Spring 2018 TRF Trail Magazine

Spring 2018

The Members’ Magazine of the Trail Riders Fellowship

YORE TRF-approved training at the Yamaha Off Road Experience

The Life of Riley Half a lifetime of byway battling Directors’ Report highlights new AGM, green-road rider training and Membership Matters Group Profile on Kent TRF, what do they get up to all year round Rural crime is on the increase and we’re not talking poaching here One member’s holiday ride takes in the Pyrenees and south on the TET Wiltshire’s woo-woo ways – where the Ancients once trod TRF Showtime, a chance to change the public perception of trail riding New in this issue – Readers’ Rides – dirt donkeys and techno rockets

THE TRF TEAM Conservation Director: Dave Carling dave.c@trf.org.uk 07586 325 260 Financial Director: Michel Sabatier finance@trf.org.uk 07801 187304 Heritage Director: Steve Neville steve.n@trf.org.uk 01474 742705 Marketing Director: Mario Costa-Sa mario@trf.org.uk 07721 480000 Membership Director: Carla McKenzie carla.m@trf.org.uk Technical Director: John Vannuffel john.v@trf.org.uk 01323 898847/07730 796215 Membership Secretary: Sharon Connor sharon@trf.org.uk TRF Membership PO Box 4829 SHREWSBURY SY1 9LP 07958 316295 Press: pr@trf.org.uk 07812 402021 IT: Adrian Allen web@trf.org.uk Equestrian Events Liaison: Mark Holland equestrian@trf.org.uk Creative Communications & Website Editor: Greg Villalobos greg@trf.org.uk IT Director: Wil Linsen wil.l@trf.org.uk Governance: Stuart Bosworth stuart.b@trf.org.uk

Editorial THIS SPRING EDITION of Trail was quite a lively one to put together due to the weather and subsequent cancellation of the AGM and Fun Day which occurred a week before the magazine was due at the printers. Fortunately Mario had been evaluating TRF training partner Yamaha Off-Road Experience (YORE) and was able to pass that on. Anyway, thank you all for your contributions to this bumper, 74-page issue.

It’s that time of year when us fairer weather riders prep our bikes and hope to shed a few pounds on the trail. My CCM 230 has a new pair of boots, Michelin Mediums, and I will be adding my two penn’oth to the tyre debate in the Summer issue. Also there’s a Hagon monoshock to be installed replacing the ten-year-old pogo stick that currently keeps my backside off the rear tyre.

Looking at the Trail website and seeing the ‘What Tools Should I Carry?’ feature, I thought I’d take a look at my own selection.

One advantage of having a lo-tech machine is the resultant lightweight toolkit required.

Honda multi-tool, small adjustable, zip-ties puncture prophylactic (in the tubes) and a 4oz capacity, stainless-steel flask trimmed in calf leather containing my home-made sloe vodka. This is for rider wellbeing and only to be used in emergencies – while waiting for the RAC. Fortunately I have never had to use the flask, nor have I had a puncture since I started using Bike Seal (could be a coincidence?). Total weight (wet) 492g.

That’s enough about my bike. We’d like to hear from you about your bikes, what and why you ride what you ride, for the Readers’ Rides pages (62-65). Did you find it in a skip or did your partner give it to you for your birthday?

Until next time, keep it safe, keep it legal and keep it pinned.

Rick Kemp rick@trf.org.uk

Trail is published quarterly and is designed and produced by Rick Kemp Media Services, for the Trail Riders Fellowship.

The TRF is registered in England & Wales No.05884933 Registered Office, 218 The Strand, London WC2R 1AT. All advertising enquiries should be sent to rick@trf.org The views expressed by individual members in Trail are not necessarily those of the Trail Riders Fellowship.

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ISSUE #3 SPRING 2018

The Members’ Magazine of the Trail Riders Fellowship

CONTENTS 03 Directors’ Report: All the facts and figures from the Fellowship including contributions from Marketing Director Mario Costa-Sa and Membership Director Carla McKenzie 22 TRF Groups List: Contact information on where to go and who to call in your area 24 A Year in the Life: Rick Kemp hangs out with Steve Neville of his local Kent TRF group 32 Operation Scrambler: Trail catches up with Cheshire’s Rural Crime Team...

34 A Long Way Down: Paul Chamberlain goes to the Pyrenees and beyond...

46 The Life of Riley: Profile of Bill and Anne Riley, defenders of Wiltshire’s rural lanes 52 TRF On Show: Rob Hickin’s overview of a year and five shows for the TRF 58 Ancient Rights of Passage: Trail’s James Higgs has a prehistoric adventure in Wiltshire...

62 Readers Rides: Sean Comber champions his XR200 while Dominic Hunt prefers his XL100...

Stop Press from Technical Director Wil Linssen. ”We’re very excited to announce the TRF‘s plan to create a new map resource which will provide the up-to-date status of all green roads across the UK. The new online mapping system will let you look at all the routes that you can ride your motorcycle on at any given date. You’ll be able to plan routes atop that, and either print them, or download them as a GPX file.”

Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this exciting project, as we start sharing its development. Wil.l@trf.org.uk

Directors’ Report Stormy Weather Postponed AGM We thought we would be safe having an AGM in March. It turned out to be a wise decision to postpone our trips amidst the travel chaos, especially as it is highly unlikely that we would have made sufficient numbers for the AGM to be quorate.

Arranging the AGM has taken tremendous amounts of work for a whole team of TRF members led by TRF Director Dave Carling and North Wales TRF Group Chair Eddie

Cover image: Yamaha Off Road Experience Inset image: Bill Riley Archive This image: Paul Chamberlain

Evans with assistance from John Vannuffel and his comprehensive work on the technical points, Robin Hickin on voting, Sharon Connor checking eligibility and all the individual directors for their contributions on the review and approval of the meeting content.

The additional effort of both cancelling and rearranging, has added significantly to the burden and complexity of managing the TRF in addition to “business as usual”. On behalf of all TRF members I would like to thank those involved. In addition to the main team, Martin

Mario Costa-Sa tells it like it is from the chair

Keswick, Chair of Somerset TRF, deserves our thanks for his role in making alternative arrangements.

AGMs in the Future The AGM postponement has allowed an opportunity to consider AGMs in future and given the TRF an opportunity to increase members’ engagement in TRF policy making, We want to attract younger members and drive attendance of all ages at meetings.

Following consultation with Group officers and members, we will try to move to late spring/summer-based AGMs centred around riding events. We aim to hold participative and engaging meetings, “Grand Tour” style, in a cost-effective marquee with seating and refreshments at the riding event. Following on from the event at Wern Ddu, the following venues have offered to host TRF event in Wales: Geraint Jones/Yamaha, Mick Extance, Mark Molyneux/Sweetlamb. We may also choose to hold a General Meeting at Motorcycle Live in November should it be needed. Needless to say, attendance at these combined riding and meeting events will be free as a benefit to TRF members who attend the meeting. 150 members registered to ride at the pre-AGM Wern Ddu quarry event, and initially we hope to attract over 100 to participate in person by voting in TRF decisions at a combined riding and meeting event.

Policy Decisions at AGMs We have asked Robin Hickin to manage a members’ consultation on engagement in policy making and AGMs in the future. In the interim period, to enable us to hold these events efficiently and maximise riding time, we will be sending consultations out on the main proposals and requesting feedback by email to directors@trf.org.uk, or by survey response well before the meeting. The consultations will enable us to form policy and address concerns before, and not only at the event. Time will be saved for all attendees, maximising productive debate and riding time. To achieve this: 1. All 5000 TRF members are kept informed on forward plans and policy in TRF Trail magazine.

2. More than 800 TRF members have participated electronically in the consultations that formed the current AGM resolutions.

3. 200 Group officers are kept informed of

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forward TRF policy formation by monthly email 4. 200 Group Officers were invited to debate policy in person at the first Group Chairs meeting attended by 30. We have a plan to increase this to 60/70.

5. TRF Directors have been allocated a number of local groups in a one-to-one Group Chair calling programme.

6. On request TRF Directors will visit and ride with the local group and attend local group meetings.

7. TRF Directors respond to around 600 email queries over policy, in some detail and follow up by phone calls.

As an example, Graeme Collins, Chair of Loddon Vale TRF and Colin Blackburn, Group Officer of Somerset TRF have already engaged with the directors in challenging questions on the directors’ proposals to which the TRF Board has responded. The issues and directors’ responses are circulated to other TRF Group

Welcome to the TRF Board The TRF Board welcomes Doug Cartwright, previous Chair of EYTRF, who after working with us for a few years has decided to step up to become a full TRF director. Tom Carnell, Gloucester TRF and TRF Countryfile and Gamefair event manager, has offered to become an Executive to direct the TRF Partnership strategy and take advantage of the TRF Director soft start and training. Alcuin Wilkie has joined Robin Hickin on event-managing major TRF shows starting with the London Motorcycle Show. Keith Johnston of Wilts TRF has offered to manage our strategy relationships with ROSPA and IAM, which will be a key component of Tom’s Partnership strategy.

State of the TRF At the AGM we will review many areas of TRF operations that may have been broken and are now largely fixed. These include Roads Conservation, Membership, Marketing and Events – which are now progressing nicely as “Business as Usual” for the TRF. The last three months have been a busy time for us. The Marketing and Events programme, our new Trail membership joining system, and publicising successes in Road Conservation have combined to drive membership growth of 10% in the last quarter alone. The TRF has never been stronger – in influence, in volunteer and financial resources driving success on Green Road Conservation, and our 40 groups are now more informed and productive than ever.

Current Issues In addition to growing our existing operations we are focussing on the following areas of development: Members’ behaviour – In the last edition of Trail, we covered the importance to Parliament and especially the House of Lords of how responsible Trail Riders’ behaviour is governed and the positive effect on the TRF’s influence by demonstrating that we get this right. Stewart Bosworth will be explaining the TRF’s Gover-

nance model, and Carla will highlight the efforts that are made to engage members in the TRF’s values. Dave Carling will continue to actively monitor behaviour throughout the organisation to maintain our exemplary standards. A recent meeting of Devon and Somerset Groups raised concerns over Directors’ intervention. Issues with behaviour can range though inappropriate trail riding behaviour being posted on social media, to persistently unhelpful members who somehow continually manage to confuse the unpaid volunteers, who run the not for profit TRF organisation, with the unacceptable face of capitalism. In response, we reviewed a few real cases together and we are pleased to say there was an impression of agreement from the audience, that the Directors had taken the appropriate course of action in the wider interest of the TRF and Trail Riding.

Influence – Increasing the TRF’s wide base of influence remains a priority.

Recent Activity 1. Patron – We have reached out to an individual of influence with a brief on the TRF and an invitation to become the Patron of the TRF. 2. The Value of Volunteering – The TRF will be launching a survey to assess the “hidden value” of volunteering to the TRF. Volunteering in the TRF is time donated freely and without payment by several thousand individuals from our 5000 membership. This includes over 200 Group Officers and nine Directors who all generously give their time to the TRF without charge.

We all know that the TRF won’t run without our army of unpaid volunteers. The TRF could not possibly afford to pay for the staff required to achieve so much, yet we still don‘t really know how much time is donated and the value of the time. We wish to go one step further by recording the economic value of unpaid volunteer time and other non-financial donations to the TRF in addition to recording our financial position. An initial estimate of this value indicated it to be over £3m per year. If the TRF doesn’t look after our volunteers we will lose them and this valuable donation that far exceeds our membership revenues and financial resources.

This will help the TRF to increase its influence – by recording our volunteer contribution and

Officers by email. Further discussion is encouraged at Group Officer conference or local groups meeting with the Directors and time is saved at the meeting by simply presenting the considered outcomes at the meeting.

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journeys. It is a brilliant read. We are delighted to welcome Nathan to the TRF and I certainly look forward to hearing more of his inspiring journeys and tips for adventurers.

By the end of February, (including members ‘in grace’) we had grown to 5140; this has been assisted by the launch of the ‘Trail Website’ which has made joining the TRF so much easier. We’ve had an increase of 26% more than the same period last year. Congratulations to the following groups who have grown by more than 5% since December; Bristol, Kent, Manchester, Cornwall, Cumbria and Essex.

A warm welcome to the 500 new members who have joined us since we published the Winter edition of Trail magazine. Individual member behaviour and courtesy on and off the bikes and especially on social media is a vital tool in the TRF armoury. Please can we request that new members familiarise themselves with the Code of Conduct at www.trf.org.uk under the Where to ride menu. Our ability to demonstrate the highest standards of good behaviour helps the team secure our green-road heritage and access for current and future generations.

