Trial report for Bobs Creek 9 March 2008
It sure felt great to ride a trial again after the summer break.
Bob’s Creek had obviously been flooding during the recent very wet weather and was still flowing nicely. Most of the areas in the creek bed we normally have sections in had water that was far too deep for motorbikes but two fantastic sections (5 and 6) were set there, taking advantage of what was available with water crossings and splashes, mud and wet logs as part of the challenge. The flood flow had changed the area enough that it was quite different in places with many rocks and logs relocated.
Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 were set up in and around the hilltop quarry and you could tell that lots of imagination had gone into the interesting challenges in each section.
Sections 3 and 4 were shared with the Novice/Junior riders and they had some sections all to themselves as well. There were four youngsters in this class and the results were quite closely grouped. The winner was Nicole Casey riding with confidence at her first trial.
Despite the weather being sunny and the temperature up near 30 degrees, there was a strong SE wind blowing which kept conditions pleasant for riding and the mosquitos were generally kept at bay unless you were standing still down in the creek area.
This trial featured optional harder splits for A grade riders who wanted an additional challenge on top of the usual A grade obstacles. It is likely that we will have five grades at future trials, with the expectation that some of the riders currently riding B grade will change to A grade and the best A grade riders will ride in the new grade which will probably be called “Expert”. The five grades being Novice/Junior grade, C grade, B grade, A grade and Expert grade.
There were a few bike changes since last year with Mac Hosking riding his new 2008 model Scorpa SY250 and Frank Van Heerden riding his sister Tharyn’s Cota315R while Frank’s Cota 4RT motor is being rebuilt in Brisbane. Alex Jones was hoping to ride his new-to-him Beta Rev3 250 but ended up on his trusty TY175.
Drew Wickerson had bike problems with one of his Beta Rev3s as did Angela Sophios with her TY175. Don Jones eventually finished the event after much time spent getting the creek water out of the motor.
At least two people went for involuntary swims in the creek in section 5. Don Jones managed to fall into the deepest pool of the creek (it was deep enough that only his head was sticking out of the water when he stood up). His Scorpa was almost saved but he couldn’t quite prevent it going under just a bit. It was just enough to fill the exhaust and airbox with water which took quite a bit of clearing out. David Lahey also took a dive and somehow managed to get all his riding gear wet in only about 300mm depth of water.
Riders on Twinshock bikes were Greg Paton, Angela Sophios, Andrew Jones and Cedric Van Heerden all on TY175s and David Lahey on KT250.
It was great to see Trent Dunn ride again on his Dad’s immaculate Yamaha TY250R (pinky) and did very well in B Grade.
Brendan Paton rode very well and consistently to take out B grade.
Dave McDonald was limited to spectating at this trial due to a suspected broken foot sustained during practice the day before the trial. Peter Osborne also wasn’t able to ride due to ignition problems with his Beta. Peter and Tammy came along and took some great photos of the riding.
Overall this trial was a very enjoyable start to the season. With luck the weather will stay dry for a while and allow us to access other venues that are still recovering from the very wet summer.
David Lahey
15 March 2008
(The Juniors, Click to Enlarge)
