Left Bedford just after 4.30 and had an easy run to Doynton via Buckingham and Oxford, joining the M4 at Swindon. Arrived at start not long after 7.30 to join a long queue for scruitineering that streched a long way down the narrow street. Not sure the locals will have enjoyed all those idling engines outside their windows when thet were expecting a Sunday morning lie in! The first few sections still had a bit of ice and we were doing well until we got to Big Uplands where we got round the corner but stopped at the three when we ran out of momentum, or was it ground clearance. It was a long reverse down! Most of the lower classes seemed to flounder here but I understand the Trojans went clear, well done.
We left the line at Guys Hill with the wheels spinning so didn't get very far. We had a bit of a delay on Travers when the Sierra had issues but a clear run through after that. We managed to clear the first two Ubley Woods sections but couldn't get the Beetle over the hump on the third.
Enjoyed the Lakeside sections, I thought Pete Hart had made a good job of making the best of this venue. John Walker was as magnificent as ever, although the ruts have got a lot deeper since I last went up it 4 years ago. Lets hope it stays usable. Pleased that the Beetle ran well all day.
We made for home as soon as we finished and I was back in Bedford at 19.30. I understand from Duncan Stephens that the results may read something like:-
1 Nick Cleal 2
2 Bill Bennett 2
3 Hans Viertel 3
4 Steve Potter in his Trojan 3
5 Dave Haizledean 3
How was your Allen Trial ?
Michael
A group of us from Ross-on-Wye marshalled the special test at Ubley woods. It never ceases to amaze me how few drivers or passengers read the route information. There were a number of fails due to not knowing what to do on the test as the instructions had not been read. There were also a few very close to over running the finish stop astride line. A good day out, beautiful views and thankfully no wind. After the test we did chicken out and headed to a lovely pub with an open fire rather than going elswhere to watch.
ReplyDeleteA good event.
Stuart Harrold
Left home around 4.00. Cold. At least the van has a heater. Unloaded in a lay by not long after leaving the M4 and were passed by a number of fellow competitors as I coaxed the Beetle into life – very cold. Led the way down to the trailer park and drove in – Dad followed in the van and promptly got stuck!
ReplyDeleteThe first section seemed innocent enough but ,setting a tone for the day, near the end suddenly became very slippery with ice and worried me a bit. All the sections are new to me and it was with some trepidation that I listened to peoples stories and advice in the queue for Big Uplands. I attacked the hill but no amount of trying would get us past the 3 marker – very icy.
Enjoyed tobogganing around the Ubley Wood sections and found the ST a harsh but fair challenge – will be interested to see the results. Had a really good time on Chimney and the following section – it was good to play in some mud. Finally to John Walker. Considered the virtues of a rear engine as the Marlin in front of us drowned in the water splash and couldn’t get running properly. Found this hill rough (there were some big holes near the top) but an interesting challenge.
Finished just after sunset and loaded back up in another lay by. All in all an enjoyable and well run event with some tough hills and nice snowy scenery. Got home after 8 and found that had been a bit over exuberant and cracked the front beam. Thanks to all involved in running the event. Awaiting the results.....
Thank you to the organisers and marshals for braving the cold and giving us once again a really enjoyable trial .
ReplyDeleteCheers
Carl