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NEEC Otterburn Experience 2005

30/31st July 2005

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One of the most popular events in the Enduro calendar for riders in the North of England and southern Scotland, the Otterburn Experience again lived up to it's reputation for a fun event with a large lap. With the best parking at any event the tarmac runway certainly proved popular with all the vans - including the massive horse box (truck) that turned up to overshadow the standard transits.

Prior to the start of the event Ian Bell the organiser of the event made a short speech regarding the passing of his namesake Ian Bell from Scotland. A rider who won 7 Scottish Motocros titles and started Enduros at the age of 60 he was held in high regard and affection by all who knew him and those who had only heard about him.

" Ian took up the Sport at 60 and I've seen him complete many an event where younger folk did not. He will be sadly missed around the Scottish Enduro circuit. An example to us all - in my opinion A true scotsman ."

The action then continued with some heavy rain at times and a fairly damp course. 5 hours of racing later and there were some tired faces but a lot of smiles. A lot of new ground - after a LOT of work by the organising club .

On the Sunday the weather broke and sun at last broke through after a dry and windy night had dried out the course. With 6 hours of racing ahead of them there were a few tired riders at the start but all looked in good spirit.

With most of the major bogs cut out from the previous year the course turned out to be a fast blast across the moors with the occasional wee ditch thrown in to keep things interesting and catch out the unwary. Then came the first check -and THE HILL.   No track up it - just a "pick your own " route and off you go. It did cause trouble for a few riders who were then offered the option of a leisurely ride round the bottom of the hill.

Then it was back to business as usual and fast pace over hill and dale. To the test.

Test - a chance to show fast you can really go - if you can avoid the cut down trees - holes - fallen riders - rocks - ditches and other pieces of entertainment thrown in for good measure. Using the "sting in the tail" track from previous years just when you thought it was all over.

A few ruts developed but the test did allow those who can ride over brash and fallen logs and choose their line to excel . This was no flat field moto cross but a blast through the trees.

Then back down to the start and do it all over again . 3 laps for all riders - except Sportsmen who enjoyed 2 laps and time to chat at the check.

Furthest travelled riders must go to the Dutch and Belgian teams who fielded several riders but found the hills a bit bigger than in their own countries. Always keen to see foreign riders - hope to see you again next year.

Another very enjoyable event set out by NEEC - many thanks to the Army for giving us a chance to use their live fire ranges - hopefully when they are not in use! Col Paul Rennie has proved invaluable in helping set out the course - manning a check on a cold wet day with his family - who all "volunteered"  and then generally being there on the Sunday to help riders and keep everything going. If only all CO's were like him ! Same again next year please.

With Scots grabbing most of the silverware we should be adding Otterburn to the Scots calendar.

Championship class was won by an ever improving Ricky Mair on a KTM this year - and staying on the bike for a change to finsh in front of Michael Irving and Paul Watson.

Next  up in the Expert field is Alan Lauder from Jedburgh leading home Daniel Field and Darren Gill

In the Clubman class Gavin Douglas ( Honorary Scot !) pushed hard for the win over Craig Jagla ( leading Scots clubman) , Jef Bailey ( Englishman) and Douglas Page from the Jedburgh  gang in 4th and best over 40. Rab Moir the best over 50 - but doesn't look a day over 40.

Gill Myers was the top lady riding in the clubman class on her trusty XR200. The only other lady rider to ride both days was April MArr in the Sportsman class who finished well up. Liz Millet only rode the Sunday but gave Gill some competition to go for.

Top Sportsman was Mike Robertson who made the long trip down from Aberdeen to finish ahead of Paul Brinicombe and Alastair Crocket

Photos from Carolyn and Betty. Ta girls - click to enlarge

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