Guisb newsletter Autumn 2014 - Guisborough and District

Alistair Jackson giving his beautiful old Matchless some stick at Chopgate 2 Day
Welcome to another rip-roaring read from the Guisborough Newsletter team.
Inside
Bill Filer commits himself to a one off interview. Learn more about Chairman Bill inside.
Committee Members. Some on, some off.
And Sid Rumpo rabbits on about things in general.
Congratulations Dan Peace, European Trials Champion 2014
This piece was written for a local magazine, so I have popped it in the newsletter as well.
Anyone who reads this column must have too much time on their hands but if they do they will certainly have seen the name Dan Peace from Kirkbymoorside mentioned from time to time over the years
as a contender for major honours in motorcycle trials.
After demonstrating his natural talent by winning British Championships throughout his Youth career, this likable, unassuming 16 year old is fast fulfilling the early promise he has shown, taking the
European Trials Championship by storm with three outright wins from four rides to clinch the title for
2014.
A rider of immense natural ability, he also possesses a strong temperament which enables him to perform at his best even under intense pressure which, I believe, is a talent that cannot be taught.
Dan would be the first to admit, he has not achieved success alone. He could not have done it without
full family backing of parents Tim and Jane and younger brother Jack, along with support from John
Shirt, the major Gas Gas Importer and other sponsors such as Mot clothing manufacturers.
But Dan also had to put much hard work in to adapt – in a very short time - from his early learnt
skills, due to rule changes from stop to non stop. Gone are the hopping, bouncing circus act rides of his
Youth days to be replaced with a smooth, flowing style that is an absolute pleasure to watch.
Dan started the season in superb fashion winning the first three rounds, one held in Pietamurata, Italy
and two in Kreszowice, Poland. The last was held in Bilstain, Belgium, where he finished third, thus
clinching the Championship to sign off a fantastic season.
He is now competing in adult expert class in trials nearer home and now riding – and taming - the
full blooded 300cc Gas Gas and he kept the winning streak going at Hull AC`s trial at Farndale on Sep
14th.
Now his GCSE exams are out of the way – superb results here as well - the young man, although
competing in other sports, intends to concentrate fully on his trials career.
The road ahead certainly looks rosy for the youngster, so the best of luck in the future, at both career
prospects and the trials scene Dan.
Dan Peace on the European Championship podium and in action
A Profile on Bill Filer.
My first recollection of Bill Filer would be the E Y 2 Day in `75. Bill thinks not. He says it was a trial on Blakey
moor with a long moorland bog and bikes were flagged through it.
Last lap, absolutely knackered, he stuck naff deep when I happened along, grinning like a Cheshire cat asking the
most stupid question. (So he says). “What are you doing in there?”
Always P.C. about flags and following them (quite right) Bill replied “Well that`s where the b****y flags go”.
(You`ll note patience isn`t listed in his 3 word description) “Anyway I`m knackered. Give me a lift out, cos I`m
packing in.”
Apparently I said. “No you`re not. If I give you a lift out, you finish the trial!”
And, to his credit, he did.
So, even finding things hard early on, Bill persevered to come through as a well respected rider. This is an insight
into how his passion for motorcycles developed.
I asked Bill “To describe himself in just three words?”
anyway. We`re up and running.)
Humorous, honest and loyal. (That `s a good start
Who / what fired an interest in motorcycles, and what year?
“Riding a 197cc Fanny Barnett around a field
at Hinderwell with a guy called Clifford Atkinson in 1947. We spent many hours, `nay`, days, weeks on that bike.
After that road bikes were my first love, but when I saw Frank Atkinson ride a trial, I immediately thought ` I can
do that, it`s easy!` I soon found out differently.
What was your first trials bike ?
It was a 250cc Montesa that wouldn`t run right. I stripped it down to find a
Bulto piston fitted. I rode it for a while before selling to Duggie Hay. That was in `73. My last would be in 2005.
Greatest moment?
Marrying Sheila.
What stands out as a great sporting achievement? Well, I love road racing, so it was watching the great Carl
Fogarty at Donnington win his 4th World Superbike title in front of 110, 000 fans. That was fantastic to witness.
If you had the choice whose company would you enjoy most for an evening out? (not allowed Sheila)
Valentino Rossi or Foggy.
