mintsauce

I hope to be there

thanks guys glad you like it any suggestions for improvements?? peace Barlow

02/01/2007 EDIT: I've added lots of new content over the last few months whilst I've been injured and off the bike, including 19 videos! Hopefully I'll be back riding again in a week. --------------------------- 03/06/2007 Just thought I'd share a link to my new website: s l o w p r o g r e s s . c o . u k from here you can read the segment descriptions and click continue which takes you here I wanted my trials demos this year to be about more than just promoting the sport. The site contains info on; Carbon Neutral driving, Humanitarian Aid, Rain Forest purchase and much more. Peace Barlow

Watching Ashton, Hawes and Hans Rey at the Bike Show, back in the day, was the inspiration that made me take up the sport. To ride along side the man himself, Martyn Ashton, at the NBS this year would have better than my Mum's Yorkshire puddings. I am GUTTED. I believe him when he says he doesn't want an invite but I desperately hope he reconsiders when he gets his rightful invite. Peace Barlow

Ooops! I meant Friday the 6th!!

Boon you make me laugh! Nah, the only reason I made this post was an excuse to use the word excursus in the first place (By the way mate, I'm coming home for Easter; fancy catching up and riding Hudds on the afternoon of Fri 14th? Get Mike and the other boys along too if they're not working?) Barlow I've been working on a DVD entitled Consciousness recently featuring Iolo and Will Arnold so I don't have any up to date vids. Barlow

An excursus... http://www.trials-forum.co.uk/forum/index....showtopic=95426 Peace Barlow

Original Post 29/03/2007 - 8:55pm Certain people seem fairly disgruntled with the line up for this years national bike show. One question that came to mind when reading the thread about it [LINK] was… “What makes a great rider?” I accept this is a vast question that could (and probably will) lead in many various directions so I’ll make a request to keep things simpler. Please complete the following sentence; The best trials rider at any given time is the one who… ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edit 30/03/2007 - 11:15am Guess I what I was trying to establish in this post is whether the general consensus is that the best rider is labelled “the best” because of his/her skill level or because of his/her attitude/mindset and the affect they have on people around them. I know that what I wrote was definitely a leading question and therefore it would have been understandable to get answer like; “…can do the biggest tap” or “…can sidehop the highest” But that wasn’t the case at all. The answers offered speak of; - pushing the boundaries of what people perceive to be possible in the sport (cal d, ash k) - Flair and originality in their riding (cal d, ash k) - Nailing the "standard" trials moves like back wheeling, side hops etc (cal d, ash k) - Being effortless and in a smooth (Inur) - Demonstrating differing techniques (e.g. as opposed to only doing drop gaps) (Inur) - Giving riders the biggest stiffy! But I believe that speaks of being inspired and amazed. (Anal Teflon) - inspiring to watch (trialsntrials) - Individuals who really make you want to go ride (samo) - Pushing their own personal limits (leedstrials) - Pushing the limits of what is possible on a trials bike (leedstrials, ben travis) This is a very convoluted way of getting some way toward an answer for a very different question. At the national bike show this year can Ashley Butler or Nadine Staiforth be “the best” rider in any given demo? There will naturally be some disagreement but I would suggest the answer can be YES. When I look at that list above I agree with Ben Travis and Nafan that no single rider is going to do all of those things, in the OPINION of everybody, all the time. However I have demoed alongside both Ashley and Nadine in the past and seen first hand how inspiring Ashley is to other people in the crowd his age. I have seen how motivating Nadine’s riding is to other females. Therefore when I read that list in the context of the target audience that Nadine (Females) and Ashley (11-14 year olds) will mostly appeal to I can say “Yes” they can do all of those things and “Yes” they can be the best riders at any given demo. Ever ridden in a group ride with someone who is pulling the sickest moves and yet is a complete and utter spanner?? Individuals like that never inspire me and never make me want to go ride. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30/03/2007 - 11:32am I guess I should offer an answer to my own question… The best trials rider at any given time is the one who… …is having the most fun. Can anyone and everyone riding at the bike show this year be the best at any given time? I believe so. Peace Barlow

