Dear all;

Superb sunshine at Hawks Nest !!

On Saturday we had our annual GAS GAS UK Trials Test Day at the infamous Trial venue near Buxton. The only thing that was going to spoil the day was the weather because for most of last week it was really bad with snow, rain and freezing conditions. The rain on Thursday got rid of the snow and early Saturday morning the sun awoke and lit up the hillside all day which made for perfect conditions for the test.

We had a full range of 2009 GG PRO models for the public to test and also a 225cc which proved popular! I hope the riders got a feel for the new 09 range and went home happy with their findings.

We also had a good turnout of JST GG Team riders and also Mark Kilhams Ace Trials Team Riders were there putting on a good display for the public.
A very welcome LEE SAMPSON has also just taken delivery of a new GG PRO300 supplied by his own personal sponsor Tim Reynolds from Truck Rental Ltd. www.trctruckrental.com Tim is an enthusiasic Trials fan and is supporting Lee again for 2009. Lee wants to thank Malcolm Rathmell Sport for all their help with Sherco for the past years and simply 'fanices a change' with trying the new GAS GAS for next year. Lee admitted to being a little unfit but was very impressive first time out on Saturday. Lee will concentrate on the Expert Class at the BTC and also ride various Nationals and the SSDT etc.

Dan Thorpe also agreed terms for 2009 on Saturday with long standing sponsor John Shirt and infact its 10 years now that Dan has ridden JST GAS GAS and continues to be a dominant force on the UK National Scene. He remains a very important member of our Team who rides every weekend wether is British Trials Championship, Nationals and Open to Centre Trials etc. Lets hope for another 10 years eh Dan?

Sam Haslam and Ross Danby put on a good show. They have been banging bars all year this year and are both valued members to Team JST GG. Thanks for coming guys and also for Sam coming to the BVM Test Day on Wednesday.

Ben Morphett has had a sensational year in 2008 winning the A Class British Trials Championship at only 15 years old and was riding very well on Saturday. Ben is maturing fast and got stuck in practicing with Sam Haslam and Ross Danby on some real hard sections...especially on a 125!

They were all helped on Saturday by Adam Ragas 2008 Minder 'Santi Navarro' who has been sent to GGUK for a a few weeks of work experience before he starts working for the GG Factory fulltime in January.

The public also got a taste of Sidecar Trials with GAS GAS Rider Leroy Granby and his passenger 'Brucey'. Checkout the pic that 'papa Shirt' caputured with his Nikon when they attempted (and eventually succeeded) the 'big boulder' that sits at the foot of the hillside! Lee and his usual passenger 'Bill' have finished 4th in this years Sidecar British Trials Championship and keep the GG Flag flying in the Sidecars.

The Team photo attached we have JST Team Riders left to right......Chris Short, Katy Sunter,Ross Danby, Dan Thorpe, Ben Morphett, Dan Farrer, Sam Haslam, Emma Bristow. Also in the foreground we have GGUK No.1 and new signing James Dabill with his Minder Jack Lee, sponsor John Shirt and mechanic Factory Kev.
Also pictured are Ace Trials Team Riders Joanne Coles, Donna Fox, Hannah Styles and Jonny Walker with Team Boss Mark Kilhem
Lee Sampson completes the line-up on his TRC GAS GAS (second rider from right).

It was good to see James Dabill there chatting to the public and helping the Team Riders out etc.
James was not riding on Saturday as he is still a TRW/ Sandifords Montesa Rider until Jan 1st 2009. Checkout the pic with Team Boss John Shirt gently reminding that James must win next year....and yes i was squeezing hard!

Thanks to Mr. Geoff Robinson for the use of his land.
Special thanks go to Factory Kev, Jude (boss) and Dot for help on the Day.

MASSIVE thanks to the weather and the brew wagon!

Cheers
Shirty