steve fracy

Dman: The only thing that is pointless is you getting into a war of words with Mich! You kind of contradict yourself when you said how great it is to be getting the kids involved and getting more people riding. I personally think that the Trial de State is an interesting spin on the Trial Des Nation format for the kids. Another healthy competition creating rivalry's between states (and countries) is ALL GOOD! It only benefits the kids competing AND the sport itself! Pointless, I don't think so. Cheers, Steve

Lampkin Raga Fuji Bou Cabestany

Been reading this thread all along and not really wanting to make any comments, until now. There's no doubt that Lane surely strikes a nerve in some of you for sure. Yes, his ideas and proposals and views are very controversial to most. I think that because he is a National Champ and former world round rider he also deserves a little respect! I believe he likes to think he is pushing the envelope with his ideas, asking questions that most on this side of the pond don't want to answer sometimes. I think it's hard to compare our sport now, to back when Lane rode, or even when I rode. I have always believed that it's really all relative. As far as Lane going on about his past accomplishments and taking credit for future ones in the US.............. Really doesn't matter in the big picture. We all ride in our areas and countries and what Lane says doesn't really have a bearing on that! I'm sure that in a couple of years my son will have heard his share of the old man telling his stories of how it was in the good old days!(See my credo beneath my avatar) In all honesty, I think that the real frustration comes with one thing only. Lane has been successfull in trials.Gone on to be very successfull in his own business as well.His wife and apparently his son Daniel all posess a great deal of talent on two wheels.Lane, I believe that the reason a lot of people get frustrated with you is that you really have an above average ability to make a difference right now in our sport. YOu have some really progressive ideas that rub people the wrong way sometimes, but I think you need to back them up with some action and then stick to it! eg. the proposal you put forward to the NATC this year that was shot down. Stick with it man. You seem very passionate when writing stuff on here, try and make a difference by doing it, at least for your son to have a shot at experiencing what you did growing up! It's kind of like the way I'm sure it works in most club's around North America and the NATC. If you bring up a good idea, be prepared to back it up with some action, or else, no one will support it! Just my ramblings! Cheers, Steve

Thanks!

Does anyone remember the address of the site that listed pics of all the different models of bikes (Fantic) through the various years? Just would like to re-visit it. It was once posted on here long ago! Cheers, Steve

Hi there Gaz: We also have a new 05 Beta Rev50 which we got shortly after we met you in Kamloops last year. Right from new it was not right, off the bottom.I got some good hints from Outlaw Dave, removed all the breather hoses from the carb, ran some good gas(race fuel) and it was a lot better. However, it still would not pull 2nd gear real well in the sections. Then in the fall while riding one of our 2day events we had an incident where the kill switch was shorting out at the handle bar. I got a good zap out of it too. We took it apart and re-did the connections. It was still shorting out and we were running out of time so I took the kill switch off completely. All of a sudden it was like a different bike. It would pull me in second gear let alone my son. I beleive that some how the kill switch shorting out was drawing such a current when under load, that it diminished the power somewhat. Whatever it was, it is sooooo good now. My son uses 2nd gear pretty much all the time now and it pulls great (for a 50) and revs to the moon! Cheers, Steve

"rider's like Smage simply need exposure to top level trials as much as possible" Geez, what an amazing concept. I wish I had thought of that Lane. Wait a minute, I did! And I stick to that theory and why the Europeans are ahead of us! It's just a natural progression in any sport to strive to be better than the best!But, I also believe that a rider's progression can be much quicker if he is constantly exposed to a "higher" level at a younger age.A lot of it is education. One thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet on this now/then arguement, is that fact that the internet is around now. Even in my day, it would have been so much easier to get information about anything, as well as manufacture your own press and attract sponsors! (eg. G2F does this for Doug) Cheers, Steve

What are you selling Ish? Can you PM me and let me know and how much?

I'm a bit of a traditionalist myself! Love the 240 engine and the lines of the whole bike! I have a nice set of Hebo pegs that were set back and down on mine! What a world of difference to the handling and overall feel. Feels so much like a modern bike with the riding stance now! Next up is a new carb!

Back onto topic! Regardless of year, we all know that the best twinshock bike made ever is, 240 Fantic!

"A few years ago in Ioco BC?" Good god NC, you are getting old like me! That would be at least 14yrs or maybe it was 18yrs ago. Something like that! It saw Berlatier driving a pickup truck while wearing a cowboy hat sink the truck into quick sand! It was no joke! About 6 or 7 of us rescued Ron Commo's Montesa from the quicksand at the very same event! I believe it was the WTC in 1983 in Muenster, TX! Cheers, Steve

Is that yours Ish or someone else has one too? Only $9.99 dollars? Doesn't seem like much of a profit maker eh? Would love to know what Fantics this seller has too!! Steve

Ludde: thanks for the info on Jonny! Boy, you are making me feel really old when you say he is friends with your dad! I had heard about him getting into the "cartcross". I would very much like to get a hold of him after all these years! Do you possibly have an email address for him?? If you see him, tell him an old friend has some incriminating video of him singing "Twist and Shout" with two other "shady" characters! He will know who it is right away! Any help would be great! Cheers, Steve

Who is riding that Italjet??? Is it a brit or a Yank? It sure looks like Scott Head from a distance

Mick Andrews mate, on a Majesty!

