The Talmag Trophy Trial (this year held on January 28) at Hungry Hill, Aldershot, is long-established as one of the premier events in the Pre-65 calendar. The regulations require bikes to appear as close as possible to those that might have appeared in competition either before the last war, or in the following two decades.
The sections are also reminiscent of times when obstacles were more natural and logical than some of the convoluted challenges found at other events.
With almost 200 entries this year and riders travelling from far afield, including Europe, the organising club has the formula right.
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The 15-section route was covered twice. Come the end, a few scoresheets remained unblemished. Not an uncommon situation at the Talmag, it adds an edge to the special test, for this is the arbiter in deciding the destination of the awards. It is also a chance to exercise the throttle on a lap of Hungry Hill tracks.
Class C, for bigger bikes with rear suspension, was the most popular category with 60 entries, but the final order of the top four riders was determined by the boldest efforts in the Special Test.
RESULTS
Class C, Over 300cc, with rear suspension: Roger Higgs (Ariel HT5) 0 marks lost
Class D, Girder fork machines: Kieran Abraham (500cc Levis) 5 marks lost
Class E, Clubman Class (no award): Gary Higgs (350cc AJS)
Class F, Over 65s: John Eckhart (Triumph Trophy) 4 marks lostClass G, Sidecars: Bernie Chambers/Charlie Chambers (Rickman/Ariel) 9 marks lost
Words: Alan Turner Photographs: Ray Dickinson
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