RED Rose Classic Motorcycle Club turned out in force for their latest trials meeting.

Evocative machines, such as Ariel, BSA, Triumph and Norton were wheeled out to take part in the day's off-road competition at Todmorden.

Thirty-five riders competed over four laps of a moorland course set out at the popular Pendlebury Bait venue, with ten observed sections per lap. Each section comprised a mixture of rocks, gullies and hillclimbs, all made tricky by a light covering of frost, and since the art of trials riding involves negotiating the hazards without stopping or putting your foot down, throttle control and balance are more useful skills than outright speed.

All the riders reported an enjoyable day, including rider Bill Hill, 68, who had a catalogue of disasters - including stopping to remove the cylinder head of his ancient James two-stroke in the middle of the moors!

With the repairs carried out, he put the bike back together and completed the trial on time, still smiling.

Red Rose Classic MCC holds monthly trials events at a variety of venues in East Lancashire, and caters specifically for enthusiasts of old British motorcycles. Although many competitors take the events seriously, for others it is an excuse to spend the day riding a classic machine or turning up to watch or help observe.

The club's next trial is at Haslingden on Sunday, December 19.

Further details from chairman Graham Lampkin, tel: 01282 422258.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.