kinky boots

Riding in mud is a nightmare, but technique is all important. bouncing up and down on the back end isn't a good solution, it might grip for a bit, but then you're just as quickly losing any traction gained, and you end up going nowhere fast. The technique I was taught, particularly when you're hill-climbing or negotiating some deep boggy stuff is to (and I quote) "stand on it and burn it". I was being far to tentative, when I needed to be brave and attack. Obvioulsy this doesn't apply in the twists and turns of a section, but in the main, you find most riders who struggle in mud tend to do so on hills. Get your weight on the pegs, and don't be afraid to wind open the throttle and really drive at it.... ....and Leeds have just scored (listening to the radio on-line), so I'm off to do a dance now..... Cheers KB.

To get the thumper on the podium (and battle it all the way to the last section) is an incredible achievement. For those that said Doug had lost the fire - think again!! Whilst Raga has to be bookies favourite again this year, if Doug can finish top three on the new bike at the end of the Championship, I reckon he'll consider it a job well done. One question thats been bugging me since Sheffield. Crosser and the other guy (apologies - can't remember your name!) on commentary kept talking about how the 4RT boys were still riding the bikes like a 2-stroke. Having sat and studied some of the sections (both in Sheffield and on the telly), what baffles me is, how ELSE could the guys have ridden the bikes? If you've got a 6' step with a bike-and-half run at it, how else do you ride the bike other than wind it wide open and drop the clutch? I know 4-strokes have much more torque and rev out lower, but ultimately its got to be the layout of the section that determines to a great degree how to ride them. I might be being thick or misunderstanding the point they were trying to make, but how COULD you ride the 4 stroke differently to the 2 stroke? Cheers KB.

Half the battle with TV coverage is that the sections never look as intimidating on camera as they do in the flesh. Its hard to capture the sheer scale of some of the obstacles on film. Quite often I take photos / video of me and the boys out practising or at the British Champs, with the idea of impressing my mates back in the office - but somehow it just never looks quite the same. Whilst I agree with Ian in that we shouldn't just settle for poor quality, we also need to be realistic. TV companies aren't going to spend big bucks on a decent crew to film it if it gets a graveyard spot on a minority channel. Until we can attract big name sponsors who can 'influence' the TV scheduling then we should be grateful we get any coverage at all. And I've solved the problem of Eurosport and its random scheduling...Sky Plus!! Set it to record the program, and it will do so regardless of whether its broadcast on time or not! Its the future - I've tasted it!!!! Cheers KB.

I totally agree with the comments on the tobacco advertising. I have good friends who play on the professional snooker circuit, and their sport has been crippled by the ban on tobacco advertising. The main tour previously hosted 128 players (and more in days gone by), and this has now been cut to 80. This gives the lower ranked, up and coming pros fewer chances to qualify for ranking events, and restricts their ability to earn money. There is now a subsiduary tour called the Challenge tour, and this is where the lower ranked players compete (for dramatically reduced prize money), and only the top couple can break into the main tour...the game is in danger of going bankrupt. I am not, nor ever have been, a smoker, and yet I have watched motor sports, snooker, darts etc from being a wee boy, and I am still at a loss as to why the ban on tobacco advertising has been enforced. Surely, ploughing some of those vast profits back into sports, instead of lining the pockets of the few at the top of the tree, is beneficial to many - and clamping down on it generally benefits no-one in particular. Another example of beaurocracy gone mad. KB.

