cubby

Hopefully Got travel and <mention of this company is not permitted on Trials Central> arranged but no sign of the number....maybe sitting on the doormat when I get home though.

Apologies one and all....I have been away with work all week so couldn't get access to post the results. Hopefully all of those people who rode will have now received a hard copy, and I have sent my pdf to Andy for posting to the front page. Thanks to the guys at Bolton MCC for posting a set earlier in the week. Next year is the 50th anniversary so we are going to be doing a few things differently to make a celebration of it. Entries will be out in around Good Friday 2005 so get in touch before that and get some regs sent to you. This year 275 entries were filled within 6 days! TooFastTim - The classic trial is only taking place this weekend so results will be around on Monday

Spot on...glad you enjoyed it That long moor crossing on Sunday afternoon before the Dhoon Quarry is a killer though! Just what you don't need! My favourite two sections on Sunday were Windy Gulley.....two cleans and Colley one the first....my claim to fame for the weekend!!

Glad you enjoyed it Bikespace....even though you did beat me by a couple of places!!!! What did you think of the National course? I should have a pdf shortly and will get the full results on asap. A copy will be in the post for all those who rode today as well.

29er - thats the proper side! ;o) Bikespace - When you are here for the two-day next week you will see your fair share of sidecars.....there are 44 entered for this years trial!! Also it is ok for them to be both in the sidecar on such a camber....dabs are lost in the normal way i.e. when a body part touches the floor, tree etc. You will also learn to love their unique drinking talents!! BobM - When did you ride the Manx two-day? I am asking cause next year is our 50 year anniversary and I am collecting peoples thoughts and experiences from the past. (I'm on the committee so any stories are welcome) My dad used to ride sidecars and was IOM centre champion 3 times in the early eighties, so as a kid I always wanted to ride sidecars....but now not so sure. Looks like hard work!

Try www.sidecartrials.com I think you will find some interesting info here!!

Yes, but not had chance to get the thing onto the website yet. Will try and sort it for tomorrow.

A couple of quid on an annual payment that we knew went directly to the development of riders at world level would be the way forward..... I have often thought what I would do if I won the lottery, and a re-occuring thought would be to fully kit out a decent sized van (e.g. Sprinter) and take people off the Isle of Man to ride as many National trials as possible at no cost to them. This would develop them and who knows they may move onto Euro and World level. If your not in the game you'll never know if your up to the level!!! There are a couple of lads doing well in B Class and D class nationals at the moment, Nigel Crellin an Lee Sealey, but no disrespect to them....I can't see them making it unless they get significant assistance. Steve Colley is Manx, but how did he get to the top? By sacrifcing his life from the age of 16 when he travelled the length of the country in an old blue escort with his bike on a bike rack. Then he started winning stuff, showing potential and he got noticed and got paid for riding.....He sacrificed riding in his home National (Manx two Day) and the Scottish for a few years I think as well. I don't undersatnd the comments abut why the ACU should support Clubman riders. By arranging insurance in the cheapest way, and affiliating clubs they are giving everyone in the country the opportunity to ride as often or little as they like.....all for

Perhaps the ACU should employ someone to set up a team, (Jake Miller perhaps?) Give him the job of sourcing sponsors and promoting the team / sport. The team would comprise promising schoolboys A & B class, plus young Adult riders. They would all train together every week, travel together, and the bikes would be looked after by team mechanics present at all the big Trials. This sounds like a great idea, and two young lads from our neck of the woods have recently been chosen to become part of the Great Britain Cycling development squad (a good model for what we are talking about).......They now live with other members of the squad in Manchester training together, eating together etc.. They have advice from top coaches, get taken to events around europe for experience, and are basically the champions of the future. Now I know there is more money in cycling....but this team has just received BIG money sponsorship from Persil (Just ask the wife ). The difference between our beloved trials and cycling........... The outcome of this 'Persil' investment is potential Olympic quality athletes with realistic medal prospects And thats where we get to every time.....money comes to profile....and trials just don't have it If Dougie barely gets a mention on Sports personality of the year we don't stand much chance realistically... Or maybe I'm wrong? I kinda hope I am!

Thats right folks......over 275 solo entries have now been received so entries will now close. Still space for a few more sidecars though if anyone fancies it!

Ok, here we go. Regs available from Wednesday 7th April 2003 Entries close on Friday 30th April 2003. If over subscribed (which it usually is) a ballot will be held to determine riding numbers. We are working on a new website and downloadable forms, however I think we may be running out of time. If you phone the entries secretary he can make sure a set is posted out to you with the others. Speak with Tony Temple on 01624 852842. Signing on for the trial takes place on Friday night between 7pm and 10.30pm. This year the Villa Marina will be the venue for both signing on on the presentation on Sunday night. First man away is at 8am both days starting from the TT Grandstand. Both days usually last in excess of 7hours, with mileage of approx 60 - 70 each day and 40 sections. For solos we have 2 classes, National (read good centre riders) and Clubmans (everyone else). Sidecars still have one class. Anything else just let me know.

Cheers guys, thanks for the help. Kind of guessed there wouldn't be an exact match, so will have a browse online and maybe in the local shops.

I am on the verge of buying a new bike but could do with some advice to help me decide. Am looking for something that would be fairly handy at bike trials (only practise mind you) but would also be able to go out with the g/f at weekends for a cycle along the old railway lines nearby. Is there such a dual purpose type of bike??? Any help would be good. Cheers

Bikespace No worries. Speaking of the 2-day, i'm on the committee so if you need to know more then i can help there also. And I'm sure a bike could be found if you were around at a weekend, something on just about every weekend. Buy the Manx Independent paper and see the bikesport pages in the back.

Bikespace If you're ever stuck over here and fancy a trials orientated beer give me a shout. Usually available where beverages are involved

I need to 'tune' the carb and after cleaning it can anyone let me know a good base position from which to start with. How many turns on the mixture screw?

It's arrived!! Pity about the photo

No criticism intended. Understandably as they have decided to have an annual card that all expire at the same time there is gonna be some backlogs at this time of year. And the addition of photos this year won't be helping things either. Never mind, it's nice to know that there are so many riders out there wanting the cards!!!! Just wondered if Royal Mail might have lost my application form!!

Hi all Just wondering if anyone else still hasn't received their new ACU card? I sent my form about 1 month ago (i know that was late anyway) but still haven't received anything back. Cheers

Haven't seen Gasser bars like this for sale anywhere but Scorpa's have (or had) them on. Definately have to have an alternative clamp set up to have them on. Looks cools though........

Hi JTT Yeah, I previously had a Pro 250. Really got on well with that bike. Won the local Clubmans championship on it. Looking forward to getting some decent practise time on the new bike when I get back from holidays next week. Unless you are a really good expert rider I would say that the 250 would be enough.

I have a new '04 249 Pro and agree that it is quite quick at the bottom end. Not uncontrollable but noticeable after the '02 Pro that i had previously. My trouble is I haven't had any practice tme on it yet, only ridden in events which isn't ideal for getting used to the new bike. Most stuff ridden in bottom gear as there is enough power in the engine to make it very useable. Second only where a lot more speed is required. I am more than happy with my purchase, with the quality having improved significantly over previous models.

At lunch time today I was browsing in my local Millets at some sale items and could have purchased a long sleeve, fully breathable and good looking (most important bit eh?) top for

I find a good bowl of cereal at home, topped up with a Banana just before the start of the trial usually sees me through. And a nice flask of hot milky coffee is something to look forward to at the end.

I have to say that I was absolutely made upwith my D-zign helmet. I gave Lee a vague idea of what I wanted and the end result was fantastic. I know that