Peter - Bradford Trials
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Peter
You know it’s cold when you need a hammer and spike to plant a flag or two!
9.30 am, Saturday the 4 th Feb saw me joining Paul Bailey, coc, Matty Holmes and David Milner, to mark out the 3 rd round of the Autowbars Winter Series for beginners. And yes, it was biting cold, but bright and breezy.
Weather forecasts had been consulted on a daily basis for several days, and snow looked inevitable.
But when?
Paul Bailey went with BBC.co.uk and 4pm.
David Milner went with Paul the weatherman @ BBC look north and 12.30.
Trial start time: 12.30
Snow flake spotted: 12.15
DOH!!!
As the worlds oldest beginner (still), I had seen the lay out of the easy route and was well up for it.
I practice at this venue fairly regularly so sections 1,2 and 3 were looking well do-
Let me say at this point, that as a "48 yrs young" beginner I’m in it for the pleasure, not the glory. So when I looked at the sky filling with thick white cloud, my mind went back to the first trial I ever entered at Lady Lane on a new years day trial.
About as cold too as we’d marked out on new years eve. But the following day as I drove down the aire valley towards Bingley, everywhere got whiter and whiter the nearer I got to the venue.
Beginners route that day was two white flags either side.
Against snow.
Before I’d got both wheels through the begins cards of section one, I was down and on my back!
The gods were telling me something that day.
So as I rode to the start and section one on Saturday, knowing exactly how slippy it was going to be and that we were two observers short of a full compliment (in more ways than one!), I took my first secretarial decision.
I’d observe.
So I set off in the reverse direction looking for an unmanned section.
As I passed Mick Shorrocks on 7, I assured him that as the snow grew steadily heavier, I’d be back to dig him out at the end.
At section 6, I came to Gary Rushton who was surprised to see me not riding as we’d spoken at the start.
He left me the observers card and made his way back toward 5.
Section 6 was a bomb-
Apart from the rocks, all you needed was grip!
First rider through, slithered his way down and hit the rocks hard. Up, back in and out for a hairy 2 dabs.
From then on, it just got more and more slippery.
A couple of my mates commented on the wisdom of my decision not to ride as they "sledged" by.
I just shivered in agreement as one side of me gradually became covered in snow.
Matty Holmes bless him, went back to my car for my flask of coffee. But I still had to five him! Sorry mate.
From then on, more and more people asked for a five, and I really couldn’t fault them for that. It became more and more like the "Cresta Run".
At that point, just as I was about to pull the section entirely, word came that Paul Bailey, coc, had called it a day after three laps.
The next round will be sunny, dry and ridden by me! Or my name is Toni Bou….
Manor House Farm, Glusburn March 4 th
Keep ya feet up.
Peter
Sunday 23 Oct’ brought a very near miss!
A work colleague, Matthew Holmes, having finally succumbed to temptation and bought a trials iron, was itching to enter a trial. The thing was, he just couldn’t wait until the Autowbars beginners. So when he asked me what I thought about entering the club trial, I answered:
"Hey, what’s the worst that can happen? If you don’t fancy the section, you ask for a five!"
Hoisted by my own petard! How could I argue with myself? It suddenly dawned on me that I’d talked myself into entering! DOH!
So much for my master plan -
Softly softly catch ye monkey.
The thing is, in practice, things were going well. Bigger steps, less ridiculous moments of brain fade where I fail to control the bike, and it controls me.
Time on the pegs is all it takes. So I got an hour or two more on Saturday when I helped Paul Bailey and his team mark out the trial for Sunday 23 rd at Lady Lane. Matthew came too to see what it was all about, and Barry Fairbrother and David Milner got busy with the flags.
Section one was sensible. I’d ridden half of it, up and out and over a few rocks much to the surprise of CoC Bailey! So once the flags were in, and I’d walked it, Paul shouts: "Come on then Peter, ride it!" No problem. Off I went, through the begins, and down, up, round the top and dropped down into the bomb-
"Just pull in the clutch and roll it down on the brakes!" said Paul with a grin. Second time, no problem. Made the turn at the bottom to launch it up the hill secure in the knowledge that I’d only just done a similar and more challenging line earlier.
