Trial Announcement – ‘Return to trials trial’ 5th July – EKTC Members only – Hawkhurst- Pre-entry only, closing 30/6 – Only a few spaces left. (nb -Full updated starting instructions will be posted here by the 2nd of July)

The club is aiming to run a trial on Sunday the 5th of July at 1030am that is restricted to members of the Tenterden & District MCC and the other East Kent Combine Trials clubs at Rakins Wood, Gills Green, Hawkhurst. This trial will replace the original Man of Kent Open Centre Trial scheduled for this date. This trial will be run as per the ACU restart of motorsport guidance and in line with Covid 19 advice issued by the UK Government with the aim of safely and responsibly restarting participation in trials in our area.

The guidelines/restrictions mean that this trial is restricted to a maximum number of 40 pre-registered and pre- paid riders who are members of East Kent Trials Combine Clubs, full details below. Entry is on a first come, first serve basis with completed entry and payment, priority will be given if necessary to Tenterden members.

The trial will be open to adult classes only (Government restriction stipulates 16 years of age and above). 

The entry is restricted to East Kent Trials Combine riders resident within 40 miles of the club HQ. This will be indicated from the address given on the ACU Licence/Registration system. (Please note:  The East Kent Trials Combine Clubs EKTC, in 2020 are Tenterden, Ashford, Folkestone, Sittingbourne & Barham).

Only one rider is permitted to attend in a vehicle unless accompanied by another adult rider from the same household. Social distancing to be exercised at ALL times.

No SpectatorsUntil otherwise notified, no spectators should be permitted to an ACU permitted Trials event.  Entry to the venue to be restricted to a competitor and his vehicle.

Entries to be received by the 30th of June via completion of the entry form below, this must be photographed,  or scanned and sent to the secretary,  the rider entry will be confirmed by return,  pre-payment must then be made via BACS/Paypal (details sent on confirmation of entry) to allow your riding number to be issued. Closing date 30th June – Absolutely no entries on the day, anybody arriving on the day will be refused entry to the venue.

Entry Fees: £15 pre-entry only.

Signing On : Riders will enter via the entry form electronically via email or photo and receive their riding number on payment of the entry fee no later than the Friday prior to the event. Riders are to pre-prepare a card/number plate with their number to be shown on the front of their bike. This card is to be held up to the Secretary who in a vehicle/behind screen will tick off against the rider check-list to confirm attendance. No one day licences to be issued. ACU Licence/Registration system will be active before events as normal. 

Signage: Signage will be in place to emphasise the need for social distancing at all times. Road signage will be minimal as it is recommended to discourage onlookers/spectator attendance.

Parking : Vehicles must be parked with a minimum 3m width space left vacant at each side. ie. three metres apart from any other vehicle. Riders will be reminded / advised of social distance requirement when entering the venue and at socially distanced signing on/check in. Please have your riding number visible in your vehicle as you arrive at the venue. Please arrive in plenty of time as the gate will be closed prior to the start to discourage spectators etc. 

Start instructions : tbc

Observation : Will be via self observation/group of 3 observing with riders keeping their own/or another riders score on their own card they have brought with them or on their phones. Group Observing: Groups of riders can travel the Course – respecting social distance at all times and especially when parking machines and walking sections. This will be in a maximum of 3 in a group. The club defines the method by which their riders can observe the others in group as one: One person can be designated the task of the other riders score and recording it on his own paper or phone. Only this person is to use that equipment. Scores on completion of the trial will be told or text to the secretary to collate ‘results’ – details will be available at the start/finish area. When that rider attempts the section, others observe and verbally indicate the score he must record. It is likely at most times there will be a consensus from riders in the group as to other scores. If group observing is used, no observing group must enter the section until any previous group has departed. 

Inspecting section – Only three riders allowed in section at any time to inspect it. If possible, a one way route will be established to walk the section but always social distancing to be strictly adhered to by riders passing other riders in section. 

Parking at sections – On arrival at a section all riders must observe social distancing and MUST not park or queue within two metres of another rider. 

Each section will have an Expert (A), Intermediate (B), Novice (C). All sections will be straight forward with natural gullies, tree roots and banks. All riders should only attempt to ride well within their own capabilities.

Visit & Attempt at Sections Walking sections: No more than 3 riders walking/examining a section at any time. No rider to enter a section until they assess the above number will not be contravened. Riders on foot are encouraged not to linger in a section and in all cases MUST only pass a rider if social distancing can be observed. 

Good practice: Riders could examine hazards on way up/through a section but return via a separate route if possible ie. “One Way ” walking system. 

Only small groups of riders – maximum of 3 – to arrive at a particular section at once. Groups MUST travel to the sections and attempt them in order, with a one way system in place. If riders/group arrive before the previous group has left – that group must remain seated on machines a safe distance away and only proceed when the group in front has all left. 

First aid kit and PPE set will be located at every section/start.

RIDERS NOT OBEYING SOCIAL DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS IN ALL CASES WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED AND MAY FACE FURTHER ACU DISCIPLINARY ACTION WITH SUSPENSION RECOMMENDED.

Number of Officials. As per ACU, the number of Officials will be kept to a minimum. Until notified otherwise, Officials will be restricted to: Clerk of the Course (also acts as Starter), Secretary – instructions / advice at start. Starter – only needed for first lap. One or two travelling marshals depending on venue.

If you have symptoms of COVID 19, or have been in contact with anybody who has in the last 14 days, please do not enter or attend this event.

Clerk of the Course will strictly impose these requirements. Non compliance will result in being asked to leave the event.

Should the Government or the ACU governing body advice change then the event will obviously be reviewed, with updates provided here and in the final instructions.

Secretary details are below for photo or scanned copy of the completed entry forms to be sent to, on acknowledgement of receipt of the entry form payment details to pay the entry fee will be given and a rider number issued subsequently.

Reminder this will be pre-entry only, with entries closing on the 30th of June. Strictly no late entries or entries on the day will be accepted. A reminder of the guidelines will be updated to every rider prior to the event.

With everybody’s full co-operation and compliance, we look forward to kick starting trials again safely in East Kent on Sunday the 5th of July. Please note if this trial is a success and land, permit, safety and regulations allowing, we aim to also run our East Kent Combine Rasher Moore trial on Sunday August the 9th, with a decision made post this event. Hope to see many of you on the 5th.

Clerk of the course – Dave Luck

Secretary – Keith Francis 

Permit no. ACU 59180

Rakins 05.07.20 Covid Entry Form

Last updated 24/6/20

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