Diane’s trial brings out the best from Ben
The Diane Shield Memorial Trial hosted by the Barrow Club and organised byNick Shield and Andrew Bingley both supported by their families, attracted an excellent entry for the Bank Holiday Monday trial at Tow Tops above High Newton with 54 riders enjoying an excellent four laps of 12 sections at this spectacular venue that has previously hosted two Trial GB rounds, British Youth Championship rounds a Rockshock round and club trials – a truly versatile location with sections for all grades.
Diane was an enthusiastic administrator and observer in the sport and this trial, the second since her passing, recognised her contribution to events in Cumbria and it was good to see riders who knew her supporting this event which enjoyed a fantastic charity raffle with excellent prizes, the money going to a Cancer charity.
On the day, it was Ben Butterworth on superb form being the only rider to go clean through all 48 sections and he was well supported by his family who enjoyed the occasion where the 360 degree views over Morecambe Bay, as well as the Lakeland and Howgill fells could be appreciated at their best. Butterworth, who enjoys a selection of machines, used his Honda TLM to great effect as did runner up Andrew Payne on an immaculate Fantic who lost just a single mark for second place.
Scores were low with James Postlethwaite giving his dad’s 175 Yamaha a rare outing to finish third. In fact little used machines featured heavily (Robert Taylor’s Honda TL of very early vintage, Nick Shield’s Majesty, Shaun Radcliffes’s booming Beeza, Angus Jenkinson’s quieter version, Sam Metcalfe’s Honda Cotswold, Colin Benson’s 350 Ariel, Ephy Wilson’s immaculate James) as well as the normal run of modern machinery.
Two courses were used, Hard (not really) and Easy (oh yes) with Rob Copeland top of the Easy Clubman from Darren Metcalfe and Steve Shutt.
The atmosphere was definitely genial as the event recognised a much missed individual and even the weather played its part on a day that is sure to be repeated in 12 months time.
Full results from the Home page link and pics very soon from EK who rushed home from a family wedding to ensure he would be there. Fans of this website should note that all previous pictures from the Gallery pages have been eliminated with a new set starting from this event, purley because of website restraints.