Favourite bike over the years?
My 1959 BSA Super Rocket (TPY 884). Does anybody know where it is?
The EY 2 Day is close to your heart and you still do a tremendous amount of work with it. When did you
first ride it?
In 1974 when it began at The Lion Inn, Blakey, covering many miles round Gt Broughton,
Swainby and Kirkbymoorside. Great ride round. Fantastic event, and still is today.
You wear a few different hats, so tell me some of them? I am EY Centre Steward and Clerk of Course, National Steward, National C of C. for the EY 2 Day. I visit Farmers, Land Owners, Court Leet, Hawk, Owl Trust
and communicate with National Parks, Natural England and generally help to organise the event. It`s a great team
effort from all clubs, but it`s getting harder every year.
But I do have good relationship with the farmers and Court Leet and over the years many have become our
friends. I am on the board of the EY C and Permit Officer for Trials, Moto Cross and Grass Track events. After
each event, monies are sent, recorded on ACU website and a month end report goes in to make sure everything
tallies and send report to Eileen Race who is EYC Treasurer.
So, not much to do then Bill, eh! Leaves you ample time to catch up with hobbies such as Family, Grandchildren,
Walking and DIY.
All this and his Wedding Anniversary falls on...? Guess when? I`ll tell you at the 2 Day.
Thank you for your time Bill.
Sid Rumpo Rambles
What a great year weatherwise, - no cancellations - all clubs, I think, have enjoyed a buoyant
season. Entries have remained steady, despite the number of trials being held, Wednesday and
Saturday night trials proving popular, and occasionally, sometimes two on a Sunday.
Surprisingly, both the Dales Trophy Trial and Hardaker National, entries had to be kept open
and even taken on the day so we could run, as at one point it appeared the club would have to
cancel. But in both cases a good entry of seventy riders turned out. Of course it didn`t help
that, even though Guisborough DMC have held this date for a number of years for the Hardaker, a British Championship was held, which took the cream off the expert class. Maybe
there was no option, maybe too many Nationals, or maybe they didn`t look at the fixtures.
I rang Bill Pye the other day for info on his Pre 65 - well I was listening—and, astoundingly,
we both agreed there are too many trials.
He said “Just take Guisborough for instance, they are running two in a fortnight. That`s too
close John.” I had to agree. What I wasn`t quick enough to pick up on was that Northallerton
did exactly the same thing when running at the Sun Inn just a fortnight before the Pre 65 2
Day.
So, on this assumption, I suppose all clubs are guilty of running too many and sometimes suffer lack of interest from riders, organisers and observers. But as long as there are enough riders
to make the event worth running, then clubs are going to run.
One other little thing to ponder on while you have your cup of coffee –or glass of wine, depending on your chosen lifestyle– would a return to the grading system across the board be a
good thing or detrimental to the sport?
Quite often the same riders win week in, week out. I have no problem with that. But I`m sure
these same riders are not riding for the prize money, or for another glittering award to stand on
the mantelpiece. They want to compete, but without breakages to man or machine and if they
don`t want to move up, that is understandable, because a few have reached the age where they
bruise easily. I completely agree with that as well.
But, let us say, grading was introduced and competitors finally picked up their five wins -or
whatever number was decided on-surely then, they couldn`t disagree that if they didn`t want to
move up, then just ride for no award. They could still have their moment of glory with name in
the comic, or the local paper at the top of the results, but marked non award. Wouldn`t this
then give riders who are starting out in the sport some incentive to go out, practice and improve enough to make the awards and force their way through the ranks?
Does it make sense? You know it does.
Will it happen? Well, I haven`t noticed many pigs flying overhead over the last few years if
flagging and rules are anything to go by. And as Keith Ellis says “Who`s going to do it John. It
means another job for someone.”
I would welcome all views on it.
Sid Rumpo
How`s this for a gem. Not many stick to it Least of all, me!!
“The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep ones mouth
shut in any language is priceless!”
TRUE STORY !!
An elderly man owned a large farm out in the North York Moors.
He`d had this farm for a number of years and it had a large pond out the back.
It was properly shaped for swimming, so he spent time and fixed it up with picnic tables, quoit
pitches and apple trees and flowers so it looked really nice.
One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn`t been there for a while
and look it over.
