Sunday, May 22, 2005
What a trial!
I'm back home from the Ilkley Classic Relaibility Trial which is held north of the famous moor in West/North Yorkshire. It was a lot shorter than the MCC events at a mere 70 miles but included 21 sections. Most of the sections were on private land but I understand that some of the tracks we used for access are legal unsurfaced roads. the tarmac mileage was nearly all on minor roads and the whole route was very picturesque and gave a glimpse into the scenery of the southern part of North Yorkshire.
I must say that the route card and marshalling were of a very high standard although in a few cases it appeared that the marshalls were mosr used to cars and asked us to stop in some difficult places. As there were only 53 competitors the sections often crossed each other or exited via the entry road. The keeness of the marshalls and the competitors' good sense meant that everything apppeared to go very smoothly with no serious hold ups.
The efficiency is such that I'm even able to post a picture today!
Some of the sections were prettry easy but even those had slippery grass. Some were terrors with slippery mud, awkward cambers and on quite steep inlcines. I'm sorry to say that I cam eoff a few times. A flood Kanguro is not easy to start and even harder to push. Thanks to the marshalls who helped me! To give more of a flavour some sections were marked out on grassy banks, there were 2 fords, both shallow and a number of greasy climbs. Soem sections included descents which is something you won't find in MCC events! even if the section didn't go down, you might need to... The final 2 sections were in a muddy copse of trees on a farm and most competitors that I watched failed one or the other. All in all it was more technical than the MCC events.
The scoring system was new to me and worth mentioning. The start of a section was indicated and then pegs were placed starting at 12 and working down to 1. In some cases all egs were present, sometimes just 12, 9, 6, 3 and 1. The idea is that you get a lower score the further through the section you progress. A clear gives you zero. I liked this scheme as it does mean that a fail at the last minute gives you a better score than a fail at step one. Obviously the pegs can be placed to fit in with muddy bits or steps.
The bike went well despite being on its side 3 or 4 times and managed 70mph (indicated) on the M1 on the way home. The lack of a sidestand was a real nuisance and I was glad of folks who voluteered to get a gate. At one point the bike was sliding downhill whilst on the stand.
An excellent day.
I'm back home from the Ilkley Classic Relaibility Trial which is held north of the famous moor in West/North Yorkshire. It was a lot shorter than the MCC events at a mere 70 miles but included 21 sections. Most of the sections were on private land but I understand that some of the tracks we used for access are legal unsurfaced roads. the tarmac mileage was nearly all on minor roads and the whole route was very picturesque and gave a glimpse into the scenery of the southern part of North Yorkshire.
I must say that the route card and marshalling were of a very high standard although in a few cases it appeared that the marshalls were mosr used to cars and asked us to stop in some difficult places. As there were only 53 competitors the sections often crossed each other or exited via the entry road. The keeness of the marshalls and the competitors' good sense meant that everything apppeared to go very smoothly with no serious hold ups.
The efficiency is such that I'm even able to post a picture today!
Some of the sections were prettry easy but even those had slippery grass. Some were terrors with slippery mud, awkward cambers and on quite steep inlcines. I'm sorry to say that I cam eoff a few times. A flood Kanguro is not easy to start and even harder to push. Thanks to the marshalls who helped me! To give more of a flavour some sections were marked out on grassy banks, there were 2 fords, both shallow and a number of greasy climbs. Soem sections included descents which is something you won't find in MCC events! even if the section didn't go down, you might need to... The final 2 sections were in a muddy copse of trees on a farm and most competitors that I watched failed one or the other. All in all it was more technical than the MCC events.
The scoring system was new to me and worth mentioning. The start of a section was indicated and then pegs were placed starting at 12 and working down to 1. In some cases all egs were present, sometimes just 12, 9, 6, 3 and 1. The idea is that you get a lower score the further through the section you progress. A clear gives you zero. I liked this scheme as it does mean that a fail at the last minute gives you a better score than a fail at step one. Obviously the pegs can be placed to fit in with muddy bits or steps.
The bike went well despite being on its side 3 or 4 times and managed 70mph (indicated) on the M1 on the way home. The lack of a sidestand was a real nuisance and I was glad of folks who voluteered to get a gate. At one point the bike was sliding downhill whilst on the stand.
An excellent day.
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