This year’s Reg Bowker Trial at Warren Heath, Blackbushe staged by Hookwood Trials Club was yet again the final round of both TVTC & Star Group Trials championships.
104 adult & 18 youth riders tackled 2 laps of 18 sections around a 6-mile wet & challenging forestry lap with a special test to decide ties.
Previous event winners Thomas Moss & Phil Wiffen were joined by Trial GB regulars Daniel Dabreo, Joe Snelling, Thomas Hawthorne & Jake Challice in a battle for top honours. Thow in 2024 S3 Over 40’s champion Ben Skinner with Brian Francis & there were some very close scores in the packed 19 rider Expert class.
Phil had the advantage of his local knowledge & always rides well at sandy venues, however Thomas always revels in wet conditions with his all-action riding style. Thomas put on a masterclass, cleaning almost every section apart from solitary dabs on sections 9 & 18, but like most other riders needed to push their way out of the demanding section 16. Thomas finished the day for the loss of just 7ml to take the overall win.
Daniel Dabreo had a great ride to finish on 11ml with Joe Snelling nipping at his heals with 13ml. Richie Keet & Rowan Stewart had a real battle in Youth Expert class with Richie taking top honours on the day. Local aces Ashley Hall & Colin Allsop also were evenly matched throughout the day in the large Intermediate class with Ashley’s 15ml narrowly beating Colin’s 16ml score.
Alan Peach riding with his son & daughter headed the Over 40’s with a score of 30.
Youth Intermediate class was hotly contested with close scores right down the order, Luke Batten, Joseph Baker, Tommy Keet, Connor Johnson had a fantastic battle with Luke shading the win with the loss of 22ml. Former 3x World Long track Champion Kelvin Tatum really enjoyed his day with 12ml to take the win from Alex Edwards with a faster special test time.
The experience of local Over 50’s riders, Mick Marshal, Dave Dale, Tim Bird & Paul Ray delivered some very low single figures scores & were joined by David Penfold, however Mick held his nerve to finish on the lowest score of the event with 1ml.
Rueben Keet had a great ride to edge out Liam Reaney to take the win in the Youth Novice class.
Many thanks must go to all the observers & marshals who braved the wet & windy conditions to provide riders with a great day’s sport. We look forward to seeing you all again next year for the 2025 Reg Bowker Trial
