alan_nc

After a long boring drive (sorry if you live in southern IL or IN) I arrived in Marion, IL. Little Egypt Off Road is a state owned reserve (800 + acres)dedicated to off road fun. Two days of Cross Country and Trials. Before I even start I have to say that throughout the entire weekend the volunteers were the most friendly, cheerful and helpful I have run into at any event. Had a chance to ride with several of the other competitors Friday afternoon, just looking over the area. Sat morning was hot and dry. The Cross Country guys had it so dusty they sometimes couldn't see the rider ahead of them. Us Trials guys got off to a bit of a late start (2:30ish) had a real fun but tough group of sections. Very humid/still in the woods, we were all soaked by the end of the 1st round. To give you an idea of timing the awards got started at about six thirty. Rained pretty hard Sat night. Rained some early, just before the start of the Cross Country - boy did they have a messy ride. By the time we got going it was just hot and humid. Woods still pretty wet with puddles and mud in most sections. Cross Country and Trials were both completely different courses for Sat and Sun. With the conditions the sections rode much tougher on Sun. My 59 Bantam was the oldest bike to compete. Oh, and this had to be the only time when two Bantams competed in the same event. For those keeping score: At least in our classes it was BSA's three wins (Bruce was hurt the first day and didn't compete on Sunday) and Triumph none. For me: The Bantam ran great both days, started easily at every section (I sure can't say that for the rider). I'm wuppped, it was a long drive home, and I'll see everyone at Mid-Ohio. Alan

So is anyone planning on heading for Marion this weekend? I have never been before. Looks to be hot with maybe some rain on Sunday. Can someone comment on the area we will be riding in? Do you know if we will ride the same sections Sat and Sun? Alan

Biff/Brian, Your points are well put. I don't want to bunny hop or back up (I'm not good enough), but I do tend to stop and look at what the next challenge is. It truly was just something I didn't understand and had noted that "modern" trials allow. Have no interest in changing any rules, that fit and work. Hope to see everyone at Marion or Mid-Ohio. Alan

Group, Can someone tell me why AHRMA has the rule that you can not come to a dead stop in the middle of a section? Doesn't matter if you keep you feet on the pegs, it's still a 5. If there is a good reason for it, fine, if not how about if we submit a "rules change request". Comments? Alan

Biff, I will probably go to Marion in June and then to Mid-Ohio in July. I got the broken parts welded up yesterday, so at least I'm running again. I have ordered some parts from England and have an electrical 'issue' to address but besides that (well and a totally beat up body), I'm ready for the next one. Was surprised that you and your dad weren't at Devils Ridge. Look forward to seeing you at Mid-Ohio. Alan

Yes this was vintage (AHRMA) event. I guess there were close to 50 riders. Trials was Friday, Sat and Sun they had a full motocross thing going. Alan

Group, Well it was typical Trials weather. Rained hard until about 2 hours before the start then got really hot during the Trial. Sections seemed fair, lot of different layouts and challenges. I don't think anyone got better than a 5 on number 3. It had a steep up hill, that with the rain, had turned to several inch deep mud. There were several places where we had to cross or turn in the Crosscountry Trails (the Crosscountry had been held just prior to our event) and these were very tricky, the mud was as slick as frog snot. Biggest problem was how tired everyone got from fighting the wet conditions. My Bantam ran very well for most of the event. Did a plug in at one point and then the kick start lever broke during the second round. Had a spare with me and was able to replace it and finish. Good crowd, had a great time. I'll go back to this one again. Alan

Group, For anyone interested in going to a 4x18" rear tire on your Bantam. The Cub swingarm is definitely a direct bolt up but there are issues. The shock mounts are a different size, brake has a different action lever and position holder. Fit of the 4x18 tire is close but the sprocket alignment seems O.K. You are probably going to need to add links to your chain also. Email me direct if you would like further information. Next project is putting a '76 Yamaha, MX125 complete front end on this bike. Alan

