Hanlon proves elite on Croob

Hanlon proves elite on Croob

18 October 2023

COMPETITORS turned out in their droves to compete in the second round of the AGA Ulster Motorcycle Trials Championship on Slieve Croob, Dromara.

An unseasonably mild breeze swept in from every direction for the Marcus Blain Trial and brought with it riders in great numbers.

The organisers, Temple Motorcycle & Athletic Club, could not have been happier to see the convoy of vans that lined the ascent to Slieve Croob filled with riders and bikes, family and friends armed with flasks of coffee and sandwiches — fuel and fodder for a fantastic day of trials bike riding. 

They arrived from every corner of Ireland, the young and the old, boys, girls, men and women each with the same objective in mind — to tame the mighty Slieve Croob. More than 100 riders took to the hill fearless and determined to leave their mark without putting a foot out of place. 

To feel passionately enough about a sport to be able, whatever the weather, to throw back the covers in the dead of night, load up the van and get on the road before dawn is to know the life of a trials rider.

Those familiar with Slieve Croob will know that it’s a one-way path to the top where riders, on this occasion, were met with a warm welcoming wind urging them on into meandering rock-filled riverbeds peppered with markers and flags. Coupled with a back of luscious green countryside, there are few places a trials rider would rather spend their Saturday morning. 

The bond between rider and their motorbike is a fine balance of confidence, trust and respect. It is a glory to behold the mastery and skill as riders tame their steeds and manipulate powerful engines with precision and grace.

The element of timing and tuning involved is remarkable as they find equilibrium between acceleration and braking leaving us hanging on their every turn. The experience of rock-hopping through muck and mud, over boulders and bumps demonstrates commitment and incredible ability.

Spectators at Slieve Croob enjoyed a display of our finest trials riders, young and old, at their very best. 

Banbridge’s Josh Hanlon proved himself worthy of his Team Ireland position as he made a molehill out of the mountain with his impressive overall score. He lost only four marks over four laps of 10 sections, earning first place in the OHA Motorsport Elite-plus class.

Team Ireland teammate Stuart McClurg proved to be another extremely skilled rider and worthy contender on the day, taking second place with a score of 22. Jonathan Lunney joined them to complete the top three in this round. 

The SJ Trials expert class saw Andrew McCrory beat Robert McCrory with a score of 17 marks to Robert’s 38, with Matthew Millar a close third on 41 marks.

The Inchaquire Industries semi-expert class was won by John Robb, who finished up scoring 45 marks, just three marks ahead of Russell Houston in second and 15 ahead of third-placed Stanley Callaghan.

The Clubman class sponsored by Leadmines Motorcycles was won by Desy Leckey with a score of 28 marks. Stephen Murphy took second place on 32 with John McAndrew a close thirdrd on 35.

The HTM Motorcycles Sportsman Class was won by George Robinson with 16 marks. David Lemon was second with 17 and Ian McMahon took third place with a score of 21. 

The youth classes sponsored by OHA Motorsport and John Hagan Concrete were won by Mason Crawford, Kyle Hewitt, Ollie Gilmore, Zac Lockhart and James McMahon. 

The Temple Motorcycle Club extend their gratitude to all the local businesses who have supported and sponsored the AGA Ulster championship this year and would like to thank everyone who participated in the Slieve Croob event.

Special thanks are extended to the landowner, Desmond Herron, and family. Also John Heenan, the main course bullworker, with assistance from David Gault and Eddie Henderson. Also Craig and Ben Allen for work on the youth course. Thanks also to the observers — Walter Price, Steven Cromie, John Heenan, James Chambers, Gareth Jones, Craig Allen, Andrew Guthrie, Sandi Kane and Eddie Henderson.