How do you determine what class to enter?

Here's my situation I am a new rider, had my trials bike about 2 months, I entered my first event as a novice, I scored 25 , 2nd place was 44 , 3rd was 52 , all the way to 67. I looked up some previous event scores and there were a few in the 20's with most seeming to be 30's and up.The Am. class seemed to score out about the same. Afterwards I rode a few of the Am. lines (being very tired)I would probably get some 2's mostly 3's.

I don't want to be a sandbagger and ride below my level , nor get in a class over my head.

Should I ride 1 more as a novice or move up? I don't want to discourage others in the novice class , but then again I'd rather not be the guy scoring 60-70's either.

Any suggestions?

Depending on the local club and rules, how serious they are, and if there are higher level lines in the same sections, you might sign up for Novice and ride the Intermediate splits when you think you are capable of it. I do that a lot, take some advanced lines for challenge, but not quite ready for the entire Advanced class. Drives my scores way up, so I am out of the way for the new riders who really deserver the higher finishing spots. But not so intimidating as signing up for the entire next higher class.

Otherwise, I'd ride a couple more novice events, until you are confident. At least in our area, it's pretty low key and people don't get concerned about 'sandbaggers'. If they feel you are doing that, the informal ribbing will convey the message.

How do you determine what class to enter?

Here's my situation I am a new rider, had my trials bike about 2 months, I entered my first event as a novice, I scored 25 , 2nd place was 44 , 3rd was 52 , all the way to 67. I looked up some previous event scores and there were a few in the 20's with most seeming to be 30's and up.The Am. class seemed to score out about the same. Afterwards I rode a few of the Am. lines (being very tired)I would probably get some 2's mostly 3's.

I don't want to be a sandbagger and ride below my level , nor get in a class over my head.

Should I ride 1 more as a novice or move up? I don't want to discourage others in the novice class , but then again I'd rather not be the guy scoring 60-70's either.

Any suggestions?

Depends upon a number of things, but if you truely are new to trials, then you are fine starting in Novice, without worrying about "sandbagging". The other novices you rode against, may simply be really inexperienced Novices! Many guys just can't bring themself to start off in the "Rookie" class, so they ride Novice before they have developed skills.

Plus, one event may not be a good example of what the Novice sections will always be like. At your next event, they may be much harder. It depends upon the trialsmaster. For example, in our Texas State Series, we have four different clubs, scattered across the state, that each host two rounds in the series. The terrain varies widely, as you move across the state, and the trialsmasters at each event vary, as well.

In other words, one event shouldn't drive your decision. Ride a few more, and get comfortable with what to expect.

Depends upon a number of things, but if you truely are new to trials, then you are fine starting in Novice, without worrying about "sandbagging". The other novices you rode against, may simply be really inexperienced Novices! Many guys just can't bring themself to start off in the "Rookie" class, so they ride Novice before they have developed skills.

Plus, one event may not be a good example of what the Novice sections will always be like. At your next event, they may be much harder. It depends upon the trialsmaster. For example, in our Texas State Series, we have four different clubs, scattered across the state, that each host two rounds in the series. The terrain varies widely, as you move across the state, and the trialsmasters at each event vary, as well.

In other words, one event shouldn't drive your decision. Ride a few more, and get comfortable with what to expect.

Words of a "pro' at sandbagging the amatures!

Just ride a few novice events untill you get bored! Remember you are trying to clean it, not trying for 20! I have seen easy trials where the spread between 1st and 10th was no more than a handfull of points! Consistancy is key!

Edited June 20, 200719 yr by copemech

Words of a "pro' at sandbagging the amatures!

That would be Senior Amateurs! Remember, I am an old fart, like you.

And, if you will take your own advice:

Remember you are trying to clean it, not trying for 20!

You would be right there in that class with me!

its always good to try a differnt route.

it helps you get better if your skils are being streched a bit.