ringo

Of the multiple riding options I had last weekend I choose to ride 190 miles of silky smooth, whoopless, loamy single trek in the mountains which included some intense trials sections along with groomed fire roads wherein IronMonk and I rode flawlessly together, shifting in unison as we grabbed gears at WOT out of each corner, many times reaching speeds of nearly 100mph. After a week of rain followed by a day of sun, the traction was better than anything I've ever experienced. I thought about going to the trial but the flyer I received stated that the loop would be novice friendly and would not include an Enduro Line so I opted for the above. Hats off to Chris for catering to the beginner crowd as it is exactly opposite of what the Plonkers do. It's really neat that we have different clubs for different riders. As far riding trials, I think the last two issues of Dirt Rider might indicate that I've ridden a trial before. Hey Copenhagen, what rider's pubic hair has been rolling off your tongue lately?

Like I said, based on 5 rounds.

So the NATC series is based on 5 rounds now?

WEEEEE! Here's my chance to BE LIKE LANE [you know, the guy who invented trials] when I say that I was the man who, over a decade ago, initiated 'MOTO Trial' here in America. I can't say whether or not the term was used in the UK before that but I can tell you that America's first Indoor "Moto Trial" was put on at the Cow Palace in San Fransisco California. This event was funded and hosted by our very own Ted Gansberg. As for the squid that puts up a frown when referring to Americanism, I guess I can only say that jealousy is be a horrible thing and it can really bring a person down. Of course Kramit will always be old school, you can't teach an 80 year old dog new tricks.

Hey Clive, The only way you're going to steal my thread is if you ride that thing at the next Endurocross. Oh yeah, and trade that funky green rider wear in on something a bit more bearable. You know EX should be riden in a Hawaiian shirt. BTW, let me know if 'the mouth' starts talking smack again, I'll come out of retirement just to make him puke in his helmet AGAIN, trying to keep up. Hey Copenhagen, Those Montys are completely sick!!! They don't look like they've ever been ridden. Both winners, thanks! I'll follow up and let you know what Alexander says but I can't imagine him not getting one.

We've all seen Malcom Smith race in the movie and we saw the trials footage as well. Well now his son, Alexander, is continuing the motorcycling legend's ways by racing events like Red Bull's Romaniacs and yesterday he asked me to help him find a good used Montesa. Let's get Alexander on a trials bike. Please forward me any used Montesa you know about; ringomoto@yahoo.com Thanks Ringo

You're right, I think he's about 600 from here. UPDATE: It looks like the insurance company is going to total the truck so now he'll have to buy a truck to continue on. Great time to sell a truck if anyone in the area has one.

I just spoke with him and he's in a motel in El Paso. Finallly got a tow. Now he just has to locate a wiring harness for his 20 year old Dodge Diesel and wait...... Cope, I just realized your in Dallas so I wont expect you to ride your trials bike over there to have a beer with him.

Hey Cope or any others in the area, I have a very good friend who left CA yesterday to tow a trailer and car out to Florida. I woke up this morning to see his distressed email wherein his truck caught fire about 100 miles east of El Paso. He got the fire out, tried to call AAA but had no Cell service, no one stopped for four hours until another rig pulls up ON FIRE! The owner of the rig lives 30 miles away from there so I'm hoping they got to his place. I'm trying to get in touch with him now. If any of you are in the area or can offer some assistance it would be greatly appreciated. My friend was very down on life before the trip and he's heading out to the east coast for some temporary work. If anything, your prayers are welcomed. You can reach me at 909 580-0205 Thanks all Johnny

It is with heavy heart that I report our friend, "Colonel" Mark Hogan has passed away. Plonker's past president will be remembered as a very entertaining, outgoing, inspiring, & fun loving guy who we always looked forward to spending time with both on trials weekends as well as fast bike weekends. Believe it or not, Colonel joined and rode with Team Full Monty on many dual sport rides and he kept right up with "our pack" as we blasted past the rest of the riders both on fire roads as well as single track in places like Kennedy Meadows, Big Bear and the Mojave Desert. Most of you might remember Colonel as the 'exessively large' man riding around the California Nationals and El Trial on the 'tiki torch scooter'. Geoff Aaron has a cameo of this in one of his Balancing Act videos. Check out the pictures on Face Book under Plonkers Trial. Plonker's are dedicating our season opener in September to the Colonel and will keep you up to date on proposed activities as we draw near. We will be placing a memorial plaque on the Art Webster wall on Saturday. Mark, HERE'S TO YOU MY FRIEND!!!! Watching you defeat desert racing's biggest legend, Larry Roesler, on your trials bike was one of the most entertaining moments of my life. I know you're practicing on the KTM in the sky so that you'll defeat him in his first annual Glen Heaven Grand Prix when he shows up. Please take time to reach out to your friends and loved ones and remember that our time here is valuable. We all have times in our lives where work and "life" gets in the way of our social lives so remember that even a quick response to an email let's everyone know you got there message and are thinking of them. How about a thumbs up for the Colonel! The "First Lady" will be keeping the "Plonkers Trial" facebook updated so join if you have not already. I'm not on here much so feel free to contact me at ringomoto@yahoo.com if you'd like more info. Ringo Plonkers Prez

Ride on GGM280! Welcome aboard and please feel free to offer suggestions.