<BELCH> Luuverly!! On to the event as a whole. The atmosphere was a little flat I must admit, and I think that an even of that scale really misses the big screen. No matter where you sit, theres always some action you can't see that well - and when its happening in that part of the arena, you tend to switch off. Its impossible to get on edge for something you can't see. Bringing back the big screen would make sure that all the audience can see all the action all the time - and I'm sure it would help whip up the frenzy of previous years. When Doug was riding, we knew he was going to struggle and it made it all the more exciting and impressive to watch, and over the last couple of sections me and Mrs Boots were giving it our all in the vocal dept. But once we knew DL was out of the final, it took the edge off. We still watched and were still very much impressed by the riding (the Raga nosedive off the sleepers was awesome - my bum twitched just watching!), but there was no emotion attached. I wasn't bothered who won, except I wanted Fuji to come 3rd. Not because of the opt out on 4 and 5 (lets face it, its within the rules and its a professional sport. the lads aren't there JUST to entertain, theres a World Championship at stake), but more because of the knock-on for Dougie. If Fuji was on the same bike, but made it stick in the final, then the knives would have been out, saying Doug was past it etc etc (the press is so fickle!), yet anyone who knows anything at all about trials could see that the 4T in its raw form is way off world class - certainly for the indoor stage. Outdoors will be different all together, but the indoor sections need too much instant raw power. As always, the standard of riding was tremendous, and we enjoyed it thoroughly - it just didn't butter my muffin in quite the same way. As always, it was a pleasure to bump into the camera toting, Trials-Action-Fleece-wearing Andy - full marks for braving 500 mile per hour tail winds down the M6!!!! Sorry I didn't get to say goodbye. Summary - the sections were extremely tough and the riders were brilliant. I'll be back next year.

Well, I've just got time for a quick post (me tea is nearly ready!!). The standard bike things was known about before the start. (it was even mentioned in the program). The factory bikes were due for the start of the season - but didn't arrive in time. Apparently, all the 4T boys were in the same position. Dougs bike was almost stock, with a few tune-ups, but it pretty much straight out of the crate - and the spare bike WAS out of the box - just like the one you and me could go and buy. Its disappointing for Doug in front of his home crowd - but he'll be phylosophical about it. One thing you can be sure of is that he gave it 110% - and although it sounds like an excuse, the machinery really did let him down. But he'll be back - of that you can be sure....wounded animal and all that. Don't write him off JUST yet. Right - grubs up. KB.

There is no substitute for riding with riders who are better than yourself - and also there's no better way to learn than to turn up and have a go at a trial. Try and find a club near you that runs a Novice / Beginner series. That way, the sections will be manageable and you won't feel under pressure from all the guys around. N&B trials are predominantly ridden by riders such as yourself who are learning the trade. Maybe go and watch one first, see how it works, then go along next time and have a go. Don't be tempted to jump into to clubman trials unless you're very confident and can handle the bike. There is nothing worse than getting stuck in a tough section and having to carry your bike out - it drains your energy and takes all the fun out of riding. When you do a trial, take the time to stop at each section, get off your bike and have a PROPER look at the section. Listen to other riders and see what sort of things they are talking about. All too often, beginners have a cursory look at the flags then jump on and ride it - usually with none-too-spectacular results. Talk to the observers as well - most will give you advice on which line the riders are taking, and where people are making mistakes. After all, they see every rider tackle the section, so if anyone can offer advice - its them. If you DO practise on your own, try and mark out sections rather than just diddling about - and make the sections a little bit too tough - its easy to set out a section that you KNOW you'll be able to get round - and therefore you don't really learn much. Even better if you can get someone else to mark it out for you - after all, thats what happens at a real trial. Most of all, don't beat yourself up if you struggle at your first trials - noone said this game was easy!!! Set yourself realistic targets. For example, in a 10 section, 4 lap trial you can drop a max of 200 marks - so aim first to get round in under say 120, which is an average of 3 on each section. Then aim to get round in under 100, then 80 and so on. You'll be amazed at how quickly your score comes down. And most of all - enjoy it!!! Cheers KB.

welcome aboard laffing-gas! I'm from Leeds and currently live in Wakefield, and I'm a member of Horsforth DMC. Website can be found at www.horsforthtrials.co.uk At this time of year we run a lot of trials at Tong (near the Garden Centre), so if you fancy popping along we have a Novice and Beginner in the not too distant future. you can get an ACU registration form from the secretary and he'll stamp it for you. Let me know if you want any more info...and good luck!!!!

