The Mechanic

What is parking going to be like as its a Bank Holiday, and can you park near to the trial?

Reading the last couple of replies it would seem rather than a club people would like ideas as to locations with information as to what's available and local attitude, that thinking about it is not a bad idea. At least then it would offer suggestions to riders as to where to go and get a decent ride. Maybe also if locals knew of landowners who were willing or could be willing to allow comps then possibly it would not be the same old venues as has been suggested. I know good venues are few and far between but there must be more hidden gems about. TF offers a fantastic facility for networking information like this its a shame it not more widely used.

There are two major hurdles acquiring the land, and indemnity insurance. A larger group would have a better chance with councils to acquire property, which would be the cheapest option unless you found someone who was philanthropic and was willing to donate or lease land at a very low price. Insurance I am not sure about but trials would not be considered a particularly dangerous sport, so should be possible maybe someone knows better? As for the facilities then I expect volunteers could be found to build stuff, especially if they get to ride it. So the major costs would be insurance and rent for the land, these could be covered especially if a larger area was the catchment, by a small fee to ride which if the centre was good I am sure most would not begrudge.

I expect fewer people enter partly because of the distance you need to travel as well, local clubs and comps would help alleviate that problem and also end up producing more world class riders. Not saying we don't have quite a few already. That is true but even that has restrictions in some ways not everyone is happy to see riders jumping off walls or what ever. I am not knocking it at all some of our best riders mostly do street. But given the chance and the facility's I bet they would ride trials parks as well, just because you join a club does not mean you can't carry on riding street. But the more people group together the louder there voice and they stand a better chance of getting better trials facilities.

I would say that is pretty spot on, not just comps its not all about that. There can be lots more, and a club riding spot could allow you to do I think that is what I am getting at.

I can understand that, nothing better than being with your mates. Its the miles of driving bit that a club may be able to do away with, if you had a local Barrow Farm to go to then maybe you would be tempted. I am driving 170 miles this weekend for my grandson to ride, I don't mind its a National but having so few riding areas locally its street most of the time. I am sure that many riders don't get much chance to ride natural so don't know what they are missing a club could maybe solve that problem. I don't know if I am making much sense, its not just comps but the whole club scene and procuring riding places.

I do agree it does end up with a few who do most of the work people love to ride, but are a little shy of getting involved in the duller side of things. I have been in that position as well organizing things and getting little support. But it is worth the effort I can assure you.

You might well be right Ali, but even so a group is more likely to be able to organize a riding area not just for comps but street style as well, there must be hundreds of vacant lots that with a few pallets pipes that sort of thing would make a great riding area for all types of style not just comps. I think that the point I am trying to make is that an organized group has more chance of getting such places.

I was wondering why are there so few trials clubs, would it not be good for the sport? There seems to plenty of guys and gal's that get together and ride but nothing really organized apart from a few. I used to do Moto trials and locally alone there are 4 clubs, each holding comps on or around the Mendips and anyone could turn up to there comps and ride. It would be great if it was possible to get more comps going, looking on the forum there are a few but mostly up North or the South East. It would give new riders a lead into the sport, and also give experienced riders a chance to ride together pass on information etc. Would it not be easier for an organized group to find new locations and I am sure land owners would be more willing to allow use of there land for a club rather than individuals. What do you think?

No they still are about and used, a puncture in a tubeless that cant be vulcanized can still be used with a tube and I don't mean a great big hole.

Old car inner tube cut a strip width you want and use like an huge elastic band.Any tyre place will have old ones they just bin them.

I think its great, a pocket book is just what's needed. Full Marks for effort I say.

If the welder used the wrong kind of welding rod that would cause that problem filling material needs to be correct, also all joints to be welded need to be meticulously cleaned. I assume he TIG welded it.

Those sneaky shots are the best ones, rode today at Cumberland Basin its a lot different from a motorbike trials machine.

I would have guessed you would be the one hiding behind a tree taking pics. A comp is a long way off but I would not mind really they are great fun no matter what standard you are.

A fair way to go before a video that would interest anyone, but I suspect someone will take some shots of me struggling along. Still its lousy weather might get to ride over the weekend don't know yet. All the support is encouraging don't expect great things though but watch this space you never know I may even get up on the back wheel.

I have made my own tensioner which seems to work well although it works over the chain rather than under that you require, The torsion spring is the tough bit, making a mounting not so hard, I went for a coil rather than leaf type spring good movement in either direction which I think is important.Leaf spring are good in compression but restricted expansion.

Thanks for the encouragement guys, names John by the way so if you see an old guy on a trials bike with a beard then say hi. Not so worried about my wrists more my backside I expect I will end up on that a few times. I have seen the video of the 70 year old I am a youngster compared to him. I did ride motorbike trials a good many years ago but this is very different.

That's right Mikey I thought if I am following them around why not ride as well, don't think I will be doing huge gaps or anything just having fun as well thats what its all about anyway. ( Great Frame by The way )

Is 64 too old to start trials I don't think so so I am going to give it a try. I can't think of anyone else that age riding can you in the UK? Got the bike got the enthusiasm just need the practice.

Link below to Vimeo file first film and edit.

I am afraid it was too commercialized, that is the problem with TV they put there own stamp on it.All the riding, skateboarding and free running were good, but it lacked the atmosphere that goes with these sports.The flatland vid was the only one with any sort of attitude in it, if you follow my meaning.You see better clips on here I think well some of them. I would have preferred to see these guys out with there mates just doing there thing filmed by one of them.The nearest they got were the Barbican shots which seemed more casual.Not criticizing those who took part as they were all great sportsmen just the vehicle they had to use.

I have seen these disagreements before in other sports I have been involved with. To my mind is up to the individual and there conscience. I don't like a sport degraded by sensationalism which I think these shows do. But certainly to make a living doing something you love is great if you can do it. Make money if you can but depict the sport as something good and something that deserves a place amongst other sports which get more financial backing and coverage.

Anyone use a car bike rack on there car for there trials bike if so any recommendations as to which is best.

Does it matter what you ride as long as you enjoy it. Gay, Straight, Hemophrodite,whatever does it matter.