In mid October there are two events that attract some of the best UK and also international riders. These events are the Lakes Two Day trial and then the Scott Trial. Both are steeped in history and are always very competitive.
SSMCC riders Ross Danby and Tom Minta rode in both the Lakes Two Day and Scott trials.
In the Lakes Two Day both riders had high scoring first days with Ross finishing Saturday in 5th on 25 marks lost, 10 marks off leading rider Iwan Roberts. Tom finished in 15th on Saturday with a total of 42, his second card of the day moving him down the placings.
With better results on Sunday for both Ross and Tom they were able to move up the finishing table. Ross ended the two days in 3rd place after recording just 7 marks lost on Sunday whilst Tom finished 12th with a loss of 16 marks on Sunday.
On Saturday 21st October the famous Scott Trial took place in the dales around Reeth, Yorkshire. This is a unique event with it being a trial based on time and observation, so balancing speed and marks is key. Its a 80 mile course which includes 78 sections, this takes its toll on both man and machine so often has around 50% of the 200 starters retire during the day.
Ross was first of the SSMCC riders from the start ramp around 10am followed shortly after by Tom. As they shoot off across the moors and dales spectators scatter to catch the riders at several of the now very famous sections.
With both riders bearing in mind the need to pace themselves for the long day, they kept in close proximity to local quick riders as well as World, European and British Championship riders that were littered in the last third of the start list.
Ross was 4th back to the Start/Finish field and Tom was 11th, however the finishing position doesn’t indicate where the rider will finish, it is a nervy wait till around 10pm when the winner is finally announced.
Ross finished 16th overall, with the majority of his marks lost on observation.
Tom finished in 7th position, tieing on marks with newly crowned Trial2 champion Iwan Roberts. Tom scooped two awards, “The 1977 Silver Jubilee Trophy” and the Best Performance Time & Observation for a rider under 21, these were in addition to the Scott Silver Spoon.
For both riders it’s been a mixed season but both have put in brilliant performances through out. South Shropshire MCC are proud to have been represented by two such good riders.