Advanced?

alan bechard · May 29, 2006

In a discussion elsewhere on here, we are speaking of the various class names that are used, and hopefully working towards some standardisation. Some people feel it is important, and some not but no matter which side you are on, most folks should be able to give their take on this related, but slightly seperate subject.

What in your opinion, put into words, makes a rider an "Advanced" class rider.

The basis of my opinion is found here in the STRA rules section 3

http://setrialsriders.org/STRA_Rules/STRA%...book%202005.pdf

Unfortunately though, it basicly say's someone that can ride a National Support line.

I would like to put something more into words, that someone from outside trials could relate too, or maybe at least someone familiar with trials, but without having been to a NATC event, can relate too.

Something along the lines of

"should be able to balance and move front and rear wheels through hopping"

"Should be able to successfully cross logs of 3' diameter"

"should be able to accurately place their wheels and know the location of their rear wheel tracks"

I guess I am not sure how to quantify it and put it into words, so I am asking for your assistance. If you could put your thoughts here, or maybe it is already laid out and explained somewhere on the web in a manner that you feel is exceptional, link to it for the rest of us to see.

Thanks for your time.

copemech · May 30, 2006

Ok Al, since nobody else will bite.

The rider should possess sufficient skills, stamina and endurance to successfully complete the event.

Mastery of most basic skills such as Floater Turns, Camber Turns, Double Blips, Zaps, Jumps and Splatters would be required in most cases.

The ability to "HOP" to position the front or rear wheels would be helpful, but not required.

How Bout That! <_<

alan bechard · May 30, 2006

Thanks Mark,

As food for thought, I was looking at how the unicycle folks do their "skill levels and how they are quantified.

Might be worth a read here if you are interested in this subject.

http://www.unicycling.org/usa/levels/

sirhc · May 30, 2006

I think the lack of responses means hardly anybody knows what to say, I know I didn't.

After thinking of it I think copemech is on to it with they should be competent in all the moves as described in our end of the year Trialsport Magazine...Splatter, The ride up, Zap, Holding pressure, Hop, Nose Wheelie, Floater, and wheelie drop, Probably not the Flip turn The only other thing I could think of is a Advanced rider should be able to balance for a indefinite amount of time on flat ground.

I like the unicycle thing and now I know what my cousin is talking about when he says he's at level 6 or 7 <_<

copemech · May 31, 2006

There actually seems to be quite a few support class riders that really do not do much anything too flashy, but manage quite well!

I still thing Jerry Young may be my hero! <_<

rick1 · May 31, 2006

I don't think that question can be answered without describing what each of the classes above and below Advance. First, how many classes above and below are there. Pro, Expert, Advance, Intermediate, Novice, Beginner? Would there be more or less. Then you have to work from the bottom and progresively add to expectations to each level. For example;

Beginner: Basic brake, throttle, clutch control and beinging able to balance a bike.

Novice: Above items plus able to:

- accomplish small to moderately steep off camber turns.

- accomplish step ups of up to 2'

- accomplish a turn within a 6' radius

etc.

the fewer the classes above and below the greater in difficulty each class would have defined. The greater the number of classes above and below the more gradual the skill level increases.

thats my two cents.

alan bechard · May 31, 2006

Fair enough, you must not ride D-4,,,,

By Advanced, I would mean a rider that could negotiate the Support lines in an NATC national. In most clubs the class one or two levels below the top line. As in an STRA Advanced rider