2005 Championship ENDURO
Round 9 - Melville MC Yarrowford - Selkirk September
25th September 2005
Results for Selkirk September - click here
For photos of the day see - www.lesphotos.zoomshare.com
Report by Campbell Chatham
The sun shone on the Melville Motor Club for the penultimate round of the Scottish
Enduro Championship. Once the mist cleared in the morning a brisk breeze blew the clouds
away and the competitors enjoyed a dry day out over the hills at Yarrowford, Selkirk in
the Scottish Borders. The organisers were relieved to have a trouble free day following
the Ian Bell tragedy that befell the event in July. The only hitch was a few riders who
lost their way. The majority of riders found their way around, up and down the 1500 feet
climbs and descents. The time schedule was set at a semi-wet pace in case the conditions
changed but as it did not rain most riders finished on time. A few riders even managed a
short stop to admire the stunning views from the top of the hills.
In the Expert Class Derek
Little won with some stunning times on the short twisty special test. Out on the course
Derek overtook Paul Chatham in mid air, with some incredible rolling jumps the brave were
rewarded with some low level flying that the Red Arrows would have been proud of. Mark
Godfrey came back from the south having enjoyed himself back in July,finishing second.
Paul Chatham had his best result in his first year in the Expert Class with a trouble free
run to third place. Grant Smith lost the bolt for his silencer on the first lap but
managed to complete the lap on time. Grant and Paul swopped test times throughout the day
with Paul just three seconds ahead at the finish. Jeff McCleary had a consistant run to
fith thoroughly enjoying himself in the process. Murray Thomson prefers the mud to the
deep heather, all riders had to be cautious as there were many hidden boulders lurking in
the heather. Murray fell in the first test at the last event and he was keen to make
amends, unfortunately history repeated itself and Murray finished in a frustrated 6th.
Sean Wooley won the over 40 Class, his first special test as good as won the class for him
as it was only 2 seconds slower than Derek Little's time in the Expert Class. Sean and
Andy are building up to a close finish for the Championship.Double Over 40 Champion Andy
Flockhart has had his share of problems this year which has allowed Sean Woolly to
challenge for the Over 40 Championship. Andy was struggling for grip and slipped to third
behind Campbell Chatham. Campbell Chatham finished second despite carburettor problems
which kept him busy during the event. Dirt in the fuel caused the float needle to stick
and caused fuel starvation on the steep climbs. Campbell managed to clear the problem and
it did not affect his special test performance. Ian Paterson's throttle jammed open as he
climbed one of the steepest hills and wiped out the back end of his KTM, he struggled on
but had to admit defeat and retire. This probably puts an end to his Championship hopes.
Alan Lauder won the Clubman Class which means he is uncatchable in the Clubman Championship this year. Alan has dominated the class this year, he is looking fit for a challenge in the Expert Class next year. When Craig Jagla competes he is always a force to be recconned with and he proved this again with his second place at Selkirk. Douglas Page was just 4 seconds behind in third. Ryan Bruce was hard charging on the course and arrived at the check with plenty of time on each lap finishing 4th, Duncan McCormick finished 5th.
There was a large Spotsman entry, word is spreading that most riders can complete the
course despite the steep hills. The Melville Club organised a pre race breifing for first
time riders. David Fergus won by just 4 seconds from Alastair Crocket in second. Garry
Scotland finished third to keep the Scotland name high in the results as brother Allyn is
grounded due to a broken arm sustained at the Elgin round.
This event at Yarrowford is becoming well known as a great day out, if a little daunting
for first time riders. Kenny Donaldson and his team have organised a great experience for
all the riders whichever class they ride. The farmer is an enthusiastic supporter and he
is looking forward to welcoming everybody next year.
Click on photos to enlarge
 Too much orange ...... |
 Acerbis 2006 and Honda 1986 |
 Mark Ewing gets under way |
 The very first corner |
 Sean Wooley - Over 40 winner |
 Quck splash and off |
 Michael Rathbone all the way from Alnwick |
 Ryan Bruce |
 Dave Ramsay heads for the hills |
 Reuben Welch gets the power down |
 Keeping the front wheel dry |
 Graeme Crawford on the final hill |
 Ally Gordon - revenge !! |
 Gary Millburn from Newcastle |
 Reuben - tough eh ? |
 Sean Scollay practices meditation between laps .... |
 Gordon Black takes to the water |
 Campbell Chatham - moves in to 2nd |
 Steep or what ! |
 Paul Chatham nears the end and 3rd place. |
 Mike Robertson on his way |
 Craig Jagla blasts the hills |
 Robbie Moir |
 Just a nice view - up hill and down .... |
Campbell Hearton on top of the world |
 Jim Lauder in the woods |
 Gentleman racers over 40 ++ |
 Ian Clarke finishes another lap - while No 57 lets his bike have a wee rest |
