February 1, 200521 yr My son is doing a project at school about hobbies. He want to do a bit on trials and has a 2-5 minute presentation to do. I'm looking for any information on the net regarding the history of the sport. I've got Bigjohn's wonderful history of the SSDT but not trials in general. When and where did trials start for instance? Anyone that can help with links or info would be appreciated. BTW my son is 12 years and needs this info tonight (1st of Feb) or tomorrow.
February 1, 200521 yr Bigfoot, Can't help with much on the history stuff that quick cos it's all at my dad's but what I do want to know is where can I get hold of Big John's book in the North East, any ideas.......( supossed to be a pic of my old man in it) dy
February 1, 200521 yr Author BigJohn's book isn't out yet that I know of. This is where he appears and corrects me. I would guess if you PM him he can sell you a copy direct when it comes out.
February 2, 200521 yr John, The first trial was the Scott, which Alfred Scott created to prove the reliability of the motorcycles which bore his name. I think the first Scott was held in 1913 (try the Richmond site for details). I don't reckon that will cover 2-5 mins but it does prove that being anal has it's advantages TFT
February 2, 200521 yr The "So this is Yorkshire" DVD has a lot of historic information about trials events going right back, may be worth watching to glean some info off. (plus its a good laugh watching them dragging the big bikes thru Yorkshire bogs!)
February 2, 200521 yr John, read your home mail. There's something there that might be to Brodie's advantage. TFT Edited February 2, 200521 yr by TooFastTim
February 3, 200521 yr Ill give it a shot! Started out being a test of reliability around 1900 I think. If you could even finish the course then you were lucky. As the bikes got better, faster then there were morte tests added. Some organisers put speed sections in, and some added rougher ground. As each was used more they developed into Motocross and into Trials. The early trials were still quite difficult on unreliable bikes, and still had some outrageous clothes! The 'footing' coat was often worn, this went to the ground to try and fox the observer into thinking you hadn't dabbed! As time went on the bikes got better, tests got bigger. When rear suspension was introduced in the '50s I think the tests got harder. The next big step was two strokes which again increased the difficulty then came mono-shocks. After that all things have been weight saving, switching to liquid cooling etc until the new four strokes have come! Hope this helps, a very brief history! Pete.
February 3, 200521 yr Author Thanks Pete. Luckily we got pretty much the same info elsewhere which was lucky since his presentation was this morning.
February 4, 200521 yr Can't wait Big John. I hope they will be avalible here in the US. If not, someone get me a copy please. How much for a signed one?
February 4, 200521 yr Hey Bigfoot, Sheesh talk about "grippy" (actually I know otherwise). Did that "essay" help? Reason I didn't post the whole article here was copyrights and the like. TFT Edited February 4, 200521 yr by TooFastTim
February 4, 200521 yr Try these books The 'Scottish' 1900 - 1962 by Tommy Sandham- Willow Publishing. The Scottish 1963-1989 by Tommy Sandham and John Dickinson The Scott Trial by Harry Bradley-published by Ariel Publishing Unit 2 The Swan St Harmon Powys LD6 5NG Four Stroke Finale 'The Honda Trials Story' by Tommy Sandham & John Dickinson. The first Scott was the Suday before Easter in 1914. Total entry was 14 all riding Scotts. Started from Shipley nr Bradford W Yorks.
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