Cowden was this Sunday's venue for what normally is one hell of a fantastic trial.

That was until it absolutely tipped it down and had the clerk of the course and the rest of the Ely clan running around like headless chickens trying to ease off all the sections.

When arriving the first obstacle was getting the van in the car park, everyone was having to take a run up from 2 miles down the lane then sharp right up the bank and through the gate at breakneck speed, foot to the floor all the way and dump it were you stopped. Made it no probs but! Garys mont did take a tumble in the back of the sprinter. Never mind it`s only a mont.

I was hoping to get a ride so I did take my bike along but when I heard Dave Plumbs Gas Gas had given up the ghost before the start I offered the bike to him so he could get a ride as I was more interested in getting some photo's and knowing it was gonna piss down that day I wasn't to keen to ride.

Yep I was right, come 12 it started to pour and it didn't show any signs of stopping which played complete havoc with the sections and taking photo's. section 2 especially with all routes strugerling and falling flat on there faces over the extremely slippery logs, as you can see by the photo's.

Andy Ely was trying his best to keep back the second lap whilst trying to ease off the sections, I don't think he had much luck as most had already past him. Bit stupid on there part as they rode most of the sections on the hardest route before they got eased off, so it pays to be a bit more patient!

The rain kept on falling and so did the entry of 80 or more riders which did make some good photo opportunities and that included Dave on my scorpa, throwing it up one of the sections, Dave out of control tumberling back down in the mud.

And to top it all no one could get out of the car park, we managed to get dragged out by the tractor at about 3.30pm and got home about 4.30 only to be phoned by Lou to say he was still stuck in the field along with Steve and Stuart who were stuck also in there useless 4+4 Land Rover.

Just to let you know,One lap had to be scrubbed so only 2 laps count and not three.

Thanks goes to Wickham for all there hard work in laying out a most excellent trial, shame the rain spoiled it and to Andy for running around from start to finish helping everyone out.

Biggest thanks goes to the young lad in the tractor who without his help we would all still be there now,,, cheers

fleety