Our continued growth increases our influence.

We are now one of the largest voices in greenroad conservation and the funds from membership subscriptions mean that our technical team can continue to preserve our heritage.

Groups At the core of the TRF are our regional groups.

These TRF members have unrivalled local knowledge and are always willing to share their expertise. Thank you to the group officers who have completed their returns promptly. We are also delighted to announce that the Ribble Valley TRF Group is reforming. We wish Paul Stewart, Chris Good, Jon Lee and Garry Barker who are the newly appointed group officers all the best with in their new roles.

Out and About The year began with a visit to one of the more unusual byways in Britain. Technical director John Vannuffel, accompanied by new TRF member Bill Smith, visited the byway which is the coastguard station at Pett Level in East Sussex. This byway is the launch slipway for lifeboats and runs legally to the water’s edge!

In February I made a presentation about the TRF to the Motorcycle Industry Association

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off-road special interest group. I pointed out to the committee the economic value of trail riding in the UK and shared some of the results from our membership survey which demonstrate clearly the value of our members to the motorcycle industry, especially their buying power. It was also great to share our technical and political successes of the past year.

The Economic Value of Riding Members, headed by the brilliant Alcuin Wilkie (Chair of Central Bristol TRF) manned the stand at the London Motorcycle Show. The TRF stand was certainly the centre of adventure attention opposite the adventure stage. With many new members signing up during the show and after, thank you to everyone who contributed, It was great to see the press gathered on the stand, including Rick Kemp, the editor of Trail magazine, James Higgs, the editor of Web Trail and lifetime member and international journalist and photographer Paul Blezard aka Blez.

The Membership is continuing to support groups and individuals who raise funds for charitable causes. The Wessex Wanderer raffle is now under way and you can see the prize list and how to buy tickets on page 44 of the magazine.

Colin Pountney, Chairman, and the members of Suffolk TRF, have raised significant sums in 2017 through their Iceni weekend and the ‘Dawn to Dusk’ trail ride. The money raised was donated to Headway, (the brain injury association) and Mountain Rescue, both very worthy charities. The Suffolk team are looking to raise more funds for charity this year; the annual Dawn to Dusk is being held on 4 August.

Meanwhile Steven Taylor, the intrepid Surrey TRF Chair, is heading out to Nepal, renting a bike and going riding in the Himalayas. The trip will raise money for the charity “Chance for Nepal” www.chancefornepal.org.uk.

The personalised ride shirts are still on sale; each shirt raises £6.00 for the TRF fighting fund. You can find out how to place an order for one on page 67.

Not Another Survey!

Please would members bear with the team while we ask you some more questions? We currently limit the amount of personally identifiable data that we hold on our members.

This also limits our ability to gain advertisers, who are looking for information on the makeup of our membership, and in turn advertisers help to support the cost of producing Trail magazine and digital Trail. Also, many go on to become ‘friends of the TRF’ offering member benefits in the form of discounts. We need to know more about our members, their motorcycles and associated regular buying habits in order to target suppliers, negotiate member discounts

Unsung Heroes Joining the roll of honour this quarter are the following: Peter Wildsmith, Southern TRF This award is in recognition of your extraordinary contribution to the TRF. As a founder member of the Southern Group in 1975, you became a group officer, holding the posts of secretary, chairman and rights of road for over 25 years. The work done by you and other founders of the TRF sets an example to us all. On behalf of the members who ride the trails you helped to keep open, a massive thank you.

Rupert Trigg, Norfolk TRF For creating, in his own time and at his own expense, a great TRF stand for the 2018 ExCel London Motorcycle Show.

Trevor Brooking, Bristol TRF Trevor has consistently given discount to all TRF members, ever since he started his classic enduro business. In addition, he has always provided advice and helped

and influence the manufacture of trail riding products. For example, with 5000 members we must buy a heck of a lot of dirt-friendly tyres every year!

If members can take time out to complete the next survey we would be very grateful.

The last survey response was brilliant and has already been used as a demonstration of membership engagement at both the MCIA and the House of Lords. Your thoughts not only matter, but also make a difference to the trail riding.

On a final note, I look forward to meeting members at the next AGM and a special thank you to all those who have contributed to this report. members out in their times of need. Trevor has also been the driving force behind the Bristol TRF web page and forum. He consistently attracts and enrols new members through the ‘potential new members’ section.

Mike Mant, Bristol TRF A long-standing member of the Bristol TRF, Mike has consistently arranged and organised trips for all members over the years, keeping the club vibrant and diverse in its operation.

Bristol has become an exciting club to be a member of and it has grown with the times.

Ian Abram, Bristol TRF For many years Ian has arranged and organised the Bristol TRF ‘Santa Cruz’ (Santas on bikes) where money has been raised to support the RDA (Riders for the Disabled Association). This is a very popular event, not only with the riders but also with local people, who are happy and willing to donate. This year’s ‘Santa Cruz’ raised £250 for RDA. Any member can nominate an unsung hero, just send an email to Carla.m@trf.org.uk

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TRF Photographic Competition The photo competition will continue to be open for entries until the end of August and judging will take place in September. Please send entriesmembership@trf.org.uk. Ideally, we need the photos to be a minimum of 300dpi; say, 1-2MB as JPEG as a rough guide.

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Days of YORE TRAining hAs ALWAYs been important to members and has recently become more important to the TRF as an organisation.

Members have always been interested in improving their skills to enable them to ride further and encounter more challenging terrain. skills from training have been widely acknowledged as preventing damage to both rider and bike. More recently, many groups in the TRF offer beginners’ training. We wouldn’t send a new rider on “black top” road to ride, crash, learn from it and repeat; why would we do this on a green road?

The TRF became aware of the value of training in least-impact guidance and sustainability; training helps prevent damage to the surface of a trail. We believe

most TRF members would wish to take on the responsibility of training themselves to a suitably high standard to avoid undue wear and tear to the trail.

Examples of skills and competencies relevant to minimising impact on the trail include: Lifting the weight of the bike’s front wheel to clear a fallen log without stopping or diverting from the trail.

Use of momentum when going uphill to take the machine over tree roots and other obstacles without digging in.

Avoiding the damage caused by inexperienced riders unnecessarily getting stuck and digging themselves in through wheelspin and the associated effects of recovery of a stuck bike.

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Those Who Can Do – Teach.

Mario Costa-sa practices what he preaches at the Yamaha Off-Road Experience (YORE) – A TRF Accredited Training Centre

Yamaha Off-Road Experience (YORE) The Yamaha Off-Road Experience is based near the Mid Wales town of Llanidloes. The base itself is on the Jones families’ working farm, five miles outside of Llanidloes. Their six-hundred acre farm backs onto the magnificent ten-thousand acre hafren Forest and sweet Lamb motorsport complex, which make up a vast riding area.

YORE was formerly the geraint Jones Enduro school and as son Dylan explains, “geraint is a former multiple British Enduro Champion. he started running enduro training schools back in the mid 80’s. geraint went to race for Yamaha UK back in 1992 and the Off-Road Experience was born in 1994. We are a totally independent business from Yamaha, but obviously work very closely with them. The advantages for ourselves are, that Yamaha supply us bikes at a discounted price and provide us with a spares budget to keep all the bikes running. This means that we always have the latest model bikes, and they are always changed at least every sea-

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son, so customers get to experience and enjoy the latest model enduro and adventure bikes that are maintained to the highest standards.

“The advantages and benefits for Yamaha is the promotion of their enduro and adventure bikes and the brand in general.

Customers are able to come along to our courses and try and spend plenty of time riding the bikes, which gives them a really good opportunity to try the bikes out in one of the best riding environments in the UK. hopefully some of our customers will then go away and buy a Yamaha as a result. Part of the concept of the Off-Road Experience is that we are introducing road riders to the world of off-roading. We have had thousands of people come through the school over the years who are road riders, many of whom went away, bought their own off-road bike and are now regularly racing or trail-riding. Ultimately, the more people that are riding off-road bikes the better it is for Yamaha and the off-road bike industry in general.

forestry block, country roads and the green roads around Mid Wales, which are perfect for adventure bike riding.

The Machines The Experience can supply all participants with a fully prepared Yamaha Off Road machine from a selection of mainly WR 250 and WR 450Fs, along with TT-R 230s and TT-R 125s.

Like myself, most TRF members will choose to use their own bikes which takes the cost of the event down by around half. i would recommend enquiring on test riding the new 2018 WR250. Fellow CRF230 fans will be impressed by the TT-R 230, and 15-year-old Joshua finally realised that instead of stealing dad’s CRF250x, what he really needed was a light nimble WR125 and not a WR450.

The nuts and bolts of YORE The Off Road Experience course is for small groups mainly on school bikes of generally off-road novices although all levels are

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“Yamaha also benefit from the testing and feedback we can give them about the bikes. As our bikes clock up a lot of hours in a short time, we are able to highlight any problems or issues and report them back. We also assist Yamaha with press launches, shows and other events.”

The Experience offers something for everyone; an off-road try out for a complete novice who wishes to experience what off-road riding is all about, to toplevel national enduro riders who want help to improve their skills and take them to the next level. There is a variety of terrain, from farmland and open hill to the vast hafren forest where most of the riding takes place.

This is enduro heaven and has staged British, European and World Enduro Championship events over the past 10 years. it has everything you would expect from a Welsh forest, from rocky tracks, tricky assents and descents, bogs, ruts and easy gravel paths and fire roads.

The Ténéré Experience days cover a larger area, also taking in the Tarenig

catered for on the day. The second which is possibly more appropriate for established TRF members is the Enduro school.

Off-Road experience (£225 or £85 with own bike) – You get: Kitted out with riding gear and a Yamaha off-road bike. introduced to the principles of off-road riding.

Then you will head out into the thousands of acres of surrounding countryside for approximately five hours riding on a variety of terrain including hills, river crossings, forest tracks, and if you want it – lots of mud!

Suitable for: Either a new trail rider or for an established trail rider who wished to ride with a less experienced partner and still be taken out with some experienced riders for a bit of challenging fun for some of the day.

Enduro training schools (£380 for 2 days or £160 on own bike) – You get: Kitted out with riding gear and a Yamaha off-road bike. All aspects of enduro riding are covered from bike maintenance and preparation, riding ruts, uphills, downhills, special tests, extreme man-made sections Father and son team Dylan Jones, left and Geraint Jones. Their wealth of experience makes them top-notch instructors

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and Welsh bogs.

Suitable for: Regular trail riders through to national level competition riders. The emphasis of these schools is to help improve and learn new riding skills.

Participants are put into groups with riders of a similar ability. groups alternate between instructors throughout the weekend. There is a base team of instructors as well as some top British and World level riders as guest instructors.

The Instructors Geraint Jones – geraint is one of the most respected figures within off road motorcycle sport in the UK and has been involved in the dirt bike world for over 30 years. his track record speaks for itself and includes 10 British Enduro Championships and 8 isDE gold medals. geraint is currently the ACU national Assessor and international Coach for enduros and is the driving force behind the Yamaha Off-Road Experience.

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Dylan Jones – Dylan is the youngest of the Jones family and is now one of the main instructors. he has been racing bikes and teaching people to ride for many years. Over the last few years he has finished runner up in the British 125 cc Enduro Championship, finished in the top six in the European E1 Enduro Championship and represented great Britain at the international six Day Enduro at both Junior and senior level winning four gold and three silver isDE medals. Dylan is a fully qualified ACU Commercial coach

Rowan Jones – since his debut in the British Enduro Championships in the mid 1990s he has won numerous national titles including British 250 4-stroke Enduro Champion and fourth in the World Junior Championship. Rowan has won numerous gold and silver isDE medals, and was also the winner of the Bike Category in the Baja gB in 2007. Rowan is a fully qualified ACU Commercial coach.

John Begley – John joined YORE after serving 22 years in the Armed Forces with the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers in which time he has both ridden and been a mechanic for the Armed Forces Motorcycle teams. John has a wealth of riding and mechanical experience. he is a qualified ACU Commercial instructor and long established TRF member.

“We would like to think that we can offer professional coaching and riding experiences for TRF members who are looking to improve their riding, or just wanting to be able to enjoy that fantastic legal access we have to some of the best off-road riding in the UK.” says Dylan Jones. “hopefully we will be able to encourage a number of our customers to join their local TRF group and enjoy trail riding with likeminded people.