We are building the biggest trials rider social networking site in the world and I'm thinking some fireworks might entice more trials riders to join Face Book. Log onto Facebook and search PLONKERS TRIAL then request to join and spread the word. Come on now Lane old buddy, bring it!!!! Jen has added a "Women of Trials" so all you women trials riders are invited to join.

I've been forced to work in a forein jail! [back to my old career in health insurance] How the hell you been my Canadian Brother?

You are cordially invited to send your friend request in to join the Plonkers Trial on Face Book. Comments are welcomed and although I am not the moderator I will be happy to address any complaints with the flair you've all come to know and love. (For newcomers, you may not always get a politically correct response] The Southern California Plonkers have long been the world leader for trial setup and party etiquette therefore it is only natural that we become the world leader on the face book front. Cheers

Hmmm, I seem to have heard this statement once or twice. Does this mean I am being compared to Julien Dupont?

Well now, if it isn't the same old Nigel Blabster. Both of your statements show your lack of ability to comprehend current events and demonstrate your mental inadequacy. Pat

So let's see: Last time I stopped by: QUOTE (City Trials @ Apr 13 2009, 09:37 PM) Dang, on the spot question. The era's are so different. The sections and bikes are designed so different. But, I give you this food for thought. Rider? Or World Championship competitor? Patrick may be able to do a few things Tommi can't. But, Tommi can do things Pat can't. On a World Championship scale, until Pat can win a World Championship, Pat isn't a better competitor than Tommi. Tommi's a World Champion and you can't take that away from him. It's documented for history. To which I replied: What the hell? I'm gone for a few minutes and I come back to a 'Politicaly Correct' Craig??? Have you gone soft? No more controversial statements on TC? How about this? Is Pat a better competitor than Lane? Well it's been another 6-7 months since I've been here [i litterally quit drinking alcohol 100%] so I couldn't find a reason to pick on Gearnhardt. Now it looks as tho some other "controversial guy" has used some form of my name, No Jive has stepped up to complete manhood and is telling it like he should And DAMN if Craig isn't still p***ing on the TDN therefore I hearby dub him TCQ! I will tell you all that last weekend, here in So Cal, I had the pleasure of watching Pat Smage pilot his funny looking motorcycle over some stuff that was absolutely INSANE! I'm talking about high level world round stuff that riders spend 20 minutes "walking the section' before attempting but this kid simply looked at the line and went. I couldn't even begin to describe it to the point that you would get it. Interestingly enough, as I watched him I recalled seeing Tommi doing stuff like this. Coincidentally I come back here tonight to review some old posts and...... BTW Craig, seeing as you never paid up the $1,000 you owe me for getting shamed by an old guy in a Hawaiian shirt at EX what do you say to double or nothing? I'll even take it a step further, Triple the bet if you get lapped by a chick!

That's more like it.

What the hell? I'm gone for a few minutes and I come back to a 'Politicaly Correct' Craig??? Have you gone soft? No more controversial statements on TC? How about this? Is Pat a better competitor than Lane?

I see. You wrote yourself a check.

See Craig, here's an example of a truthful reporting of the event. Thanks Clive!!!! Alwayrs proud to fly the TFM colors!

Well now Craig, at least YOU'VE never reported anything like that. Hi Pot, this is the Kettle..... BTW, I haven't seen your thousand dollar donation to the Ringo Foundation for Functionally Challenged Riders.

Sounds like the old dry terrain in Lake Havasu just wasn't to yer liking anymore so ya found yerself a wet spot to play in. Give us more details!!!! Were can we come and ride?????

Sendero has a complete motocross track as well as an endurocross track in Kingman which is about 45 minutes north of Havasu. He can also show you all the best areas to ride as he's been in Lake Havasu for about 100 years. The only problem is that he is dealing with a sickness that keeps him from riding or hanging with DA Boys.......I'll have to let him explain himself.. O Sendero, wherefore art thou?

Speaking of which... Craig did say that he was going to bring me a bottle of Jack but after I took my bottle over to his camp, helped him wrench on one of the bikes for the boys next race and sharing a shot with him I never saw him again. What's up with that???