spode@thinkbikes

Well, certainly as far as EBTC is concerned they haven't changed. It was given to me on DVD to put online, as a guide for observers. I'm not really "up" on the Worlds etc. to know what has changed. I'm sure one of the more serious competers can fill you in!

Hah! That's exactly what I need. I'll add them all tomorrow.

Added!

If you find men in lycra amusing, this is worth a watch: http://www.thinkbikes.com/video/biketrialsrules

http://www.thinkbikes.com/biketrials/ Trying to get a link to as many clubs in the country to promote the natural scene. I know Hampshire do some, but I don't have any details. So I'm calling to the hive mind of TF - what clubs are there and what are their web site addresses?

http://www.thinkbikes.com/gallery/?dir=./comp/porcoct14/ Many thanks to Matt for not only helping me out with transport, but taking photos on the day. Photos were taken using Tall_Rob's Panasonic Lumix and edited using GIMP. Photos include Spode, Dan Wheeler, Nick Garland, Darren King, Scott Wilson, Steve-O, Tom Rankin, Stuart, Daryl's Hands. Couple of example shots:

I only live a few miles from PORC. So if anyone (Steve-O?) needs somewhere to stay the night before -more than welcome. And I'll be there! (Assuming Matt drives me ).

Good Luck Dave. Thanks for all your help over the past few years. You can definitely look back and say you helped trials progress as a sport in the UK and beyond! And that's to look back on and cry about

Yes, but not 3D accelerated. This is something I'm sure we'll see big improvements on - but not in the near future. I have a few little games I like to play - word type games

You're my kinda guy.

I think most people would say I'm open minded, but I am struggling to see what is giving you such a bitter taste in your mouth. A little distaste from your opinions, I can see - but you've got a full blown hatred! When I started riding, I didn't have anyone to learn from. In fact, the closest thing I had was watching a Martyn Ashton VHS, which I paid for. Or going to EBTC competitions, which I paid to attend. So not only have I paid for these things, I have certainly paid for it through buying 10 years worth of trials bikes. If I'd had the option of being trained when I first started - I would have jumped at the opportunity and it probably would have saved me money on bike bits! Now, if I'm out on a ride with people - I'll help out anyone who wants my help! Just because we've started training, doesn't mean we now have the angle of "I won't tell you a thing unless you pay me for it". We make very little money from the training - we made it as cheap as possible to where it was worth doing at all. We all have our own (costly) lives, so driving around the country and giving free tuition for a day kind of puts a crimp on that - so there has to be a compensation. Now, for the little money these newcomers spend, they get taught the essentials, that can take months to learn yourself - without someone standing there to tell you what to do, they get 10% if they buy a bike and they get to try out all of our bikes to see what style they like and have a great day out! And the cost of us traveling to them, is a lot cheaper than 20 kids taking the train to London, unsupervised, where they run the risk of being kicked off every obstacle you ride on, and being fined £30. We are fully insured for it, with CRB checks and all that Jazz - parents feel comfortable that they can leave their children with us. I really fail to see how that is hurting anyone at all? All I see, is more promotion of the sport, especially in a safe manner, (trying to copy CLS after you've been riding a week is common and dangerous...) and they get a cheaper bike! Don't get me wrong - I hate nasty business tactics and corporate takeovers as much as the next guy - but I at least take a rational approach to understanding the situation. You seem to have had a rather knee-jerk hippy reaction to what we're doing. But I think (could be wrong) that most people would see that what we are doing has far more benefits that drawbacks. Bessel - I will get in touch with you on that. You'll get your cut - so if you don't care about the money, give it to charity.

Ha! I try my best, but pale in comparison to the Boon!

That was awesome. Exactly the sort of creativity I like to see, and would like to see more of!

Ever jumped on Chai's bike? His brakes barely lock on. Not even kidding. Get the technique right and you shouldn't have to rely on brakes as much. Anyway, I don't want to get into another Disc argument. Steve-O likes my disc, and that's all that matters. lol

Well that's what I did with my right ankle and it's still giving me problems now. Left ankle, I let Si treat and put in a cast. And I have absolutely no problems with it. Ligaments take a good 6 weeks to heal - full stop. There's no argueing around that. So realistically, riding is a bad idea. So you may as well get it casted up!

Ouch. Need to get that sucker in a cast!

I've only just started riding natural. It's great fun! A much greater challenge that street!

Suddenly the reason for the queue makes sense!

Nobody asked about you Steve-O! Go back to your pink rims.

Yup, but really blurry. Most of them where

Just spent hours (as usual) sorting through the hundreds of snaps that were taken yesterday. Many thanks to Darren "Lee" Hill for taking the photos. His large red candle and camera manual are in the post. http://www.thinkbikes.com/gallery/?dir=.%2...okwoodssep07%2F I would post some sample shots, but it's not letting me

Nice little vid. Didn't do the day justice though - some pretty nifty lines went down that day! While most of that was just different people doing the same thing. On the plus side, last footage of me at that spot was sketchy as fook on a raining day if I recall, so I'm quite pleased that me two wheeling the tate wall was pretty smooth

Hello All, We've been visting the schools in and around the Corsham area this week, doing a few tricks and getting people intereted in the show. It's an event specifically for promoting alternative sports, namely BMX, Skateboarding, Skating, Rockclimbing, Ultimate Frisbee, Triball, Parkour, Power Kiting and of course, Trials. There are varying teams showing off these sports, and letting people have a go. We are going to be there all day, doing demos and also doing FREE training. The event is completely free. So if you're a beginner who wants to learn a few things it's a great idea to pop along if you're near by. If you are under 18, you will need to fill out a permissions form and get your parents to sign it. If you are over 18, you'll need some ID to prove it. This is for insurance purposes - in case you break a nail. Make sure you a bring a helmet. You don't need a trials bike, but it helps if you want to learn the more advanced bits. To give an idea of the level we'll be working at - we won't be going above a foot in height. But remember there are plenty of skills that people need (and often don't) learn that don't involve any obstacles. All the details can be seen on the CASE website. http://www.corsham.wilts.sch.uk/case/ An unfortunately designed website, which still needs an update - because right now we're not mentioned and the permissions form isn't on there! So if you need it, drop me a line. Spode @ thinkbikes.com

Because the target audience doesn't know what trials is.

Awesome ride. Good to put some faces to names, and catch up with the usual suspects. I think everyone was pushing their boundries. My toes are KILLING me now - my pixie boots are too small and I wonder if they'll ever become flexible enough to stop hurting.