Sunny SOMERSET Ride Those of us who just turn up and ride at TRF-organised events might not fully appreciate the work put in by members particularly if the event goes without a hitch. If the odd snag is encountered, a few participants tend to get somewhat vociferous. Here, Martin Keswick from the Somerset Group reveals a few secrets of a successful outcome
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56 Trail Summer 2021
caused by that many bikes on the tracks and trails and ground in the forest. It is fair to say the Maxxis Trialsmax is a great tyre and can make an average rider a ‘Trials God’. The general feedback from riders was they had a cracking day and really enjoyed the riding and challenges we set out. What are the things we at Somerset do to make this type of event happen? A suitable venue Agreement with a landowner for the use/payment A parking location An Event Director, Deputy, Safety Officer, Head Marshal, A broader group of people able to assist in the set up and running of the event A detailed Safety Plan completed and approved by TRF Directors for insurance approval IOPD (International Organisation of Professional Drivers) Permit to run an event ‘off road’ Ambulance Toilets Food Eventbrite to manage the tickets and comms Quads, Tape, arrows, posts, cones, staplers, mallets, signage, gazebos, tables Our next event in July is already sold out. We are trying to secure a new venue for an event in August. We have a charity fun Scramble/Grass track day in September and our next Forest Ride Day will be in October.
ooking back at the weather this May we could write it off as a dead loss, however on Sunday the 2nd of May, it was fantastic and the end of a generally dry, if cold month of April. We were lucky to pick that Sunday for our Somerset Forest Ride Day at Combe Sydenham Country Park. A few of us started the main loop forest track layout selection the week prior to the event using quads, with the main set-up being completed on the Saturday with 24 Somerset TRF eager members on their bikes and quads. The set-up day is always a good vibe with people able to explore options and be creative with the sub-loops that they make. The Bramble Hill Climbs and Dean Allen Goat Tracks always test the best and other Enduro Loops and Trials Sections being added, in all about 10 sub-sections graded into Moderate, Severe or Extreme for people to attempt. With 250 riders including 11 under-16 riders, it was a full house, however the forest never feels busy, at times you feel you are riding alone in this stunning venue with its Elizabethan Manor House, lakes and views of the Quantock Hills, Bristol Channel and over to Wales. These Somerset TRF events are open to TRF members, you must have a trials block pattern rear tyre fitted such as Maxxis Trialsmax or a Pirelli MT43, this point does make a huge difference to the amount of ground damage
