4 Isle of Wight riders braved the elements thrown up by Storm Dennis last weekend to take part in the first major national motorcycle trial of the year – the Wallace Cup near Didcot in Oxfordshire.
After a hairy ferry crossing, they arrived at the start to join over 120 other riders in what turned out to be a very enjoyable trial, despite the cold wind and heavy rain that persisted for most of the day.
Some parts of the 20-mile course had to be changed during the day as it had flooded and turned into a mud bath, but despite the treacherous conditions, only a handful of rider didn’t make the finish.
Best of the Islanders and getting the new season off to a great start was British expert champion Chris Stay, who finish in 4th place overhaul in the elite class. This class is for riders who will be competing in the main British championship this year and they ride a harder course than the rest at the back of the entry. After only being beaten by 3 of the top riders in the country, 2 of which are former world champions, Chris was pleased with his riding and is now proved to be one of the establish name at the top of the UK trials scene .
The largest entry was in the clubmans class, who ride a slightly easier course, and here Rob Howard from Showell finished in a well deserved 11th place. Rob has been out of action since last November when he broke his fingers while competing on the mainland.
As the day wore on and the course became more difficult the later numbers really did find the going tough. As the rain continued to pour down both James and Alan Stay, who was competing in his first national event for over 30 years, were cold and wet but just glad to have finished what can only be described as a tough day at the office.