Cracking set of photos Andy - and you are obviously a genius with Paintshop Pro as I appear to have my feet up on all photos apart from the VTOL shot! How on EARTH did you manage that? Just watched my video back of Doug doing his demonstration. The man is a magician. Thats the only way I can describe it. I'm sure he must have a magic flying bike or something, cos it seems to defy all laws of Physics (as defined in the 'Kinky Boots Big Book of Physics' - in which gravity is the strongest force in the world which nothing can overcome!) Once I get my head round installing a Firewire port in this PC, I might be able to do something with the video...but don't hold your breath..... Cheers KB.

Just for the record, "Dannys Leap of Faith" was marked out by Danny Cockshot apparently - and for those that have read the 'Dougie Lampkin Experience' thread, you will know that Danny is minder for Ben Hemmingway. Not very interesting, I hear you say. But if you'd seen Ben attempting said section on the day, you will understand why I find it amusing. Talk about stitching your mate up! Ben looked for all the world like he was about to soil his lyrca tackling that one!! And the fact that he almost came up short probably didn't help the laundry!!! Very spectacular - certainly a crowd pleaser!!! All in all, I love going to the Mackenzie Trophy - I've been every year for the past few years, and it never ceases to impress me, both as a venue and as a 'day out'. The music becomes background noise pretty quickly, and you hardly notice it. A new venue would certainly pose a different challenge, but as a pure viewing spectacle, I think you'd be hard-pushed to find a venue that provides such spectacular sections against such a stunning back-drop. KB.

Well, I survived - just! THREE days with Doug and the boys in the 'A' group has pushed my mind, body and soul to the limit. I've collected a few bumps and scrapes (cheers Jake! - who needs a minder with a mobile phone!!!), and my bike has a few more battlescars, but I can once again say that not only have I had a fantastic time, but I've learned a lot about riding trials. As this is my third year, and I've clocked up ten days in the school, I feel I've a good understanding of what they are trying to achieve. Many riders go there thinking they are going to learn how to 'trick-ride' - how to 'op and bop' the bike around, and how to look like a showman. Some riders can already DO the opping and bopping about, and want to learn more. But thats not what the school is about. Its all about learning how to RIDE your bike and how to ride sections. When the sections are marked out, the first thing they have us do is walk through, and explain the various reference points and how to choose your line - this for me is one of the best bits. When I ride club trials, I try to choose a line that avoids all the bits that look a bit tricky - but quite often this isn't the best line - its just the one I think will be easiest for me. But with the guys, they teach you that sometimes you have to take on some bits of trouble in order to get the best results - sometimes over slippery rocks rather than round them, sometimes up on a slippy bank to give you room to work etc etc. Then, once we get riding, its the subtle little bits of advice which give you the most benefit. I'm sure Kinell will agree with me on this one. Most of us average clubmen ride looking about 4 feet in front of the front wheel - but this week I have learned the importance of picking your head up and looking a way in front, locating your reference point and getting the bike set up to achieve them. 'Pick your head up and have a good look' is some of the best advice I've had - sounds daft but its true!!! When Doug, James or Ben ride each of the sections which we practise on, they ride smoothly and in control. No hopping, no bouncing, no pirhouettes and no fancy stuff - just good, simple riding. And thats what I want to learn. If they can get through without all the tricks, then with enough guidance and practise, so can I. Watching the boys on their bikes makes it look so effortless and simple - and in truth, with the right approach it CAN be that simple - I had a few rides over the days which made the sections a breeze - but I had to listen to the advice and learn from it. Club trials that I ride never require the need for all the trickery - and besides, the rules don't allow it any more - so why put so much emphasis on learning it? One guy who I know who was on the Wed with us is an Expert class rider, and a damn good one. But he took on board some advice about riding steps, and afterwards commented on how much easier the technique was that the way he would normally ride them. There is always something to learn, if you are prepared to listen. I know that I have improved as a rider as a result of the time I have spent with on the Masterclasses (although I'm sure the boys might disagree ) and provided The Fat Controller doesn't put the prices up again next year, I'm sure I'll be back!!!!! Thanks to the whole team for making the experience what it should be, and as soon as the swellings and bruising goes down I'll be out to show off my newfound skills!! Cheers KB. PS Kinell wasn't joking about that step with the bikes flying all over - my Beta actually registered on the radar at Leeds and Bradford Airport it went that high - just a shame I wasn't around to enjoy the view from the top when it finally came down!!!!!

