Oh this thread again..”how do we get more Trials riders?...”
I’m not condemning it, I would love to see it happen but I am a realist and Trials is stuck with its legacy of producing some of the best riders in the world that no one has ever heard of.
I see Trials as a great training tool for the kids and for me, it will always remain as my kinda “Golf”.
So to add to this thread:
Something that surprised me with its increase with spectators/ riders turning out to www.AHSCS.com CrossCountry/HareScrambles events is having an “open ride day” on Sat before the race on Sun. For $10, you get to ride the nice groomed and Arrowed track that will be raced on Sun. just calling it an “open ride day or Trail day” and not “practice” seamed to bring out more riders not wanting to RACE but wanting to just trail ride. This $10 also gets them into the gate for Sun. when many would learn about the race and maybe try it later. This may work for Trials also because there are many more Trials bikes NOT being used for competition that may just want a playday
Or maybe a plan like: Bring your Toys, ie… ATV, MX, Enduro, DS, Adv.Rider (tie in a road ride) and come ride the loop. While you’re there check out some of the “Best Riders in the world” doing crazy things on their funny bikes.
I’ve seen it suggested, adding Dual Sport or Trail bike classes to Trials. This works! At the local level. How about at a Nati.? I would try it. Use Enduro X to help Trials. Set-up some real easy sections. The Bikes must be over 55”wb, have stock gearing and be stock or mass produced. Many Enduro X type events are happening locally, why not take advantage of it by offering something less brutal that helps develop skills.
As you may have guessed we ride mainly local XC now. Why? $10 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC gift cards at every event entered. We get 50% discount on everything, Free stuff like Helmets, gear, Tires at some events and for YEA. Pro pay-outs from $100 to $400. I have seen the Bad sportsmanship attitudes but I was told to “treat others the way you want to be treated” at least at our events, there has been a development of a great community of riders helping each other out.
So No, I’m haven’t given-up on Trials, just that there are more reasons not to travel and spend big $$ to go to a Nati.
PS: I do think that the section difficulty has good and bad effects. Some see it as a negative “we have to do that!?!” so more technical sections don’t look as dangerous but on YouTube the BIG stuff looks great.