cubby

Anyone who has been to the IOM TT races and is familiar with the TT course might be interested in this clip from the snow yesterday. The TT Course action starts after the first minute or so. TT Course in the snow

I'm sure I've heard or read somewhere that this year the way the bikes are set up means that the 280 does really fill the gap in performance between the 250 and 300. The 300 is the full on pro bike now so the hardest to handle. My previous bike was a 300 and I spent most of the time trying to slow it down. With the '09 250 I've now got I kind of feel that it needs something a bit extra from time to time, so when it comes to changing again I'll give the 280 a test before making the decision. Would be nice to have a bit of extra poke, but not at the expense of ripping my arms off!!

Have splashed out and gone for the S3 ones, (Gas Gas ones were out of stock), hopefully get them fitted before the weekend, test then on Sunday ready for the Lakes the week after

Its not upside down is is Gaz? Or maybe back to front???He he

Cheers for the info. You can get a set from www.trialendurodirect.com which are branded Gas Gas but seem similar to the S3 ones, a little cheaper tho. Are they basically the same??

What difference do they make to the riding though? Is it purely a comfort thing or is the shift of weight slightly backwards beneficial?? Does it make the front end too light?

Thinking of getting a pair of handlebar clamps which raise the height of the bars slightly. Just wondered if they are worth it and if you have some did they make a difference, good or bad?? Cheers

Tragic tragic news. I knew Leigh through riding with him at events such as the Manx Two Day and the Lakes Two Day over the years and what a guy! Always happy to see you and happy to chat and have a laugh. Pretty handy rider as well, on the old trusty TYZ! He was a great supported of the Manx in particular and both personally and on behalf of all involved in organising the trial I would like to pass on our condolences to his family and friends, we will all miss him. RIP

From what I know you would probably find about 50% are over 30, which means 50% are under 30! The Manx does attract it fair share of 16 and 17 year olds because the law is different here and you can ride on the road at 16. A few other factors in play which would mean that the results wouldn't really be a true refelction: 1) Difficult to afford to do the some Nationals like the Manx when you are younger 2) Tradition - Its a traditional trial, therefore will attract riders who know what they are looking for and probably the most important obdervation on this whole argument 3) The sport is dominated by older riders (say 30 and over), yes the current crop of Champions are young, but behind that very top level, who makes up the entry at all such trials??

Mmmmm, the bikes are advanced, relative to the bikes from the 60's, but it isn't a realistic argument to use that just because the rules state non-stop that we all need to use 200kg lumps. The bikes have developed as they are due to advances in technology generally, advances in manufacturing techniques, new materials being available, AND the rules of the sport, not simply because of them. It could be argued how much better can the bikes get? But they will, and if you compare bikes from 20 years ago, 1989 in terms of the technology they actually are amazingly similar, think Aprillia Climbers, Beta Zero etc. Watercooled, mono susp, disc brakes, only difference now is the level of refinement. If th rules change, then a whole new phase of development will happen and the process will continue. Still amazed at how many people contributing to the discussion aren't clear on firstly the rules they are currently riding under, and then also what non-stop means, surely the clue is in the name . Oh, Manx Two Day next Weekend, has been run to Non-stop rules for at least the past 10 years, and exactly the same as the Scottish, entry levels dropped off to around 180 or so before the introduction of Non-stop, and then year on year since we have been full to the 275 capacity within a week of the entries opening - simples! And each year there are up to 50 newcomers, so the argument about young riders not wanting to ride doesn't really stack up , sorry!

Its quite funny reading this thread as through many of the current posts it is clear that there is so much ambiguity about what the current rules are, what they were and what they might be in the future. I think this identifies the problem and it has been touched on by lots of people - its a simple sport, it needs simple rules, and an education process for riders and observers. My point of view, I find it easier to ride under the stop allowed rules and it does keep your score down, but in my opinion the idea of stopping mid way through a section is b**lsh*t. But is suits some. Look back at what the sport is all about, how it was invented etc. (I;m just over 30 so not an old fart either ) It is sooooooo satisfying when you ride a hard section clean and without stopping, it is a good feeling. And the argument that it will put off new riders - erm don't think so. Yes a few boys might not like it, but it will open up the sport to so many more that any potential loss would be well and truly outweighed!!

