Why Do You Ride

[bagger]

to p*** off my non riding neighbors

[ham2]

Why did you start

I had been away from biking for 10 yrs then went away on holiday and hired a traillie.. that was it..time for another bike.

Got home and weighed up the options:

Field bike/crosser= no-where to practice / too noisy /been there ,done that.

Road bike = way too dangerous ( mates and relatives dropping like flies).

Trials bike..hmmm.. saw indoor on Top Gear (Steve Berry?)so I thought that looks easy(dreamer),I'll have a go at that.

Why do you continue to ride?

It's F-U-N,keeps you fit,challenges you,good socialising,excellent pressure relief valve from the mortgage/work tread-mill.

For me it is one of those sports/hobbies where you get out of it what you put into it.

I never truly understood that phrase until I took up trials.

what would get more people riding trials?

Nothing I hope..section queues are quite big enough thank you !

Edited April 19, 2006 by HAM2

[sir dabs alot]

Why did you start

I remember as a kid I had an XR-75. Me and my friend, who had a Suzuki DS-100, would ride for hours. One day he announced to me that his friend Jimmy, who was also his sisters former fiance', was coming to ride with us. He went on and on about his motorcycle being a trials bike. I asked what a trials bike was and his reply was that it was an ultra thin and light weight motorcycle designed for going over things, especially up hills which we both loved to do at the time.

Well Jimmy shows up one day with some of his buddys who were on some sort of scrapped together dirt bikes. Most of the bikes were painted flat black and a few of them had flames painted on the gas tanks. Looked like something out of Mad Max. I don't think any of these guys had helmets on so for about the next 2-3 years we didn't wear helmets. See how your elders can be of influence? My buddy and I were about 12-13 years old at the time and Jimmy and friends were probably in their mid 20s. This was probably around 1977 or so.

All day long Jimmy climbed the hills that no one else could climb on his RL-250, some of them with a lip on them at the top that came past vertical for the last 4-5 feet. I remember thinking that his bike was great with that polished aluminum gas tank. His buddies remarked on how that damn trials bike could climb anything. These guys were true stereotypical 1970s biker types that had crossed over to dirt bikes some how.

Well that did it! We had to get a couple of those trials bikes some day. So a few bikes and a few years later, we both had 1976 TL-250s. We were between 14 and 15 years old at this point and thought we were the rats ass because we were on 250s. I can't remember where my friend Sam picked his Tl up from but I had traded my DT-125 for mine. The guy that I got mine from didn't like the little seat on it. Later I traded the TL for a Montesa 247. I always thought the Monty was beautiful with that fiberglass tank that went under the seat and formed side panels. Later Sam's brother-in-law Dennis picked up an RL and we also found out that a friend of ours Tony had owned a TL for years. Pretty decent for a sport that no one knew about. We would set up our own "sections" and ride the creek beds for hours. We never went to an actual event though.

Well the years passed and like all of the other youngsters we got into MX and later XC. I liked MX and really, really liked XC. Along the way the MX and XC bikes got lighter and thinner and later came disc brakes and water cooling. At some point I remember us laughing about how we used to think that the trials bikes were so slim and that now the MXers were even slimmer. I thought in the back of my head that if they can do this with an MX bike, imagine what they would be able to do with a trials bike if they really tried. Later that year I found out that Yamaha was producing a TY-350 and it stirred up the same passion as that RL-250 back in the 70s, but I didn't have the money to get one back then.

After about a 2 or 3 year layoff from motorcycles while attending an institution of higher learning I picked up the Tl that used to be Tonys. I picked it up in boxes and put it back together. An XC friend had bought it from Tony and had disassembled and painted every piece. I traded a Mt. bike for this one. But, it never really felt the way that I had remembered my old TL feeling. This time it felt heavy and bulky and clumbsy. MAybe that was just me though.

After several attempts (4 or 5) at trying to get back into XC riding I finally realised that the feeling just wasn't there any more. This was probably 10 years ago.

