Since the GG got stolen, I've been doing a lot of desert/single track riding on my new to me Kawasaki KLX. We've got a couple of forums like this for Arizona trail riding folks. I posted a notice for a CAT trials events and got 3 father/son teams out to spectate. All of them seem interested. As soon as the TY engine gets rebuilt, I'm going to hold a very informal trials intro clinic (hopefully with some help from petersdragon and sendero). I've said it before, we will grow from within the existing motorcycling community.
Back in the day when I lived in cooler weather we used to use thermal glove liners. They looked like dress gloves, they were tight fitting and had metalic threads woven into the cloth that reflected your body heat back. A backpacking/outdoors shop should have a selection of glove liners. Polypropyline (sp?) is pretty good stuff and insulats when wet. In a pinch, the exhaust header pipe is a great hand warmer, however back in the day we wore real leather gloves, not the man-made material variety we wear today (don't get too close or it will melt on your hands).
As I understand it, the 175 engine was being used recently in one of Yamaha's quads. Our dealer in Phoenix has a number of parts in stock. Things like seals, clutch plates, gaskets etc.
One of my pet peeves is loop marking. Study how a good enduro master marks his course and follow suite. I'm amazed how many riders in our local events get off course, and most of it is due to haphazard marking with ribbon only. A properly marked loop should use arrows and ribbons. A note to each observer telling him/her in which direction the next section is found would be a very nice touch, ( or a sign close to the end of each section). The loop is not an afterthought, it is an intregal part of the trials event and should be treated as such. Thanks for letting me rant Alan, I know you'll put together a great event.
I know the anger and pain you're going through right now, I had to go through it a couple of months ago. Some expensive lessons I learned:
1. Homeowners insurance will not cover dirt bikes. Go to Progressive Insurance (USA) and buy a special policy for your dirt bikes.
2. Garage door openers are the easy way in and a . If you do not park your vehicle in the garage, get those openers in the house. Buy deadbolts for the garage door itself, and still use the locking feature on the button in the garage. You can also unplug the entire door opener from the wall when not in use. We have since re-routed the dog doors to go through the garage. My rather large Akita dog kind of likes to hang out in the garage these days.
3. Don't expect much sympathy from the police or your non-riding acquaintences. The riding community however will all, every man, woman and child understand your situation and will keep an eye out for your bike. Trials bikes are so unique there is a good chance it will still show up.
4. Make up a flyer describing the bike and get it out to as many of the bike shops in your area, particularly the parts desk. Again you will have a sympathetic ear and these guys will post your flyer in the back and keep an eye out. I've made a point to buy something from each shop that took my flyer since. Also check ebay, it just might show up there as a whole bike or parts.
Great time was had by all. It's always nice to meet people on a board like this in person. Alan and his family are a most friendly group. With dedicated parents like Alan, our youth programs are in good shape.
Ringo, I'm half recovered from the theft. A green thumper now sits in my garage, outfitted with deadbolts and a doggie door so my Akita will great the next trespassors. That was pretty good Italian wasn't it? If all goes well, Sendero and I will be crash and burning in the desert this weekend.
True story: I just got the GG and went on the maiden voyage with Bagger. Mind you I had never spent any time on a modern bike before, just the tired old Yamaha TY175. Somewhere along the line, I grabbed a handfull of throttle and did exactly like the host of show. Bagger still laughs about it telling everybody how he saw my bike wheeling through the trees without me on it.
It was good that we got some coverage for trials on TV. The only downside I see is that these programs always show champ level riders. The average enduro/discouraged MX rider who would be a great addition to our community sees the champs and while being completely entertained, says to himself, "there is no way I could ever do that", and will never consider trying out trials. It would be nice to show some junior riders or novices to balance things out and show potential riders that we have numerous classes for just about everybody.
Best Way To Get New Guys In The Sport
in General Trials Talk
Posted
Since the GG got stolen, I've been doing a lot of desert/single track riding on my new to me Kawasaki KLX. We've got a couple of forums like this for Arizona trail riding folks. I posted a notice for a CAT trials events and got 3 father/son teams out to spectate. All of them seem interested. As soon as the TY engine gets rebuilt, I'm going to hold a very informal trials intro clinic (hopefully with some help from petersdragon and sendero). I've said it before, we will grow from within the existing motorcycling community.