|
|
||||||||
All content © Bob MuIIins | |||||||||
 The
Enduroland Tough Guy 2017.Q1 quarry. Banbury. Pics by Steve Buck Report by Boss Harry rocks the quarry! After a week of technical track building Enduroland finally got the Tough Guy event started at 9.30am on Sunday. The quarry had been mega dry all week up until Saturday at around midday when the rain came, although not very heavy, it was enough to turn the quarry surface sloppy, especially the newly stoned paddock which, in all fairness was the worst part. The track was actually better with the rain, apart from the obvious effect it had on the rock sections, which became a bit slick. Off first the Experts and Clubman plus who all got away unscathed from the tricky first climb followed by the Clubman, Vets and Masters then the 125cc and 85cc BW classes, finally the Sportsman and Novice class got a little help as the climb was widened and an easier line opened, although this became blocked virtually immediately with a fallen rider.
Lots of further sections caused issues for the whole race but overall most riders coped well and embraced a slower, more technical pace in a race that now looks set to be a regular annual event . Nearly 100 riders attacked the Q1 venue and although usually a marmite event most finished with a big smile, and steaming heads after removing their helmets.
The Clubman saw James Palmer get an outstanding 3rd overall and top the Clubman class with Rob Simpson in 2nd and Josh Kirby in 3rd The Vets was mastered by Darren Bedford with Jason Clarke and Michael Reece in 3rd.
James Thompson won the 125cc Open class with Brighton based Kyle Saunders in second and Jadyn Giles on his new steed in 3rd The 85cc BW victory was taken by Harvey Ward, who won by one lap with Joe Cornelius in 2nd and Zach Ward in 3rd . The Sportsman/Novice class had Tom Goddard at the front, Gary Curtis took a gritty 2nd and ever smiling Tony Chawner took 3rd . Laps ranged from 9 minutes (Harry Edmondson) up to 20/40 minutes so a true test of technical ability and not speed on this occasion . Tougher than usual and well received look out for Tough Guy 2018. Everyone that entered was a Tough Guy ! The club would like to thank everyone that raced and to the practice guys that also supported the event, to all the staff and volunteers on the day and to the landowner who stays enthusiastic with us on our quarry adventures. Thank you. In the meantime if you fancy some Tough Guy practice at the same venue on a similar track at Q1 .look out for A day in the dirt on the 17th December. An open pay and play day for 12 years plus. See www.enduroland.co.uk or the social media sites to book. Results
|
It was obvious that there had been plenty of effort put into the
venue by the organisers with extended and improved sections all
around the course. As the riders progressed around the first section
of the quarry the latter classes got held up on the rock return
which proved to be the biggest stopper of the day and the near 360°
tight turn couldn't be mastered by many. The Marshalls kept it in
place and did so with every section that would normally be changed
at XC events when causing that many issues. It's called Tough Guy
for a reason and Boss was adamant these areas wouldn't be opened up
and made 'easier'.
Young
Harry Edmondson led the Experts and took the overall win followed by
Richard Heslop and Toby Hall in 3rd. Harry was crewed by none other
than his uncle, Derrick and with Dek’s Dakar experience and BEC
knowhow the Edmondson B team ran as slick as could be.
Masters maestro Mick Belcher won this class with Darren Carter
close behind and Lewie Davis 3rd .