NORTH KENT TRIALS COMBINE MEETING HELD 15th February 2007.
Clubs Present: Sidcup, Bexleyheath, Erith, Double Five, Owls, Kent Youth, Gravesend, Kent & Sussex. (8 clubs with 12 members present)
Chair: Dick Dickenson
Apologies for absence: Colin Mote, Les Matton.
Minutes of Last Meeting: Ok
Matters Arising: None
Feb 11th Trial Gravesend round 1: Stewards report read out stating, 4 non-starters of which only 3 had informed the secretary, 5 late entries and the course was 3 laps of 13 sections. The sections were all manned on time and it was a good muddy trial. One complaint re barbed wire at sec 9 but could not understand it as the riders were not going downhill towards it only alongside it at a gentle pace, then turning away from it. Well done Bryn & Les.
Comment from those present;
The observer at that section stated that several riders had their back wheel slide under this fence and he had to install a long log to prevent this.
It was a good and well laid out trial for the conditions.
The results from the rider survey agreed the trial was just right and well done to the Gravesend club. Two commented on the barbed wire although they stated that it did not worry them personally. (22% of riders completed the online survey).
Next months trial may also have barbed wire near expert sections, advise them to cover it. (in subsequent conversation received assurance that sections not near the wire)
Mar 11th Trial Wickham round 2: All ok and regs are the TSM, classes run will be as stated on nktc.org.uk website and Gravesend are to provide the Steward. A copy of last years Stewards report will be provided to the club. Observers are needed by the club.
Apr 8th Trial Kent Youth round 3: All ok and at Whitepost Farm, Wickham to provide the Steward.
Recommendations From Clubs:
1. A request for reparation arising from exiting the parking area at last months Team Trial. As this would set a precedent for the combine, each club was asked to state their recommendation. All ten clubs had responded to the meeting and the vote was 9 to 1 against paying any compensation. The meeting was also advised that the landowner had now sold the land where we had parked.
2. Discussed the names put forward by the clubs and voted for Chris Horn as the most improved rider in 2006.
3. From the names put forward Gordon Davis was voted to receive the Observer award.
Any other business: The SE Centre Trials Combine AGM is on Thursday 22nd February at Blindley Heath starting at 7.30pm.
The practice of putting a cross onto the riders number can confuse the numbers 6 & 8 and give observers a problem as can the practice of using thin/feint biro to identify a riders number and route. This is not really a problem at our combine (clarified our ruling on this) but it seems to be at SE Centre level trials. This could be brought up at next weeks AGM.
Comment had been received about competitors not advising Secretaries when non-starting. One rider in particular has done several in a row thereby losing his trial entry fee each time. Will hear more about this next month after contact.
No further business meeting closed 21.44pm
Agenda for the next meeting on March 15th 2007. 8.30pm start
1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes of Last Meeting
3. Matters Arising
4. Mar 11th Trial Wickham round 2
5. Apr 8th Trial Kent Youth round 3
6. May 13th Trial Owls round 4
7. Information from SE Centre Trials combine AGM
8. Changes to 2007 Handbook
9. Any other business
Date of next meeting April 12th 8.30pm