Tarka Trial 2025 by North Devon Motor Club

Yet another fabulous event from North Devon Motor Club. This time a motorcycle only event (including sidecar outfits), the Steve Knight Tarka Trial 2025, taking in some beautiful North Devon countryside. It was lovely to have a few friends come along to take part, as well as a few from the Bristol TRF...hopefully even more next year!

Kelvin, Suzie, Mo and Rob, getting ready for starting the trial at McDonald's in Bideford...thank you to Margaret Critchlow for this photo.

The starting venue was McDonald's in Bideford, so our friends who'd opted to stay at the Premier Inn could literally roll out of bed and be at the event, ha ha! Kelvin, Chris and I rocked up nice and early to get our bikes checked over by the lovely Blood Bikes team. A little 'passed' ticket issued to each of us thankfully, ready for taking to the officials at sign on inside McDonald's. After a bit of banter and laughter we were issued with our numbers to tape on our bikes and helmets, and then time for a warm cuppa.

Everyone checking out their route cards and getting ready for the off!

To our delight, the weather forecast had improved over the week and it was actually a nice dry start to the trial. We set off at our allotted times (8am plus our number), so being number 21 I went off at about 8.21am.

The first section 'Scratchface Lane' was on a lane we'd been through many a time, however it was in an area to the side of the lane...not done that before, and added a significant level of technical difficulty...ok, well at least for those of us who are not so good at technical stuff...some riders made it look like a walk in the park! Good to watch though. Being a little nervous I didn't take any photos as I was concentrating on watching the riders in front, trying to follow where the track went and also, trying to anticipate what the terrain was like over the bank, which I could see everyone steadily dropping over. Following on from my friend Andy, it was my turn. I crossed the stream and got myself at the start position, where marshal Nina Barham was waiting. The first part of the section looked a lot more muddy from this angle, and I hoped I wouldn't mess up before I even got to the '11' marker, ha ha. I set off, down through the stream, through the mud and up the bank turning to the left at the top. Then, nice and slow up and over the bank, keeping enough to the left to give me room to turn back around to the right at the bottom for the sharp right turn over a muddy hump. However, my head got in the way and the right foot went straight down on the turn, meaning I lost momentum and then wheel-span trying to get over the hump. So, back up a bit and Bob's your uncle, over the top to finish the (now failed-ish) section. All good practice and a great section. One observed section down, 18 left to go! Plus two speed tests.

The lovely Ian Thompson, a very seasoned LDT'er, happy to be in North Devon and ready to get started!

On to observed section 2, 'Spinnay Lane', and it was a nice long, rocky-ish section that I really enjoyed. Thankfully it was one of the sections that I could add to my very short list (ha ha) of 'cleaned' sections. Woohoo! I think Kelvin, Andy and I all managed to clean that one, so a bit of a boost all round.

Next was observed section 3 'Jennetts Way', and one that looked straight forwards, but I think both Kelvin and I may have managed to mess up right at the end. It consisted of some tapes coming in on each side of the lane, creating a chicane to navigate through to the end of the section. I was very thankful that the 'navigating 180 degrees anticlockwise around a cone' as originally planned had been replaced with the tapes, as I think I would have been even worse at that on a shaley downhill! This was definitely a good challenge though and I wonder how many it caught out?

Observed section 4 'Luppincott' - Keep right of the white flags!!!

Observed section 4 'Luppincott' was another good'un, where you had to navigate up a rocky stream keeping to the right of some white markers so you couldn't opt for the easy option. A good few riders were here waiting for their turn, so a good opportunity to have a chat with each other and a slurp of water. It was my turn and in my head I just said "keep right, keep right", as I have a goldfish memory! It was a lovely long section, but played to my strengths (rocky and straight, ha ha), so it was a clean for me! Whoop whoop! Very happy to have more than one cleaned (0 points) section on my scorecard. For those who aren't aware...in trials, points don't mean prizes!!

A sidecar outfit flying along on the speed test at Tappies Test.

Mo Rapley on Tappies Test

Absolutely flying!!

Chat time! Waiting for Tappies Speed Test (ST1) to open.

Next was the first of two speed tests 'Tappies Test', and this one was very humpy. It was the same as last year, and like last year, I took it nice and slow. To be honest, unless you're contending for the win of a class, there's no need to speed and falling off or spinning out in front of a row of spectators would be a tad mortifying on a straight line, grassy test! No idea on my time, but I got to the end of the humps, around the marker and back again, stopping astride line B. Job done!

