We really enjoyed our Edinburgh. After 20 + years in the Beetle we went open top with my 1172 Dellow in Class 0, a real adventure. We were delighted with the route and the sections, they were great fun without being damaging, for us at least, although there were a couple that I wouldn't have wanted to do in a saloon with limited ground clearance.
I think we climbed all the hills but I'm not bothered about that. For me it was the challenge of getting that old car round the route and driving it back home again. No mechanical problems apart from having to fill it up with water every hour as the radiator is leaking. However, we knew that before the event so were carrying a lot of water and some Radweld in case it got too bad.
The other class 0 competitors we spoke to all enjoyed themselves. Enjoyed the do in the evening although we didn't appreciate the waiting staff hovering to clear your plate away as soon as you finished, even if you hadn't. Also the do didn't seem very well attended and if the hierarchy were present why no speeches?
How was your Edinburgh Trial?
Ours was good until we came to an abrupt end on a very rough Putwell 2, with no drive at the rear wheels! See John Slater's photo. Mark 2 Dellows with standard suspension and 1172 engine are not going to compete in class 8 on this type of hill. We waited a long while for the AA after being towed to Taddington but were supplied by the residents to cups of coffee and commiseration. No PR problem with those people I spoke to.
ReplyDeleteBack to class O in future.
Robin Barlow.
I totally agree with your comments about low ground clearance in saloons. Black Harry was a cacophony of crashes and bangs and Excelsior raised the odd crash. But that's part of the fun and our sump guard and other under body protection did their job and we got to the end. Fantastic day, much more enjoyable in the sun, after last year my daughter thought Derbyshire was coloured fog grey and very wet. This year she realised it has some stunning views, fantastic rock formations and fabulous trials sections.
ReplyDeletewe had a brilliant trial as first car on the road (99) we only saw cars at the first two sections and ran the whole trial in the pack at the end of the bikes. clean up to breakfast then the first fail was at Bamford cant get off that restart. then the next was excelsior pilot error there didn't get off that restart.clean until the last section Dudwood section for class B,7&8 got off the restart over the next hump onto the next part of the climb and we ground to a halt that section was very soft and it took away the chance of a bronze medal.its getting better 4 fails on the Lands end 3 on the Edinburgh so here's to the Exeter well you have to keep positive!!!!
ReplyDeleteI volunteered to marshal on Bamford Clough and found myself promoted to 'chief official' without my knowledge! The theory behind me being nominated was that I have more experience of Bamford than any of the others in our group of volunteers. Well that may be so but ALL my previous experience was behind the wheel of a trials car. I've probably cleaned Bamford between twenty-five and thirty times but my last visit was in 1996 I think! I couldn't believe how steep it is, also very rough, and slippery in the dusty conditions. I walked down from the top to the re-start box when we were setting out, very difficult with an artificial knee, and I found it virtually impossible to climb back up to the top again, many thanks to old friend Mick Holmes who I hadn't seen since my days driving the Troll, he took hold of my arm and dragged me up the last bit, must have thought, 'poor old fart, can't believe this is the old wild man with the Troll'. Then we went back round to the start to complete setting out and I had a lift up to my midway marshalling point in an LR. A few teething troubles with our radio communications early on meant we inadvertently let one or two riders onto the hill whilst still recovering fallen riders. Sorry to anyone who we had to award with a 'baulk', didn't want to spoil your climb of Bamford. Got it sorted with a combined radio/hand signalling system so no problems from then on.
ReplyDeleteMany competitors were being very cautious due to the extreme dryness making the section seem extremely rough. Many got away with it but the less powerful machinery paid the price for their lack of momentum when they reached the upper part of the hill. Later on the re-start became very polished, as did all the steep steps, even below the lay-by. I think I doffed my cap to most of the Falcon MC members competing and to several old adversaries from my trialling days as they passed my position at the first seat. Nice to meet old friends and acquaintances after so many years away from MCC trials, very glad it was dry and fairly sunny all day, although the winds were gale force and the dust was a real problem, still trying to clear my eyes more than twenty-four hours after getting home!
I was at Calton hill on Saturday, thanks to all those who waved. I saw the whole trial go through, so I have some sort of picture of almost everyone. I am curretly sorting the pictures out, but it may be a few days before I get round to posting them.
ReplyDeleteDave Cook
We also had a good trial. To give you an idea of how challenging an MGB is to drive we struggled to get out of the last special test. The biker boys had quite a few tumbles and for the first time got mixed up with the early cars. Roy Newton was the new C of C and for his first Edinburgh had quite a few major problems which were got around to put on a good event. C of C rarely get recognition for their efforts but Roy deserves a big thanks and please use 2009`s experiance to run Edinburgh 2010.
ReplyDeleteBamford is never easy, as a driver, rider or marshal. What Dave did not mention was everything else he had to sorted out for us. This included walkers, mountain bikers and 4 x 4 drivers who all wish to use Bamford when we did. This in the same time frame as one competitor a minute. Some say it can`t be done. Thank you Dave.
ReplyDeleteWe had a good trial despite popping a drive shaft on Bamford. Thought it was terminal initially until I stopped in the village, checked then stuck a fresh one in. Failed Restarts on Elmore and Excelsior. Spot on signage on the sections and other tracks and also on the road sections with the SO, R and L markers in addition to the QQ and Quite ones. The engine ran like a Swiss watch all day so I hope that Baldricks engine probs have been sorted. Need to learn how to drive it properly and trust the power a bit more rather than the clutch. Putwell 2, WELL,yeee gods!!! that has to be deteriorating quickly and is Bamford getting rougher?(only ever driven them twice though) Time to get into the garage now and work out why the rear wheels are at two different angles.
ReplyDeleteJonathan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your personal message but you need credit where it is due!!! The signage WAS spot on. As a bit part player in the organisation of the Northern we try to get things right and if it is appreciated it makes the time spent well worth the effort. My navigator ('Er Indoors) is not exactly trials orientated so anything which makes my job easier is appreciated. (Please dont tell her I said this!!!)
John Salter has posted some great photos of Putwell, Excelsior and Moneystones. Click Here to see John's Edinburgh Photos
ReplyDeleteMichael