Thanks Guys - I should have checked TMX I know, but I didn't have one to hand and the lad was phoning me same night for a price. Now then JohnBoy - last couple of trials have fallen when I've been away. I'll be at the next do on the 25th though. I fixed me bike now after the destruction caused by the TC Trial See you there hopefully!!! KB.

Hi there, I have a friend who is looking at purchasing an '04 280 Pro from his mate. Apparently, its 6 months old and is in mint condition. It comes with the lighting kit (not on the bike), and I *think* its road registered and taxed, but I'm not 100% on this one. So my question is, what sort of price is reasonable? I've never had any dealings with Gassers myself so I don't really know what the going rate is for a machine such as this. Any advice / opinions would be gratefully received. Cheers KB.

I'd like to ask... We all look up to you as someone to admire - so who in the sporting arena do you admire? Who impresses you the most?

Our club tends to run two routes, easy(ish) and hard(ish). However, they also run Club Championship trials and Novice & Beginner trials. The easy route on the N&B is designed for allcomers. The 'hard' course on the N&B is just a bit harder than the 'Easy' route on the Club trials. And the hard route on the club trials is for the decent boys (e.g. we get the likes of James Dabill and Dane Sherwin turning out from time to time). I ride the 'easy' route in the club champs, but the hard route in the N&B. I personally prefer to ride sections that are a little above my level. That way, if I manage a clean or two, I'm over the moon. If I ride the easy route and have more than a handful of dabs I'm frustrated and annoyed with myself. I set my sights higher - and it helps me get better. You get to watch better riders, the lines they take and how they handle the bike. And I think I've improved as a result. Some of the TC Trial sections were very difficult for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. But as someone said, its got to be fun. Otherwise its pointless.

My mate has the '00 Rev-3 - and close up those forks look really clumsy and awkward. There seems to be too much clutter for my liking round the business end.... Also, if you do blow a seal, gravity decrees that you're going to lose you're fork oil quicker than in a conventional fork...I ran my '01 Rev-3 (which DOES have the nicest colour scheme BTW ) with a blown seal for ages...but the USD variant needs to be changed fairly rapidly once the seal goes. ...in my experience anyways... Cheers KB.

I agree - though I finished pretty well down, I can take pride in the fact that I DID finish - which I thought was no mean feat considering I snapped the brake pedal off on on section 3, lap 2! Riding the biggest part of three laps rounds there with only a front brake and a prayer is quite entertaining I can tell you Still, I survived intact, albeit with a much more colourful body now - got some lovely black, blue, yellow and green bits!!!! Once again, thanks to all - it was a fab day and I'll be looking forward to making a monkey of myself again next year!!! Cheers KB.