Around the year 2000 my buddy picked up a Gas Gas 280 or 270 TXT (whatever they were making at the time). The day that I went over to look at it I commented on how I knew someone could make a trials bike thinner if they wanted to but I had no idea they'd take it this far. He basiaclly begged me to get one and even though I was very impressed with the bike I knew we would probably never get together to ride on a regualr basis the same way we hadn't over the last 10 years on XC bikes. Besides he now had 4 kids and 4 rental houses to keep up and I was so deep into Mt. biking and woman chasing that I had no time for motos.

Anyway, flash forward to 2005. I had been riding and competing on Mt. bikes for around 8 years with very meager results. The results didn't matter so much, I loved doing it. But somewhere down the line I had lost my fire for that sport and it just wan't as much fun as it used to be.

So I'm farting around on the internet one day and run across a Gas Gas or Sherco or what ever it was trials bike on e-bay. I don't remember which, but my first reaction was, My god! It was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen! So I Googled around for a bit and find a local trials series. I go and watch their first event if the season and really contemplate getting a bike but don't do it for some reason. Maybe it's the new mortgage and new child to boot. Well, the season comes and goes with no bike.

December 2005 comes and I remember that it's been 30 years exactly since getting my first motorcycle (the XR-75) for Chrismas. Early 2006 I'm looking around on the net and discover that a bike that I had looked at back in October was still available. After several attempts at trying to get photos e-mailed to me I finally call the guy and find out that he has been sending them to my old e-mal address. Anyway, I end up getting the bike and 3 weeks later ride my first event ever. What a blast! I can't remember having this much fun or being around a better crowd of people in several years.

I'm not sure if all trials types are as pleasent as they are around here but it sure seems to be the case so far. I think a certain type of person is drawn to a sport such as trials whether it's the fact that it is really a lot about personal challenge and improvement or the fact that it's realitivily unknown and small for some reason. A niche sport if you will. For me it's more about precision and skill rather than ego and chance.

Why do you continue to ride?

As far as whether I'll continue to ride or not is really a matter of time will tell. With only 2 months back on the bike, it sure is fun and I can see improvement if only slightly every time I ride. This gives me great motivation to continue. Right now my reasons for doing it are personal challenge, fun, beauty of the machine, great company and friendly competition.

what would get more people riding trials?

From a newby again point of view, I think the way to get people involved is exposure whether it be by demos or events at moto events or local events. Something as simple as inviting someone to go along for the day. I have a Mt. bike buddy who would be great at trails but is somewhat intimidated by motos simply because he has never been around them. I know when I was considering getting back into the sport I picked up a few videos to give myself an idea of what I was getting into. After watching Fujigas and Raga going off I wasn't so sure I belonged. After visiting a local event I realised local trials is a lot more down to earth than the big boys! I felt safe enough to give it a go, just don't let your wife see Raga going big until you've purchased your machine!

Sorry for the life history. I just got carried away!

Edited April 19, 2006 by Sir Dabs Alot

[slapshot 3]

Why did you start

It's in the blood, my father has been riding Trials since he was about 15 though, growing up in Fort William as he did, maybe the Scottish was his motivation. Been going to trials as far back as I can remember and before, attended my first Scottish six months before I was born Didn't have a bike until I bought one myself, appreciated it much more that way.

Wasn't riding for about 15 years, too much involvement in other things, ice Hockey mostly, but dad had the honda lying around doing nothing and he always hoped I'd get back into it. One day out was enough to convince me of what I've missed on the riding front so bought it. I love it, I'm crap but I love it.

Why do you continue to ride?

The crack, the fun of a clean (every now and again ), nice long runs between sections, the crack, friends you've known since you were a kid are still the same people 30+ years later, getting into the over 40 class in November, someday, I might beat my old man (still fanticising).

What would get more people riding trials?

