The Sunbeam MCC 74th Southern Experts Trial was run on Sunday 6 December at the famous Butser Limeworks, Petersfield, Hants.
The organising Thames Valley Trials Combine & Hookwood Trials Club were praised by many of the competitors on completion of this great event for putting on a superb day of motor cycle trials riding. The overnight rain made conditions very slippery and good throttle control was the essence for the day. There were many spectators who came to watch the solos and sidecars and they were in abundance throughout the day on the graded hill climb of section seven. The clerks of courses: Solo Sam Connor and his Team and Sidecar Steve Farmer & Keith Cannom & their team got the severity just right with all competitors in every class recorded some cleans.
The Premier Solo Cup went to Gas Gas’s Sam Haslam who had a real battle all day with MRS Sherco rider Joe Baker. Both riders pulling off brilliant rides on the hardest sections and Haslam finished on 11 marks with Joe Baker on 13 having lost a two at the penultimate section.
Alexz Wigg rounded up the podium on 27 marks lost, with World Ladies Champion Emma Bristow full of praise for a very enjoyable day finishing a very credible eight place on 56 marks lost against all the top experts.
The sidecar Premier went to the very young Golding Brothers. Joshua & Luke who lost only 16 marks lost compared to runner up Bernie Chambers & Mark Parrett on 100 marks lost. The two brothers have amazing skill for their age and will surely be British Champions at some stage of their riding careers. The Sidecar Clubman went to newly crowned British Newcomer Champion: Hookwoods Jake Pope with Chris Kimber this time stepping in as passenger. Chris Kimbers son Rupert was spectating and is slowly recovering from a serious leg injury sustained this year. We all wish him well on his recovery.