hillary

Rod my new 4RT yesterday for the first time - absolutely stonkingly brilliant - better than I hoped for. have changed to a 43 tooth rear, a 315 clutch master cylinder and Hebo footrests. There's so much time available now in sections - and I'm a Mont man through and through - this is my fifth Mont, four x 315s It was apig to start from cold though. Stroked it to get it to go but though it would fire it wouldn't run, but once it went it was fine - newness I suppose. Dead happy, best Vet in our trial and 2nd overall in clubmen. Looking forward to next Sunday now.

I want to go to 5 days of Verdun, but need travelling companion to share costs - my van is OK, or your van. Have been to Sardent back in 2000, brilliant, but need to get in Verdun before too many birthdays. Also need to make definite decision soon as if I don't do Verdun, then its over to the Manx again and ferries need to be booked soon. But can do many more Manxes, but can't get much more energy in future for five days.

The reply by Bikespace is the correct one, the Pinhard Prize can only be won by someone who is NOMINATED. If they are not nominated, they can't win. I used to be on the judging panel of this award, together with Ralph Venables, Colin Moram (I think), Brian Bonny, a member of the Sunbeam Club and Peter Howdle. Venables used to ensure that the details of the Pinhard Prize was always circulated to the press, but some years ago the secretaryship of the Prize was voluntarily relinquished by the gentleman who had successfully undertaken it for many years, and handed to Allan Robinson. For obscure reasons, in no time I was off the panel, despite my many years in the sport and journalism and being the only current competitor on the judging panel. And now that Venables has passed away, the Pinhard details don't seem to be circulated any more, or if they are, not to those who are interested. I don't know who makes the judgement now, but it doesn't alter the fact that to win you have to be nominated. Simple as that. And expecting a trials rider to win is no guarantee. Top road racers, motocrossers, grassers, enduro riders and non-competing clubmen can all win, as long as they are under 21 at the time.

You MUST buy TBM magazine early next month for the full, no holds barred Cota 4RT test - very objective, very fair, so I'm told - and look out for more trials stuff from that magazine's direction. Defending TMX, they are under pressure from all advertisers, it's always been like that, and probably always will be. fact of life in a small world. However, TBM have defended their corner from the world go; it's obviously cost them at times, but they've stuck it out. Just read this month's issue and read the slagging off Jonty Edmunds gave the Wayne Braybrook and Paul Edmondson Honda, British Enduro Championship winning bikes. Don't say he was right, but at least he said it and they printed it.

My comment about running out of gas when testing the 4RT refers to the fact that the tank is small, therefore doesn't hold much - about 2 litres - rather than commenting about the bike being thirsty. It's actually more economical than a stroker, but I think it will catch a few folks out when going any distance. TBM is a UK based publication, has been around for eight years now and concentrates on the enduro and trail bike world. However, for the past 18 months or so they have had a bit of trials stuff in. It's A5 in size, costs

Three of us have been testing two, with a 315 as well to compare, for TBM magazine's January issue. But sworn to secrecy until mag hits the bookshelves about Jan 10. However, I can give you a hint, take a spare pint of gas in a bottle if you are going to be far away from base.

Can anybody help with a steel replacement rear brake pedal for a Cota 315. fed up with breaking the cast alloy ones which are very difficult to straighten.

Can't understand why there haven't been more comments about this bike. Does a anybody (apart from Sunt) have one - has anybody ridden one, are they any good, come on, give us a clue.

Yes, agree with everything, brilliant trial, the Lakes needs to be this level of severity then I can ride and not have to observe.

The Trevor that Nigel Dabster is referring to I think he means Trevor Kemp who used to live Bury St Edmunds way. He was deeply involved with Hondas but haven't seen him for years.

Thought this subject had died - I can do it 52 times per trial - crash off that is!

Ishy's last post reflects my view. I have less interest in the top lads and the British Championship now - as a former journo I should still be dead keen and going to Champ rounds, but I can't get excited any more. Sure it's good to see them do the biz in their own way but I much prefer to remember Saunders at his best on the Honda in mud. As Ishy says, maybe it's because age is taking over. There's no doubt there's as much pleasure in seeing a good local expert have a cracking ride in a good local trial's hard sections as there is in seeing Doug or Grimbo doing well. There is a chance of relating to a local section, whereas in a BC round, never in a hundred years could I ride their stuff.

Michael Phillipson was not riding - has a virus - finishing order up the field was Jarvis, Dabill, Austermuhle, Connor, Alderson - my money's on Jarvis winning again. Boyd Webster got through well - he shouted to me in Cold Knuckles that he had upset a few people - pushed his way through the gaggle I expect - there were 60 riders queuing to get up the waterfall at one time I reckon. Absolute chaos, but great - another fantastic Scott, and well done to John Fraser and his team for actually getting it to happen in such appalling conditions on Friday

Have been chatting to a mate tonight that didn't go to trial and his mates had been on to him telling him how hard it was. There is an answer, as I said before, somebody has to be in overall charge and put his neck on the line and tell his section plotters exactly what is wanted. If he wants it megahard, then fair enough, then at least it's a conscious decision to make it ultra tough, equally if he wants it a bit easier, or even dead easy, then again, it's a definite decision. As it is now, nobody knows before the start what is out there waiting for them. I think the Lakes will survive , but have no idea who could, can, will, might have the bottle to offer himself up for the job, or will get elected for it. It's almost a no-win situation now, fancy putting yourself up for the job next year with this year's comments ringing in your ears.

I observed section 3 Saturday and section 35 and 4 Sunday and 26 and take it from me, the moans from the clubmen far outweighed the congratulations. That's why I didn't ride this year, last year it was too hard and this year was even harder. Those who struggled through my sections got a three, if I had been spot on most would have had fives - but who wants an argument standing on a Lakeland hillside. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed my two days, probably more than if I had ridden. Glad to say nobody moaned about their score (except one) and everybody had a kind word - thanks lads. Out at Scott observing on Saturday - longing to see new Mont perform. The Lakes problem is that there's nobody in overall charge. All the locals lend a hand but seem to try and put on the hardest group which results in all groups being hard. But I'm an old moaner, so what do I know - I know the Reeth 3 day and manx are brilliant and will drag me back for years to come - as a rider, not observer.

Good information tells me it was not a 175, but actually less than 150 (probably 143). Carb was changed on Monday morning, it wasn't running right, then hydraulic clutch operation failed.