Probably the realisation of how much fun It is. My mate has been coming to a classic club trial/scramble with us for the last couple of years, an excuse for more beer, I can see him giving it a try at some point soon, introducing him to the Scottish next weekend, see what he makes of that. Awareness is everything I have that problem with hockey constantly, shows displays at other events anything,

Alan, this is a brilliant topic to pull up, not only does it make you think about yourself, but it also lets you see more about other riders

d

[nsaqam]

Sir dabs Alot, Very nice post!

My first bike ever was a '78 XR75 that I got for Xmas too.

I enjoyed reading your post and I agree with Slapshot that this topic is very nice.

Thanks Alan!

[bikerdude2006fr]

Why did you start

Well i moved to france and after about 6 monthd i was having a chat with my english teacher. I said that i ride mtb trials and she was like, oh cool! my husband and kids ride motorbike trials! So i said wicked! She then asked me if i wanted to try it the next week when the club was meeting so i accepted seeing as i am no stranger to motorbikes because i have been riding them since the age of 4! So i went along and borrowed a trials helmet, used my mtb gloves and the club lent me a 125 scorpa! very new, 4t ect! So i spent the day on that and have now been on 3 rides ove the past month and am loving it! will keep doing mtb trials aswell at least till the end of the year and see how it pans out. Got myself a helmet now some gloves, just searching ebay ect for some size 10 boots

Why do you continue to ride?

Because i love being on a motorbike, any do it for me, but there is also my love from doing mtb trials of hopping around and riding on things!

What would get more people riding trials?

I think word of mouth is a great way, especially for people like me! I was realy lucky to have a teacher so kind, who introduced me and now i go ride with her, her husband and her kids and its an amazing day out.

[pete]

From as far back as I can remeber, I wanted a motobike! My Dad built me a special from a wrecked yamaha 50cc scooter and a load of tubes! At the same time, we went along to watch one of my Dad's old mates ride in a local event, and got kind of interested. Tried my little bike in a schoolboy event, but being a road - based auto I gave up straight away! Anyways, a few months went by and I got tired of the little bike. Went to an off-road show and saw Dougie and Steve Colley do a demo. I was hooked, got both of their autographs (on a honda jumper) and gotthe little bike out again! My Dad bought me a Honda TLM50 on an impulse and entered the next event we could find! I cleaned the 1st section I ever attempted, and have not looked back!

"Why do you continue to ride?"

Total and utter love! I love the riding - slowly getting better! (at last!)the guys at the club are all like-minded, and even though I must be 40 years the junior of some of them, we all get on well!The rude jokes, the love of old bikes etc etc, I could go on for hours!

[dman]

Why I started?

My dad rode a 79 sherpaT in locals. I wanted in and got in on a heavily modded 76 honda XR75. That thing was a pig for trials but it got me through beginner. The famed Ty80 was next...

Why I still ride?

Because I'm doing bigger and harder stuff now, nothin like getting up some massive rock or log or cleaning a hard section to get a sense of victory or "Holy SH!T how'd my buddies encourage me to go up that!!!", because I may have a future in it, its better than mx, its better than track n field, and i'm on a motorcycle.

What would I do to get more ppl into it?

Demos, introduce people to the bike, and promote it where ever I damn well can lol.

[bikespace]

Why did you start, or maybe what was the kicker that started you riding (Trials)?

Dad was always bike mad, introduced me to it. I used to think it would always cause my parents to divorce, but eventually realised it kept them apart enough to stay together

At about 17 years old, lost touch with trials through other sports and beer and "other things". 17 years on I was getting bored with fast bikes, and boredom kills. My kids flashed before my eyes one too many times, and the road bike was traded in for a trials iron.

Why do you continue to ride?

Still love it. My lad loves it. It's a relatively cheap buzz, and it keeps my life busy the way i like it.

And maybe the follow on question, what would get more people riding trials?

