2024 James Cup Trial

The James Challenge Cup for the best Intermediate riding the 50/50 route and the Thistle Anderson Trophy for the best adult riding the middle yellow route were up for grabs at Folly Farm Steeple Hill Corner Beckley on Sunday 6th October.

Four laps of ten testing sections were ridden we had steep climbs cambered roots muddy slots and sweeping sandy banks also a rare South Midland Centre Rocky stream ( in full spate the Noo) thrown in for good measure.

This was an Open Permit event and included a round of the Meteor Group Championship Series for 2024.

Midland Centre Raider Peter Archer over from the Leamington club put the Honda power to the sword as many sections were long and slick.

Pete took the silverware with a single dab advantage over Richard Pearce on the 250 Gasser.

Section 3 was tough a turn in a ditch dropping into a marshy gully then half way down an awkward large root to one side had to be traversed but with various tactics the flick and pin-it method was the only way with Peter managing  superb cleans on all his attempts.

Richard however had a brilliant clean on section 2 first lap the rocky stream but firstly a deep ditch to cross with several lines then the right-hander over an awkwardly growing large root before thirty yards of rocky stream and a slick left handed pivot turn out.

Josh Quigg opted for the hard route on the 300 R and lost a few marks at section three where dabs were being taken from all classes.

A slight gradient over roots to start then criss-crossing a muddy slot probably sixty yards long before a ride-it or jump-it ditch was the final hazard to attempt before the ends were in sight although the fast third gear style was the answer if you could hold it.

Charlie Crabtree Youth B had a good day on the little Sherco 125 taking on the 50/50 route opting for the fast technique at section four an undulating affair with many obstructions including trees swamps and the like.  

Alan Taylor is the man on-form at the moment taking the Thistle Anderson Trophy to go with the the Ivan Davis Cup last month for the best adult performance on the yellow middle route.

Alan is renowned for his mud riding skills and didn't disappoint as a crowd gathered at section six to witness a single steadying prod on his third lap.

The section comprised a 40 yard uphill approach though the ' soft stuff ' before shutting off once on dry land to negotiate the next set of hurdles with a cambered right handed turn up a sharpish bank with roots then you were out of the shadows of the wood to the end of section.

Alfie Chesman Youth B piloted the the 125 Beta around the middle route for a loss of 44 a very creditable ride for the smaller cc machine.

Alfie was in his element on section nine ' The Verandah ' always a favorite starting in the bottom field with third gear selected it was drop the clutch and hang-on he recorded four superb cleans here.

On the white Sportsman route Oxford Ixion veteran ace Gordon Pusey showed all a clean pair of heels with a miserly six marks lost incurring a silly five on section nine with wrong gear selection causing failure this time.

Wayne Hutton 270 Cub took the Pre 65 class on a most cleans tie-break with David Clarkson also Tiger Cub but the 199cc version.

Both riders cleaning the Big Hill Climb of section 10 and the Roar of the Cubs could be heard echoing across valley deep into the woods.

Kenny Presley Honda TLR 200 just pipped Paul Toplis 310 CCM to the post by three marks in their respective class.

Section eight was proving a stopper for some but the aging Twinshocks were finding grip on the sharp right handed steep climb then an even steeper drop with a big turning circle to get lined up for the 100 yard slick sandy climb to the perimeter fence and ends.

Many thanks to all who helped on the day.

Our next event is the Norton Trophy for best Pre 65 riding the the eased White route with all classes welcome and the usual routes on Saturday 9th Nov.