I think another point for start earlier or going all year is continued interest. If you keep the bike out and in shape to ride (and yourself) then you are more apt to make an effort to attend a meet. If you are down for several months the bike gets covered with other projects and it's more of an effort to get ready to attend a meet. Do understand that it is tough to put on a competition when very few riders show up. AHRMA is going from Mar to Nov this year so thats not to bad (actually they may have had an event in Feb this year). The more we all attend the better it will get - and talk it up to your friends. Alan

Biff, Don't know if you realized it in advance but I'm your Dad's competition (well thats stretching it) but I am the one who ended up totally under water. I'm riding along the traill between sections two and three and the next thing I know I'm in chest high water (and I'm standing on the pegs). Two gents helped me pull her out, I pushed back to my camp site, drained the water out of the crankcase, put in a new plug, dryed the points but no luck on a re-start. My camp site suffered about the same fate. My canopy blew over, bent it all up, and my tent flooded from the sideways rain. Every stitch of clothing I had was wet. Drove home from FL to NC with no shoes on, sweat pants and an old sweatshirt I found under my truck seat. Yes, I'd do it again - but I'm staying in a motel next year. Hope to see everyone at Devils Ridge in April. OH - yes I have the bike running, think I have cleaned everything out. Alan

Group, Anyone else ride AHRMA Vintage Trials at Hard Rock in FL this past weekend? Would love to hear what others thought. For anybody who didn't attend - it was sort of an underwater trial. It rained (hard) from about 8:00am until maybe 5:00pm. Every section had some flowing water in it and was 2 to 4" deep in mud. Don't know if I saw a 'clear' the whole day. With my poor skills and my 59 Bantams limits I was in real trouble from the start. Alan

Group, Well this weekends Trials was in the pouring rain. Every hill was 4" deep in mud - not good for the old 59 Bantam. Slogged through as best I could - at least tried every section. Didn't see the results, may have finished 3rd in class. Note on Cub wheel: A Cub rear wheel is a direct bolt on to a Bantam. I don't know yet about the 4 x 18 tire, will try that later this week, sure looks like there is plenty of clearence. Note to self: Bantams don't run well when the water is up to the gas tank. Alan

Thanks for the comments. Do you happen to know if a Triumph Cub swing arm with fit on a Bantam? For AHRMA I can use pretty much anything that is 'period correct' (up to 74). I shouldn't have any problems with dampened forks and a 21" front wheel. Do you have any idea how much more clearance I will on a D7 swingarm? Oh well " it wouldn't be any fun if it was easy" Alan

Group, Can someone tell me what you are using for a back wheel on your Bantams? I was told that a Triumph Cub wheel is a bolt on - is this true? Since you can only buy 'real' trials tires in 18" and 21" I need to get rid of the stock 19" wheels on mine. Can someone tell me what is the easiest 'bolt on' front end? Thanks Alan

Group, Well here's the Bantam I'm using in Vintage Trials in the US. '59 D7. Engine is stock, everything completely rebuilt. I have a cub rear wheel coming (so I can go to an 18"), and am working on the Yamaha front end for a 21" front. Alan

I know that this has probably been covered many times but please humor me: How do you tell the year of a Montesa Cota, 21M, 5 speed? Thanks in advance. Alan

Hi, New to this forum but not to bikes. I build BSA Bantams. I have a 51,56,66,69 and am currently building a 59 Trials bike from parts I had sitting around in the garage. Have many questions and hope you will put up with me. Trying to keep it all stock Bantam (at the moment). Alan

Thanks for the pictures. They gave me some ideas to work with. If I might ask further? Notice you have a fairly small (?40 to 50 tooth) sprocket. Is this just for the Scottish or do you run the same size in observed trials? Thanks again Alan

Group, Can someone post (or email me) a picture of connecting the rear brake (pedal). Just looking to see how it can be done on a Bantam. Thanks Alan