Results for Fifth Annual Rust Bucket
Fifth Annual Rust Bucket Vintage Trial
By Jim Ellis
The distinctly unconventional Rust Bucket Vintage Trial held at Whale Rock in Bunn on October 9th drew a select crowd. Not many braved the brisk morning for 11 brand new and 3 re-worked Sections. As usual all the entry fees benefited the U.S. Trials des Nations Team held this year in Monza, Italy.
The excitement and congestion of “multiple riders simultaneously” made ordinary Trials seem slow and tame. By riding together as one large group we could watch all our competitors. “Triple riding” each Section was another time saver and helped us improve while the line was fresh in our minds. Stopping to avoid a collision and encountering a stalled rider were both solved by “pausing without penalty”. It was so hectic that we carried our own score card and ignored our tracks.
Nearly constant turns, dips, and cambers made the route busy and active. All rode the same Numbered Gates since there were no Class distinctions. Section #1 included a narrow creek with a sandy uphill turn to the exit that trapped several riders including organizer Jim Ellis. Leslie Matheson on a borrowed TL125 from Kenny Gwyn made that same turn look easy. David Webster showed how to leap off banks on a borrowed Honda Reflex.
John French with a smooth idling Triumph Cub meandered clutch-less around most corners. He had a gorgeous Ossa MAR for sale. Rick Schill on another beautiful MAR patiently watched everyone in his search for the most satisfactory line. Kenny Gwyn on a stunning TY250 Yamaha previously owned by Greg Hales and John Hendricks rode consistently well. Joe Palrang’s red framed and white tanked TL125 Honda looked fine and maneuvered well with his guidance.
Bryan Smith gamely tried the ‘A’ Line with determination on first his blue TY250 Yamaha and then the yellow one. Fortunately the ribbons were flat on the ground, thus unaffected by his missed turns. His Yellow TY250 is for sale. Alan Hensley piloted his Fantic with enthusiasm and skill to handily show the way with an impressive 10 point score! Ash Harrison on his modern “taxi” was our serious spectator capturing the Rust Bucket’s hectic flavor in numerous videos already posted. Cody Johnston and Leslie also took great photos.
The event was 4 months in the making, including clearing an entirely new area for Sections 8 - 14. Frank Wolff helped with the clearing while Ellis Daw donated chainsaw time. The names of sixteen National Parks and Monuments which Ellis and his wife Renee visited this summer were posted throughout Section #10. Thanks to all who attended!!
SECTIONS
1. Lower Creek
2. Middle Creek
3. Upper Creek
4. Northwest Gully
5. Pogo Stick
6. Bobsled
7. Dry Wash
8. Sand Traps
9. Grandpa & Grandma
10. Ellis Daw’s Western Excursion
11. Long Oak Log
12. Mound B4 Log
13. Heron Mounds
14. Heron Point
RIDERS, MACHINES, and SCORES
1. Alan Hensley Fantic 10
2. Kenny Gwyn TY250 Yamaha 19
3. Joe Palrang TL125 Honda 20
4. Rick Schill Ossa MAR 29
5. John French Triumph Cub 45
6. Jim Ellis Honda Reflex 52
7. Bryan Smith TY250 Yamaha 197
– Leslie Matheson TL125 Honda DNF
– David Webster Honda Reflex EXH