Belgium Spa
Great Britain Rockshocks
As the lockdown restrictions began to ease, it was time for a new form of reality to push through. Trials competitions had restarted, and it was time to visit the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps race circuit in the Ardennes region of Belgium to participate in the Bikers Classic Trial. Unfortunately, in Belgium, the situation has been particularly serious, and it wasn’t until the final authorisations were received at the very last minute that the Bikers Classic weekend was allowed to go ahead, although this would be without the general public attending. It was particularly sad as 2021 is also the 100th anniversary of the legendary circuit. The event is organised by DG Sport, who engaged Fred Mohring of the legendary Lejeune family to create a testing event. The course itself was two laps of 14 sections laid out around the infield and outer track, with all the familiar challenges we had been so missing; rocks, roots, mud, ruts, climbs and descents awaited our pleasure.
DAY ONE
Saturday’s weather was a mixture of sunshine and clouds, but, happily, rain was not in the forecast. The sections were challenging but safe. The early dismal weather ensured the land was in absolutely prime condition for a trial where a gentle throttle hand and the ability to find grip would be at a premium.
The inter-section routes are quite long and, with a small entry of around 80 riders, ensured that queues at sections were almost non-existent. A couple of laps may not seem very much, but the sections deteriorated quite rapidly as tree roots became exposed and mud was dragged onto the rocks. This meant a thorough second inspection was required, and, in many cases, a different line was a better option. All in all, it took around 5½ hours to complete the day.
Some of the sections were located next to the circuit itself, where you could watch a large and varied collection of classic race motorcycles howl around the circuit in the background. These ranged from big Japanese racers from the early 2000s back through time to the screaming two-stroke TZ Yamahas, to the ’70s Rob North Trident – my absolute favourite sound – to even early racers such as the 7R and Manx Nortons. Something special indeed!
By the end of the day, a few of my less-used muscles in my legs were ready for a rest as they saw plenty of dabbing action, and it was time for a well-earned beer before heading home for the night.
DAY TWO
For Sunday, the weather forecast was less promising, with heavy rain threatening in the afternoon. So it was time to get a move on as the sections definitely did not need more rain. Fred informed us that there were four completely new sections, and half a dozen others had been modified to take the expected weather into account. He also announced that there would be a one-hour break for lunch, and there was a special event foreseen for all who returned to the start, but more of that later.
The modified sections were actually easier versions of Saturday’s, and it was obvious from the scores that a few had struggled, so it was a pleasant surprise. The new sections were replacements for the sections where exposed roots had become a problem. They had already been marked out prior to the event, so, as you can see, an experienced clerk of the course really understands how sections evolve. The new sections were a varied bunch with swoops up and down bankings, and for sections 13 and 14, a good old-fashioned double-sub straight up a slippery mud slot with a couple of steps for good measure. It was here on the first lap that I watched someone on a Montesa-Honda 200 glide up the slot using very few revs, climbing so slowly up a step that I swear with a couple of rpm less, he would have stalled it. Total mastery from a rider, who was none other than three times FIM World Champion Eddy Lejeune, who was not competing but using a borrowed machine to give a mobile masterclass to us all. As I finished my first lap at around 11.45am, it was time to refuel both rider and machine and exchange punch cards.
RACE TRACK TIME
Back at the start, the surprise was revealed. As part of the overall organisation of the event, DG Sports offered the opportunity for riders to do one lap of the entire F1 circuit during the lunch break. As a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was certainly up for it. We crossed to the paddock and were led through the garages onto the pit lane, which ends just after the La Source hairpin. I have to say the road racers looked a little concerned that the muddy trials machines were going to shed all around the track!
The first experience was dropping down to Eau Rouge and up through Raidillon before the endless climb of the Kemmel straight. It was a nerve-racking experience of opening a lean-tuned trials machine up such a climb as I most certainly did not want a seizure! Happily, our speed was kept in check by a pace car. Riding the circuit allows you to feel the steepness of the climbs and how it feels to go through the two left-handers of Double Gauche all the way down to Blanchimont.
All too soon, I guess ten to fifteen minutes or so, and we were back at the La Source hairpin, where due to my increased confidence, I braked later than the F1 boys! Okay, I could have got round flat out, I am sure. We were back in the pits, and one of my most surreal experiences on a trials motorcycle was over — at least until the next time, I hope.
LAST LAP
While out on the circuit, you could see more ominous clouds banking up in the distance, and the morning’s gentle breeze had stiffened considerably. Everything was going well, and my scores were finally improving until about four sections from home when the heavens opened in one of those biblical downpour moments, and the temperature fell. No time to hang about, it was a relief to get to the final subs when instantaneously the rain stopped, and the sun started to peek through again! Water was not quite cascading down the gulley, but it reminded me of sections from my youth riding a Yamaha TY175, as I was that day, in South Yorkshire. There was only one thing left to do, and that was sign off with a double clean – not stylish, I grant you, but mission accomplished.
The overall expert winner, riding a Seeley Honda, was multi-time Belgium and USA champion Fred Crossett who only dropped 20 marks on the hard course, which was a fine achievement.
Another stand-out ride was from my riding partner Michael Andersen, who was riding a Moto SWM supplied 280 model for the first time, and he won the Twin-shocks National class. So, if restrictions allow, make sure you come to the event next year as everyone was missing the British contingent!