Out of the woods at Huntsham
But this year they have gone from strength to strength running
a series of local races - and a championship, focused generally
around the Mid to East Devon area in the UK, that have enthused
and inspired many to take up the sport and really enjoy their
weekends like never before.
ASW formed at the beginning of 2006 when Kevin Butt of K &
M Motorcycles in Cullompton, Devon, spotted that there was a
desperate local need for hare scramble type events, geared towards
novices, sportsman, beginners and youths.
A big line up all ready to go at ASW's
Twin Oaks meeting.
With this in mind a group of like minded people anxiously took
tentative steps towards running their first ever meeting in early
spring - which thankfully was a resounding success. The tremendous
feedback they received from across the entire field of riders
further encouraged them to put on a second event shortly
afterwards and then a whole new series was born!
The first ever race fielded an entry of 28 youths for the
morning bash, but throughout the season this has steadily climbed
to 40 at the last event and is looking even more promising for
next year.
Sportsmen at Cadeleigh
The event on the 22 October at Twin Oaks will be their last for
this season - as they all now desperately need a rest (the
organisers, not the riders!!!). But Kevin informs me that next
year they have a full series planned for both the Adults and Youth
classes, with a championship running at seven different venues and
aiming at a total of twelve events.
Kevin has a good team around him - some very experienced in
racing matters, such as Wayne Butt an ex International GP MX
rider, who was destined for stardom until a serious accident -
which nearly took his life, temporarily sidelined him from all
forms of bike riding.
Back row - left to right: Ian Andrea Shane Dan SimonRF Caroline Kev.
Front row - left to right: Tom SimonJ Nikki (& Honey) Kelly Wayne.
Alas I am told Daniel Butt is the real star of the team. Kevin
says; "Without him it would be a nightmare. Daniel is the boy
when it comes to sorting out all the legal paperwork and entry
forms".
Petrified about sorting out the scoring, ASW were very
fortunate to have on hand Simon and Caroline Rutley-Frayne of
Casimo Software, who promptly sat down and wrote a complete lap
scoring program especially suited to Hare & Hounds. This new
piece of software has been a real blessing and has proved itself
over and again. Delivering first class results and making it
possible to hand out the trophies within minutes of the race
ending.
Stream riders at Huntsham.
Kevin has even more a reason to ensure the future of ASW now
his own son Lennox has just started racing (Biker Comment: That'll
keep him poor!). So he will be especially concentrating on making
the youth series as good as possible. Ideally I am told, they
would like to run a separate class for the girls in the youth's
group - and they have some very promising young ladies riding too,
but unless a few more fair maidens take up the sport, that may not
be happening just yet.
New startup organisations often come in for a fair bit of flack
and sometimes it is easy to see why. But those that want to be in
it for the long term, learn fast and gradually fall into line. ASW
are keen for the sport to continue, especially as a lot of them
are riders also. So it is not in their interest for tracks to be
shut down due to noise, or excessive land erosion. They have taken
a lot on board this year and the events have got better and
better. I hope they keep keen and continue to make great strides.
Cadeleigh and Twin Oaks.
Kevin and his cohorts have striven hard to create a friendly
atmosphere and they have certainly given a large riding majority -
of mainly beginners and novices a great deal of fun and sport this
year. Some adult riders who have not entered say 2 hours is too
short, but most who just want an enjoyable day without crippling
themselves, say its just about right - and all they could possibly
do!
Well
done ASW and when you're done in October, roll on 2007.
Visit their new website at www.actionsouthwest.net
