Welcome to the South West Classic Trials
---- Promoting Responsible Off-Road Riding and Competition in the South West ----
South West Classic Trials Association
20th June 2020.
In the light of our mainly mature followers, a recent survey of our committee has resulted in the following decisions for this year’s trials events.
To cancel /not run the Bantam Bill Trial scheduled for the 16th August 2020.
To cancel/not run the Dartmoor 2 day classic Trial scheduled for the 12th-13th September 2020
To consider and possibly run the End of Year trial scheduled for 6th December 2020 when hopefully we will have better knowledge of how things are situated and how they will work by then.
Mike Naish SWCTA
17 March 2020. CANCELLATION of Exmoor 2 Day Classic Trial
As we all expected, with the cancellation of all the ACU permits until the 30th April, this years Exmoor Classic 2 Day Trial for 2020 at Easter is also cancelled. We will be looking forward in anticipation to raising a permit for the Dartmoor Classic 2 Day in September but this obviously depends upon the prevailing situation with Covid-19.
We are very sorry this has happened and all of us at the SWCTA hope you all keep safe in the meantime and come out the other side raring to go7th March 2020
Cheers to you all. Mike Naish
21st February 2020
Entry Form and Regs now online for the EXMOOR 2 Day Classic Trail on 11th and 12th April 2020, please grab them from the Entry Forms menu above
11th January 2020
Mike
14th November 2019
Now that the 2020 ACU dates calendar is out, we can add our two most important Moorland National Parks Trials dates for 2020, so that you can tag them in your Diary lest you miss them.
Exmoor Classic 2 day Trial – Sat/Sun 11th -12th APRIL 2020
Dartmoor Classic 2 day Trial – Sat/Sun 12th-13th September 2020
Mike Naish SWCTA
9th September 2019
Results for the 32nd Dartmoor 2 day classic now online
23rd August
A report by Tony Henbest on the Bantam Bill Trial
Copied from the Facebook page:
Bantam Bill Trial 18th August
Sunday the 18th August saw the SWCTA return to Hiltons Wood for a second time this year for their annual Bantam Bill memorial trial. The organisers and course plotters, once again having to play ‘weather roulette’ and account for the torrential rain forecast for Friday. Once again, the course a 1.5 mile lap and severity of each of the 3 routes was spot on. The 12 sections, held up well and all classes reported back positively at the ‘post trial wash-up’
All proceeds from use of the land go to charity and as is previous years the North Devon Hospice will benefit.
An entry of 32 enjoyed the event, for which the predominant weather was sunshine. The ‘A’ route saw 50% of the entry, with an even split of Pre-65 and Twinshock, the ‘B’ route 30%, again, mostly Pre-65 and twinshock, with 20% for the ‘C’ route. Overall a roughly even split and spread across all routes, types of bike and abilities, just as the organisers had intended. Those taking part were rewarded with an outstanding days trials riding, with traditional ‘open’ sections in a delightful West Country venue.
Pre-65 A route winner was Martin Gilbert riding his Triumph Twin on 15, Tim Heard on his Drayton Bantam was 2nd on 22, with Tony Henbest 3rd completing the Bantam sandwich on his Triumph Twin losing just one mark to Tim dropping 23, Nick Smith’s Ariel was having an ‘off’ day, with a miss-fire, however Nick did well to finish on 50.
Twin shock A route plaudits went to Dave Sherlock, dropping just 2 marks, with Jason Atwell 2nd and not far behind on 5, frustratingly for Jason, he was clean apart from missing a marker and Anthony Cowling finished the podium places on 7, Bobby Webb who supported the event with cutting and setting out finished on a commendable 41
Twin shock B route winner was Mick Whitehouse on his Fantic 10 marks lost, Paul Hodder had a good ride on his TLR Honda to come 2nd on 28, with Steve Hodder completing the brotherly duo for 3rd with an excellent performance on his 70’s Bultaco, dropping 43.
The Pre-65 B route saw a mix of traditional framed Pre-65s and some more modern variants, winner again this year was Jon Cull on his very tidy and original GP victor framed C15, dropping just 2 to get the edge on Drayton Villiers mounted John Griffin on 9, Nick Hunt dropped 32 on his Triumph Cub and Alan Henbest, Drayton Bantam mounted finished the class on 51.
The ‘C’ route had the full spread of bikes from Pre-65 Greeves and Francis Barnett, through to modern day mono Betas with some twinshock in the mix for good measure.
