Wednesday April 21, 2010 at 4:13pm
Rideoffroaduk kick started the new ACU Events Ltd sponsored three round Enduro XC series into life on Sunday April 11th.
A fantastic turn out of riders attended this sun blessed new mini XC series. Norwood Teversal woodland was in the best possible condition; riders praised the organisation after the event for yet again providing another new interesting track to compete on.
With the event tailored towards the Sportsman and vets, the morning activity was set in motion by Wayne Braybrook and his team at 10am. With an average lap time of around 10 minutes, the recipe was just right as riders were stretched out over the woodland track.
Rideoffroaduk regular Pete Middleton led the sportsman around lap one setting an awesome pace, he was followed by Alex Clegg, Shane Marriot, and Luke Copestake out on his new 300 Sherco for the first time ever. As the event progressed riders switched places during pit stops and went bar to bar on the course in some healthy competition. The addition of an updated timing system saw riders using the time remaining screen to good use during scheduled pit stops or to simply pace themselves during the event. At the finish flag Sam Warren took the win, although Sam is not eligible for series points as he just used the event for off road training. Second on the day was Mike Slater, Mike will take away first place series points and he goes into round two with the advantage. Pete Middleton used his usual smooth consistency to net the final podium place on the day. With around 10 riders queuing up behind the podium finishers this XC series is shaping up to provide some red hot competition in the most heavily supported classes. With only three riders failing to finish due to mechanical issues, the rideoffroaduk team is more than pleased with the suitability of the courses chosen for the ACU Events XC Series for 2010.
The Over50 Vets were also on track for the full two hours, this was won by Steve Burton clocking up 14 laps on his super trick Gas Gas, his close friend Chris Gregory chased him home in second place despite opting to use a bike he has never ridden before, the rideoffroaduk Sherco Demonstrator 300 for this event, the ride team stepped in to help due to his usual bike going bang in the week. Rounding out the podium was Mark Wardingley who missed out on the extra lap by a mere 53 seconds. As the Over50 class gains in popularity roll on the next event where battle can resume.
The ladies class was won by the smallest rider in the paddock Anna Myers. Anna fought off stiff competition from local ace Jade Gordon - only Jade’s fuel stop kept her away from possible top honours. Helen Lang used her nimble Montesa trials iron to great effect in the woods by nipping around at a good pace to secure third place. Emily Davy and Jayne Tudhope took fourth and fifth respectively both on 11 laps completed.
Following the morning class presentation and a brief lunch break for marshals, shortly after 1pm the Expert Over40 and Clubman class riders were on track. Right from the off KB Racings Lewis Belfield was head and shoulders above all other expert riders. Lewis who had training from Wayne Braybrook over five-years ago has really matured as a rider and can now be classed as a great prospect for the future. Taking runner up spot on the day was Tom Healey on his Rideoffroaduk sponsored KTM. Lincoln Brewster had an off day struggling to get his machine set up right for the conditions. Lincoln had to settle for third place through gritted teeth. Lincoln vowed to get his number one plate back so watch out boys the terminator will return.
The super competitive clubman class was won by Declan Helliwell on his KTM. Declan won by just under two minutes after the full two and a half hours. Taking runner up place was Motobrox Kawasaki man Joe Severn. Joe has great MX skills and he is certainly making a great XC rider too. Club regular Oliver Cooper opened his ACUe series points tally with a credible final podium place. Waiting in the wings are at least six other hungry clubman aces ready to mix up round two and go for top honours.
Finally the Over 40 class was won convincingly by Peter Archer. Peter who is a newcomer to the rideoffroaduk events dealt with all other vets in fine style to take the win. Second spot was Stuart Cryer on twenty laps completed, and regular runner Shaun Woffinden held off stiff completion to take third. The over 40 class was very well supported and it was great to see fantastic competition through the field.
Massive thanks to Sutton Falcons and Norwood once again giving us the opportunity to use this nostalgic venue for Hare & Hounds XC competion. Well done all competitors, with only three riders failing to finish, the level of rideoffroaduk events continues to expand. Thank you once again to the hard working rideoffroaduk marshals, job well done.
Next Event Low North Park on the East Coast April 25th.
For Entries or event info call 07802 572023 / 07725 161581 or visit www.rideoffroaduk.co.uk