This year’s Reg Bowker Trial at Warren Heath, Blackbushe staged by Hookwood Trials Club was yet again the final round of both TVTC & Star Group Trials championships. 101 adult & 23 youth riders tackled 2 laps of 18 sections around a 6-mile challenging, hilly & loamy forestry lap with a special test to decide ties. Previous event winners Sam Connor, Thomas Moss & Phil Wiffen were joined by Trial GB regulars Daniel Dabreo & Jake Challice in a battle for top honours. Throw in Southern & South Eastern aces, Brian Francis, Oliver Gray, Tom McCabe, Hugh Barker, Ben Smith, Mason Meadows, Dan Beaven, Jack Taylor & there were some very close scores in the packed 22 rider
Expert class. Sam put on a masterclass, cleaning every section of the day to take the win, as well as posting the fastest special test time of day with a rapid 22:22 seconds. Sam’s clean ride was even more remarkable as he also guided his children Rosy, Arthur & their friends through the event.
Daniel & Thomas had a really close battle, both finishing on 6ml, with Daniel bagging 2nd Expert spot in favour of the faster special test time of 22:56 seconds.
Youth Expert winner, Richie Keet is growing in stature & posted a 34ml score which would have placed him, mid pack amongst the adult experts.
The vastly experienced Kevin Nolan was in a class of his own, losing just 6ml in the 32-rider strong intermediate class. Ashley Hall lives so close to the forest that he rode his bike to the event, won the Over 40’s on just 7ml & then rode home again.
Youth Intermediate class was hotly contested with close scores right down the order, Tommy Keet, Howard Mumford, Joseph Baker, had a fantastic battle with Tommy, shading the win with the loss of 16ml. There were some very low scores on the Novice red route with standout single figure rides posted by Paul Drane, Russ Olivant, Dave Renham, Anthony Billingham, John Dismore. Hector Kemp & Rueben Keet had a close battle, with Hector taking the win in the Youth Novice class.
Local legends Arthur Frearson & Dave Wiffen enjoyed some friendly rivalry finishing just 2marks apart on the yellow route. Many thanks must go to all the observers & marshals who gave up their day to provide riders with a great day’s sport.
We look forward to seeing you all again next year at Warren Heath for the 2026 Reg Bowker Trial.