Our first event of the New Year was the Knill Trial at Ripon Tor Firing Range (Ruby Rocks) on the 15th January which was very successful with 181 entries and with fine weather to boot. There were two separate courses for solos and another for sidecars and thanks to the efforts of Nick Hunt to persuade all those observers; we managed to cover all sections. Photos in the Gallery. A huge thanks must go to all those folks who stood out and observed all day. The lovely Kaylee having helped in producing the programme and taking the entries went down and took a section to observe as well. She is a hard worker that lass and she does a lot for the club and the centre for one who is so young- A fine advert for the youth of today.
Our annual awards presentation was a huge success with only a few unable to make it due to the inclement weather. The assembled crowd of approx 100 finished off the roast spuds, sausage rolls sandwiches and assorted spicy nibbles so the landlord bought in a load of freshly cooked chips- I don’t know how all those boys put it all away. Photos in the Gallery with a well deserved bouquet of flowers for Kaylee. And well deserved thanks to Darren Smith who got the awards and assisted Langer who did an excellent job on the Mic- he’s got presence you got to give him that. In fact thanks to all who helped to make the night a success. I am sure we will see Rob Pollard and Tony Jones wearing their recently acquired West of England shirts for winning the quiz
The next trial, even as this Gazette goes out is the round of the ACU British Sidecar championships (4th March) which will now start from the Welcome Stranger which is on the road from Drum Bridges Round-a-bout to Bickington.  Please see Andy Cheeseman if you can Marshall or observe or just turn up on the day.
This event will be followed on the 18th March by the first round of the Sammy Miller championship which will commence at Hound Tor at 09.30 and follow a course of approximately 18 miles in one lap around the Moor. Regulations elsewhere in this site. Again all offers of help will be appreciated and will give your a rider a free entry. As usual Sam will be on hand to start them off and then he usually rides around the course to see all the sections.
The first round of the 2012 Easy Trials series will be the Good Friday Trial on the 6th April. This will start at its normal venue of Wolborough Barton- Signposted from Newton Abbot
Later the same month- on the 15th April we are running round 2 of the C & D Youth British Championship at Bottor Rock Farm (Round 1 by Moretonhampsted the day before). I expect some of the youngsters will be knackered at the end of day 2 as will their parents running around both venues in one weekend so we will be using a fairly compact course as last year.
Finally a date for your diary the British Solo Trials championship on the 14th and 15th of July at Kelly Farm which is our most spectator friendly venue. NON STOP of course and already we hear of increased interest and support for entries in the major class because of it. You know it makes sense!.


Happy riding
Mike Naish