The Wye Valley Auto Club has got the go ahead from all the landowners to run its Classic Twinshock trial on 23/September. The trial starts from the Crown Inn at Longtown, Herefordshire on Sunday 23rd Sept and will be a 30 mile lap, with 30 sections in 14 groups. It covers the ground of the Wye Valley Traders trial which was last run in the early 90's and includes some of the classic sections (not Tremorithic you'll be glad to know).

The trial will have 2 routes, each for 2 classes of machines, British Twinshock's (Cub's, Bantam's etc) and later non-British (Honda's SWM's, Majesty's etc). There is camping at the start, refreshments (from the pub)

Though we've had some good entries, we could do with more to get to the number that would make the effort that Andy and Chris have put in worthwhile. Maybe F&M uncertainty or that this is the first time the event has run for over 20 years, may have made you hestitate, but it would be a shame to miss out on what will be a superb event

The closing date for entries in 17th September, but I'll be able to take some late entries and also should be able to take entries via email. Entry is

Entries are slow coming in for this trial - why? People won't ride the Sammy Miller series - too easy, won't ride the ACU Classic as it's 'set out for modern bikes' (rubbish - it isn't) or won't ride it because they don't want to see modern bikes at a Classic trial.

In a different thread a few months ago, people were saying the ACU Classic should go back to just classics and they weren't interested in riding sections that were too hard and set out for modern bikes (as stated above they aren't) The overall opinion was that the ACU should kick out the modern classes and go to 2 routes. That it seemed, would be the answer to getting more twinshocks and pre65bikes back out there.

So here is a trial for classics which covers all the angles, 2 routes, British bike and twinshock classes on both routes, no air-cooled monos or modern bikes to upset anyone - so where are all the entries. Even taking into account people being on holiday the response so far has been poor it seems.

The organisers have gone to considerable effort to set up this trial and it will be a great shame if it isn't supported. Are we riding these bikes or just taking photos of them and talking about them..??

(my entry is on the way Malc, hopefully also cajoled a few other mates into riding too)

Chris and Pitley's aim was to made this a pure twinshock trial much in the mold the Classic Experts at Rhayader (which is excellent) and given the effort they've both put in, it would be a shame fto have the entries it deserves. Great sections, brilliant countryside in south Herefordshire, what more could your old bike want :-)

We may consider entires for non-twinshock bikes, just to ensure we can get the numbers we need, but yep get your entries in. If you need any info, give me a call.

Woody, could be a good SWM entry....:-)

I helped clean out a couple of sections and they are cracking sections. The countryside in that area is stunning, well worth a look. I will be observing and look forward to it. See you there.

Hoping to be back on the Majesty for this one Malc if the engine is finished, or maybe the Ossa. SWM is last choice at the moment after it mauled me at Devon - or was that due to me being still more than half-cut from the previous night

How does it look for Sunday with the latest foot and mouth news etc.

all,

unfortunately the decision has been made to cancel the trial on Sunday 23/Sept, in response to new F&M outbreak and the animal movement ban coming back in to force. Its a shame given the effect that members of WVAC have put in but hopefully the trial will run (at some point) next year.

I'll be returning all entries with a note about the cancellaiton and will also email those who I have contact details for, but please let anyone know who think might have been riding.

thanks

Malc

Hi All. Just a thank you to all those of you who enterd this event and all those involved in all the organising and work parties for your help. I will try and get this one back in the calender as and when.

Thanks Andy Pitt Clerk of the course.