Rocky Ridge Trials aka Sandy River Tryals at Sandy River Equestrian Center on August 11, 2024

We enjoyed great weather considering just how hot and wet it’s been the weeks preceding the event.  Section difficulty was appropriate for the classes which is not a surprise when you figure that Berndie and Rusty have been at this for a while. Just under 40-riders from Maryland, Florida and points in between, six states total, traveled to enjoy the Trialsmasters’ efforts.  Jim Ellis’ take on the 8 section, 3-loop day, “Lots of section variety and subtle challenges.”  Tim Cone remarked “Great event, great sections, great host, good to see all my CVOTC friends again!”  “…another super fun trial…” said Paul Fuelling.

Alex Koper completed his first Expert ride with a very respectable finish not too far back from a pack of seasoned Expert riders.

The “meteoric rise by the young Matt Simpson” handily winning the Advanced class.  “Can’t wait to see him progress to expert. I remember when he was a novice. Wasn’t that just like last year? Wow!” stated Leslie Matheson.  Martin Sturla seconded the thought saying “Great event, amazing ride by Matt.”

The Twin Shock class had a few more riders than usual; five riders including two new entries on some fine-looking Honda TL125s.  Unfortunately, one of those did a “crashed and burned” at least metaphorically speaking.  You can bet that Gary Heyer will sort his new bike and return with style and class winning potential.

All in all, another great day in the woods with our riding buddies.

Results:

EXPERT

Jeff Hensley 55

Casey Bollinger 60

David Webster 63

Alex Koper 88

ADVANCED

Matt Simpson 23

Tim Cone 32

Rob Kavanaugh 33

Paul Fuelling 39

Martin Sturla 61

Ed Romney 85

Joe Palrang DNF

SPORTSMAN

Bernd Koper 12

James Ellis 27

Shay Wilson 60

Leslie Matheson 63

John Hendricks DNF

Ash Harrison DNF

INTERMEDIATE

Brian Merritt 33

Scott Barber 40

Ken Gelbach 42

Richard Taylor 51

Tom Lewis DNF

INTERMEDIATE Twin Shock

Rick Schill 1

Mark Barnette 21

Scott Porter 28

Jim Ellis 42

Gary Heyer DNF

NOVICE

Charlie Benton 8

Nadine Petruccelli 37