The first running of the White Rose XC Enduro took place at another new venue near Silsden in West Yorkshire last Sunday. This event was round 2 of the ACU Events Ltd XC Series which is a three round mini series developed for Clubman and Sportsman. This event was the first this year to be run as a fund raiser for a six year old boy who is in need of a pioneering SDR operation in the US costing his family £45000. Rideoffroaduk are proud to be helping this young mans cause by fund raising at all our remaining events this year.

The rideoffroaduk track team had turned this new venue into Hare & Hounds heaven, the undulating grassland, coupled with the two stone bridges over the river kwai, a trip through a disused barn, and the fast open going offered all riders who attended a simply stunning course to compete on.

The morning event for Sportsman, Ladies and Over50 was the first to be flagged away. The ride team pride themselves on running a separate morning event which caters for the hobby and enthusiastic band of appreciative riders. This allows riders of similar ability to compete without the worry of fast expert and clubman riders pushing through.

Fast Starting Paul Sykes led the field around the first lap. In hot pursuit were Matt Solan, Tom Leonard and Mansfield Motorcycles Shane Marriott. The early morning shower meant that riders were finding more grip than expected in the sweeping grassy turns. The over 50 class riders were next to pass through lap scoring at the end of lap one, Mark Wardingley desperate for his maiden rideoffroaduk win made the perfect start ahead of the chasing pack. The ladies class rivalry was looking as competitive as ever, unusually Helen Lang made the event work very well for herself, despite some pretty quick open going, Helen made her trials machine work well through the technical sections to gain a slight advantage over the super cool Jade Gordon. Emily Davy made the long journey worthwhile taking third place overall. Anita Gordon was the fourth lady home on her return to full fitness following a shoulder injury & illness. Only seven points separate the top three ladies so it all goes down to the final round in September.

As the Sportsman event reached its conclusion Stuart Waterhouse had ground through the entire field after a poor start to take the overall win. Mid race leader Vinny Mullan earned himself a well deserved second podium place, and first lap pace setter Paul Sykes rounded out the podium in third.

The Over 50 class was won by a more than happy Mark Wardingley on his Gas Gas, well done mate. Second place went to the super consistent Steve Burton with his riding buddy Chris Gregory just pipping Alan Flint for the final trophy.

The morning event presentation was completed with trophies and product prizes and goodies from Dunlop tyres and Science in Sport Nutrition. 

 After a short break for lunch and track repairs the Expert Over40 and Clubman classes were lined up ready for the off. A briefing with clerk of the course Wayne Braybrook and the ACU steward saw the Expert riders treated to an extreme loop in the lower woodland section. This turned out to be a real test and something which all experts praised the club for making the extra effort in providing.

Ryan Staveley took the holeshot ahead of Scott Austin, Lee Sampson and Craig Reynolds. With Staveley getting stuck in the extreme section on lap one it was up to Austin and Sampson to thrill spectators with the pace they carried through lap one. Lap two was a different affair when Sampson crashed and his Gas Gas handlebars sheared clean off ending his day and series points tally. Manchester Extreme’s Craig Reynolds was running in third place setting a good pace despite still returning to fitness after having his collar bone plated only weeks ago. Tom Healey had a reasonable start and was finding his pace in fourth place. They were followed by the methodical Andrew Hackett and Damian Butler both mounted on four strokes looking for strong results.

As the event progressed with Staveley having to pit to repair a puncture and Healey suffering a broken chain, it was Scott Austin who took a cool win finishing one lap up on the entire Expert field. Andrew Hackett took his KTM to a well deserved runner up spot, and Ryan Staveley dragged the final podium place out of the bag despite being in the pits for over 15 minutes, proving the ‘never give up’ attitude works at XC events.

 The Clubman class saw JK Digger hire sponsored Danny Clarke take the holeshot on his KTM. With the clubman class being as super competitive as ever, the likes of Rob Pearce, Steve Watson and Jack Kitching were all hoping for podium finishes. At mid distance trials and MX hotshot Ben Sprigg had taken his 250f Fro Systems Honda into a commanding lead. James Reeve had Danny Clarke and Chris Hughes on his heels and Neil Marshall was also on the pace. Disaster struck Spriggs event as he passed through lap scoring with 43 seconds to run having had a puncture. Only metres later the tyre fell off the wheel rim ending his sure winning day. Chris ‘Pingu’ Hughes showed awesome pace in the last hour overhauling all the top clubman to take victory on his 250f Yamaha. James Reeve netted second spot and Neil Marshall just pipped Danny Clarke for the final podium place.

The Over 40 class battle was as tight as ever with Anthony Crowe showing his pace, so much so that a move to the Expert class is on the cards for next season. Howard Blundell earned a great runner up spot and rounding out the podium finishers was Mick Hammond on fifteen laps completed.

A big thanks to all our loyal marshals and helpers, you make these events happen to a high standard, well done. A big pat on the back for all riders who behaved in a very professional manner, following Braybrook’s instructions and notes to follow the marked course at this new venue was the key to its success. This venue will only be used on two occasions per year due to its location and land management procedures.

Massive thank you from the Whitton family to everyone who generously donated towards evansbigjourney.co.uk, the family were overwhelmed by how kind and friendly our club members are. Well done and see you at our next event, another new venue, Hatcliffe in the North Lincs Wolds awaits Youth and Adults on the weekend of August 7 / 8^th.  

www.rideoffroaduk.co.uk for events information.    

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