Today marked the start of
the Bexleyheath clubman championship with the white's pressing every closer
to an expert NKTC route on some of the sections. Trials at Ash have to
recently been unpopular with me due the lands somewhat character less
appearance. However, today marked a shift in my opinion and well done
to all those involved who helped set the course out.
Section one, with its tight turns highlighted one of my inabilities as
a trials rider, i can't bounce my bike - even though this section would
ultimately rob me of valuable marks i do not see this as a downer but
more a plus. To progress as a rider I will need sections that highlight
this floor in my riding and with time and perseverance i too will be able
to bounce both front and rear ends. "Hopefully"
Section three located in a large bomb hole had a couple of large climbs
that may have looked somewhat frightening at last year event but could
only raise a modest, "hmm that looks interesting". The first
climb was a little tight at the top and had me hurtling over a chainsawed
tree stump passing between two trees and simultaneously at speed conduct
a right pivot turn stopping dead in my tracks. The remaining part of the
section was not so busy and most definitely cleanable which was a shame
because start messed it up and this was the best section on the day.
Section 5 again highlighted my inability to bounce with another hand full
of marks being shed and drove home the need for me to practise what i'm
no good at. Now that i've mentioned the word 'practise' the current club
newsletter written by Ian Martin put forward this idea of club practise
days at our wobbler events. Great idea!!! here's a couple more reasons
why. 1) Most trials riders only ride for fun so competitions are perhaps
of no interest to them. 2) Practise days will attract new riders to the
sport and anyone who attended Bexleyheath's NKTC at Burwash will know
what i'm saying.. Attracting new riders or riders that once rode many
years ago a club could place an advert in the local free news paper, yes
the ad will cost money, but aren't all trials club none profit making
and are the clubs skint? I'm not suggesting this should be done every
month because that would cost buckets loads ££££,
twice a year wouldn't kill a club, it would be viewed by a wider audience
in the southeast than the TMX or TSM combined. I've great respect of both
TMX and TSM but they are specialised publications, Joe Bloggs i bet has
never heard of them and a paper like for example the newshopper is read
by far more people local to our events compared to the combined distribution
UK wide of the TMX and TSM.
Back to the trial!
Section 8 i so nearly cleaned on the last lap but was stumped by a stump
midway through the section, disappointed i was but next year if it's there
again i'll clean it.
Section 10 was situated at the second but much smaller bomb hole with
its wrists and turns over loose chalk and flint. I liked this section
because it was neither technical or required great things from me, it
was the way the section flowed which made it easy to follow, if you want
to know what i mean by the word 'flowed' try riding a section with out
using your clutch your be Floooooooowing man.
A big thank you to the landowner and Dave Plumb for taking the time to
be David Bailey.
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