michael_t

"Some of us have smaller equipment than others.....Observer may not even notice if it being adjusted." My understanding is that most trials riders have larger balls than the general public - one of the reasons trials riders had to removed their seats, as they would just get in the way. Looking forward to hearing how Ben made out, hopefully he didn't get scared off thinking we are all a bunch of jack asses .

Just don't get caught staring you may not be asked back... If you can't make up your mind and switch back and forth more than 3 times it is considered playing with yourself. Of course adjusting you penis while footing is a 5 - like I mentioned before it is good to check the rules. To be truthful they don't mention your penis but you do have to keep your hands on your handlebars while footing according to the AMA anyways. I heard of a guy getting a 5 for quickly adjusting his glasses with a foot down.

I had the same issue with my 2002 txt200 I followed the following from the trials parts USA website. - worked for me. GENERAL CLUTCH INFORMATION For 2002 GASGAS pro. The “clutch cover” update kit: Beginning in the 2003 model year, the diameter was changed on the clutch slave piston (which is located in the center of the clutch cover.) In the 2005 model year, all Pro model hydraulic clutch systems use mineral oil. All previous Pro models use DOT4 brake fluid. (Mineral oil is applicable to the 2004 Adam Raga special edition models also) A “kit” is available to convert the clutch cover/slave unit on 2002 Pro motorcycles, into the improved 2003-06 aluminum redesigned version. This kit includes all components necessary to convert from DOT4 brake fluid to Mineral oil. NOTE: THE BRAKES USE DOT 4 FLUID. NEVER INSTALL MINERAL OIL IN A BRAKE SYSTEM! The kit includes the following: One 2003~13 type aluminum clutch cover (2002 models are magnesium) all necessary o-rings gaskets, and seals. A seal kit to convert the master cylinder on the handlebar to accept the mineral oil. Contact the GASGAS dealer nearest you for more information. GASGAS part number MT280532001CR

What are peoples preferred methods of joining ties together. I find that ties are tough to work with but given they are so heavy they will typically stay where they are put. I tend to use tie down straps to hold stuff together for events but I see in the pictures from Quebec that they use metal straps and there are lots that do not seem to be attached at all. I made a practice wall last year using 4X4 posts with 2X6 planks backfilled with dirt but it basically flew apart after the first rider hit it with a splatter... I am going to rebuild it this week using 6X6 and notching the ends so they fit together and I can spike them. I will probably make 6ft by 6ft squares and then stack them and fill them with dirt, ties would probably hold up better but they are heavier and harder to cut.

Here are a few ideas...from an event in Quebec http://www.ataq.qc.ca/galerie/index.php?folder=/Evenements/20110521-2011-La-Tuque/&page=2

The States have 2 models this year (2015) the cheaper one comes with a seat. http://powersports.honda.com/trials.aspx

May be handy to read through the rule book... don't be afraid to ask questions. Take your time walking the sections and ask questions as you go. I know generally people (especially guys) don't like asking questions/directions but it really does help to really know where to go before you try a section. As mentioned try to join up with a few other riders so they can show you the ropes. One thing that shouldn't be too hard to remember is to keep smiling it is all just for fun. Even if you do something stupid just have a good laugh and keep on going don't take it too seriously. I usually plan out each section before I ride it... carefully figure out each turn and line, I really get a bit stressed sitting at the start gate and usually takes me a bit to ease out the clutch and head into the section, then I typically get off track the first couple of seconds in and then just wing it and hope for the best :hyper: . Hope you have an awesome event - Can't wait to hear how it goes !!!

Try turning your head enough so you can stare at your rear fender. I know it sounds strange but when I am looking at my rear fender (in tight turns) I find it makes a HUGE difference I would be very interested in you giving it a try and letting me know if it works for you as well or if I am just fooling myself.

Good to know, I wasn't sure what level S2 was. The guys here at the local university built an electric trials bike from an old Honda TLR. I gave it a try and it was a real blast the only thing I didn't like was that it didn't have a clutch I was glad to see the EM does have a clutch as trying to use the throttle to cut power in a split second doesn't compares to being able to pull that clutch lever .

Great video, Looks like you and I are about the same level. I have been riding about 5 years now and I'm 51 this year I may not be the next Toni but I just love getting out for a good ride around the yard. I typically try to practice a little of everything but agree that the tight corners are typically where I lose points. I actually thought you cleared that log nicely if you had your front wheel higher you may have hit your skid plate... at least that has been my experience - Keep up the good work and keep smiling !!!

