Although I havent ridden for 10 years this is a problem that was around when I started 30 years ago, certainly at club level. It seems to me that the problem is there are not enough riders at club events to raise 10 observers.
One of the clubs I rode with had some events with no observers, just a punch hanging on a tree and you punched your own card. There was a bit of lenient marking but those who always won still won. Anyone who cheats is only cheating themselves.
Grouping riders at club events to mark themselves can only be a good for the less experienced riders to learn from the experts.
Why does no one volunteer?
Multi route sections? Surely at club level there can only be two routes at the most, easy and hard. If the Experts want some practice go and ride hard events. The club trials are to have fun or learn.
Argumentative riders? I have seen riders argue the toss over a mark at club trials. Saw a guy who was in an absolute rage over a mark lost. If I had been the observer I would have walked off and left the section even if it ruined the day for the rest of the riders. Over the years I have been the victim of harsh decisions but on the other hand got away with a few. All evens out at the end of the day. Always thanked the observers at the end of the trial.
Not sure there is a definitive answer to the problem besides make the riders observe now and again or mark themselves.
never seen the like of it before at a trial.
in General Trials Talk
Posted
If I had been that observer I would of simply walked off the section and let it be known to the other riders exactly why and who had ruined their day.