We get a number of people who get the bug for off-road riding and want to get into

Top Tips Take your own lunch as refreshments at Enduro school are hot drinks and not food.

The tea and coffees are plentiful and pot noodles are a good choice. Alternatively, there is a spar shop for fresh sandwiches in Llanidloes. in the evenings, the Red Lion in Llanidloes is a good choice for dinner and the local Butty Bach beer is excellent. stay nearby to Yamaha at suzanne Bayley’s AirBnB in nearby Felindre for as little as £35 for a twin room. suzanne’s husband is a (road) biker and you will sleep easy with the security, care and attention delivered by these exemplary hosts.

The Mount inn has good rooms and an off street car park . The Landlord is a real hoot and biker. someone needs to organise a road-bike ride led by him in the future.

Finally, wash your bike after the event using the farm’s three high power farm pressure washers. it gets the job done quicker and better than at home.

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trail riding, so we will be able to point them in the direction of the TRF.”

Mario’s impressions The one-day Off-Road Experience was good and the two day Enduro school was even better. in an attempt at self-preservation, i had set off only intending to observe, photograph and report and had taken my comfy honda CRF250L with my son Joshua taking my CRF250x instead of his KTM85. i soon got suckered in to full participation by everyone’s enthusiasm and enjoyment and quickly realised i was going to hurt myself struggling to keep up with group B on the lardy CRF250L. i continued to flog the CRF250lL fairly hard over two days to keep up with the nimbler enduro bikes, the CRF250x would have been a better bet or ideally a Beta XT, KTM, or the Yamaha WR250 – the 2018 model that i tried briefly was a delight to ride.

Riding with the Jones family is a privilege as well as an experience. The depth of knowledge that this family has is exceptional. The knowledge is well matched to both the exceptional terrain at hafren and sweetlamb and the full range of machines, from 125 and 230s for the novice to 250s and 450s for the more experienced.

All machines are set up by experts and almost new in condition; there are no old-nail school bikes here.

From a TRF perspective, the ACU commercial coach certification held by all the Yamaha trainers is ideally what we look for, to complement our own in-house ACU TRF Club Coach competences.

The Jones family clearly share the values of least-impact and responsible trail riding. geraint is a man of few words, with the aura of someone who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. he gives the TRF plenty of his time, attention and interest in areas of mutual concern. The whole family seem more than happy to work in partnership with

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WHITE

FLUO YELLOW

BLACK

FLIP FS-606 HELMET WWW.ACERBIS.IT ukinfo@acerbis.it - 0044 1582491076

the TRF, and we are very fortunate to have John Begley, a long established TRF member in the Yamaha Experience organisation.

Regardless of which group you choose, all instructors are swapped around. As geraint points out, training less experienced riders is more challenging than training the highly experienced. it was a pleasure to be taught basic skills by geraint and Dylan as well as to see my own unsuitable bike ridden by British Enduro Champion, Ed Jones up steep climbs, giving me the confidence to tackle the same challenge.

TRF Contacts: Chris Barrable – chris.b@trf.org.uk is TRF Director for Training. he looks after our training relationship with the ACU, and our programme for accreditation of training schools.

Stewart Bosworth – TRF Director who owns our formal TRF Training Course for Trail Riding and learning Objectives.

This will be submitted for external accreditation by the ACU and possibly the iAM and/or RosPA in the near future.

The schools accredited to date: Yamaha Off Road schoolhttp://www.yamaha-offroad-experience.co.uk sweetlamb Adventure Rally Bike http://www.adventurerallybike.co.uk Mick Extance Experience: http://mickextanceexperience.com Trials Day - stuart Day: http://www.trials-school.co.uk i2i Motorcycle Academy - Tom Killeen: https://www.i2imca.com/About.asp Raidtec / Donnagray - http://www.raidtec.co.uk Justin heavens - Via TRF Trail Facebook Those in progress on Chris Barrable’s radar Wheeldon Farm: http://www.wheeldontwo.co.uk Docklands Riders: http://www.docklandsriders.org.uk BMW Off Road skills: http://www.offroadskills.com Dave Thorpe: http://www.davethorpehondaoffroad.com Desert Rose: http://adventureridingacademy.com/

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1 Cornwall TRF Contact: Martin Goddard | admin@cornwalltrf.org.uk | 07787522674 | http://www.cornwalltrf.org.uk Meeting details: 3rd Thursday of the month, 8pm at The Hawkins Arms, Zelah, TR4 9HU 2 Devon TRF Contact: John Heal | johnheal@blueyonder.co.uk | 01626 832413 http://www.trfdevon.org.uk/ Meeting details: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm at The Dolphin Hotel, Station Road, Dolphin Square, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9AL 3 Somerset TRF Contact: Josh Cook | keeperjhc@hotmail.co.uk | 07590 281296 http://www.somerset-trf.org.uk Meeting details: 1st Thursday of the month, 7:30pm, at The Maypole, Thurloxton, Taunton, TA2 8RF 4 Dorset TRF Contact: John Williamson | wjwilliamson@btinternet.com | 01929 553640 | http://dorset-trf.org.uk/ | http://www.facebook.com/groups/1655657811402165 Meeting details: 1st Tuesday of the month, 8pm at The Royal Oak Hotel, Bere Regis, BH20 7HQ 5 Isle of Wight TRF Contact: Andy Hawkins | 01462 811654 Meeting details: 1st Wednesday of the month, 8pm at The Eight Bells Inn, Carisbrooke, Newport, PO30 1NR 6 Southern TRF Contact: Ben Plummer | twine007@me.com | 07769652656 | http://www.southern-trf.org.uk/ Meeting details: 3rd Thursday of the month, 8pm at Southampton & District MCC, Cranbury Centre, Cranbury Road, Eastleigh, SO50 5HT 7 Central Bristol TRF Contact: Darth Speede | hello@centralbristoltrf.co.ukv | 07766090190 http://www.facebook.com/cbtrf/ Meeting details: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 8pm at the Nova Scotia Hotel, 1 Nova Scotia Place, Hotwells, Bristol, BS1 6XJ 8 Bristol TRF Contact: Glen Summers | mail@trfbristol.org.uk | 01454 619246 | http://www.trfbristol.org.uk/ Meeting details: 4th Monday of the month, 8pm at The Portcullis, 130 High Street, Staple Hill, BS16 5HH 9 Wiltshire TRF Contact: Jim Cairndu | trf.wiltshire@gmail.com | 07840 352996 | http://www.wiltshiretrf.com | http://www.facebook.com/groups/WiltshireTRF | http://www.facebook.com/wiltshiretrf/?fref=ts Meeting details: 1st Tuesday of the month, 8pm at The Fox and Hounds, Nursteed Road, Devizes, SN10 3HJ 10 Loddon Vale TRF Contact: Dave Carlingv | http://www.lvtrf.co.uk/ committee@lvtrf.org.uk | Meeting details: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 8pm, The Swan, Basingstoke Road, Three Mile Cross, Reading, RG7 1AT 11 Sussex TRF Contact: Andy Wardrobe | sussex@trf.org.uk | 07414 529298 http://www.sussextrf.org.uk Meeting details: last Thursday of the month, 8pm at Ashington Village Hall, Mill Lane, Ashington, RH20 3BX

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For the latest details go to: trail.trf.org.uk/groups/

12 Kent TRF Contact: Steve Neville | sneville@blueyonder.co.uk | 07887 478552 http://www.kentishtrf.org.uk Meeting details: Last Sunday of the month, ride leaves at 9.30am, The Oakdene Cafe, Wrotham, TN15 7RR 13 South London & Surrey TRF Contact: Tony Rowlands | grouprep@surreytrf.org.uk | 07772 333328 http://www.surreytrf.org.uk/ Meeting details: 4th Tuesday of the month at 8:30pm, Ripley British Legion, 25 Rose Lane, Ripley, GU23 6NE 14 Oxford TRF Contact: Martin Welch | martin@braysdene.co.uk | http://www.oxfordtrf.org.uk/ Meeting details: 3rd Thursday of the month at 8pm @ The Gladiator Sport and Social Club, 263 Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1SJ 15 Gloucestershire TRF Contact: James Osborne | hello@trfglos.org | 01531 822728 Meeting details: 1st wednesday of the month, 8pm at the Wagon Works Club, Tuffley Avenue, Gloucester, GL1 5NS 16 Hertfordshire TRF Contact: Mark Brown / join@hertstrf.org.uk | 07958 506066 | http://www.hertstrf.org.uk/ http://www.facebook.com/groups/HertsTRF/ Meeting details: 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7pm, different venues around London and North Home Counties Schedule on Facebook or contact local rep 17 Essex TRF Contact: Graham Coker | 07789 922537 graham@cokerg.freeserve.co.uk Meeting details: 1st Wednesday of the month, 8pm at The White Horse 2 Church Street, Witham, CM8 2JL 18 Suffolk TRF Contact: Colin Poutney | vraptor@ntlworld.com | 07981 116310 Meeting details: First Monday of the month, 8pm at The Three Kings, Fornham All Saints, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6LA 19 Norfolk TRF Contact: Rupert Trigg / info@norfolktrf.org.uk | 07899 918276 | http://www.norfolktrf.org.uk | http://www.facebook.com/groups/norfolktrf/ Meeting details: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm at The White Horse, Trowse, Norwich, NR14 8ST 20 Cambridge TRF Contact: Andy Lonnen | 07753820520 | newmembers@cambstrf.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/TRF-Cambridgeshire-624123620992268/ | http://www.cambstrf.org.uk/ Meeting details: 3rd Thursday of the month, 8pm at St Ives Outdoor Leisure Centre, California Road, St Ives, PE27 6SJ 21 West Anglia TRF Contact: Geoff Groom | ggroom@btinternet.com | 07929 275465 Meeting details: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 8:30pm the Scott Bader Social Club, 122 High Street, opp Parish Church, Wollaston, Wellingborough, NN29 7RJ 22 West Midlands TRF Contact: Steve Whetton | enquiries@westmidlandstrf.co.uk | 01527 451089 / http://www.westmidlandstrf.co.uk Meeting details: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 8pm at Wilmcote Sports and Social Club, 16 Aston Cantlow Road, Wilmcote, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 9XX 23 Worcestershire TRF Contact: David Walters | davidwalters101@hotmail.co.uk | 07767 204730 Meeting details: 1st Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm at The White Hart Fernhill Heath, WR3 8RP 24 Herefordshire TRF Contact: Graham Hutton | graham.hutton671@btinternet.com | 07581023924 Meeting details: 1st Tuesday of the month, 8 pm at the New Inn, Fownhope, Herefordshire, HR1 4PE 25 Mid Wales TRF Contact: Marianne Walford | 01686 430522 marianne@trailrides-wales.com | http://www.facebook.com/groups/354419968236284/ Meeting details: Last Thursday of the month except December, no fixed venue.

