About Trials
Essentially,
trials are a test of control and balance of a motorcycle over
natural terrain and hazards. The event is made up of a number
of sections of varying length and severity and may include steep
hills, fallen trees, mud, ditches, streams or other natural obstacles.
Competitors ride each section individually where they are observed
and scored on their performance, amassing penalty points for,
among other things, stopping, footing or failing to complete the
section, the rider’s speed through the section is not important.
All ages and abilities are catered for as competitors are graded
and various routes laid out to suit the ability of classes being
catered for by the promoting club. Youth classes cater for riders
from 6 years of age progressing to the adult classes at 17 years
If you have never seen a trial before you should make it a priority. The obstacles that riders may attempt can be huge and may comprise rocks, logs, hill climbs - all without losing balance or putting a foot down. Spectators can stand right next to the action, within a few metres of the obstacles. Not only do the riders attempt seemingly impossible obstacles, but in the process they perform some amazing trick riding.
Come and see a motorcycle being thrown around by a rider doing air turns, bunny hops, and bouncing the front and rear wheels around during turns. You will be absolutely amazed at the skill level of the riders and the places that they can ride a bike.
Unlike Motocross and Grass Track, trials is not racing. It is simply you and your bike pitted against the terrain. Trials is a test of balance, skill and concentration. One at a time, competitors will ride over varying courses of obstacles, e.g. boulders, streams, huge hill climbs, logs, drop-offs, and nearly anything else you can (or can't) think of. Observed Trials is the world's most popular participatory motorcycle sport. In Europe hundreds of thousands compete regularly.
There are classes for everyone. Youths from the age of 6, to "Greybeards" of 70 or even 80+. There are classes to cover all rider ability levels, with Expert, Intermediate and Clubman/Novice levels. Other classes include Sidecar, Twin shock and Classic/Pre65. Whilst it is spectacular and sometimes appears dangerous at the top level, it is on the whole a very safe sport. Speed and other competitors are not factors likely to cause incidents, so the sport remains very safe. Very few injuries are sustained due to the low speeds involved.
The Bikes
Modern bikes are specially made high-tech machines. Very light (~75kg), low seat height and lots of power. They are mainly single cylinder, 2 stroke machines with liquid cooled engines of around 250 - 350cc capacity. However, recent years have seen the introduction of four-stroke machines. They have lots of ground clearance and suspension travel. Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Tyres are of a super-soft compound, and run with tyre pressures of about 4-6 psi. Modern trials bikes are mostly manufactured in Europe by makers such as Gas Gas, Beta, Scorpa, Montesa and Bultaco. Honda and Yamaha also manufacture modern trials bikes. New models cost around £3500.
The Sections
A section is typically a taped out area of natural terrain, incorporating obstacles such as rocks (not in the Eastern Centre!), streams, mud, tree stumps, etc. Coloured markers within the section define the route through the section ("line") for a particular grade of rider, different colours being used for the different grades and severity of section. For example an Intermediate rider passes between red and blue markers, Experts follow yellow markers and Novice follow white markers. The higher the grade, the more difficult the route.
Scoring/Marking
A rider "earns" one point each time he/she puts a foot down (termed a "dab"). After three points in any one section, the rider may continue to dab or stop without incurring further penalty points. However, if the rider falls off, stalls the bike with their feet on the ground or if the bike moves backwards, they are given a total of five marks (a "five"). When the rider completes the designated number of sections and laps, a total score is tallied. The rider with the lowest score is the winner. A typical course consists of 10 - 15 sections, with riders completing 4 or 5 laps.
Costs
As mentioned above a new bike can cost around £3500. But you don't need a new bike to start riding and enjoying yourself. Worthwhile second-hand models with monoshock rear suspension and front disc brake can be bought for around £650 upwards.
Other costs:
- you need to be a member of an affiliated motorcycle club (from £5 per year)
- for the entry forms, you'll need an Eastern Centre Gazette each month (£8 - £12/year approx dependent upon the club)
- entry fee to each trial (£11 - £16)
So, with some basic riding gear - helmet, boots, gloves - you could be riding for less than £1000!
Trials is by far the safest and cheapest form of motorcycle sport.
At the same time we doubt you will believe the places a bike can
go. So if you're looking for excitement, take a look at a trial.
You won’t believe your eyes!