Well, we came, we saw, and in the time honoured tradition, we broke our bikes!! Well, this muppet did anyways. Thats "Oh for Two" as the Yanks would say - two 'Bulletin Board' trials, and two bits broken! Still, managed to scramble round and thoroughly enjoyed the day!!! Big thanks to Stuart, Kath and all the BDMC gang for organising a tremendous days riding, and of course to Andy for all his hard work both on here and behind the camera lens!! For those that didn't get there, man was it tough!!! Probably the hardest trial I've ever ridden, but I for one enjoyed the challenge! I'm certainly going to feel it in the morning! Only one thing to comment on though - out of all the riders that attended the trial, only a handful had the decency to thank the observers for giving up their time to make the event happen. Now I know I'm sticking up for my own here, but it only takes a second and a bit of thought to say a quick thanks on the last lap...you've all seen the other thread about attracting observers and how difficult it is, so lets not p*ss off those that we DO have by being incosiderate!!!! Not that my rant should in any way detract from what will hopefully become an annual event - and I hope that those of you who couldn't make this year will be raring to go next May. Well done to the winners - you truly deserve praise for your efforts. Could we all raise our glasses to THE TC TRIAL - GOD BLESS HER AND ALL WHO SAIL IN HER!!!! Cheers, now I'm off to soak in the bath!!!! KB. PS - I guess this makes me the first rider 'home'

Unfortuately, 'Kinky' doesn't include rubber wellies and waterproofs!!! If the weather looks reasonable then I'm sure she'll be along... Thanks to all for confirming the entries - now I can concentrate on perfecting my aerial dismount with pike!!!!! Countdown has commenced......

We're coming, and I've definately posted my entry - honest m'lud!!! I posted it about 2 weeks ago. I've sent an email by the email widgety thingymabob on here, so if you don't get that, its Andys fault!!! Just as a precaution, I'll print another couple of copies of the regs and fill them out (there's two of us...) and bring my cheque-book on Sunday. Does that mean we'll miss out on the prizes if you haven't got them by Friday? I really, truly have posted them!!! See you all on Sunday gang...I'll be the one upside down in the most inconvenient place!!! I'll write you all a message on the soles of me boots!!! By the way, how are we fixed for observers? Do we have enough already? I don't want to drag Mrs Boots all the way up yonder if she's not needed!!! Cheers KB.

I've had my '01 Rev 3 for two years now, and I love it. Mrs Boots suggested if I was going to change the bike, now would be a good time. But in all honesty, I'm really happy with the bike, and I'd rather spend a few quid every now and then to keep it running and looking reasonable, then invest a whole chunk of cash in a new bike. I progressed to the Rev 3 from a '97 Techno, and the gain I experienced from making that switch I doubt would be mirrorred by a move to an '03 or '04 machine. I've just got the old gal in for a few little tidy-up jobs prior to the TC Trial, but you can be sure she'll be with me for some time to come yet. KB.

Horforth DMC are having a bash at Dry Gill, which if just near Stump Cross on the road between Pately Bridge and Grassington. Its a Nov & Beginner, and its not a tough venue, but the hard course usually has something to keep you occupied unless you're riding to a really good standard. 11am start, entries on the day.

Not sure if this is directly related, but its similar. Back in November last year, me and my mate, both with Rev-3s (mine '01 and his '02) had starting problems. They were running fine, then just died and refused to start. It happened within half an hour of each other. Turned out that the CDI box doo-dah-thingymawhatsit had packed up. I don't know a great deal about the electrics (yes, REALLY!), but apparently, using pressure washers can eventually cause the CDI to fail.

When I first went on the DL Masterclass, I did a write-up for <ahem> Trials Action - now I don't know if Andy has kept any stuff from way back when, but perhaps if he has, and he could lay his hands on it, he might be able to repost it on here to give people an idea of what they are in for. Failing that, I'm more than happy to do another 'journo' after this years event...assuming people would be interested that is!!!

Be good to catch up again Stuart - its been a while!! Really looking forward to it again - last year was excellent fun. Sent the entries off the other day, so no excuses. How are you fixed for observers this year? Mrs Boots came and observed section 1 last year - would you be needing any more volunteers?? So long as you can give me a week or so notice, and can arrange for some hot, sunny weather (and preferably save her a section within easy reach of the beer tent) I reckon she'll be up for it again this year. See you all on the 30th. KB.