Adrian Steele	John Cowley
Martin Greeves	Dale Freeman
Gary Wigston	Jon Quigg

2015 James Cup Trial

Report Ken O'Brien

Pictures by Gary Dowzall, other pictures can be found at sliders.photography

John Cowley rolled back the years to take the Expert class and premiere award 'The James Cup' this Trial was a round of the South Midland 'Total Class' Championship.
Steeple Hill Corner at Folly Farm was the venue where 3 laps of twelve testing sections were ridden we had steep climbs cambered roots muddy slots and sweeping sandy banks.

John was good at section 4 Axford's an uphill stream section that dug-out after fifty or so riders had completed, a prod on the first attempt then a two with a battling hard fought three to finish.

Master Chef contestant Dan Cameron was on for gold in the Expert class until a jammed chain put paid to his campaign with yours truly and Volvo engineering guru Dickie ( 'the spanner' ) Harbud taking half an hour to untangle the problem but by this time it was all over and no more mud pie for Dan.
Paul Hadingham over from the Nene Valley club steered the 300 Gas Gas around competently and took best Intermediate riding the 50/50 route.

Adrian Steele Beta 250 had to work hard today just edging out Ed Freeman  winning the clubman class on the white standard route.
Both riders not surprisingly lost marks at section seven an eighty yard muddy slot with roots and a soft turn.
As ever Mud maestro Alan Taylor put in another quality ride on the Tiger Cub to take third overall on the middle route and best British bike.
Rowan hill was best novice on thirty Eight whilst Oscar Jones looked good in the youth B and was rewarded with best in class.

On the Blue easy course it was Tim Davis again proving four stroke power is best with a one mark victory over Ixion veteran Rob Lewis with Brian Taylor in third spot although the Undertaker did bury his back wheel up to the axles at section six on more than one occasion, this one of the harder subs of the day, 'Jakes' firstly a deep slot left hand turn then a jump across a stream before blasting to dryish land with a turn down over some rocks lurking in the depths.
Many thanks to all the observers it was a joy to man every section.

Full results can be found here .