I did think that by naming those riders my comment might be misunderstood somewhat which is why I added "to name only four" as you noted. I completely agree that "we are all one and should be moving that way". However find it slightly ironic that you have done exactly what your post is warning others to avoid. By classifying or labelling Hans Rey, Ashton, Eddie T & Chris Akrigg as "streetier riders" you are in danger of splitting trials into sub groups of street and comp riders. I agree we are all trials riders. Interestingly, I actually think if you were to name riders who could most adequately be the very definition of a "trials rider" because they have done all 'sub groups' (I know, the term we are trying to avoid!) of the sport at the very top level (Comps, street, demos, TV, magazines, speed trials, etc) it would indeed be Hans Rey and Martyn Ashton. Ashton and Akrigg have been British Champion how many times between them? They are by no means only capable of tearing up the streets and are in fact two of the most rounded riders going. Hans Rey gained international notoriety for his comp results before ever turning to demos. The point of my initial post, and current post, is that Danny is very capable of joining the growing list of trials legends that have shaped our sport into what it is today. We need riders like this to move our sport forward. Long may it continue Back to discussing how great Danny is... Peace Matt Barlow

In my opinion Danny is the most, or at the very least one of the most skilled, innovative and progressive riders in the UK today. There are points of evolution in all sports that seem to redfine the boundaries of possibility and which focus around significant individuals. In the past (and also currently!) the limitis have been pushed by the likes of Hans Rey, Ashton, Eddie T & Chris Akrigg (to name only four). Danny Mc has joined, or actually may be leading, the list of top quality riders that are currently taking our sport in the right direction. Hatts Off Peace Matt Barlow ------------------------------- www.slowprogress.co.uk -------------------------------

Absolutely love my KOT MS-2 short. Best 'pure' trials bike I've ever owned. Doesn't feel that 'short' to me but maybe that's because I spend a lot of time on a 1m wheel base Leeson 24" Pics are on my site: s l o w p r o g r e s s - Bikes Page Peace Barlow

Cheers for the replies Still loving the Leeson, was at the skate park on it last night. I'll put some pics of it up soon. Peace Barlow

I tore a muscle in my back doing demos in Jersey and therefore have been putting a bit of time into my website recently. It's healed now thankfully so I'm back on the bike and work on the site has stopped for as long as the good weather holds out. Check it out here: s l o w p r o g r e s s . c o . u k Direct link to the bike pics page: Bike Pics Dave and Adam at TartyBikes were absolutely amazing with my order. Placed a really sizeable order (including needing two full wheel builds) and it was with me next day. Little touches such as facing the head tube and disc mounts on the frame and fork just add to a quality service - cheers lads, VERY much appreciated. Peace Matt Barlow

Absolutely brilliant site! Loved the new vid too *goes off to re-design website* Peace Barlow

I want to make something clear right from the outset. This does not upset me personally one iota, initially I laughed when I read the post. The phenomenon of athletes trying to boost their perceptions of competence by down talking the abilities of other people within their sport is something I am studying as I progress toward my PhD so it’s quite enlightening to experience it first hand. Lesson start… If the attacked individual has high public or sport specific respect/abilities then the greater the derived self efficacy enhancement gained by the attacker. Basically a compensatory measure for low global self esteem….Lesson end. This does upset me though. It upsets me from the point of view of the progression of OUR SPORT….trials. I would like to propose a few questions and offer answers to some… Q. Per show how many people watched the entire 30 minute MAD demonstration? A. On average between 1,000 and 2,000 people per show Q. As a result of the show how many people were exposed to the sport of trials? A. Over 18,000 people. I wonder how many individuals were inspired to take up the sport? Q. Did Beau actually talk to me? A. No, he obviously talked to someone on the team but at no point over the weekend did I get shown any trials pictures plus everyone who asked for a go on my bike I obliged. The accusation that Si and Chris are “shockingly s**t.” is laughable. They are great riders. Well capable of inspiring, impressing and promoting our sport. You were ashamed? I am ashamed. Ashamed that the same jealously and petty mindedness that six years ago made me turn from mainstream sports to riding has now infiltrated our sport. It could well be the bacteria that breaks trials apart. That is something truly worthy of shame. “They were all 20 or above and they rode like my nan.” My good friend Paul, a professional film maker, filmed 4 of the demos. Even though Skoda forced our hand into riding a certain way, a way that appeals more to a non-trials rider than an actual trials rider, I still stand by the quality of the shows. I’m willing to post them on here, in their entirety if necessary, if you first post up a film of your Nan. We’ll let some real riders make up their mind. Well…? That’s all for now, I’m going out riding... Peace Barlow

oooh I've got an opinion on this one! I'll reply in depth in a minute, interesting topic. Peace Matt "I ride like Beau's Nan" Barlow

