Jack Thompson British Bike Trial 2003
Sunday 7th December 2003
Over 100 trials riders on British bikes built before 1967 - Matchless, Ariel, Greeves, many more. Riders come from all over England to ride a classic trial named after a Bexleyheath Club rider who was a wizard at building and preparing 4-stroke trials bikes. Free admission and programme.
Report
On Sunday 7th December Sidcup & DMCC ran its 14th "Jack Thomson", a trail celebrating the late Jack Thompson. The trial was held at Sidcup's Canada Heights (the famous MX circuit). The event was on a bitterly cold day, with northerly winds off the Thames Estuary, but this was an improvement over recent years mud baths.
In the fourstroke pre unit class, competing for the Jack Thompson trophy - Len Hutty won again, but was closely followed by John Kendall. In the fourstroke rigid (Tele forks) class Ian Watkins won the Vinall Trophy. The upset of the day was in the sidecars with the retirement of Mark and Luke Reynolds, who were hotly favoured to win the sidecar class, which they have recently dominated. Their retirement allowed Peter Pesterfield and Keith Laker to narrowly beat Paul Fishlock and Barry Pocock.
The Sidcup club would like to thank all the observers and other officials who without which the event could not have happened.
Results
Full Results (PDF File)
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Photos
Martin Coulbert (on Coulbert.com)
Pre Event Info
Why not try the 'Jack Thompson' instead? - By Press Officer Brian Edwards
Many riders and enthusiasts will be saddened to learn of the demise of the legendary Talmag Trial – for now at least. However, before you all get too maudlin and contemplate falling on your swords, salvation may well be at hand in the form of the Sidcup club's Jack Thompson British Bike Trial on December 7.
As mother nature spreads her multi-coloured winter cloak over the glorious Kentish winter countryside it is time once again for the well established and popular Jack Thompson to take place at the spectacular Canada Heights motocross course, near Swanley, Kent.
In the past, entries have been restricted to 120 – a limit quickly achieved – however the organisers have decided to extend this to 150 to cater for those who may be suffering Talmag withdrawal symptons and been left without a ride. Entries will close on November 28, or when the limit is reached. An early entry is advised because of its popularity.
Regulations will appear in the November edition of the 'Sporting Motorcyclist'. If you do not recieve this and would like to ride please contact the event secretary, Peter Burton.
The trial will consist of two laps of 15 sections to be ridden twice. There is plenty of excellent, safe, mud-free parking space for both competitors and spectators, and toilets and catering during the day. While the Jack Thompson does not purport to be as long-running, or cater for such a large entry as the Talmag, it is similar in many respects. It is also a great social occasion.
In addition to all that will take place during the day, competitors and visitors are encouraged to bring along machines, spares and surplus equipment that they may want to sell, so dig out all those bits cluttering up the workshop and turn them into hard cash.