Phatmike

Sounds like a blessing in disguise.. A similar thing happened to me when I was about 13/14 and had been riding for a year or two. After doing big moves (for me at the time), I lost it and couldn't bring myself to do anything bigger than wheel height. There's not a short cut to overcoming confidence, only will and practise. As you said, it's your body's natural survival mechanism taking over. If you're comfortable dropping off 3 pallets, then keep doing it. Try crashing on purpose if you can bring yourself to do it! I believe the key to being confident comes from being completely sure that you're going to nail whatever it is you're trying, or trusting yourself to crash or bail without injury if it doesn't. The safer you feel doing 3 pallets, and with more knowledge that you can bail safely if you ever need to, you'll feel more and more comfortable doing 4 pallets. Once you know you're safe doing 4 pallets, you'll feel safe doing 5. When you feel safe being able to crash from how ever high, (it may be 1 ft. or 20 ft.) then for anything below that, there shouldn't be any reason for you to put yourself in danger by excessive fears and doubts, but leave yourself open from the rush of going higher and further. Trials is all about risk, but unless you're completely wreckless, you'll want to take those risks with as much security and self-trust as possible. Use the fear that's holding you back now to boost your confidence in the long run.

I (and Muhammad..) recommend a Miswak: It's a tree root, from which the outer layer peels off, and a bristly centre remains to brush with. Not only are they cheap, they kick ass at oral hygiene. I've been using them for several months now, and my dentist was amazed at the results of this 'magic stick'. Apparently using them improves your memory, and gives you the pleasure of Allah! http://www.islam.tc/Miswaak/ http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Natural-Toothbrush-Miswak-x-5,-Arak,-Siwak,-Peelu-%28NEW%29_W0QQitemZ110337071937QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=212483016077&rvr_id=212483016077&cguid=9f1a3bf01250a0aad474c684fb9bdfd6

Aright chaps. Is anyone up for an Oxford ride tomorrow? Danny Brady, Max T & myself are all on it. See you bright 'n early, say 11 at the rocks?

Phatworks is still running! It's been taking a lot longer than expected to sort the website out. We've been dealing with various companies that have been holding things and are transferring things over. Once it's back up it should be working without a hitch. Our future is looking bright. A chap called Neil is on board currently running the sales & ordering side of things, whilst Danny Brady is managing the website. We're not looking to grow too quickly whilst I'm still at uni, but I'm looking forward to be able to devote more time to the company and help it grow. I'll put a post up once the website's back up and running, cheers for the patience.

I've ridden Amsterdam once, but not for very long. There are a few spots near the central station and a bit down by Dam Square. It looks like its worth exploring more though, but be prepared to do a lot of riding around if you do! Consider hiring/taking a bike with a seat for a general cruise round the city & the outskirts - good way to find more spots.

Best video I've seen from you guys yet. Totally fun, plus some major props due for some of the lines in there!

Dave, it's worth remembering that drugs don't have to be all doom and gloom bringing horrible amounts of negativity - it's just that when not controlled they can take over your life as you (and I) have found out. People have been using drugs for thousands of years and many amazing things have come from their influence; spiritual heights, great works of art and a lot of music. Drugs can be used as tools by the strong minded - to take you places you'd never otherwise go, to allow insights you'd never otherwise have, or to see things you'd never otherwise see. If you're using weed occasionally and find that it actually improves your mood (rather than sedating it) try using and remembering the positives that you feel to bring them into your everyday life - negating the actual need or dependency on the drug itself. If you go back to it once in a while, you can adopt the mindset that you're using it as a tool to help remind yourself of the positives when you're not stoned and to bring a stronger mindset in overcoming any challenges that'll face you in life. I think the point Fish-Fingers made is an important one, reinforcing the beliefs that the voices aren't real is an important thing to remember in gaining your own strength of mind. If you can catch yourself having negative thoughts or violent emotions or strange voices, you can begin to develop beliefs that they're not you before you allow them to take over you. Your mind is a tool which you have the power to utilise. Good luck. You are able to overcome your addictions and grow and learn from these times.

We're working on it, but some things are now having to be transferred so I'm not 100% sure yet.

Hi all, We've been having server issues over the last few days, which means the site (and emails) have been down. Sorry if anyone's tried to make any orders or send emails! We're hoping to get it all up and running tomorrow. If anyone's got any immediate queries, feel free to email me on michael.singleton@trials-forum.co.uk Mike.

Only when Giles makes me! This topic's made me realise how dirty mine is though, time for a spring clean methinks.

That's the answer you're looking for. A smaller, 2 bolt booster will also help.

Great idea getting the British Round there as well Jack. Glad to see it's been gone live, I'm really looking forward to it.

Yeah. ^ In the slightly more immediate future I can't to actually get back on the bike after over a month off. Just being on the bike anywhere is the ultimate goal! It sounds like Giles has many more Mad adventures coming up this year and I will be planning a 'Mike 'n Max's Epic Roadtrip' stylee trip from the Autumn onwards. I want to spend more time in UK comps this year after doing so many shows with mad in 2010, but mostly for fun! I'd like to compete at the world championships, maybe 2012, but we'll see how the 1st half of this year goes riding wise.

This has got better and better, I'm blown away.

The new Trialtech BB is pretty popular at the moment. I've got one and it seems well thought out and is doing the job nicely. http://www.tartybikes.co.uk/isis_splined_bbs/trialtech_sport_lite_isis_with_bolts/c2p11365.html

Sorry to keep you hanging on - the guy got a lot of work on over the holidays, so I'm still waiting for the final edit.

Siiick riding from Andrei.

Done a cracking job on the colour scheme out of spare bits. Looks tight.

Nice idea for a thread. I'll be keeping a good eye here that's for sure! I've been beavering away on ideas for a while and now am finally in a place to start developing them. Here are three problems that I'm working on: Frames Snap Bashguards damage obstacles The current rim brake mounting system.. isn't perfect This could be a nice thread to spur on a lot of innovation. Post up things that annoy you/you don't want as well as solutions you've come up with!

Haha, good times! Go on.. who was it? Keep an eye out next time you're around T5 at Heathrow - the place was littered with MAD stickers from our trip to India earlier this year!

I'm liking Joe's setup - looks sweet. I'll throw mine into the mix: Josh & I spent a night in his workshop the other week re-welding and adding a plate onto the chainstays and modifying the brake mounts. We aligned the frame and milled out each mount, hand finishing each one with an angle grinder. It's loads cleaner and much stiffer than with both halves of the mount. Next step is to mount the booster on top of the mount as the booster sits below the centre of the piston, so the mounts still flex outwards. On top of the mounts should see it in line with the centre, so maximum power captain!

Yolks and Bone Marrow - there's some interesting design inspiration gone on..

Imagine if when your frame snapped, you could just unbolt the tube or yolk and put a new one in.

We have a distributor in Sweden who asked the same question actually. We are undergoing testing of it in disks too. I've not owned a hydraulic disk of any sort for about 8 years so have no idea of if it'll be suitable, but we'll find out if it works! The boiling point will be around (if not lower) than that of water, so its not going to be suitable for XC or down hill, but for trials only - maybe. Tomm - bang on. Endorphin - I sympathise with those temperatures!

Just started about a 1/2 hr ago here in loughborough, settling instantly.