" ....if you do not sign in to your Hotmail account for 30 days (or within the first 10 days after you set up your account), Hotmail marks your account as "Inactive". Your stored e-mail messages are deleted, and inbound mail messages are returned to the sender. Your Passport still works, and your Hotmail sign-in name is reserved. You will need to reactivate your account by going to : http://www.hotmail.com/ and typing in your sign-in name and password. If your account remains "Inactive" for 90 days, Hotmail permanently deletes it and any stored messages. " so says Mr Microsoft, however there is no warning and your membership to the community remains in a state of limbo so when you re-join can't use your original 'nickname' or email address.
Looking foward to the Exeter - all I have to do now is put the engine and gearbox back in and get an MOT......
Merry Christmas all!
Stuart Cairney
Just a little note to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year.
Hopefully met of you on the Exeter.
Sorry to hear of your postal mix up Michael. Hope to see you anyway.
Mark
I have been thinking about the Selby Rail Crash, where it is said that Gary Hart went to sleep at the wheel. It looks as if he will be sent to prison. I can't help wondering if we triallers sail close to the wind on this one sometimes. On the Exeter I always struggle to stay awake on the way from breakfast to the first hill and on the long grind down the A30 to Bluehills on The Lands End. Personally I always take the day off before an MCC event and put my head down before setting off for the start. I know some people take wakey, wakey pills. Has anyone tried Red Bull? The endurance element is a key part of MCC trials and without it they would be loose all their character but we must be careful, especially with the speed of modern traffic.
I used to drive home after the Edinburgh until the day I went to sleep on the Motorway. I remember I was dreaming about somebody knocking on my bedroom door trying to wake me up. I did and it was the sound of my wheels on the Cats Eyes. After that I stay in Buxton overnight!
Michael
Hi All
After spending a very enjoyable day messing around in a field for the Gill Morrell PCT and talking to a few people. I talked to Mike Hayward about his Escort which currently a Class 7 machine as it has been modified beyond permitted limits. Fair enough it is a FWD Escort with Mk2 running gear but it does have a 5 linked coil sprung rear end. It has always seemed a touch unfair to put this particular in Class 7. As it is on 13 inch wheels could it not be reclassified to Class 3, even on a temporary basis to see how it fares. I know that the modified Pops do very well in the higher classes but they have much larger rear wheels and probably not as useful for Autocross!
I personally have no problem with it in Class 3. Does a RWD Mk3 Escort really have a greater climbing potential than a normal RWD Escort? I realise there is potential for the "One rule for one, one for another" syndrome but on one off cases could a panel reclassify a car on a temporary basis. Lands End 2002? As long a Michael does not strike gold on the Exeter!
Does anybody else have any other thoughts for or against?
Mark
We intend to arrange something in the Bristol area and would like to establish the level of interest. Possibly using "The Crown" Allen start venue.
If you would be interested please phone Alan Spencer on 01179 712587 or Email me address in members area.
Please pass on to anyone else who might be interested.
Pete
Published by Michael Leete with the kind permission of John Aley
MCC NEWS of the WEEK : 28.9.01
Compiled by
johnaley@portwrinkle.fsnet.co.uk
EXETER TRIAL
Entries are still coming in well and we hear the hotel is actually full up. However there are still some dinner tickets and of course this is in an area with lots of hotels nearby.Bookings are already heavy for the Bay Hotel at Newquay which is the finishing point for next Easter`s LANDS END TRIAL and the Ugalde travel agency seems to have taken over the next door hotel for the benefit of competitors who just want to stay the Saturday night and take part in the club supper and general merriment. The person to speak to is Anne Ugalde on 01395 597620.
FOUNDERS NIGHT.
First an apology to Derek Chatto who is organising the local event in Derbyshire for quoting the wrong telephone number in Triple. His real number is 01773 853635 His event promises to be somewhat novel with a gentle tour in the afternoon to work up a thirst for the evening. Sounds good!John Turner
who is organising the event for the Devon/Cornwall borderers has booked dinner at 짙7.95 a head at the Wilsey Down Hotel which many of you will know as the breakfast/lunch stop on the Lands End Trial. It`s a jolly place and well MCC orientated.INVITATIONS
First the good news. We hear that the Camel Vale Club will be running a single venue classic trial in Cardinham Woods sometime in November to which MCC will be invited. No more details at present but we`ll keep you informed.And now the bad. The Woolbridge Club has had to cancel its Hardy Classic due to the effects of you know what.