Derek Walter on his Greeves led the way on the C route with 11 marks lost, closely followed by Shaun Kershaw on his twinshock Fantic and Richard Reffell on his Honda, tying for 2nd place on 12 with only a mark setting the winner apart. Debbie Heard had a good ride for 4th spot dropping just 14.
Much positive feedback was received reflecting the hard work and effort that went into organising and running the event and the revised flexible format offering something for all abilities to have a go at. Thanks are due to everyone who supported, organised and helped run the event, the Henbest family for use of the land, Ruby’s Catering for refreshments and to Fred Beer for once again allowing us to park in his field.
Pre-65 A route.
M Gilbert 350 Triumph 15, Tim Heard 185 BSA 22, T Henbest 350 Triumph 23, N Smith 350 Ariel 50, N Langworthy 250 Triumph 57, R Savill 200 Triumph 71, M Lillywhite 400 Triumph
Twinshock A route.
D Sherlock 250 Fantic 2, J Atwell 200 Honda 5, A Cowling 156 Fantic 7, B Webb 240 Mystery 41, P Elverd 175 Yamaha 46, S Pearman 200 Fantic 50,
Twinshock B route
M Whitehouse 240 Fantic 10, P Hodder 200 Honda 28, S Hodder 250 Bultaco 43.
Pre-65 B route
J Cull 260 BSA 2, J Griffin 250 Drayton Villiers 9, N Hunt 199 Triumph 32, A Henbest 185 Drayton Bantam 51.
Over 50 B route
G Atkins 250 TRS 4
Novice A route
R Hill 250 Vertigo 65
Novice B route
R Collins 250 Beta 15
C route.
D Walter 247 Greeves 11, R Reffell 200 Honda 12, S Kershaw 200 Fantic 12, D Heard 200 Beta 14, B Batten, 175 Yamaha 16 P Meeson, 250 Francis Barnett 34.
16th July 2019
Please find below the Dartmoor Programme
Dartmoor Programme
4th July. The Dartmoor Trial entries are now CLOSED.
A full entry has been received and the programme will be published on line shortly. (When I've finished it)
However we have a classic Trial for Pre-65 and Twinshocks plus a few novice and beginners at our Bantam Bill Trial Memorial Trial on the 18th AUGUST. You can enter at the start which is at Tony Henbests’ land at Hiltons wood, Warkleigh, near Umberleigh Devon EX37 9DD. Entry forms in the South West Centre Gazette and at the start. There are 3 routes one of which is a very easy route if that is what you want.
Mike
1st June 2019
32nd Dartmoor Classic Entries now online - see Entry Forms via top menu
Entries open officially on June 1st and close on the 15th July OR WHEN FULL
Best of luck. This year it will be Hound Tor on the first day and Ruby Rocks with a loop on the moor for day 2.
More info later and programme
Mike
23rd April 2019
To see the the Exmoor 2 Day Trial RESULTS held over Easter, click on the RESULTS section above.
Our next event is the Bantam Bill Trial on 18th August probably at Warkleigh and then the 2 Day Classic Dartmoor Trial will be held on 7-8th September. Regulations will be out early in June 2019. Watch out on our Facebook page for info.
Mike
5th April 2019
Click Here for > > > > Exmoor Trial 2019 Programme < < < <
29th March 2019
Click Here for > > > > Exmoor Trial 2019 Entry List < < < <
More details about the start,camping etc. soon
February 4th 2019
Exmoor 2 day Classic Trial 2019 - See Entry Forms for Regulations and Entry Form
December 7th 2018
A trial report by Tony Henbest
South West Classic Trials Association ‘End of Year Trial’
Heard leads the Classic flock at Grove Farm.
With a number of trials across the South West being cancelled recently due to the inclement weather conditions, the primary concern a landowner’s car park field being damaged putting the club/landowner relationship in jeopardy, it was a mix of timing and skill from the SWCTA team and organisers that gave rise to a cracking trial on Sunday the 4th December.
This was the final round of the South West Pre-65 and Twinshock championship, all championship leader places were decided ahead of the trial. Anthony Cowling was untouchable in the Twinshock championship ahead of Jason Atwell, Bob Hill was leading the Twinshock White route with a sufficient margin to keep ahead of Paul Green, and Barry Stephens was comfortably ahead of Tony Henbest in the Pre-65 championship class having completed just 10 rounds of the 12 with unrivalled consistency starting from his first round at the Keypitts farm Lyn club trial in April.
