CHG Sphinx Long Distance Road Trial 22nd April 2007

report by Steve Venn

Results

27 sections, 2 timed special tests, a graded hill climb and just over 100 miles on and off road were completed by 120 willing competitors. The road mileage was further than intended. The Home Guard had to completely alter its usual route because of restrictions on the use of the lanes, so more road work was added in an effort to link what lanes were available together. The Sphinx trial will have to be renamed The Tour of the Cotswolds!! and slick tyres will probably have been more appropriate than knobblies!! The club will be looking to improve and build on this year, hopefully access more land and reduce the mileage.

The weather was good, the going easy and the sections a little technical in places, but on the whole the riders coped incredibly well with the tricky bits and many low scores were recorded.

Reg Treble returned the only clean sheet in his unassuming way, and was a worthy winner. The surprise ride of the day was evergreen Stan Howitt, with an amazing ride dropping only two marks and winning the Geoff Gibbons Memorial trophy as the best local rider.

Two other rides of note were Pete Barnett manhandling a big hairy DRZ400 for a credible score of just 8 marks and Trudi Silvey who had a steady and enjoyable days ride to win the ladies award. The villagers at Hazelton supplied there usual hospitality and generally a good days sport was had by all.

Thanks to BVM of Stroud for sponsoring the riding numbers and awards and to all landowners and observers.

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