Canada Heights catches trials fever

4:50pm Tuesday 17th October 2006

IT IS not often opponents have to be protected from each other while competing but in Canada Heights' latest motocross competition it is a must.

The Aces of Aces sidecar trials pits the UK's and continental Europe's best riders against three laps of awkward and challenging obstacles.

So challenging are the obstacles, the organisers use catchers to stop riders and bikes falling back onto competitors when they don't make it.

There are eight obstacles including climbs, logs, mud and rocks and each rider and passenger has to negotiate them without stopping or putting a foot down.

Each time they break these rules they are given a point and then pair with the least points at the end is the winner.

The idea behind Aces of Aces was born out of organisers Sidcup and District Motorcycle Club's belief there was no longer anything challenging on the motocross calendar.

And with last year's event attracting riders from France and Belgium, as well as the UK's very best, it has proved to be popular.

Trophies as well as prize money and souvenirs, sponsored by News Shopper, are presented to the winners.

Sidcup and District's Brian Edwards said: "Trials has always been an event where trophies were presented but with the ever-increasing cost in travelling and competing, the club decided a reasonable financial reward would be most welcome and has been greeted with enthusiasm."

The trials are on October 29 at Canada Heights, Button Street, Swanley, and will be signposted from the M25/A20 roundabout.

It starts at 10am, admission is free and there will be hot food, drink and toilets as well as plenty of flat, safe parking.