Cheers for that mate but I personally can't make a ride on Sunday the 5th (seeing family). So I still need to know if anyone is up for it on the Friday or the Monday cheers Barlow

LONDON STREET RIDE FRIDAY 3RD FEB OR MONDAY 6TH FEB I'm heading to London for the weekend of Feb 4th and 5th to see family so I'm lugging my trials iron with me. If people are keen to meet up then I'd be up for coming down for a full days riding friday or stay a day later for a whole days ride on monday (who cares about lectures - London street looks amaznig!). I've never ridden London before so I'd appreciate riding with anyone that knows the best spots. Plus if there is anyone down London way that knows me and wants to offer me some floor space for either the friday or sunday night then I will by you lots of beer as repayment. Peace Barlow

I'm up for that, assuming it'll alright to enter on 24" with it being a fun trial?? If the answer is yes then count me in Peace Barlow

TM2 has, in one fell sweep, raised the level of free downloadable trials videos far beyond that of any other release to date. IT IS FANTASTIC. Well done Jonny isn't really enough. The hours of filming and editing that must have gone into that probably outnumber what i put into my degree......in the whole three years. The riding and, more importantly in my opinion, variety of styles is also equally mind boggling - Brilliant, genius, out standing, thank you. I'm off to watch it again Peace Barlow

Sorry but I can't be bothered reading all the posts to find the final decission on the meeting place/date/time etc so can someone fill me in and I'll definitely be there. Got room for one more if anyone needs a lift from Dewsbury area. Happy Christmas See you soon Peace Barlow

SWEET VID WILL YOU SPRINGY BEAST (Y) Here's a variation to the theme... ...riding from the same day... Right Click Save Target As (link should work now :lol: ) Peace Matt

...as I see it, it's because in the example, Waynio matched the challenge and now gets to set a challenge i.e. He has gained the advantage. It's similar to Badminton! You can only score on your serve :bunny: I think the example I used may be confusing so this is easier to understand: 1. Craig sets the challenge of sidehopping 10 pallets and posts a video 2. Wayne posts a vid of him side hopping 10 pallets 3. Wayne matched the challenge and gains the advantage and sets the next challenge There is no need to better the challenge (e.g. side hop 11 pallets) just equal it (e.g. side hop 10 pallets) This is always how I've played it with friends (and on Tony Hawk Pro Skater!) but it maybe that it would take too long this way using videos. It's only a suggestion. Peace Barlow

I don't think that this idea will be to everyone's liking but if it is done in a "have a laugh" light hearted way then... ... I LOVE IT! :bunny: Who wants to play against me first? Peace Barlow Proposed Rules …as far as I understand Right then, I’ve replaced “Person 1” and “Person 2” with Waynio and Craig Lee Scott to hopefully dispel confusion. 1. Waynio challenges Craig to a game of B.I.K.E. via e-mail, PM, text etc but NOT in a new forum topic. 2. If Craig accepts then he starts a new forum topic called “Waynio vs. Craig” and because he was challenged then he gets to go first. 3. Craig posts up a short video of a move/trick of his choice e.g. 17 foot static gap 4.Waynio then tries to match this trick and post a short video clip of it. 5. Unfortunately Waynio can only do a 16 foot static gap and so gets the letter “B” 6. IMPORTANT: Craig then gets to set another trick because Waynio failed. 7. Craig sets the challenge of “most front hops” and posts a video of himself doing 325 consecutive front hops. In a phenomenal effort Waynio posts a video of himself doing 34,682 consecutive front hops and matches the challenge 8. IMPORTANT: Craig does not get a letter BUT Waynio now gets to set the next challenge trick. 9. NO REPEAT TRICKS 10. WHEEL SIZE DOES NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE TO THE GAME One of the reasons that this game works so well with BMX is that a 4 foot quarter is the same regardless of whether it is in Banbury or Bradford. Naturally in trials it's going to be a lot harder to work out if "Gap A" is of equall difficulty to "Gap B" etc but at the same time who cares. The only reason it would be a problem anyway is if someone is taking it way too seriously. Just have a laugh and go with it. Regardless of how well this takes off on the forum it's a cool little game to play in a group of friends, especially to get the creative trials juices flowing. :deej: Barlow

Still waiting and hoping that Rob will upload these onto my ftp account soon so we can see them all! *fingers crossed* Peace Barlow