Charles Stuart (TM 250) made the journey from Ballycastle Antrim worthwhile by winning the TORC Hare and Hound held at Mt. Leinster on Sunday 9th March.
Following months of inclement weather the club hosted the first of season event. Cof C Nick Craigie ably assisted by Gordon Clarke , Ray Tolan , Ciaran Hayes laid out an excellent lap of some 24 min duration with mixed terrain of fast tracks , fire roads and some more technical going but all surprisingly dry and flowing given the months of rain and wind .
Fifty plus riders took the start line for the 3 hour event.
By the end of lap 1 in the experts Stuart had a considerable lead of some 3 minutes from a battling Seamey Hayes (KDX 250) and Ray Tolan (TM 144). Hayes who has not competed for some time held second for some 3 laps before finally losing the place to Tolan who increased his pace and set about catching Stuart now 2 min up the road. Stuart rode consistently and maintained the gap for the 3 hours to record a well-deserved and his first enduro victory. The rest of the class riders failed to finish with some crashes (Richard M) and bike problems.
Hughie O Sullivan showed a surprising turn of speed for an “OLDIE”. The Stewarts decided to penalise him 2 hours on the basis that there were 2 bikes with the same number.
The senior class win was taken by Ger O’Grady (250 KTM) who showed some impressive times. Peter Lewis (250 Tm) following a slow start made his way through to second with Paul Walsh (300 HB) third.
William Thompson (300 HVA) lead the clubmen home again showing some considerable pace and consistency, enough to be well placed in the higher classes. Johnny Woods (350 KTM) rode well to second with Enda O’Brien (?)Third.
Royce Cathers (HVA 250) finished ahead of a returning old hand Vincent Dooely (300 HVA) in the sportsmen. Dooley may have won has his bike not stopped on the last lap.
All things considered a very good event and the Club wishes to thank all those who participated and those who helped in any way.
Charles Stuart: “It is nice to get out after a long winter and I enjoyed that. Good lap and good weather and my fist forest hare and hound and the first run on my new bike. Everything very good. I pushed for the first 2 laps, then had a fall and slowed a little but kept an even pace. Ray was not too far behind so I had to keep moving. Thanks to all for a great event. “
