Bunn April 2023
Three Stooges Trial aka Loose Guns Trial
Results:
EXPERT
David Webster 8
Jeff Hensley 22
ADVANCED
Joe Palrang 21
Josh Hendricks 31
Paul Fuelling 34
Alan Hensley 56
Mike Mazak 62
Ed Romney 91
SPORTSMAN
John French 18
Keith Bell 20
Leslie Matheson 37 (14-cleans)
Berndie Lunsford 37 (10-cleans)
Bryce Lunsford 41
VINTAGE SPORTSMAN
Rick Schill 19
INTERMEDIATE
Mariusz Stanczyk 5
Matt Simpson 6
Ash Harrison 11
Christian Baer 12
Brian Merritt 13
Kevin Hobbs 14
Rusty Lacy 21
Daniel Hughes 34
David Snapp 37
Todd Kavlock 48
VINTAGE INTERMEDIATE
Jim Ellis 2
Scott Porter 19
Michael Friesen 37
NOVICE
Kim Fuelling 9
Aria Fitzpatrick 56
Will Salter DNF
EXHIBITION
Gary Hoover
Randy Herndon
Mark Simpson
John Hendricks
Trialsmasters Kevin Bobal and Martin Sturla provided a wonderful day of Observed Trials for the CVOTC April 2023 event. It is interesting that although we’ve held many events at the legendary Whale Rock Trials venue over the years, when given the opportunity for a change in Trialsmaster, the event can feel very different. It helps when the also legendary, land owner Jim Ellis cuts hundreds of yards of new loop through majestic Loblolly Pine plantation. This year the event was also dubbed the “Loose Guns Trial” following discovery of a hand gun laying in one of the creeks when the sections were being constructed!
Thunderstorms had drenched the venue the day before the event making conditions early in the morning challengingly slippery, but many areas improved as the slippery gave way to good, predictable traction.
The loop consisted of eight sections to be ridden three times. Section 1, in the “bowl” area was a steep, tight, twisting section with an off-camber exit that picked up many points during the day. Sections 2 and 3 in and around the Whale Rock / creek area provided water, sand, mud, log and rock challenges. That’s a lot of diversity of terrain in a small area. Sections 4, 5 & 6 to the west of Whale Rock ran in and out of a tributary creek and featured steep banks, and more water, sand and mud. Sections 7 & 8 were classic Bunn log, roots and tight turn challenges.
As temperatures warmed into the low 70s the competition amongst riders heated up too, particularly in Intermediate, Sportsman and Advanced classes.
A few class winners had scores in the single digits however P2 and beyond had scores drifted into the teens, 20s and beyond. The only exception was Matt Simpson with a 6-point day; just 1-point off the lead. This is Matt’s first full year as an Intermediate rider, keep an eye on Matt as his riding career continues to develop.
Many folks stayed after the event and waited past the normal trophy presentation timeline so that the Advanced riders could finish their day; there's got to be a good story or two there. Riders, friends and family enjoyed some tasty treats while sharing stories about their day and catching up with old friends. Smiles and laughter were all about.
Overall a fun and challenging event for competitors, smiling faces and muddy bikes normally signifies trials rider satisfaction! The Three Stooges making Observed Trials great again.
