The alarm went off at 5am...usually an hour that doesn't exist in my waking world unless I'm doing a trial. In some ways I find it harder to get up at sparrow's fart, than I do keeping myself awake all night on one of the MCC overnight trials! Saying that, our friends Andy and Mike had to get up at 4am as they were coming from Bristol that morning for a 8.23am start time!
Our friend Rod was staying locally and we met up at 6.25am to ride to the starting location at Exmoor Farmers Market. It was going to be his first ever LDT and he was super excited! I was VERY glad of my heated jacket for the ride, and it was a slow one given I was navigating by candelight (my headlight is not great) and still running in my Scorpa TY 125's engine. We rocked up at the building around 7.15am ready to get a hot cuppa, get through scruiteneering, sign on and check any route ammendments. It was lovely to see so many friendly faces and get chatting to a few people I'd seen several times on various trials but never got to chat to as yet. I just love the friendliness of these classic trials events! We also said a brief hello to Andy and Mike who'd made it down bright and early, and then we were handed a couple of 'ACTC Championship Contender' stickers each as we'd recently joined. I chuckled to myself and thought "more participant, less contender", ha ha. However, it's the taking part and supporting these events that count...well at least that's what my mum always told me!
With scruiteneering, signing on and kit check complete, it was time to get lined up to start. People were just starting in random order, which made it a bit more relaxed. We had made it by our 'official' start time, however we realised we hadn't altered our tyre pressures, so as there was no urgency to start we quickly sorted that out.
Then we were off and I was leading, running a tulip type road-book on my Samsung ActivTab 3 that Kelvin had sorted for me using Rally Navigator from the official route card sent out during the week. Also, my bluetooth controller was now working well, which made life a lot easier as I could reset the partial distances easily, which is essential. The GPS route in the bottom left corner on the DMD2 software wasn't functioning, however the tulip road-book was spot on, so as long as I kept resetting the partial distances and following the pictoral instructions, all would be well.
Porte Farm was the first stop, with three different sections in close succession. The tight left hand turn in a bit of mud needed some momentum but not too much speed, and I was glad to get through nice and clean. Yey, one down, 18 left to go! The next section was also a good one, however me with my MCC (the Motor Cycling Club) head on I was looking for a 'box' type restart, not a line. I'd totally forgotten about this little fact so went just past the restart line before stopping. Doh! The marshal said "you went past it", and I kicked myself for not re-reading the instructions again the day before the event...having a goldfish brain I'd totally forgotten from reading them on Wednesday! Ah well, next year I'll do better...maybe! I shouted to Kelvin who was at the start of the section about my brain fart, which helped remind him of the fact it wasn't a restart box. Not sure if he'd remembered or not. Section 3 went a lot better and I gave it a bit of welly to get up the hill as it was quite loose and slippery, but I got up! Unfortunately, Rod's tyre pressures on his Serrow were still relatively high as he'd been keen to keep them as-is as he was quite new to off-road and understandibly didn't want to alter what he'd been used to using on some green roads with his local TRF group. However, after struggling to get the bike up section 3 with little traction he decided he'd give the lower pressures a go, so we sorted that out before cracking on.
Section 4 'Loxhore Cott' went well from what I can remember, being a nice long section with a few bumpy, slippery bits on it to beware of. Following that we got to 'Snapper' where sadly Mike had had an off on his 701 just before we got there. When we arrived his bike was sat waiting for him at the bottom, and he was being helped by a marshal, and we could see him limping back down the section in obvious pain. We got off to check he was ok and provide him with some basic pain meds. It was sad that one, he'd hurt himself, and two, that it was trial over when they'd made such an effort to get down here and it was done and dusted in less than an hour of riding. Mike has done well on the trial last year on his 701 and he's a good rider (don't tell him I said that...can't be too nice!), and that section hadn't been an issue, but unfortunately he'd just overstretched his hamstring as the bike sent him up the bank...a very painful injury! Andy had already completed the section, so came back to find out where Mike was after we'd gone. We checked he was ok before we left, and he just wanted to lie down and let the pain calm, so we left him in peace and lined up for the section. Last year I ended up going through a deep bomb-hole on this section I seemed to remember, but this year I found a really lovely line and it went quite smoothly.
Following on from that about 4 miles later we got to sections 6 and 7; Becotts Gordons Goyle and Becotts Lane. The first one hadn't been in it last year as I think the water had been too high due to all the rain, but it was a really nice section through a stream and then up a bank. I watched a couple of people do it and worked out a line through the water, and knew I'd have to give it some oomph to get up the muddy bank. I managed better than I anticipated and came flying over the top of the bank, however I took out the number '2' marker before crossing the section ends as I went a bit too far...oopsy! I then got in line for the next section, but being completely focused on the marshals having to replace the number 2 and laughing at myself, I didn't see the big orange VW Beetle patiently sat in line for the section. Not sure how I missed that! I realised I'd blatantly pushed in front of them but they let me off. Thank you and sorry again! This section was a mud bath last year and yet again, I think I got about half way up before I lost my nerve. This often happes to me in rutty mud, and I promptly put my foot down to steady my squirrely bike. To be honest I wasn't disappointed as I'd done my best and knew mud was my nemesis. I got to the end and then pretty much paddled my way out of the lane as it was super muddy and rutty all the way out to the gate. Definitely need more practice there!
