I am going to try to get up early enough to see the bikes go up Simms in 2013 as I'm not working the night beforehand this time. Hundreds of spectators will be lining the hill to watch competitors on two, three and four wheels attempting to ascend the steep slippery slope.
Anyone else going for a look?
The cars are worth seeing for the sheer variety of machinery and their success rate is that much lower so there is the added interest of will he won't he? A successful climb can raise a cheer that can be heard in the village over a mle away. Here is the video from January 2012.
Here are directions and parking hints, although you can take your bike down to the bottom of the hill if you don't mind parking it in the hedge, but don't expect to be able to get back to the village against the flow of traffic so you will need to brave the hill and spectators when you decide to leave.
Simms
Why spectate at Simms?: A question that doesn't really need asking. Simms is generally considered the most difficult hill on any MCC event and it's the one that all competitors want to 'clean' - but very few do. There are always hundreds of spectators and a fantastic atmosphere. The cheer from the crowd when a competitor struggles to the top can be heard across the valley in Ilsington. If you only spectate on one hill on one event each year - go to Simms!
Section begins at OS Landranger/Grid Ref:191/785757.
Directions: If heading for the village of Ilsington, please approach from the north west via Bovey Tracey and the B3387. This way you will avoid the trial route shown highlighted on the map below.
Parking: Parking is extremely restricted and it is vitally important that we stay on good terms with the local inhabitants of Ilsington and the surrounding hamlets. Try and find a sensible place to park safely, and without causing an obstruction, in the village of Ilsington itself. You will have to walk down the trial route to the section and this can be very narrow in places as there is always a queue of vehicles. The next best alternative is to park somewhere around the crossroads (on the trial route) to the west of the Lounstons but, as always, please park sensibly and without causing an obstruction. You will have to walk down the lane and beware of vehicles coming towards you after exiting the section.
Timing (2013): First motorcycle due at 10:40. Last car due at 15:35.
Want to take me pa-in-law to see it but he can't manage the walk up to Simms - are there other viewing spots in South Devon that don't require a hike in wellies to get to? I know Tipley is used normally but have the same problem getting to view that.
Failiing that will go to the hotel in Torquay they're staying at and gawp there.
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202-037 has a sign warning the public that the lane is on the intinerary. There is a short footpath up from the village to the dogleg corner.
That's a bit more like it. Easy enough to park nearby and there's a convenient pub within 100yds if we get thirsty. Any ideas of the time the cars and bikes are expected?
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Sorry the notice does say but I only read as far as the date. If the bikes arrive at Simms at 10.40 they will only be half an hour or so away from there. 11 to 11.30 ish at a guess.
I am the recovery marshal on Fingle again this year, look for me on the long straight. We are expecting the first bikes to be with us just before 08.00.
That gives us a choice of the last 2 lanes mentioned without trekking miles. Have followed a Post Office van down 202-053 a year or two back Wonder if he's entered in the Exeter Trial in it this year
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Just looking at these lanes and seen I have real time rain falling in Google Earth! How long they had that then? Sorry bit off topic..............seen they had a flight simulator as well!
Looks like it'll be 202-053 as 202-037 is for Class O vehicles so they miss out the tougher one.
Looking at the water flowing through Stokeinteignhead today I'd say there are going to be a few more than usual having problems. Hope they're carrying plenty of EasyStart
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Caution - the poster may well have been drinking........
Looks like it'll be 202-053 as 202-037 is for Class O vehicles so they miss out the tougher one.
Looking at the water flowing through Stokeinteignhead today I'd say there are going to be a few more than usual having problems. Hope they're carrying plenty of EasyStart
Nice and mild for this years event though, no ice or freezing fog to worry about.
I spent the day at the restart on Tipley. I did shout words of encouragement as you paddled past us Pete ! Fantastic day out. 11am until the section closed at 6pm. Worked out that around 24% of those that tried ..... failed.
Simms was probably a bit packed with spectators, although the sound track coming from that direction sounded good at times.
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I heard you call my name, but was rather preoccupied with trying to pick a line that involved forward momentum as the bike slid this way and that and the mud spattered hill was definitely trickier than it has been for years, most entertaining, so I did not attempt a wave and there was no way I would have tried to stop and restart today as I didn't fancy my chances.
Simms was entertaining as ever with a good crowd of several hundred in good cheer. I was most relieved to make it up without mishap in front of a huge audience
I understand there was a competitor who got a little 'shirty' when meeting some bikes in the lane after the top of Simms. Even though there was plenty of room to pass (as many other cars did happily), there seemed to be an understanding that the lane was effectively closed for any but competitors' vehicles. I don't believe this to be the case, however, as there was no official 'closure' of the lane, and this was not even part of any stage, so remained effectively part of the public road network. There was no published notification of the trial at the end of this lane or any restrictions as far as I know.
Although I'm sure nobody would deliberately try to disrupt the trial in any way, what is the official word on this?
Should one choose to, could one legally insist on e.g. actually going against the flow DOWN Simms Hill when the trial was on? I stress that I would NOT consider this myself, just checking the legal standing.