At
Trials
are regarded as possibly the most gentlemanly of motorcycle sports and the
discipline itself covers youth riders right through to adults. Some trials include
a sidecar class and others cater for bikes that are not so modern such as
twinshock and pre-65 machinery.
Trials’ riding is not a race, but a test of
the rider’s balance and machine control over a variety of obstacles. It will
include a number of sections, usually designed into a circuit. A circuit may
include anything from ten to twenty sections that are ridden between two and
five times. Sections could consist of rocky steps, steep decent short, sharp
climb or any difficult terrain. Riders may be required to negotiate tree
roots, slippery banks and even a water crossing.
Nearly
all sections have dual routes to cater for different levels of riding-ability.
With trials there is something for everybody. Trials routes can take place on the
public highway to link up the sections although most events are held on private
land.
Each
section will have an observer or volunteer who notes each rider's individual
performance. Marks can be given for the rider's feet touching the ground,
stopping or going backwards. The rider with the least marks on his
scorecard at the end of the event is the winner.
Trials
machines are quiet and relatively low powered which makes them easier to ride
over obstacles. Maximum control of the machine is gained by the rider
balancing on the foot pegs. Riders rarely sit down on the machine and
therefore the seat is little more than a gesture.
This
is just a short resume regarding the sport. If you should be interested you are
welcome to contact the Secretary of the Club who will be quite willing to
advise you, or answer any of your questions.