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The MCC wanted to make the 100th Lands End special and their efforts were rewarded by just over 400 entries plus 3o in the Class R all tarmac event. It was a different Lands End with the route tuned to cope with more than a hundred extra competitors compared to recent times.
The early sections proved relatively easy, but Eddys Branch Line and Blue Hills 2 took their toll as the event drew to a close.
After being dropped for the Exeter night runs returned for the Lands End, with most welcome trailer parking available for a modest contribution. There were the inevitable issues preventing some competitors starting. Simon Knights Dellow lost a wheel on the M3 when a rear wheel bearing failed and the half shaft pulled out. Fortunately nobody was hurt but it was a scary incident.
Bridgwater
Felons Oak
There was no restart this year on this familiar opening section but the step was really fearsome, destroying a wheel on Jonny Smiths Kia, entered to make a video for his You Tube Channel. Matt Denny also retired here, his MX5’s front suspension falling foul of the vicious step. The section was considered a bit much for Class 0 and there was a notice at Bridgwater saying it had been cancelled for the class.
Cloutsham
After passing though Minehead the route diverted from the A39 , passing the old Stoney Street section and the 1931 version of Cloutsham. A tarmac version was planned, with a restart for all but Pre 1941 cars. However, this was cancelled for operational reasons a few days before the event.
There was a Handbrake check before rejoining the A39 at Porlock, and an engine off downhill special test as a nod to the past.
Beggars Roost
North Devon Motor Club, The Barbrook Filling Station and the Village Hall made competitors very welcome, as the community have done since 1922.
With cars parked all down the left hand side of the road the queue occupied the middle of the road but the police didn’t seem at all bothered as later numbers waited their turn in the breaking dawn.
There were very few car failures but the bikes were a different story, especially amongst the more capable Class B who had to restart.
Jonathan Layzell had experienced a misfire with his much trialled MGB after the Lauceston start and had to miss Beggars. He had some help to fix it later in the trial.
Barton Steep
One of two tarmac sections for the main trial Barton Steep is only a few miles from Beggars Roost. There were some retirements by now including two members of the Edinburgh organising team. Clerk of the Course Mark Gregg’s Austin Seven brakes had become ineffective and he turned for home on Exmoor. Then the Edinburghs Chief Marshal David Malin’s passenger turned unwell and he retired at Barbrook. We had also lost Mike Warnes venerable Husky with brake master cylinder issues on Exmoor.
Riverton
The section was approached through the forest this years instead of under the road bridge. There was a downhill start with a dip at the bottom causing even raised cars to bottom out. After that there was plenty of grip and the opportunity to choose a god line on the rough bit before the sharp left hand bend. It smoothed out after that and the section didn’t cause many problems for the four wheel brigade, even classes 7 and 8 who had a simple restart. Like on other sections it was different story for the bikes, many of who stuggled.
Sutcombe
The village at the top of the hill is always a welcome sight. Its started to get light by the time the cars get there and the prospect of refreshments and a welcome toilet. Except for pre 41’s all the cars had a restart but Jonny Smith drove straight through in the KIA as he was to do on the other restarts. But he did get this rather unsuitable car to the finish!
Darracott
Wargery Wood
Out on the Hartland Peninsula this was a short sharp section with a restart followed by a very sharp right hander where its was possible to cut the corner.
Crackington
The old hill hadn’t been doctored to the usual extent and like the others so far was relatively benign this year.
Wilsey Down
Later numbers were running about an hour behind at the official rest halt. Many took the chance to do remedial work on their machinery and there was much evidence of punctured tyres being fixed before the last part of the trial.
Ruses Mill
There was a special test in this picturesque setting of Ruses Mill, but before that there was an observed section, with a restart, to be tackled. This was the second section on tarmac for the main trial which is unusual but indicated the organisers had planned the event with a view to minimising delays with the influx of inexperienced competitors with unsuitable machinery.,
Warleggan
The section was cancelled after emergency services were called to the hill when a visitor became ill.
Eddys Branch Line
Lambriggan
Blue Hills 1
Blue Hills 2
The Miners Arm Mithian
Results:-
Links:-
- Lands End Trial on the Classic Trials FB Group
- More Lands End Trial on Facebook
- Bob Blackmans Lands End Report on his Engine Punk Blog
- Sam Lindsays Photos at Tie Dye Photography
- Darracott Bike Photos by Ant Kane and Car Photos
- Crackington Photos by Vince Feeney
- Crackington Photos by Kerensa Cobbledick Photography
- Blue Hills Photos by Duncan Stephens
- Blue Hills Photos from Blue Hills and the Launceston Start by Dave Cook
- Blue Hills Photos from Media Memories Photography Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
- Crackington Videos
- Eddys Branch Line Videos
- Blue Hills Video Playlist
- Other Sections
- OnBike Videos
- InCar Videos
- InCar in a 1300 Beetle
- InCar with Stuart Palmers Austin Seven
- All the Videos
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