So over the small step half way up, second gear, and then the front wheel lifted its way skyward, rebelling at my new found confidence. But no problem, the step in the inner v-
So what did I do? Commit to the rock step with a change of direction? Or abort and run out left?
Neither, I hesitated and ended up doing a half hearted attempt at both!
This resulted in the inevitable white knuckle bale out, the bike careering off without me.
It was then that the clouds parted and I was bathed in a shaft of sunlight. For a second I thought I saw the lottery finger pointing at me from above with the voice: "ITS YOU!"
But no: "Beginners route for you, you muppet…..!"
We’d arrived on Saturday at 1pm, but by 5pm Barry and I were left to mark the last section to be done, which was number nine. Was that a groan I heard readers? The idea, as Barry tells it, was to take marks, not take up hospital beds! ie tricky but not dangerous. Hence the moans and groans to the observer.
Sunday came and yes, I was observing section 9. Beloved by most riders on the day as it turned out.
Well it certainly took marks alright, from riders that I was expecting to see clean it too. It also took the patience and temper of a parent, and sadly the corner from the gear-
It was a rocky, bike scratcher of a section enjoyed only by the Meerkats it would seem. Rattling the loose rocks and stones around sounding like old crockery.
After Barry and I had marked it out on Saturday, he proceeded to ride both routes and duly cleaned them both.
"You could ride the clubman route you know. You’d struggle and get some threes, but you’d learn something in the process. You’d also be knackered!" said Barry.
He was right of course, and I knew it. "But would I enjoy it?" I replied.
Softly softly catch ye monkey.
Keep ya feet up!
Peter
I think it’s fair to say that everyone was looking forward to the John Metcalfe Trial on Sunday 2 nd October.
Clerk of course (CoC), Barry Fairbrother, was wishing he had packed his factor 50 on the Saturday afternoon, as he and his team planted the flags in three separate locations giving a good variety of sections on a relatively long lap. It all boded well for Sunday and the continuing "Indian Summer".
I am reliably informed incidentally, that the reason an "Indian Summer" is always late, is because it has such a long way to come! Ahem!! It made sense to me anyway . . . !
As per instructions from CoC I arrived at the start for 9.30 am, to be greeted by the very welcome sight of the Nick Midgley Tuck-
Alas, the "Indian Summer" took umbrage, and left, to be replaced with light drizzle for the duration of the trial. So with waterproof jacket I checked in with Richard (Il Presidente) Taylor to be assigned a section to observe. Regular readers of my ramblings will be amused to hear that he chose his words carefully when describing the sections location (pleased to see you no longer put oil in your fuel Richard, or should we start calling you Dickie-
So I was double subbing on 11 & 12, the furthest point from the start and away I went to Lumb Falls with my 4t on the back of my car. No sooner had I changed and got my bike off and running, the first riders were arriving for the first of their two laps. The clubmen were starting on 11, while the hard route was section 1 which spread the field out nicely from the off, a good thing from the observers point of view. The plan was that whilst waiting for the next group of riders I’d fire up the bike and have a practice, but sections 11 & 12 were a bit much for this WBS stalwart so my options were fairly few, but enjoyable none the less.
It was good to see David Pickles from Harden having a go, but it has to be said Dave, coming down the very steep descent to the begins cards on your back ahead of the bike! Both laps! It’s rather like putting the cart before the horse don’t you think? Good to see you came up smiling, albeit at the expense of a brake lever and some use of your right arm! Respect.
Dan Thorpe finished ahead of the field of fifty entrants, troubling the observer just once, with Ross Crosby just behind on four. Chris Pearson was next with Tony Scarlett and Nathan Wrigglesworth all on single figure marks. First man into double figures was Aran Drachenberg who had a better day on two wheels than the four he struggled with to get out of the car park as the heavens opened (Indian rainy season perhaps?)
Keep ya feet up!
Peter Coates
An appointment with the “Bog Monster” … !
“Eerrrrr?” was the response from the man standing in front of me to my question. And with that, I knew the answer.
