Isle of Wight brothers, John and Mark Coombes, are competing together this weekend in what is considered to be the world’s most gruelling one-day motorcycle trial.

The Scott Trial, which has been held annually since 1914, has sections which traverse bleak but beautiful moorland, streams, and treacherous rocks. It is held near Richmond, in Yorkshire.

Although both have been riding on and off since they were schoolboys, at the age of just 60, John is the oldest first-time competitor in the history of the event. Slightly younger Mark has competed twice before with some success.

The total trial distance is 84 miles, divided into 76 sections, all off-road.

Out of 180 riders, John is starting in position number one and Mark is in position two. Mark is also known as Wulfy, the name he uses for his live and often humorous commentaries on motorcycle trials.

Former motorcycle racer turned TV-presenter, Guy Martin, is also competing starting in position 18. Success in trials riding is about dexterity and balance on the machine rather than speed, and both brothers are hoping to capitalise on their start positions.

John and Mark are also using the opportunity to raise money for the Island’s Mountbatten Hospice. You can donate via iw.observer/coombes-fundraiser.