The weather once again did it’s best to catch the organisers out with some heavy downpours on Saturday night and steady rain Sunday morning, this eased a little at the trial start returning mid way through the event. However the course plotters had considered this and laid out 10 sections across the varied terrain and soil type found at Grove Farm, ranging from slick grassy hillsides to gritty shale climbs and sandy, rutted, rooted cambers in the wooded areas.
A couple of subs were eased on the morning of the trial but despite the weather all held up well, however the returning rain made the majority more challenging for the 3rd and 4th laps.
The organisers once again adopted the three route format with an easier ‘C’ route to encourage all abilities.
Sections 3, 5 & 6 were the primary mark takers.
Section 3 looked deceptively cleanable but rode more challenging as the day moved on, with the steady rain ensuring the grass gave way to the slippery packed soil underneath meaning the approach to the section start gate became interesting with some steadying dabs lost on the way in and the exit camber became a delicate throttle hand crawl across the top or wall of death style ride from the bottom.
Section 5 again appeared quite innocuous with a loop around the trees, some cambered banks and roots then a final blast up the bank and out of the ends cards, by the 3rd lap the leaves had been pushed aside and the underlying ground became quite slick, catching a number of riders out as the day moved on. Top marks for artistry and acrobatics should be awarded to Tony Henbest here as much to the amusement of his fellow competitors, a complete lash up resulted in him travelling down the bank barely in control of the Chicken (Bantam), which was desperately trying to take flight, while managing to reach the bottom for a clumsy couple of dabs. However the observer had the hardest decision trying to decide whether to jump and if so in which direction, or wipe the tears of laughter from his eyes as I was referred to having an uncanny likeness to a drunk scooby doo on ice.
Section 6 looked without doubt to be the most challenging and did indeed, consistently take the most marks. In over a shallow bank, turn sharp left under a low bough, across the top of the bank, followed by a tight, cross camber turn facing down the steep incline on practically full lock, then back up the bank along the steepest section of gradient before exiting up and out over the camber and polished roots. However if you had steady hand, good balance and a delicate oh so gentle on the brakes approach it was rideable with a great feeling of satisfaction and relief.
An entry of 46 put their skills to the test on the day with 11 on the ‘A’ route, 31 on the ‘B’ route and 4 on the ‘C’ route, all were rewarded with an outstanding days trials riding, with traditional sections in a delightful west country venue.
Twin shock A route plaudits went, once again to Anthony Cowling dropping just 7 marks, with Stuart Keedwell his nearest contender on 24, with John Church on 28 in 3rd place.
Pre-65 B route winner was Tim Heard who showed his usual calm, unassuming impressive form riding his Drayton C15 and having the only clean sheet of the day, behind Tim on 2 was Dave Fisher again demonstrating consistent good form, with 3rd place going to Tony Henbest on 4.
Twinshock B winner was Sean Donaghy who again had an impressive ride on his 250 Majesty dropping just 2, with Andy Blacker in 2nd place on 6, with Paul Green dropping 12 to secure 3rd place on his TLR Honda.
Over 50’s B route winner was Dai Clothier on 2, withIan Blackmore on 5 and Russ Cosway putting in a great performance of 18 on his very tidy Wasp Bantam to secure 3rd place.
Novice B route winner was Shaun Gatting on 13, Richard Hill on 23 and 3rd place to Ben Boycott on 34.
C route winner was Jim Hallet on 2, Harley Burton clinched 2nd on 18, Brian Ayres took 3rd spot on 23 and Debbie Heard came in on 24.
Much positive feedback was received reflecting the hard work and effort that went into organising and running the event and the revised flexible format offering something for all abilities to have a go at. A great way for the club to end the year.
Thanks are due to everyone who supported, organised and helped run the event, the landowner Alan Gamon for use of the land and Ian Burton’s catering team for top notch refreshments.
Twinshock A route.
A Cowling 156 Fantic 7, S Keedwell 250 Fantic 24, J Church 156 Fantic 28, J Long 200 Honda 61
Clubman A route.
A Burnett 250 TRS 27, R Rogers 200 Beta
Over 50’s A route
M Harris 250 Montesa 46, M Ell 250 Yamaha 56
Pre-65 A route.