This year was the first time I had any involvement in the Alan Jefferies trial other than planting a few flags last year. But this year I was lucky enough that the trial fell on my weekend off work. With that, myself and David Milner spoke to Brian Ayrton, “the observer czar”, at the last WBS round making our services available for this very day. And so 8.45 am Sunday 10 July saw me arrive at Wilks’, Halton Ghyll with bike and waterproofs.
As it turned out, I almost didn’t need either. My services as observer looked as though they were not required but Brian kept me on stand-
Barry Fairbrother, as clerk of course, was here, there and everywhere looking a bit stressed. He and David Wilson had spent all week in rain and storms marking out as usual, but cometh the hour, cometh the sun. And before I go any further, let me say that they had done a fantastic job, despite sadly the mysterious removal of some route markers.
The ladies of Halton Ghyll furnished me with a bacon butty (first class!) and so I lurked around in the sunshine and stunning scenery for ten minutes before Brian said I was needed at section 17.
Result!
Where is section 17 I asked?
“It’s just up and over the back of Wilks’ field”
Now I know this field well. I also know how steep it is at the top.
“Will 17 be ok to get to for a beginner?” I asked hopefully.
“Eerrrrr?”
Richard Taylor (Il Presidente) was asked for his thoughts as he passed.
“Yeah you’ll be alright.” With a distracted look in his eye.
Leaving me thinking that had he been asked if a beginner could clean SSDT he would have said the same. But he was clearly in “the zone” so I wasn’t surprised, checking up on things before the start. A club president’s work is never done.
To his credit, he put me on to Dane. Nice bloke with a proper bike (4 stroke Honda TLR) who was to be my guide. We were going over the moor with Dave Wilson as he opened the course, who won’t mind me saying he is on the north side of sixty. I knew him from last year when I’d helped mark out so he was aware of my limitations and was happy to take a route that did not incorporate any “pensioners initiative tests!”
You’re a good man Dave.
At Wilks’ field I ran into Paul Bailey who when told where we were going smirked.
“Ah hah. The bog monster! It got me last year. You’ve no chance!”
Ignore him I thought to myself. Just trying to wind me up. Then just as we were about to set off, Barry arrived. I told him where we were going to which he replied;
“Yes I know. That’s why I’m here!”
Now that did start to worry me!
“You’ll be ok, but I will need full commitment”!
So that was it. My fate sealed. Dave saying he would take me around the worst of it, and Barry saying;
“I’ve never been stuck yet”
Tempt fate why don’t you?!
Off we went, climbing and climbing, stalling and falling. Well, I fell off once when I went for a fresh air dab to be precise. None of it was overly technical or difficult, but I was well out of my comfort zone and trying hard to keep up with the others with my occasional blippy-
No sooner would I catch them up, gasping like every breath would be my last, when Dave would give his familiar cry of;
“Onward and upward!”
You’re a good man Dave. Honest!
“We can have a breather at the top.”
As we reached the top it began to level out a lot, but a dramatic increase in rivulets and reeds gave me a sinking feeling. It was around about now, I thought, a breather was scheduled, the bottle of water in my rucksack was calling me, but no.
Gary Rushton had caught up to us, just ahead of the pack, and I realised how a fox must have felt back in the day.
Dave;-
“Try going a bit quicker through the wet stuff and get your knees open more.”
Good advice. And I tried Dave, honest. It was around then that a rivulet around a foot deep and six inches wide, parallel to the track, suddenly appeared and no sooner had I seen it and realised it was best avoided, I was like a moth to a flame. DOH!
So this was the bog monster? Surely it was more menacing than this I thought, as I stood next to the bike supported by the sides of the ditch. Catching my breath! I lifted the front wheel out and wondered which was the best way to proceed, the other guys ahead but for Gary. He looked at me and simply said:
“I’ll get it out for you.”
I must have looked as knackered as I felt! It never ceases to amaze me how physically draining it is when things start to go wrong.
“Come on Pedro, the first riders will be right behind us!”
So away again, still parched and ready for a drink, trying to keep up with Barry and the rest. Second gear, trying to relax on the fairly even stuff, then SPLAT!! Stopped dead. Submerged right up to the top of my fork stanchions. The only thing visible at the front was the top edge of my mudguard! So THIS was the “Bog Monster”!!!!. I stepped off the bike, (big mistake) and sank up to my thighs.
