michael_t

Looks good to me, 5 different lines of difficulty something to challenge all levels of ability - some pretty good riders to - especially nice to see young riders taking part.

I am no videographer and there was no rhyme or reason to what I captured, really just tried to get a few clips from each section. I will say to me this really shows what local trials is all about – People of all different capabilities challenging themselves and having fun with fellow riders. For me watching Andrea working the clutch on a steep little corner, not stalling and getting through the section with a big smile on her face is just as much about our sport as watching Toni Bou tackling what most might see as impossible sections. We really try hard to have sections for all abilities to have fun with. https://youtu.be/XJVLxqrNLCY

I would say if you are just messing around to see how far you can lean the bike ...etc then you don't need to worry too much about covering the brake. As you get more familiar with the bike and riding I would work towards being able to cover the brake as it will come in handy in the sections - At least with the EM you don't have to worry about stalling

Haven't posted for a while but given these interesting times figured I would share our event from this past weekend. Given that the border between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick is closed (because of the Covid virus) we ended up holding an event in each Province and combining the scores. Not ideal but hopefully the border will open soon and the rest of our events can be held with riders from both provinces in one location. The weather was fantastic in both locations and the sections were really amazing - you know you can clean them but end up dropping a points but feeling you will clear it next time. We had 6 sections but rode them in both directions so counted them as 12. The advantage being you would always finish where you started and that would be in a wide open space to allow for social distancing. Here is a video I tossed together from the NS event (Province limited gathering to 10 people) only 9 riders in the video because I didn't video myself

One great thing about the people of the world is that we are all different. Some people like participating, some like officiating, some like spectating, some like organizing and promoting, and lots of people have no interest at all. It can also depend on how a person is feeling on any given day. I read some place that most people really only have time for 3 things 1-family/friends, 2-work, 3-one hobby (maybe not in that order) . I don't really agree and usually have 3 or 4 hobbies on the go but it is something to think about. Most days I check out this forum and ADV rider a few trials blogs and numerous facebook trials related sites. I have an email list with about 80 people on it that I send updates about local trials events and I never see any of them responding to things on forums (they may be just out there spectating the conversations) and of the 80 I am happy if 20 show up for any given event. Everyone has there own interests its just nice that we have a place to share our thoughts and opinions (if we want to) about a very niche sport we all enjoy in our own ways . Morning ramble over ?

Our Provincial Gov is asking for a plan for getting sports back up and running. We have had good luck getting flat water paddling and sailing approved - Going to work on a plan for trials tonight and hopefully get it approved... of course who knows if anyone will come (we struggled getting riders even before Covid :).

I posted a little April fools video for a little fun - after 2 days I looked at the demographics seems we are a bunch of old guys... I realize that isn't true but the few that are not in that category are less than 1% - at least according to however YouTube figures that out.

Had a little test event on Zoom last weekend... this was the figure 8 challenge (was supposed to be 3 figure eights in a 10X15 space). We also did a static balance challenge - engine off so we could heckle each other :). Have a long list of other possible challenges... Just like a real event it does get harder when you string tape and have a camera on you and nerves kick in a little. Really just a little fun and a reason to get the bike out for a bit. Edited the video at the end to speed things up a bit ? https://youtu.be/9Fx1D_64YV8

As long as you don't touch something then touch your face without washing your hands you should be pretty safe so keep 6ft away from everyone keep your gloves on and give your hands a good wash after the event I think it should all be manageable at some point in the future. I think the best I have heard was from a young person calling into the local news to "ask the expert" and asked "if the virus only lasts a few days and we have all been staying home for weeks how come it is still here?" - Answer - "Well we haven't ALL been staying home".

Still loving my 2015 - It was the last year of the reversed fuel tank but has worked great for me !

Stats posted... based on Youtube

Decided to try something new in the backyard … Edit - Video removed as it was just for April Fools :). Some interesting stats from posting a trials video for 2 days...

It looks super easy but it is NOT! Another good video from Pat but having somebody show you in person is even better...

Interesting to see an expanding line of GG bikes...

I don't think they shut down the revs "before" letting go of the clutch... I believe they feather the clutch out to control how big the hit is. Basically you are controlling the speed and acceleration with the clutch not the throttle... but I am no expert :).

It has been awhile - I had actually forgot the switch was even there LOL!

Here are 3 pages (just one example) from the trials forum on ADVrider (I'm MT007 over there as Michael_t was taken ) https://advrider.com/f/threads/bar-risers-or-high-handlebars-and-why-not.1298416/#post-34918641

There have been lots of threads on bar risers and it always seems to come down to regardless how tall you are … Dougie Lampkin is often used as an example the stock bar height makes for the best geometry (maybe if you have really long legs and short arms they might be needed but assuming you are of usual proportions). If you find yourself a bit cramped you might look at rolling your bars forward a bit. I'm 6'1" and another rider suggested this one day and I was surprised what a difference it made.

Hopping is all about getting the rhythm (like on a pogo stick) deep knee bends.

I doubt it... but it is tougher than it looks and is a good core work out. To be honest if I spent the amount of time it is going to take learning to ride it on the trials bike instead I would probably be better off as far as my trials riding goes... but it is fun to try something new and is a unique challenge, I have a new respect for people who can actually ride a unicycle - although a lot of them seem to be clowns ?.

A turning point for me was having the bars turned and putting the front wheel against a curb or rock in the driveway so I could push against the rock a little... it was just enough to allow me to better balance until my body got used to the balance point. I haven't come up with anything similar on the unicycle so just keep falling over until hopefully I get onto it... It does take a lot of time but once you get it it seems to stick with you so well worth the investment IMO :).

Hadn't really though of it like that and inn the video they actually do stop a few times on a log which would be super hard to do. I will say if the bike is moving it is WAY easier than when it is not and if the motor is running it is a bit easier than if it is not. I remember a guy driving a street bike into a parking lot one evening and drove in with no issues but when he got off the bike he was so drunk he didn't have enough balance to even walk straight … yes there was some heavy drinking involved but my point is a moving bike is much different than a still one as far as balancing goes

Sorry that I am just seeing this, I don't check here as often as I used to. My parents place is in Falmouth which is right next door to you and there are a few riders in Hantsport… hope to see you out at a few events next season. If you want to send me your email I can add you to the Maritime Trials Riders email list. Cheers, Michael

I do think working on static balance is a great thing as having a good sense of balance and core strength can only help with balancing your bike in lots of situations. I will however note that in the above examples - you don't typically put your front tire onto the top of an obstacle and balance before hoping up onto it you usually push your front tire into the obstacle just below the top and the pressure of the bike pushing forward against the obstacle really helps your balance... you could practice this as having the bike jammed into something is good to get used to and comes in handy. Riding on a straight log or narrow board isn't so much about static balance (as the wheels are moving) it is much more about focusing at the end of the log so you keep going straight, Can't really think of a situation were you wouldn't be able to turn the wheel at least one way... which is why it is really important to practice turning it both ways equally :). BTW … I bought a unicycle last week which is also a good way to work on your balance and core strength - and your ability to fall over and get back up again... over and over again.

I have really enjoyed my 2015 ST250 from new and have no plans to replace it anytime soon. The gas cap in the rear does need to be clean before you open it but not a big deal. The clutch sticks it has been sitting for a while but frees up easily if you rock it back and forth a few times in 4th gear (common issue on lots of trials bikes).