Exmoor MCC Allercott Hare & Hounds - 25 June 2006

The superbly laid out 6.5 mile circuit at Allercott Farm in west Somerset was blessed with sunshine as the 100 strong entry arrived to do battle for 3 hours.

At the end of the first 6.5 mile lap, the first four 
championship riders are really hard at it.

As is the nature with these competitions, it was a very relaxed atmosphere as bikes were unloaded, safety checked by scrutineers and lined up in the Park Ferme. Lots of gossip ensued as riders met up once again this season, signed on and prepared themselves for the tough day's sport ahead of them.

Airborne action on the tabletop as 106 passes 71.

All off-road racing is an extreme sport - make no mistake about that, but the track at Allercott had been sensibly designed to cater for all levels of riders. That is not say it was 'over-easy', because it certainly wasn't. But what it did have was a great mix. Varied types of technical sections were linked with open fields, allowing racers to regain their composure after battling down a rocky stream or weaving climbing and diving, in and out of the tight and dusty tree sections.

Shaun Dayman holeshot the start.

The Sunday entry was a little on the light side due to many competing at the Welsh 2 Day, which had only finished on the Friday. So it was decided to start the Expert and Championship class together - which proved most interesting.

As the top guns entered the first woods, it was Expert No10 Shaun Dayman who had taken the holeshot and was about 30 feet in front of the hard chasing pack of Championship lads led by No4 Charlie Richards. No1 Brad Williams was next with No3 Simon Thomas breathing down his neck.

Pip Wolfendale crests the first steep hill.

Returning to racing after nearly a years lay off due to injuries, Ian Putt No16 only managed a mid pack start. Fairing even worse was a pre race favourite Steve Jewell No6, who was almost last at this early stage.

However as the leaders came around to finish lap one 10 minutes later only a few feet separated the first four. Steve Jewell had fought his way to second place just behind race leader Simon Thomas. Brad Williams was still in 3^rd, but right up his exhaust pipe was Ian Putt who had also battled his way up through during the preceding 6 miles. Charlie Richards had slipped to 5^th, but was in fact only a few yards behind - nothing in a 3 hour marathon, but no one was going to make it easy for him to catch up. This was going to be a tough one - no rider was giving any quarter at all.

Swooping woods made exciting riding.

By lap two the top boys were spaced out by a 100 feet - not a lot after 13 miles - Steve Jewell was up front, with Charlie now on his tail. Simon Thomas was pushing very hard and hanging on in 3^rd, with Ian Putt close at hand and determined to catch him.

200 yards behind was No2 Mark Denslow who had obviously charged hard and a few feet to the rear was the leading Expert No7 Gary McCoy riding his heart out to stay in touch. After pushing and pushing a right ding dong battle between Ian Putt and Simon Thomas finally saw Ian move into 3^rd - relegating Simon to 4^th, at the 3/4 hour mark. (The first 2 places remained the same.)

Ian Putt was pleased with his 3rd place return.

As Ian came into pit around the hour mark, by the frantic action during refuelling, I realised the "I am only out for a fun days riding today" comment that he had made earlier, was now starting to fade into the past, as he had obviously become determined to do well upon his return to the sport.

As the top guns race progressed, their order stayed constant for the next period - Jewell, Richards, Putt and Thomas. That was until after a fast landing from the table top loosened up the spokes from Steve Jewell's rear wheel and with his viscous riding style these had no chance, they were soon ripping out wholesale - forcing his early retirement.

Spectators enjoyed a beautiful summer days racing.

After the 2 hour mark things had started to change once again, Mark Denslow had fought up to second just ahead of Ian putt, and No1 Brad Williams had finally climbed into fourth place just ahead of Simon Thomas.

But when the chequered flag dropped at 3 hours, it was Charlie Richards who came home victorious with nearly 4 minutes in hand over Denslow. Ian Putt trailed by 2 minutes into 3rd - an awesome comeback ride for him - and was the last man on 16 laps.

Mark Denslow battled to 2nd.

Paul Tossell won the Experts on 15 laps, as did Trevor Vercoe the 2 stroke clubman winner. Jim Branes finished 14 laps to win the over 40's and so did Simon Tomlinson in the Clubman 4 stroke class. Sportsman Kyle Berks managed 13 laps to beat the others.  

Charlie Richards took the win with 16 laps.

It was good to see a few ladies getting involved and having a go. Sarah Putt had only decided a week earlier to give racing a go once again after a five year lay-off since her mid teens. Also keen TRF'er Maria Morris entered this her first ever race to 'have a go'. Although a very competent rider, Maria had found the first lap a bit of a shock - having no idea what to expect. But after a rather leisurely first lap pit stop, got back on her CRF230 and judging by the smile on her face at the end of 3 hours, had a really good ride.

Maria clocks in after a tough 3 hours for her first race.

No25 Gary Gayner decided to retire early after a nasty over the bars experience, when his KTM somersaulted a few times and left him rather dazed. About to go on holiday soon, he took what he thought the best option!

It was a superb days racing - if a little dusty. Which was tough for club officials who were all doing a great job and those assisting in the pits.

The top guns discuss the merits of having more than 6 spokes 
in the rear wheel !!  (see picture below)

When I spoke to them St Johns Ambulance said they had had only one injury during the day - and no it wasn't a rider, it was me! Yes silly sod that I am, I tripped over trying to get some good photos and ended up in hospital having my hand stitched up. So as I sit here painfully typing left handed with one finger. I have decided watching motor sport can be more dangerous than competing!!

Many thanks Exmoor MCC for putting on another great event. The cheery looks on the riders faces in the car park afterwards told its own story.

Sarah Putt made a strong return after a 5 year absence.

Full Results List HERE