The opening round of the NSW championship was held at Cattai, an hour north west of Sydney Harbour, with 43 riders making the start in the first open meeting of the NSW season. The chily conditions before the start gave way to perfect riding conditions for the 10 sections set among the rocky shelf that dominates the Cheesmans Rd site so graciously provided by landowner Julie Faraway for the event.
The organising Lower Mountains club wishes the thank our observers includng Troy Houlihan, Bill Guthrie, Gary Tuft, Joe Henderson, Matt Charles, Dave Bingley, Jeanette Bingley, Andy Daly, Chris Broad, Kaitlyn Cummins, Richard Zarczynski, Laura Zarczynski, Ian Zarczynski, Sean Zarczynski, Annette Zarczynski, Kevin Zarczynski and Brooke Zarczynski, as well as officals Deena O'Connor, Bob McGlinchy, Martin O'Connor and Bob Tindal for making the event such a enjoyable day for our riders.
As was applied last year, different grades started the opening lap at specific sections, which allows the trial to get going faster, with C and Clubman class lines starting from section one, B grade starting on section four, and A grade and experts on section 8. As per the sup regs the riders must attempt the sections in numbered order, giving more opportunities for riders to learn from others in their grade. It also helps specators to find and follow riders during the laps, and again at the end of the day. Once all the riders have passed the early sections, the observers were able to come in or wind up the tapes, while competitors were still riding the later parts of the lap.
A special focus on the day was on Grant Paisley as he rode his very first trial, riding the Electric Motion full size electric trial bike, and riding in C grade. Having previously only practised trial in the bush, Grant showed great skill and ability, and was keenly followed by spectators and riders alike during the event, which he finished a fine 5th place in C grade.
The Expert class was well supported by interstate riders with Chris Bayles coming up from Tasmania for the trial, joined by Connor Hogan from South Australia. Kyle Middleton had a good ride to take the win from Colin Zarczynski, and while no expert got up the big step on section 1 all day, they enjoyed the competition and interesting sections.
Young riders Dean Collins and Ben Franco showed great skills in A grade, chasing Jono Chellas who just missed his target of some clean laps but took a strong win ahead of Collins and Franco on their 125cc machines. Jono was especially busy during the trial, catching for many of the experts and helping the other A graders throughout the day.
A strong entry in B grade was lead home by Kristie McKinnon, as she prepares to set off for the opening rounds of the FIM womens world trial series. Michelle Owen made a strong return from injury for second place ahead of fellow Canberra rider Sam Bingley.
Dave Pratten and Gary Boniface rode the Veterans class over C grade for a single point each all day, sending them into a entertaining ride-off on section 7, where they had to ride the much harder B grade line. Just a single dab for Boniface split the pair after three attempts, with Pratten being the winner over Boniface, followed by Greg Nordsvan in third.
For photos from this years event, checkout the crystal clear shots by Johnnos photography on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Johnnos-Photography-150773128602954/photos/?tab=album&album_id=294973064182959 and tag your friends.
NSW Trial Rd2 will be held by the Bankstown Wiley Park club at Appin Motorcross complex on Sunday 28th August.
Kevin Zaczynski, for Lower Mountainss MCC Trial.