Greybeards
Trial
| Originally the idea of journalist Ralph Venables M.B.E. who was a very active member of the Sunbeam MCC for over SO years. The Trial was first run on 3rd September 1959. At first the event was open only to Trials riders who had ridden pre World War 2. A success from day 1 and as the number of eligible riders entering decreased through Anno Domini the eligibility was changed to riders over the age of 40 years. This stands out from other trials as it is unique in that machines have a road section and are used on the road to get to the other sections. |  |
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The Greybeards Trial is held at Stedham in West Sussex and is a National Event. Machines use the road to get from start to sections and between groups of sections then back to start, and event is run over 2 laps. It is a rarity these days to run on roads, so 'bikes need to be road registered, taxed and insured. The event starts on wooded land opposite the village pub, The Hamilton Arms, where food, drink and a barbecue is available all day. |
| Awards are based on a handicap system which favours the older riders, the oldest competing in 2007 was 81 years old. The handicap system deems that all competitors have lost 70 marks before starting and from that is deducted 1 mark per year of age of the rider., thus a 61 year old rider would start with a 9 mark loss to which is added the marks lost on observation in sections. The winner in 2007 had a penalty loss of 4 marks, he was 71 years old and lost 5 marks on observation from which was deducted 1 mark for his one year past 70 years. |  |