bikespace Posted October 22, 2008 Report Share Posted October 22, 2008 (edited) I know it's a natural reaction to state that the sport needs to attract new young riders to survive, but that's always been the case and from the evidence I see it's already happening, without chunks of money being thrown at it. There are regularly 100+ riders at trials in my Centre, and that's probably about right for the land available. If anything entries are up on a few years ago so new riders are actually already being drawn in. Certainly there's no sign of the sport slipping into the doldrums for want of riders. OK, the current financial state we're in might have a negative effect over the next year, but I'd wager it'll be less than people think. It could be a regional thing, it's not so strong in some areas as it used to be (most of Wales for instance). In most areas I go to it seems to be middle aged blokes boosting the entries rather than kids. I know what you mean though, but we used to have youth trials and adult trials - we can't support that these days (down here at last). Anyway, my apologies for the sidetrack, I merely used this as an example, but my main aim was to point out that we've had this discussion before and the overriding opinion was the grass roots riders wouldn't be too interested in paying for the elite to compete. I'm not sure anyway that the best way to improve the BTC is to pay for the decent riders to bugger off somewhere else anyway, but only my opinion obviously. Incidentally, only my opinion again, but I do think they're too feckin hard on the whole. The young kids come back and say, oooh it was feckin ridiculous, struggled to get through anything in the time, etc etc. But even though we seem to hear this, they stay the same. Jrsunt at least is not full of bravado, and in my view he should be able to cope with the BTC, so is he being soft, or sensibly honest? Edited October 22, 2008 by bikespace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikespace Posted October 22, 2008 Report Share Posted October 22, 2008 Jesus scorpa3 and bikespace your outrages im trying to pack here,im flying out to spain friday to ride cabrianes classic trial,i've got my sponsor,the Tax Payer. I must have missed Jesus' post before it got deleted, but what was outrageous about our posts? You try a poll in a separate thread to see how many grass roots riders would pay extra licence fee to support the elite riders travelling around Europe? I'd be surprised if you got over 50% supporting it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel dabster Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Incidentally, only my opinion again, but I do think they're too feckin hard on the whole. The young kids come back and say, oooh it was feckin ridiculous, struggled to get through anything in the time, etc etc. But even though we seem to hear this, they stay the same. Jrsunt at least is not full of bravado, and in my view he should be able to cope with the BTC, so is he being soft, or sensibly honest? Gaz which route do you think should be suitable for Sunt? So no one is happy supporting the tdn either then I assume? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slapshot 3 Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 So no one is happy supporting the tdn either then I assume? Two different things Dabster, you know that so don't chuck in pre-loaded questions. Huge difference in contributing to support UK Riders on the World scene and the ACU entering a team to represent GB in the TDN. As far as supporting riders, I'm against it but like Bikespace don't think I'd object to some sort of levy to invest in the youngsters and the development at grass roots level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorpa3 Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Huge difference in contributing to support UK Riders on the World scene and the ACU entering a team to represent GB in the TDN.As far as supporting riders, I'm against it but like Bikespace don't think I'd object to some sort of levy to invest in the youngsters and the development at grass roots level. I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilc0 Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 (edited) don't think I'd object to some sort of levy to invest in the youngsters and the development at grass roots level. So what your saying is we invest in youngster's coming into the sport and as soon as they start showing talent and look like they could do with gaining some experiance in riding against other's in diffrent country's we cut him/her off in terms of funding.whats the point of starting them off in the first place. You've probaly noticed that dealer sponsor's hav'nt got money to keep them all going. Let's see we pay Edited October 23, 2008 by bilc0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hrc2002 Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 I'm failing to see how sending youngsters off to another country, simply to ride (not compete) would have any impact at all. Sure, it'll be nice for them and will get their name out in the world perhaps, but I see no difference in riding in the UK to Spain, other than the climate of course. Adopting your idea sounds simple enough, but Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atomant Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 People are always suggesting investing in trials at grass root level, which is an admirable sentiment of course, but how will that be achieved? In my view, whilst there is a place for the the top boys doing their stuff, the traditional 'family' sport of trials needs much more publicizing and promoting. Trials at its best, is a friendly, helpful and trustworthy sport with solid traditional values which are sadly missing in today's society I believe. So... I have a radical suggestion! What if the BTC could be expanded to be a showcase of the very best , whilst having the C&D championships run alongside it. (obviously not in the same sections or in the same areas) . Promote it well to the local community to get people along to see the little ones, and also watch the very best to see what they aspire to. Many other things could be thrown in to help and make it a day's out entertainment. My wife suggests lots of clean toilets is a must for a start ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyl Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 This is what we do in South Wales to devlop new riders - we have 3 bikes currently which we hire out to total new comers and 2 more on the way. Other classes cater for people with their own bikes. All coaches, coordinators etc get nothing back other than the enjoyment of helping others to enter and enjoy our sport. See more on http://www.welshtrials.com/ "Formed in the year 2000, Project 2000 was set up by the West South Wales Trials and Motocross Motorcycle Training officer. Mr Bryan Puckett. With great help from a band of enthusiastic volunteers and various motor clubs within the West South Wales Centre, the project has gone from Strength to Strength with over 80 Trials students registered, last year 153 attended our trials training days, a similar number was also seen on Motocross days. The aim of Project 2000 is to Coach Trials and Motocross riders of all ages to increase their confidence and ability to perform, be it from complete beginners to expert level. There is also the offer of hire of bikes for the complete beginner into the sport. The Project has seen many challenges with funding always an issue, however more recently legislation as insisted that all Coaches attend various coaching seminars, Riders Welfare, Sport sociology and first aid just to name a few, this has resulted in placing even more man hours into the project from our volunteers of which we are indebted. Trials Coaching days are normally in the Neath area, on Saturdays with Beginners and Novices in Morning and more competent riders in Afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel dabster Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Two different things Dabster, you know that so don't chuck in pre-loaded questions. Huge difference in contributing to support UK Riders on the World scene and the ACU entering a team to represent GB in the TDN.As far as supporting riders, I'm against it but like Bikespace don't think I'd object to some sort of levy to invest in the youngsters and the development at grass roots level. Well pre loaded maybe, but surely Dougie and Dibs and wiggy are representing our country just as the Italian and spanish lads are and they get significant support from their federations. It would be nice if the playing field were a little more level for the up coming riders, and whilst no one wants to spend more on a licence there are some things you are happy to pay for yet others not. I can see the tdn is not the same thing as two weeks training in Spain, and not for a minute am I suggestiong a Trials holiday should be paid for by club riders but some ACU support at the WTC has got to be worthwhile surely? And as stated above if we use the money for grass roots what will they aspire to if there is no way to progress? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john collins Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Just a small point There is some financial support for selected ACU U23 riders in the European Championships which we see as a stepping stone to the WC in both Trials & Enduro. Mick Wren co-ordinates the Trials and I do same for Enduro. It is rather easier for me - as there are only 4 UEM Championship Enduro events - Mick has more events and also Women classes - and obviously this dilutes the money - but it should be noted that there is some assistance - and it is a start. A few years ago the young riders got sod all - now they get a little help - it is always a balancing act - as it is money out of the pot that all other riders have contributed too - so it needs to be realistic and sensible - but it is a start Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spud Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 (edited) I wonder would the ACU support ( Edited October 23, 2008 by spud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillary Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Pity Mick Wren will soon be no more. So who will take over his job? I still think Mick has been well and truly stuffed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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