The next sections were only about three miles away, and again it was an area with several sections in close succession...four in total. That would definitely keep us warm on this dry but bitterly cold day! Stoodleigh stream was a nice intro to the set of sections, with a cheeky little restart on a sharp right hand bend. My little scorpa managed to pull away nicely despite the very 'on/off' clutch and then it was a short ride to the section ends. Following on from that was 'Georges Bank', which I'd got about half way up last year. It had been a bit wetter last year, but also I think I'd hesitated a bit previously as it looked quite steep. This year though it was a different story; determined to give it a good go I set off with a bit of gusto and to my surprise I made it to the top, my little bike finding good traction at the edges all the way up. Whoop whoop! I was super chuffed as I really didn't think I'd make it up there. However, on making it up I then had to go back down, and in my head I am not good at the downhill on steep, muddy slopes! I hopped off the bike, stalled it and walked it back down using the clutch. As I was making my way back down, one of the marshals exclaimed that he hadn't seen anyone go up it so quick today, so I must have been a bit more determined than I thought! Then it was immediately on to 'Stoodleigh Steep' and it had been good to see a couple of cars give it a good go to. The Orange VW Beetle was just ahead of me and it looked great fun! I remembered to stop at the higher restart and this year I managed to pull away ok, making it to the top without fault. Yey! Last year I'd stalled off the restart, which I was a bit disapointed about, but this year I made it, although it was a bit close to not making it with my clutch (and user error of course, ha ha). The final section of the area 'Clockhay Climb' was also a success, and a good fun, steepish uphill with a few muddy bits, plus a reasonably straightforward restart. Tick!
Next up was the one that 'Clerk of the Course' Chris had thrown in as a bit of an added challenge, Walscott, and we were even allowed to go and view it in advance. We'd be the last few people that would be doing the section and apparently there'd been a good few successful runs of it. There is hope yet! We wandered up for a looksy, me falling flat on my face just trying to walk over the slippery rocks before the challenging bit even started...maybe there is no hope after all?! We were fortunate to watch a couple of pro's, John and Derek, navigate the section whilst we were there and we'd all decided on the line we'd at least attempt to make. I got back to my bike and before I could think about it too much I set off. The longer I sat and thought about it the worse it would be, so as soon as I could go, I went. I took the right hand side of the first step and my bike just rolled up it like it was nothing. Ok, nice suprise, just lots more slabby bits and sticky out rocks to navigate now. I saw a line over to the left and then followed it back over to the right. I'd missed a bit of what I'd planned, which meant I wasn't overly well lined up for the final rocky challenge, but I was being spurred on by the very enthusiastic marshal shouting "go on, you've got this"! Thank you by the way! To my suprise my bike didn't spin out and I avoided the temptation to dab, and I made it! Yes!!!!
Then was major challenge number two...getting out of the section. I'd love to say I did it with finesse and minimal footing, but quite the opposite! My legs were everywhere as I literally bounced from side to side, trying to keep the momentum so I didn't get stuck on the slabby rocks. I did actually manage to keep going and eventually made it out. I was now definitely quite toasty! I had to wait a while for the other two though. Apparently they'd made the section quite successfully following our quick tour, but then had both very much struggled to get out of the lane. Rod had even ended up helping Kelvin on this occasion, and Kelvin was very red faced when he eventually got to the top. I'd had a lovely rest by that time, so thank you boys!
High Bray was section 13, and the last section before lunch and fuel. My stomach had started to rumble so I was looking forward to the upcoming food, which spurred me on. I was hoping that the restart would go well on this section as I remembered that last year it had been on a slabby bit of rock. I'd managed but it was a good challenge, so we'd see what would happen. There was a bit of a wait while the bikes ahead of us set off, and eventually it was my turn.
To my suprise the restart was a lot earlier, so much so I had to double-take to check what I was seeing was correct. I'd decided to go right, which probably wasn't the best option, but getting going again was reasonably easy as the surface was quite forgiving on that part of the section. There was then a straightforward route to follow to the top of the section on the left side, which made it easier, just not quite as fun a challenge as before. Still good though.
We made our way the 10 miles to South Molton to fill our bikes and our bellies, and have a quick natter to some fellow competitors. There were a few who were new to classic trials, or at least the Exmoor Trial, including our friend Rod, so it was good to see how everyone was finding it. From what we could gather, they all seemed to be having a really good event, regardless of how 'well' they were doing, so that was a real positive, and before long it was time to set off for round two. Just six sections left to contend with and the timed test.
