News
Vintage Photos
We have had supplied by an old West Leeds member a personal collection of photographs from the 1950's. These have now been compiled into a web album. See if you can recognise anyone! Click link here to view.
Mick Armitage
Updated February 3, 2010
Sad news to report this week, Mick Armitage a long standing member of West Leeds died last Saturday. Mick joined the club in 1947
and at one time was assistant secretary to Bernard Beckwith.
His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday 9th of February at Rawdon crematorium 12:20.
Only family flowers but donations to Cancer Research.
Written by Malcolm Adams
Web Site Update
Updated May 14, 2009
The latest update to the website is to have a new online contact form, where users can contact club without the need to send an email, use to send us your trial reports, ads, stories, general enquirys etc.
In addition I have re-introduced the Guestbook, you will find the link to it on several pages normally in the right hand column. Hopefully this will get more use than the last one, it is more user friendly than previously. Give it a look, you may just be tempted to post an entry!
Just bear in mind, we don't want inflammatory remarks in there, any such entries will be deleted.
These alterations may mean that you find something which doesn't quite work properly, please let webmaster know.
Written by Webmaster
Stolen Bike
Updated February 9, 2009
Can you please let all your members know that last night I had my 08 gas gas 300cc raga rep stolen from my garage in Featherstone along with other bike items
frame number VTRTG3003J0380071
red jitise carb adjusters
trick bits frame guards
trick bits swinging arm covers
cardon fork guards
raptor foot rests
jitsie lever adjusters in gold
carbon look front number board with grafics, dunlop, yommee stickers on
can everyone please keep there eyes peeled many thanks
Jeff Prior 07979 827166
Written by J Prior
S.O.S Appeal
Updated November 13, 2008
Yorkshire Centre President, Dennis Pitts through his efforts in attempting to ride this year's Scott Trial on a 46 year old machine, may have failed to finish the course, or even to have done many sections following a catastrophic machine failure, (caused I am told by dropping it onto a rock and breaking kickstart and becoming jammed in gear). But has succeded in raising £725 for his appeal. The money to be split 50/50 for Air Ambulance and A.C.U. Benevolent Fund.
Congratulations to Dennis for a valiant effort.
Written by Webmaster
Many thanks to all Clubs and individuals who contributed.
Cheques have been forwarded to both charities.
Dennis Pitts.
TSR22a Rule Change
Updated February 5th, 2009
Riders may not be aware of a rule change to observing rules TSR22a for next year: You will be allowed to stop and balance without penalty. All the other aspects of a failure will still apply, see our news item for full list.
Written by Webmaster
Kilnsey Battle Lost
Updated October 27, 2008
After over 2 years of negotiations with Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) and Natural England, the fight to retain the use of Kilnsey has been lost.
Initially we had to obtain planning permission to run an event there in 2006, this was rejected by YDNPA, a subsequent appeal was also rejected and the matter referred to the Secretary of State. Now a government inspector has dismissed our case citing the reason as “a possibility of rutting and tacking to the grassland”. So after over 40 years of use we have had to admit defeat as the club cannot afford to spend any more on legal costs.
Riders may not be aware that Kilnsey is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) which has led to most of the difficulties obtaining permission to run events there.
On the subject of land access, this press release from LARA may be of interest to members.
Land for use by trials clubs is gradually being eroded, so it is up to everyone to adopt a responsible attitude, and always keep a look out for land which could be used to run an event.
Written by Webmaster
New HQ
Updated October 27, 2008
As a result of us asking for help in running the club activities, it has been decided to have a new meeting place for club meetings, and to change to a one per month business meeting schedule.
Business meetings will now be held on the last Thursday of the month at the Gildersome Conservative Club. The first meeting at this new venue will be the 28th June 2007, starting at 8:00pm.
As always all members are welcome to come along and have their say about running of events etc.
Gildersome Conservative Club
Street Lane
Gildersome
Leeds
LS27 7HX
Written by Webmaster
Help needed
Updated October 27, 2008
Many times in the past we have asked for help with running and organising the club activities. As reported before in newsletters and on this site the majority of the club officials and organisers are either approaching retiring age or well past it. We have one young official in Ben Ludgate who is the present Treasurer.
None of us can live forever nor continue to organise events if the body is unable to do so.
So this is a plea for help from some of our younger members, "get involved in organising the sport which you love so much, and put something back into it".
A suggestion has being made that if no help is forthcoming then the club is in danger of being wound up!!!
Written by Webmaster
1950 Dinner Dance
Updated October 27, 2008
Malcolm Adams a founder member of the club, has unearthed this program from the early days of club dinners. 1950 to be precise. This would have been the 3rd event, as the club was founded in 1947.
