Been thinking of getting some trials instruction. I used to ride in a 'crew' and when we did our death-marches and informal LMS-type rides failing a climb or an obstacle was more emberrassing (razzing afterwards) than fatal as we always backed each other up on the super hairy stuff. I ride alone now, don't challenge myself too much anymore either for a few reasons. My balance aint what it used to be either since getting squarshed. I'd like to get some schooling on a trials bike. Improve my skills and balance in a controled environment and, on a school's bike in case I fail mine wont be out of action. That, or start small on my bike on an improvised course. But it's just too tempting to got out and hammer when I go out. I'm easily distracted. Anyone here do any trials?
I don't but I know people who do. I've been to an event and it was way cool. Since you're in socal check out http://www.atatrials.com/
It's in their FAQ IT’S EASY TO GET STARTED IN TRIALS There are several ways. First, contact your local trials dealer. He will be happy to answer any questions and point you in the right direction. Next, come out to an event and spectate, talk to people and tell them you are interested. You will be pleasantly surprised at how polite and helpful the trials crowd is. But be warned – someone may invite you to try their bike! After a test ride, you may be ready to buy a new or used machine, but a more conservative approach would be to rent a bike from a place like Motoventures and sign-up for a day of instruction. You’ll learn a whole lot, and by the end of the day you’ll know for sure if trials is for you. Gary LaPlante, owner of Motoventures, competes in Master-Class trials and is an expert off-road rider. He can teach you everything you need to know to progress from Beginner to Expert. Next there is the International Trials School (I.T.S.), which caters to new riders by offering a trials school in the morning and a competition event in the afternoon. I.T.S. has both a Summer and Winter Series and typically holds their events at Perris Raceway. All classes from Kids to Expert are included, and bike rentals are available if pre-arranged. Seems like ITS may have moved to vegas... but these guys are sort of local. http://www.motoventures.com/trials-riding-adventure-cost Great vids here if you wanna DIY http://trialstrainingcenter.com/
Wow- cool! Used to night-practice SX at Perris. DIY stuff too! I need work on big logs and ledges. Awesome man, thanks, xy
Wow, It's really hard to believe this does not come up more. I've been do'n Trials for a long time just love it. I started back in 1976 with my first TY175 Yammie. I just happen to have a mint 77 in the garage some where. I agree with xymotic. Ask around head out to a local club event for a day. Help out, watch, ask some questions. You may even find someone selling a used bike. Better yet like xymotic says "Take a day coarse if you have any around your place." Will get you hooked for sure. Remember anything learned on a trials bike can be put to good use on a enduro. Here's Thomas Cordner in action, practicing on 2010 TXT 300 at the Victoria Motorcycle Club two Sundays ago.
That picture is so cool I look at it and it’s like what the hell…that don’t make no sense at all, he is going to fall…. Some of the “tricks” those guys (probably you too HuskyDude…) do are mind boggling I would love to give it a go one day
Here's a couple pics from the Socal event I went to at ridgecrest. One of the best, most fun days riding I've ever had (and scariest!) http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=515232
Buddy Jake is a good trials guy. I'm sure he'll chime in here. I have little experience on one and suck but they are fun. I just can't bring myself to do it as the whole time i would be thinking I could be riding my dirt bike.
I would like to take a class though, because everything they do seems like it would help riding. even on the street. I've been practicing stopping without a foot dab, but that's about as far as I've gotten on my 610
got into trials a couple years ago,I think its hands down the best practice for woods riding,it helps your balance and clutch control. I entered a few events and had a blast even placing in a few events,i got into them from a buddy who i got into enduros,hes 53 used to be a top ranked expert in the country and has done way better at enduros than I ever will at trials,and he still competes in trials in the advanced class and rides enduros in the B-senior class(pretty sure he won both this year!) get one and you will get hooked! you dont need any room to practice and the area to train needed is very small compared to s regular bike,you can make a vey small loop with a few obstacles to keep you occupied
Kinda along the lines I was thinking of....Take a class then, set up a small area for my dirtbike (away from a trail system so I aint distracted ), start small and practice practice practice. Good insight guys, thanks for kickstarting this thing for me. More pics too!
Trials... I only made it to a couple events last year. Need to remedy that this year. The time I spent riding trials in 2008 helped my off road skills immensely. Learning how to stay centered on the bike is huge. Trials is also a intense workout. In 2009 I traded trials for MX, that also helps the off road skills a bunch. Cross training is fun! http://trialstrainingcenter.com/ Has good video's and they also offer schools as well as hosting one of the national rounds. Watching someone with good trials skills is just amazing. Here is a pic of my friend Max he is a local Camp class rider and finished 2nd in the expert class in the national trials series. Later,
Awesome pic, Jake. Thanks. Just sniffin' around at some of those PDF's I can already see what I was doing wrong on some stuff... lot's of good info!
Yea, I've competed in trials off and on over the last 25 years. National Champ Patrick Smage practices in my backyard occasionally.
