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Do you think that everyone would be so keen to adopt FIM rules if the FIM suddenly changed to full no stop rules?

All agreed and confirmed then. Hurry up and put it inthe ACU handbook because you know what will happen next, the FIM will change their rules to something different...... again!

Hopping a trials bike is something you can learn, hopping a DRZ400... now that I'd like to see! If I can get the bike to turn just a little tighter by using "all that modification stuff" then it will be time and effort well spent. "Foot stays on the ground" is exactly what I am trying to avoid here. Remember, you loose marks for every foot down.

I'm certainly not wishing to make the SY250 turn any tighter and I can bounce the front around on that ok. No, it's my DRZ400 that I need to turn tighter, I only really use it for LDT's and setting out events (now that much of our local trail riding has been made restricted.) I've ground back the lock stops until the fork tubes are just about touching the tank on full turn, so altering the ride height is the only other thing to try. Suspension travel isn't an issue and LDT's generally don't need bikes with metres of ground clearance but we do come across tight turns a lot..... for a trail bike that is! Thanks for everyones input.

Entries are now almost full, there are a few places left at the back of the field if you fancy trying out a LDT on 21st Sept. There are classes for trail bikes, British bikes, twin shocks and ladies. Entry list HERE

I don't want THIS I would like THIS

No wonder I couldn't make up my simple mind if it made any difference! Effects on the other factors (ground clearance etc) are pretty well established, however the actual turning circle query takes some working out. I'm going to try an experiment on some fresh wet ground. Keep the lean and body position constant (as far as is possible) and do one turn on max lock. Then repeat with raised forks starting from exactly the same place. Will the diameter of the circle left by the front tyre be different? I wouldn't put money on it...... or would I?

If ground clearance, mudguard clearance, stability and suspension travel are ignored. Does sliding the fork tubes up allow the bike to make a tighter turning circle?

Stourbridge, Stafford Auto, Leamington Victory plus the ones Addict mentioned. There's an excellent choice of Trials clubs in the Midlands, you can virtually ride every weekend without travelling large distances if you wish.

Look HERE

Wouldn't it be easier to find an old twin shock trials bike and simply use the motor from the Serrow? Or have I missed the point? I've got away with a stall in a section a couple of times in trail bike trials by using the electric start button. Providing you don't put you feet down whilst it is stalled you tend to get away with it. I've also seen someone on a KTM stall the bike and push out of the section with his feet down but the starter turning, he got away with that too. (Although the observer probably mistook the clanking noise for the engine running!)

Just something you might like to check out, the Belfast Telegraph are running a poll to see who is the greatest sportsman Northern Ireland has ever had. Currently Joey Dunlop is leading the poll but it's a close thing between him and football legend George Best. Click HERE and scroll down to near the bottom on the right hand side to the results as they come in. You may even like to vote?

Entries now approaching to 80 mark. Check HERE

Thanks for letting us know,

We also must try to learn from our own (and others) genuine mistakes. A few years back I was Clerk of the Course for our big National, a couple of our really valuable club helpers were riding in the trial but were at either ends of the entry. Foolishly and without considering the implications of what I was doing, I agreed that they could both start together (they'd spent the whole day before setting out in the freezing rain- like I had.) Naturally they chose to start together from the earliest position. Of course, when the other riders saw such a high numbered rider in the very long queue at section one, they became a little irritated. When at the end of the trial people were loosing marks for late finishing my decision really came back to bite me. The riders who'd lost time were upset, this upset the riders who'd had to rush to stay on time which upset the lady secretary who was collecting in the bibs. I stuck to my decision explaining that they were part of the course opening team and were checking sections and route marking on the way around, but my word I wish I'd not made that silly mistake. Needless to say, riders start on their number from that day onwards!

Personally I feel that you've done the correct thing. The observer has put you in an awful position, perhaps it is worth writing to every rider and explaining the grounds for this difficult decision which you've been forced to make. Remember as Clerk of the Course you can't alter the observers score but you are perfectly entitled to scrub a section, especially as you have reasonable grounds to do so. I agree, anyone who still feels that this is unfair can escalate their protest if they wish. This whole business is an awful mess and I hope the observer in question reads this thread and is pleased with themselves for causing so many problems for you and the other riders by being so immature and petty.

Most models have 'for and against's', for example the Rev3 is very well built but the '04 model suffered terribly with stator problems. The SY250 is a brilliant clubmans bike but a true Expert may be better on a Gas Gas. etc etc. Probably the best advice would be to choose by condition and budget. Buy the best bike you can afford and that doesn't always mean the newest. A well looked after 2005 is better than a tatty 2008 machine.

This is worse than the observer giving a rider the wrong score. Scrub the section and let the observer know that you had no choice given the circumstances which meant he/she stood there all day for nothing. You can't take the riders word for it, that's not fair on everyone else who was scored correctly on that section. We can't afford to upset observers, but in my opinion (and only knowing the facts above) this is one case where the observer would be better staying at home.

Yep, certainly a grey area which sould do with clearing up. My 17 year old nephew drives himself to a trial in his own car and signs on as an adult in an adult class but is only 17. In the past I've always signed as his parent or guardian, which I'm not (I'm the uncle, not the Dad) but thankfully never been pulled for it or had any problems... so far!

When you are 16 you can elect to ride as an adult, this means that you can ride any size machine. If you enter as a Youth you must be on a 125, even if you are 17. Which ever you choose, you will need a parent or guardian to sign the entry form when you compete until you are 18. Hope this helps.

Mat, welcome to TC. If you wish to ride in ACU events, you will need a 125 trials bike because of your age. Before you dismiss the idea, see if you can get a go on a 125, they are well suited to someone who is new to trials and have more than enough power- even if you are quite large for you age. All of the major manufacturers produce 125's and have done for quite a while now, so there are lots to choose from, depending on your budget.

TXXT's did overlap the pro's in 2002 and 2003 but I would have thought that they were 250 or 280 rather than 270's?

Where can we find any news or results when they come out?

And well done to the UK for finishing 4th.

The OK Supreme LDT which is a round of the TBM Magazine Trail bike championship, will feature a new class this year for machines over 350cc. In past years, the winners of this event have always been mounted on Pampera's and Beta Alps, so the new class gives riders of larger trail bikes a chance to get in on the awards which are backed by Behind Bars of Kenilworth. The classes include: Best Trail bike, 1st Trail bike over 350cc, 1st Lady rider, 1st British bike pre 1975 and best team of three riders. Riders who fancy a long ride around with easy sections on trials bikes are also welcome to enter on a no award basis. Road Insurance is available on the day for just