Click on the small images for a larger view.
Opens in a new window.
Reproduced here are images from the program of that year. As can be seen from the tone of the text, dinners in those days were a fairly formal affair, unlike the present day glitzy ones complete with rock music.
You may also notice if you look closely on the inner page (left-hand image) a certain M Adams is on the list of award winners, with 3 awards to receive, having won three events the previous year. Could this be a coincidence?
Written by Webmaster
Club Sticker Badge
Updated October 27, 2008
The Club have had produced at great expense, some new sticker badge's. Ideal items for sticking on your car, or covering up those annoying little scratches that sometimes occur on trial bikes!
The Trials Secretary has a supply of these, which will be available at Club trials, please ask if you want one.
Actual size is 2"x3" inch.
Written by Webmaster
Charity Trial
Updated October 27, 2008
The 5th Club championship trial held on the 15th July 2006 which was run as a charity trial raised £325 for St Gemma's hospice.
£94 was collected in the collecting tins, and after deducting trial expenses, £170 remained from entry fees. As there was a smaller than usual entry the club decided to make up the donation to £300.
There was also a sponsorship of £25 from Wyldes Motorcycles which brought up the total to £325.
Many thanks to all those riders and observers who supported this event and gave so generously.
Reproduced below is the Certificate awarded us by St Gemma's Hospice.
Written by Webmaster
Observed section
Updated October 27, 2008
A part of the course which is laid out with pairs of flags and marker cards to denote the beginning, and the end of the aforementioned observed section. These can be almost anything which will provide an obstacle for the rider to overcome. Typically rocky stream beds, muddy gullies, uphill climbs on slippery surfaces over rocks, fallen trees and the like. The principal is straightforward a rider must traverse the said observed section without putting a foot to the ground (dabbing); losing marks for every time he or she does so. This is the bit which is important; the loss of marks incurred is recorded on a sheet or punch card by The Observer, without whom an event cannot take place. Riders: - please bear this in mind when attending a trial and bring an observer with you if possible, also be very kind to the observers who give up their time so that the rider can enjoy a days sport.
Written by Webmaster
Definition of a Failure TSR22a
Updated February 5, 2009
Under Rule TSR22a you will score a five for one of the following failures.
(a) The machine moves backwards.
(b) The rider does not have both hands on the handlebar WHEN HE FOOTS WHILST STATIONARY.
(c) The engine stops WHILST ANY PART OF THE MACHINE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TYRES,TOUCHES THE GROUND OR THE RIDER IS FOOTING.
(d) The rider dismounts from the machine. Dismount will be deemed to have occurred when both of the riders feet are on the ground at the same side of, or behind the machine.
(e) A rider is requested to leave the section by the observer for "unnecessary delay".
(f) A machine does not stay within the intended limits of the section and within each marker.
(g) If any wheel of the machine crosses any boundary tape or marker whether the wheel be on the ground or airborne before the front wheel spindle passes the "Section ends" sign.
(h) The rider is held responsible for displacing a flag, marker or support etc.
(i) Travelling in a forward direction against the direction of the Section.
(j) The machine, or rider receives outside assistance.
(k) A rider or person having an interest in a riders performance, who in any way alters the severity of a section without the authority of an official.
In addition you can have a five by asking for one rather than attempt the section.
In case anyones counting that makes 12 ways to five a section.
Written by Webmaster
Illegal Riding
Updated October 27, 2008
It has been noted at some recent club trials, that there have been bikes running around, perhaps accompanying a competitor, for which the rider has not made an entry. We would like to remind all members that in order to ride your bike at any trial then you have to have made an entry, and so therefore are covered under the insurance issued for the meeting. This is particularly important, especially so nowadays, given the number of factions which are trying to curtail our activities. If an accident was to occur which involved an uninsured bike, then the repercussions would be unimaginable. Some of you may have noted at the last trial (18/11/2006) the police presence, this is an indication of the law's determination to stamp out illegal motorcycle riding. Therefore we have to be above the law and abide by all the rules and regulations which govern our sport.
Written by Webmaster
Licence Holders
Updated October 27, 2008
Are there any club members out there that fancy trying their hand at being Clerks of Course. The present licence holders in our club are all due for re-licencing, but all are getting a bit long in the tooth now and therefore we could do with some new blood to take on the licence seminar. So if you fancy adding another string to your bow just let any committee member know, or drop us a line by email or whatever.
Written by Webmaster
Jack Chippendale Trophy
A new trophy just added to our trophy list is the Jack Chippendale Trophy.
