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Watling Tyres Trial 16th November 2003 |
British bike trials are not my normal ride venue. I don't own a British beast and anyone that does is crazy or to old to see sense. The guy's and girls who ride these frightening machines have my greatest respect - anyone that is willing to ride a motorcycle that weigh's the same as a small family car has wheel rims the width of a push bikes and makes more noise than the English fans winning the World Rugby Cup today down under. "come on Ennnngland" has my respect. I bought a new Sherco 290 on Saturday, a 2004 spec machine which would make the bike some 200 years newer than most British and twin shock bikes at the trial. Stevens Trials (dave) helped me to part company with my hard earn't money on the Saturday with the help from his customer focus techique's.... well actually it was karen the lady in charge. If any of you don't already know Stevens Trials has moved to Bexley, the new double fronted shop is top notch and worthy of a visit so pop along if you can. When I arrived at the trial burping and farting as-per-norm i so happened to get embroiled in one topic of conversation better known to you and I as "wind-up" the comments ranged from you better win today to I can beat you on my 20+ year twin shock - none of which fazed me but the bike must have over heard because section 1 Lap 1 5 marks lost, section 3 another 5 marks lost "it was my clutch!!!" Unfortunately, Mr Plum had caught the evidence of the first 5 on camera so i guess one of my MBT colleagues if they getta hold of the pic will plaster it all over the site just to remind me. My remaining 6 marks lost in the trial are more embarrassing to explain so I'll skip that subject. The trial had 13 sections with 2 routes and as an inter rider the trial wasn't that difficult, my overall opinion of the trial was good for novice class riders, so well done to Gravesend Club. Most sections required good balance, careful throttle control and clear line in your mind before setting off, of the 13 sections one in particular springs to mind Dicks section. The section had a very tight uphill turn, it was ridable without any hopping but only just, the front needed to stay out of that locking corner rut to clean it, nice section. The later sections in the trial were a little more of challenge and Lou Roberts section could have been a serious fun section had the Sherco been run in. Thanks to the Gravesend MCC, the landowner, the Marshals and special thanks to Monte for the results and Dave for the biggest wind-up.
by Cliff Barnett |