ACU Cheshire Centre Club Training Day Saturday 17th May 2008

Venue: Wrights Farm, Haslin, Buxton

Report & Pictures by B

Despite the fabulous weather we all experienced  only a few days previously of soaring hot summer temperatures the ‘typical’ Buxton weather of the usual cold winds & rain remained the most part of the day on Saturdays ACU Cheshire Centre Club Training Day. The First Training Day of the season was a resounding success, organised by Terry Harvey & courtesy of Macc TC, the venue Wrights Farm, Haslin. Overlooked by the watchful eyes of the resident sheep & their newborn lambs, undeterred by the weather & eager to ride, a full house of 14 trainees, all at beginners level signed on at 10 am for a 10.30 start, with rider’s ages ranging from 7 to 50+.

Although the ground was wet it remained firm so conditions for riding were good. The day was filled with an abundance of tips from basic bike maintenance to body & bike control, each rider then to tackle a variety of sections using these new skills. With expert guidance & teaching skills from Club Coaches Margaret Carter and Harvey Lloyd learning throttle & balance control gave all the riders a full & interesting day on their machines, especially the younger riders....  The 14 riders split into two groups with seven being mentored by Margaret & seven with Harvey. Five of the seven riders in Margarets group aged 7 to 10 & all budding world champions, gave their parents a few gasps whilst practicing their throttle control but quickly succeeded in turning them into smiles! There wasn’t a lot for the catchers to do as only a couple of tumbles occurred while ‘wheelies & fushigas’ impressions were the order of the day!! The only casualty being a broken bike chain.....

Section courses set out for the riders to tackle began with a slow controlled figure of eight on the flat. Progressing onto grassy uphill & downhill ascents & descents, then into slow & tight controlled turns on the flat with a slight camber & chicane, finishing with a more challenging & ‘slippery when wet’ rocky outcrop section.

Rosy cheeked & tired with smiles all round, a memorable & satisfying day was had by all with the day finishing at around 4pm.

Finally many thanks to Terry Harvey who organized a very successful training day and to Club Coaches Margaret Carter and Harvey Lloyd for their time & patience in sharing their years of expertise & knowledge from being in the ‘saddle’ of Motorbike Trials.

Not forgetting a mention & large applause all round to the talented trio who took part & completed the SSDT 2008, John Shirt Jr, Craig Robinson & Liam Robinson “Congratulations Lads”!