Clitheroe teen trial biker is revved up for success (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Clitheroe teen trial biker is revved up for success

1:00pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News

A TRIAL bike trickster who leaves spectators in a spin returned to Lancashire for a home-ground performance.

Matthew Alpe, 19, from Clitheroe, has been showing off his stunts all over the country since he was just 12.

But people from his local area, including his family and friends, braved the rain to get a glimpse of his breath-taking talents, at Shackletons Garden and Lifestyle Centre, in Chatburn, at the weekend.

The teenager has been riding for seven years after scrimping and saving to afford his first bike.

He even built, and sold, his own dog houses and rabbit kennels to pay for the hobby.

At 15, Matthew competed in the British Trial Championship, finishing 10th, and now competes regularly in trial bike competitions, and performs to crowds.

He said: “My family enjoy watching me. They think it’s good.

“For the last four years we’ve been doing the motorcycle trial displays.

“The crowd normally go crazy.

“Touch wood, I’ve had nothing serious, as far as injuries go, but one of my friends broke his wrist.

“To be honest, in trial biking, it’s all about skill and balance.”

Spectators can catch Matthew at other venues in Lancashire in the coming months, including at Myerscough College in June.

The Clitheroe biker is currently taking part in the North West Centre Championship, which consists of eight events across the region, with the final in November.

After finishing second overall in the first event, Matthew hopes to go on and win the tournament.

Anyone interested in having a go on a trial bike can now take part in a series of experience days near Clitheroe, with details available at inchperfecttrials.co.uk

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