Tapscott Table Top section in the distance.

'Tapscott Table Top' was observed section 5, and one I completely messed up last year. Fortunately, this year I did a lot better. Not perfect but at least didn't fall off in the first 3 meters!! It was a section marked with red and blue flags (memo to brain: 'Red = Right!). I started and quickly was up the first little mound, and down the other side. I followed it around to the right and managed well, until I was on top of second mound (much steeper than the first) where I may have footed on the left hand turn in the mud. I’m notoriously shite at sharp left hand turns, and especially ones in the mud, as you will see! Despite the nervous foot, I was pleased with how I did because it was an improvement on my previous performance, and I didn't end up on the floor!

Getting ready for OS 6 at Sugworthy Circuit...not a great performance from Suzie here!

Andy setting off at section 6.

It was then off another few miles to Sugworthy Circuit and clubhouse of North Devon Motor Club, where observed sections 6 and 7 awaited us. Plus some toilets in the clubhouse, so I was even happier! First up was 'Foxy Copse' (OS6). I got as far as I did last year before messing up...not that far! Ha ha! Target fixation at it's best. Shortly after entry to the section there's a 90 degree left hand turn with a mossy tree laid down on the right hand side of the track. Instead of looking left to where I wanted to go, I looked at the tree getting closer and closer. Needless to say, my front wheel hit the tree so I dabbed a couple of times, but kept going. I did manage to negotiate getting over the tree in a 'V' shape across the track this year, and then on to the end of the section. It's one of those sections that will definitely separate out the good trials riders from the technically challenged, lol!

Andy setting off on section 7...Badgers Last Stand!

Suzie in full-on concentration mode, setting herself up for an unexpected clean on section 7!

Then OS7, 'Badger's Last Stand', and a section that took me by surprise, but in a very good way!! I think last year I made it all of a few meters before that annoying foot went down, but this year was a stark contrast. I got myself around the left turn nice and steadily, my head almost getting in the way, then up the mud bank in an unexpectedly controlled manner, following the track around several bends, up another bank and making it past the 'Section Ends' board without a foot. By far my best section of the trial, and well chuffed!! I think I even said 'woohoo' out loud, I was so happy! A huge thanks to Margaret Critchlow for standing in to marshal last minute, and also for taking photos of us all mounting the hump!

Andy nailing the mud mound on section 7!

Kelvin making the section look easy peasy!

Chris enjoying section 7 with his Beta X-Trainer

Almost another 9 miles saw us at observed section 8, 'Spittle Stream'. Apparently, most people had gone wrong on this section according to the marshal as they'd headed up the sidecar outfit route towards the end. Thankfully, I wouldn't have to worry about that because I footed before I even got that far! This was a good, technical section again though. I dropped down through the stream, up the bank the other side and then to the left through the mud before trying to negotiate around the tree, however that foot came out again for it's nervous dab! Doh! I saw the orange arrow with 'solos' written on it (indicating the route for solo motorcyclists) and followed, but a little too far, missing the left turn up the bank and straight in to the deep mud. Sigh! A little manhandling of the bike and I was back on track. I finished the section in classic 'chicken legs' style...definitely not my most graceful performance!

Andy negotiating the start of section 8...it didn't get any easier!!

It was then time for a very welcome fuel stop, and my tummy had been rumbling for the past half an hour, so a sarnie and lemon drizzle flapjack from the shop was most welcome. The flapjack was the best I'd had in a while so I was very happy. The break also gave us a good opportunity to catch up with some other riders, particularly our friends Mo and Rob (SW Wales TRF founders), and this being their first NDMC event. They were enjoying it, and so was Chris and his friend Byron from Bristol TRF. Smiles all around, plus the weather was still holding. Bonus!

The start of 'New Holdridge Hell' which I amazingly managed to clean! Whoop whoop!

It was time to set off again and the next three sections were only about 3 miles away, and would bring with them significant (and muddy) challenge. First up was observed section 9, 'New Holdridge Hell', where you had to get up a loose, leaf covered bank and around to the right. It looked easier than it was, as I watched a few struggle, but to my amazement I cleaned it. That's definitely four 'cleans' on my list now...happy days!

'Holdridge Stream' section, and John Reeves showing everyone how it's done!