Will we never get back to normal………… but let`s end this week on a happy note ………
RESCUED
Just when it appeared that the late Allin Panhale`s well known VW Notchback had gone to that great scrapyard in the sky we hear news that Adrian Marfell has rescued it. We don`t know what he intends for its future but if you are interested he can be found on 01989 770679. It`s always sad when a well respected car disappears so let`s hope we shall see this one in action again soon.
Don`t forget to let us have your news and comments at the address shown above …….
And watch the MCC web site to keep up to date with what is happening in your club.
(Published by Michael Leete with the kind permission of John Aley)
MCC NEWS of the WEEK : 21.9.01
Compiled by
johnaley@portwrinkle.fsnet.co.uk
Most members received a bumper mailing at the beginning of the week and responded promptly as MCC members usually do.
Already we have received something like 170 car entries for the Exeter Trial although motorcyclists are, as ever, much slower to dash off to the post office. Come on then, if you want an entry, and who doesn`t after such a barren year, get busy filling in that entry form. There is good news from the landowners around Tillerton who say we will be welcome while repairs are planned for both here and Slippery Sam to ease some of the roughness.
Hotel bookings for the Exeter weekend are well subscribed and lots of you have already booked for Roger`s jamboree at Newquay at Easter next. One suspects that MCC members are more socially minded than we give them credit for.
Graham Weeks reports considerable interest in the Banbury Enigma Run which replaces the Edinburgh trial on 7th October. For many this event may be a poor substitute for the traditional trial it replaces this year but it gives us a chance to visit some interesting spots and meet up with old friends. This kind of touring event really takes us back to the MCC`s roots when the social run in company with like minded intrepid souls was the great event of the month.
As expected, enquiries about the new Class O are keeping our phones red hot. The important thing to remember is that this will constitute a trial within a trial for those who due to age, inexperience, lack of a suitable machine or just out of choice do not want to face the rigours of the real thing but still want to enjoy themselves. Already we have two motorcycle teams, mainly composed of new members, several Morgans, an experienced rider on an unlikely ancient BMW 250 and a vice president in his Ford Model A on the list. In this class there can be no pot hunting as there are no pots to win but everyone should have an entertaining and not too damaging event.
This week`s mailing told members about the Centenary Scrapbook and the MCC Christmas cards. Orders are already coming in thick and fast for both. Books will be despatched in about a week`s time when the first production batch is received from the printer and the cards will be sent out in the middle of next month – in good time for Christmas.
We hope everyone like the "New look" of Triple magazine. Our editor, Charlotte "Brazen Hussy" Blight has worked really hard on this, her first, copy but badly needs your help with contributions and photographs for future issues. If you have had an experience, been somewhere or ridden something different that you think would interest other members, please let us know.
That`s all for this week. Please let us have your comments, club news, opinions and queries by E Mail to the address shown above.
Hi All
Did anybody else notice in the Auctions part of Classic and Sportscar there is a Dellow MkIIIb went for around ｣4600. I wonder who bought and if it will be out and about in the trials world?
Mark
I went into the membership list to find a contact for Mike Pearson but the Email address that is given, no longer works, as the Email was returned.
Does anyone know a current one?
Regards to you all,
Greg McKenzie
For sale:
Class 2 1936 Ford model Y, fitted with a vintage style ash and plywood body, (styled on an MG-M) and a tuned 1172cc engine. It's Ultra low cost by pre-war class standards, seemingly unbreakable, reliable, and a winner of bronze and silver medals in MCC events in the last 2 years. It comes with a spare 1172cc engine, one 8hp gearbox, reconditioned and unused, and a spare, serviceable 10hp box. Also a few other spares. Full MOT.I very reluctantly have to part with it to make way for a new project and am looking for around 짙1900.
