steve fracy

Very nice piece of publicity coming up then! Great job to Barry, Chris and Keith Also, nice to see you post again D. where you been??

Time to get out of Alberta Billy! (blatant overuse of smilies!)

Anything you could want and the best service in the country all at your fingertips......Beta USa is based out of Georgia. Check the links off the main page and you will get the website as well as phone numbers and email!! STeve

Hey Al: It looks like when you and Dean make the drive back to the TTC for the Youth Nationals, you might have to have "the talk" with him. If in case you have already had that discussion..........Way to go Dean! Steve

The SWM is a good bike. The Rotax engine is a proven performer. I am a little biased, but I believe the Fantic is pretty much the Ferarri of it's time. Out performs anything in it's class with suspension. The motor in it's day was considered almost too zippy, but by today's standard's is quite excellent. The 240 was quite simply ahead of it's time!

Grant: Sounds like you are just over the hill from me. I am at the South end of Shawnigan on the East side. We have had events right from my house in the past. I can ride right from my backyard all the way to either Olophant Lake or Spectacle(haven't figured how to get to Spectacle yet, but i know it's possible). When you get back from the summer, get a hold of me and you can come ride out my area. I prefer and recommend Renthal bars for the trials bike. My personal favorite bend is the "Kuroyama" bend. Has more lift on the ends than the standard bend. Keep in touch if you have any questions. Also, our club, the ISTC has a few hundred acres to ride on the west side of the lake. You should join up and come check it out. STeve

Where abouts on the Malahat are you? I'm in Shawnigan, probably the most abundant and best riding around here! Steve

Jump on that offer boys!

Doug is having a better year for sure, just wish he could give Raga a little more heat at the top! For me the most amazing result of the Japan round is Kuroyama on the Yam/Scorpa 4T. Better result than he had last year on his 2stroke. Even though it's in his home country, good rides all the same on a prototype bike!

I see you've passed on your snake charming abilities too eh Ish?

ahhhh, I'm OK for a minute now!

Nice looking bike there Tony!!!! Didn't the 96 have a powervalve also? HOping Lee Harris or some of the other Fanatics' will pipe in with more info too!

GeeZ, I've been brewing on this topic for days now and then Ron goes and beats me to the punch! Lane, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but, I have to totally dis-agree with you on your statements about Geoff. In my books, he is the greatest US Champ that has ever been, including Bernie. Here's why. You say he lacks drive, what a bunch of BS. Every year he amazes me that he can find the drive to continually get better and do whatever he needs to do to win! How many years has he done it now? Next. In a period of our sport in North America, when it is almost impossible to earn a living riding a trials bike, somehow Geoff was smart and figured out a way to do it! On top of all of his amazing accomplishments riding trials, he has ALWAYS been a really fine person. From the time I first met him when he was still a kid, to today and growing up to be a well respected MAN, he has always conducted himself above and beyond. I'm proud to say that I have known him for so long and I hope that as my son becomes more and more involved in winning trials, Geoff will continue to be a role model for him and countless other kids with his involvement in trials! cheers, Steve

Ok you Fantic nuts, I have a question for those knowledgeable about the 96 and 97 Section models. I have fancied finding one in good nick for some time and now have found two really nice ones. One's a 96 and the other a 97. I am more familiar with the 96 and never really saw a 97. Pro's and cons anyone. Please offer your opinion as well Fanticisti! cheers, Steve

That's not Ringo, it's Ryan Stiles from the hit TV series "Drew Carrey" and "who's line is it Anyways". I believe he also starred on the UK version of that show! Cat's of the bag now "Ringo" or what ever your real name is! Steve

I don't think the rider's will be as willing to really go for it when the risk is high without a couple of minder's there to catch, but maybe this creates the atmosphere that will be more condusive to having more riders again. Look at the Scottish, it is illegal to have anyone other than yourself working on the bike. Not applicable I know but, anything that makes the sport more of JUST the rider and machine against the other guy, will be better in the long run! It also might fuel the accessory business when all the bikes have to be stock, as Ishy says!

I like your idea Ishy. I think the overwhelming number of minders for the top lads is ruining the sport altogether from what it is supposed to be. The RIDER and his machine against nature. Why not eliminate minders altogether, and each section provide enough "spotter's" for the dangerous parts! This would also get rid of Al's new job as "minder bouncer" though! Steve

Congrats to you Cody! and the old man! Keep up all the hard work as this is only the tip of the iceberg. The championship is like the Tour de France. You've just won your first stage, but beware the cagey veteran. Don't forget how good it feels to win, and that will fuel your hunger to continue doing it! Cheers, Steve

I'm curious how the CMA/AMA thing was handled with the NAMU series that seemed to fall by the wayside.Maybe it could be used to pull this all together? STeve

Sorry mate, no outside assisstance for you and that Ossum of yours! Bit like having a walker isn't it. Man you are getting old Taff! Must be those late nights watching playoff games that is taking it out of you!(Green with envy by the way). Steve

Ishy/Al: The only real issue in my mind for an otherwise great idea is the AMA/CMA issue. Either the AMA needs to sanction the entire series(including Canadian events) or the two governing bodies need to come to some sort of agreement that would allow rider's to complete the entire series with either one or the other memberships( AMA or CMA). Cheers, Steve

Taff: If I remember correctly, Kamloops will be about a 6pack drive for you from Peachland! Make sure to re-plenish the stash before coming to the campsite OK. If all goes as planned, Teamfracy will be leaving the rock on Thur night. After a brief lay-over in Harrison Hot Springs, we will be making our way to the trials site. Est. time of arrival, just after lunch time Fri. After setting up camp, we'll set off to set up the Youth sections. I plan on having 2 lines. One for beginner's and one for Novice level. Any input on the beginners line will be welcomed! Looking forward to seeing everyone again! Especially my new Fantic team mate!!! Cheers, Steve

Andy: As someone who has lived in the south as a foreigner for a couple of years, I can tell you that the snakes are not the predator to beware of at all. There is a rare species there that can be found in other areas of the world too, but is particularly lethal in the South. Are you familiar with the split-tailed mattress thrasher??? Just givin you the heads up mate! Have fun in a magical part of the world!!! Cheers, Steve

I live over on Vancouver Island, just a short 90min ferry ride from the mainland. Trialscentral in Canada. We have two clubs here that both run between 6 and 7 events a year.All of the events offer a twinshock/vintage class that is quite well attended. Either way, lots of good riding over here! Cheers, Steve

James: Do you know Craig very well? Ask him to tell you about his time spent in Huntsville Alabama!!! Cheers, STeve