I have heard it does not do well in extreme conditions such as rock faces and steep hill climbs. It seems it is more designed for intermediate level riding. Like most things it would be best to give it a try if at all possible before buying but I'm guessing that it would be tough to find somebody local that had one.

is that the terra nova ? never been but it looks like too much fun to be sitting down for . http://youtu.be/9dJu91wUOsA

Thanks for setting that straight... from the riders I do know, I couldn't imagine anybody skipping events for reasons other than time and $$$. Wouldn't it be great if we had the level of sponsorship in this country that could see people being flown across the country for events like this one .

I would suggest don't over think it... it is only 2 weeks away if you are not in decent shape you won't be... don't stray to far from your normal rhythm keep things fairly contestant. By now you must have a pretty good feel for what works for you and what doesn't. I would work on relaxing and enjoying the day if you get all stressed out over it you will have a tough go for sure.

It almost sounds like CMA riders are being asked not to ride certain events but that can't really be right can it? Surely riders are free to enjoy any events they want to in BC. Hopefully both the CMA and WTC events will get large turn outs of people who are interested in really enjoying our sport. Unlike Steve I really don't know all the riders so I really have no opinion of who is best, but if riders are really refusing to ride at events... to me that is just poor sportsmanship and pretty hard to consider them Canada's "best riders". Please note that is a big if and I just certainly hope it is not the case. ... I just wish more people would come out and enjoy the sport for what I feel it is - a good chance to muck around on bikes with a great group of people. - Good luck this weekend and hope it is an awesome event !!!

Saying you rode and saying you competed are 2 different things ... If he can kick some butt and teach the locals a few things then good on him for getting sponsored (who knows, maybe he can become one of the #1 ranked rider in Canada) .

Well I guess if the riders in this great country of ours never get together to ride against one another we will never really know who is #1. Of course even if they did get together who ever won would truly only be the best rider on that particular day. Personally I think it is great that both WTC and the CMA have championships and are making the effort to put on world class events that everyone can enjoy. I hope they all run smoothly and everyone has great fun at them... Having 2 or 3, #1 riders in Canada seems very Canadian to me. Of course this is coming from somebody who proclaims to be the #1 worst trials riders in Canada but have yet to be to a Canadian championship to actually prove myself.

Have you had a chance to compete yet? I'm guessing you have been riding motorcycles for more than a month... just new to trials? I would start one class lower than you think you should as it is the tight off camber turns that can force a dab more often than a hill climb or hopping over a rock. start easy and work your way up is a lot more fun IMO. Here in Nova scotia it is easy as we only have 2 classes (Novice, and Advanced) I always suggest people start in the low class and let them move up on the second lap if need be LOL. I also typically know who is going to show up and adjust the sections accordingly if at all possible (one nice thing about having a small group of riders). Be sure to report back on how you make out... Cheers, Michael

Hey 68, I found that the side by side event was well received and was fun to do if you have the space. It is great if you can do it as part of another event... maybe even get paid to do it . It certainly helps build interest in the sport and can be a lot of fun. If it isn't a timed event (race) it can typically be covered under the WTC insurance policy like any other trials event... but the riders should still have basic liability insurance coverage on their bikes (which not all riders bother with) as you are typically closer to the public than you are in the woods.

Having an Awesome time this weekend with our indoor event. We have 9 riders and are doing head to head riding followed by a more traditional section. We have 1hr twice a day for Fri, Sat and Sun but we also have an hour or more of warm up time in the morning... great fun to have indoor riding this time of year. By the afternoon show there are a couple thousand spectators... Even got to play on my new Sherco X-Ride. check out the gallery... http://dualsport.smugmug.com/2014-Ride-Reports/2014-03-08-NS-Trials/ There was actually a pretty decent crowd... Cheers, Michael

New Scotland - Nova Scotia isn't much better than Scotland except I think we get a wee bit more snow... unlike rain it can pile up even on high ground and can be tough to find traction on. My opinion is it is best to dress for the weather and get out and enjoy it a day on the bike is better than a day in the office I don't care what the weather .

We have so few riders and no observers we really have no choice but to self check. We typically all ride the first lap together to observe each other and do the point and laugh thing then we ride the remaining laps in smaller groups or on our own. I collect all the score cards at the end and post the results on the internet the following day. I have never been to an event that had actual observers but I might try and make the WTC championships in Quebec this year to see what it is like...

Hey Steve, You make a great point. These shows are a fantastic way to make some money for the sport. I typically take the funds and put the money towards the rest of the events in the year. It all goes through the local not for profit off road riders association so it is totally transparent where the money comes from and where it goes.

Don't forget daily commuter... I road plated it for the fun of it... The clerk at the motor vehicles office was pretty sure it was an "off road" bike but I assured her that "Sherco Off Road" was just the name of the company - LOL.