Observed Trials
Skill Not Speed
Observed Trials or simply
Trials is one of the oldest motorcycle sports around. It has developed into one of the most family oriented, high
skilled sports in the motorcycling community today.
How does the competition work?
Normally there are eight to twelve marked “sections”
or groups of obstacles for the rider to navigate over or through while being
watched by an “observer”. Points are
counted for each time the rider touches the ground with his foot up to a total
of three per section, and a five is given if the ride results in a “failure”
such as falling over, going outside the marked lines, rolling backwards with
your foot down or other loss of control.
The points are tallied at the end of the day and the rider with the
least number of points wins. There is a
non-scored “loop” that connects all the sections together. The rider navigates through this loop, then
dismounts and walks the section prior to riding. After being given clearance by the observer the rider then
proceeds through the section. There is only
one rider, riding in the section at a time.
Normally 3 to 4 loops are ridden for an event with the events lasting
four or five hours.
What do you Ride?
Another great
things about trials is that it can be done on many types of motorcycles. Riders
regularly ride and compete on motorcycles that are from 0 to 30 years old ( or
older ). Your old MXer is not going to work, but enduro and trail bikes are
usable in the novice class. Normally after a few trials rides on a non-trials
bike, the rider is hooked enough to purchase a trials specific motorcycle. Trials
newbies soon discover that the second best thing about trials ( number 1 is
that it is FUN! ) is the friendly people. If you take your 10 year MXer to a
motocross race, people will look at you like some kind of bug. Take a 10 year
old bike to a trials event and you will find people welcoming and eager to
help. For a look at what a modern observed trials motorcycle looks like, click
the trials bikes link on the home page.
Where do you Ride?
One of the great things about trials is that it can
be done in a very small space.
Backyards, drainage ditches, other motorcycle areas have all been home
to some great riding. Obstacles can be
both natural and manmade. There are
local series held throughout the US as well as National and International
competitions. If you would like to ride with us, click the "Contact
Us" link on the home page for names.
By: Alan Bechard
This page is maintained by Ron Milam
Last Modified 10/31/02