In a previous thread that Frank started, he stirred up the pot for the class change/addition discussion that is sure to consume much time at the business meeting.

In my reply, I challenged everyone to make a list of 3 things that would make events more fun for them personally and another list of things that they think would make them more fun for everyone. Here is my list. Please post your list so we can see how to make it better for everybody.

Things that would make it more fun for me

1- If I could occasionally trophy

2- If I did not get 5s for missed gates or riding backward through other class gates invisible in my direction of travel

3- Being able to go home with a printed copy of results on event day with section detail. We used to get this back in the 90s. It made the ride home much more fun because you could see where your weaknesses were compared to the rest of the class.


Things that would make it more fun for other people

I think all of the above, plus

4- Be able to ride all of the sections in their class without worry of serious injury

5- Loop marking that is perfectly clear including a few additional signs to direct riders for split starts if the main loop is not to be followed.

6- Post a copy of the basic rules and procedures (poster size) at the sign up area. Some new riders are not familiar with the rules and loop/score card procedures, and are hesitant to ask.

1. Is it a trophy ? Or just recognition?. FTA has a ride report posted on their site as well as section scores for each loop. The author describes the compettion in each class. Very cool!
2. Maybe a "Gate on REVERSE SIDE" sign. Or encourage everyone to look harder. Isn't that part of the entertainment?
3. Printed results would be awesome. Doesn't the TI software do that? and it would be immeadiatly downloadable to the website. Before sending to the scoring CZAR and then the dissemination of information CZAR and then the web CZAR. It's not state secrets, just post the rough scores. If the're wrong someone can let someone know and they can be corrected. It would give everyone a reason to check in n the website. Points posted from EVENT #1 will encourage everyone to ride every event. They can see their progress and plan on how to keep their position or raise it.
4. I think the SA class could take some of the scare factor out for those who are accustomed to riding advanced but just don't want to risk it any more. And help boost the confidence of the aspiring sportsman rider without totally deflating him in advanced while he hones his (her) skills.
5.Loop marking for sure could be improved. A map for spectators would be thoughtful, with distances.
6.I really like the idea of posting rules and procedures. Making it easy for the newbie would take the akwardness out of a first few events. Maybe bibs with safety steward and course marshall or scorer so you could easily tell who to ask for information. And signs into .a venue that say "Sign Up".
Standardization of signage at all events (like it is now, only better) would keep the basic services familar. Maybe have a board listing where thing such as bathrooms nearest gas and such.
All common sense? Maybe after going to the same events for years.

All great and do-able things that would make each event more enjoyable.

I would like to see longer loops. Maybe have two optional routes, a green loop and a red loop. The green loop would be the way it is now, the easiest and shortest way between sections. The red loop would be the scenic route that goes off the beaten path and lets you do some fun enduro type riding. I remember when trials was most popular, long loops were common and riders could enjoy the day riding the loop even though they had bad scores or too easy or hard sections. This also appealed to the enduro riders venturing into trials.

I like Paul's idea of signs, I have made quite a few over the years, the problem is they always seem to get lost after a trial or two.

If Paul would be willin' to keep them together, since he and Aaron always make the events, I will volunteer to make some more at no charge to the club.

I remember enjoying the longer loops, although as a promoter I never remember making them long or scenic on purpose. The loop length and scenes were always dictated by either what was already there from past events or merely by the placement of the sections and what types of natural resistance was between 'em.

I think we generally had more space back then, and the bikes were not as developed as the ones we enjoy today, so the loops seemed longer. I know that two loop trails would be unlikely at an event I promote.