For some reason the Mel Harrison sidecar national trial this weekend seems to lack interest in the sidecar fraternity despite the fact that a month ago the decision was taken NOT to run the event at Cockhill Mines, Greehow in the interests of safety. Cockhill is not exactly user friendly towards three wheelers.

An approach was made to Norman Shepherd at Fellbeck to stage the trial on his acres, to which Norman promptly gave the nod.

With a fine mixture of streams, woodland, rocks, and grassy climbs and gullies, wet and dry  over a lap distance of almost two miles all off road the venue is ideal being three miles from Pateley Bridge town centre.

Just TEN crews have entred, four from the isle of Man.

Mel Harrison is reluctant to cancel the trial because of intending Manx visitors.

Contact Mel asap on 01274 567047. The entries officially closed this morning but it is not too late to get on board.

Ours (Owen/Temple) is in the post so will be with you shortly. Can I just point out that the regs on the website say closing date is 16th September... See you at the weekend. ????

The good news is that the trial is definitely on, and they have already received more entries - the better news is that they are also catering for plenty of solos, as per the following note: 

"9th round Wessex Plant Hire Sidecar (Open to all classes of solos) Championship

Mel Harrison Trial

Sunday 17th September 2017

Kingstone Farm, Fellbeck, Pateley Bridge.  HG3 5EP 

Open to ALL Adult and Junior Classes. both Sidecar and Solo

2 routes available 

Suitable for twin shocks

All on Private Land

Start Sidecars 10.30 am Solo's and others between 10 and 10.30am.

Observers needed please."

There's a thought for all organisers in the above postings - get several nit-pickers to proof read all club documents, regs available, entry forms and the like BEFORE they are issued.... it may add a delay to the issuing - but it could also save lots of extra work later!