|
|
|
|
All content © Bob MuIIins |
||
 
“The Welsh Enduro” To avoid confusion, the organisers of the UK’s most popular enduro wish to clarify some points ahead of announcing the opening date for entries to this year’s event. First, a history lesson….. In 1951, the Auto Cycle Union in the form of the Mid Wales Centre organised the first event to bear the name, the “Welsh 3 Day Trial”. The event then was run as a long distance time trial, with hill tests and speed tests off road. The event evolved over the years, and was a popular feature of the off road calendar. So much so that in 1969, the Motor Vehicles (Competition and Trials) Regulations identified a number of events which were exempt from the restriction on entries (180) for events using the public roads. These events included the Scottish Six Day Trial, The Welsh 3 Day Trail, and classic trails organised by the Motor Cycle Club. The regulations set out average speeds for competitors on public roads, and other safety factors. In the 1970’s, in the ‘Welsh’ dropped to two days, and later in the decade, the term ‘enduro’ was adopted, so the event evolved from a three day trial to become the two day enduro we all know and love. (With the exception of 2000, where is was once again a 3 day event). The organisers and the format have changed little, and several of the current committee are overall or class winners at the event. The committee cheque book still bears the name ‘Welsh 2 Day Trail’. The definition of an enduro in the ACU handbook used to refer to an enduro as a ‘long distance time trail’. The different disciplines in enduro nowadays have resulted in a plethora of definitions……. Where are we going with this lot? We’ll tell you. The authority to run the event rests with the Motor Sports Association (formerly the RAC) for the roads, and the local authority (Powys and Ceredigion, depending on the route) for other public areas and rights of way. This includes private land where rights of way are involved. In a review of authorities, it was pointed out to the organising committee and the MSA that the event committee that the statutory authority to allow the entry to exceed 180 referred to the Welsh 3 Day Trial, not the 2 Day Enduro….. After discussions with the MSA they are content that the event has
changed gradually but remains the same core event authorised in 1969. So as
to continue running the event, the organisers had two choices… There are no prizes whatsoever for guessing the decision of the committee. The legislation can be modified by the Welsh Government, and the MSA, ACU and the Welsh 2 Day Committee will be working together in the coming months to ensure that the legislation can be modified for 2016. In discussions with long standing supporters, an interesting point was made… The event is actually held over 3 days as the Wednesday is the day where competitors are required to present their machines to be secured into the parc ferme. This raises the question – do we keep the name ‘3 Day’ ? Before competitors get carried away thinking they are in for another day’s riding – there will still only be two days of competition (for now!). Keep an eye on the specialist press and social media for more news on the “Welsh 3 Day Trial 2015” – I’m sure the event will continue to be a sell out, the T shirts will be a collector’s item too! Huw Watkins Welsh 3 Day Trial 2015 |
||