Tim Heard 280 BSA 0, Dave Fisher 185 BSA 2, Tony Henbest Drayton 185 4, M Gilbert 200 Triumph 6, B Stephens 350 BSA 9, M Fear 250 Triumph 22, N Smith 350 Ariel 34, J Corin 280 BSA 37, M Palfrey 250 BSA 51
Twinshock B route
Sean Donaghy 250 Yamaha 2, Andy Blacker 175 Whitehawk 6, P Green 200 Honda 12, R Collins 175 Yamaha 18, T Palmer 200 Honda 24, G Atkins 200 Fantic 25, R Sawatzki 250 Suzuki 39, P Hodder 200 Honda 46, S Hodder 250 Bultaco 88
0ver 50’s B route
D Clothier 250 Beta 2, I Blackmore 260 Montesa 5, R Cosway 190 BSA 18
Novice B route
S Gatting 260 Honda 13, R Hill 250 TRS 23, B Boycott (Electric) 34, J Walker 200 Beta 49, R Broadey 260 Montesa 65, D Manning 250 Beta 78
Novice C route
J Hallett 185 BSA 2, H Burton 200 Honda 18, B Ayres 175 BSA 23, D Heard 125 Gas Gas 24
4th December 2018
The results from the End of Year Trial at Tolland near Taunton on the 2nd December can be seen as a pdf under the RESULTS section above.
14th September 2018
The final results and awards have been added to the RESULTS section of this Website. We are pleased you all enjoyed the weekend in sunny Devon. The awards will be given out at the Exmoor Classic 2 day Trial at Easter-unless I see you before then.
Cheers. Mike Naish
3rd September 2018
Information regarding the Dartmoor 2 day Classic Trial:
Scroll down to see the awards available at the start to be collected from both the 2018 Exmoor 2 day Classic and the 2017 Dartmoor classic.
This year’s charity is the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and we have already collected donations from Award winning Hanlons Brewery -Beer obviously + glasses) A hamper from Greendale’s Farm shop, Avon Tyre Co. various items, plus all the items of non perishable donations made at the Exmoor event when the draw had to be abandoned due to the weather. This includes donations from old friends like Joan Westbrook. What we would like is for people coming to add to these with an item, so we can make this a good one for a worthwhile charity which we have had occasion to use at a trial in the South West.
That’s that bit-The weather looks to set fair and the Toilets - Male and Female have been organised as well as the catering. Programmes are printed, so pick up your awards and buy a draw ticket when you sign on at Hound Tor Car Parkon Sat 8th Sept, Hound Tor, Widecombe in the Moor, TQ13 7TS. Trial starts at 12.30 . Offers of help with observing most welcome. Free meal
Awards to be collected:
Riding No.
15 Nick Baker
41 Michael Clarke
66 James Goodman
111 Martin Hitchcott
120 John Long
32 Thorne Pett
(121) Ian Peberdy 121 Malcolm to collect
35 Stephen Pritchett
96 Mark Shellard
29 Mick Thompson
8 Phill Wickett
49 Tim Wooldridge
Previous awards to be collected:
Scott Dommett
Keith Gardner
Peter Carson
Jim Pickering
David Plumb
22nd August 2018
The 31st Classic Dartmoor Trial organisers are looking to secure the help of Observers for their two day event in the Dartmoor National Park to ensure the smooth running of this annual event. If you can come along on just one of the days and lend a hand you will be amply rewarded by seeing the classic bikes in a natural setting as well as being given an ample lunch from one of our caterers.
Day 1 is on Saturday 8th September starting at 12.30pm at Hound Tor Car Park not too far from Widecombe in the Moor TQ13 7TS and Day 2 Sunday 9th September is at Paradise at Halshanger Cross on the Ashburton side of the Moor TQ13 7HY. Start at 10.30am. All offers of help gratefully received. Toilets will be available on both days Please ring Pete Meeson 07714424558 and let us know so that we can Pre-plan. Come along and see a real Classic Trial with riders from all over the UK.
Mike Naish
19th August 2018 Please click the link directly below to open the Entry List in a new window.