The whole thing happened so fast you just have to laugh. We pulled it out and carried on of course, onward and downward. Bike fired up no problem, but time was marching on and there was no way I was going to make it over the other valley to section 17, so Mr Midgley senior swapped (another bog monster victim) I was pleased to hear.
So I observed section 12, recharged my batteries with the goodie bag care of the ladies of Halton Ghyll and braced myself for the ride back. I came back with Danielle Whitham and Richard Midgley who were patient enough with my ineptitude. Thanks guys. I came back better than the trip out, and the view from the tops down both dales was absolutely awesome. No other description could do it justice, with sun and cloud shadows on the fells. Wow.
All in all I have to say it was a truly memorable day. The event is simply unmissable. As for the encounter with the bog, well I got off light from what I’ve heard. A certain Mr Paul Bailey I believe went over the bars and filled his shirt with bog.
I’m not laughing Paul, honest. Ha hah ha ha ……….
So another summer slides by in a whirl of sunshine, rain with no mud and rain with lots of mud, culminating in a new venue with barbecue at Harden.
Top effort Wriggy.
Try as I might, I failed to compete in all 5 rounds of the excellent WBS series for beginners. But all is not lost!
Plans are afoot to put on some trials over the winter months catering to the beginners and wobblers who all seemed to enjoy it.
Venues and dates yet to be decided, but watch this space ie club website.
At round three of the WBS summer series I met a bloke in the same boat as me. The difference being his boat had set sail 7 years after mine, as he hadn’t taken up Trials until the age of 55.
Top bloke!
The only snag I can see is that I can no longer lay claim to being the oldest beginner in the world! But who cares?
Throwing your nice shiny bike at a big rock or section is about mind over matter I reckon, and age is the same.
Why?
Because if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!!!!!!
Keep ya feet up.
Peter
Yin & Yang: balancing your Chi.. : centering your Chakras. . . !!
Call it what you will, but we all know what we like.
2 stroke or 4 stroke? Mac or PC?
Regular readers of these ramblings may know my first stab at trials a couple of years ago began on a 1982 250 Honda TLM. My coach and mentor Barry Fairbrother, recently seen at the last WBS round sporting his new summer blue plumage, advised against it. But what did he know? He’d only been riding for twenty years plus!
I knew best -
Alas, as nice as the Honda was and as it turned out quite rare,compared to the Sherco of Barry’s, it was a barge! Having resisted the offer to ride the Sherco several times, suspecting that it would instill some dissatisfaction in my own machine, I was eventually tricked more or less into riding it. 200 yards was all it took! The contrast was amazing. From a long barge of a thing I was straight into my comfort zone. Just like riding a push bike in terms of feel.
A couple of weeks later we were on our way up to sunny Scotland to collect an ’02 Mont’ 315R. Still 2 stroke. Nice bike, a lot more lively than my Honda, and a lot more controllable for me compared to the barge. Still being talked out of a four stroke, but what did I know. I was three months into a trials career and already on my second bike -
The Montessa! -
So I parted with the TLM, the Mont’ and the Bultaco and back in Barry’s van we were Leyburn bound. “It’ll all end in tears!” Was the advice from Barry. No pressure then.
I’d never ridden a four stroke trials bike. Road bikes and a trail bike on a Greek island yes, but not a trials iron. But I had tried a Beta Rev 3 250 two stroke and liked the feel of it compared to my Montessa. Softer power delivery appealed to the beginner in me, and four stroke grip. Eureka! ’08 250 Rev 4T. Quick ride up and down a track – bought!
I have to say, I was massively relieved that it lived up to my expectations. I’d have looked pretty stupid if I hadn’t liked it. So now almost two years on, I’m on my 2011 Evo 250 4T.
The biggest problem I have is keeping Barry off it when we ride!
My chakra’s are well and truly centred, and my Yin & Yang are in harmony. And in case you were wondering I’m writing this on my Mac! Different strokes for different folks. Preferably four!
See you at the club dinner, and bring your appetite the food’s excellent!
Keep ya feet up!
