Christmas action at Fell Green
Lead picture: The Winter Observer!
It seems as if the sport has been on hold for the best part of a month as the last event to have actually been held in the Northern Centre was Bootle’s club trial on November 26. Since then, Bassenthwaite’s Tallontire trial didn’t take place due to the weather conditions and nor did Cumberland County’s Greenhead trial for similar causes, so it’s good to get back into action with what is likely to be the penultimate trial of the year, again with Bootle at Fell Green.
The date was Sunday December 17 and despite nobody having been in competitive action for a good few weeks, only 33 riders turned up for the Christmas Trial followed by the Bootle awards presentation and their pie and peas mid-pm luncheon. There was a good selection of awards for the year presented and the pie and peas meal was excellent.
However, the trial certainly proved a test over the hard course with winner Steve Dixon finishing on 26 after the four laps of ten sections with Owen Gilchrist finishing runner up some 13 marks adrift. Nigel Birkett is already planning his 51st ride in the Scottish Six Days and continues to ride regularly to ensure his fitness for the event. He won the Green course from Ethan King and fast improving youngster Connor Anderson whilst best overall in the Clubman category was Stuart Gaskell on 5 from Mark Quinn on 12 in the over 40 age category with Johnathan Cooper best in the under 40 group.
The full results are now available under the Results link from the Home page. Eric Kitchen’s pictures are in the gallery.