Planit Opticians Summer Series of Trials

In September 2023, during one of our Club meetings, three of our more experienced riders, John Bannister, Alan Mudd, and Tony Holmes, had a brilliant idea. They suggested we organise a series of Beginners and Novice Trials during the summer evenings. They had a fantastic plan in mind: three carefully designed courses. There’d be an easy course for absolute beginners, a slightly more challenging middle course, and a tougher one for those who wanted a real test of their skills. The main goal was to have a blast and have a good time.

The plan was to have six rounds, with no points or champions. Just a series of relaxed and enjoyable trials. Alan and Tony were so generous that they offered to donate a rear tyre as a prize after each round. Riders would put their competitor number in a draw, and one lucky winner would take home the tyre.

Before the series started, John managed to get a sponsor. Phil Howlett, a former Club member and occasional competitor, and the owner of Planit Opticians in Colne, Lancashire, offered to give away a free eye test as an extra prize. This was awarded through a separate draw that also included the names of the observers.

The series was a great success, thanks to everyone’s participation and support. Over the six rounds, we had an outstanding turnout of 22 observers. A heartfelt thank-you to each one of you for your time and dedication! Congratulations to Andrew Walters, who won the £100 draw, Gary Rushton, who took home the Bluetooth speaker, and Darren Mitchell, who received a Jitsue paddock coat.

Special prizes were also awarded, including two pairs of sunglasses from Planit Opticians, presented to Robert Ainley and Chris Mitchell by Phil Howlett. Jamie Waddington won the riding kit generously provided by Alfie Lampkin, while the draw for the rear tire went to Jamie Burrill. The free eye tests were awarded to Peter. Hollingworth and James Alexander, and William Bradley won the second Bluetooth speaker.