A hazy shade of grey is a fair description of the Northern Irish October skyline; throw in an arctic breeze, gusts of sideways wind, a touch of drizzle, rivers, rocks, and mountainous terrain, and you can picture what the crack of dawn on Slieve Croob, Dromara, looks like.
It was still dark when the first vans filled with eager trial riders arrived on Slieve Croob for the Temple Motorcycle Club´s Marcus Blain trial, Round 2 of the AGA Ulster Championship last Saturday morning. Vehicle headlights lit up the landscape revealing a carefully planned and well laid out Trials course and those taking part were eager to boot up and let loose on the mountainside prepared for anything the mighty Croob may throw at them.
The Marcus Blain Trial has been run since 1999 in recognition of the late Marcus and his lifetime of service to the Temple Motorcycle Club and the sport of motorcycling in all its capacities. A now prestigious title to hold as a part of the AGA Ulster championship in recent years, it has allowed a new generation of trials riders to add their names to the roster of local motorcycle trials talent.
Round 2 of the AGA Ulster Championship 2024 saw Team Ireland rider Stuart McClurg take 1st place in the OHA Motorsport Elite + class with a score of 20 points from his Team Ireland teammate Josh Hanlon, who came in a close 2nd with 23 points, creating an interesting scoreboard heading into the upcoming rounds of the 2024/25 AGA Ulster Championship.
In the SJ Trials Expert class, Banbridge’s Stuart Hanlon scored 24 points to beat Robert McCrory’s 35 with Neil Moore hot on Robert’s heels taking 3rd position with 37 points.
There already appears to be great competition brewing within the SJ Trials expert class with 8 rounds of the AGA Ulster championship still to come.
Inchaquire Industries Semi Expert class round 2 winner was Matthew Millar Senior with 22 points, Sam McCallion came in 2nd place with a respectable 27 points with Russell Houston and Philip Hanlon both picking up 38 points each on the day.
Leadmines Motorcycles Clubman class had a fantastic entry for the AGA Ulster Championships 2nd round at Slieve Croob, competition was tough, and Stephen Pyper came in a strong first place with only 15 points picked up on the days trial, Keith Annette took 2nd place with 24 with Terence Mckee lifting a total of 29 points.
Strong gusts of multi-directional wind attempted to hamper competitors, many already precariously balanced on one wheel yet most were ready and able, they took it in their stride and handled the conditions like the pros they are.
Dungannon rider Gary Johnston took the lead in the HTM Motorcycles Sportsman class in his stride, finishing up with 17 points on his card by the end of the day. Ballygowan’s George Smyth came in 2nd place with 24 and Gareth Jones a close 3rd with a score of 27 points overall. In a 30 strong class, it was clear the sportsman had a great turnout of riders up for the Slieve Croob challenge and excelled at every checkpoint and within every marker. In J.Hagan Concrete & OHA Motorsport Youth A Class, Round 2 saw Ben Allen take the win on Saturday, Ollie Reid led the youth B class with Harry Marshall and Ollie Gilmour in the top 3 with him.
The dedication to the sport, grit, and determination displayed by all involved is admirable, the large local community of trial riders encourage the younger riders and reassure the experienced riders. Saturday´s turnout was impressive; competitors were controlled, their moves calculated, and well timed. The level of class and expertise on display throughout our trials days is a testament to our Northern Irish motorcycle sportsmen, women, and children plus the craic is always mighty whatever the weather.
The Temple Motorcycle Club wishes all competitors the very best of luck in the remainder of the 2024-25 championship and thanks all the Championship Sponsors and of course the landowner, Desmond Herron, and family. Also John Heenan, the main course bullworker, and Craig Allen. Observers: Matthew Marshall, David McKnight, Mike Crothers, She McStay, Ken Clarke, Jimmy Dickey, Mervyn Hanlon, Steven Cromie, Phil Allen, and John Heenan.