26 South Wales TRF Contact: Christian James | christian@swtrf.org.uk | 01446 410073 Meeting details: 1st Thursday of the month at 8pm at the Ty Nant Inn, Nr Radyr, Morganstown, CF15 8LB

27 South West Wales TRF Contact: Rob Williams | rwmotobiker@aol.com | 07974 102372 Meeting details: Last Thursday of the month, 7pm at Hagans Café and Fish & Chip Shop, 2 Pensarn Road, Pensarn, Carmarthen, SA31 2BS 28 Shropshire TRF Contact: Mike Price | alwynmike@hotmail.com | 07718902682 Meeting details: 3rd Thursday of the month, 7.30pm the Acton Arms, Morville, WV16 4RJ 29 East Midlands TRF Contact: Lee Jordan | lee@jordaninstall.co.uk | http://emtrf.co.uk/ Meeting details: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 8pmthe Clock Warehouse, London Road, Shardlow, Derby, DE72 2GL 30 Lincolnshire TRF Contact: Nev Cooke | cookie60@btinternet.com | 07845 067047 | http://www.facebook.com/groups/253106844849995/ Meeting details: 1st Thursday of the month, 8pm Woodys, Woodland Waters, Willoughby Road, Ancaster, Grantham, NG32 3RT 31 Peak District TRF Contact: Alan Gilmore | a.gilmore_home@outlook.com | 07807818542 Meeting details: 1st Thursday of the month, 8pm the Fisherman‘s Rest Belper, DE56 2JF 32 High Peak & Potteries TRF Contact: Russ Unwin | russ.u@hotmail.com | 07968 770629 Meeting details: 2nd Thursday of the month, 8pm The Black Horse, Endon, Stoke-on-Trent, ST9 9BA 33 Derbyshire & South Yorkshire TRF Contact: Bob Morley | bobmorleycbs@gmail.com | https://www.facebook.com/SOUTHYORKSHIRETRF/ Meeting details: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 8pm the Dusty Miller, Sheffield Road, Barlborough, S43 4TW 34 North Wales TRF Contact: Neil “Timpo“ Thompson | timpo@bikerider.com | 07980 555874 / http://www.facebook.com/NorthWalesTRF/ Meeting details: 1st Wednesday of the month, 8pm The Burntwood Pub, 26 Burntwood Road, Buckley, CH7 3EN 35 Manchester TRF Contact: Phil Kinder | philmancunian@googlemail.com | 07809647293 http://www.facebook.com/groups/13477365684/ Meeting details: 4th Monday of the month, 8:30pm at The Sycamore Inn, 4 Stamford Square, Ashton under Lyne, OL6 6QX 36 Lancashire TRF Contact: Keith Westley | keith.westley@outlook.com | 01704 893215 http://www.facebook.com/TRFLancashire/ Meeting details: 1st Tuesday of the month, 8pm The Rigbye Arms 2 Whittle Lane, High Moor, Wrightinton, WN6 9QB 37 West Yorkshire TRF Contact: Tim McEnhill | info@wytrf.org.uk | http://www.wytrf.org.uk Meeting details: 1st Thursday of the month, 7:30pm Cue Garden, Stadium Mills, Stadium Road, Bradford, BD6 1BJ 38 East Yorkshire TRF Contact: Julian Mamo | julian.mamo1@googlemail.com | 07583694431 http://www.facebook.com/groups/959312044201559/ Meeting details: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm the Bay Horse Inn, 75 Market Place, Market Weighton, York, YO43 3AN 39 Ribble Valley TRF Contact: Paul Stewart or Gary Barker | admin@ribblevalleytrf.org | 07791 934041 or 07711 064574 / http://www.ribblevalleytrf.org Meeting details: 1st Tuesday of the month, bi-monthly, at 8.00pm commencing 5th June 2018 Contact rep for full details. The Petre Arms, Whalley Road, Blackburn, BB6 8AN 40 Teesside & North Yorkshire TRF Contact: Leo Crone | leocronektm1190r@outlook.com | 01325 463815 http://www.facebook.com/groups/teessidenorthyorkshiretrf Meeting details: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm The Lord Nelson, 40-41 St James Green, Thirsk, YO7 1AQ 41 Cumbria & Craven TRF Contact: Nigel Summers nigel_summers@sky.com | 07891 403992 http://www.facebook.com/groups/1631280750485319/ Meeting details: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm the Cross Keys Inn Milnethorpe, LA7 7AB 42 TyneWear Teesdale Contact: Paul Smith | smip694@aol.com | 07980 144446 Meeting details: 4th Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm The Golden Jubilee Pub, Yarm, TS15 9XN 43 Northumbria TRF Contact: Greg Villalobos | ride@northumbriatrf.org.uk | http://www.northumbriatrf.org.uk/ Meeting details: 1st Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm The Staffs Club, Blaydon, NE21 4JB

A Year in the Life Rick Kemp hangs out with his local TRF Group...

24 Trail Spring 2018

I FoRGeT The exact event, the Isca or the Beacons, anyway, one of the Welsh two-day National enduro Championship rounds in the late 1970s. At the bottom of the programme it read “Thanks to the Welsh TRF for all their help”. Who they?

I wondered. But the logistical nightmare that is the job of crew chief for an enduro team, (in my case the Which Bike? magazine enduro team) from working out everyone’s times, fuel stops, time on the road for crew vehicles versus bike time on the course, refreshments, etc, etc, made me forget to chase down the answer to that particular question.

Getting all your riders fuelled at predetermined points was not an exact science in those days when the stages were longer unlike the multi-lap events and official pit areas we have now. There was a failsafe Plan B for fuel, back then – the Army. her Majesty’s armed forces always entered several teams, a perfect opportunity for field-based logistics training, and they were quite happy to take extra fuel for other teams. From our point

of view an olive-drab, 3.5 tonne Bedford truck was always easy to spot, parked up at the side of the road or at a fuel check.

If low on fuel and with no sign of team support, I always instructed our riders to turn up at the Army truck and ask for the Team WB? fuel can. When the reply came, “What Team WB? fuel can?” they were to get off their bikes, lie on the ground and beat the tarmac with their fists and heels shouting, “Bastards, they told me…” until a

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squaddie relented and fuelled them up. It was also one way to get a small tax rebate, as a portion of our contributions to the exchequer had paid for the juice in the first place. Perhaps a slightly oblique illustration of mixing politics with sport, something the TRF has been doing from the outset.

The TRF has come a very long way since those days, it’s approaching its half-century, the membership is now up 5000 and it now lists the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) and the Auto Cycle Union (ACU) among its affiliates. hopefully this will give the TRF extra muscle when it comes to fighting for the preservation of our rights of way across england and Wales.

Trail took the opportunity to spend some time with the Kent Group, which is headed

by TRF heritage Director Steve Neville.

Steve’s day job was monitoring London’s air pollution. Sounds simple, but I suspect there’s a lot more to it than he lets on. hardly surprising, then, that Steve has recently taken delivery of a Zero electric motorcycle.

Despite being a member, I hadn’t been to

26 Trail Spring 2018

any monthly meetings, so I asked Steve where to go and that’s how I ended up at The Castle hotel in eynsford, Kent, at 8.00 pm on a Tuesday evening, (the Group meets every second Tuesday of the month). on this particular evening I imagined that a bunch of TRF members would be easy to spot in the bar. Not so. I eventually ended up asking one of the bar staff where the TRF meeting was. “Is it the motorbikes?”

She asked, “Yes,” I affirmed. “They’re in the Meeting Room,” she replied. “Ah, so where’s the …?” It was one of those conversations.

When I finally found the Meeting Room, sure enough it was full of guys, all guys, wearing oddments of motorcycle apparel. Was this the TRF meeting? No, it turned out to be the honda Pan european owners route planning sub-committee meeting. Phew! That was close.

Anyhow, after that I soon located likeminded-folk. Topic of the night turned out to be membership numbers and lack of activities. Steve said he tried to organise a ride on the Saturday following the monthly

meeting but this had met with little response. Then there was the traditional last Sunday in the month trail ride, which sometimes only had single-figure attendance. Another warm topic, as Kent is split into two regions, should the Groups be regarded as two separate entities? I was at the West Kent venue while members from east Kent meet at Bridge near Canterbury.

Also rides out were already organised to start from different places.

West Kent, along with essex, Surrey and hertfordshire caters for London-based members who like to break free at the weekends. As if on cue, a young chap from south-east London had turned up. he wanted some advice on what bike to get.

As you can imagine there was a lot of advice flying around, but taking in to account his biking history and novice dirt status, a 250cc four-stroke was the general consensus. There is also a school of thought that favours the larger capacity bikes, 450cc-and upward, for their ability to maintain higher road speeds without stressing the motor. In reality, local knowl-

edge will often dictate your choice. You can, pretty much, be on a byway within an hour’s travel regardless of where you live.

You can either ride there or use a van or vehicle with a bike rack. how you get there is up to you.

The first TRF activity I joined took place at the Chilham Park horse Trials, held in the considerable grounds of Chilham Castle.

This has been a traditional Kent TRF activity for many years and nationwide the TRF has links with many equestrian events.

The major task for TRF riders over this particular weekend was to be out on the croos-country course taking the scores from the observers at the jumps to the organisers’ office, thereby speeding up the placings process and subsequent prizegiving after each event. Who needs computers?

Apart from being a very good public relations exercise, it does no harm to get other countryside users on-side, particularly those with some money and influence in rural affairs. There are other reasons for this equestrian alliance, as Steve Neville

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explains: “Yes, it’s good PR but in addition, it’s about the only income we get apart from the membership. how else would you be able to ride your motorcycle all over a ‘Capability’ Brown landscape?” Fair point.

I doubt that even the Rathmells or the Lampkins get special dispensation to ride up the cascade at Chatsworth house (yes, I know it was Joseph Paxton not Lancelot Brown).

But speaking of the equestrian fraternity, it is very mixed. The competitors’ parking area at the two-day event was an eyeopener. horse boxes come in various shapes and sizes. There was verything from a DIY conversion of an aged Luton transit with a tent on the side to articulated trailers with luxury apartments at the front and stable accommodation at the rear, with the staff in a colour-matched motorhome – it could have come straight out of a Jilly

28 Trail Spring 2018

Cooper novel. The sound effects were just as impressive, from highly-strung thoroughbred bloodstock having their rumps whipped, (and that’s just the riders), to hooves kicking against horse boxes.

Together with the PA system relaying a running commentary, and the prize giving, it was a bit like horse of the Year Show on fast forward and at full volume – quite an experience.

The main objective was achieved by the TRF with its branded gazebo presence and riders in TRF shirts. Information was transported from the furthest point on the course to event Control in the blink of an eye – well, almost. Steve was right: an exclusive, interesting and different couple of days, and all in a good cause plus we all got some cake.

The next appointment with the TRF was a ride out with Steve. By this time we were

into high Summer, it hadn’t rained for weeks, the ground was hard and the brambles vicious. Steve arrived on his AJS 350 road bike, shod with road tyres. he claimed this was necessary because his normal mount, a WR450 Yamaha, was awaiting a gear-selector shaft oil seal and the wrong one had been sent. A likely tale.

I suspect he just wanted to point out that actually, in the right hands, in dry conditions, anyone can take to the byways on almost anything including ancient Ay Jays.

In keeping with the old-technology theme, Steve was using a marked up oS map for the day’s route – no Smartphones, GPS or haptic helmet alerts here. Not a bad choice as it turned out because we weren’t in a hurry and stopped frequently to take in the view. And a map helps to put you in context rather than just following the runway on a screen. It was a great day out,

riding the east Kent trails some of which I knew and many I didn’t. You can’t really go wrong with downland trails. The scenery is great, including the villages, and the sections of old Roman road coming up from Dover, the Wye and Crundale Downs are a delight. Don’t forget to look where you’re going – it might all seem serene but as ever, expect the unexpected.

As you get on to the old Canterbury to Ashford road which, in parts, is now paralleled by the current A28, there’s a “No Motor Vehicles” sign. Steve explained that as there isn’t one at the other end, there’s nothing to prevent you from coming at it from the other direction.

As Steve also pointed out, signage is very important, as most prosecutions tend to be based around disobeying traffic signs.

Ironically, it’s also the reason why many prosecutions fail, as signs aren’t legal unless

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they’re backed up by a change in legislation. Also they have to conform to a certain physical specification. one of the main problems facing all trail riders are TRos, usually indicated by “No Motor Vehicles” signs. These can be seasonal restrictions to prevent byways becoming too churned up due to traffic and in Kent that’s 1 November to 20 April.

But “No Motor Vehicles” doesn’t necessarily include motorcycles. Normally this can be checked on the county council website, in the highways/rights of way section and you will often find the ban doesn’t apply to motorcycles, quads or horse-drawn vehicles.

Befitting his heritage Director status, Steve can add some context to this issue.

As he explains, these seasonal restrictions have been in place for quite some time but over that period it’s the four-wheeled vehicle that’s changed more than the motorcycle, which in turn has increased its

30 Trail Spring 2018

effect on the byway. Modern motorcycles, despite their improved grip capabilities |over the years, when compared with their pre-WW2 counterparts may be slightly more powerful but are certainly lighter, weight being major factor when it comes to soil and tree-root damage. By contrast, the modern 4x4 or agricultural behemoth is a completely different beast to a pre-war Austin Seven or Ferguson tractor. however, to give farmers their due, in east Kent at any rate they do much to help either by upkeeping byways themselves or by getting the local council to do so – just prior to the tractor and trailer racing season or harvest time as it’s more generally known. The object of the race is to see if a tractor and trailer can get the contents the on-board grain tank of a combine harvester emptied into the barn and return to the field before the tank is refilled, preferably without spilling any. As a spectator sport it does provides some spectacular “offs”.

