As everyone probably knows already Ron Milam and I are responsible or possibly irresponsible for the Whooping Creek Trial that was this last weekend April 5th and 6th. We filled in for the trial originally scheduled in Mississippi that had to be cancelled. We had a basic plan for an event in the fall, but the calendar was too full at the “bidnus meetin”, so we decided to back out. When the MS bunch canceled we were asked if we could fill in.

The following is just for entertainment and not meant to offend anyone. I am going to mention some things I saw, that may not have been funny at the time, but may seem funny now.

Overall, I think the event went pretty well. We had a good turn out, especially considering the weather forecast. Everyone got to ride down to Whooping Creek this year but the loop reputation may be keeping some of the Novice and Intermediate riders away. It is very difficult setting sections for 6 classes here. If you get far enough down the hill for the upper classes, just getting to the section is tough for our newer riders.

We were a bit short staffed with Ron and I, and my wife Tina, but people were patient at sign up and the “Rain Delay” only pushed us back to a 12:30 Saturday start. Ron and Tina needed to use the STRA computer with software they had never seen, and sign up some new STRA members, AMA members, and get everyone registered to ride. Rumor has it that we had somewhere near 2 inches of rain Friday night so I went out to “modify” the sections in the AM. I guess maybe two or three of Saturday’s planned sections had more than 4 or 5 square feet of flat ground, so I had to make pretty major changes to all eight sections. Actually section 4 was replaced by section 4-2 right before the riders meeting. If we would have used section 4-1 as planned, I am pretty sure I would have been on a Sportsman “hit list” by the end of the day. Everyone needs a clean once in a while anyway. At first I heard that the sections were too easy but by the end of the day some of the cleanable ones in the early laps, got some pretty impressive big scores too. (Can you say 5?).

The E & C group started at #8, which was pretty easy for them I think. When they got to #1 I had removed the last part of the section for A, E, and C. I heard later they talked about pulling down the ribbon I had added, but rode it as is anyway. That made two easy ones in a row. You know those guys want a challenge so at #2, the canceled ‘bee’ section from a few years ago, things got tougher. #3 was new and on a pretty steep hillside, where the points started to add up. #5 down by the creek had a narrow climb that was never used before, and may be only Steve Glinski (the checker) enjoyed that part of the section. A few made it through, but for the most part, #5 may have been a bit extreme. #6 was ok I think with a log and another dang hillside, and #7 should have been a pretty good test with rock outcroppings for everyone to ride, over around, and through. E & C scores ranged from 52 to 80.

Saturday’s Advanced scores stated out low with Tim Cone and Mark Sturtevant “footing” (too much reading on Trials Central) just once in 2 loops. By the end of the day Tim held tough for only 5 total. I heard a story about Mark’s gallant attempt to save a clean in section #3 in one of the later loops. Coming up the hill toward the end feet on the pegs, the front wheel wandering around in the air, he was not going to dab. He used the whole section, but never put his foot down. Brian Sloggy said ‘great ride Mark, but what about that Intermediate Gate over there? What were you doing over there anyway?” (Can you say 5?). The Sportsman and Intermediate scores had a big range from top to bottom but the riders seemed pleased with the sections. Tina said one rider was washing his bike between loops and talking to himself. I didn’t even have to ask. Darrell?

Saturday evening the rain relaxed with only a light mist and we all hoped for improved conditions on Sunday. Many did however comment that they were really surprised how good the traction was on Saturday.

Sunday morning’s dilemma for me was how much do I need to change? Will the conditions improve as the day goes on, or after the leaves are scraped off is there more of the slippery stuff from Saturday? I rode each of the lines within my skill level and made a choice. Some were good and some not so good. I completely misread the hole that developed in section 1 for A, E, and C, and then because of the gates I had set up the advanced class ended up with the hardest line though the muck and up a steep bank. I saw Garry Garrison. Ghost ride up the bank once. He was so far back on the bike that his bike had plenty of momentum but he remained at the bottom. (Can you say 5?). Garry pointed out a couple of things as Sporting Steward that I changed and then I did that to him. That was one of the ones that wasn’t too funny at the time but may be now.

Section 2 was maybe a bit tough for I, and N, but with the rock wall and a rocky gully through the section it was tough to come up with a better N line. The A, E, & C line in # 4 went down a double rock step on the side of a steep hill (wow what a surprise). I have ridden it quite a bit, and I am basically a “bottom feeder” in the advanced class so I left it in. Tim’s version of section #5 had a downhill over a bunch of rocks that sent Dan Brown to the ground and Garry Holbert back to Sportsman to ride exhibition. Sorry guy’s, safety is important so I guess I messed up there. Also down at the creek for section 6 I think I was a bit tough on the I line. Patrick Chandler made the first couple gates with ease but the microwave sized rock on his climb up “My Chiropractor” must have spooked him and he tipped over the rock, literally. He jumped right up so he was fine, I guess. Don’t tell him I saw it, ok!! (Can you say 5?) Luanne was observing #7 and she can attest that we had a mix of difficulty there. We threw C and I to the wolves, made S really think, and everyone else was “maybe ok?” as they say at work.

I had many compliments on the sections and some complaints too. I requested at the riders meeting that if you had fun to let me know but if you didn’t have so much fun to let Ron know, so maybe he took a beating. I will come right out and blame Ron for the I sections being too hard on Sunday. When we were setting up he kept saying something about “back when I rode Intermediate all the sections were a lot harder”. I was thinking ya, ya, and I walked 10 miles to school uphill both ways.

So the compliments and the complaints are both good. The only way for promoters to know what the STRA membership wants is to let them know. Each event I have helped with has made me older yet wiser. I suggest to each of you that if you are not already helping set up an event to get out and do it. It is an amazing experience.

Ok, you are probably tired of the rambling but now for the corny part. Tina and I have really enjoyed having everyone over to share our “Little Slice”. Thanks for coming. We are very fortunate to have a good riding area, right outside the bike shed. When we purchased this land, I didn’t even own a trials bike. It sure worked out good though.

I have invited many people over to ride before but I have had very few take me up on it. I have finally figured out how to “get-er-done”. If people want to come over to ride I welcome that. I will make up a flyer and put it on the web site and even charge you $30 to come over if you like. Sound good?

Let’s ride, Frank

Hey Frank,

I want to report a missing garden hose for Sunday. I was late finishing because I spent so much time looking for the missing hose. I hope the vandals bring it back before next year. That was John Godwin, yeah, yeah, thats it, John was talking to himself.

Darrell

Frank,
I thought the Advanced line was perfect! Great trial, I had a lot of fun.
dan

Ron and Frank. Sorry I could not attend as I know my bike is always cleaner then DD's but it sounds like you guys did a great job and hope it can be an annual event.

Good report Frank. Sounds like a great experience, wish I was there. thank you for hosting the event and also to Ron and the rest for working to keep STRA trials active and fun.

John
(5 is my middle name)