Click Here for Entry List >> Dartmoor Classic 2 Day Trial 8th and 9th Sept 2018 Entry List No order <<
1st August 2018 Just a reminder about the Bantam Bill Memorial Trial due to be held on Sunday 12th August. Bill (Hewitt) along with Brian Trott pioneered the use of BSA Bantams in the South West Centre and this trial is dedicated to the pre-65 and Twinshock movement as well as beginners and Novices on modern bikes. The start is at Warkleigh Devon Post code EX37 9DD and starts at 11.00am. Sign on at the start. This is a charity event- More info below. -See you there. Mike
Report from the marking out team All is looking good for the Bantam Bill trial, plenty of hard work went in last Wednesday 25th by Bob Hill, Dave Fisher, Tim Heard and George Atkins cutting out for a couple of cracking new sections to go with the well established remaining 10 . A new hill climb section has been added not as severe as The Hilton's Tor we had for day one of the Exmoor two day.
As noted before, 3 routes A, B & C. In my opinion they can be viewed as C being aimed at the less confident rider on any machine and or riders of 'real' classic bikes including pre-units and rigids. B is for the more confident and competent rider on the machine of his/her choice and the A route is being aimed at a good novice and twinshock/Britshock rider.
Nothing severe or dangerous and if you pick a route and decide it is too easy or too hard, either drop down or move up. The critical part is to ensure we have some fun. If there are sufficient riders on the C route, as I know the woods fairly well! I would be happy ride along and help out where I can, I would like to add with some hints and tips but I suspect there will be some far better expertise on hand to help out.
Same as last year all proceeds from use of the wood will go to the North Devon Hospice.
Hopefully the weather will hold, unlike Easter
20th July
NEWS in Brief
1.-SW Team Trial. Best of Luck to our two team entries-‘Bark Buster 1 and 2. I have this good feeling we are going to finish 1st and 2nd on Sunday. Bark Buster 1 -Bob Hill, Jon Corin, Viv Stephens, and Tom Kinsman. Bark Buster 2. – Nick Smith, Dave Fisher, Barry Stephens, Tony Henbest.
2.Bantam Bill Trial at Warkleigh signed from Umberleigh N Devon on Sunday 12th August. Enter on the day-start at 11.00am. Pre-65, Twinshock and Novice on modern bikes only. NO... YOUTH.Three routes. Very easy route for beginners and ‘nearly has been’s
.
3.Dartmoor 2 day Classic 8-9th September. Now full but if you want to go on the reserve list just contact the trial secretary. Entry form on the clubs website (Entry Forms-)Above.
Mike Naish.
5th June 2018
31st Dartmoor Classic Trial 2018
Entry forms are now online please download from the Entry Forms on the menu above.
6th April 2018
The final Results are now in the RESULTS after a couple of minor corrections.
02 April 2018 Exmoor 2 Day Classic Results. The results of the Trial can now be seen under the RESULTS section (Above) and the Photos are being transferred from the Facebook page as we read. Thanks to all who participated in providing the land, the Observers, the marking out team and not least the riders for whom we spend weeks ,days and hours cutting out, marking out, doing the programmes taking the entries, clearing up afterwards and doing the results and the photos all for your benefit and hopefully -enjoyment. Hope to see you all at the Dartmoor 2 day trial 8/9th September- More bloody Rocks! Ta Ta for now. Mike Naish
George Atkins Sec of Mtg:
27th March 2018
Just to remind you that the prize draw at this year’s Exmoor Trial is in aid of the Air Ambulance. It would be great if people could bring along a little something to swell the draw prizes and make it a good one this year-Thanks
16th March 2018
Everything is going along OK for the Exmoor Trial with most sections marked out and only tweaking on the day to be carried out. The Awards from last year's
Exmoor Classic 2 Day Trial can be collected at the start and are listed below: Riders are in Alphabetical order.
Riding No.
--- Nick Baker
107- Michael Clarke
15- Scott Dommett
53- Mike Fear
61- Dave Fisher
83- Mark Lucas
--- Martin Mackenzie
37- Thorne B Pett
30- Jim Pickering
--- David Plumb
80- Stephen Pritchett
--- John Roberts
Mike
The Programme includes details of how to get to the venues and of course your riding numbers. A hard copy will be given out at the start.
Awards from last years Event and any over from the Dartmoor Trial will be available at the start. I will put a list on later so you can see if
you are in line for one. See you there.
5th March 2018 Click Here for > > > > Exmoor Trial Programme < < < <
Camping at the Exmoor 2 Day Trial at Easter.- The only overnight camping allowed this year will be at shallowford Nr Lynton-The venue for Sundays leg of the event. No Electric or water. Toilets and catering should be available.