In many ways it’s this sharing of a limited resource that promotes areas of conflict and the fact that, in a few cases you’re dealing with already “persecuted minorities”, the motorcyclists and pedal cyclists, with entrenched us-and-them views. Again, like the byway issues, footpath users of even ten years ago wouldn’t expect to be confronted by downhill mountain bikers doing 30 mph. Then there’s the whole electric-power question: is an electrically-assisted bicycle a Powered Two Wheeler and if so, then what? As the Nobel literature prize-winner put it, “Times They Are a Changin’ ”.

Steve can give us the latest on the diverse Kent Group: “The Kent TRF now has two branches, one each for the west and east of the county. Kent is a large county extending 50 miles from Gravesend to Dover and 25 miles south to Tunbridge Wells, so members are quite extended.

“We meet at the oakdene café (at

Wrotham near the M26/A20 junction) on the last Sunday of the month. This is combined wth the monthly ride but we also do Saturdays and some weekdays.

The east Kent branch still haven’t decided on a permanent venue, but we’ll keep you posted and inform you when they do.

We have a forum for members to post about rides, meetings and updates on Rights of Road”.

Steve has, over the period of a year, shown me what’s on my doorstep, got to be worth 45 quid alone, we can let him have an appeal for the Document Archive.

“If anyone has any historic TRF documents that need scanning, I can do this into a searchable pdf format. All I ask is that they are de-stapled, removed from plastic wallets, grouped under headings, put in date order and duplicates removed.

We are hoping to make this service available through webTRAIL once we’ve established a good platform for it.”

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Operation Scrambler Following on from the high-profile seizure of bikes and arrests made in Humberside by Cheshire’s Rural Crime Team in January, Trail caught up with Sgt Rob Simpson to talk about Operation Scrambler.

THe HumbeRSide inveSTigaTiOn involving seven warrants, the seizure of off-road bikes and the arrest and interview of seven men is ongoing, so we hope to keep in touch with Rob and his team for updates as the wheels of justice turn. although it’s not currently possible for Rob to comment on the investigation, he has kindly given us some information that can help us when we’re riding in Cheshire and the Peak district.

32 Trail Spring 2018

Thanks for finding the time to chat with us, Rob. Firstly, are lawful and responsible trail riders likely to be caught up in future operations? absolutely they will be, but i would like to reassure riders that being caught up in Operation Scrambler doesn’t necessarily mean a negative encounter. it was not set up to target riders, it was set up to manage any issues that crop up in the world of trail riding.

When we have been running days of action, whether that’s with our own offroad bikes, or purely random stops of riders by our marked vehicles, we have had some really great interactions. There are riders, including our own police officers and staff, who clearly love their sport / hobby and i can certainly see the appeal. i would encourage those riders who are riding legally, to speak to us and get to know us as a team. We want, like them, to root out those who risk the lanes being closed, or give their activity bad publicity. if you give us ten minutes of your time, we will let you go on your way without any issues. make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter, so you can see some of the work we are doing and receive more updates.

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Some trail riders think that police time would be better spent investigating the theft and criminal misuse of dirt bikes. What do you have to say to them?

Without wishing to distance ourselves from the issue of bike theft, which clearly is very important, we specialise in policing the remote and rural areas as you might expect. We don’t have dirt bike thefts on our patches, but we do have quads stolen and other plant machinery, which we actively investigate. Other teams, however, do look at the theft of motor vehicles and there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes, gaining intelligence on those who steal them. i do, however, certainly understand people’s frustrations when they see us taking the action that we have done recently in Humberside. We know that riders spend a lot of money on their bikes, and a lot on securing them too, so when it seems that we are seizing hard-working people’s bikes which are registered and taxed, it can appear unbalanced. i can assure you that we do take positive action to target and address bike thieves, but we may not be as good at posting the good work we do in that area on social media.

Finally, what advice would you give motorcyclists wishing to enjoy trail riding within the Peak District?

The Peak district national Park is a fantastic place for everyone to enjoy, whatever your hobby. We ask that people respect it, understand that the land does belong to someone and that the rules of the road apply to many of the lanes that you may find yourself riding on. bikes will cause minor damage to trails, but this is accepted on trails that riders are permitted to use. The land either side of that trail, however, is private and may on occasion be a Site Of Special Scientific interest with rare flora and fauna or even rare or endangered animals.

Those of you who are passionate about your hobby/sport and quite rightly so, on the whole do everything they can to stay legal. We know that people use smaller plates which, yes, are illegal, but i do understand why you use them – so they don’t get broken and so on. However i can never say that you are fine to do so, because the law is clear.

We do still come across insurance issues, where people believe that they are insured because someone else in the group has organised it or similar. Please understand, it is you who needs to be 100% sure that you are insured before you ride, so please check. many counties now have a definitive map online, so you can see which lanes are bOaTs, which have TROs on them and so on. We met a group from Leicestershire late last year who i have previously referred to as the “bench mark”. They were TRF members, they had maps with them, on to which they had transferred route details from a definitive map.

They were even aware of one of the lanes being blocked locally, having checked on discussion boards and on social media. They were fully prepared and we had a good chat about their bikes and their trip over here.

We have done some work looking at signage, and although there isn’t a national sign for off-road trails, there are plenty in our area that tell you were you can’t go. if in any doubt the TRF, green Lane association and association of Peak Trail Riders can all advise which highways may be used by motor vehicles and which may not. i would encourage all lawful motorcyclists to approach the police in the countryside for a conversation and advice without worry. They understand Operation Scrambler supports trail riding by prosecuting criminals who misuse and abuse your rights and privileges.

34 Trail Spring 2018

Andrew Richardson, founder of The Association of Peak Trail Riders, says: The separation of the illegal and the legal rider is key to the public perception of motorcycles. it is public opinion that drives the politicians and local authorities to make policies or laws that affect us. in particular the types of machines we ride - we cannot reasonably expect a member of the public who has no interest in motorcycles to recognise the difference between an mX bike or a road-legal trail bike. it is therefore in our interests to show the difference through behaviour and (whenever possible) by explanation. The merging of road-legal trail bikes with the bikes yobs ride is no doubt convenient for some of the anti-access groups, who attempt to conveniently put us in the same category. as we know, nothing is further from the truth!

We must support the police and the authorities in order to reduce and control the problem of illegal and irresponsible behaviour. Currently aPTR have been in touch with local mPs and authorities to suggest the law regarding the supply of petrol to minors and youths should be further reviewed and enforced, with fuel stations made aware that such fuel sales are contributing to these anti-social issues. i have also suggested that the councils and local authorities could try to find suitable and safe places for youngsters to ride. The need to provide areas for recreational pursuits should include motorcycles. This means off-road places for younger riders to use, as well as a decent legal road riding infrastructure for trail riders. after all, how can the current trend of closing legal routes possibly reduce illegal riding?

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E: enquiry@bikeseal.com www.bikeseal.com E: info@bikeseal.co.uk www.autoseal.co.uk

Paul Chamberlain goes to the Pyrenees and beyond...

A Long Way Down “Oh *******!”, I heard through the intercom, as I struggled to maintain something approaching traction on a particularly steep, loose, rocky trail. As momentum seemed to be on my side, I decided to press on until the going got a little easier. This was much further than I expected. Out of Bluetooth range I removed my helmet and peered down, but the trail switchbacked out of sight. As I was about to phone my riding buddy Neil, I heard the distinctive chugging of a BMW 650 X-Country (he had given the bike a rest along the way). We were certainly pleased to find a spot for a breather before the top.

We were following the Vibraction Trans Pyrenees route (RB5), just west of the Embalse de El Grado. This gnarly trail, like much of the route, coincides with the Spanish section of the Trans Euro Trail (TET). In short, it’s excellent. Spectacular scenery. Reasonably easy to follow. A great variety of surfaces. Mostly off tarmac. Very, very quiet.

Nine days earlier, I had been sitting drinking a fierce coffee outside a café in Yesa when Neil arrived within five minutes of our arranged time. A change to the initial plans meant that our ferries to Spain were booked quite late and we ended up on different boats docking on different days. A brisk road ride took us to the recommended Hotel Cal Petit in Oliana, where we were to stay for a week. I’d managed to get the details of the previous year’s VINCE (Visually Inspiring Navigation Challenge Event) from Austin Vince and had plenty of routes planned. Neil only had ten days before he had to head back to the UK, so we hoped to pack a lot into our trip. I had the Vibraction Trans Pyrenees route sorted in my GPS plus the recently released Spanish section of the TET, so along with the VINCE routes we had plenty to go at.

38 Trail Spring 2018

Spring 2018 Trail 39

Although we have both been riding bikes for more years than we care to mention, Neil had relatively little experience at riding trails. He’d done a few training days plus a day with me in the Peak District a few weeks earlier. However, he’s an excellent road rider and I had clear memories of following him along a gravel trail some years previously in the Picos.

Then he was riding a KTM Super Moto, with road tyres, so I knew he’d be fine. This time, he was borrowing a bike from a generous friend,a heavily modified BMW X-Country. Both bike and rider proved to be well up to the trip, although Neil did question his choice of Mitas E07 tyres on a couple of occasions. I took to riding off the black stuff just over three years ago. I live south of the Peak District and being retired I manage to get out on the lanes most weeks. So not massively experienced but sufficient. I was riding my CCM GP450, which is pretty much standard.

A week riding the trails around Oliana in the Segre Valley sharpened up our skills significantly. The big difference for me was the length of the trails compared to those in the Peaks. Many were 10 to 20 miles (approximately 15 to 30 km) in length with sustained climbs and descents. None of them was any harder than those I ride in the Peaks, they were just longer and much more varied. The vast majority are in excellent condition with some water erosion adding to the fun now and then. The road sections in-between are a delight too. We definitely had no “chicken strips” left on the tyres. While this makes for great riding, it’s not exactly restful. As you would expect, the scenery was spectacular.

Before going I had spent quite some time putting the routes into my GPS. I plotted them using Motoplanner.de. Essentially this gave me the flexibility to switch easily between a variety of maps. I could use the standard “road” routing plus, where it thought no road existed, and plot the track manually. Additionally it provides a variety of export options.

I just used a standard GPS track. This essentially draws a line on the map rather than turn-by-turn routing. The track option is fixed and not subject to any re-routing by the device. The whole lot were loaded into my BMW Nav-V, just because I already had it.

The Nav-V also had Topo maps installed for Spain. Neil had the same GPX tracks on his Android device. His maps were slightly different showing more information about roads and trails, whereas mine focused on the terrain. It proved to be a successful combination.

40 Trail Spring 2018

When Neil departed for home I followed the VR5 / TET along the Pyrenees and into the quite spectacular Navarre region. Easy riding here but well worth the visit. At this point the routes diverge with the Vibraction Route heading across the Pyrenees into France.

I decided to take this option following more quiet trails over the border. As time was pressing I then headed back along the roads south-west into Spain and the TET. The following day’s planned trails were cut short by a puncture, which took quite a while to sort, but that’s another story. For my last couple of days I stayed in Cervera de Pisuerga. From there I rode some of the TET trails west and in addition enjoyed some of the excellent roads in the area.

The X-Country proved to be a good tool in Neil’s capable hands. The CCM was also excellent to ride. I had to replace the rear tyre after two weeks. It would probably have got me home but it was getting pretty squirrelly on some surfaces. As I was riding solo I thought discretion was the better part of valour. The CCM also suffered from a blown fork seal. Luckily there was a WP dealer in Oliana, who was able to sort this at short notice.

Additionally, both mudguard stays fractured, a bit of a weak point on the CCM in my opinion. I’ve now replaced these with ones I’ve made myself.

In terms of bike preparation the X-Country had new tyres before the trip plus a decent service. It’s an ex-Chris Scott bike, used by him for trips in 2014. Visit his website for all the mods. Since then it’s had some extra lights added and been well looked after. The Magadan panniers are pretty big and held most of Neil’s stuff. The CCM was built for this sort of trip, so you’d expect it to be OK. It has the WP forks plus a few bits and bobs I’d added over the previous year. Kreiga Overland 15 panniers were fixed to extended pannier frames made from Ikea chopping boards. These came in at £1.50 each and were excellent. A couple of Kreiga US5 bags were mounted on the front tank sides, with a US10 as a tank bag and a small PeliCase as a secure topbox. A few extras were stored in some small roll bags. Plenty of luggage space. The blown fork seal and puncture were just things that can happen. We both used Sena SMH10 intercoms. These proved really useful especially when discussing the route. Also hearing the rider in front gasp, or shriek, provides a good warning!

