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Max & Sam Hutchesson
Rider 152 Clubman class
Written by Sam – Passenger.
This years 24 was a long time coming for us with many years
spectating and camping we were more than keen to get on the
track and have a go. With P plates done just weeks prior to the
event we entered with no experience under our belts apart from
plenty of practice and advice from Dad, who rode 6 trials during
the 80’s and early 90’s finishing 3. The mighty XR outfit was
prepared to our ability and we hoped to bring it home in our
first ride.
Just before the start of the Trial
Saturday morning seemed like the start of a wet and windy weekends ride, with waterproof gear and plenty of layers on, we were wrong when we got to the Eudunda mark and we were drenched in sweat. The first lap was a blast with no problems at all. The course had its fair share of tough sections but nothing too hard to get through. Paddock 2 with its rough creek and steep climb in deep bulldust was hard going along with the creek in section 15 (levis), which was very tight for a sidecar but manageable. All the Clubman competitors beside us went the wrong way in the second paddock due to a slightly confusing diversion sign. We virtually stopped and studied the sign, which got us on the right path, but unfortunately the other competitors were docked 100 pts for it.
Day 2
The start of the second lap saw us a bit tired but keen to go after a good meal at main. Once we were on the course we got going again and hooked through the lap with no dramas once again apart from the fatigue hitting us towards the end so arriving at main was a big relief and a huge achievement on its own. We both were stoked to get to the half way mark.
Day 2 - Last Lap
The start of Lap 3, and Max was looking very second hand with his eyes hanging out of his head. Support from Dad with his main words being ‘Just keep goin’ we started the lap and pushed on. It came particularly hard for myself but Max came across a heap of motivation just at the right time that kept pushing me on till we got to main. The fact we had a cheer squad following us through the whole trial was a great motivation, thanks to all our family and mates who supported us throughout the night.
Lap 4 was not as great as we wanted it to be mentally, but we kept pushing with the knowledge that it was the last time we had to ride through it. We missed a course marker on the 3rd to last transport. (Control 20 –21) and lost about 20 minutes in the process but got back on track, luckily! And pushed on. The last transport was a godsend and entering main control for a finish in our first ever road trial was an incredible feeling.
Coming into Main Control for the last time
Thanks
to all of our supporters who made an unbelievable effort to
catch up with us constantly through out the trial. Dad, Eric,
Mum, Jeff, Margie and Gordon and kids, Lushy and Glynis, Flash,
Angela, Paige, Elise, Wayno, Solly, Alex and John who followed
us all night giving us support.