2008 Championship ENDURO
Round 3 ELRAT MCC Shiplaw Enduro
18th May 2008
Been there and done it - got the T-shirt. Shiplaw was a classic Scottish enduro ( despite the bobble hat brigade stealing the tape and arrows from half the course) - where the course was part of the event and the test was the hardest part. The course was built by Craig White and Stewart Blackadder - their first as Clerk of the course - but hopefully not their last.
With the top riders ready there was also an Expert loop to give them extra mileage while the Clubman and Sportsman took the road for the second half of the event. The first half of the course was mostly tunnels through the trees and a fairly fast blast in places - just a wee gully to get across then a big downhill to the road.
The second half of the course was uphill from the road and down to the test where it started to get tough. The bogs in the test started to cut up after the second lap and only the experts did all their tests as the last test was cut for most riders.
Then a blast back to the start with a few bogs to keep the riders fit. And all this in sunshine !
With Richard Hay back in Scottish events more regularly the other Experts have to push harder this year. Derek Little took his first win of the year to keep his title hopes on track. Richard lost points getting off the start line then had to push hard for the rest of the day to finish 2nd. Murray Thomson kept ahead of Grant Smith for 3rd by only 1 second over the day. Neil Chatham continues to develop with good times on a tough course.
In the Over 40's Ian Paterson took a good win in his home forest by 1 second from Sean Wooley. Followed in 3rd by former Champ Ivan and Hugh O'Neill. Ex MXer Davy Hill getting to grips with Enduro in 5th
Frazer Norrie in his first season posted some impresive times to win the Clubman class and give the Experts a fright. Douglas Page put in a great ride for second with Mark Ritchie in 3rd. Duncan McCormick enjoyed the event and had a great 4th.
In the Clubman 'B' Kenny Donladson had a good win from Joe Heron and Callum Hayes with Gordoin McGregor in 4th. The extra time on the schedule persuading some Sportsmen to move up for the extra lap.
Jamie Humpage found some great speed in the test for his first win in a difficult event. Billy Robinson had a good ride for 2nd ahead of Dirtbike-trax organiser John Francis.
Our thanks to Forestry Commission Scotland
for their help in setting up the course and permission for the event.
Pics by Scottish Enduros |
 John Francis - Mr Dirtbike-Trax |
 Daniel Palmer blasts the tunnels |
 Followed by Gordon McGregor |
 The Road at 1/2 way |
 Back up the quarry into the forest |
 David Vass on the big hill |
 Stuart Jess keeps on going |
 Gav (wot not Husky?) at speed with no bits falling off |
 Pawel Reuter waits for the test |
 Quick break before the test |
 Lou and Rosie start you off |
 Steve and Tracey at the 'B' s |
 Remember this bit |
 He does - but he finished |
 Unknown warrior - gives the thumbs up |
 Grant Smith by the deer fence |
 Murray Thomson keeps feet up |
 Billy Robinson finds it tough in the test |
 And the man who built it Craig White with Stewart Blackadder |
And one from the Evil Snapper |
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