HUNDREDS of spectators gathered at Kilburn on Sunday as riders took to the Ryedale hills for the annual Pickering & District Motor Club Hill Climb.

Participants from far and wide attended the annual event – this year marking the Club’s centenary – with competitors going head-to-head in a knockout style race up the ascent.

Riders were split into various classes based on age and machinery, with the Under 16 Youth class the first to try their hand on the slope.

The steep incline defeated many adult riders, but it was George Hird who eventually took the honours over local talent Sam Thompson.

Next to take to the slope was the Trials and Twinshock class, which featured a wide range of machines, from the fan-favourite 1960 Yamonda to modern trial bikes.

Jason Lainton claimed victory on his Gas Gas – with opponent Pete Wyldborne lucky to have narrowly avoided tangling in the tapes on the lower section of the course.

The MX class was the final to take to the slopes, leaving spectators thrilled after some closely fought races – but it was Matt Wakefield who emerged from the dust as the eventual winner.

Home favourite Dan Pearce then claimed victory over previous winner Alex Collings in a best-of-three race.

Matt Stubbings, President of Pickering and District Motor Club, was delighted with the turnout, enthusing his pride at the success of the event.

“Year on year the Kilburn Hill Climb proves to be a truly unique and entertaining event for all to enjoy,” he said.

“The crowds went wild watching the thrills and spills on the hills and we are very much looking to bringing the hill climb back for 2024.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the riders, spectators, caterers, and landlords for their ongoing support and to our volunteers for the time and effort which goes into these events.”

Preparations are now underway for the Club’s first grasstrack meeting of the season, which will take place at High Marishes near Malton on Sunday, July 2.