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SACU 2002 National ENDURO

Bon Accord Glenfarquhar Enduro
Stonehaven

28th July 2002

Another superb event by Dave Donald, Clerk of the Course - fresh from his finish in the Scottish Six Days Trial. He obviously thought that last year was a bit lenient and decided to toughen up the competitors this year. Quote from his riders meeting prior to the race " A tour  round the roads with some off road stuff to keep you happy". Fair enough there were a couple of nice road/ trail sections but there were also some great pure enduro rides, in all there was over 5 hours of racing - that has to be the best value entry fee this year. A lot of riders stayed clean on time so the lap times were spot on. The test was straight from the World Rounds with a taped section in a quarry over rocks with some tricky turns then a fast blast to the timing chicane.

Quite a few riders retired out of time - one rider over his hour was still keen to go out - so was obviously enjoying the event. The only major problem was a fern covered hill which stopped a fair number of riders for a time before being modified on the later laps. The going was mixed with tight forest paths and fast uphill blasts followed by some grass covered forest roads. No real stoppers anywhere just hard work in places.

A bit hard for some of the sportsmen but most managed at least one lap. Due to lack of time and Daves dislocated shoulder there was not enough time to set out Sportsmen loops - but there should be some by next year.

Click on photos to enlarge

Derek Little (Ride on Yamaha)managed to overheat his engine and stopped to cool it a few times - but still stayed clean on time finishing 2nd to Nicky Beavitt by only 4 secs over the 4 tests. Nicky has only done a few events this year but has been threatening a win and finally peaked at the right time (He also cooks a great sausage roll - Ta Nicky). Graeme Naismith is still pushing hard for the Championship and remains in close contention. A great championship this year with some very close racing. Paul Watson and NeilBoyd (Ipone Racing Oils) made the long trip up from the North of England as they reckon the Scots events are worth it. Thanks lads

In the Clubmen Stephen Scott continued his charge for the Championship but was pushed hard by Richard Lambourne.  Joe Gilroy gets the award for keenest rider of the day. No lift up was available so he dismantled the bike and stuck it in the back of his car (see photos). He has what it takes to win - determination - keep on going Joe. ( He is also looking for sponsors in case anyone is looking to help a rider). Joes subframe also worked loose on the last lap so he rode with his seat flapping about held on by a cable tie. Not bad for 3rd place.

Hard luck of the day has to be Richard McVicker whose broken chain smashed the hydraulic clutch and casing ending his race.

In the over 40 class Andrew Flockhart finally got his win at Glenfarquhar after retiring in 2001. Hard charging and this time with a front brake - lost it at Shiplaw last time out.

In the Sporstmen the Goodalls had a family 1 -2. Due to the fairly tough nature and length of the event a large no of Sportsmen retired - hopefully we will see you next year.

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