Round 1 Normandy MCC Dunsfold, Surrey.
A sunny warm day greeted the opening round of the TRS supported British Sidecar Trials championship at the Normandy MCC. The venue at Dunsfold was in prime condition following recent rain and the going was typical southern mud, which allowed the clerk of course and his team to set out flowing traditional type sections which appeared to be enjoyed by all the competitors. The expert class was dominated by local crew Daryl and Hannah Dale who really excel in the muddy conditions found here. After a shaky start, two 5s in the opening three sections, they put in a run of cleans for the remaining subs until the last section of the lap where they cast away a dab. This put them one mark in arrears of eventual runners up Manx crew Jack Corlett and Ealish Baxter who suffered only one 5 mark score added to one 3 and a couple of prods, this left them on 10 marks from the eighteen section lap. Daryl and Hannah upped their game for the second lap parting with a mere 7 marks against Jack and Ealish`s 18. Close on their heels were Neil and Michael Franks proving how good their electric outfit is in finding traction in the sticky conditions. Elliot Tickner along with stand in passenger, dad Graham, provided the entertainment as usual with skill, determination and family banter. The largest class as always was the clubman class dominated by Paul Fishlock who has recently teamed up with Matt Price and used his experience to post the best performance with a steady 1st lap of 4 marks lost. Apart from a stray dab in section four second time around they had a faultless lap two. Therefore ended the day on five marks, a healthy sixteen ahead of Luke and Woody Reynolds who held off Neil Hannam and Debbie Smith. The latter paring paid dearly for a costly first lap but matched the Reynolds 2nd time around both losing just seven marks. Suffering with a mechanical breakdown which ended Paul Randall and Harry Martin’s day after only 5 sections, the rest of the field enjoyed a great day. The intermediate class was dominated by last years newcomer champions Toby Smith and Hannah Moore showing the rest how it should be done. They posted lap scores of 4 and 8 and only had one five all day, this occurred on section 10 on their second lap. Runners up Peter Dale and George Lulham navigated through this section for a single dab but were upstaged by Robert and Stanley Head who flew through clean as a whistle. It was later overheard that Rob rode all the second lap in fourth gear!! No wonder he posted a lap of only eleven marks. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough to claim the silver medal. Finally Paul and Beth Harvey battled around to take the novice award and were still smiling at the presentation ceremony after the event. Many thanks to the Normandy crew for another successful event.
Daryl and Hannah Dale (300 ProDoor Gas Gas)
John Corlett/ Jamie Howe (300 Sunset Cycles Gas Gas)
Paul Fishlock/Matt Price (300 PBS Honda)
ROUND 2 Torridge MCC Lower Wembsworthy Farm, North Devon
Another fine day greeted everyone to Torridge MCC’s Colin Dommett trial. This was the second round of the TRS British Sidecar trials championship run at Hartland in North Devon it formed the 1st day of the West Country double header. Held in very dry conditions, the steeply sided venue posed a problem for the course plotters, but they did manage to find a bit of wet stuff in the bottom of the woods. The first few sections were set at the top of the venue and eased the entry into the even, although the 2nd sub caught out the experts with the exception of Elliott Tickner and his returning passenger sis Alice who aced it on their 2 stroke Mont outfit. As the riders descended into the lower woods the real action started at the double sub of 5 & 6, number 5 was a straight forward climb over bluebells with a kink for intermediate and expert riders, then section 6 dropped down across a nasty chair low camber across a root. Many marks were lost here until Neil Hannam and Debbie Smith found another line and showed how it could be done. The sting in the tail for the intermediates and experts was a final climb and left turn through trees. This caused problems for 1st round winners Daryl and Hannah Dale who ended up tumbling down the hillside under the outfit. Fortunately only cuts and bruises were sustained but obviously they were feeling somewhat second hand. The best rides here by the top of the class cam from Jack Corlett and Ealish Baxter who managed a clean on lap 2 and Toby Smith and Hannah Moore eventual intermediate winners who shone with a dab, also on lap 2. Neil and Michael Franks had 2 good rides here escaping with a pair of threes which set them up for a very well deserved 2nd place at the end of the two lap eighteen sub event. After a drop down into the mud and stream sections in the bottom of the valley section 11 on the hillside proved a tester for all classes, best efforts came from clubman runners up Neil Hannam/Debbie Smith with a clean and a two nearly matched by the Manx pairing of Jack/Ealish in the experts clean + three. Once again Toby Smith/Hannah Moore romped to a convincing win in the intermediate class this time for Mancy invader John Corlett, paired up with experienced passenger Jamie “Brucie” Howe. Obviously the drier going better suited this pair after the mud of Surrey at the 1st round. Putting in two consistent taps of 10 and 13 marks lost Paul Fishlock along with Matt Price finished at the top of the clubman class once again despite dropping two five mark failures at the aforementioned section 11. Many thanks to all involved with this event especially the landowner and members of Torridge team.
