Do you have to start a section 1, or can you miss a few to avoid the big crowd at the first?

 

 

You can start at any section you like. I usually do that and then follow the same order each lap. 

All sections should in theory be ridden in order, farthest clean tie break can also be affected by this but at most closed circuit trials the organisers are happy for things to get moving, only sure way is to ask when signing on how that club feels about it

We do often use the rule that each group of trials riders start at a different section this works very well and provides a good coming through without longer waiting lanes.

To skip a section in between is not commen it might happen here and there when the route between the section I longer and riders came off the right path. It was in my experience not punished so far and happens too to me. It should not be done in purpose as you then mich have to ride against the direction which is mostly forbidden as I know.

As said previously depends on the club .Last 1 i rode the Clerk of the Course split the groups up, some starting at Section 1 some at section 4,even though there were only 30 odd riders.

Most of the trials split the classes and start in two or three places, you usually find the clerk of the course has made the first section your class rides a little easier to get things going!!!