VSCC Lakeland Trial

[gary396]

I know some of the historic community like to see the occasional post about VSCC Trials so here's one! Last Saturday they held the annual Lakeland Trial in (yes, you guessed it) the Lake District .

Although some of the hills were in forest sections these were restricted in terms of viewing access by the Forestry Commission and the only spectator viewing is at the Drumhouse Hill section held at Honister Slate Mine. To be honest it's probably the most scenic section so I normally go there anyway.

This year the weather was surprisingly good if cold. A few days before it had been forecast for heavy rain showers and strong northerly winds. In the event, as I arrived just after sunrise the sun came out and it was a glorious sunny morning with just a light breeze, turning cloudy and overcast in the afternoon.

There were joint overall winners - Peter Kite in a 1921 GN Sports and Edward Williams in a 1930 Austin 7 Ulster.

Good fun, great event.

Few batches of photos follow. The first three photos were at sign-on at the Mine (you can see the hill in the background in a couple and yes it is as steep as it looks). Then one of a couple of cars approaching the Mine driving up Honister Pass.

[gary396]

Second set of photos. One of them shows the cars coming back down the hill in a group - after crossing the finish at the top they collect a batch up there and let them down in one go (some have to be helped down with a Landrover behind them with a tow rope helping them if the brakes aren't up to it. All passengers out for the descent as well - that's why only the drivers are on board going down).

[gary396]

Last set:

[Mike Bell]

Wonderful, as ever Gary! Thanks for sharing.

[grantp]

Great stuff Gary.

Especially scenic location of course but you have more than made the most of it IMO. In fact better than that.

Now, next year could you do the same for Silverstone at some point?

[Lancsbreaker]

Pity it was same weekend as Rally of the Tests and the Roger Albert......would have liked to have a look at it but was out on RotT marshalling.

[brands]

Very nice shooting Gary, love the shot of #131 making it to the top

[gary396]

Thanks all. It's a good event to photograph.

Pity it overlapped with the other events. I was trying to get across to the Rally of the Tests as well by having an overnight stay in the Lakes but in the end circumstances prevented it.

Brands - I always wait for someone to do that, normally a few do - makes a 'good fun' shot which the club like to use in their publicity material.

[bauble]

Originally Posted by grantp

Great stuff Gary.

Especially scenic location of course but you have more than made the most of it IMO. In fact better than that.

Now, next year could you do the same for Silverstone at some point?

".... miracles take a little longer."

As they say.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by bauble

".... miracles take a little longer."

As they say.

Quite. Unless they moved Sillystone to the Lake District.....

[grantp]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Quite. Unless they moved Sillystone to the Lake District.....

And then some .....

[coppice]

Probably the most charming event , with the friendliest people in the most stunning location I have been all year . Actually , change 'probably' to 'definitely'.

And the VSCC's laid back , laissez faire approach was in such massive contrast to the Rally of Yorkshire , which involved my spending fifteen quid to be kettled in an enclosure like a G20 protestor- to watch rally cars go by at speeds of up to 40mph .

[Mike Bell]

Fittingly- especially after that last comment, VSCC won 'Club of the Year' at the annual Octane awards last night..... http://www.classicandperformancecar....ners-announced