cota kid

I agree with Dave. I think Doug will retain his outdoor crown and Fujigas as ever will be his main rival. If Grimbo can avoid any injuries, illness then he could get third spot otherwise it will probably be Raga. (unless he spits his dummy out.) CK

Following in the foot steps (not a good trials metaphor) of Todotrial, what about designing a Trials Central helmet? Could be a good bit of business Marky. CK

The Colonial is always a cracking trial and credit goes to all the organisers and observers. But keep it quiet as we don't want everyone to find out about it. CK

Perce, I had slack dabs on Jim Jardine's section but it was number 1 I cleaned. Marky, As you are aware I have deserted Montesa for Sherco. Scarborough I rode B as it was the first time out. Old excuse of running it in. At Helwith Beck I didn't really fancy the gully and big step, excuse of being a Sh*thouse. To avoid any further stick I will be resuming riding Clubman A or Green course. Someone needs to prop up the result tables. CK PS Whats the TOGS course?

Don't get me wrong although it was a very hard trial the satisfaction of finishing made it well worth it. Having rode it once I know now what to expect next time. See if I can get more than 1 clean. And what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. ( I'm not sure what that actually means) CK

Marky, Your dead right about the different standards across centres. The clubman route at last years crackpot trial was the hardest section trial I've rode including Nationals. You'll be fine with the Expert course in EYC, just be careful with that paintwork. Does that also mean Hutchy is going to step up a class? We all know he's capable of it. CK

It surprises (dissapoints) me that Montesa do not have a website, although for sometime it was under construction. Other factories have excellent websites eg Gas Gas and Sherco and I don't know why Montesa haven't followed suit. They must be spending all their cash on R & D for the 4 banger. CK

I always blocked the vent holes using fine aluminium mesh, the type used in car body repairs. Most motor spares shops stock it, eg Halfords. I used to tape it on the inside.

Be careful booking online. I booked a place online, albeit somewhat difficult finding a place for 3 of us, and then a few days later received an e-mail informing me they were in fact fully booked up. I contacted the Bangor Tourist Information Office on 02891 270069 and they sorted out some digs. There are obviously plenty of places who do not advertise online. However demand is very high so book up soon! Mind you if the weather is as good as last year you can always sleep on a park bench.

EasyJet Newcastle to Belfast return is

so are we all going to meet up for a few schooners of sherry? Plenty of good ale houses. CK

I've seen watering can type fuel containers with a fixed spout with a cap on the end, but I don't know anywhere that sells them. CK

I'll be there as well. Cheering on the lads and supping Guiness.

I took my daughter as a late suprise Christmas present and it was throughly enjoyable. She was very happy she got Dougies photo and autographs. It would have been great if you could have walked the sections which was originally planned, until H & S rules prevented it.

Then don't take her. I found it difficult to find accomodation in Bangor. Ranges from about

Anyone else going to Bangor in April. Booked up on Easyjet from Newcastle the other day only

I saw the indoor there 2 years ago it was excellent , you don't know what your missing. Although I didn't visit any there are a few trials shops in the city. As one might expect. Try the www.todotrial.com website or www.topfun.com Theres Zona Cero , scottish trial ( who have an extensive online store) and Top Fun. I 'm sure you'll be able to get the addresses off the net. CK

Tried kicking it off with no throttle, kicked off first time, mind you it had been in the garage all night. I'll see what happens on a cold wet morning. Thanks for the advise anyway. CK

Martin, thank you for that. I'm very interested to see what the Montesa 4 banger will be like. I imagine there are a lot of people out there who feel the same. I also think they are also are lot of Montesa riders out there who are also considering a move, knowing that the 315 is coming to an end. The possible high price of a 4 banger is also a concern. CK PS My 9 year old daughter prefered my Montesa.

The only problem with my 2003 290 Sherco is its a bitch to start, especially when its cold and wet. Any advice would be greatly appriciated. Thanks CK

Perce, Got it from a main dealer not a million miles from my home. In reponse to Physco, the 315 was a great bike before DL joined Montesa, Marc Colomer won the World Championship in 1996 on one. Aslo most bike factories are where the things are assembled from the various components. CK

It might come as a great shock to the public, but I am no longer riding a Montesa. Whilst this may only be a temporary situation, dependant on the proposed Montesa 4 stroke, I have now switched to a 290 Sherco. To be totally honest this was a spur of the moment decision. Knowing that the reign of the Cota 315 is coming to and end I thought to would be an ideal opportunity to start afresh for the new year. Having spent most of my 6 years trialing on a Montesa I am hopeful that the change might provide much needed improvement to my riding. I will report back to the forum with my honest thoughts on the Sherco and how I am getting on. It goes without saying that the Montesa 315 has been one of the greatest bikes in the history of the sport but even the best things come to an end and as one door closes another opens. It also seems appropriate to no longer post under the Cota Kid name, well at least for the forseeable future. Viva Montesa! Cota Kid

Thats where I've been going wrong. I've found out that they are not due into the UK until Feb 2004. Airoh are an Italian company who make road, MX and enduro helmets at very economical prices. Unfortunately I know nothing about the trials helmet except Doug has one. CK PS Rotosport are the importers.

I see Doug is now sporting a Airoh trials lid. Does anyone know who stocks them, what they're like and the cost. Thanks CK

I get out as much as I can on my Specialised Rockhopper, I've got a set of decent lights so I can still go off road at night during the Winter Months. I certianly helps build up the stamina. Always fancied a bash on a 26'' trials cycle but reckon I'd look a bit of a tw*t , at my age, on one. CK I mean twit of course.