Peter
Wednesday brought sunshine for the Wrigglesworth Building Services, summer series in association with Colin Appleyard motorcycles.
You could also say WBS was the whopping big shower that greeted the 54 riders that arrived at Townend Farm, Cowling on 15 June and after such a glorious day and an fairly short downpour that meant hot, humid and slippy -
Wriggy had been planting flags furiously with a few slight variations on last year's route, surpassing himself once again. He strikes a perfect balance (no pun intended) between taking a few marks and producing a lot of smiles. The emphasis on smiling faces over race faces, myself perhaps being an odd exception.
Yes, I had my race face on as usual. Often mistaken for being bloody miserable! Why? Well I was in the zone, knees sometimes bent (sorry Wriggy!) and focused on a finish (thank you Paul!) and it would seem that rather like the centre of London, when you're in the zone, restrictions apply.
But in my defense, I did drop 36 marks less than last year's attempt (how bad was I?), in the first trial I'd finished.
So there's a positive, a tidy improvement on last time but frustration at the 19 marks lost and as Ayrton senior said " you numpty" -
After my last WBS round where I missed the section 3 times, it has occurred to me where my problems lie. I have zone issues tied to my skiiing issues it would seem. So focused am I on finishing and staying upright, any purposeful thoughts of applying some technique are out of the window. This particular window must also have its curtains drawn as I am also not getting the big picture and looking far enough ahead, as proven by the two fives dropped from going the wrong side of a flag. Doh!
Round 4? Slow down. Look up and smile!!!
regards
Peter
Rd 2 1st June Lumb Waterfalls
NORMAL SERVICE RESUMED
“Seconds away, round 2” of the Wrigglesworth Building Services Summer Series in association with Colin Appleyard Motorcycles.
On the first of the month, June that is, 56 riders who knew a good thing when they saw one, rode up, or should that be down (you had to be there) to Lumb Waterfalls.
To clarify, this was to be my sixth trial entered and contrary to the loose talk on Trials Central (ahem, Paul Bailey) I have a better than 50% finish rate and that was going to increase after this one (hopefully!).
With twin shocks a-
Perhaps as a direct result of my recent elevation to trials god (not) I approached the event in a more relaxed and confident mood, and riding round this time with David Milner (fantastic result David, do you want my vouchers?) my sometimes practice partner, we both duly cleaned section 1.
All day long the skies had threatened right up to and including the start, and then no sooner had I dropped my first five, the sun came out!
Yes, section 2 soon put paid to my new found confidence. Making the tight turn down into the stream I did not give it enough beans up the loose and steepish slope out the other side. Stall and 5.
But you live and learn. And thanks to Phil Scott who was observing that section, who like me is a four stroke man, explained the mystery of the 4T hot start technique.
ie ignore the book and do it like this…..! KER-
So section 3 beckoned, with the man himself, Wriggy, observing.
“Bend ya knees!”
“I thought I was!”
Don’t you hate it when they’re right?
Slack 3
And so on to sections 4 & 5.
Mick Shorrocks on 4 saw me for a clean and I felt like I was back on track, but then where was section 5? I looked up the hill and saw David who was on a mission, feet welded to the pegs! A steady enough climb through a fallen wall and up and out the top. 3 Again!
Still don’t know why I did that. But from then on I cleaned the lap.
A few words of wisdom from my former coach and mentor Barry Fairbrother at section 10.
“Blippy Blippy, give yourself some options.”
Anyone reading this who knows Barry will realise this took several minutes. Plus he took the opportunity to ride his section on my 4T.
“You should never have let me ride this!” he said beaming from ear to ear.
It was at this point David continued to section 1 for lap 2. Looking at his winning score, this was clearly the right decision. So I continued alone, determined to finish – in the zone. Improving each section pretty much until on my last lap back at section 1, Brian said “Back again?” clearly surprised at my rapid return.
“Thanks for observing Brian” I replied wondering why he looked a little surprised.
But finish I did. And so the next day I eagerly logged onto Trials Central to check out my score knowing that it wouldn’t be as good as last time out, but 35?!
I looked through my laps and I could see the section that was the culprit. It was rather fittingly section 5. Scoring 3 5 5 5.