C. Springhill
Tel: 01491 872066 or 07876 396484 or e-mail ctj4bspringhill@hotmail.com
Hi Everyone,
I am thinking of organising a Founders Evening dinner in the Redbourne area of Hertfordshire. Before I go ahead and make arrangements I need to know if anyone is interested in this idea. Please reply below or E-mail to, mike_hayward34@hotmail.com
If I get a good response I will go ahead and arrange something.
Mike Hayward.
To most enthusiasts who would attend such a function - cars, talking and drinking would be the main interests. Travelling ones nearest venue may be many miles and overnight accommodation would be sensible. The geographical location of any venue is a factor but perhaps more importantly a function room or rooms, licensed bar, accommodation and reasonable prices/service ought to be considered first. Any location that is capable of offering this for a large group of people would require pre-booking.
The proposed Founders Night is off-season and an abundance of venues that meet the above criteria are seaside hotels. I suggest that a group pre booking could negotiate some very reasonable terms.
The above is just food for thought but it would be a shame for any one to try and wait another 100 years because enthusiasts didn't communicate.
Kind Regards Jon Laver
For Sale
1976 MG Midget has been trialled regularly for most of it's life. Recent Respray, 12 months MOT, looks tidy. Suspension raised, Work completed in the last three years includes brand new brakes, new rear wheel bearings, brand new front suspension, brand new rear lever arms, and poly bushes. Hand made maniflow exhaust, rebuilt carbs. Bills for this work and previous available. Includes hood cover and tonneau.
Many Spares included with the car including rebuilt engine and box, carbs, 2 sets of bumpers, 2 door skins, windscreen, suspension pans, springs, dampers, coil over shock set, diff casing, 4 half shafts, diffs, standard exhaust, plus many smaller bits.
Ideal way to start trialling with a ready prepared, ready to go car.
｣1350
Hi all
Following on from Simon's outing in his Class 8 buggy. I, and a couple of friends, will be off to the Donington Park Historic GP on the 19th & 20th May. At ｣20 for a prebooked weekend ticket and the chance to see the factory Auto Unions proving irrestiable.
More info on www.vscc.co.uk events and Donington Park Weekend.
The Escort managed to sustain some damage during the enforced off season while away getting the MOT and brakes rebuilt. Somebody decided it would be a good idea to run over the car while parked out on the road. The bonnet and boot lid just received foot prints but the roof had been jumped on. Fortunately David Heale has removed the dents in the roof but a couple of very small creases remain. As it happened over the Easter weekend on Saturday night and the police would not come to look at it until Tuesday three days later, reason being that it was a bank holiday... Never mind I got a nice little book about being a "victim" of crime.
Anyway Donington looks good and the weather looks like it might be reasonable. Good job as we shall be under canvas!
Mark
Just got my copy of Triple which I immediately sat down and read from cover to cover as usual.
It was confirmed that Steve Harris is giving up the editor’s chair for "personal reasons". What a wonderful phrase. It's as informative as people that resign jobs "to pursue other interests"
I have a love hate relationship with both "Triple" and "Re-Start". I love reading them but always feel a bit controlled on an "auntie knows best" basis where either the editor or the establishment is controlling the information flow.
I have had my biggest problem with Re-Start in the days when Anne was in the editor’s chair. There was a lot of debate about the roughness of sections. I wrote a letter and Anne published an extract, which portrayed the complete opposite view I was trying to make, but endorsed her own opinion! I never really forgave her for that! In fairness to Re-Start's current editor I don't believe Pat would do that as she is very correct in everything she does and expects others to be as well. I have had a few e-mails when she has felt I was stepping out of line on my Web activities!
Steve Harris and I had a rather formal relationship when he used some stuff in Triple from my Web Site without asking or acknowledging where it came from. I thought this was most impolite and said so and he never used my stuff again! The whole thing was even more complicated as someone else wrote the piece, he had written it for the supplement I do for the Falcon magazine and I hadn't asked if I could publish it on the web myself! A mistake I haven't repeated and the author must have forgiven me as he still helps me out from time to time!
I also had problems in the past with the SODC magazine.
There is a bit of controversy over a letter Ian Blackburn wrote in an earlier Triple which upset a few members. Consequently, there is an apology in the latest Triple and a statement that "On reflection........... should not have been published".