Then just a few meters later came observed section 10 'Holdridge Stream', which was a completely different kettle of fish. I watched as people dropped down the bank and left up the stream. It was my turn and I set off, dropping down in to a now slightly rutted, muddy left turn. Easy for some, but my head had other ideas...here comes the footy foot, ha ha! Doh! Anyway, I kept it going up the stream, which was really nice, and all I could see up ahead was a hole of mud and two marshals either side, Chris and Jason. Chris spurred me on to get through the mud pit, but alas, after giving it a little bit of oomph to try and get through I fell over to the left and almost in to Chris. Oopsy! With a bit of help I got me and my bike up the bank, wheels clogged with mud all ready for section 11, 'Holdridge Hill'.

Kelvin making a good start on 'Holdridge Hill', but alas, he soon f**ked up!

I didn't hold high hopes for it and I couldn't manage to spin my rear tyre to clear the mud, so that'd be interesting. Needless to say, after I set off I came around the left corner but then kept going left and in to the hedge. Bugger! Last year I'd made it almost the whole way on this one (or maybe even cleaned it, I can't remember), but this time it was a big, fat fail, ha ha! I watched Kelvin's turn and he essentially replicated my attempt (but slightly worse), so I didn't feel quite such a failure. At least we were giving the marshals some laughs...it'd be boring if everyone made it look easy!

Andy contemplating the mud bath at section 13...what happened next?!

Another 8 miles brought us to another set of three observed sections in the woods, the first being 'Oakwell Lane', observed section 12. I set off well up the lane. A lovely long lane, a little rocky, a little slippery but overall very doable…then comes the muddy left turn exit. Needless to say I didn’t negotiate that too smoothly but it was done, and on to section 13, ‘Bonhams Bog’. I think both Kelvin and Andy spun out on the first corner, in the ‘bog’, but I managed to get almost to the end before footing as my bike lost it’s grip on the slight right turn to the section ends as I tried to recover some momentum, but kept it going over the line with a bit of a dab. This was ACU marking (as opposed to the sub divided sections) so not sure how I did on that overall... I would have done way better scoring wise if it had been the latter scoring, but that's the point, it's a challenge!!

Section 14... you can't anticipate a lot! Lol! This may be a tricky one?! Well it will be if you don't dodge the tree! Ha ha!

The final section of this location was section 14, ‘Oakwell River’. I’d done really well (not perfect though) last year, but sadly it wasn’t a repeat performance. As I got closer to the little ramp up through the trees about half way through the section (before the hard bit) my right handlebar hit a tree. As it hit it, my left hand was shunted off the handlebars so I inadvertently dropped the clutch and lurched forwards and left towards the marshal. Sorry Mr! I finished the section, but just footed it and the tree roots on the way towards the section ends were definitely a bit cheeky! I bet they caught a few people out?! At least it was ACU scoring (rather than subdivided) so I'd just pick up a 5.

Emmett Test was next, where you have to start at line A, then once told to go, get as quickly as you can to line B, which you should stop astride, and then to line C, again stopping astride. The time taken to complete the test is noted. I’m under no illusion that I’ll have one of the slowest times, but I managed it fine (always embarrassing to fail a speed test), and it was also lovely to see Julie Kennett on the start line and Andy Kennett on the finish line, who’d taken time on their return trip home from Cornwall to come and stand in to marshal, after a call to help from the NDMC due to some marshals needing to pull out last minute. Thank you all!

Section 15...slippery little f**ker! Everyone deciding on different lines, and my bike decided for both! Ha ha!

The rain was starting to set in now, but we’d been so lucky to have a dry trial thus far. Up next was ‘Kingscott’, section 15, a long and rocky section, which would normally be a type of section I’d do well in, however after starting off on the right side, I somehow ended up on the left with the wheel climbing the bank a little but managed to stay on and wrestle the bike back on course, then smoother sailing until I footed for some reason right near the end, but unsure if before or after the 'Section End' board. A section I should have ridden in a slightly more controlled fashion, but for whatever reason really didn’t manage very well, and that damn foot coming out again last minute. We'll see what the results say!

Kelvin lined up for the hill climb with some very happy marshals!

Kelvin making his way up the hill climb...looking good so far!

Ummmmm....poor bike me thinks!!

