Kick Start For World Trials Championships Announced

A world championship motor cycle event will kick-start in Northern Ireland later this year, under the title of the Adelaide GP of Ireland.

Jack Challoner, winner of the 2008 Youth Trial World Championship is pictured getting in some practice in the shadow of the Mournes for the prestigious event which takes place on 4 - 5 April.

It will see motorcycle champions from all over the world race into Newcastle to compete in the first two rounds of this year's SPEA FIM Trial World Championship.

At the press launch in the Slieve Donard Hotel the Lightweight Motor Cycle Club (LMCC) - which is hosting the event - revealed that for the first time the opening rounds will be held in Northern Ireland, in the all-new venue of Donard Park, Newcastle.

The world's top trials riders will all compete for the first points of the 2009 Championship under the watchful eye of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Such luminaries as Toni Bou, Adam Raga, Dougie Lampkin and Takahisa Fujinami will come to south Down to take on the best of what the Mourne Mountains can throw at them.

An LMCC spokesman said they were extremely pleased to be working with Down District Council at this new venue, and excited about what this special event will bring to the town.

Offering a town centre location with seaside resort facilities, Donard Park will give fans the chance to see some of the World's best trialing sections only a few minutes walk from the promenade.

Donard Park itself is mostly thick forest, interspersed with rivers and streams carving their way from the Mourne Mountains to the sea, and also a large quarry area which overlooks the town, and marks the change from forest to open mountainside.

The club also announced a new title sponsor of the event, Adelaide Insurance Services, Northern Ireland's long-standing premier motorcycle insurance provider.

Adelaide were voted 'the UK's favourite motorcycle insurance broker' by the annual Rider Power 2008 survey.

The club spokesman also took the opportunity to thank the other sponsors whose continued support has made the event possible, including Uhire, a Newtownards based Plant Hire company, and Barkley Murphy Building & Shop Fitting incorporating O'Hares Bar & Lounge Newcastle, as well as numerous section sponsors.

Last year's Northern Ireland rounds were held in Bangor, Co Down, and brought over 15,000 spectators into the area over the weekend.

The upcoming trials seem well on its way to exceeding this footfall, with interest building for several months within motorcycling circles, all eager to find out where the new venue for the beginning of this year's World Trial would be.

See: www.worldtrialni.co.uk/

Georgetown / Hutto / Taylor Impacts - February 2009

1. New transit station
Construction of a new Capital Area Rural Transportation System transit station is underway at 3620 S. Austin Ave., just north of SE Inner Loop. The CARTS station, which is expected to be complete by fall 2009, will serve as a stop for regional buses, freight vehicles and private carriers such as Greyhound. A new park-and-ride lot will also be available. Visit www.ridecarts.com.

2. Awarding experience
GTX Awards and Engraving, offering personalized engraved items for sports teams and businesses, opened under its new name Jan. 1 at 1915 N. Austin Ave. Formerly Yours For Keeps, the store was purchased by Ty and Crystal Gipson, owners of Minuteman Press, and Georgetown Sporting Goods owners Brian and Cindy Burkhart. Call 868-5881 or visit www.gtxawards.com.


3. Same digs, new treasures
The owners of His and Her Treasures, 112 W. Eighth St., have added a walk-in cigar humidor to the shop’s selection of Mexican pottery, Willow Tree Angels and other custom-made crafts. Call 868-3288 or visit www.hisandhertreasuresgeorgetown.com.

4. Chantal’s is back
Chantal’s Bistro, 204 E. Eighth St., celebrated a grand re-opening Feb. 5. The restaurant is now open for dinner Thursday to Saturday 4:30 p.m. to closing and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch. Call 535-6143 or visit www.chantalsbistro.com.

5. Rest insured
The Square is now home to the new office of Nationwide Insurance/The Dollar Agency, which opened at 109 W. Seventh St. Jan. 12. The agency specializes in home, auto, life, boat and motorcycle insurance. Call 869-2211.

6. Georgetown sounds
Aspiring musicians have a new venue in which to sharpen their skills. Georgetown Music Studio opened Jan. 12 and is now signing up students of all ages for lessons in piano, guitar, drums, violin, fiddle and accordion. The studio, 2544 Shell Road, Ste. A, currently employs six instructors who teach private and group sessions. Call 868-2255 or visit www.georgetownmusicstudio.org.

7. Start the presses
Work was completed in January on an expansion project at Minuteman Press, 1011 Leander Road. Incorporating the space formerly occupied by Budget Optical, the new floor plan allows the business to include large-format sign making. Call 931-2211 or visit www.mmptx.com.

8. Through the grapevine
Georgetown Winery, formerly known as D’Vine Wine of Georgetown, will relocate to 715 Main St. in February. In addition to selling locally made wine and gifts, the business also hosts winemaking classes and private events. Call 869-8600 or visit www.georgetownwinery.com.

Spur of the moment
After the City of Georgetown took over maintenance of Austin Avenue/Business 35 from Leander Road to Williams Drive, the Texas Department of Transportation renamed its portions of the road. The section from SE Inner Loop north to Leander Road became Spur 26, and from Williams Drive north to NE Inner Loop became Spur 158.

Downtown Wi-Fi
Visitors to the Square will be able to access the internet wirelessly with the launch of a free city network unveiled Feb. 10. In development since the summer, the Wi-Fi system covers the Square with signals from four access points. Laptop owners who connect to the network will be automatically redirected to a website with log-on instructions. Call 930-3652 or visit www.georgetown.org.

Fite fire with fire
Robert Fite has been selected to serve as the new chief of the Georgetown Fire Department. Fite last worked as a battalion chief in Richardson, Texas. He fills the position vacated when former chief Anthony Lincoln retired in May. For more information, call 930-3723 or visit www.georgetown.org/departments/fire.