The Olchan - Sep 2006
Report by Ben Falconer.
The annual Olchan re-union featured some tough but classic sections on Sunday, September 10.
Old "favourites" foxed most of the seven-strong entry, thanks to a combination of unyielding geology (big rocks) and fiendish section setting. After the pleasant pub lunch break at The Bridge Inn, Michaelchurch, the route featured other more rewarding (easier) sections, which offered the chance to show off a bit – and fall off a bit more in the shadow of the Black Mountain.
For the record, the West Glos club took a clean sweep of awards - Dave Harris took his Pampera to best 250, Julian Bishop's Ariel got best 350 on 27 marks lost and Ben Falconer took the premier on 20. It's fair to say Julian would have been battling for top spot had his British iron not spat the chain twice. He did however attempt to disable Ben before the event by asking him to lift the Ariel, which nearly gave him a hernia.
The event was more social than serious, emphasised by the fact that an "interloper" on a 1978 Yamaha 175 who rode beautifully well to drop just 12 was excluded because the event is only open to trailbikes and pre-65s!
Colin Jones arrived at the event in traditional style, ie, by bike and used the sections as a warm up for this weekend's Fred Rist. Stan Howitt completed the five-strong Forest representation.
Julian joined fellow competitor Rob "RT" Taylor for marking out with Trevor Hunt, daughter Sue, and Roy Savery on the Saturday, while they were joined by Claire Bishop and Tony Falconer on the Sunday to carry out official duties.
Many thanks to TH and the team. See you there next year.