Trials Academy would like to thank the land owners for their support and a big thank you to Sophie’s parents Addie and Darran for all their help running the events, he said: “To put an event for children takes teamwork and I couldn’t have down it without the help Addie and Darran who have been tremendous, as have Inta Bikes and the landowners.”
Anyone that would like to sponsor the series or trophies next year please contact No Limits Trials Club on 07894 806 788.