spiderpig Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Nearly 40 years after I rode my last trial in my teens, I have bought a bike (Sprite 37A Villiers) and decided to have a go. Just thought I'd post my experiences at my first trial - to maybe encourage others who might be thinking of doing the same. For me, it had to be pre-65 as that's where my interest lies. I live in the South Midlands, so my obvious choice was to enter a BMCA trial (www.bmca.org). Before the trial (at Ullenhall near Henley-in Arden) I only had one chance to practice, so arriving on the day I was pretty nervous. The reception I got from the organisers and other competitors was incredibly helpful and very friendly. In fact before the trial even started, I got some good set up help from other riders and loads of encouragement. I entered in the 'Gentlemens/Beginners' class, where riders must enter the section through the Section Begins Cards and exit through the Section Ends Cards but can ride anywhere within these markers. I think this is a great idea for guys like me to help build confidence before hopefully moving up to the clubmans class next year sometime. So how did I do? Unfortunately I only completed one of the four ten-section laps because the bike developed a fault (crud in the GRP fuel tank which cut off the fuel flow). However, on the lap I did complete, I managed cleans on 8 out of 10 sections, so I was quite pleased with myself. Some of the clubmans and experts routes looked a bit daunting at this early stage, but I'm sure as time goes by and as I develop the bike, it will become more achievable. Talking of developing the bike, again I had loads of really helpful input from other riders. A word in particular here for Steve Gollins and the guys at Villiers Services - and for Jim Pickering of Drayton Frames fame - who took time out to give me some useful riding and bike development tips. Thanks guys! Moral of the story: if you're thinking about getting back into trials, this could be the route you're looking for. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzuki250 Posted October 11, 2014 Report Share Posted October 11, 2014 Nice bike, I’m hoping to start riding in the BMCA if I can ever get my bike finished! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderpig Posted October 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 Thanks! Trying to keep it nice but I fall off a lot at the moment... Good luck with the Suzuki - and hopefully see you at a BMCA event soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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