Jack Corlett/Ealish Baxter (300 Cruinn Accounting Gas Gas)
Elliot and Alica Tickner (250 Montesa)
Vincent and Lottie Brett (300 Vinny`s M/Cycles TRS)
ROUND 3 West of England MC Hound Tor Dartmoor, Devon
As before at the previous rounds of the TRS British Sidecar trials championship the sun was shining on Dartmoor for the West of England MC’s Andy Cheeseman Trial, it must be global warming. Set under the world famous Hound Tor the organisation team had set out a course designed to be slightly easier than the previous day and this proved to be the case as expert aces Jack Corlett and Ealish Baxter completed the day without losing a mark. This is more remarkable when taking in the fact the runners up Neil and Michael Franks lost 27 marks pushing Daryl and Hannah Dale into 3rd play by a mere 2 marks. Hope you didn’t get bored Jack. Clubman honours once again went to Paul Fishlock/Matt Price, this time only just from Team Reynolds, Luke and Woody. Two marks separated the top two in their class with the remaining competitors not far behind. Manxman John Corlett aided by “Brucie” Howe put in a stunning 2nd lap losing just 1 mark on the 50/50 course. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough to topple championship leaders Toby Smith/Hannah Moore who returned a couple of punch cards with 6 and 5 marks on each, giving a total of 11 against John’s 16 marks lost. The course was set out mainly in the heavily wooded valley, therefore keeping the competitors and observers out of the unseasonal sun. By utilising the stream and rocky banks with a sprinkling of mud the setting out team tried to set out flowing type sections whilst still presenting a challenge, which appeared to be the case as smiles were still evident in the finishing field. Many thanks to the West of England team once again for completing a very enjoyable weekend down in the South West.
Toby Smith/Hannah Moore (260 Montesa)
Luke Reynolds/Woody Wise-Reynolds (300 Beta)
Chris / Anna Newsham (300 Gas Gas)
Round 4 MID WALES
A warm dry Saturday greeted all competitors to the Mid Wales centres Welsh Trophy Trial held at the Saintswell Enduro Centre. After a problem with entries, finally sorted by swift action from the West of England MC Team of Kailee Coffin and Andy Cheeseman, all systems were ready for action to begin. This weekend event comprised of rounds 4 and 5 of the TRS supported British Sidecar Trials Championship, Saturdays event started at 1pm allowing riders and passengers plenty of time to arrive at the start. The action was to take place over three laps of 15 sections some of which were double subs to keep the observer numbers down. After a gentle start in sections one and two, the action hotted up at the third and fourth subs. The clubman route in section three proved to be problematic, dropping into a stream was OK but the easier route around a rock step proved nigh on impossible, as the deep water and glass like stream bottom caused much amusement as plumes of water cooled riders, passengers and bystanders with each attempt. The organisers wisely opened the gates after lap one to allow the entire entry to use the rock step, maybe not easier but definitely drier. Further round the course subs 11 and 12 were the next to challenge all competitors section 12 was the bigger mark taker with a couple of tight turns on the banks causing the problem. Early numbers had to deal with the sap from the bluebells whilst the later riders had to contend with the water drawn up from the stream. Once again Jack Corlett/Ealish Baxter aced the experts with a recorded loss of 1 mark, runners up this time were Daryl and Hannah Dale losing 15 marks. Neil and Michael Franks completed the rostrum with a total of 18 marks against their names. The 50/50 class was dominated by Toby Smith/Hannah Moore on their montesa 4 four stroke outfit keeping their winning streak alive. Manxman John corlett along with Brucie Howe pushed them once again on the Gas Gas. Last years clubman champion Peter Dale with young George Lulham as ballast had some spirited rides but were unable to cope with section two which claimed three maximum scores from their days total, pushing them down to third at the end of the event. Clubman leaders Paul Fishlock/Matt price set the pace with a loss of 23 marks lost taking the win over North Devon’s Darren Lulham with eldest son Joe in the chair, Joe was Darren’s 3rd different passenger this series as he is at university away from home. Obviously the team back together proved a great success, they pushed Paul and Matt all day and finished 3 marks adrift, just 2 marks further away were beta mounted father and son team Luke and Woody Reynolds. All competitors were finished well within the time allowance and many stayed overnight ready for Sunday Morning
Round 5
After overnight rain the morning started with a presentation of round 4’s trial. The trial started at 10.30am and once again 15 sections had been set out to be enjoyed 3 times, some sections were as used on Saturday whilst some were altered and a few were brand new for the day. Sub 2 was one that was altered slightly and proved troublesome to some of the clubman runners, but intermediate Peter Dale/George Lulham got it right remaining clean here all day against the 3 failures on Saturday. Once again the long double sub on the clay bank took plenty of marks across all classes, the overnight rain certainly made a difference. This sub and number 13, observed by Andy Cheeseman were the downfall of Jack Corlett/Ealish Baxter’s day as a five on each of these sections put them down to 2nd place in the top class. Section 14 was new for Sunday and proved to be a great tester for all, set in a muddy gully the easier route required straddling the stream which took some doing. The inters and experts had to jump the ditch and then climb