That brings me back to paragraph 3. I believe (and will write to Triple to say so) that a member should be able to write a letter with the expectation that it is published. The fact that the club and/or it's members may or not agree or may be upset is irrelevant. It's the individuals opinion and he or she must stand the consequences if others don't like it. As much as I love my Triple I am over 21 and I don't want a sanitised "everything is rosy we all love each other " version. Or is all this perhaps part of the MCC charm? It probably is!
Michael
For Sale due to lack of time, 1500 Midget prepared for classic trials. Very comprehensive history including results etc on trials entered.
Well known on MCC events (last entered approx 5 yrs ago).
Engine runs well with strong oil pressure.
Over the 2 years I have fitted the following.
- New suspension and brakes all round, including poly rear bushes and raising the rear suspension.
- Custom Maniflow built exhaust that runs over the axle for ground clearance.
- Resprayed the car.
The car comes with 12 months MOT, 4 good tyres on it and many spares including an engine and box, that were removed from a running car (I was told that they were freshly rebuilt but have not stripped them.)
£1250
I'm still trying to work out what I did to be able to send that last message (the first one in weeks!) even if the font was minute.
Everyone should keep a daily watch here:
http://www.msauk.org/news/newsfrm.htm
to see the official MSA view.
Andrew
I would add this to the previous trailer section but every time I try to read it it makes my computer hang. As one of the further flung competitors I used to pride myself in driving to and from events in the DAF, aided on one or two occasions by the RAC truck. I would endorse the concern that others have shown for trailer use allowing the use of vehicles only driveable for short distances. My Marlin is pretty comfortable, if cold, to drive for long distances and on the Land’s End I will usually do a round trip of 600 miles back to the trailer. I don’t think it is unreasonable for us to do the other part of our journey in doors. We have tried the hood and decided that the protection it afforded wasn’t worth it so it gets left at home. Finally any event outside of the north requires a stop away of at least one night and the storage capacity of the Marlin does tend to encroach on our expectations of basic hygiene (I have a very large toothbrush but don’t tell anyone else)
Tony
The Trailer Debate - Afresh
Discussion list Previous discussion Next discussion
Started by: Mark Rosten-Edwards Sent: 12/02/2001 12:58 5 Replies
Hi all
Below is the text lifted out of "My Exmoor". I hope the people involved do not mind.
I personally have driven the Escort to and from the meetings. My thoughts surround
the wheels which take a fair bashing in our sport. Bent rims and cut tyres are all
always managed to return home on tyres I carry in the boot which have usually done just
the road sections. But what happens when you haven't got any/enough left? Thinking of
it how many of us check the inside tyre walls before returning home? A trailer would
seem a better option for safety alone.
Having said that there is a definite pleasure in driving the Escort still covered in
mud back to London and looking at all the faces in the 4x4s, which will see about as
much mud as Mika Hakkinen's McLaren will! And certainly never see the delights of
Crackington, Tillerton, Blue Hills, Simms and the like.
Anyway read on as there are people below who know, and have experienced, an awful
lot more than I have.
Mark
From Chris Phillips
This is not strictly a contribution to the 'My Exmoor' discussion; more a response to
Michael's views on trailering cars to and from trials as expressed in his report on the
Exmoor over on Classical Gas.
Dudley's views on this are well known and respected and carry a lot of weight in a sport
that he has competed in with distinction for many, many years.
Michaels views on Class 8 cars are also valid - but not if you're 6'4" tall!
Both Stuart Harrold and I are around this height. If it weren't for the ability to
trailer to and from one day events, or back from the MCC events I doubt if either of
us would compete.
Stuart's Troll has just about enough leg room for us to operate in for relatively
short periods of time.
But cramp etc sets in after a short time. The Land's End instruction after Hoskin
'.... turn left on to the A 30 and in approximately 23 miles turn right at ...'
is purgatory.
For the sake of my and my chauffeur's arthritic knees and ankles leave us have the
luxury of returning from trials in some comfort, not cramped up in the car like
sardines in a can.
On the Manx I tried the passengers position in a Cannon, just prior to the last hill.
How anybody over 5'4" can operate in those I do not know.
