Interesting topic, I haven't been to a trials event in 43 years but having started watching some of the televised indoor events it rekindled an old interest.
From an outsiders viewpoint I have to say that the indoor events seem far too detached from what I would call a Motorcycle Trials Event. We see a few riders tackling nothing but steps, OK they get high but there is nil riding involved. If you have a head for heights and can ride over a skip then you could be world champion. I know, I know, somewhat over simplified but I think you get my drift.
I also didn't realise that the scoring had been so far relaxed for these events. What is it elsewhere? 1 for a dab, 3 for a foot and 5 for a stop. You watch the likes of Bou et al make a jump, land on the bash plate and balance on a perfect tripod made up of both feet and the bottom of the bike with no penalties at all.
Now make the lowest point of the machine into a Vee shape and penalise for resting on your feet and perhaps we might see a different event altogether.
Don't get me wrong I think that they are all great riders but the event is perhaps going the way of most televised motor sport. The producers want to see a crash.
Back to the main topic, I know that it is very difficult but if the public had easier access to any local trial then more people would attend and perhaps be encouraged towards the sport. The problem is, of course, trying to have some suitable land available, and hopefully free or cheap, that can be used. The present system appears to be run for the competitors, and quite rightly so, and it not always at convenient times for spectators.
Also of course, advertise, advertise, advertise.
The only way I found out about a local trials event was reading a copy of T+MX, nothing in the local paper that I recall and no roadside posters. However, advertising costs money and unless you can charge the punters it's money few clubs can afford I imagine.
Anyway, that's my two-pennyworth, I'll go sit in the corner until it's quietened down a bit.
