Trials Guru isn’t a website compiled by a just a writer, Trials Guru is compiled by a trials rider with a lot of help from his friends and likes to ride trials whenever time and opportunity arises.

Photos courtesy of Barry Pickard

John Moffat writes: Back in January, I received a note from fellow enthusiast Steve Rayner when I put out an appeal for suggestions of where to compete on my BSA C15. Steve suggested that I should try the Yorkshire Classic MCC ‘Captain’s Trial’ held on the Castle Carr Estate, near Halifax. I was intrigued, I hadn’t ever been to Halifax before, now was my chance!

I had rarely ridden down south so I set about and filled in my entry form and posted it to event secretary Barry Pickard, not realising the popularity of the event, I was delighted to be quick enough to have my entry accepted. This was after forgetting to put my cheque in with the entry so that cost me the price of two first class postage stamps!

I travelled down on the Saturday and stayed over with my friends Nigel & Jill Greenwood at Huddersfield as it was around a half hour drive to the venue and Nigel insisted that I spent the night at his house.

When we arrived at Castle Carr, I wondered what kind of place it was as we drove through the arched gate-house and along the narrow estate road to the reservoir and the start area.

All I can say is what a superb place to have a proper Pre’65 trial, sensible flowing sections and a very nice route. I caught up with Mick Grant, Eric Boocock and Robin Luscombe, plus a whole host of others I only see at Telford show or in Scotland around SSDT time.

I had entered in error on the hard route, but a quick phone call to event secretary Barry Pickard relegated me into the clubman category, as I was just out for a bit of fun and give my BSA a good airing after its winter slumbers.

The weather conditions were atrocious, but that didn’t dampen my spirits, my bike ran faultlessly although I had noticed a weep from the fuel tank as I loaded her in my van on the Friday evening, other than that, no issues. The tank is now off and away for repairs and a re-spray.

The course consisted of three laps and was a great days sport; I cannot compliment the organisers enough. Folks back home that had ridden previously said that I would love this event and sure enough, I did. To the point that I can see me going back there next year if I get my entry in on time. It’s close to a 500 miles round trip, but it was well worth the effort.

To sum up, the Captain’s Trial is what a good Pre’65 trial should be, fair sections that cater for all comers, nothing daft, a nice run out on the machine and a friendly atmosphere at the catering wagon.

I can safely say that Pre’65 is alive and well in Yorkshire!