Trials

Last Sunday, April 28th, witnessed the commemoration and jubilation of the 50th running of the Mountain Man Trial, organised by Keyneton MCC. The event featured the Rockhopping SA 2024 SA Women’s Cup. This year’s occasion was made even more special as it marked the 16th time Keyneton MCC has hosted the event duo. The picturesque Ahrens Ponderosa at Menglers Hill provided the perfect backdrop, attracting riders not only from South Australia but also from Victoria, drawn by the promise of exceptional weather and challenging terrain. 

Riders of all abilities were greeted with a fantastic course meticulously laid out by the Keyneton MCC. The course boasted many fresh obstacles, ensuring the 59-strong field of riders remained engaged and on their toes throughout the event. Adding to the day’s festivities was the presence of former A-Grade competitor and Keyneton MCC life member, Bob Petts. Despite making the journey down from Wallaroo, Bob Petts was enthusiastic about being the special guest on the day. His pivotal role in naming the ‘Mountain Man’ Trial made him a standout figure in the history of South Australian Trials. Competitors and trial fans alike had the unique opportunity to meet and interact with a key player in shaping the legacy of South Australian Trials.

The 50th Mountain Man Trial was not just a celebration of endurance and skill but also a tribute to the rich history and community spirit that defines the sport of Trials in South Australia. As riders tackled the challenging course and spectators cheered them on, the event served as a reminder of the passion and camaraderie that unite all participants of this thrilling sport. Here’s to another 50 years of Mountain Man Trials and the enduring legacy they represent.

South Australian Trials Sports Manager Matthew Petersen said “Having Bob Petts, the man who named the Mountain Man Trial attend in person and speak at riders briefing to celebrate the 50^th running of the event was really special.

 The event also incorporated the running of the Rockhopping SA 2024 SA Women’s Cup, with 13 ladies battling it out over 60 sections across the day.

 With awesome weather, a massive field of competitors including those making the trek from interstate and lots of spectators, this was a first-class event run by the Keyneton MCC team that was thoroughly enjoyed by all”.

Photos thanks to Brian Lang.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marking its 50th anniversary the Keyneton MCC will be bringing all the festivities of the 2024 Mountain Man Trial, including Rockhopping SA 2024 SA Women’s Cup & Diener/Holmes Sidecar Trophy this coming weekend. To make the most of the recent lack of rain, all the Trial competitions will be brought to the bottom of Menglers Hill at Ahrens Ponderosa. 

Adding to the excitement and competition level, the event will also feature Rockhopping SA 2024 South Australian Women’s Cup and the 2024 Diener/Holmes Sidecar Trophy events (all adding up to the 16th time these standout events have been hosted by Keyneton and with well over half of the events drawing interstate competitor interest, it’s a safe bet 2024 will see interstate talents add their names to the entry list. 

As 58 riders are all ready to take on an exceptional course, the 50th year is going to be one to remember. As South Australia dominates the entry list, they will be facing off with some exceptional Victorian riders making the trip over for all the celebrations. 

With Keyneton Motorcycle Club gearing up to offer competitors another standout year, a possible 48-section trip spread across 4 laps and encompassing 12 challenging sections, will keep riders of all abilities on their toes. On top of a standout course, the day will see a full lineup of classes for ‘solo ‘blokes’ (see below), plus senior and junior non-competitive classes for those just looking to have a ride!

Adding to the special commemoration of the event will see the return of many key past-generation personalities, riders and special guests, including the man instrumental in naming the ‘Mountain Man’, former A Grade competitor & former Keyneton MCC life member, Bob Petts. 

Says Bob when thinking back to 1975, “The naming of the first Mountain Man came from a perception of Richard Rake and myself that a certain gangly, bearded rough diamond of a gentleman named Geoff ‘Wack’ Barratt resembled a ‘Mountain of a Man’. There was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm surrounding this event. We were breaking new ground in a patch of new ground S.S.W. of Camel Rock.…”

Unfortunantly, ‘Wack Barratt has since passed but the club will be inviting family members and long-time friend and passenger, Laurence ‘Willie’ Williams, to attend the event as special guests of the club.

All that’s left to do is make sure you’re trackside to experience all the celebrations of this 50th-anniversary honour and witness trials talents of all ages show what they’ve got.

A new year of Trials kicked off over the weekend with Round 1 of the TROY Series SA at the AJS Moto Trial Club of SA in Victor Harbor. The picturesque landscape met both spectators keen for all the action and riders ready to take up the challenge of the Waterfall course set perfectly among the Yakka Bushes.

Anticipation was high with riders keen to kick off their 2023 season after a well-earned break and boy did they bring the action, all keen to cement their position to lead their category into the upcoming rounds ahead.

Said AJS Club President, Kieran Hill about the weekend “A Great weekend many AJS members turning out on Saturday to set 10 sections on this idyllic Victor Harbour property, 4 Laps of those sections in Yakka lined gullies, creeks & of course the waterfall proved to be a testing days ride in perfect conditions for the 40 plus riders including 5 rookies competing for the first time”.

With a great number of riders throwing their hat in the ring, it is looking to be a huge year of Trials ahead and we are so excited to see the positive position the sport is at.

Pics courtesy of Sam Gill-Dixon. 

Results for Troy Series Rd 1 – Frank Tuck Trial:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TROY Serios Points Table: 

 

The action continues on with the 48th Peter Sparkes Trophy Trial on the 30th April and the 2023 Troy Series of SA  Round – The Classic Trail kicking off on the 4th June at Tungkillo. These are both presented by AJS Moto Trials of SA, with entries currently open through Ridernet. The Peter Sparkes Trophy Trial entries close midnight 25th April 2023 and Troy Series Round 2 entries close 30th May 2023. All details are in the Supp Regs on the MSA website.