dabber

my take on this for what it's worth is that people will attend a world round only if they want to, not out of duty. I happen to want to attend because I think a combination of the venue, Martin Lampkin's section plotting ability and Jake's organisational skills should make for a great event. I'm also enthused by watching the last couple of rounds on Sky - I think the tight time limit in the sections has made for better viewing. When you compare it with last year most of the extra time allowed in sections was used for balancing anyway. I have nothing like the experience of Jake or Andy, but I've been to the majority of UK rounds since Bainbridge in 82/83. The least enjoyable of those was Carlisle - i just found the sections incredibly samey with a splat, turn, gap, dropoff being used over and over. With regard to

That's normal - just see how hot the fuel tank gets too!

Front hub isnt a 348 and the kickstart is off a 200. (maybe where the wheels cam from)? Seems like an early frame without the 'lugs' either side of the front of the bashplate.

Looking at the videos on Todotrial I think that the shorter time limit has spiced things up in that is is better to watch - more action/less farting about! They clearly got the severity wrong though. The fact that the riders aren't spending ages lining up must make more mistakes creep in so in turn more marks are lost which in turn makes it possible to ease the sections back a bit.

Anything that makes the rides within a section flow more should help. Lack of gardening by minders and riders should help too. Could a top rider strategically send a load of loose material down a climb by spinning out at the top?? Lets see.

I'd better stay off the beers then eh BJ?

I use a Camelbak Mule for mountain biking - plenty of room for clothing etc with the bladder full and soft waterproof pocket for phones/keys.

Used to do this regularly - slice it open, pull out all the old packing and gunk, repack tightly and weld. makes a huge difference to the smoothness of the bike. Not sure about timing though.

The main driver of the "Lets not eat beef" campaign is a Buddhist vegan. Balanced view there then.

Heavy rain forecast for Saturday.

It says in the description that Enzo began his racing career on a Scott. Free Scott entry to Kimi?

Is that really the Scott? I was up there last night on the MTB.

Not seen him about for ages - used to ride Rochdale trial in the late 80s early 90s.

How much do the trade stands pay the organisers / council? The more I look at this the more I think it's an organisation point rather than lack of space. The Google maps aerial shot is taken when the trial is on. Worth a look........ Here Not exactly organised is it?

Still not voted as I'm not sure. Only a spectator, but I think moving the whole trial out of the centre would lose a lot of the atmosphere. If there was a really well sorted shuttle bus service a move could work well, giving the trade stands etc all the space they need and the town centre hotels the business that they need too. What does the town centre business community think? Quote from the Visit Fort William site - "Lochaber is proud to host this prestigious annual international event, which is held in May and has been based in Fort William since the early part of last century". Keep the local community engaged and happy and the trial will survive. Simples

Got mine very promptly - my comments mirror those above. 1. music / background mix is a bit too much in favour of the music (good tracks though). 2. Mix of sections and course shots is spot on. Look forward to next years.

There's also a mini with mr51shy on spaced to read mrs ishy in Bury.

Great response, but surely your signature should say Toni for 100 wins.

he looked like a rag doll the way he came down the gully and bounced off the side. Not nice.

From those responses its pretty clear that both sets are needed.

I think it should be more focussed on those who are into motorsport in some way already and push the cost/skill angles. Mega indoor sections dont help - you ve got to make people think they can do it - remember tials really isnt a spectator sport.

I went to watch a car club race meet last weekend which is supposedely a cheap form of motorsport. These guys were racing old Jags, Caterhams etc. Chatting to some of the drivers it struck me how little they get to play with their toys for a lot of money compared to trials. The entry alone for the meeting was

I remember Steve Colley doing a couple in Europe and winning. Can t find anything on youtube though.

Cheers chaps. I'll suss whether there's any trials events I really shouldnt miss nearer the time).

I'm travelling to the US (mainly calif) for a few weeks in the summer but need to be able to work by phone (calls back to the uk). Any suggestions as to the most cost effective method. US sim card/phone UK phone Skype