Yesterdays No Stop Ralph Varden trial was one of the best trials I've ridden recently but being over 40,perhaps I'm biased!From a B route point of view,it was great to ride long sections,with a choice of lines.There was a decent number of riders and there was a noticeable lack of queues.Why would that be?!Nothing worse than watching someone who thinks they can trick ride five a section two or three times in one go and take a long time doing it!
No stop is contentious but having ridden trials continuously for 34 years and having experienced the various rule changes over the years,I think it can only benefit trials in general.Yes,some people will disagree with me but I suspect a lot more will agree!No stop,if adopted across the board,will ultimately encourage fresh blood to trials because it levels the playing field somewhat.It will encourage an "I fancy a go at that"attitude,rather than a "blimey that's good"(but I don't think I will ever be able to ride like that so I won't be getting a bike).
The vast majority of riders cannot trick ride,whether they like to admit it or not,so why not cater for the majority,not the minority?Of course,minorities usually make more noise and tend to get their own way!(Hitler being a good example!)
The lack of entries in the World and British championships surely suggests that something is wrong.The danger is that lesser events will go the same way.Bike development will advance so much over time,that sections will become tighter and more outrageous than they currently are,so less people will be able to ride in the manner that will be necessary.Bike development influences section layout and influences the rules and vice versa.The vicious circle continues,until,like the Ouzle bird,trials will disappear up its own........
Food for thought!I await comment!
