Trials motorcycling a huge success
What made it special was the trophies produced by Barberton's own Umjindi Jewellery.
BARBERTON – Over the weekend, and for the second consecutive year, the national trials motorcycling championship was held in Barberton and hosted by Umjindi Jewellery on behalf of the Northern Regions Trials Club.
Contestants started arriving on Friday, converging on the sports field of Barberton Primary School.
After the heat of last week, Saturday morning was cold with an icy wind, but that didn’t discourage them to visit Rimer’s where the trials took place.
As was the case last year, it was truly an event worth attending and, as it is a motorcycling sport at slow speed, spectators could witness true skill in slow motion. On Saturday evening, a big bring and braai was held at the Victorian Tea Garden and, although the weather was a point of discussion, the cloudy skies were perfect for trial riding on Sunday. Once again competitors and spectators alike enjoyed every moment.
What made it special was the trophies produced by Barberton’s own Umjindi Jewellery. Inspired by the artwork of Nukain Mabuza, the round-five and -six trophies resembled the painted rocks at the entrance to town. Hand-painted, with colourful designs, these small rocks were cast in resin and mounted on a dark glass base before they were finished off with a laser-engraved plate. For round six, they were sculpted on a computer programme and 3D printed before being cast in bronze at Umjindi Jewellery.
The small sculpture portraying a trials rider in action, is mounted on a wooden base and also has a plate with the relevant information engraved onto it. Umjindi Jewellery, which is supported by Barberton Mines, sure has reason to be proud of these trophies. Should you have plans for a special event, do not hesitate to get in touch with them.
“I would like to thank all the sponsors and everyone who attended. Thanks to all the exhibitors, those who sold food and drinks, entertained with music, the observers (marshals) and Umjindi Local Municipality, Barberton Community Tourism and The Friends of the Barberton Daisy for their help and support. Thank you to André Lategan and Nico Swanepoel who came from Gauteng to help and to all the locals who assisted, especially André de Bruin, Ignat Pohl and Yuri Pohl,” said coordinator Evert van Engelenhoven.
“Lastly, thanks to all the spectators who came out in the cold to show their support and all who contributed to the overall success of the event.”
The results were as follows
Round 5 Saturday
Oset Electric Bikes: 1. Paul Mayer Jr,
2. Ross Kew
Clubman: 1. Dane Joubert, 2. David
Rhoodie, 3. Peter Hayley
Intermediate: 1. Hamish D’Arcy, 2. Lee
McEwan, 3. Pieter Roos
Expert: 1. Bradley McEwan, 2. Fanus
Boshoff, 3. Gordon McEwan
Master: 1. Brent Le Riche, 2. Dennis
Lategan, 3. Devon McKenzie.
Round 6 Sunday
Oset Electric Bikes: 1. Ross Kew, 2. Paul Mayer Jr
Clubman: 1. Evert van Engelenhoven,
2. Peter Hayley, 3. Dane Joubert
Intermediate: 1. Lee McEwan, 2. Andrew Mills, 3. Ryan van Eyk
Expert: 1. Bradley McEwan, 2. Charlie
Simpson, 3. Gordon McEwan
Master: 1. Brent le Riche, 2. Devon
McKenzie, 3. Matthew Wagner.
