All sport is about winning, but not all off-road motorbike competitions are about maximum speed. That doesn't necessarily mean however that there isn't going to be an adrenalin rush!

But generally Trials events are by their very nature, a far more relaxed day out - as long as nothing goes to far wrong!

At the top level the sport is definitely 'Extreme', with most sections appearing to be 'certain death' to most mere mortals. 30 foot almost vertical climbs, huge leaps between giant boulders on the edge of a deep chasm - from a standing start, or trying to navigate slippery moss strewn waterfall sections with hidden submerged rocks, is certainly not for the faint hearted.

But luckily for beginners and mere club riders, those sorts of hazards are nowhere in sight!

Other riders as well as spectators keep a watchful eye as this 
Expert carefully picks his way up this rocky climb.

Early in spring 2004 I visited a local club trial held on Dartmoor by the Moreton Hampstead Club. To watch a few total novices and to generally see what it was all about. And what a pleasant surprise it was, to find it a very friendly and laid back affair indeed.

Because of the rough terrain preferred for these type of events, the venues tend to be in the middle of nowhere, but luckily for me it was well sign-posted from a long way off.

Upon arriving the first thing apparent was the lack of 'panic' that tends to buzz around at MX and Enduros in the early mornings. Even scrutineering was a very casual affair spread over a long time period.

Once signed on, riders - in their own time, followed orange arrows from the parking area to where the first section started, in this case - deep in the woods.

Riders and friends between sections, discussing some finer points 
in a very leisurely manner!

The sections themselves varied tremendously depending on rider ability and hence class entered. When trials had only one set of arrows to mark a section they were always red and blue arrows in pairs that you had to ride between, with the section start and finish clearly marked.

Now most local clubs run classes for Novices, Clubman and Experts (Some run an intermediate Clubman/Expert class also) and these have meant the introduction of other paired arrows to mark out which is the hard or easier routes.

The ACU state these arrows and classes are as per supplementary regulations set out by the clubs, so it is possible these may vary from one locality to another. But generally routes are marked as such:

Blue/Red Arrows - Experts.

White Arrows - Clubman.

Yellow Arrows - Novices.

This section was very steep here, but this guy was in the Expert class.

In some sections the Novice route was incredibly easy, almost a level straight line, with maybe just a small swirve around a tree. Which made me wonder at first what was the point of that one? But I soon realised that the idea was to bring on beginners and youngsters in a sensible manner, and let them have some fun - without punishing them harshly for their inexperience at every possible opportunity.

When you consider that for some of these competitors it was their first ever time on a bike - and some are as young a SIX years old, it all started to make good sense!

Lets face it, as with all types of competition, if you think its too easy, don't whinge - move up a class (MX and Enduro riders take note).

11 year old Greg Berry in his first year of competition, 
on board a Yamaha TY80.

The object of the competition is to score less penalty points than anyone else. Basically if you put your feet down in a section (this is called a 'Dab') you get penalty point. Over three dabs you still only get 3 points. Stopping in a section - with a foot down scores 2 points against you. Failure of a section scores 5.

So you can see how easy it is for the score to get quite high after riding 14 sections three times each! The odd slip, wobble and dab here and there and you could score more than the UK cricket team normally achieves in an international.

Even at club level the harder sections can be quite frightening, but as opposed to MX and Enduro, you don't have to do them. You can decide to pick up 10 penalties instead. It may seem harsh but its better than risking your neck when your not feeling up to it!

Because of the relaxed nature of these events at club level, there is always plenty of time to chat, make friends and pick up bike and riding tips. Especially at the section start, where you might even be sat next to a pretty female rider. I did notice that quite a few attractive girls seem to ride Trials - and are very impressive in competition too! But then again, I know how guys hate to get beaten by females in dirt bike sport - especially by the very pretty ones, so maybe this is a bad idea!!! ;o)

This fair damsel was a very serious Expert contender.

Besides the sections themselves, one of the big attractions of Trials is the great riding to be had between the sections and in fact this is where many riders have most fun, - because they are relaxed and on new terrain, which is always great.

Trials riding skills benefit all dirt bike riders. Many of the worlds top stars in other dirt bike sports, just happen to also have a Trials riding background - and are normally Experts to boot!

Currently the best two British Enduro/Hare & Hound riders came from a Trials background, - Paul Edmondson and David Knight.

Even so at the Moreton Trial I was surprised to see so many local Enduro riders brushing up on their skills. Including local Gas Gas dealer Chris Berry from Ripping Motos, out competing with his 11 year old son Gregory. It was Gregory's first year competing and he was enjoying himself immensely on his little TY80.

Local Gas Gas dealer Chris Berry keeps a watchful eye over his son.

Also present was South West Enduro Championship rider Ian Putt, who was on his second ever Trial but really enjoying it. After accidentally entering a National Trial for his first event - which was a major mistake. Ian was trying the Novice class in this one before moving up!

One of the things I enjoyed the most was the lack of deafening noise, as the ACU limit for Trials bikes is only 85db., and therefore totally non offensive (This could end up being the only bike sport unless others follow suit!)

Because of its nature there are lots of Trials holiday parks in the UK - suitable for the whole family if required. And many of these run training schools too.

Now this must be the cheapest motorsport there is!

BIKES

Typically really good and very competitive Trials bikes can be had for as little as £1,500 for a five year old Beta, Sherco or Gas Gas 250. Remember to, that most Trials bikes don't get the hard life, - not even in one year, that that a typical Hare & Hound bike receives in one race! Currently a new Sherco 250 will set you back around £3,600.

The scenery and view at many of the venues is nothing short of stunning.

For juniors riders although new Rev 3 80cc bikes are available for £2,395, a better starting point for youngsters could be a Gas Gas 70, typically £1,500 second hand for a year 2001.

Bargain basement and very popular still are Yamaha TY80's and old ones of these can be had for as little as £550.

The back wheel slipped off the rock and this quick dab of the 
foot to stay on the bike is going to cost the rider a point.

CLOTHING

Fancy kit is not essential, because of the lower speeds involved. But all riders should have a decent helmet and suitable boots. Again these are much cheaper than MX style gear. A good helmet can be under £35 and boots as little as £65. These are new prices, but you may have to shop around wisely.

OTHER COSTS

• ACU Licence - £10
• Club Membership - £5 (Typical)
• Entry Fee - £10 (Typical) and you can enter on the day!

Fuel used - less than £5. (one can)
Tyres last forever - unless you’re an Expert!
Bike rack for back of the family car - £45 upwards.

Oopsi Daisy - That'l be a five then!!!

Download your ACU licence form application HERE

http://www.trialscentral.com/
Covers the World & UK scene, with lots of news, photos, bike adverts and links.

http://www.motorbiketrials.com/
Proudly run by club members, these site carries reports, message boards, forum, rules and regs and clothing.

http://www.motorcyclinggb.co.uk/DyIndex.asp
ACU official website with all dirt bike related competition info.

http://www.r2wtrials.com/
A westcountry lads website, including a competitors 'Diary' - well worth a read. Plenty of photos and useful info too. Such as links to the best bike info sites for each make.

http://www.mariaconway.co.uk/
Maria is a top British Trials rider, this is her own website. Its definitely worth checking out to see what the ladies get up to. AWESOME!

OK guys and gals its been around for a long while now but is still great fun. Click the link below to play the most realistic trials based dirt bike action your going to get online -
http://www.dnainternet.fi/pelit/english/

Article - Adrian Harris
Photos - www.photoaction.biz

 Articles Copyright ©  Adrian Harris 2004. Not to be reproduced without prior permission.

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