mikey

I've had 2 Gassers and they have both had a similar noise. I don't know if they are as loud as yours cos it's hard to tell on video, but it's the sound of the clutch basket rattling - a standard Gas Gas issue. As far as I know it's nothing to be worried about.

Apart from being superbly convenient because you can use it for so many things other than just shipping your bikes(s) around, running a van for just a few months has got me to the point where I am thinking of getting rid of my car (as well as selling the van I bought) so I can buy a better van. Insurance is lower, mileage is about the same, but I get let out of junctions so much more often! It's nice to be raised up above the rest of the traffic, too. It's great to dump muddy clothing/boots/bikes in the back and just not have to worry about it. There are 3 seats (well, 2 1/2 really) and the van I have (Fiat Scudo) drives like a car. The only downer is that it's not the easiest thing to see out of the back of (due to having a bulkhead fitted) so you have to be very steady when reversing. OK, so it gets a few comments from the neighbours, mates take the mickey for a while (until they want to use your van to shift something) and it's arguably a step down if you're concerned about status, but if I'm honest, it suits my lifestyle, so I am now officially happy to become a full time vannist.

I tried to get insurance for my bike (a long story and another thread in waiting, maybe) but in the end, all I could manage was to be insured if the bike was kept in the garage and was chained to the floor by use of a chain from HMS Invincible's anchor and a piece of 5 inch steel tubing that needed to be surgically inserted into the garage floor. I was not covered if the bike was stolen when it was not welded to the floor. I was covered for going to a trial as long as it was an organised one - no cover if it was just practice. I worked out that, if someone was to see me and follow me home, then break into my garage to nick my Gasser (if it wasn't strapped down) I would be out of pocket to the tune of around

I used a bike rack for a year or so and always felt happy with my Gasser being strapped to the back of the car. I know it also turned a few heads too - and that'a always a nice feeling. Although (as far as I am aware) this never happened to me, just be wary when approaching your home of being followed and, if needs be, just take a slight detour is someone is on your tail or you suspect they may be following you. I have heard stories of riders being followed home and their bikes being stolen later that evening from garages (which have doors that don't have the strongest of locks) or sheds. A bike that starts without a key and which can be sold on quickly is an attractive proposition to local thieves!

Hi Jonabonospen Swainey can be evil at this time of year- certainly if it's rained. Rather than Swainey woods, why not try Parkwood 4x4 Centre at Tong near Bradford. It's open this weekend (Saturday 12th March) from 10 til 4 and it's perfect for riders of any level because you can always find a surface that you're happiest with to practice on. The have around 100 acres of land to play on and there's just about everything you will need there. Here's their site. I've no doubt that there'll be loads of lads there who would otherwise be at Swainey. By the way, I'll second Nige's comments (Trials UK) on Gareth (Shaw). He was absolutely immense when I first bought my bike and he spent a huge amount of time showing me the ropes, setting out little sections and building my overall confidence. He's a cracking bloke and he wouldn't hesitate to help you. Look for the big blue LDV van with a dint in the rear door.

Hi Andy I think the chap is question is Gareth Shaw - the same bloke who took me under his wing when I first started out in trials. It's typical of the man to make sure that everyone is having a good time. I hope your daughter wasn't put off by the trial? She'll always be very welcome I'm sure (if I remember right, she was riding a Beta Evo?)

I'm not sure if I agree with the F1 ideas, but if you want to broaden appeal and make trials a popular sport with today's kids the answer is simple... Take it to the X Games. Toni Bou would become a worldwide phenomenon then, not just within the sport of Trials and, acting in much the same manner ad Travis Pastrana does still, he would become an idol for a whole new generation of youngsters.

It was a first visit to Sheffield for my mate and I and we both loved it. A great night which, as has been mentioned, could have been spoiled for the sake of a stupid race over the bop-bops (Toni Bou lost to Dougie and was facing elimination. One of the people we went to see could have been eliminated half way through the night and that would have spoiled the occasion for me). Having said that, the race brought extra excitement as for the losers it then became a time trial - a race against the clock - over a very tricky section, which Bou went on to win in some style (if I remember correctly!) Whilst Bou rightly stole the show (he's strides ahead of anyone else out there in terms of skill and balance), I was very impressed with Fajardo's riding, Dougie's bottle and competitive spirit and was really pleased to see Dibsta get a podeum spot. Fab night, would recommend it to anyone.