a narrow steep gully before dropping back down to the end cards. First to attempt the hard route Rob and Stanley Head forced their Vertico up for an energetic three and round of applause, only to descend the bank and exit the wrong side of the end gates. Stanley was not too happy and had a quiet word in dad’s ear… This section took 11 marks off Daryl and Hannah Dale, one 5 and a couple of 3’s, their only recorded losses and guaranteed them the winners certificate at the end of the event. Paul Fishlock/Matt Price’s day ended when their honda machine took in water on the final attempt at sub 2, therefore ending their winning streak in the clubman championship. This allowed the Reynolds team to pounce and claim maximum championship points for the first time this year. Once again runners up were the father/son paring Darren and Joe Lulham coaxing home a poorly gas gas, a cracked frame was diagnosed early in the day but it all held together. Rounding out the top three were ex grasstrack ace Paul Randall with Harry Martin in the hot seat, only just though with Neil Hannam/Debbie Smith and Vincent and Lotty Brett both a singe mark behind. These two could not be separated on most cleans and after a count back Neil/Debbie got fourth place with most dabs. Machine problems were not an issue in the intermediate class and despite a gallant effort from John Corlett and Brucie Howe, Toby Smith/Hannah Moore claimed victory by a mere 5 marks. Peter Dale/ George Lulham held off the challenge of team Head to record another third in class. At the end of the day another presentation was held and framed certificates were handed out to the top three finishers in all classes which was much appreciated. Many thanks to the Bates family for all their efforts and resurrection of the Welsh Trophy back to the calendar. It proved a great weekend and obviously it was difficult to organise with limited manpower, but all were glad the event could run. Roll on next year.
Round 6
Tuck/Cross Trial 08/06/2025 Elmington Manor Farm, Bristol
After a week of unsettled weather another fine day welcomed the largest entry so far this year, which was appreciated by the BSSA (Wessex) team. This club has a wealth of experience and more sidecar champions than is right or fair and between them all they devised another testing trial for all classes. Maybe a little tougher than recent years due to the damp conditions but most of the second lap scores reduced once the slime was removed by the spinning rear wheels.
Section one was a tough opener for the experts as only series leaders Jack Corlett/Ealish Baxer made the end cards for a dab. Daryl and Hannah Dale were the only pairing to escape a maximum on the second of the two laps, this time for a 3. The inters and clubman had an easier start with most crews cleaning this sub both times. Their first major challenge came at the double subs of four and five up and down a greasy bank with roots under the leaf mould and a tight turn right at the end to cat the unwary. Further round the course, section twelve stopped the entire clubman entry with the exception of Paul Fishlock/Matt Price who mastered the tricky left hand turn. This section benefited from the drying conditions and proved relatively easy second time around, only taking a few dabs. This section was the only sub to prove problematic to eventual winners father and daughter pairing Vinnie/Lottie Brett fiving here was their only failure all day, giving them a healthy 10 mark advantage at the end. A very popular and well deserved victory, first of many. Section 12 also took a rare 5 from intermediate winners Toby Smith/Hannah Moore and marks from all the experts apart from Daryl and Hannah Dale who recorded a fine clean first attempt. The real stars here were Neil/Mike Franks who had a stray dab first lap, perfecting it on the second lap, therefore parting with just 1 mark all day on this tricky sub. After the first lap scores were totted up the clubman were tight at the top with Vince/Lottie on 11 and Paul/Matt on 12, six marks further adrift were Welsh winners Luke and Woody Reynolds. Two marks separated the two front runners in the 50/50 class with Toby/Hannah heading John Corlett/Jamie Howe, returnees Jake Pope/Harvey piloted the Sherco into third. Despite an outstanding ride at section 11, observed by series sponsor Mr TTRS Steve Saunders, a launch through a couple of trees Daryl and Hannah were chasing Jack and Ealish’s seven mark lead. Third at this point were the EM powered Franks brothers, waiting in the wings was another returning pilot Stuart Richies who, aided and abetted by super enthusiastic Richard Tickner as ballast, got into the groove second time around and leap frogged into a well deserved 3rd place. This was the pairs debut in the top class and hopefully a good sign for the future. Another youngster returning to the fold was ever youthful Mick Treagus who once mastered Karl Jarvis’s Vertico posted the 2nd best lap of only 11 marks lost second time around. But for a rather poor 1st lap of 26 the experienced pairing would have bettered their final 5th place, watch this space the lad may have a future. After another challenging lap Jack/Ealish pipped Daryl/Hannah by 8 marks to take the full championship points back to the Isle of Man. Once again Toby and Hannah turned on the style in the intermediate class and extended their lead on the day. This sealed the championship win for this likeable pair, their second gold medal after last year’s victory in the newcomers class. The clubman result certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons, championship wise, as Vinnie / Lottie’s win and Paul / Matt’s second place allowed Luke and Woody Reynolds to jump to the top of the standings with one round to go. Roll on Yorkshire at the end of the month. See you all there.
