Eric Atkinson in action
Warm late summer sunshine and a dry venue made for near-perfect riding conditions at Red Rose Classic MCC's trial at Float Bridge. The popular and picturesque venue, situated on the edge of the moors above Burnley, featured grassy bankings and hillocks, with a long, tricky stream section thrown in for good measure.
Clerks of the course Ian Johnston and Brian Braithwaite laid out the traditional Red Rose format of four laps of ten sections, and were rewarded when over fifty riders turned up for a day of classic trialling.
With no finishers in class A - the only entrant was Tim Baker who retired his Ariel - Pete Clibburn and his Cub emerged top of class C by four marks, ahead of Andrew Scott, also on a Cub.
Just one mark separated the top four in class Ce, with Maurice Brayford tieing with John Wilson on 16. The DOT rider got the nod on the Oldest Rider rule. which was applied for third and fourth places.
Bob Baker (Cub) edged out David Wear (Francis Barnett), the pair just one mark behind the class winner.
Class D was an all-James affair, Paul Harrison taking the win ahead of Eric Atkinson.
The Twinshock class was the most popular on the day, with John Hird (Yamaha) dropping just two marks to claim the honours ahead of Owen Hardisty (Bultaco) who finished on 6.
Paul Whittaker and his Fantic topped the Twinshock easy route with 12 marks, five ahead of Phil Holey's Honda.
Red Rose Classic MCC would like to thank the clerks of the course, the landowners and the observers.
Their next club trial is at Top Quarry, Lothersdale, on October 25. Nearest postcode is BD22 0LW.
Results
Class C: Pete Clibburn (Cub) 4, Andrew Scott (Cub) 8, Stewart Ormesher (BSA) 15.
Class Ce: Maurice Brayford (DOT) 16, John Wilson (Bantam) 16, Bob Baker (Cub) 17.
Class D: Paul Harrison (James) 38, Eric Atkinson (James) 52.
Class T: John Hird (Yamaha) 2, Owen Hardisty (Bultaco) 6, David Wilkinson (Honda) 13.
Class Te: Paul Whittaker (Fantic) 12, Phil Holey (Honda) 17, Peter Rhodes (Montesa) 19.