apexmetrology

Read on social media last week he is concentrating on World & X-Trial as he is struggling with fitness. from his FB page: "Good morning to tod@s, today I want to communicate that I have made a difficult decision, but at the same time necessary. After winning 11 Spanish Championships, I think it's time to consider the participation in this new season that will start this next weekend. Although it costs me to recognize it and the results say otherwise, my body is no longer the one from ten years ago and every time I have to take care of it That's why, because I also need to prepare physically for the big challenges, which I have decided to prioritize my competitions calendar to continue to give to the highest level So, this season I will play in the world of x-trial and trialgp and also, if they call me for it, in the two competitions for national teams. I don't close the door to cet definitively and I don't discard returning to a contest that so many joys has given me. Thank you all for your support."

I agree ! His minder, team manager and whoever else saw the ‘fiasco’ could have reminded him that although he is a genius on a bike with multiple world championships he is also a role model and brand ambassador that both current and future riders respect. Regardless of location I’d think that the seniors in Honda won’t be too impressed if they were to understand the neglect of rules being adhered too or the honesty of the team.

Looking for some guidance. bike stopped running, no spark, so pulled the flywheel only to find loose wire and plastic broken. It appears to be a ducati stator. any ideas where I can get one ?

Thanks Andy

Do the UK have any teams attending this year and who is in the teams ?

If anything I'd reckon it would be electric before 2T

Where's Alexz Wigg ? He is on the original entry list but looks like a different rider taken his number. As a previous winner he had to be up there with a good chance.

The first sentence of government guidance on access rights states "Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 there is a right of responsible non-motorised access" http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/Countryside/16328/Accessrights We all care a lot about our sport & yes, it is a minority sport with little public exposure & yes, we are branded 'bikers' with what ever other label you wish to add however : If we want to continue to enjoy the sport whether as a spectator or participant then we have to respect the landowners and seek permission whether as a club for an event or for a quick hour practise on an afternoon when no-one else is around or for when my "14 year old only wants to practice a little". If we don't get permission then the land we currently use will diminish through the selfish few. The SSDT, Pre65 are historic events as are many trials throughout the UK. Abuse, harsh word but fair, of land & landowners will have an effect on events in the future. Imagine the Friday route on the 6 day with limited access. A lovely, 80mile scenic route for both rider & spectators being limited to one or two groups of sections ???? Entries will drop, spectators will drop (as parking becomes a problem !) and then what happens ?? DON'T DO IT PS : as a footnote, anyone who parks to spectate, support a rider or indeed to talk to our other fellow trials friends at sections should try and be considerate. so what if you have to walk for 15 minutes to get to the section, enjoy the fresh air and little bit of exercise. PPS : right, I'm off to pack for 9 days holiday - from wellies to sun-cream with lashings of avon skin-so-soft

Can anyone deny that Toni is an exceptional talent ? I tip my hat to him By the look of Italian results today Toni just gave everyone a lesson in trials.

Having had bike a few weeks have now decided to drop a tooth from 10T to 9T on front. Before trying to remove the securing bolt can someone please advise if it is RH or LH ? I'd hate to find it tight and in ignorance tighten it further rather that loosen. I know, it's a numpties question

Yum yum - know what I'd like for Christmas this year !

Thanks - must be Sunday morning and ain't paying attention ! Appreciate the correction.

Hi, obviously as a GG owner I'm disappointed it has come to this. Just hope that a positive can come out of it either in a) GG is saved or the other manufacturers look & learn. regarding Import duty - I thought this only applied to goods brought in from non-EU countries. Can anyone confirm this ? My understanding is that VAT is due but that is passed directly on to the end user at the end of the chain and as most of us are private buyers, non-VAT registered then we carry the 17.5% burden.

Sorry to disappoint, no hidden motive other that wanting to do the right thing. It will be standard tubed, trials tyres being used. Thanks for the replies guys.

Thanks. Not really interested in what is not allowed but can possibly get away with. Just need to know what is permitted so I can plan ahead if needed

Ok. Possibly been covered before but can't see definitive answer so apoligies for asking or if I can be pointed to link, thanks. What tyres can be used legitimately on a pre 65 that may/may not be rolled up for scrutineering in kinlochleven next May ?

Looking at riding down from Edinburgh to spectate. Won't get programme until down so can anyone give a couple of pointers as to suitable sections/times/location to watch. Ideally somewhere in morning followed by another group later. A location for start/finish would be appreciated as I want to make the most of it. Thanks in advance

The spectacle of seeing the top riders in action is in sports second to none in my opinion. These are professional riders, with professional minders run by professional teams. At this level my suggestion would be 3 observers per section as mentioned in a previous post, but possibly the FIM/ACU should consider training. The FA would not allow any volunteer to referee or linesman a match. They have to gain certification before taking on the responsibility. However, the riders/minders/teams do know the rules and should be professional enough to identify & acknowledge when a fault has been made and accept the consequence. Snooker & Golf are 2 sports (ok, snooker ??? before someone mentions it) but the players know to acknowledge there error otherwise, if it is identified at a later point they can forfeit the game/position they were in. In the Bou example, he knew he had stopped (in fact the bike slightly reversed as he kicked it), so did his minder, and it was definitely a 5. To accept the clean was unprofessional. Take the SSDT approach as another example. Scores are recorded and not reported until end of event. This takes the focus off the observer. Yes, our sport relies on volunteers (& I do observe at club level when time permits) and they are under the spotlight but surely this is an FIM/ACU(or regional authority)/Team/Distributor issue to get a common level of training/support delivered to the events. They all strive to make money selling bikes, accessories, entry fees, admission, parking, camping, food etc so maybe they need to 'fund' what is becoming the biggest issue in our sport - observing ! If the manufacturers did not make money they would not be making bikes. PS - I've been to a limited number of WTC and the only ones where paid admittance was necessary was Nord Vue & Fort William. Does that mean the other countries receive funding in other ways ? (e.g. National Lottery)

Bou - engine off http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRi5DfDPIrU

follow the link on www.ssdt.org

Very good chance it would fail FIM weight rules.

Ooops !! I've had a few dabs in my time 'near the edge' but thankfully never had a dooking ! at least the bike will be clean

Not surprised if this is the case. We travelled up this afternoon and I ain't seen this much water coming off the mountains for a long time. Hope it goes off in time for ssdt.

Jeez - would not want to observe now ! 1st so-so, 2nd probably had 3 fives ?!? Anyways, I guess if I punched a 5 both rider and minder would be giving out the grief !! No thanks

The organisers at the high end will need to ensure the observers are treated with respect whatever there decision. If the rider/minder becomes argumentitive then mark the score card as 25 (or if punchcard, pop all 0,1,2,3,5 so that a penalty can be added at the end). Then they can lodge a protest with the organiser, not the observer. At world level there may need to be 2 or 3 officials per section to discuss & review every ride before scoring (maybe from different countries), maybe video recording every section/every ride so that the 'protest' can be reviewed following the event. Another suggestion may be for riders to score each other, similar happens in golf ?!?!?!