I racked my brains trying to remember the penalties for an hour or more before realisation dawned on me. I’d missed section 5 on laps 2 3 and 4! DOH!!!
So Paul, I guess it could be argued that my finish to start ratio has slipped. But since I did not retire I rate it a finish.
The positives I guess are the improvements on section 2, and the continued realisation that I ask too much of the bike and not enough of myself.
Lets not forget Wriggy and his course plotters who this time got it absolutely bang on in terms of sections, providing a fantastic evenings sport.
Ten sections needed ten observers of course, so thanks go to them.
Last but most definitely not least, the legend and stalwart of the club that is Phil Crosby, abley assisted by wife Alison.
Event secretaries are as vital as any observer because if you can’t sign on and get an entry and number, then where would we be?
Get the next round into the diary now. June 15 same time at Townhead Farm.
In the zone. Knees bent. But I’m taking my sat-
See you there,
Peter
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Rd 1 18th May. Manor House Farm Glusburn
GETTING A GRIP!
On Wednesday 18 May, 58 riders climbed up out of Airedale to the windy heights of Manor Farm, Glusburn, for the opening round of the WBS summer series in association with Colin Appleyard motorcycles.
After many days of heavy rain showers, Nathan Wrigglesworth brought the sun back from Scotland and marked out a cracking trial.
Just like last year, these events are about fun -
So a year on. A year older and still the oldest beginner in the world with skiiing issues, I looked at section 4 and thought uh oh!! A pair of deeply worn Landrover tracks on a steep climb out of a bomb hole should have been no problem for my 2011 250 4T. Wrong!
When I walked it, I thought the clever line here would be the central grassed ridge. More grip than the loose shaley ruts. But having cleaned sections 1,2 & 3, I changed my mind. Second gear in the outer rut of the curve, nice and steady. Too steady -
Curve tightens. Wheel lifts. Quick dab. "You got it!" shouts Brian Ayrton.
One.
So that was it!
Cleaned every other section but 4. And yes, I know what you're asking. Why the hell didn't I go up the middle?!!
So now the question is -
It just goes to show, you've got to be careful what you wish for!
No turkey for me this year, think I'll try an ostrich!! I wonder if Colin Appleyard sells schnapps?! I've got vouchers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is perhaps, one of life’s truisms, that the bigger the bird, the bigger the wish bone!
Well last Christmas, my Turkey was a whopper!
The bigger the wish bone of course, means the bigger the wish.
Following so far?
Now those people familiar with this club web site may have read about and indeed ridden, in the Wrigglesworth Building Services summer series for beginners last year, which was a great success.
Nathan Wrigglesworth, aka Wriggy, set out four great events catering to the ageing wobbling beginner such as myself, and a slightly less easy route for the clubmen or twin shock/pre 65 that were enjoyed by all that took part.
We had a fabulous cross section of both machinery, abilities and ages and at 47 yrs young, I’m delighted to say I wasn’t the oldest by a fair margin. As for the youngest, well my old ’02 Montessa I had, would have been about the same age as him.
What has this got to do with Turkey I hear you cry?
Well my wish is coming true this summer.
It’s back!
As a direct result of my Wish Bone Success perhaps, the W.B.S. summer series is back for another year.
Watch this space for dates and reg’s
Of course it maybe Jim Fixed it for me.
Best find my Skis…………!
A Body’s English....?
Trepidation is the word I prefer.
Sounds a lot better than fear, don’t you think?
So trepidation at the prospect of directing me, and my precious newly acquired 4T at this rather large rock. It’s all very well having my mate and experienced trials rider standing there encouraging me but I was just not convinced.
Equally large rocks on either side looked a little menacing, and lets be honest here, how many times have you walked a section seeing the nasty bit that you know you have to avoid, and yet its strange magnetic power draws you into its grasp. Well that’s what I was
thinking about these rocks.
Sounds familiar?
“Trust me” He said.
“I do” I replied:
“But I’m just not convinced!”
I looked at the rock and yes, I did trust him but when you’re a 46 year old beginner, the inner voice of caution carries a lot of weight.
