
The beginning of the series
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 members behind the series
History continued

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.
2026
Phil Howlett of Planit Opticians Colne has again sponsored the 6 rounds of the series. 2026 the Club have obtained some additional sponsors who each have donated a tyre which will be drawn at each round. The Club thank all the sponsors.
Additional Sponsors are : JL Imports (Bete UK)- Luscombes of Leeds- JACS Of Skipton- Midgley Motors- Nick Jefferies (Club President)- Anonymous
The format will remain the same as 2024 and 2025 with John Bannister Alan Mudd and Tony Holmes continuing as course plotters. The venues are yet to be finalised but the dates are 22nd April, 20th May, 10th June, 24th June, 8th July and 19th August.
More information including venues will be shared on the Clubs Facebook page closer to the dates. Entries will be made via the Sport80 platform. All trials will be “open trials” so you don’t need to be a club member but you must be a member of an ACU-affiliated club.
To encourage younger participants the Club has reduced the Youth C, D and E Classes to £7.50.
If any Club member wants to be involved in the Course marking please contact any Committee member
2026. stats/results
2025 stats/results
Total of 6 rounds
Total Adults = 173
Total Youth = 103
Hard Course = 74 Adult. 26 Youth.
Green Course = 64 Adult. . 43 Youth.
Yellow Course = 35 Adult. . 34 Youth
Total Observers over 6 rounds = 16
Results
Selection of Photos. Copyright B Ayrton
2024. stats/results
Total of 6 rounds
Total Adults 161
Total Youth 74
4Hard Course = Adult. 75 Youth. 20
Green Course = Adult. 55 . Youth. 30
Yellow Course = Adult. 31. Youth 24
Total Observers over 6 rounds 22
What competitors are saying
Competitors dad“A great trial once again. Tom is loving them, Thank you.”
Competitor“Another good Wednesday night trial. Definitely harder than the last two. Thanks to all involved, especially whoever booked the weather..”
Competitor“Another great trial…lovely way to spend a Wednesday night
.”

