Jackman’s BXDE Weavers Winner

Despite a last minute date change the 28^th BXDE turned out to be a huge success with over 350 competitors lining up to tackle the demanding 8.5 mile Weavers Down course. Only a few days previous the venue was under several inches of snow but due to a late thaw had matured into prime Enduro going.

As the firework exploded signalling the start of the race it was Richard Ely who managed to run and get his machine started for the holeshot quickly followed by the rest of the Championship pack. Dorren Coutts was the first to emerge in the lead after doing a staggering 20 minute 21 second first lap which was never bettered all day, Poole MCS James Jackman closely followed by Expert Tom Horton coming in a full 1 minute later.

Some 83 riders turned out for the REG BOWKER TROPHY TRIAL held at Chawton Park Forest, Alton on Sunday December 13th.

Chawton Park is a large Forrest complex and proved very popular with 3 laps of 12 mainly "traditional" sections with a good ride round. Just as last year a close Expert battle took place between Greg Marshall & Alan Ayres, Greg got of to a good start cleaning the entire first lap but Alan turned in 3 consistent low scoring laps to take the Expert win.

On the blue route Simon Meopham, Clint Leggett and Len Hutty showed the modern bike's how its done on their twinshocks.

It was good to see Colin Boniface & Benny Ayres blowing out the cobwebs. 8 riders finished in single figures on the red route, notable rides coming from Andrew Williams on 1 and over 80's winner Derek Cranfield on 3.

The H.C. Wake Trial, named in memory of Witley’s Chairman between 1932 and 1964, has for many years been held on the Saturday of Remembrance weekend.

This year, the Saturday was a sunny but very cold day. Eventually 63 riders signed on. Who looked after the signing on? It started with me as Secretary of the Meeting – nothing unusual there – but then an injury occurred to a rider practicing, so I had to deal with that. Then signing on was manned by Terry (Clerk of the Course) and then the ACU steward!

Rob Carey was despatched to the entrance to the farm to direct the ambulance and by the time the injured rider was taken to hospital all the riders had started and I returned to paperwork everywhere and the tea urn ready for a much needed brew! (Thanks Dave Kav).

We struggled to get enough Observers, but eventually we managed, and Terry was relieved of observing duties and returned as Clerk of the Course. (So far 3 jobs for Terry!)

Tea and sandwiches were available but we operated an ‘honesty box’ self-service which worked very well. The riders had a super day and enjoyed a good day’s riding thanks to Terry and Neil who set out the course (Neil doing so whilst possibly having ‘swine flu’!)

All in all a good day. My problems – where were the Witley members? Out of a membership of over 150, there were only 5 of us there on the day! Admittedly some of the regulars were doing other things, and that is to be expected; however, I feel that in future we need more of you to volunteer and not just use us as a means of gaining an ACU licence.

(Opinions expressed are mine – not those of the Committee) Jo Ayshford