In about seven miles we got to the ‘Trayhill’ sections, numbers 16 and 17 on the route book and definitely a good one for the marshals watching! ‘Trayhill 1’ was a steep climb up a bank, and for those with good momentum and skill, a trip all the way to the top. Thankfully the section didn’t actually require topping out, and many were getting past the section ends and coming off. One of those was Kelvin, who managed a very unstylish dismount, followed by him dragging his poor bike back down the hill. I lined myself up, set off, managed to get up the first hump of the bank and then just kept going. I was a little worried I wouldn’t make it as the bike was struggling for momentum, but it did it. I then gracefully stepped off and laid the bike down to the left. Nice! There was no way I was making it to the top, but I’d managed it clean…so that’s a clean list of 5 (I believe)! Not bad for me.

A very happy marshal and Kelvin not so sure about another hill climb...ha ha!

Kelvin making his way up the field...what happened next?! (In case you hadn't have guessed or read...he fell off!!)

Andy giving it some beans on his Beta Alp on section 17!

On ‘Trayhill 2’, I started off at the bottom of the grassy hill, then managed to get up around the left of the bush, and almost to the top…almost… but the bike struggled for traction and I was losing momentum fast, so I gave it some welly and just spun out near the top. Damn, I was so close to the end board to, so not sure what I scored. It was the getting out that was the interesting bit though, as having come off on the steepest part of the section I was struggling to stand. The marshal asked me if I wanted some help, and promptly after I replied “maybe” my feet slid down the hill, under my sideways bike, which then fell directly over me. Fortunately unhurt, but assistance most definitely required as I was pinned. Thank you marshals!

Awaiting Section 18...a nice long section in the beautiful woodland.

Section 18...just kept going!

The final two sections weren’t far, in fact, less than two miles away, and in a very beautiful wooded area next to Tapeley Park. Section 18 ‘Cleave Woods Climb’ was a really good section, dropping down the bank, then around to the left in a slightly muddy bit, which I actually managed this time, then up a bank, across a muddy track, up the hill, right around a tree, to a left that you dropped in to a little and then faced back up the hill. Unfortunately, that left hander caught me out for some reason…another classic example of target fixation and head getting in the way. Instead of shifting my body over the bike and looking where I wanted to end up, I focused right on the corner and at the mud and leaned left with the bike…cue big foot dab! Bugger! The rest of the section was nice and easy but I’d already fluffed it. Never mind.

Andy riding to a clean on section 19! The final section of the trial.

Andy still going strong up hill on section 19.

The final section was ‘Eastern Climb’, observed section 19. Unfortunately, having made it off the start well and lining myself up with the start of the climb, I entered the muddy left hander, and once again that pesky foot came out, but fortunately didn't make contact with the floor. Absolutely no need for it, but there it was. However, I managed the actual climb well and didn’t put a foot down for the rest of the section. I was pleased with it overall, but just frustrated that I can't seem to keep that foot on the peg, it's like a nervous twitch!! C’est la vie.

So that was it, sections completed and now just the short bimble to the Westleigh Inn to sign off. We were met by a couple of very friendly officials and handed our well deserved finishers certificates once we’d signed, and had a bit of a chat. Job done and time to go home for a nice warm shower.

Suzie, Kelvin and Andy having finished the 2025 NDMC Steve Knight Tarka Trial. Whoop whoop!!

So, just a HUGE thank you to all of those who put on the trial at North Devon Motor club, plus the volunteers and marshals from both near and far. Plus, a special thanks to Chris Barham who sorted the well thought out sections to make the whole thing fun, enjoyable, and gave challenge to those that needed / wanted it, but also allowed us not so amazing trials riders to have a good go and enjoy the day.

The very friendly sign-off Marshals. Definitely time for a pint me thinks?!!!

A final thought:

Things we particularly liked were a very well written road book, with good instructions and also an indication in many places as to how far the next instruction / turn was. This helps to work out if you’ve completely missed something somewhere. Much appreciated. The markings that were on the route in some places (Red for Right and L for Left etc) were also very useful. Having the ‘What Three Words’ (W3W) and map reference for each section was also very helpful in case of getting totally off-track (which fortunately we didn’t). Having an allocated start time and a good idea of timings to get to sections was also very helpful. Having been running near the back after we needed to stop for a possible brake issue, and donning waterproofs towards the end, it was good to hear that the two course closers had a good idea of how many competitors were missing (likely taken a wrong turn at some point) and waited for them to show up before closing the sections (section 16 and 17). Thank you for that. There was a good number of sections, with ample challenge, yet an accessible trial for all. Whether you’re a seasoned LDT’er or a newbie to LDT’s, I’d highly recommend this event, and also the NDMC Exmoor Trial in late February. If you’re not sure about it, contact the NDMC or we’re more than happy to have a chat! Are you up for it?