I think there have been a lot of interesting points raised in this discussion. I have to agree that on the whole south midland center trials are too easy, even a lot of the expert championship rounds. The lack of land is something that is out of the organisers hands, but what annoys me is when I'm sat in a queue about to ride a dull section and I look around and think "why didn't they send us up there??"
In a rather flat center, organisers really need to get as much as they can out of the land. A good example though is the brian stonebridge, the severity of the land is not particularly good, but cambridge matchless turn it into a really good trial that takes marks. All Experts like the biggest meanist looking stuff thrown right at them, if in doubt stick it in you'll be amazed what is doable, just look at the bayford wood round last year, thanks to Chris Koch for setting it out hard, that was one of the best trials I've ever ridden in the south midlands. If anyone disagrees then there's always an easier option! In fact instead of moaning about trials being too hard, moaners should either see it as a challenege, something to aspire too, or drop down a route.
With regards to the whole road trial issue, although I ride the Novogar rounds and therefore have my bike taxed etc anyway. I think it is completely unecessary at stokenchurch. The steep banks make for far more interesting and difficult sections than the mud (which is actually quite a distance away) and by including the road part, you effectively force everyone riding the championship to register, tax and insure their bike for the entire year for a one off few sections in a dull bit of bog. If they ran he whole trial on the steep banks it would be awsome and arguably one of the best rounds in the year, provided Mr. Rees doesn't practice all the sections beforehand again. Really steve it's not very sporting.
Regards,
Gary Chandler