feetup69

I just turned 39, 5'6, 165 lbs. (11.7857143 stone according to google!) I compete in Advanced in our local club organization's events, however I'm hopeful to reach Expert someday. I don't quite know what these levels translate to for overseas events. I can say that Advanced equates roughly to our USA national 'support' line. I generally eat a lot of fruit, bananas, and yogurt before any event, because I don't handle heavy foods well before a race. I take my time for the first lap, and hydrate with gatorade or something similar as I walk and analyze each section. After that, I leave my bag at the truck to save time on the loop, and hydrate / eat when I return to pick up my next card and re-fuel. I also find that as I go through events, I don't have much time (or desire) to eat too much after the 2nd or 3rd lap (out of 5), maybe a few quick bites of something, but time is often pressing and I'm rushing to get back out on the course. What do you guy's typically eat during the days or nights before a race?

Fwiw: Ray Peters in the USA totally smoked the national Expert class on the pre-production beta 4T. .. I own one of the 08 models myself, and while it's soft, if you can't ride it up an expert level object, it's the rider, not the bike. That being said, I'm hoping they make a 300cc standard next year, because I do think a little bit more oomph would make it more fun to ride overall.

I'm curious about what the top riders do as far as diet is concerned when training for competition. Do they follow a very regimented program all week long, 365 days a year, do they only eat certain foods a couple of days before a meet, and then eat whatever they want in the days that follow? Personally I find that my stamina is one of the biggest factors that cost me points as I go through a competition, because I loose form and can't execute techniques all through the day that I could do the first two laps, etc.. So I'm interested in learning some things I can try to maybe improve from a diet perspective of training. Please be as specific as you can if you don't mind! I may find a great new dish to try as a result! One thing, I hope I don't have to completely give up Ice Cream.. I do happen to have somewhat of a sweet tooth! Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

I am of the opinion that Electric Trials Bikes will make their way on the scene, and if they are viable for competition, more and more people will buy them given a choice of 2T, 4T or kW.. There are so many people out there who are loosing their riding land due to to a myriad of restrictions that just come with combustion engines. Scorpa is apparently working on an electric trials bike, we'll see what they come up with. I'm really interested in seeing how the first serious battery powered trials bike resolves the problem of the clutch, which is necessary for the bigger obstacles. Also, on one of the older Trials TV videos, they briefly show a honda prototype wedged into an Montesa 2000 frame, which never seemed to get any press, and I once came across an electric Gas Gas that Adam Raga was straddling. Again, no info or press there that I've found since.

Dan, does removing the clutch springs make a difference in the feel at the lever? Are there any side-effects? I've been toying around with the idea of lightening up the clutch pull just a tad to reduce fatigue, but not sure what is the best way to accomplish this. Also, I'm riding the beta 4T, so I have no idea if the clutch is different than the 2T. I'll check in w/ Ron to see what he thinks, but was interested in your opinion tnx, rob btw, I'm lovin' the 08 4T... everyone who has swung a leg over it has commented on how much fun it is to ride at all levels of ability.

agreed, 70:1 is way to rich... I've run 100:1 on my betas for 3 years and they always run sharp at sea level.

I'm going for it, and shelling out the big coin for 08 a rev-3 4T. Unfortunately there's been very few online videos of the bike except for the coverage from Steve Saunders, and maybe 2 or 3 short youtube videos... little or nothing showing advanced maneuvers on this little philly... does anybody have anything juicy out there to watch as we wait for the new bikes to make their way to the USA?

What is your impression of the difference between the beta 250 4T and the sherco? I expect the beta is significantly softer, but is it any less capable? Thanks for any thoughts. I'm looking forward to trying one soon.

I was very concerned about the difference when I was contemplating switching from a 250 to a 270 back in 05. I was worried about if I could handle the extra power, would it tire me out faster, etc.. I made the switch and have ridden 270s from there. The 250 is more than enough for most people, including expert, however the 270 is really smooth, and the extra displacement actually makes the bike smoother to ride in most every situation. The xtra grunt comes in handy while chugging up hills very controlled without having to wring out the motor. Power is relative.. weather it's a 125, or a 500, you control it with your right hand. If you have bad throttle control, you'll still get out of shape on any displacement. Some people feel smaller displacement engines are more easy to ride because they are more docile, but you have to rev them a bit more which means you have to be MORE correct with your technique. That's why it's good to keep the young lads on the 125's because it forces you to use better technique.. The motor isn't there to get you out of a sloppy situation. Just some thoughts, I never heard of anyone going to a 270 and feeling like it was a brute, they couldn't handle it, etc. Lots of novice riders do ride them and ride fine. You don't have to be able to use all the bike's power to ride it well.

Does this mean the 4T is going to remain in 06 black colors? I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's also white, which looks insanely cool...