Spring 2018 Trail 41

We were pretty much blessed with excellent weather. One wet morning was spent getting the fork seals done. I spent a wet day in Huesca after Neil had headed back getting a new rear tyre sorted and having a rest. The trails were mostly wide and in the dry I’d do 70 per cent of them on my GS Adventure on road biased tyres. If you had TKC 80 or Anakee Wild tyres, that figure would go up to 90 per cent and you’d still be having fun on the roads. That last 10 per cent other riders might manage on a big bike but not me. I really don’t want to pick up a bike that size more than once a day. Plenty of flowing trails generally got easier as we moved west, or perhaps that was me getting better? In September they were remarkably quiet. We saw one group of Spanish bikes on the trails near Oliana. Two more bikes a day’s ride west of Tremp. I saw two more on the western section. A handful of 4x4s, most of which belonged to locals farming and hunting.

A couple of walkers, maybe a dozen cyclists. Personally I like this but, especially when

42 Trail Spring 2018

riding solo, it means a bit of extra caution is required. The majority of trails are long. I felt myself “lucky” to get the puncture just as I was leaving a trail and about a mile from a small town. Don’t expect a passing stranger to help you unless you’re ready to wait a few days. Phone reception is generally good but it’s clearly a risk riding solo.

I prefer using hotels as I like my comforts – I did plenty of camping 40 years ago!

Accommodation was pretty easy to find as I wasn’t on a tight budget although having a room to myself adds to the cost significantly. My cheapest night was a €40 B&B. The price went up to about €140 – including a meal and beers – at another place. I think you could average €100 a day for meals and solo accommodation without too much trouble and probably €65 to 70 if you shared. Less if you plan ahead and shop around.

I wouldn’t hesitate to do this again. Provisional plans for next year are to rejoin the TET from where the Vibraction Route headed into France, and then follow it into Portugal.

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www.trf.org.uk/the-wessex-wanderer www w.trf .org.uk/the-wesse e x-wanderer | 12th th & 13th May Ma ay 2018

In aid of

In aid of

Two Practice Day entry tickets.

from Castle Farm Wickwar Enduro Track.

A bottle of Moët Chandon from Interprint.

Innovative printing company in Swindon.

A pair of UHD inner tubes.

Long term supporters of the Wiltshire TRF and experts in all matters Michelin.

A signed copy of Elspeth Beard’s ‘Lone Rider’.

Paul Blezard.

Tickets to Elk Promotions’ Classic bike events from Julie Diplock | A painting of your bike by Mark Anthony Powell | A new Schuberth E1 Helmet from Andy Welsh A copy of the Carin’ Sharin' chronicles from Dave Gurman | One LOCK-JAW ground anchor donated by Steve Chandler A puncture repair tyre sealant from Dave Carling | A Fortnum & Mason hamper | A selection of books and DVDs from Chris Scott

2

Buy raffle tickets now in the following ways to avoid disappointment!

1. Payment via bank transfer to Wiltshire TRF:

2. Send an email to trf.wiltshire@gmail.com to confirm:

Account Name: Account Number: Sort Code: Reference Number:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Wiltshire TRF 54168168 30 - 98 - 75 (Lloyds Bank) WW2018 RT

For the correct number of tickets at £2 each (£10 for five, £20 for ten, £30 for fifteen).

The minimum purchase is five tickets per transaction.

That you have made payment How many tickets you have purchased The account details from which payment was made (including your name).

Your TRF Membership number (if you are a member) Your TRF group (if you are a member)

Wiltshire TRF will then reply to acknowledge receipt of your payment and advise the ticket numbers that you have been issued.

No physical ticket is provided and no choice of numbers can be offered.

All tick ticket et orders MUS MUST T be e completed b byy 18:00 on Thursday 10th 0th May 2018. P Payments ayments receiv received ed after fter this time will be refunded withoutt tick tickets ets being issued.

Further inf information ormation mation about the Free Freewheelers wheelers can be ffound ound d at www www.freewheelers.org.uk .freewheelers.org.uk Registered under the Gambling A Act ct 2005 with Wiltshire re Council.

Promoter: Promoter: Andrew Andrew Byatt, tt, Rainbo Rainbow w House, Lock Lockeridge, eridge, Marlborough, h, Wiltshire SN8 4ED Registered under the Gambling ambling Act 2005 with Wiltshire Councill | LN/000012524

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Photo courtesy of Sally and John Pritchard

The Life of Riley Bill and Anne Riley have dedicated over 40 years of their lives to the cause of researching, recording and conserving public rights of way.

Now in his eighties, Bill has supposedly ‘retired’ from rights of way matters although he continues to attend meetings, write letters and archive documents for the benefit of anyone wishing to exercise their rights. Catching Bill ‘off duty’ wasn’t easy, but we’re pleased to publish his first ever interview here in Trail.

46 Trail Spring 2018

Hi Bill, how did your pilgrimage begin?

Back in 1977, a favourite local green lane was narrowed and ploughed.

At a subsequent meeting with Wiltshire County Council’s Rights of Way Officer, I was advised that if the bridleway had been correctly recorded as a RUPP, along with its width, it would have been much easier to rectify the situation – which set me thinking.

to satisfy two of the tests under the Act. Also, to carry out historical research to satisfy the main test.

I was running a motorcycle shop at the time and, with my contacts, helped to establish the West Wilts Trail Riders, which later became the Wiltshire TRF Group.

I was proud to be made an honorary TRF life member in 2012.

Having the foresight to recognise and act Woe betides the vandal who crosses a upon problems before they happen is the thinking man! What happened next? reason why there are so many public As a keen motorcyclist, I was aware from rights of way for us to use – we would certainly miss them if they were taken the motorcycle press that many lanes throughout the country were being downfrom us. How did your work progress? graded to bridleways and footpaths under I was able to establish a good relationship the provisions of the Special Reviews of with Wiltshire County Council (later WiltRUPPs being held under the 1968 Countryshire Council) officers, and even some of side Act. Wiltshire’s Review had already the elected members. I shared my research taken place, so in early 1978 my wife Anne with the Council because the intensity of and I decided to get involved by buying the ongoing review meant that very limited trail bikes and riding as many Wiltshire work could be undertaken by them. The RUPPs as we could manage in an attempt public inquiries had begun in 1975 and each inquiry usually dealt with five or more RUPPs per day over several Bill and Anne striding out on The Ridgewa days.

I needed to use all y, 1992 my holiday entitlement to attend and give evidence.

Out of 1,100 RUPPs, only 450 had been reclassified as BOATs and most of those were objected to.

Out of the 650 downgraded, less than 30 had been objected to by motorcycling organisations, but fortunately for us, those downgraded to footpaths were objected to by horse riders, which gave us an opening. The inquiries continued until the Review was abandoned in September 1983.

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Bill inspects an ancient road on Salisbury Plain, June 1987

Anne circa 1984

Son Dave at Stonehenge, 1982

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That’s dedication! How many public inquiries have you attended?

I haven’t counted the number of RUPP inquiries I attended, but the number of individual RUPPs I researched and presented evidence for runs into hundreds. It’s quite difficult to assess how many BOAT reclassifications I can claim to have influenced, but I think I can safely say that 50 would otherwise have been lost if I had not been involved.

Of course, this was just the beginning, because from the start of January 1985, the Council was able to accept Definitive Map Modification Order applications under the Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981. I was ready, and my first BOAT application was made on 22nd January 1985 (the first application in the county). It was refused because the Council wanted a test case, but ultimately confirmed following an appeal to the Secretary of State (also refused) and a successful application to the High Court in 1989. During the following years until 2000, I submitted a few BOAT applications every year (against TRF advice at that time). All were successful.

Again, your gumption served you well.

Parliament made a terminal decision towards public rights in the new millennium, didn’t it?

The CROW Act 2000 changed everything by imposing a 25-year time limit on applications.

My research and applications accelerated significantly until by 2013 I had made 87 applications in my own name involving 126 individual rights of way, including seven bridleways and a footpath; and since the NERC Act 2006, 24 restricted byways. Also, I carried out the historical research for 100 BOATs for other applicants. All those determined so far have been successful. I have always relied solely on historical and documentary evidence – witnesses can let you down. I was tickled pink to be invited to be guest of honour at West Dean Parish Council’s millennium celebrations after

successfully claiming a BOAT for them across a tyrannical landowner’s property.

Members of the West Wilts TRF pausing at Stonehenge, 1982

Regular work within a professional environment sounds attractive.

What’s the pay like?

I am retired now but during my working life I never considered myself well-paid.

Nevertheless apart from the High Court case, I have never sought any financial support, even though the extensive travelling and document copies can be expensive. I tend to take a dim view of those who do not think a good outcome is reward enough.

Around 40 of my DMMO BOAT applications have been confirmed since 1985. Together with the successful RUPP reclassifications, this makes about 90 so far; but with NERC now in operation, I will be lucky to make the ton. During the same period eight footpaths and a bridleway have also been confirmed.

All of this would have been so much more difficult without Anne’s support.

Ninety BOATs? No wonder Wiltshire is such a popular place to explore by motorcycle!

What problems have you encountered in the course of your work?

Literally, obstructions of course; but with regard to DMMO applications and public inquiries, with one or two exceptions, Wiltshire Council officers have been helpful and supportive. Record Office staff equally so. Landowners tend to be hostile, but I have a thick skin. I’m always amused when they set their lawyers on me, hoping I will back down – some hope! The main problem with applications is identifying landowners.

Perhaps my biggest regret is that the average trail rider just wants to ride, and not get involved with the process of preserving the lanes for posterity.

I hear you’ve written a book?

Not quite a book, but a 36-page booklet bringing together all my historical research since

Spring 2018 Trail 49

Members of the West Wilts TRF circa 1982 (and below)

1978 in the form of an index compiled from around 50 sources, mostly in the Wiltshire Record Office, but some from my personal archive. Around 1,150 Wiltshire anomalies have been identified, comprising unrecorded or under-recorded rights of way, but many more await discovery. Originally, I shared it only with Wiltshire Council rights of way officers, but since the NERC Act I have made it more widely available. It is usually updated annually and the current edition is version 35.

What do you think are the best and worst things to have happened to our public rights of way during your interest in their conservation?

Best: The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

Worst: The Countryside Act 1968, the CROW Act 2000, and the NERC Act 2006. Plus a few diabolical High Court decisions.

What advice would you give your 1970s self, knowing what you do today?

If you knew what you were letting yourself in for, you’d take up knitting instead!

Finally, you’ve been described as many different things over the years, including “historian”, “trail rider”, “trouble-maker”, “researcher”, “rambler” and “batsman, bowler and wicket-keeper”. How do you describe yourself?

Single minded.

The Riley family garage. The car stays outside...

Thank you for your time Bill – particularly given that there is so much work left to do.

The Future Bill would like to find successors to continue his work towards ensuring Wiltshire’s definitive map is as accurate as possible by the time that no further rights of way can be recorded in 2026.

Learning how best to collate and submit the necessary DMMO documentation is a time-consuming and thankless task, but remains one of the best ways to create a legacy that future generations may enjoy.

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TRF On Show Over the last twelve months Robin Hickin from the West Midlands TRF has volunteered at or organised five individual shows for the TRF nationally. Each one of these shows attracted a different audience and promoted the principles and activities of the TRF to visitors.

These shows were: Horizon HUBB at Baskerville Hall Clyro, Wales. 17 June, four days.

Game Fair at Hatfield House, Berkshire. 17 July, three days.

Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. 17 August, four days.

Motorcycle Live NEC Birmingham. 17 November, nine days.

Motorcycle Expo NAC Warwickshire. 18 January, three days.

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Horizon HUBB For those not familiar with Horizons Unlimited, it is a worldwide organisation for those with an interest in, or who are active in, the area of adventure travel, both on two wheels and four. There were many visitors to the show, mostly motorcyclists and mostly on large capacity motorcycles – BMW GS models proliferated in the camping area, a bit like KTMs do at off- road events.

The TRF, for which I was a volunteer, was there in two capacities. Firstly, to provide guides for Green Road excursions into the surrounding area for those attending the event and to promote the opportunities offered by the TRF to big bike users in the UK. Members from Hereford TRF had volunteered to guide groups of six to eight out into the countryside of Mid Wales. Those visitors taking part in these mini runs (four hours approx.) were of mixed ability but the experience of the run organisers was evident, as no one was lost and all returned unscathed.

