The Greeves Riders Association | GRA Trial at Mow Cop on 9th May 2004

GRA Trial at Mow Cop on 9th May 2004

Continual rain for a period prior to the trial had made some of the areas normally used at this venue inaccessible, therefore sections had to be plotted differently than originally planned.

Fortunately, the rain stayed away on the day, leaving thick mist early on. Most sections other than no. 5 were cleanable, although no. 6 had to be altered after the first lap, with everyone riding the same route through this hazard.

Fifty-seven entries were taken including fourteen Greeves mounted.

Section 1

Twisty section over dry stonewall, camber turns, no problems here.

Section 2

Similar type of section on the side of the bank with a quite steep slippery exit, again no problems for most.

Section 3

Tricky climb and turn between gorse bushes, plenty of grip.

Section 4

Downhill gully with a tight turn at the bottom, exiting over a stretch of loose rocks. No real problems but took quite a few marks.

Section 5

Long uphill climb in a gully with water running down, becoming very deep at the top before the exit. If everything else was cleanable, this would decide a winner! Anyone getting three per lap was doing well.

Section 6

Twisting through a gully, due to clay this became too difficult on the expert route, therefore after the first lap it was altered on all riders rode the original “Clubman Route”.

Section 7

Steep drop downhill, back uphill turning on the camber, back up a very steep exit to the end. Plenty of gusto needed to clean the end part, otherwise rode ok.

Section 8

Down and up a steep shale hill with a slippy exit out round a tree. No problem provided you “nailed” the latter part.Chris Newshams terminology was “to give it plenty of wire!”

Section 9

Down the stream, nasty kink halfway but easily cleanable.

Section 10

Rode ok early on but towards the end, became very slippy, due to the grass turning to mud. If you found the line, it was cleanable, if you didn’t you were usually on your ear!!

Despite a barrage of discontent early on, a lot of riders commented at the end that they had enjoyed themselves and liked the challenge. Six laps were changed to four because of the conditions, which on reflection was the right decision.

Many thanks to all who helped, before and on the day, especially Ian and Chris Newsham, Chris Atherton and Richard for their help in setting