No doubt about it, the traditional British national trial reigns supreme. One hundred and nineteen competitors on the entry list cannot be wrong for Sunday’s North Yorkshire cross country epic.
The numbers are up on last year. This is one trial that roams over the fells south of Hawes with only about a couple miles of the hard stuff, and it is one to win.
Back again is Ian Austermuhle aiming to take the White Rose Trophy back to Malton. Philli Alderson has the same thoughts with the Chris Ludgate but the Russ Line Trophy is up for grabs as Stewart Oughton is not on the entry list. Newly engaged Kathryn Wardle is sampling the trial and is the only female in the entry list.
All three classes contain some talented prospective winners. Ian Austermuhle has Richard Sadler, Liam Walker, Chris Pearson, sans long locks, John Crinson and cousins Jack and James Stones plus Danny Gamble who along with Sam Ludgate could spring a surprise.
This real rugged old time national trial consumes manpower at an enormous rate as about 90% of the forty section course is totally off-road, remote, exposed and affords scenery that visitors from all over the world visit. Nigel Crowther and his team will now be making the final alterations the sections. Expect Gritstones, Renee’s Gorge,
Unreachable, (only by mule), Snaizholme, Cascades, Knocknee , B’stard, Troutbeck, and Easy Street. The trial went national in 1976 when Rob Shepherd won but West Leeds member Reg Roberts was the mastermind behind the Cam Fell venue and started planning the event in 1958 to run under a West Yorkshire Group permit. Reg’s brainchild came to fruition came in 1961 when Bill Wilkinson won what was an adventure in the Yorkshire Dales.
A word of warning though, no wheelies or stoppies, The boys in blue are ever present trying to prevent road riders playing at Isle of Man competitors, especially between Ingleton and Hawes. Daniel Ralphs fires up his Montesa 4rt at 10.01 and he will have seven hours to ride forty sections.