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Our feeling was that if riders wanted their trophies (or the cash for adults) they would turn up to the organised FREE presentation evening. This worked well for some years but slowly the attendance dropped off until it was less than 50%. This is very disheartening when the club has spent a lot of time and money putting on entertainment, trophies, photographer and food. As I said, we wrote to every award winner. Any who replied who couldn't make the evening were given their trophies, but unfortunately most simply didn't reply. This actually benefited every rider the following year as we didn't need to put our entry fee up. The

A good idea Jack. The only trouble was that we offered the adults a cash alternative to the trophies (1st=

Some good ideas there. Thanks.

I've always bought our weekly Trials and MotoX paper... you know the one. I have it on subscription at the moment. I can remember rushing down to the shops on the way to work in the early 80's to get it. But these days I am starting to wonder if it is good value for money any more. There are 30 pages dedicated MX, quad & Enduro and five on motorhomes. What does everyone else think? Is

With so many different classes on offer at most club trials, at some point everyone is likely to take a class win in their trials career. We used to give out trophies at the end of the year to the top rider in each class over a four or five round series. These would be presented at our annual prizegiving ceremony alongside the awards for our National/Centre events. A round figure of

I use 80ml of Shell TTS to 5 litres and this seems to work ok. I've just split the centre box on the exhaust, upon removing it I found that the corner of a moulding on the top of the engine block (where the engine number is) had been digging into the silencer and pushing it up. It is common knowledge to grind this off.... so I have, typical of me- 'after' it's damaged the exhaust.

I know it's pure speculation and guess work but what do people think..... Would Dougie have won another World Championship if the 4RT had come out two years later?

Breaking off any twigs which are at face or finger height is pefectly ok with me. Little bit of a 'toe poke' whilst walking accross an adverse camber isn't too bad. Moving a stone to provide an advantage is a no no.

The route has been finalised for the Sam Coooper Union Jack Classic Trial. Starting at Blackwell Village Hall, this years trial will use some sections not used for a few years in the Miller Series. Riders wh have ridden in the OK Supreme Long Distance Trial, will recognise groups such as Tramway, Thompsons Falls and Jones' Bank. To keep the distance down to 37miles, the event will not go as far south as Top Farm this year; but before you worry that there is no lunch break, Top Farm will still be moving to Saintbury Quarry for the day to provide their excellent service. One point to note, in the spirit of pre-65 rules, any machine presented at the start with the wrong type of carb will be classed as a Special. This is a rule which has not been enforced in recent years, so be prepared. Finally; the Stratford-Upon-Avon club welcome trail riders to this event, there will be two classes for trail bikes. The Hard route suitable for machines like Beta Alps and the Easy route which caters for pre-65 sidecars, suitable for 400's.

Jarvis saying 'it's ok' obviously isn't as good as 50 club riders buying the bike and being happy with it six months down the line. Fingers crossed; I personally like the way the Sherco 4T rides.

There has been an increasing number of 4RTs in our trials this year; more than just novelty value, so Montesa must be doing something right. I personally didn't get on with it - but then I'm rubbish so don't take my word for it. I did get on with the Sherco 4T - I just couldn't start that. I would strongly recommend that you get a go on a 4RT if at all possible, I think you'll kow if you like it or not fairly quickly.

Just a another normal day then.

Yes, it def is the footrests that wear them out. It's just that Alpinestars last about three times longer than the Novogars. If the new Gars have tougher soles, then I'll go for those again.

Seems about right. It really is worth going to have a look before bidding, the bodywork has been changed for the later 2004 colours which makes it look newer than it is, but you can only tell so much from a picture. There are some good deals to be had on Eblog but there are a lot of duff ones too. The buy it now price is right at the very top of what it would be worth unless it is totally mint in every way (which lets be honest, very few trials bikes are at five years old!) Looking at the paper this week, you'd probably get one from a dealer at that price; get a test ride and have some (limited) comeback if it was a dud. You sound as if you know your way around a competition machine, so go and check it out and let us know how you get on. Good luck.

Now that would be real 'bling!'

That's more than good enough for me. Thanks.

You should be able to get a pretty good trials bike for

Martin, I think the new colours look brilliant and the only thing putting me off was how quickly the soles wore out on the old ones. I take it the new colour scheme has the new tougher soles?

These type of comments are becoming more and more mainstream because of the now widespread pathetic culture in the UK (copied from the USA) of suing for every god damn accident that happens that is your fault but you won't admit it. An old one was a woman on an airline who ordered a cup of coffee and dropped it on her lap whilst fumbling in her chair. She was scolded and SUCCESFULLY sued the airline for not having the text 'THIS PRODUCT MAY BE HOT" on the cup. Which is why the amount of paperwork in any business gets more and more every year. Companies have to prove that they have taken every precaution known to man and reatin it for audit purposes. I ask you... I have to review and update my risk assessments and safe systems of use forms every 12 months. Including the one for using the toaster in the rest area.

Hi Martin, There are a few clubs who operate not too far from you who put on a very easy route for novices. This is by far the best way to have a good practice as you can watch other riders of a similar ability actually riding the section. Even then, if you don't like the look of a section you can ask for a five and move on to the next one. The other advantages of entering a trial is that you are fully legal, insured and able to chat to other riders, more often than not, you will get talking to someone who you probably know (who you didn't even realise did trials) who will give you the in's and out's of the sport. Look out for- Dudley Club at Kinlet (Nr Bewdley) who have a C route, Pete & Lynda are very friendly people and have a trial on 25th March. Stourbridge Club who have a very easy B route, Jeff wells is the man to speak to, he is very keen on easy trials. They have one at Shatterford (Nr Kidderminster) or Handley Childe on 31st March. Evesham Club who have a C route, Pete Wickham is the contact. They are running a trial near Evesham on 29th April. Stafford Auto who have an easy route, often at Milwich Farm, Steve Downe is the usual contact. They have an evening trial on 2nd June. Stratford Club at Top Farm near Broadway, speak to a grumpy old git (me) We will have four routes for the next one as it includes a round of the Midland Centre Youth Championship, and the D route has to be suitable for six year olds on small wheeled bikes, so there will definately be a route you fancy having a go at. Date 24th June. Email me if you need any further information. You are spoilt for choice a far as easy trials are concerned where you live, much better than riding around some wood wondering if you are going to upset someone. I hope this has helped. Pete Stratford-Upon-Avon MC&LCC

Nope, just one practice session with Betarev3 and Barrybaines!

I've never heard of that before. If they were doing that for some kind of advantage, (why else do it?) then surley that is cheating?

Be careful he doesn't call around and yell at you It's not April the first yet is it?