From: Michael Leete
Sent: 03/02/2001 21:55
3 of 4
I think Ed's experiences compared to mine highlight how hard it is or organisers to
cater for the wide range of capabilities of cars and drivers. I know I would really
have struggled in my Beetle on some of the stuff Dudley climbed with ease. I was
interested to hear how long Ed had to wait at the holding control for the first section.
I should think the last car must have finished pretty late.
A couple of words on Chris's message - hope to find out for myself before I get to old
as I rather fancy a Troll or a Dellow. Only problem is that guy's like David Thompson
get in while I am still thinking!
Certainly I was pretty comfortable in Dudley's car. It was about 135 miles from The
New Forest to Barnstaple in conditions hovering around freezing. I was surprised
but I didn't get cold in the gear I borrowed from Dudley and Fred Gregory. As I
said I was pretty comfortable and went to sleep for most of the journey back!
Michael
From: Mike Furse
Sent: 09/02/2001 20:52
4 of 4
Surely the topic of trailering cars to meetings is worthy of a separate subject,
rather than added to a report on one specific event.
Although now known as Classic Trials, we are all involved in RELIABILITY Trials. To
me this means, among other things, that the cars should be comfortable enough to
drive for more than the small mileage that the average one-day event uses.
There are arguments for using trailers to get to and from events. Convenience and
safety being two that spring to mind. The idea of using a trailer because the vehicle
is next-to-impossible to drive on the road strikes me as a very poor argument indeed.
I drive the car I do because I am comfortable driving it. I don't fit in a Dellow
and I have problems with Trolls, so I don't drive them. I sold my very competitive
Class 8 special because it was too uncomfortable to drive for any distance. The
next owner did the same!
Dud regularly makes fools of most of his fellow competitors in Class 8 and even
greater fools of those of us (yes, I use a trailer!) in the other classes.
His car is driven to and from all meetings and his stamina is such that, although
his passenger may fall asleep on the way home, Dud does not! More power to him.
This argument is important because it is linked to what Mike has to say about the
difficulties of trying to run an event for cars of such widely differing abilities.
The supply of suitable vehicles for classes 3,4,5 and 6 is fast running out (the
newest Escort Mk2 is now over 20 years old!). Competitive vehicles in Class 1 tend
to be odd to say the least. Class 2 competitors are increasingly concerned about
the severity of sections and do not contest the one-day trials in great numbers.
Against that, some kitcars are now modified almost beyond recognition and a lot
of the things in Class 8 were not designed to be used on the road at all and,
increasingly, organisers are laying out courses to stop them. The fact is that
most of the successful cars tend to arrive on a trailer. Is this because they
have been developed to the point that they cannot be driven comfortably (or,
indeed, safely) for any distance on the road?
At the moment, organisers do a pretty good job at squaring this particular circle,
but if things develop too much further some competitors will be demanding that we
take the events off the public highway altogether as their vehicles are too
uncomfortable to drive on the roads!
The time is fast approaching when we will have to decide which way our sport is going.
Mike Furse.
Add reply First Previous 1-5 of 5 Next Last
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Michael Leete Sent: 13/02/2001 23:34 1 of 5
Posted on behalf of Duncan Stephens as he has had technical troubles:-
Michael, I have tried to write a note on the Cotswold Clouds and also on the trailer
debate, but each time it has not displayed the message that I wrote....does the
community have the 90day rule like hotmail?? Could this be the reason.....heard
of anyone else having problems. Anyway, I have attached a file on the piece that
I wanted attached to the trailer debate. I kind of waffled on a bit, but am just
trying to provoke a few ideas and some discussion!! See you Sunday at the PCT??
I shall be their with the Nova ballasted, but just found out that I have got
Simon Harris in the class too, so may put some more ballast in as I know the
Nova will not pull second and also it is going to be wet isn't it? Are you doing
the event? Duncan I was suppose to be doing a sporting trial the weekend of the
Cotswold Clouds, but it was cancelled due to us not being able to get into the
field. Instead of watching it rain all day, Dad and I decided to go and watch
the Cotswold Clouds. I must say that I generally agree with what has been said
about the use of trailers in getting trials specials to and from events. We do
have to ask ourselves if this is the image that the sport wishes to portray to
the general public that our cars are not ideal for travelling on the public highway?