41 sidecar entries this year, best for a few years!! Its going to be a great weekend, as usual

Must be Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th instead? Coolio!

Thanks mate. Yeah, hindsight is a wonderful thing and I think in future he would do the same with the excess. We always like to give our boys a bit of vocal support , its good fun if nothing else!!

There was a party of 16 of us from the IOM at the World Round over the weekend, to support Josh Brain riding in the Youth Class, and also to observe a section on each day. We had a great weekend, Josh did us proud and a good time was had by all at a brilliant event. Only sour point is that a hire car rented by Josh's dad was hit whilst parked in the VIP car park, just inside the gate where you paid to get in. It was a blue Ford Focus and seems to have been reversed into with a tow bar or something similar as the damage was on the lower part of the passenger door. Whoever did it would have known they did it, but as I'm posting this appeal you can tell that whoever it was didn't leave their details!!! Josh's dad had to pay

Lovely, the sun is beating down and dust is currently a problem Only joking, actually we have had very little snow, most of it being on the high ground. From what I understand the Quarry is pretty clear and unless we get some ridiculous amount betwen now and the weekend everything should be fine. The ground will be pretty wet, but if there isn't much more rain this week it should dry out qute well. Looking forward to the weekend! Now, where's that entry list.......

Hey Bullboy Full details are available on our website www.manxyouthtrials.com Here you will find details of the venue and its location and I will be posting the entry list a bit later today. Cheers Cubby

I'm there. Also a group on there for the Manx Two Day, search and ye shall find!

Nigel, those prices include your return travel. So for example using the cheapest option of 1 night at

HAven't checked the exact schedule but the ferry back to Heysham is around about 7.45pm departing Douglas.

Prices as per sheet negotiated with IOM Steam Packet. Sailing Only - Van & 2 people -

I've had a pair of Stone 3's for a year now and love them. Still have my stone 2's as well and they are ok for a turn. Depends how hard you are on them, but I would say the Diadoras are comfy, fairly waterproof (at least to start with) and seem to last pretty well.

Ok guys, I have a sample price list sitting here on my desk which has been negotiated between us and the IOM Steam Packet. I will post more details in the next day or so, maybe even later tonight, but I just want to check that this is the final list before letting you know. The packages available are ferry only or ferry and accomodation. It goes without saying though that the more people can travel in the same vehicle the cheaper the ferry is. For example we travelled in October to the Lakes Two Day. 4 adults in my vito worked out at

Just to confirm that round one of the 2009 championship will be in the Isle of Man, the first time we've held a round since the early 90's, can't remember the exact year but I rode so must be a while ago!!! Anyway, just wanted to say that so far the planning is going really well and it looks like it is going to be a brilliant trial. The sections will be based in a large quarry in the middle of the Island and should provide a real good mix of sections. There are some deals available on the ferries so if you are planning on coming over don't book anything just yet until we have the details ready to send out. By all means though send an email to me and I'll make sure some are sent. Can't wait, hopefully it will be lovely and warm as well !

Couldn't agree more, the prices are getting stupid. There is currently a full review of the service underway, and don't know what the outcome will be but hopefully will mean prices reduce. You have to accept though that there isn't the volume of traffic on the IOM routes for the rest of the year to make it as cheap as the ferry to ireland - pure economics, BUT no excuse for charging silly prices. But my own personal view - forget them, if you want to come and watch the TT and all that goes with it, then pay the money, if you don't really want to and will settle for something less, then you pays your money you takes your choice . And in relation to the two day, there are ways to reduce the cost. For example we travelled off the Island to the Lakes Two Day in October. In my van there were 4 of us, which worked out at