ATA 2007 Series #2. 06-24-2007
Most of the thirteen sanity-challenged, sunseeking riders travelled over 4 hours, and an extra two on the way home, making this one of the longer distance Ontario events, which together with the mid-summer type forecast perhaps explained the smaller than usual turnout. Clerk of the course Dave Butler obviously had the upcoming Nationals in mind with four (4) loops of 10 sections, but made allowances for the 35 degree heat, fortunately tempered by overcast skies and a brief shower.
The sandpaper covered rocks (except for #2 and #8!) had a self-steering foreign feel to them compared to the usual Southern Ontario fare of multiple log crossing sections, so it wasn't long before the amazing traction had arms pumping as riders fought to overcome the wheelie-inducing steps and climbs.
The usual rivalries continued in the ultra competitive Senior 35 class, with former Canadian Champ Trevor Howarth getting the nod by virtue of his no-nonsense approach to wrestling with the rocks, while Norm Jewett assured a ride home by complaining of an off day taking third, two points behind John Purse in 2nd.
Not quite so familiar with his fathers 'Slamdown' technique, Trev's son Travis on his first trip to the big Nickel picked up almost twice as many points, finishing 2nd in the Intermediate class to the recently returned Jim Olar.
Meanwhile Steve Mumford continued his domination of the well attended Senior 45 class, no doubt spurred on by three generations of Mumford supporters in attendance. Then again if he had only ridden a 'fourth' loop like one or two of the other 'old fa...' - gentlemen riders, he might have run out of aluminum to leave behind on the rocks.
Thanks to Dave for all his efforts in setting up another challenging event, and to Rick and Leo for their help.
Next event: 2007 National Series Round 1&2 at Parry Sound on Sat July 7th, and Sun July 8th.
Intermediate 1st 397 Jim Olar GasGas 75 2nd 61 Travis Howarth GasGas 81 3rd 89 Micheal Regan Beta 86 Senior 35 1st 122 Trevor H. GasGas 43 2nd 11 John Purse Sherco 49 3rd 40 Norm Jewett Montesa 51 4th 116 Bob Olar Scorpa 58 Senior 1st 13 Steve Mumford Scorpa 24 2nd 45 Dan Farago Montesa 40 3rd 10 Paul Howarth Sherco 50 4th 27 Neil Carter Sherco 52 5th 51 Dave Southam Montesa 78 6th 58 Dave Butler Beta 85
Acknowledgements:
Generous Mine Manager: Bryan Maynard of Creighton Mines Inc.
Clerk of the course: Dave Butler
Section setup: Dave Butler, Rick Deschamps, and Leo Lamframboise
Awards: Chas Abel Photo