He grabbed a five gallon bucket to bring back some fruit. As he neared the pond, he heard
voices shouting and laughing with glee.
As he came closer, he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny dipping in his pond.
He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end.
One of the women shouted to him “we`re not coming out until you leave!”
The old man frowned. “I didn`t come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you
get out of the pond naked...”
Holding the bucket up he said, I`m here to feed the alligator!”
Moral of the story is: Just because your old doesn`t mean you can`t think fast.
Coming Events
2nd October AGM at Guisborough Cricket Club, 8 pm. All welcome.
October 4th/5th East Yorks Two Day, Flask Inn, on the Whitby, Scarborough road.
November 28th Guisborough DMC Prize Presentation. Fox and Hounds, Slapewath. Tickets
available from Elaine Williamson on 01287 653315.
Nov 16th. Scarborough DMC Cliff Collinson National, Harwood Dale.
Dec 26th Guisborough DMC Boxing Day Fancy Dress Trial, Slapewath
Quiz Corner
Bike and rider please?
Just returned to
riding after 8
years away. Who
is it and what
venue?
Two up and coming riders in this
Centre competing
in the Hardaker.
Who are they?
Maybe you think this man is of French origin.
Well he isn`t.
Name the man?
Going well in C/man B at present
Bike and rider please?
Answers to [email protected] Most correct answers will receive free entry to next Guisborough trial.
There coudn`t be a better time to try your hand at the sport of trials.
A marvellous array of new bikes on the market to choose from. Pop in to Andy Metcalfe`s at Yearby to
see what`s on offer.
Also, if you don`t want to spend mega bucks, a good selection of second hand machines await.
All events now –or most– have split sections for all abilities.
Practice grounds available at Guisborough DMC and Scarborough DMC.
Week day easy trials put on by Eboracum MC and Scarborough have proved popular this last summer.
Also popular are the Saturday night Summer Series run by Guisborough, Scarborough and Eboracum
clubs.
Non stop rules, I believe , are beginning to take hold as observers, Clerks of Course and riders come to
terms with this change in format. Let`s hope that no more changes take place at the top level so clubs can
settle into the new system.
There was always going to be a transition period as it must be twenty year or more since the stop and go
backward rules were introduced. No doubt you will correct me if that is wrong, but it will take time, as
you sometimes still see the odd section marked too tight. This does put pressure on observers for marking
correctly, but maybe when this irons out we might finally end up on a level playing field with all clubs
adopting same rules, and same flagging.
A message from Bill Filer
Could all riders who are holding a Major Trophy please give them a polish and return to Bill
Filer.
He will definitely be at the East Yorks Two Day October 4th/5th.
Thank you
Can you Help?
Guisborough DMC are still searching for a Trials Secretary.
All the help necessary would be given for as long as needed to settle in. And any trials that
could not be covered wouldn`t be a problem as there are others who can help out in such circumstances.
Anyone interested, please ring Bill Filer or Ann Watson on 01287 634404, or 01287 660577.
Thank you
Guisborough Committee Members 2014
Guisborough DMC Committee members who have worked their socks off for you over the
past few seasons.
L toR. Andy Metcalfe, Phil Teasdale, Sheila Filer, Elaine Williamson, Gary Ferguson, Barry
Overy, Andy Wheatley. Front: Bill Filer. Inset: Ann Watson, Phil Mayfield.
Committee members resigning this year: Andy Metcalfe, Elaine Williamson and John Watson.
Remaining on: Bill Filer (Chairman), Sheila Filer (Treasurer), Ann Watson (Gen Secretary),
Barry Overy (Land Agent) , Phil Teasdale, Gary Ferguson, Andy Wheatley, Phil Mayfield,
Stewart Walker, Rick Jackson.
Joining the gang: Mike Lees. George McGee
Guisborough DMC meet every Thursday at Guisborough Cricket Club from 9 pm.
If you are thinking about riding, observing, or just helping out in some way, everyone is
welcome to come along, enjoy a pint and a chat, or catch up with whatever is happening
in the sport of trials.
Good to see Fryup`s Nikita Smith at Aislaby trial the other Sunday and making such a
remarkable recovery after her accident.
Everyone wishes her all the best in the future and we look forward to seeing the talented
youngster back out in the near future.