This is to be awarded to the Best West Leeds Clubman in Center events.
The trophy has been kindly donated by Mark Chippendale in memory of his late father, who was himself a staunch West Leeds member for many years. With the popularity of the clubman course in many trials nowadays it seemed fitting to award it to the clubman class.
Written by Webmaster
AGM 2010
Updated January 29, 2010
This years AGM was held on the 28th January at Club HQ.
After a long and heated discussion over club fees, the inevitable price rise for club trials has been decided upon. Senior members entry fee will rise to £15, and junior members entry fee will rise to £7. The good news is that the club subs stay the same as last year. That is £10 each for senior members and £5 each for juniors.
This is the first price rise since 2001, but as the treasurer's report showed that the club had made a loss last year, and insurances and permits are likely to rise this year, this action had to be taken.
Observers will now get £10 for all trials.
The practice of allowing day membership is also to be discontinued, so for your first event of this year bring an extra fiver! Unless of course you are also bringing an observer.
All last years officials will be continuing their duties for 2010.
Written by Webmaster
Wanted
Updated October 27, 2008
Your ideas, thoughts, articles or anecdotes, related to trials or web site, for inclusion on this page. Anything you think may interest your fellow reader will be considered. If it is suitable for publication, it will be published here! Send any of the above to:-
Written by Webmaster
A sticky end
Updated October 27, 2008
JK demontrates just what can happen when you employ cheap labour to make the hundreds of flags that are required every year for the White Rose Trial. "A reet sticky mess".Needless to say the worker involved did not get his productivity bonus.
Written by Webmaster
Holiday in Leeds!
Updated October 27, 2008
If you lived in southern Spain near the sun drenched town of Almeria where could you possibly go for your annual holiday. Answer: The rain drenched city of Leeds of course. That's just what one of our old club members has done, here for his in annual holiday in Yorkshire. At last nights (4/8/2005) meeting he was our guest for the evening. Setting off from Almeria on a bike last week in daytime temperatures of 120 to ride the 1650 miles here, the bike expired after 109 miles. As he commented at the club meeting after having to resort to flying here, "It's a bit humiliating having to be brought back home on the back of a breakdown truck". So to make up for this ignomony we took him mountain biking around Ladybower reservoir the following day on a borrowed bike, which he promptly broke. Comment this time was "Well it broke the last time I borrowed it as well". Oh dear nothing changes does it!
Written by Webmaster
Grim Warning
Updated October 27, 2008
A warning to all road users. The aftermath of an accident, which occured in Sweden between a car and a motorcycle is depicted here in these photographs. The motorcycle was embedded into the car, photo1 shows the right side of the car, and photo2 shows the left side. The accident apparently caused by excessive speed on the part of the motorcyclist, and carelessness on the part of the car driver. The message is clear, to car drivers 'Think Bike'. To motorcyclists 'Think everyone else and slow down'.
Written by Webmaster
Annual Dinner
Updated February 20, 2010
This year's dinner and prize presentation was held at the Holiday Inn on the 19th February.
Once again this was a shared event with our neighbouring club Horsforth DMC.
This year we had as guests Mick Shorrock, Keith Briggs and his wife. The recent disbanding of the Craven and DMC has meant that through our mutual contacts we have obtained the use of one of the Craven venues at Cawder Hall for trials. Both Mick Shorrock and Keith Briggs are long standing members of Craven who have held various official positions for over 30 years. Keith had prepared a speech but was not called upon to deliver it, as it included some good points of interest, it has been reproduced in entirety here...
In a break with tradition the West Leeds awards were announced this year by John Kershaw and presented by Yorkshire Centre President, Carolyne Kenzitt, all except the John Bolton award, as we were fortunate enough to have both the winner Joel Sadler, and mother of the late John Bolton, Mary Bolton present, to present that award.
The Horsforth awards were once again announced by Graham Wilson, with some recipients being members of both clubs they were all cheered enthusiastically.
An impromptu auction was conducted by Ben Ludgate for two items of official HRC Repsol clothing. Both items donated by Dani Pedrosa. The auction was prompted by the death from cancer of a young rider, Ben Carlyle from Upton, who was a member of West Leeds. Proceeds from the auction going to the ACU Benevolent fund.
On the raffle prize table was not just a rear trials tyre as a major prize but also a front tyre. In another break with tradition, these were saved until the final winning tickets drawn, just to prolong the agony of the eager trials riders all hoping that theirs was the winning ticket. The raffle proceeds raised £180.
Special thanks to John and Jean Kershaw for all their efforts in organising the event, obtaining awards and all the work done which organising an event such as this entails.
Written by Webmaster