So, the aptly named 'Holdridge Hell' didn't go well for me being in class B3. We were the only ones with a deviation and it was far too much for my level of skill! I started well, through the muddy puddle and then continuing, past the turn for the rest of the bikes, to a sharp right hand turn. It then went up a bank and over a tree root. Yikes! To me it looked at an angle as well and all I could think was "your tyre will slide". Being honest, I gave a half-arsed attempt as in my head there was no way I could do it. Needless to say I hit the tree root and came to an abrupt stop. I then had to manhandle the bike with the help of the marshal to get out of the section a different way, which luckily wasn't too hard. It was then back down the section, taking a left up to the 'Holdridge Hill'. Last year I'd barely made it up the first bit, but this year I'd managed to get some traction, making it up to the 'deviation' off to the right. Then, me being me, I got confused. This is easily done by the way! I had another brain fart and decided that I was meant to go below the markers so headed down a bit, quickly realising that it couldn't be the route. Anyway, I kicked myself as I think there's a chance I could've done it, or at least done better than I had as my bike was feeling like it had traction even after I turned off. Unfortunately my little moment of confusion meant I headed to an area of less traction, facing a little more downward so I just decided to keep heading down the hill and wait for the other two. I watched as they made their attempts, both struggling to make it to the deviation and having to turn around, which was unfortunate. It definitely was a challenge for us all that one!
With another couple of sections under our belts it was then off to the 'Bentwitchen Test', which is a timed test. This would serve to sort out the rankings should two competitors end up with the same score. As we reached the nice long track before the test, we could see a horse rider in the distance heading away from us. I could see the horse's head going side to side as I think it'd heard us, and not wanting to spook it we turned off our engines, waited a while and chatted. We moved up a little after it'd gone way out of view, and repeated the process until we got nearer to the test. We waited futher back again, now joined by a few other riders, and we could see the horse rider having a chat to the marshal in the distance. Once all was clear we got to the test 'A' line and I was off. I stopped astride the 'B' line, and then the 'C' line as instructed, then waited for the others. Kelvin definitely put more effort in and Rod being his first trial and getting used to how things worked, forgot to stop astride 'C', but never mind.
Riding over the moors was stunningly beautiful, especially on a lovely, clear, dry day like today, but gosh was it bitter! I was counting down the miles, each one going particularly slowly, especially as I'd been advised not to go over 50kmph for the first 300km of riding with the new engine! I was almost at 250km now though so getting there. We finally made it to 'Floyds Bank', my fingers slightly numb at the ends and a bit of a chill in my back. I remembered the section from last year, where I'd managed to clear it. I set off up the centre of the grassy track, managing to keep the momentum up and coming out of the top to take the sharp right hand turn. Then, for some silly reason, after I'd made the turn and just before the 'section ends' board my right foot decided to take a dab! What was that for?!! I heard an 'aaah' from the small crowd gathered to watch, and I felt the same. Doh! You have to laugh though...successfully making some more technical sections and then dabbing on a section after you've done the hard bit! Anyway, it was then back down the hill to the turn in to 'Floyds Gully', one I'm not sure was on last year's trial? The main challenge of this one was a left turn just before a steep, muddy uphill. Oh yey, just what I love! Ok, sarcasm aside, I thought I'd give it a try and I did give it some welly on the off-chance that I'd be successful, but alas, I made it within about 2 ft of the top and fell on to the left side. Oopsy! I felt I'd given it a good go at least and with the help of the lovely marshals, I got my bike out of the top of the section. Neither Kelvin or Rod made it either, although again, they both gave it a damn good go!
Just two more sections left to go, and the next one was just a stones throw away. It was another grassy hill with some ruts, but I managed to stop myself focusing on the ruts, negotiated the top left hand bend without fault and passed the section ends without a dab. Happy days, no more points to add to my surely high score so far (FYI points don't mean prizes in trials!). One left, the infamous 'Beggars Roost' and one which we are not used to seeing in the daylight! On the MCC Lands End Trial, a 24 hour trial, it's always in the very early hours, but also marks a cake and tea break on that event, so I look forward to it! This section had the added challenge of another restart, and I decided to go right in the end, managing not to place the tyre right in the big dip. I was happy I'd managed not to do that as on restarts I have a habit of planting the tyre where it feels 'comfortable', but then inevitably struggle to get away as it gets a little too comfy and just spins. I pulled away nicely and made it through the rest of the section without fault. Always nice to finish on a clean! I think the other two did alright as well, and the end was now in sight.
On arriving at the Old Station House Inn, Rod's wife Julie was waiting for us and took a few photos of us finishing, which was really lovely. We then signed off inside the nice warm pub... The Exmoor Trial 2025 was completed and it had been such a great event. I found it quite challenging, but I could at least give everything a go, which is a real positive to come away with. Rod was beaming, he'd really enjoyed his first taste of LDT's (long distance trials) and was well up for more in the future, and Kelvin had also had a really fab day. Smiles all around for the finishers! Saying that, it was a real shame that Mike had an accident, and we'd heard on our group chat that there were no broken bones, having been seen reasonably swiftly at North Devon District Hospital A&E. Phew! We'd been looking forward to a group late lunch at the pub to have a good catch up at the end, but it wasn't to be. We look forward to seeing you next time Andy and Mike (aka 'Team Chicken Legs' with Kelvin on the MCC events). Heal up well Mike!
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