atomant

Exactly! is that a bad thing? And yes, time can be used to take points but I want to see the skill of the rider in the art of trials, not in the art of Endurocross as an example.

I would like to open up a discussion on the topic of section length/difficulty for sections where a rider has a set time to complete it in. Namely the WTC & British rounds. As an observation, I accept it is difficult for the course marker to get the section length right allowing for conditions/weather to change etc, for the rider to complete all the sections elements, and get out in good time. So when the section length (in time) is too long, I find it frustrating to see good riders 'paddling' their way out to ensure they get a 3 and not a 5 and not riding the section as the CoC intended. This is not good for the rider or the spectator IMHO. So... Yes, the time limit must be there, but I feel the rider must be given more time in the section to have a valid attempt to ride it properly with a reasonable margin on time. As an example, Section 4 on the Junior route yesterday had an element which was a stopper, many took 5 on it however, 1 rider who managed to get through it on a 1 to the rapturous applause of the crowd, then took a 5 as he didn't get out on time even though he rushed the rest of the section taking a 3. With scoring at this level being so close, it makes all the difference. (This is NOT a criticism of the event which was superb so please don't take it as one ) So I say, make the sections difficult, but reward the riders who take on the difficult parts and succeed by giving them enough time to complete the section and reap the rewards. As a suggestion, maybe design the section to be completed in no more than 70* seconds ridden normally giving 20* seconds up to the 90 for a buffer? Now pile in.. I would like to know what others think on the subject *change numbers as you see fit.

Michael Brown fans may want to know that he mentioned at the airport he was having a cortisone injection on Monday and is hoping to ride the SSDT as planned

In under 100 crashes? you are joking right If you think this is hard Pete, try the 3D game of this as it's insane on some levels!

Yeah, Julie & I walked to Lampkin Falls ok. Worth the trip it was too! Although we did time the trip back to perfection! Andy had just arrived on his chariot and Paul kindly offered us a lift back! Although I thought we were going to end up in the ditch a few times, we made it back ok Thanks for that Paul

It was a very tounge in cheek comment to be honest . I have seen the top gear episode where Sabine drives the van and yup! total respect

You can't miss Andy! He was the woos with the green 'Anti-Snake' waterproofs on!

Oooops! I have changed it..... and Yes, my wife is too good for me! But 24 years now and she hasn't realised it yet! Long may it continue Michael Brown fans may want to know that he mentioned at the airport he was having a cortisone injection on Monday and is hoping to ride the SSDT as planned Finally, I have just got to mention a very big WELL DONE to Ross for his excellent riding on Saturday turning a 4th place into second, and then on the Sunday turning a 5th into a 4th. I watched all the Junior riders through sections 1 to 8 on Saturday before moving on, some sections ( 8 in particular), his riding was as good as it gets IMO. Loved it I know I'm biased but the US fans stood around me were impressed too. Julie & I were so happy for them both (Ross & Marcus) that the hard work they have been putting in is paying off in his first year at Junior Level so soon. The tough British rounds have helped too! Keep it going guys Well done to Dib's for Sundays superb riding. Alexz & Sam for Sunday's podiums and a very well done to Jack for his impressive performance on both days. After that, we have just got to go to Japan and watch the next one. See you all there!

And Julie & I just home too . Superb event and I just love that venue.. . Hello again to all the US guys we met. Fortunately I avoided Cope's cactus juice. Andy suggested I needed a bit more practice before I was ready for that ! And Andy, are you still moaning about doing all the photography & press stuff ... It's not like its hard is it now

Some more great riding today. Great result for Jack Challoner. Again, he was riding extremely well. 100% commitment all the time and you can't help but admire that! I'm becoming a fan of his.. Well done Check out Dibs score! I believe his best ever finish and he looked at times a top 5 world rider easily. Very tidy and a pleasure to watch Well, we met a few TC US regulars and that was fun! ( Copemech, please forgive my wife and her obsession with fajardo's behind!) Ross got a 2nd first day & a 4th the second displacing Gomez & Gratarola both days. The lads coming on Byeeee

Weather this morning is rain and more rain! About 63 degrees. Any of the US contingent thats at the venue thats reading this, drop by and say hello at the Gas Gas stand.

The first day had some suprises for sure. Fujigas's round on the first loop of 1 was remarkable. His riding was awe inspiring. Raga had an 'off' day. Obviouslly I watched Ross quite a bit and he was riding very well although even though he got second, the score could have been much better. We are off out for a few beers in a mo Browny is suffering from a very bad arm injury (edit: Tennis Elbow I have now found out). He was in a lot of pain and took 5's near the end. Jack Challoner was extremely good today too. He certainly wasn't phased by the event and this is going to be a tussle worth watching. Well done to Pat for the win albeit very tight Thats it for now, Loris Gubian wants to get on the hotel computer and my 5 minutes are up

To be fair, the stator plate is an often discussed problem with Beta's on this site.

WIth a bit of luck, might have me hands on a trusty Fantic 240 The thing is, can I remember how to ride it

ok ok, so what does this prove! That the world finally has ONE woman that can drive

If you want a hand with the marking out Gaz, give me a shout

Very clever acronym! How many people spotted that then ?

Andy, I do worry about you sometimes! What were you looking for when you came across that pic?

Is this Slapshot at work ?

The problem is you see is the ol' La Ni

Interesting stuff Charlie. Thanks for the insight

Definately not! I have been given my orders

What the Dabster said I simply cannot believe the abuse Ross' 125 Gasser engine has taken without any major engine faults. No doubt it was the same for Wiggy as well. It does help if you have top maintenance of course

I'm looking forward to coming round your trailer for a few cool beers and a sing song like last time See ya soon p.s The lovely wife is coming so I will have to behave this time

Well, I'm a bit skint at the moment as I have just clubbed in with David Beckham & Tom Cruise to buy Chelsea