You will need Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view this fileTimber Woods Long Distance Trial
Sunday 31st July 2005
The sixth "Timber Woods Long Distance Trial", named in honour of our late Chairman and President. The event attracts 100+ riders on enduro, trail and trials bikes, both modern and pre-1967.
Round 2 of the South Eastern Centre LDT Championship.
Results
Here (PDF)
You will need Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view this file
Photos
Page 1 of Photos by Matthew Grant-Browning
Page 2 of Photos by Matthew Grant-Browning
Report 1 - by Matthew Grant-Browning (No 110)
I had eagerly awaited the 'Timber Woods', and following various communications with Peter Burrell I got my entry in ( he dissuaded me from using my TY 250 so I bought on eBay a DT 175MX). I had prepared the bike well thought, new rings , bushes, tyres etc. New MOT and tax - I set off for the start later than planned but arrived in good time as my start time was not until 10.24. I signed on and got my road book - I discovered that my road book holder ( bacon box) was just too small for A4 so I Spent 10 mins trimming the paper to fit.
All ready ..." tools...check...phone...check...drinks...check fag papers ..check....fuel..need to mix check."
10.24 and I was off . I joined a group that were gathered outside the start area and we travelled together ...this is great I thought up hill and across byeway along the pilgrims way.....fantastic...back onto the A20 and the group picked up speed. The bike had started to rattle a bit in the engine but I thought little it I was keeping up with them ( anxious as I lost my way on the road book by now) until the rattle got worse and then a definite POP from the motor ended the Timber Woods for me. I was non plussed thinking it's one of those things...until I realised that I had left Peter Burrell's phone number in the van and being starter number 110 there were no other riders passing. Luckily ( and that's the only luck I had) I was by the UK petrol station so I left the bike there bought some fags ( I left mine in the van too). A nice chap took pity on me and asked if he could give me a lift....until he realised it was 7 miles in the wrong direction ( if it had been me I would have taken me but...well its the thought that counts!!!)
So I set off on foot back to Forge House. I had predicted that I would see a good deal of the Kent countryside on the 'Timer Woods' but not on foot. I did happen to see a disturbing sight though. A conclave of Morris Men practising in a secluded area....I quickened my step!!! The walk was okay to begin with but became arduous as the miles wore on ....Trials boots are not made for walking...whatever Nancy Sinatra might tell you. By now I was doing about 10 fags an hour and my feet were raw ( a blister the size of an old penny). I had watched various trialists pass me by without stopping until a gent in a car stopped and offered me a lift, gratefully accepted, although by this time I was only 1/2 mile from forge house!!
I went to declare myself retired, had a cuppa and went to pick the bike up. While doing so I spoke to some very friendly folk that were refuelling and having a better trial than me.
I set off home and went slowly up the M20 to the M25....and the fan belt went on the van....eventually I arrived home, knackered for all the wrong reasons and I swear if its the last thing I do...........I will be back at the next Timber Woods Long Distance Trial. Thanks to those that offered encouragement in the Tent.
Matthew Grant-Browning (No 110)
Location
We've back into deepest Kent, somewhere near Leeds Castle - directions here
Road Book Holders
A bit of discussion on on the Rides List.
I've been told that "Halfords do a map-holder for less than a tenner that velcros to your handlebars - designed for maps but holds A4 no problem. You do have to stop and change pages so it's not as good as a 'proper' roadbook holder, but then not as pricey as them either" by Adam Buttery on the Rides List.
Liam Humberston says this :"You might want to try one of these. I used one for the Northumbrian rally, still have to change pages, but it's still an improvement over the loose-leaf map holders: Follow this link
Liam Humberston also says this :"For anyone unsure whether to do it, the Timber Woods LDT is a top day's trail riding in some lovely countryside. Not to be missed, makes me wish I still lived in the south east." - well what better kind of recommendation can we get?