Braintree and District Motorcycle Club run round 1 of the 2023 Essex OSET Cup on Saturday 27th May. It was a gloriously sunny afternoon at the fabulous Beazley End venue, North of Braintree where a mixture of sand, logs and woodland greeted the young riders.
Close competition raged across all ages and routes all afternoon as the youngsters attempted 4 laps of 8 sections.
On the most difficult yellow route only 3 riders attempted the course and all 3 made it look easy. Young Jasper Johnson from Ipswich swapped his pedals for an engine and yet again collected a podium award dropping just 30 marks on a tough course. Sections 1 and 7 took most of the marks on this route. Section one consisting of some very tight cambered turns amongst the trees. Section 7 was also very technical with a couple of large steps proving tricky. Local lad Reuben Green took 2nd place overall with a very steady ride pipping Jasper by 4 marks. His lower scores on sections 1 and 7 proving to be crucial. Thomas Tidd made the long journey worthwhile by cruising to the win on just 19 marks. He didn’t drop any marks in 4 of the sections and also made easy work of section 1. A quite superb ride by this young lad destined for big things!
Most of the entry rode the middle red and blue route and the level seemed spot on with a range of scores from 1 to 75 across all the riders. Sections 1 and 7 also proved difficult on this route but sections 3, 5 and 6 also took plenty of the marks. Section 5 with its super tight tuns in the trees at the bottom and a blast up the steep hill at the end was spectacular. Section 8 was also a great one to watch as the kids blasted up a long hill climb with some strategically placed gates across the hill making it not straightforward at all. Young Colchester star Oliver Norman ended up winning the route with an unbeatable single dab effort dropped on section 5. A quite superb ride and test of his concentration! Braintree lad Harry Wicks kept Oliver honest with just 5 marks dropped and Witham resident Stanley Butcher had a fine ride on 22 marks lost rounding off the podium.
On the pink route again the marks dropped ranged from just 8 to 82. Ipswich rider Ethan Stewart took the win with a very steady ride just dropping single dabs here and there to finish on 8. Academy regular Toby Green came home in 2nd and Leo Piggott rounded off the podium. Ride of the day though came from young Ruby Brand as the little girl laughed her way round the course on her way to 4th.
Big shout out to all the competitors who came and rode and the Junior Academy riders who came along to ride the Clubs bikes and experience this wonderful sport first hand. Several of those Junior Academy riders even attempted the sections which was great to see.
Remember the events are for all abilities and the emphasis is on having fun so please do not be intimidated and just come along for a practice ride if you do not want to attempt the sections.
Braintree & DMCC
