city trials

Ric Smits, a ex-pro basketball player rides some vintage trials events. he's well over 7 feet tall.

I think all this speculation is getting out-of-hand. Is it possible to get a official FIM response Andy? For future consideration, American riders have to go through the AMA for insurance purposes and all that goodie-goodie stuff like tedious paperwork. Riders and teams are asked to follow procedures, shouldn't the organizations be under the same by-laws. At the very least, someone should be fined and reprimanded. A apology would be a nice touch too.

Yep. You did what you had to do.

Remember that this is a track for cars, not flaming royalty with their champagne and truffle parties - if you want to high-end, go to freakin Monaco.

The stadium section is a spectator fav for those who don't like hiking too much of a distance from the pit area. It's also a great section to get a local sponsor to pony up some money for banner space.

This is no joke. If you guys don't see me around for awhile, here's why.

Ride trials and make money? A no-brainer indeed. Welcome to America!

Dan Salton's report.

I'm guessing Shaun was riding the pro line. This is a interesting stat looking at the line scores. Up until section ten of the third loop, Pat was matching Shaun section for section. Then something happened and Pat produced what looks like a couple of slack-dabs (1+1) in each of the last two sections.

I've tried to do a couple of write-ups and it's just not working for me today. I've got way too much vested interest in the kid. Dan S., could you do a write-up and I'll post it on the home-page? I will say a big congratulations to Northern Normie (Noel). What a great job you did this year too. You may think there's not a lot to do at times, but believe me, you're as big a part of this championship as Patrick. I nominate you as "Minder of the Year!" And Patrick, what can I say buddy... You've trained real hard. You've studied this sport well. You've gone from 2003 AMA Youth National Champion to 2007 AMA Pro National Champion. Just four short years. You are the real deal. You've finally made it to the #1 spot in North America. You give hope to every other youth who works the way up our youth national system. I say a job well done.

Well folks, this is the BIG weekend. A new AMA champion will be crowned. Word was Shaun Morris is competing this weekend. Here's a chance to do some predictions. If this is the case - how will our USA kids stack up against Shaun?

You've got nothing to be disappointed about. Ishy and Jiveman are a couple of top clubmen class riders. Maybe even a bit higher. They've been around the block (and sections) a few times.

Now that's funny. But the bottles, Patrick got his across just fine.

The submitted photos.

I sound like a kid collecting baseball cards. Got six now. I still need a Wineland/leriche and a expert winner - either Andy Johnson or Blaine Andrew.

I got two. A great wide-angle crowd shot, and one of Chris Florin sailing over some nice looking boulders. Come on folks, a few more please.

Okay Trails Central readers. Here's your chance to have your photos on the homepage. As I do with Wild Bill, I'm looking for the top 10 from rounds 7 and 8. Or, the best we can do. If you took photos at Donner, pick out a couple of your favorites, and send them over. I know most, but the name of rider and a bit of the photo history would be nice too. When I get ten, I'll post them up. Try to keep the size under 150kb. send to. craiggernhardt@comcast.net

Now that's just totally awesome. I'm guessing the ATA was behind this huge and generous gesture of gratitude to the Pro class riders? Look at the smile on their faces. Absolutely priceless. (Okay, for the record, the kid score another $500 from me for Saturdays win.) Nice take for a day in the mountains on a trials bike.

Mark, Are you trying to work me up buddy. I'm all for a good Monday Morning Quarterback, but this was totally uncalled for. You've been around us a few times to know, Patrick doesn't play that game. From Shan's report, the altitude played a major factor in sapping energy, from both Cody and Patrick. Cody was able to deal with it. Patrick, well, he held his own - doing what he could to muster second position. I say, job well done kiddo. And a super well done to Cody. Giving the impression a strategy was used to move Cody up the series leader board is nonsense. I believe Noel and I taught Patrick to go for the win, no matter what. If that isn't going to happen, we've also taught Patrick to dig deep and try as hard as he can, no matter where he finishes. Rolling over isn't in Patrick's playbook.

I think the rising competition and three class system (World/junior/youth) will hinder Bou matching 7 titles. Everyone thought Adam would be the next seven title winner - and Bou came along. I believe there are way too many variables to ever think a long run of titles will happen any time soon. But then, who knows? That's why they hold the competitions.

In the past 6 years or so - our youth program has soared. We have a excellent National system in place that was just held in Tennessee. There's a West coast youth national coming in a week or so. Or national series is tailoring itself more and more for the youth. The JR class. The 125 class. Other than hands-on working with the local clubs to enhance the youth class at local events, there's really a lot of tools already in place. Believe you me, and you can just ask anyone. Other than Lane, I was one of the biggest critics of the system. Not anymore. We're on the right track and not looking back.

Dougie, I'd suggest you take off the 'lampshade' before crossing the pond.

If the riders handled the Duluth downpours, a little England drizzle shouldn't bother anyone.

While I was up in Wisconsin for the Hixton trials this past weekend, I was able to see a copy of the now world famous, Elkhorn Independent. It was a pleasant surprise to see Patrick had been featured on the front page, with Andy's catch-phrase headline banner and all. "America's Wonderkid!" It will please Andy to know that he got major credit with his website, (url address included) along with the 2 excellent color photographs. Now Andy's site is one of Grandma Smage's first stops for news on her globe-trotting grandson. Much thanks to the main-man (or as you guys say Top-Man) Andy who tirelessly runs this website. Cheers my friend.

If a guy in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts with dingle-balls shows up, saying he Ringo, go ahead, give him a wristband and let him in. He's a friend of mine.