Secondly, the TRF was there to provide information to anyone who was interested in the organisation and the experiences it offers to motorcyclists in the UK. One demonstration showed how you could do adventure biking without spending £10’s of thousands on bikes or equipment – an XR400 was kitted out with panniers and saddle bags suitable for such activities. It was interesting to see that some TRF members had ridden to the HUBB on their own trail bikes and had brought their camping equipment with them. Two of the current directors also attended the event to show that they do not just manage our organisation, they also take an active part in promoting the TRF to others.

The Game Fair The next show I volunteered at was the Game Fair. Initially I was a little apprehensive as this show – as its name suggests – was targeting the outdoor pursuits of more affluent countryside users. The event provided a showcase for a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, shooting and fishing, and all the supporting activities necessary to ensure that such sporting pursuits can take place. Many visitors expressed an interest in what we had on display and to my surprise there was no evidence of the dissenting voices and objections to motorcycles in the countryside highlighted by the media. We had more people wanting to know how they could get involved than I would have expected.

It was also interesting to find that amongst the other volunteers on the TRF stand there was one gentleman who runs a stable and competed in horse trials, another volunteer who took part in clay pigeon shooting, and two like myself who came from a farming background. All in all it was a very successful show for the TRF and the contacts we made with land owners and others with an interest in the countryside were well worth the effort of being there.

Countryfile Live The set-up for Countryfile Live took place on a wet Wednesday in August – just what you’d expect of the UK summer. I hadn’t expected the TRF to have a presence at an event like this, and the 10 x 9 metre stand, on the main avenue, was an even bigger surprise. As with many events like this, the same faces pitched in to do the work. When we arrived, Mario Costa-Sa and son Josh were already there, sheltering from the persistent rain, but at last it abated and we started to erect the stand in earnest. With the stand up, bikes in and TV fitted, all was now ready for those visitors who would be arriving the next day. A short

Spring 2018 Trail 53

40-mile journey back to Southam awaited. On the way to the car park, we welcomed volunteers from Devon, Mr and Mrs Studley, who were manning the stand the next day.

The gates opened on a beautiful bright, sunny day and hordes of visitors were soon at the TRF stand. As with the Game Fair, there was little or no animosity from members of the public and to my surprise quite a few TRF members came to see us. Large numbers of visitors were clearly interested in our presence at the show, with many asking questions such as “Where can I ride?”, “Is there a group near me?”, “Can my son/daughter take part?”

Having volunteers from around the country we were able to answer the question “Where can I ride?” with a certain amount of confidence. With regard to the second question our map of local groups, along with their contact details, gave visitors some confidence to find and visit local groups around the country. The question hardest to answer was what about little Johnny/Jane. This had generated debate at the Game Fair and unfortunately we had no answer for this one. It would appear that other than pointing people towards private land, private practice tracks and competition via ACU or AMCA, there was nothing the TRF could offer.

For the benefit of any future volunteers, anyone can join the TRF (within reason) but there are three key requirements before riding with the Fellowship: 1. You need your own bike 2. Your bike has to be road-legal in all respects 3. You need a motorcycle licence Also, for younger riders – as with any organisation – the issue of child protection now has to be addressed.

Some of these requirements we, as an organisation, can eliminate but the matter of a motorcycle licence is down to the individual. We have no control over this.

Over the days that followed more volunteers came forward. Some, I guess, wanted to grasp the opportunity of free entry to Countryfile Live, some had a genuine desire to promote the TRF to the public, and some perhaps had nothing better to do over the weekend. All played their part in welcoming and, dare I say, entertaining those who took the time to see what the TRF was all about. These volunteers were admirably catered for in both the food and drink department by the TRF marketing director throughout the show.

Motorcycle Live Compared to the previous event there were three key differences at Motorcycle Live.

Firstly, this was a show aimed at motorcyclists. Secondly, this was an event where we were hoping to sign up new members. And thirdly I was the person organising and managing the show for you and the TRF. As this is the biggest motorcycle show in the UK, it is important that we attend and that we present a professional display as the major proponent in the UK for exploring and protecting Green Roads. Preparation starts in July/August with establishing a stand location and booking the area we want for the show. My involvement really got underway in early September, and for a show of this nature the biggest issues for me are: How to attract volunteers to man the stand over nine days?

What do we need to display to attract the attention of visitors to Motorcycle Live?

Who is going to do what in the preparation for Motorcycle Live?

The task of securing forty-plus volunteers is always the first for me to tackle as without them, manning the stand for nine days is virtually impossible. Experience has taught me that getting a local group to take on an individual day makes this complex task more manageable. The starting point is to ask those groups who have helped in the past if they would be prepared to do it again. Along with contacting groups close to the NEC,

54 Trail Spring 2018

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56 Trail Spring 2018

this usually makes up over two-thirds of the days to be covered. In the past groups from as far apart as Devon and Manchester, North Wales and Teesside, have helped out along with those closer to the NEC such as West Midlands, East Midlands and Oxford. Without the ongoing support of these groups and their members, running such a complex event would be virtually impossible – my thanks go to you all. With over twenty years of organising show stands for various employers in the past, I know the importance of having people to help who you can trust. There are also Health and Safety issues and Risk Assessments to produce for the show organisers’ approval, as well as tickets to allocate, along with all the other passes needed for setting up and taking down the presentation and display. Personally, I feel there are a couple of people who need particular mention and whose help is exceptional: locally Martin and Jon from WMTRF, and Stuart Peek and Mario Costa-Sa who are not so local.

Now we get to the details of the stand and how to present the professional face of the TRF to all our members and other visitors to the show. This year, with more up-to-date banners and show videos to play, there was an abundance of choices to put forward.

Display bikes were sourced locally and then, with the help of those already mentioned, we were ready to set up the stand, send out passes, and sign up new members. WMTRF always mans the stand on the first day, as this gives me the opportunity to iron out any issues that may arise that may have not been planned for. In the past this has mostly been associated with the joining requirements for new members and the technology used. This year, on the first day, our membership secretary was on hand and all went smoothly, which bode well for the rest of the show. Like all good plans, however, there are always unexpected issues that need to be dealt with. This was evident when passes never arrived and technology problems occurred, all of which were overcome either with a phone call or a short visit to the show by myself. As a result of all the efforts of those involved, we managed to accommodate over sixty volunteers on the stand, who in turn signed up forty-four new members. The break down of the stand was all done on the final Sunday after the show had closed, and thanks once again to Martin, Jon and Mario for their ongoing help to clear the stand by 8pm with no requirement to return on the Monday – a first for us. Thank you to all those who gave their time – without you it would not have been so successful. Volunteers are the backbone of the Fellowship.

Motorcycle Trade Expo After organising and managing Motorcycle Live, this dealer show at Stoneleigh Park proved a lot easier. Only three days in duration and only a small stand, but once again those three main issues still have to be addressed. Volunteers all came from WMTRF, a very helpful group. Display equipment was also easier to deal with as it was all available from Motorcycle Live, bikes included. Who does what was taken care of as we were part of The Knowledge Shop at the show, providing dealers and others with a contact point for the riding of Green Roads in the UK. Contacts were cultivated with dealers who sold “off-road bikes” and who offered Green Road excursions to the public, and surprisingly many were TRF current and past members – one remembered riding with some of our original members from the Herts area, including Pete Plumber in the 1970s.

I have to say I have really enjoyed the time I have spent at these shows and events over the past year. It is inspirational to work alongside other volunteers who believe strongly in the ethics of the Trail Riders Fellowship and are proud to express those beliefs and values to other members of society, at all levels and in all environments.

THANK YOU ALL Robin Hickin West Midlands Trail Riders Fellowship

Spring 2018 Trail 57

Ancient Rights of Passage Trail’s James Higgs has a prehistoric adventure in Wiltshire...

I ThoughT I knew a fair bit about the ecology and archaeology of Wiltshire, having spent a lot of time exploring the many well-preserved sites that form this important part of our cultural legacy. however, my knowledge pales in comparison to that of Amesbury-based motorcyclist (and fellow Moonraker) Keith Dobson, who recently took members of the Wiltshire group out on a guided tour of both the Vale of Pewsey and the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites – the latter was inscribed as a uNESCo World heritage Site in 1986. having mustered at Stonehenge, Keith began our tour by explaining the significance of Mesolithic post holes and tree throws in relation to recent finds near the River Avon.

Keith was able to recite a chronology of nearby monuments, which included Neolithic long barrows, causewayed enclosures and cursus earthworks. After inspecting the site on foot we took the byways north across Salisbury Plain, passing the historic Airfield Camp at Netheravon – birthplace of the world’s first effective air force.

Keith explained that the pieces of sarsen stone aside the road through the villages of the Avon Valley may well have been brought down the nearby river during Neolithic times when watercourses were the main methods of navigation, what with most of Britain still being covered by dense woodland.

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West Kennet, Long Barrow

Avebury

Silbury Hill

West Kennet, Silbury

We followed the sarsen trail along the Ridgeway byway from Adam’s grave, where the stones are named ‘grey Wethers’ on account of their similarity to sheep when observed from a distance. This trail led us to the imposing Silbury hill, which – at roughly the same size as some of the smaller Egyptian pyramids – holds the distinction of being the largest man-made mound in Europe. A layby opposite the hill enabled us to park our bikes and ramble up to the 100m long West Kennet Long Barrow, home to at least 46 burials since its construction in circa 3,600BC. Lunch was taken at Circles Café, operated by the National Trust, within the enormous stone circle and henge at Avebury. unlike the better-known Stonehenge, the public are permitted to walk freely through the stone circle and its approach avenue at Avebury, which makes for an enjoyable day out in its own right.

Next stop was The Sanctuary, site of prehistoric timber rings of unknown purpose, Bronze Age barrows, and pottery from the age of the Beaker people. opposite The Sanctuary is a continuation of the Ridgeway byway – described as ‘Europe’s oldest Road’ on account of its first known use being over 5,000 years ago, when a seasonal TRo was not required to manage its surface condition.

Riding along the A4 enabled us to witness more sarsen stones, barrows and tumuli

Spring 2018 Trail 59

The Ridgeway

Wansdyke

The Ridgeway

Amesbury

within Fyfield Down, which – like Salisbury Plain – is also an area of unimproved chalk downland supporting several ecologically important species able to thrive due to the lack of modern farming methods.

We headed south to Marden henge via West Woods, where we crossed the post-Roman Wandsdyke earthwork. In spring West Woods is home to an impressive display of bluebells, although on this occasion was only able to offer us a blanket of golden leaves and a few slippery chalk climbs.

From the enormous Marden henge earthwork we headed south to the northern escarpment of Salisbury Plain, using the stone Ridgeway track to pass alongside Broadbury Banks and Casterley Camp earthworks on our way. Part of the Larkhill Artillery Range was closed to the public, so we headed to Woodhenge via a short stretch of the A345 instead. The area around Woodhenge, Durrington and Amesbury has supported human existence since the rapid melting of the ice caps after the last ice age – making Amesbury the longest continuously habituated settlement in the united Kingdom.

Leaving Woodhenge and Durrington Walls at dusk, we arrived back at Stonehenge in time to witness the sunset from the former A344 road, which is now a permissive path managed by English heritage. The former A344 is home to a twice-inscribed milestone advising its distance to both London and Amesbury, and also the closest that visitors can

60 Trail Spring 2018

Woodhenge

The Ridgeway get to the stone circle without having to pay the entrance fee.

Keith Dobson’s tour is suitable for most trail and adventure bikes and uses a combination of byways, permissive tracks and minor roads. he makes no charge for his time, although welcomes donations to Amesbury history Centre, which helps tell the story of the town from 8,000BC to the present day, and Tommy’s, a charity funding research to help save babies’ lives.

Keith can be contacted via the Wiltshire group.

By the way…

The public’s entitlement to use the Ridgeway and Stonehenge byways by motor vehicle is again under threat of extinguishment. Apparently motor vehicle use is contrary to the ‘vision’ of other interested parties.

Thankfully there is no provision within the Road Traffic Regulation Act for TRo to be made based upon the ‘vision’ of others, so we look forward to scrutinising the reasoning for any proposed curtailment of access to these byways and responding in the interest of our members and the general public.