Yes I had enough bike for the task, along with the desire and enthusiasm but the inner voice said;
“Not yet. You’re not ready.”
“OK. Let me show you. You stand where I’m standing and see what you think.”
So I did. He took my bike and I stood and looked down at the rock in stead of towards it.
Just doing that, a simple change of perspective, and I was half way there!
I’ve wanted to have a go at Trials since I was about 12 years old, but not until now has the opportunity arisen. Though with that opportunity comes a dire lack of time with which to actually ride. So as I stood there watching my mate clean the rock in bottom
gear and then again in second, and third, and finally aborting his attempt in fourth I smiled, after all nobody likes a smart arse, and it was my turn!
“Yes, yes good” Came the words of encouragement as I approached the rock, trying to attack it with confidence. Result?
A near miss as Barry grabbed the bike to stop it rolling back. More right hand needed!
So I went again having failed first time, but the magnetic rocks on either side seemed to be ignoring me and so with more confidence and power I was up and over. The scrape of the bash plate told me it wasn’t pretty but hey, I was over and the adrenaline rush was
instant so I was round again and again.
I’d always got my buzz from skiing but you can keep it, the skills are quite transferable anyway and heck, I live in the Yorkshire Dales not Klosters!
It’s funny looking back now, but when I first started riding a Trials bike I thought it would be an almost seamless transition from my push biking days, just heavier. That is once the actual controls had become second nature like a car. I’d spent many a summer riding fields woodland and Park, loosening many a spoke as I went thinking I was Eddie Lejeune or Bernie Schreiber!
Yes, I can hear you laughing as you read this, wondering how a 46 year old could be so naïve? But I was.
And I’m glad I was because if I hadn’t been and had known the complexities and nuances of riding trials perhaps I would never have had a go. Of course with the benefit of hindsight what I should have done, was ride the first trials bike I bought for fifteen quid
back when I was sixteen, a 185cc Sachs in a Sprite frame instead of trying to fettle it with money I never had. Ridden the wheels off it until either it, or I stopped.
Likewise the Bultaco I bought when I was twenty
I know it's only 35 years since I wrote to you last and my mother did say that I should be patient but when I asked you to fix it for me to have a ski lesson with Franz Klammer I was hoping to do it before he (and I) retired!
So Jim, here I am writing again in the hope that you can fix it for me and all the other wobbly trials riders in the district to persuade Wrigglesworth Building Services to repeat the superb summer evening series for beginners next year.
Wednesday evening arrived and instead of stress I felt nervous excitement. Is this normal -
The Wrigglesworth Building Services summer series has got to be deemed a success. New faces, new venue and for me the only regret is that I didn't do the whole series.
See you next trime Wriggy! Now where's that schnapps . . . . ?
Peter
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Chapter 1
Am I the only one to get a little stressed before my first trial?
July 21st Wrigglesworth series evening trial for beginners was my first. And I have to say, I was feeling a little stressed in the run up to it.
I needn’t have of course, but that’s what experience is all about and this was certainly a good one.
Nathan Wrigglesworth, aka Wriggy set it out in pouring rain the night before, and it was a credit to him.
I entered the adult easy course with the white flags. Quite apt I thought, since the last trial I entered I’d surrendered after the first lap and a half due to a rib injury sustained in practice . (well at 47 you take longer to heal)
As the worlds oldest beginner you wonder if you’re going to make a fool of yourself riding with people who’ve ridden longer but no. Not a bit of it.
The atmosphere and general vibe of the whole event was as warm as the early evening weather, and the encouragement and advice from the observers was fantastic. Wriggy excelled himself helping riders through the relatively tricky section 3, wellie’s on, guiding us through the stream and up the bank and out.
I decided fairly early on that trials are like skiing holidays, in that it’s important to finish on a high. The reason being you always want to go back for more, rather than crashing down the side of a mountain in a cloud of snow at the end of the day and trudging back for a schnapps and a rub down with a piece of vienerscnitzel!
And that is exactly what was on offer here . No intimidating steps or drop offs to spit you off, so no need for the vienerschnitzel. As for the schnapps? Well why not…..!
I can’t wait for the next one on August 11
Bring it on