New to Trials
So, you thought you might like to start riding trials? If so, this article is for you.
You may have seen “Kick-Start” or modern trials on the television . You may fancy the idea of improving your motorcycling skills or you may just simply want to have some fun.
Trials riding can be all of those things.
A Brief History
Trials riding has been going on in some shape or form since the advent of motorcycling.
Originally it was just a way of testing the endurance of man and machine over long distance courses. In these early days it was actively supported by most of the manufacturers as a means to demonstrate the reliability of their machines. As the bikes became more reliable the courses became more difficult.
Slowly but surely moving off road, Richmond Motor Club continues to run some of the biggest trials in the country, including the Reeth 3 Day, the iconic Scott Trial and Youth version the, Mintex. We also run a Club Championships from Youth Beginners right through to Expert riders.
The ACU
Most motorcycle sport in this country is governed by the ACU (Auto Cycle Union). The ACU makes the rules for each of the motorcycling disciplines of which trials is just one of many. Richmond Motor Club uses the ACU online Sport 80 system, to take memberships and trials entries.
Centres
England and Wales is divided into twenty areas known as Centres, ours is the Yorkshire Centre, which in the main consists of around twenty clubs. The Centres have management committees, which deal with the general administration of the sport at local level and provide Centre Championships so that riders can become graded up to Expert status.
The First Step
The first step is to join the ACU, You also need an ACU registration document that covers trials. This can be stored on your phone in your electronic wallet or a printed hard copy, then join a club that offers regular trials at the level you are seeking. Richmond Motor Club offers trials to cater for all abilities. More Information on how to affiliate to the ACU and join a club can be found here.
Another good reason for joining a club prior to riding is to get some first hand help in obtaining the right bike and equipment. On joining a club you will pay a yearly membership of around £15 per year.
The Right Gear
It is an ACU requirement that clothing must cover legs and body and you must also wear a correctly fitting motorcycle helmet, knee-length boots, and it is recommended that you have your arms covered and wear gloves for adults, for youths these are mandatory. The right gear is also essential to minimise the risk of injury. It is worth buying these items from a reputable trials shop or second-hand from a club member.
Having acquired these items you are ready to consider the purchase of your motorcycle.
The Machine
Trials motorcycles are purpose built to be light and go anywhere. In order to achieve this, the gearing is low and therefore a big engine size is not always beautiful. A modern 250cc trials bike is ample for most adult riders and you are unlikely to need a bigger size.
Fortunately most are this size or less and usually two-stroke, although some are four-stroke or even electric. The choice of bike will depend mainly on the size of your wallet. You can pay as little as £1500 or as much as £12,000 for the latest model, but all will carry you around. Whichever you choose it will be fun, though you should expect to get through a few levers etc. when you drop the bike!
Youths aged under 16 are restricted to certain engine sizes according to their ages and classes and this is determined by the ACU – see TSR1 in the handbook. Youths also need to have a lanyard cut out device fitted to their bike and need to wear it at all times whilst riding. If you are buying a bike for a youth always check up on the size first. More info can be found here
Getting To the Trial
The one other matter of prime importance to consider is transport. You will need to get the bike to the event!
Most riders use a bike trailer for which you’ll need a towbar attachment for the car, a tail-board with number plate and lights and some very strong straps to hold the bike down securely. Some bikes arrive in the back of vans or even car boots. An alternative which is gaining in popularity for the solo rider is the bike rack which fits over the towbar and the bike is then mounted across the back of the car. Again, many of these are available second-hand. Be aware that when towing any trailer you have a restricted speed limit.
Trials Events
The trials events are run firstly at club level, then centre level and finally at national level, each level usually being harder than the previous. To begin with you enter a “Beginners” trial or a club trial and start off by riding the easiest route. At this level you are able to choose the route you want to be on and even change it during the event; after all it is the riding experience that you want.
At Centre events and at some clubs there is a scaling or grading scheme for riders of differing abilities. There are currently three different grades of rider and these are Clubman A, Clubman B and Hard Course with Novice,Intermediate and Expert.
The routes are usually marked by coloured flags so you must note beforehand the colours being used. Each trial is built up in a sequence of numbered routes to make up a lap. Each route is called a “Section” and each section will provide a variety of challenges. The points you lose at each section are totalled to give your final score. The lower your total, the better your ride was.