Spring 2018 Trail 61

Little Red Roosters A pair of possibly classic, small-capacity Hondas that are still capable of putting a smile on their owners’ faces. Devon TRF member Sean Comber champions his XR200, while Dominic Hunt from Northumbria TRF extols the virtues of his XL100...

62 Trail Spring 2018

Honda XR200 TRAIL RIDINg Is not a competitive sport – there may be a bit of edge to riding a long rut “feet up”, or simply not falling off when your fellow riders have eaten dirt – but that is as far as it goes. so, I guess the question is, do you really need a competition bike to ride lanes? Do you need mile-high seats, massive upside-down forks, substantial mono shocks, fragile engines with service intervals measured in hours? Furthermore, they make everything so easy: grippy tyres and a plush suspension that soaks up everything thrown at them. They encourage speed and provide performance at the expense of longevity, which is something that should be at the top of anyone’s list of trail bike requirements, bearing in mind if it packs up half way through the day, it’s not simply a case of chucking it in the back of the van, but rather a logistical nightmare of begging someone for a tow. It may not be a surprise to learn that most of the bikes I’ve seen that have not made it home, or have limped back, have been KTMs. I say these things as I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on a venerable, 37-year-old Honda XR200, which was once considered a “competition” enduro machine. Let’s for a moment look at the spec: 195cc, air-cooled, 2-valve overhead cam engine with routes going back donkey’s years, twin shocks and spindly forks, which look puny on even a modern mountain bike. The sales blurb promises inverted

gas charged dampers on the rear and leading axle front forks with 216mm of “bump busting” travel – oooh! Well, having recently changed the notchy head ball bearings in v. worn races for new fangled tapered jobbies, I removed the forks and gave them a few compressions, and boiiinnnggg! I don’t think rebound damping was invented in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Any oil in the forks is there to stop the springs rusting me thinks!

Even better, the tyres on the XR are funkypatterned, well-worn Kenda varieties offering little in the way of purchase on anything that may be termed “greasy”. Kick start only means a battery never runs out, and if you drown the XR, after the drying out process is complete, it should burst back into life given a bit of leg work. OK, I’m still “learning” the guiles of starting, but I’m close to a single-kick start and if it does not light up first go, then freshly cleaned spark plugs gets things moving...

Spring 2018 Trail 63

Access to the plug being easy-peasy unlike many modern bikes which require removal of rad shrouds, tank, etc. However, what does this little jewel of a trail bike offer?

Well, about 100 kg when dripping wet, 830 mm seat height, unburstable little engine with just enough, very tractable power, and absolutely nothing present on the bike that does not need to be there. Many inches of foam under your derrière for all-day riding comfort, quiet exhaust, simple but sort of effective drum brakes, no pumps for water cooling, fans for cooling, no hydraulics to leak and Honda oil-tight, reliability. The riding experience is old skool, and the short wheelbase makes the steering quick, but not unmanageable. You bounce from stone to stone, you feel the lane under your wheels, and the tyres slither along. What’s more, you enjoy the view, and when the going gets tough, even a short arse like me can put both feet down or lift the little scrapper off the deck or out of a rut. You ride around with a great big grin on your face, the Tahiti red tank and frame catching the eye of pedestrians as you bimble past.

The front end is very light and the low gearing does allow plenty of “fun”, lifting the front wheel with the help of undulations in the lane, and often looking for the more challenging line up a technical section because the bike is so “flickable”.

The debate over the perfect bike endures and everyone has their favourite based on personal bias, brand loyalty, economics, you name it. That’s why you rarely ride with folk on the same bike within a group.

But if you ever fancy changing things up, and want to see that local lane you normally blatt through without a second glance through a different set of eyes, and turn it into a bit of an adventure then consider getting an “oldey-worldey” trail bike of the 1970s or early 1980s. I can at least guarantee that it’ll put a smile on your face.

64 Trail Spring 2018

Honda XL100S Dominic Hunt from the Northumbria TRF cut his teeth riding a Honda C70 on pit heaps around East Durham before moving on to various trail bikes, SL and XL Hondas, TS Suzukis and Yamaha DTs. I started competing in easy route trials when I was 30 after retiring from ice hockey. I did trials off and on for around 20 years, riding around the waterfalls on the easy-rider sheep tracks. Roll on five years...

I had a guest TRF ride to Hawes in the summer of 2017 and enjoyed it so much that I joined that night. I have been out on several rides now, mainly slayley and all trails up Weardale, and have ventured to Hawes and over great Ayton.

My bike reviewed is a 1978 Honda XL100s. I bought this in 1981 for £60. It has served me well as a winter hack and my sister as her daily commuter when she lived in scarborough travelling the 14 miles to work along a railway line.

It came home and slumped in various corners until I dug it out again in 2016.

Good points: good torque for a small motor putting out 8-9 ponies. It actually got up the mid-crossing on the infamous “H”.

You never worry where the next fuel station is.

An appreciating classic now worth around 20 times what I paid for it.

Low comfortable seat and light weight.

Ultra reliable.

Bad points: Kickstart only.

Lack of road speed; 60mph down a big hill and 12 mph back up it; cruising speed 45 mph depending on wind conditions. In all honesty, road work between the trails

was killing it.

Parts are becoming hard to find though a brand new carb delivered from China was £17.

Modifications: sebac rear shocks.

Bar risers and Renthal bars.

Homemade pipe.

Bigger foot pegs.

Alloy gear-lever.

This bike is absolutely superb for an introduction to green lanes. It regularly does 130-mile ride outs. But, as I say, the road work was what kills it. If you are in no hurry, miles for smiles for a new rider it’s perfect.

Spring 2018 Trail 65

THE CHALLENGE 250 MILES, 80 GREEN LANES IN LESS THAN 10 HOURS Cambridgeshire TRF

Suffolk TRF

Join us for a ride from the Cambs/Essex border to Hunstanton in Norfolk and back to raise money for charity

Advanced bookings only 4th August £30

Free basic camping Friday night at start point For a booking form email: vraptor@ntlworld.com

EVENTS 30 March The Red Ride Meet 9.30, Machynlleth. Trail and adventure rides for owners with Honda CRF250 Ls. Choice of full trail ride, easy trail ride and all tarmac adventure ride. Free for TRF members, otherwise £50 for two days or £30 for one day. To participate, please email marianne@trailrides-wales.com or phone her on 01686 430522.

8 April Somerset TRF Exmoor Ride Day Sun 9 AM · Combe Sydenham · Taunton Somerset TRF are pleased to announce we are holding another of our very popular Exmoor Forest Ride Days suitable for solo bikes, sidecar outfits and quads. Solos and outfits must have a trials block pattern rear tyre such as a Pirelli MT43 or Maxxis Trialsmax. contact www.somerset-trf.com 21& 22 April Iceni Weekender An invitation is extended to National TRF members to join us for a weekend of guided runs in Norfolk & Suffolk. Advanced bookings will only be accepted with an individual ride donation for the weekend of £30 to the group’s fighting fund, £5 per night for basic camping. Entry forms from vraptor@ntlworld.com

27-29 April Teign to Tamar Parkers Farm, near Ashburton just off the A38 visit ParkersFarmHolidays.co.uk.

Accommodation is in fully equipped modern holiday homes and will be available from 3pm on Friday the 27th.

Riding will take place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th. Prices £180.00 per person and touring pitches also available at £140.00 per person. Contact teign2tamar@gmail.com for places.

28 & 29 April Dales Discovery Camping Weekend We are now accepting entries for the 2018 event. Based at Swan Farm campsite, Redmire near Leyburn you will be guided on some of the best legal green roads in and around the North Yorkshire Dales national park. Buffet meal will be provided on Saturday night within the price. Tents, caravans & camper vans welcome.Get your entry form: https://1drv.ms/w/s!AsehUyzChwFRgZUckzDo9aVhtrRrJQ Email tnytrfevents@virginmedia.com for more info.

Friends of the TRF 25% Discount EBC Brakes Direct www.ebcbrakesdirect.com Brake and clutch components Gecko Enduro Tours Guided green-lane tours in the Pyrenees Orientales www.geckoendurotours.eu 20% Discount CCM Spares www.sparesccm.com The place for CCM owners quote membership number Custom Lids www.customlids.co.uk Discounts available on all motorcycle clothing Datatag www.datatag.co.uk Quote code TRF2017 15% Discount Cotswold Outdoor www.cotswoldoutdoor.com Cycle Surgery www.cyclesurgery.com Gear 4 Motorcycles www.gear4motorcycles.co.uk WM Moto (Carlisle) www.wmmoto.co.uk Available on parts and selected clothing Adventure Spec Motoz low-impact trail tyres www.adventure-spec.com

Jun 14 - Jun 17 TRF at Horizons HUBB UK 2018 Baskerville Hall Hotel · Hereford HR3 5LE 30 June - 1July Tour Of The Moors Camping Weekend TyneWear & Teesdale TRF are now accepting entries for the 2018 Tour of the Moors Camping Weekend. Based in the centre of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park at the Feversham Arms, Church Houses, Farndale. £50 for 2 nights camping with an event polo shirt included in the price. Showers and toilets provided.

Entry forms from: stephendoy@hotmail.com 07527223677.

4&5 July Classic Coast 2 Coast Leaving Scarborough’s North Bay Wednesday morning you will ride some of the best legal green roads in the North Yorkshire Moors before the overnighting at Scotch Corner (provided in the price). On Thursday morning you continue West riding some of the best legal green roads in the North Yorks Dales before arriving in Hest Bank, Morecambe Bay on Thursday evening.

Entry forms from: https://1drv.ms/w/s!AsehUyzChwFRgZUfdZ8vVjSLTfaOfQ Email tnytrfevents@virginmedia.com for more info.

The following businesses are offering discounts to TRF members

J&S Oxford www.jsaccessories.co.uk Flexiplates www.flexiplates.co.uk quote code TRF15 Zen Overland www.zenoverland.com Eurotek KTM (Ripon, Yorks) www.eurotekktm.com Applies to mail order, shop and parts fitted in the workshop The KTM Centre (Hemel Hempstead) www.thektmcentre.co.uk 10% Discount Rally Raid Products www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk Discount available on all custom Rally parts Redtread Off-road motorcycle tours in Spain www.redtread.com Midwest Racing www.midwestracing.co.uk Available on parts, accessories and clothing Premier Bikes www.premierbikes.com KTM franchise with discount applying to parts and clothing Manchester Xtreme www.manchesterxtreme.com Please quote your TRF membership number

Bolt Bikes www.boltbikes.co.uk Gerbing www.gerbing.eu Discount code is TRF10 Viewranger www.viewranger.com/en-gb/shop EDZ www.edzdirect.com Base-layer clothing Discount code is TRFC_10 Endurotek www.endurotek.co.uk Parts and accessories Variable Rates Centre Trail, France www.centre-trail.com 15 Euro cash back on booking Enduro Tyres www.endurotyres.com Special rates Bike Revival www.bike-revival.co.uk Shock Absorber specialist Trail Rides Wales www.trailrides-wales.com Free guides for members on selected days 10% off of clothing and 5% on spare parts Fraser’s of Gloucester www.frasersmotorcycles.co.uk

Road-book Enduro Tours in France DATES FOR 2018 23/24/25 May Massif du Morvan 30/31 May – 1June Pyrénées SOLD OUT 13/14/15 June Dordogne 27/28/29 June Lozerien Bis 5/6/7 Sept Cantal SOLD OUT 19/20/21 Sept Pyrénées SOLD OUT 24/25/26 Oct Dordogne 7/8/9 Nov Trèfle du Morvan 21/22/23 Nov Normandie

All trips are priced at £560 (payable to ABTA bonded and ATOL protected UK travel agency S&N Pickford).

Price includes 3 days riding, 2 nights half-board accommodation, loan of road book and road book reader, support vehicle and driver, an opener and sweeper and a classy T-shirt. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like any further information.

Chris Evans, Sport Adventure, 15 Faye, 71550 Cussy en Morvan, France Tel: 0033 662 487190 chris.evans@sport-adventure.com www.sport-adventure.com

SO JUST HOW MUCH HORSEPOWER DO YOU NEED? FANTIC THINK 28BHP IN A 104KG DUAL - SPORT BIKE IS JUST FINE •

Lightweight cro-mo steel frame

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28mm Tommaselli tapered fat bars

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Fixed and adjustable suspension options

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Hand and Sump guard as standard

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Arrow exhaust

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Mitas tyres

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Find your nearest dealer at www.fanticmotoruk.com