That's a tough one. We need to make it easier to get in to trials. Even though I considered myself a life long biker, it was difficult to get back in to trials. The web makes it easier. About 5 years ago I created a Yahoo group to help people ask questions about trials. The questions that I had when I started again. It still exists, but thankfully it lies dormant with about 80 members (although I think 20 of those addresses are now bouncing) who will more than likely push people in the direction of Trialscentral nowadays.

[trialsurfer]

I have honestly never met anyone that started riding becuase of a WR, much less kept riding, everyone I know rides to be with their buds and have a good time.]

I guess my question is that - why is this important? The reason most of us ride is for the fun and commradery, but if someone sees a WR that is on the fence that has turned more than one to step up. Also if those few who want to excell in the sport what other inspiration is needed but to watch them!

My feelings are strong that the opportunity to attend one and see OUR US riders there does much to inspire the youngsters even if our guys dont win! --But not this year!!

[no jive]

Nice topic Alan

I have enjoyed reading all of these posts. Finally a topic that Lane has not hijacked. I have often wondered if he was born or hatched. I have heard arguments both ways.

I am one of the lucky ones. Been riding since day one. I was concieved at a Trial and born at section 7 in-between riders. My Dad rode Trials in England and then moved to the USA.

I continue to ride because I love the sport. Tried other motor sports but always came back to Trials. Always impressed with the young new riders.

Have not come up with a sure fire way to get new riders. But always offer my bike to a new comer.

[alan bechard]

I guess my question is that - why is this important? 

Mostly because I was interested. Is it important? Not really in the long run, it is really just me gathering information, keeping conversation on this BB, and looking for other ideas and insights that hopefully I could put into play to bring new riders into the sport.

When NSAGM stated that 4 folks in his area bought bikes and started riding trials solely because of the world round, it took me back a bit. This doubled the number of riders in his local area he said. As I have NEVER encountered a rider that said he started because of world level riding and exposure, I found this to be unusual and something I wanted to look into. My experience, and the experience of several folks that I know, has been just the opposite. Usually when folks see WR level stuff, I hear, that's impressive, I could never do that, or wow, incredible, no way I would let my child do something so dangerous.

So I guess it is not that important, but I know it has given myself, and I believe several others, a good read and an insight into why some folks have taken up trials.

[dabnabit]

Why did you start, or maybe what was the kicker that started you riding (Trials)?

Why do you continue to ride?

And maybe the follow on question, what would get more people riding trials?

Well Alan....what are your answers?

Edited April 20, 2006 by Dabnabit

[sir dabs alot]

I have met more than a few people who started riding trials after watching an indoor trial. These people seem to get more frustrated than others from what they tell me after they realise that they can't do nearly some of the things they saw at the indoor trial. One man almost quit after his first ride on his new trials bike, but luckily his friend who purchased a bike at the same time talked him into getting back on it a week later. He ended up being 60 year old age group national champion twice if I remember correctly. He started riding at age 52. His story is inspiring to me not to mention his ability at 70+ years old. He still regularly spanks the competiton 1/2 his age in local events.

[ham2]

I have met more than a few people who started riding trials after watching an indoor trial. These people seem to get more frustrated than others from what they tell me after they realise that they can't do nearly some of the things they saw at the indoor trial. One man almost quit after his first ride on his new trials bike, but luckily his friend who purchased a bike at the same time talked him into getting back on it a week later. He ended up being 60 year old age group national champion twice if I remember correctly. He started riding at age 52. His story is inspiring to me not to mention his ability at 70+ years old. He still regularly spanks the competiton 1/2 his age in local events.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yup! I remember being devastated when I realized that the bike I had (it looked the same as the ones I had seen in the indoor trials)didn't balance by itself or fly up steps gracefully!

I put the bike into storage after only three outings.. I thought 'what have I bought?'

Trials riding looks so easy but as we all know it isn't---I love giving my road- bike-mates a go on my Sherco after they have been taking the ****--I always seem to get a new rear mudguard out of it!