16 minutes ago, turbofurball said:

Regarding turning on hills, the biggest thing for me was learning to lean the bike rather than myself, and how the bike will naturally pull in counterintuitive directions sometimes ... I cracked that by going out on my mountain bike and using a bit of smooth railway embankment to practice on

Thats a good idea  👍 

Don't get me wrong, it's not a perfect substitute, but the wheels will pull you in the same directions

On 12/1/2021 at 11:29 AM, faussy said:

If you're being spat off a 20 year old rev 3 you're going to spat off pretty much anything

That’s really helpful, thanks 🙄

I totally get it…. I’m sure I can find somewhere round here to try it on my pushbike with all the HS2 stuff going on. I think that’s a great idea 👍

Hughie, you need to get yourself along to one of the Surrey Youth trials on a Sat. They have an adult trial in the morning, pretty easy. There are a few of the adults that are/were in the same situation as you are now. One that springs to mind is Jim Collins who actually organises the adult event. He has only been riding trials for a year or 2 after many years messing about with cars on track days! He is an older chap like myself (64) so you are a spring chicken by comparison. I only restarted a few years ago after a 30 year lay off, wife thought I was mad starting again just about to hit 60! Mind you I used to ride with Rich's dad back in the day when he was knee high to a grasshopper.

Sounds like fun 👍

This one reminds me back in 2001 I sold a bike to an older guy that claimed to be an Expert road racer. He had ridden pavement for decades. He bought all new gear and so looked the part alright. He showed up at the next event and rode the beginner class which is predominately  full of young kids. He barely got through the day. And I never saw him or the bike ever again.

 Trials is not easy as an older adult. Stick with it, you will figure it out. It takes hours and hours of practice, so get lessons as soon as possible. It`s best so you don`t develop bad habits right from the start. Have fun and good luck.

Hi Hughie, apart from a Beta 200 I think you have bought a bike that should be good for a someone who is new, 125's can be underpowered and "buzzy" depending on your weight, older twinshock bikes are heavy and suspension not as good hence will be more difficult to get around a typical trial. A 250 Rev 3 with slow throttle and flywheel weight should be relatively gentle off the bottom of revs providing it has nothing wrong, only other thing would be cylinder base gaskets or low comp head to soften it more. I suggest trying to get an experienced rider to have a go to confirm its running as it should. All trials bike are relatively powerful at bottom of rev rage as this is type of power they need.

Therefore unfortunately years of riding with bikes which do not require you to learn delicate throttle & clutch control will make it difficult to learn. Just riding round of flat ground learning to do full lock turns and throttle and clutch control will be some help and before to long have some lessons to point you in right direction. I am based "up North" hence can not suggest anything in your area. I have heard Bumpy (near Leeds) is good if you travel as is Inch Perfect.

As you mention this time of year is difficult for starters, its amazing how much easier things are in summer when things are dry and grippy.

Just persevere and I am sure you will crack it and in a few months wonder what the problem was. 

Good luck

Melaba

 

 

I think I’m getting it now…. There I was thinking it was partly a hardware issue but I wasn’t seeing the full picture. I’m going to join a club that’s not too far way that has a practice ground and will get some lessons as soon as I can - it will be great if I can find someone this end of the country but my guess is I will have to travel.

Thanks for your comments 👍

Even if you have nowhere to practice, just doing figure of 8's and stop start balancing as smoothly as possible will help you get some connection with the bike and teach you body movement. Unlike road riding, for turning in trials you tend to lean opposite to the bike and also when riding your legs become part of the suspension, this is why you stand on the bike rather than sit. Just learning these 2 aspects makes a huge difference.  

Thanks…. I’ve got myself a paddock to practice in so will be doing that 👍

On 12/1/2021 at 5:13 PM, Hughie said:

Wow, hardly any revs at all! He makes it look a doddle! I guess slipping the clutch goes against other types of riding so I better change my thought process! I think I’m going to go to Trials Day or Inch Perfect for a bit of instruction in the New Year, unless I can find anyone nearer. Alexz Wigg lives just down the road as well and I believe he’s starting a trials school. I could really use some coaching on the basics.. But I’ll watch that video again and give it a go at the weekend. Thanks 👍

did you hook up with Alex?

1 hour ago, nigel dabster said:

did you hook up with Alex?

Yes, I’ve got a day booked with him next week 👍