Entertainment Swindon

In a sweet period of perfect weather conditions between December’s deluges and January’s spell of sub-zero temperatures, the S&DMC held their annual Klindt Trial that hosted a bumper crop of entries. As usual ten challenging sections were laid out along the old railway line with flag-marked routes for each skill level, ranging from green (introductory level) to expert.

There were, as expected, a few stream crossings and plenty of steep ascents and descents, but one of the ten sections began by asking riders of all abilities to get over a large flat stone that was over half the height of the wheels! Then after the stone challenge, the more advanced riders had to ascend the steep railway embankment atop loose chippings and perform a 180° turn around a tree and head back down again.

This was no mean feat but Alan Taylor (pictured on page 35) made it look easy. By the afternoon and four laps later, the 60-strong field loaded up and took their bikes home for washing.

The day didn’t end, of course, without the riders who ‘dabbed’ the least taking their well-deserved accolades. Christopher Wickham (Expert Class), Jon Bees (Clubman Expert), Alan Taylor (Intermediate), Martyn Goodall (Novice), Chris Cole (Green), Harry Cole (Youth A) and Thomas Plank (Youth B), all bested the others in their categories to take the spoils. Whilst the bikes were back again last month (yet to be reported on) they’ll return again in July for anyone who wants to pop down and observe such incredible skill for themselves. All dates and information can be found on the website.

Check out the clubs website by clicking HERE.