It’s no secret that I’m a bit of enthusiast of the Scott Trial, and as I remarked in my last column, it’s great that the entry list is full and that both Doug and Grimbo are riding as well as Dibs who has totally dominated the British Championship this year with his exceptional victory in every single round – well done.
Following on from a posting in the forums under UK Trials Reviews and Previews, and a request for a list of the best sections to watch, when I was a full time journalist covering the Scott Trial I found that making a note of the time each rider arrived at the section where you were spectating, and then comparing it with the rider’s personal start time as listed in the programme, gave a very accurate indication of who was really on the move, and when you moved onto another section, you could do the same again and understand whether any particular rider was gaining/losing time as the trial progressed.
All you need is a notebook and a programme – not everybody wants to bother with that of course, but I found it interesting. You would see some riders early on who were well ahead of their running order who may then slow down as the trial progressed; equally, there were those who started off slowly but were able to keep the same pace through the day, which usually resulted in them having a good riding pace come the end.
Whatever, get out there next month and enjoy it.
With a full winter of trials coming up, I took the chance last weekend to return to my old endure hunting ground down in Wales at one of the Yamaha Off Road Experience days with multiple British Champion Geraint Jones. I’ve enjoyed these days many times in the past, but this time booked for nine of us, a mix of trials and road riding friends who had never been there before.
As always, Geraint looked after us well, and for me personally, it was great to get back on an endure bike having not ridden one for the best part of three years. It was like I had never been away.
For the seven who had never ridden an endure bike before, it was a eye-opener. There’s no doubt that at first sight the bikes are big and intimidating, but as GJ explained, once you are on them and mobile, they are very forgiving and for the trials riders used to trials suspension and handling, the WR 250 proved a revelation. My pals simply didn’t believe how well they go, stop and handle big whoops, but we all accept that once stationary, they become a big lump once again.
The best part of five hours in the saddle, riding round some great forest areas of Mid Wales with fantastic views thrown in (and some brilliant weather) certainly made it a great day for the guys whose experience has only been a trials or road bike. I would recommend the day to anyone.