Trial riders in thick of storm

Trial riders in thick of storm

5 February 2025

STORM Éowyn could not prevent the Ulster and Irish Motorcycle Trials riders from taking part in the Terry Hill Trial at Slieve Croob on Saturday, January 25. 

The event, which was the fifth round of the Irish Championship, was hosted by the Temple Motorcycle and Athletic Club, who pulled it all together in the midst of unprecedented conditions with great help from John Heenan, Gareth Jones, and a course-building team with strength and determination in their hearts.

Reconstruction and repair work had to be carried out on the carefully laid-out trial course, forcing the team to create a new section to replace a frozen one after the storm had finally passed.

Nonetheless, an impressive total of more than 40 riders turned up too brave the conditions and try their hands at the rejigged course.

Storm Éowyn had not yet entirely left the Island of Ireland and riders were in their vans, dodging fallen trees and debris to reach Slieve Croob before intentionally dodging rocks, rivers, and boulders on their bikes.

An eerie calm greeted competitors on arrival, with windy, wet conditions giving way to frozen, icy terrain.

The relentless enthusiasm for the sport that was displayed by riders, course builders, observers, and club members must be admired. 

The level of motorcycle trials riders across the Island of Ireland never fails to impress and it is difficult to decipher whether they are born to ride or simply not prepared to be stopped by Mother Nature.

Victory favours the fearless, and it was Team Ireland’s Stuart McClurg that claimed glory in the elite class.

He took first place with an impressive nine points, followed by runner up Scott Callaghan, some way behind, on 41 points, and Sean Doyle in third (42 points).

The expert class saw Banbridge rider Stuart Hanlon come away with first place and a total of 43 points on the day. 

Robert McCrory could not have been closer, just one point behind in second, while Andrew McCrory finished third with a score of 58. 

The Semi-Expert Class went to Mark Harris, with a serious score of 28, followed by Aaron Smyth (40 points) and Phillip Harris (51 points).

Stephen Pyper won the Clubman Class, with an exceptional score of 17, ahead of Ross Pyper on 34 points and Warren Hendy (47 points).

Gary Johnston was the winner of the Sportsman Class, gaining an outstanding seven points on the day.

Ian Cochrane was hot on his heels and on another day, his eight points could have been enough for victory.

Ollie Holland took third place with an equally stellar 11 points across the course. 

The Youth A Class went to Ben Allen, who finished up on 67 points, with Ollie Reid forced to retire in Youth B. 

Understandably, due to conditions, the youth classes were lacking competitors on this occasion and Ben and Ollie should be commended for getting on their bikes and facing the elements. 

An immense thank you goes to course team members John Heenan, Gareth Jones, Craig Allen, David Gault and Alan Young, as well as Barry McMillen and Russell Houston for all their help with the scoring system.

We also give thanks to land owners and observers, Che and Ellie McStay, Ken Clarke, Jimmy Dickey, Tim O’Neill, Mark Scott, Phil Allen, Mike Crothers, Ross and Sandi Kane, Stuart Reid and David Gault. 

The Temple Motorcycle and Athletic Club congratulate those who took part in the Terry Hill Trial and wish all the riders every success in the remaining rounds of the Irish Championship.