Hello Ludde: Just noticed what city you are from. Wondering if you know the whereabouts of Jonny Andersson??? We used to be quite good friends back in the late 80's when we both lived in the USA. I have not heard from him in years, but I do know that he used to live in the same city as you do now! Cheers, Steve

Aye Lad! Hit the nail on the head there Ish! For the average person who is interested in motorcycling, trials is by far the most difficult of all the aspects to get some sort of instant gratification. But, like golf, attracts a certain type of person, who is attracted to this sport by realizing the fullfillment and satisfaction when you have the "perfect ride". Which are few and far between for the average rider. Cheers, Steve

The type of riding that the previous member mentioned is alive and well. We have ridden trials bikes for enduros, cross countries, or long distance events here in Canada for years. Most guys I ride with either use the popular Outlaw backpacks (designed and manufactured in Canada by Outlaw Accessories, ask for Outlaw dave), or one of the many fork mounted extra gas tanks that automatically siphen. The backpack is my choice as it has 3 special external bottles/holders for extra gas. I spend far more time "free riding" on my trials bike than I do competing. I would challenge pretty much anyone to come along and say it isn't as challenging or more than any event you can ride. Total freedom, awesome scenery, and a never ending supply of fun! Cheers, Steve

Welcome Jackman: Where abouts in Ontario are you hailing from. There are quite alot of rider's in that province! The ATA is your local club/organizer. Have you checked out there website? cheers, Steve

What color is it? Could be a 301, or 301p2!

Clive, I was going to ask Lane a question in that very direction as well. Lane, it would seem to me that someone with all your knowledge should do two things. First, keep your ideas coming about how to re-structure the whole National system to make everyone happy. Perhaps offer your services to this new US assoc. Secondly, I think that it's time that you took one or more of these next breed of young rider's coming up in the US under your wing and sponsored them.YOU have connections in Europe, and all the ideas. Right now, if you want to see the US be a contender again, these kids must be riding in Europe!No time left for the "Smage's" and alike to hang around North America wasting their time! YOu are the guy to help! Getter Dun man! :hat: Cheers, Steve

Hello Gentleman(and I use that term loosely): Been away from the board for sometime busy with work and life! It's taken me sometime to read through all the posts and see some great ideas and comments.First things first! Lane- I think by now we all understand your point of view on the NATC.Lets move forward, quit talking about they have done or not done in the past, to me it's irrelevant.If we all agree that things need to be done to improve things, lets spend the time and energy to focus on that!I thought that the new US trials assoc. was formed to recognize and correct any problems that are being created? Is it not logical to direct any further ideas and questions towards them?Stop flogging a dead horse! Now, I think I do understand why you entered the Pro class last year, to prove a point! Point was duly taken for sure!A sad turnout for the Pro class indeed! A former National Champ can comeback at 55, enter several events, never ride a section, and without being DQ'ed on a technicality would have been ranked 7th in North America! Sad really in many respects! But come on, don't boast about being ranked 7th in the Pro class when you didn't really ride! You broke no rules and paid your entry, and exposed flaws in the system and with the lack of rider's, end of story. I also wanted to comment on your silly comments about Ryon Bell. It should have read "in your opinion" followed by the sentences about giving up! Unless you actually have all the facts, don't comment on someone else or their decisions. Ishy has the right idea, and I truly believe that some of this discussion is a bit like having the cart before the horse.We need to re-build a solid foundation at the club level or else all these plans will be made for the future rider's and stars, and no one will come!I am all for creating an environment and system that will enable the cream to rise to the top. From the time I entered my first event, I had a burning desire to keep getting better, win events and be the best! I have come to realize now that that mentality put me in a defenite minority.As Al has stated, most people enjoy riding, riding with there buddies, and making it a family sport! It has also been stated that until the number of rider's increases, the $$$$ will not become available to fund more sponsorship of more rider's. Until the clubs see a significant increase in membership, rider's/workers will remain the same as they are now! More club rider's = more rider's riding regional events=more rider's riding Nationals! If there were more rider's riding Nationals then perhaps we wouldn't need so many classes again! :hat: Cheers, Steve

A Merry Christmas to all my friends, old and new! Have a happy holiday and cherish the time with your families! Cheers, Steve :hat:

Every once in a while a guy reads a post that he MUST reply to simply because the facts in a previous post have been seriously distorted! This is one of those cases! Now, Ringo, I have witnessed first hand your so called party animal mode once before................ I must say that especially after hearing your reputation, it was somewhat of a letdown! Ron, I'm thinkin that I had better jot down your new address down there in Georgia and let the new neighbor's get introduced to "Team Squid" now that we have worn out our welcome in Vermont one time to many! I believe it is getting close to assembling the old team and doing one last ride down your way, bringing along the new guard as well, so as to ensure the continuation of our domination in North America at having FUN! Hey Ron, remember getting pulled over late at night at a certain area of CA(me driving) and being harrassed by Sherriff Rosco P. Coltrain?? Man, those were some times! Teeing off in the middle of the night at the lookout halfway up to Donner! Steve

Can you please tell me what a "Beta Jet Kit" is and what they are?