Think of the safety implications if one of these cramped "specials" was unfortunately
involved in an accident. I personally feel that the issue of safety is becoming
about their products (the NCAP results). Whilst watching Crooked Mustard and
Merves Swerve on the Cotswold Clouds we did notice that some of the specials
due to the climbing ability of the competitive special, tyre pressure restrictions
circle. One special appeared to be down right dangerous in our few. On Crooked
Mustard the front was in the air between the second and third corner, then right
up the bank after the third corner. Then this same special had them back in the
just think what it is like going over speed bumps! Ballast is banned in
trials, it is just not quite as severe but these "cars" have to be driven on the road.
This is not against specials generally, after all we all have a great deal of
admiration for Dudley and his J2, but can some of the class 8 vehicles actually
be called cars? Would many of them be strictly legal if we came across a policeman
protrude beyond a certain point behind the back bumper??!! Saloon cars are getting
harder and harder to find in a good condition, and as the hills become tougher
and rougher to stop the specials, it is to the detriment of the saloons as it
is only doing more damage to them. This is only really suppose to be thought
provoking and not against class 8 specials, as I am sure that they have their
place in classic trials. What would organisers do without then?! I appreciate
just how very hard it is for organisers to stop the specials whilst not making
it too hard for everyone else. Duncan
From: stuartharrold Sent: 14/02/2001 10:59 2 of 5
This is an interesting subject and I know my regular bouncer has had his say on
trailers. So now my thoughts as I trailer my Troll to all trials that do not
start at Popham airfield, so why. All the other classics start at least 120 miles
from home and that means a 120 mile trek home in the dark after the event,
usually on a Sunday evening. I enjoy driving my Troll around country lanes,
B roads and the odd rural A road. I do not enjoy driving on Trunk roads and
Motorways, nothing to do with the safety of the Troll but all to do with
vulnerability, I just do not enjoy being 'beaten up' by Arctic trucks as
they flash by at 70 m.p.h. especially on a dark wet night. Remember even
the MCC has removed the dreaded run down the A303 from the route of the Lands End
and Exeter trials. Now another reason, cost. I am lucky in that my employer
provides me with a very comfortable 3 litre saloon and all the fuel that it
uses. So other than income tax it costs me nothing to get to and from events,
a big plus when doing the Northern, Edinburgh, Lands End etc. I can also easily
tow at 60 mph which is a bit faster than the Trolls cruising speed of 45 to 50 mph.
I am sure some not so fortunate will agree. Another reason, if the worse happens
and the car breaks down I have transport handy and can get everything home in a
reasonable time without having to hang around for the RAC or similar. Lastly it
is very nice to be able to drive home in a warm car in dry clothes listening to
the radio after a hectic days trialing. I enter classic trials to drive and
compete on trials, not to drive a trials car on a motorway or similar.
I plan to continue in my 'soft' non spirit of classic trials ways for as long as
I have a trailer!!!
Stuart Harrold
From: stuartharrold Sent: 14/02/2001 11:07 3 of 5
Sorry all, I spent considerable time typing a reply only to find only a few
disjointed lines had got onto the system. I cannot be bothered to do it all again.
Stuart Harrold
From: Mike Furse Sent: 14/02/2001 18:36 4 of 5
What's happened to the line lengths in this discussion? Or is it me!!? I like
to print out some of these discussions to distribute to friends.
This is now impossible. Mike Furse.
From: Michael Leete Sent: 14/02/2001 23:50 5 of 5
Yes this is strange. I know with Duncan's stuff I had a problem because I cut
and pasted it. However, it all seems to have gone up the chute. I am interested
to see what happens to this post.
Michael
Hi all
Below is the text lifted out of "My Exmoor". I hope the people involved do not mind.
Anyway read on as there are people below who know, and have experienced, an awful lot more than I have.