Many thanks to Phil, Sandra and all the Wessex gang. special thanks to the observers once again. We can’t run without you.
s M/C`s TRS)
Mel Harrison Trial 29/06/2025
Final round
Wonderful weather greeted all entrants to Cockhill Mines, Pately Bridge in deepest North Yorkshire on the last Sunday of June to compete in the final round of the 2025 TRS supported British Sidecar Trials championship. The Yeadon Guiseley and District Motor Club once again hosted the Mel Harrison trial, unfortunately this years event attracted a rather small sidecar contingency but this was boosted by a healthy solo entry, those that did enter were rewarded with a great days riding on some of the best terrain available. As usual two laps of 18 sections was the order of the day, the solo entry was released first to scrub the sections and settle the loose rocks in the rocky stream. The 13 sidecar competitors, 3 experts 5 intermediates and 5 clubmen, followed soon after to tackle the challenging course ahead. The majority of the entry across all classes got off to a steady start through the opening five subs which followed the stream up the valley, a sprinkling of dabs were lost in the loose rocky sections but the innocent looking section four caught the unwary and three teams found themselves floundering, the guilty parties included top crew Daryl / Hannah Dale and the top two finishers in the inters, Peter Dale/George Lulham and John Corlett/Jamie Howe, who all fived the waterfall. Most of the clubman made light work of it first time around. Once out of the stream it was up onto the hill top for some old school moor going to wear everyone out before arriving at section 8 overseen by Mr Sidecar himself Robin Luscombe waving the punch, A straight forward climb for the clubman and inters posed few problems and very little interest to the observer, the experts had more of a challenging S bend climb with added rockery which took marks as proper non stop rules were adhered to, rightly so and rewarded Michael and Neil Franks for the best ride on the second attempt. The very next sections was observed by another local legend Kev Morley who was over looking a rock garden section with a chair low camber for the top two classes. Successful attempts were achieved by careful two wheeling, Manx pairing and eventual event winners Jack Corlett/Easlish Baxter make it look easy along with runners up Daryl and Hannah Dale, this feat was also achieved by Mr Corlett senior, John with Brucie Howe in the 50/50 class. Another short trip over the moor took everyone to another pair of testing subs consisting of climbs set on the rocky hillside. Another moorland trek took the entry down to the bottom of the valley for more stream sections before ending at the last section, a graded hill climb which included a ditch jump half way up for the experts and inters. The clubman class was won by father and son pairing Luke and Woody Reynolds on their Beta outfit losing 34 marks against Paul Fishlock/Debbie Smith’s 35, who was battling the pain of a recent injury but managed to hold off the challenge of Vince/Lottie Brett in third place on the day. Hard luck story of the event was evergreen Mick Treagus with Karl Jarvis in the chair who despite breaking the rear brake pedal off early doors returned the best first lap card of just 10 marks, only to be troubled with electrical problems later on which dropped them out of contention. Surprise of the day was in the intermediate class where Peter Dale/George Lulham came out top of the pile bettering John Corlett/Jamie Howe and Jake Pope/Harvey Allaway. Jack Corlett/Ealilsh Baxter maintained their position in the championship and ran out winners of the event by 9 marks from Daryl and Hannah Dale. Another successful proper national Mel Harrison Trial and already looking forward to next year, hopefully with better support. On slightly lighter note it was refreshing to see Mr Luscome jump onto a couple of outfits to give an impromptu demonstration of riding the graded hill but he confirmed this was not a comeback. Thanks go out to Janet Harrison and the organising team for putting the effort in to keep this in the calendar.
Results EXPERTS 1st Jack Corlett/Ealish Baxter 15 ml 2nd Daryl/Hannah Dale 24ml 3rd Michael/Neil Franks 49ml INTERMEDIATES 1st Peter Dale/George Lulham 22ml 2nd John Corlett/ Jamie Howe 23ml 3rd Jake Pope/ Harvey Allaway 35ml 4th Rob/Stanley Head 36ml 5th Aleyn Taggart/Anna Newsham 37ml CLUBMAN 1st Luke/Woody Reynolds 33ml 2nd Paul Fishlock/Debbie Smith 34ml 3rd Vincent/Lottie Brett 42ml 4th Mick Treagus/Karl Jarvis 44ml 5th Anthony/Lucy Ayrton 48ml
