As part of the now popular 'Isle of Wight Two Day Trial', the very first indoor arena trial was held on the island at 'Brickfields Equestrian Centre', Binsted on Saturday evening 24th April 2004 organised by the IOW motorcycle club.

The event was held to raise money for the local 'Earl Mountbatten Hospice' and to raise awareness of the sport on the island.

The rider line up consisted of the top six expert riders from Saturday's trial and two additional riders from the island invited by the organisers.

The arena trial consisted of eight man-made sections and a long jump. The long jump being similar in format to a graded hill. A series of markers were placed in the landing area and each was given a points allocation. Not reaching the first marker gained the rider five marks and then after the first marker gained a three, down in one-point increments to a clean.

Andy Blackman riding his 'Gas Gas TXT 280 Pro' was to place third at the conclusion after a strong start. He showed consistency on the first of the two laps, completing sections with low scores and 'cleaning' sections not cleaned before.

Local boy from Shanklin Mr Jack Ayres, also on a Gas Gas, was to steal the show when he roused the crowd with his flair and talent. His technical ability coupled with the crowd's enthusiasm and encouragement got him over the array of obstacles with a very competitive score. His showmanship was to turn the crowd's attitude around after an indifferent reaction to the action previous to his. He was to finish in second position at the end of the night, winning him a thirty-pound prize and his photo on MotorbikeTrials.Com. He was also a strong contender for a high placing in the two-day event.

While not so willing to play to the crowd, Lee Haydon another local isle of wight rider, undoubted skill in this field won him the event on the evening. Showing great determination, it was as if his feet were attached to the footrests as he attacked the tree trunks, skips and cars placed as obstacles within the arena.

A great show from all eight riders and we take our hats off to you, being able to ride this event after an exhausting five-hour ride at the 'Knighton Sand Pit' on day one of the trial.

Great thanks to 'Brickfields Equestrian Centre' for allowing the use of their arena free of charge. The total sum raised for charity was £640 through donations from entrance fees and local businesses.

Results:

Positions after 1st round 1st Andy Blackman 2nd Wayne Holdsworth 3rd Jack Ayres 4th Lee Haydon 5th Kevin Nolan 6th Phil Whiffen 7th Matt Borham 8th Chris Lewis

Top 4 go through to second round

Final results ·

1st Lee Haydon - 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 3 = 7 · 2nd Jack Ayres 2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 = 10….. most cleans · 3rd Andy Blackman 1 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 3 = 10

4th Wayne Holdsworth 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 3 = 11

fleety&Ed