Mark
| From Chris Phillips This is not strictly a contribution to the 'My Exmoor' discussion; more a response to Michael's views on trailering cars to and from trials as expressed in his report on the Exmoor over on Classical Gas. Dudley's views on this are well known and respected and carry a lot of weight in a sport that he has competed in with distinction for many, many years. Michaels views on Class 8 cars are also valid - but not if you're 6'4" tall! Both Stuart Harrold and I are around this height. If it weren't for the ability to trailer to and from one day events, or back from the MCC events I doubt if either of us would compete. Stuart's Troll has just about enough leg room for us to operate in for relatively short periods of time. But cramp etc sets in after a short time. The Land's End instruction after Hoskin '.... turn left on to the A 30 and in approximately 23 miles trurn right at ...' is purgatory. For the sake of my and my chauffeur's arthritic knees and ankles leave us have the luxury of returning from trials in some comfort, not cramped up in the car like sardines in a can. On the Manx I tried the passengers position in a Cannon, just prior to the last hill. How anybody over 5'4" can operate in those I do not know. |
| From: Michael Leete | Sent: 03/02/2001 21:55 | 3 of 4 |
| I think Ed's experiences compared to mine highlight how hard it is or organisers to cater for the wide range of capabilities of cars and drivers. I know I would really have stuggled in my Beetle on some of the stuff Dudley climbed with ease. I was interested to hear how long Ed had to wait at the holding control for the first section. I should think the last car must have finished pretty late. A couple of words on Chris's message - hope to find out for myself before I get to old as I rather fancy a Troll or a Dellow. Only problem is that guy's like David Thompson get in while I am still thinking! Certainly I was pretty comfortable in Duley's car. It was about 135 miles from The New Forest to Barstaple in conditions hovering around frezing. I was surprised but I didn't get cold in the gear I borrowed from Dudley and Fred Gregory. As I said I was pretty comfortable and went to sleep for most of the journey back! Michael | ||
| From: Mike Furse | Sent: 09/02/2001 20:52 | 4 of 4 |
| Surely the topic of trailering cars to meetings is worthy of a separate subject, rather than added to a report on one specific event. Although now known as Classic Trials, we are all involved in RELIABILITY Trials. To me this means, among other things, that the cars should be comfortable enough to drive for more than the small mileage that the average one-day event uses. There are arguments for using trailers to get to and from events. Convenience and safety being two that spring to mind. The idea of using a trailer because the vehicle is next-to-impossible to drive on the road strikes me as a very poor argument indeed. I drive the car I do because I am comfortable driving it. I don't fit in a Dellow and I have problems with Trolls, so I don't drive them. I sold my very competitive Class 8 special because it was too uncomfortable to drive for any distance. The next owner did the same! Dud regularly makes fools of most of his fellow competitors in Class 8 and even greater fools of those of us (yes, I use a trailer!) in the other classes. His car is driven to and from all meetings and his stamina is such that, although his passenger may fall asleep on the way home, Dud does not! More power to him. This argument is important because it is linked to what Mike has to say about the difficulties of trying to run an event for cars of such widely differing abilities. The supply of suitable vehicles for classes 3,4,5 and 6 is fast running out (the newest Escort Mk2 is now over 20 years old!). Competitive vehicles in Class 1 tend to be odd to say the least. Class 2 competitors are increasingly concerned about the severity of sections and do not contest the one-day trials in great numbers. Against that, some kitcars are now modified almost beyond recognition and a lot of the things in Class 8 were not designed to be used on the road at all and, increasingly, organisers are laying out courses to stop them. The fact is that most of the successful cars tend to arrive on a trailer. Is this because they have been developed to the point that they cannot be driven comfortably (or, indeed, safely) for any distance on the road? At the moment, organisers do a pretty good job at squaring this particular circle, but if things develop too much further some competitors will be demanding that we take the events off the public highway altogether as their vehicles are too uncomfortable to drive on the roads! The time is fast approaching when we will have to decide which way our sport is going. Mike Furse. | ||
As you will see, the issue of trailers has prompted some keen debate. This of course is what the community is all about. Members have strong feelings and are airing them in a forceful but civilised way. We may or may not agree with the views but we respect each poster is entitled to their opinion. Either way the community provides a valuable sounding board and quite a few influential MCC/ACTC committee members look in on the posts. So we are influential and I certainly believe member’s views posted here had some influence on The Lands End staying at Easter.