Pre-Trials
Take a can of fuel mixed with the right level of oil for your bike, a spare plug and plug spanner, a tyre pump, a low pressure gauge and a roll of tape. Also take a flask of your favourite beverage and a pack of sandwiches. It is also wise to take a change of clothing (in case it rains). Be sure that you have some cash, your helmet, boots, long sleeved top and gloves. These are really the minimum requirements for an enjoyable trials day.
Your First Trial
The next step is to enter a suitable trial; this will normally be advertised on our Club website, Social media and listed on Sport 80 .
Trials tend to be held in out of the way places. As you near the venue you will see various markers to guide you to the site. These are usually in the form of flags.
On arrival at the venue, park sensibly and before doing anything else go and sign on.
When you sign on, you will receive a number. Display the number on to the front of the bike. This is to assist the observers.
Check It Out
Now you’ve done that you can go back to your bike to check it over. Petrol – enough but not too much, you don’t want to carry more weight than necessary. Tyre pressures are usually a maximum of 7psi front and 5psi rear. However this is often less depending on your weight and the conditions, and may need to be as low as 5psi at the front and 2psi at the back. The next thing is to check that your clutch and brake levers with the correct ball ends are moveable on the bars. When you fall off, if the levers are not too tight, then instead of breaking, they will – with luck, slide round or down the bars and this tip could save you an early trip home. Your throttle must snap shut when released and your chainguard must be as per the rules listed at the end or this article.
There is one thing that you must NOT do. Don’t start riding round the car park and surrounds, practising before the beginning of the trial. It is likely to incur the wrath of club officials and could cause you to be excluded from the event.
Land use now is at a premium and it is vital that every competitor respects the land that is being used by not riding about unnecessarily outside the marked routes. Any misconduct in this regard can and has lost clubs the use of land.
The Start
Your bike’s running, numbers on; now you need to find the starter and the starting point.
Before you are allowed to start, your bike and clothing must comply with the specification in the current ACU handbook or you will not be allowed to ride. Usually a Machine Examiner/scrutineer will check this at the start. Don’t get upset if you are advised that something is not right as it is for the safety of you and others at the trial, it is also a requirement of the insurance that we comply with the handbook. Just return to your vehicle and rectify the problem and come back to the start. If you need help just ask as most riders and officials will be more than willing to help.
Depending on the trial and the size of the entry will determine the starting procedure. Don’t start until called forward. Then off you go to the first section.
Your First Section
On arrival at the first section, park your bike and look out for the “Section Begin’ cards. Don’t park your bike anywhere near the entrance to this gateway, as you could obstruct other riders. Take a walk around the section (but don’t obstruct other riders who may be attempting to ride the section) bearing in mind that you must ride between the appropriately coloured flags. If in doubt of the route, ask the observer, but only when he is NOT marking another rider. Observers are those very nice people who give their time, free of charge to help you enjoy the sport. You may always ask an observer but NEVER argue with one.
Having decided which way to tackle the section, go to the start and wait in turn. When the observer calls you forward, off you go, remembering scoring starts when your front axle goes through the “begins” gate and finishes when it goes through the “end” gate.
From then on it’s fun, fun, fun and remember that you can only get better. Don’t hesitate to ask other riders for tips that may make for success. In the main you will find that most trials riders are very helpful and extremely tolerant of raw beginners. They have all been there at one time and know how difficult your first rides can be. If you feel that any section is a bit too difficult for you, you can present yourself to the observer and ask for a five rather than ride it. If you do this you will only be given a “five”, whereas if you don’t present yourself you may be given a “ten”.
Your Last Lap
You are probably finding that your scores are improving as you become more confident and gain experience of the course and its hidden surprises. It is polite to thank each observer for observing as you complete each section of the last lap. When you have finished, remember to find out if you need to sign off. All that’s left is to load up the bike and make your way home with lots of memories of the day. Hopefully, you will be eagerly looking out for your next trial.
Results
Results are published on our website and social media, along with links to any media who have attended the event.
Club Meetings
Most clubs have regular meetings. Richmond Motor Club usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Richmond Cricket Club. You are more than welcome to attend, but phone one of us first to see where we will be. We are always looking for volunteers to help with the running of the club so please come along if you would like be involved.
Hope this has helped you and given you an insight to trialing. If you require any more information do not hesitate to contact the secretary.
