Surrey TRF in a Muddle at Ubley………….

[mudeevee]

Sat 30th April 2016

The Ubley Muddle, hosted by the Central Bristol TRF has been on our radar for a couple of years now – it looked like a really well organised fun event. Unfortunately, previous years Muddles conflicted with Surrey TRF trips to Salisbury. This year a little forward planning ensured a freedom of choice.

Five Surrey TRF members signed up and headed Westwards along the M4 & M5. A couple of hours driving and we’d arrived in the beautiful Mendip Hills at Ubley Grove.

To keep costs down, we had decided not to take a translator and we were relieved that we could all understand the many welcomes and greetings from local riders and organisers, despite their odd West Country accents.

Plenty of time now to get bikes fettled, kit ready and a cuppa at the onsite catering before being called over for the riders briefing given by Dean Allen on behalf of CBTRF and North Somerset MCC (who were key in enabling the whole thing).
The briefing ended with instructions to make a start and a happy photo.

The start time of 12:00 was adhered to and riders set off around the shortish circuit to attempt the 12 ‘trials’ sections and short ‘special’. In all there were to be 4 laps.

Now, I personally have very little competitive riding under my belt – one H&H 5 years ago, a couple of 3 stage trials and two goes at Rallying with ATRC – so I saw the 48 sections as an opportunity to score slightly less than the 240 point maximum!

The remainder of the Surrey TRF boys at Ubley also have limited experience on trials or enduro, so we were all a little unsure of how best to cope with the embarrassment of cocking the whole thing up! We needn’t have worried – all the observers were friendly and helpful and some of the sections were even ‘cleanable’! The 5 of us rode the course together and even found time to pose for a picture or two and a nice cup of tea!

The course did cut-up a bit and the 4th lap was more challenging than the 1st – but we all completed the event with big smiles and a sense of achievement. We even had time to ride the Green Road next to the event.

For those interested in results, (and we all are, despite our words about ‘for the fun of it) here is how the Surrey boys faired:

Sean (Shovels) 25pts, 36 cleans! 10th in Enduro class
Dave (Strongbow) 43pts, also 36 cleans, 15th in Enduro class
Mike (MikeH) 62pts, 25 cleans, 26th in Enduro class
Steve (Billy) 69pts, 26 cleans, 30th in Enduro class
(Me) Derek (MudeeVee) 85pts, but 17 cleans, 39th in Enduro and generally chuffed to bits!

I believe there were 73 starters – well done to all of you!

For those who like a video, here is a link to a CBTRF members camera view of the day:
https://youtu.be/42p0ZJerdA8

We packed the vans, gave our thanks and headed off for accommodation in Alveston for a well earned beer……………………….. before returning to meet the CBTRF guys at Keynsham on Sunday for a few hours riding the areas Green Roads…………………….

Sunday 1st May 2016

We had asked the CBTRF (Dean Allen) if we could have a gpx file to follow on the Sunday – “a route long enough for around four hours riding would be perfect”. Of course, they bettered that by far in the form of a Run leader, a Tail ender and a couple of others to simply come along and help out.

We’d arranged to meet just outside Keynsham (between Bristol & Bath) at 10 am. We five surprised ourselves by not only being early, but we were hang-over free! That is a real 1st for a weekend away (as those that have been on a Devon or Wales trip with this particular bunch Surrey riders).

Our run leader for the day took the form of Alcuin Wilkie, assisted by Dean who bravely overcame a huge dose of Man-flu to be out riding his bike. Two other CBTRF riders whose names I have rudely forgotten, tail ended (apologies for my bad memory).

Alcuin Strongbow CBTRF.jpg

Alcuin led us south-eastwards towards Norton Saint Philip, stopping for lunch at a great little pub – Tuckers Grave Inn. We enjoyed some al fresco sandwiches in the garden (there was literally no room at the Inn)!

After lunch, on the route back to Keynsham, run leader Alcuin thought that the visitors were doing too well – so he arranged for Strongbow to plough into the back of Sean, and both of them to hit the deck. Some minor repairs later (and a few minutes searching for Strongbows missing testicles), we continued our tour.

Strongbow1CBTRF.jpg

Occasionally, one of the CBTRF riders would disappear – only to reappear further along the route, armed with camera. Some of the photos are shown below – they make us look quite good!

MikeH2.jpg

The green roads we travelled over were a real mixture – some quite steep and technical, some stoney and slippy and even some open field riding, where we shared the roads with sheep and walkers. The beautiful views were a common element of the whole ride (see, I do look up occasionally)!

Sean3CBTRF.jpg

We arrived back at the vans early afternoon, not too weary and all smiles. Even Strongbow had cheered up after discovering his missing testicles were indeed still attached to his body – albeit, in his neck! A couple of hours later and we were back in Surrey, reflecting on another cracking weekend away with the TRF – it does not get much better than that, my friend!

Billy CBTRF.jpg

I must say a huge thanks to Dean Allen, who appears to be instrumental in many things CBTRF – for sorting out the Ubley muddle, for arranging a ride out on the Sunday and for the hand of friendship he offered us weirdo’s from the east.

We will be back! Of course, you are all welcome to join us in Surrey.

Thank You

Mudeevee3CBTRF.jpg

[Billy]

Have to second all you say there Muudddeeee, fantastic weekend. BIG thanks to you for sorting all out for us, but also a BIG thanks to the Bristol TRF for their hospitality, really nice bunch of fella`s.Also thanks to Strongbow and Shovels for keeping us entertained on the road sections !! (Hope your balls drop soon Dave). All in all a good fun weekend. For anyone who says we don`t do much with the Surrey TRF just keep your eyes and minds open and watch the forum for posts.

[Stewie]

Great write up Derek, thanks for taking the time to post, looks great