However, this brings me back to an old chestnut, that of real names. The participants in the trailer debate are either using their real names or we (regular competitors) know who they are. This means that if they go too far they know they will have to look the other person in the eye in the queue for breakfast at Tintinhull or wherever.
If you look at the community rules, you will see it is mandatory for members to either use their real names, use a nickname so that regular triallers know who you are and/or have an e-mail address that we can contact you on.
This can be done in your member profile so those only members can see it.
I see we have new members who do not comply with these conditions. If you are in this category please do not post to the community until you go to your member profile and use your full real name, or a nickname so that we (or at least I) know who you are and use a bona fide e-mail address. Otherwise, I will have to block your posts.
Michael
Community Manager
Hi
Does anybody know what the Burlington Arrow is? Maybe have a picture?
Why was it excluded at Tintinhull?
As an aside we receive Provisional Result but not Final Results. Is there a reason? Probably time I assume! But it would be nice to know.
Mark
I had my first experience of trialling in an open car when I passengered Dudley Sterry on The Exmoor. The drive through the breaking dawn from The New Forest up to Barnstaple was of course an experience in itself. This I will write about later! All the class eight’s were running together at the head of the field and we were third car on the road. This meant that apart from a handful of class eight’s and the occasional late biker we saw very few other competitors all day.
Jenny Wren was the first section and we had a long wait, first at a holding control, then at the foot of the section itself, as the bikes were having major problems in the slippery conditions. We heard that Adrian Marfell, who is the current man to beat, didn’t get of the re-start, but when our time came we did. Although all the sections apart from Beggars were new to me none of them held any surprises for Dudley. He knew the class 8 restart was going to be on some slippery slate. His advance strategy was to trickle off, that’s exactly what he did and it worked!
Sepscott 1 and 2 and Snapper 1 and 2 were in a wood and neither posed any problems for Dudley’s J2 although Snapper 1 was a bit hairy where the track was washed away. The worst bit was after the section ends and I should think the lower classes would have had problems getting out the top.
Riverton was reserved for Solo’s and Class 8. This was because the track was badly eroded. The J2 didn’t have any problems although if we had stopped it would have tipped on it’s side we were at such an angle.
We lost our clean sheet on High Bray. It looked easy from the start line but then I couldn’t see what was around the corner! We got of the re-start OK and Dudley tried to drive up the left-hand part of the track, avoiding the "Grand Canyon" on the right. Unfortunately we didn’t quite have enough momentum and the rear slid into the canyon and that was that, well after a spirited attempt to "burn-out" it was!
We were back into another wood at for Pheasants Hill and Lower Mouland, both of which we cleaned easily although we got a flat front tyre and had to change the tube, which is nice and easy if you don’t have to break the bead! Beggars was a no problem at all. It looked completely different to The Lands End when the restart area is rough and rocky, whether with doctoring or because it gets cut up by the earlier numbers, or both!
We got a route amendment at Beggars, substituting Lyncombe Bridge with Scoresdown (anybody know why?). This was nice and easy which is more than could be said for the last hill at Floyds Bank, a grassy weave amongst or through the goarse bushes. The J2 didn’t want to steer properly and Dudley couldn’t get it straight enough to attack the last bank so we dropped another couple of marks. I would think this would have been a nightmare for the lower classes.
John Lees came over for a quick chat at the finish then there just remained the matter of the drive back to The New Forest to pick up my Volvo to go back to Bedfordshire. I got home at 9.30 pm having left at 2.45 am. 600 miles in all, two thirds of it in an open car with no hood and no windscreen! A long day but what a fantastic adventure. More of which over the next few days over on The Classical gas Web Site. I would love to hear more about the trial because running at the front we hardly saw anyone else.
How was your Exmoor Trial?
Michael
As shown on the front of the web community site I am selling the trusty friend.
It has competed well, climbing hills such as Blue Hills, Crackington, and Sugg Lane!
It comes with a Galvanised chassi, visa 650cc engine more spares than able to number including a low ratio gearbox. Professional sump plate with strengthened bumper, reclining seats and weights.
Good cheap first trials car.
Offers around 짙1000.00
