I've started a new discussion as the last one regarded speculation that the date was going to change. We now know that subject to ratification it will.
From the responses to the speculation it is clear that a number of competitors would be sad to see this change take place. I know that just about the whole of Cornwall would! As I have said previously the Lands End Trial is an institution that has run unchanged (by modern standards) since the start of the last century. Why change it now?
After discussions with John West (Clerk of the Course) this weekend, it appears that the reason is due to increasing difficulties with organisation. Bude and Penzance in particular are keen to attract visitors on a weekend before Easter when things are quieter. It would also be possible to reopen Penzance promenade for the final special test. (Penzance as a finish does at least look safe for now).There are also said to be concerns over accomodation due to the Easter weekend and ever increasing traffic.
Now before I continue I would first like to say that I think John West has done an excellent job as the Clerk of the Course, and the changes he and his organisational team have made thus far have made the greatest trial in our calendar even better. BUT, as regards the date change, I personally think, this event will lose so much of what makes it special.
The Lands End Trial will no longer be the one trial to do if you don't do any others in the year. Whereas it will never become "just another trial", I honestly believe it won't be far off. It will be just another weekend away trialling but the only thing that will mark it out as being special is the fact that it runs over two days. It certainly won't be so different from the Exeter and Edinburgh.
The reasons for the movement are above all most concerning. To begin with, why do we go to Bude? Is it not just for a speed test? Who cares if the promenade at Penznace is opened for a speed test? We used to do Hobbs Choice speed test on a muddy track in the middle of nowhere. Are the speed test a compelling reason to make any change to the format? Surely these are secondary to the climbing of the hills and the adhering to the route in the correct time! Don't get me wrong I have great fun on these tests but lets get priorities right!
I also believe that sponsorship is provided by these councils, but this is surely another issue altogether. If funds are needed to keep the event going I can't believe that 300+ competitors can't think of a way to raise them. We do of course need to know that this is a problem.
As regards accomodation, I have said it before and will repeat myself. These is plenty of accomodation in South West Cornwall over Easter as long as there is a little bit of forward planning. I usually stay as part of a group of at least 10, and for only one night. This is booked at the same time as the entry form is sent and so far we have always had options as to the final hotel. Of course if people try two weeks before they will struggle but what I am saying is that it only requires a little bit of forward planning.
Traffic? Come on, how much traffic do we see on the routes we take? Except of course around Bude on the way to a special test. But again, what's a bit of traffic? Annoying maybe, but surely worth the sacrifice of keeping this great event on its traditional date.
As Simon Woodall has stated, if we wish to stop this then protests must be directed to John Aley. I would suggest writing as opposed to ringing as this may have the opposite effect if John is bombarded night after night with calls. Everyone should be aware that if they stand by, to see what happens this will almost certainly result in no Lands End at Easter.
I think we can all understand that there are organisational problems and this makes it tough for those running the event and as I have already said, John West and his team do a superb job in overcoming these. I would hate to think that by pushing to keep this traditional date we would see them stand down, but I do think the MCC need to be aware how strong the feeling is regarding this event.
Sorry to ramble on for so long but this is an emotive subject and I don't want to give up yet another tradition without a fight. This event, running as it does, is worth fighting for and I merely wish for the MCC to accept this (and by the MCC I refer to all members as well as the council), and do whatever is necessary to provide John and his team the help they need to overcome the numerous obastacles put in their way.
I would of course be glad to read messages from anyone who believes that this change is for the good. It would be even sadder to think that it changed and everyone thought it a bad idea!
Regards to all.
Giles Greenslade
