Some very valid points on this thread, also I find it highly bizarre that anyone would attempt to grow a sport from the top down!!! Just doesn't work like that.
If the manufacturers want to sell more bikes they need to sell the fun aspect of the sport at club level. Mind you a lot of people are lucky to be able to feed a family these days never mind stump up for new trials machines
Bringing back a show like kickstart would do wonders.
Just to add to the above many of the no stop trials we have now ridden (youth classes at club level) have been set out just as they were before only now you're told you can't stop ... fail at the first hurdle. Certainly not having a pop at ANYONE that gives up their time to run trials and set out etc ....
Its hardley joined up thinking to reduce costs (how) increase participation (how) more dynamic (HOW) is it? Or am I missing something?
I believe their thinking is this : no stop = easier sections ... more people people think "hey I can have a whirl at this trials lark now" ........ the manufacturers sell more bikes ... more bike sales (and we're talking volume here not just a few more) will drastically reduce the cost of bikes due to them being sold in higher volumes making production cheaper and passing that along to the customer ... cuckoo
We've only been riding trials just over a year and I can tell you for fact the majority of kids and parents are beginning to dislike it for with a vengence!!!
Kids are rushing through sections paranoid about getting 5'd for stopping, and indeed having more accidents in their desperate attempt to keep moving ... its total crap imho and a real turn of from the sport.
Thanks for the reply's everyone, sounds like i'm moving in the right direction with this.
I am moving over to a box for all the reasons above really - not having the bikes on show and keeping all the mud outside the car!
The way m looking at this (even if I end up having one made) is that I get the benefits of a van .. that I can keep in a garage.yes its not a cheap option but its a heck of a lot cheaper that running a van!
Hey scraggy i'd really like to see how you've done yours out, just for ideas, why not put some pics on here, i'm sure im not the only one
I agree about the easy routes, my son and i started last year, he couldn't ride the 'easy' route as it was way to hard for him, we very nearly gave up.
He was disillusioned, and I couldn't take the falls and tears any more!!
However we persevered and its all come good in the end, now he's had a few finishes, we're up and running , our club have been very supportive etc, however I do think that folk that have been riding / involved for a long time don't seem to realise how difficult it can be for people from outside the sport / hobby to get into it.
Nice 'easy' routes would solve a lot of the problems.
Sadly over this last year I have seen several kids that dad has pushed them to finish 'easy trials' as they assume they should be able to do them.And then i've never seen them again
Also kickstart would market the sport in an exceptional way.Its why I wanted my son to try it (and me ) and it was 30 years ago!!!
Pete I don't really see why why the clubs have a bunch of code numbers to let some unpaid secretery do the ACU's job?
My point being that let those that wish to go and purchase an ACU licence and make it simple and those that don't will have to pay a Day Licence on the day.
Now I don't know how much you have to give to the ACU for a day license? but lets say it is £2-00 then you charge it at £5-00 and this is where the club benefits, lets not forget the unpaid secretery is doing this already, but now some goes into club funds?
Of course you would have to show your ACU licence and I do wonder how many can even find theirs let alone when they last produced it, but the guys that ride year in year out without paying the £10-00 and riding without a licence will be numbered and both the ACU and the Club will benefit?
I will add that my son has ridden about 15 trials this year and not once have i been asked to produce his license.
That's it, great idea... cut out the clubs altogether and save loads of money.
No clubs therefore No club memberships fees, no trials, then there is no need for licences or insurance or anything. Cheap! That idea's a winner.
Makes you wonder why anyone would ever put theirselves out to run events at all.
Thats taken a little out of context.
I am highly grateful to people that put the time in to run clubs and put on trials, we are new to the sport and so maybe have an 'outsiders' perspective.We are fully paid up practice members at our club and its great, we will be observing next year as well, now the lad is up and running as well as planning to ride a lot more trials at other clubs.
However, I have just found it frustrating getting a licence as I didn't have the code to hand!!
At 7 he's the perfect age for a conducted trial, many clubs organize them, normally set out separately from the main trial especially for the youngsters to get started.
They will be walked through the sections one at a time, before they ride it.
It will also help you to understand what skills he needs to learn so you can help him with 'structured' practice .. keeping it fun of course!
:lol:
Toni Bou Video Worth The Money
in Trials Videos
Posted
Id go with the Ryan Young DVD - but I think they work well together, what one misses another picks up on.
If its choice though go for the Ryan Young.