Worthing Trials Club

"I just wanted to publically say thank you to all those who helped with the training day last Saturday at Holmbush Farm. Even though the weather was drizzly, it didn't stop twenty or so riders turning up who were split into five groups of various levels of competency. My own group was lead by Jack Page, who was later joined by brother Scott. These boys really put us through it and with great enthusiasm. The sections were well thought out and seemed to hit the right level of dificulty for us all. I believe everyone goes home with an overwhelming sense of achievement. However, I need to remember to put it into practice at the next trial. Anyway, special thanks to Alan, Mick, Jerry, Graham, Jack and Scott for sharing their vast knowledge with us less gifted riders (I speak for myself of course) and thanks to the Club for hosting it."

This year the Spanish Classic Twinshock Trial at Robregordo was attended by two of our club members. Not as far as you would think with a 20 hour crossing from Plymouth and just an easy and pleasant 5 hour drive the other end.

If you are into your twinshocks and around a club red standard or better, then this is the trials holiday for you next year! Set over 2 days this has been hailed by ex-world champion riders as being as close as it gets to latter day trials.

Once a year the small village of Robregordo (80 inhabitants) gives way to the 2 day classic trial, this year having 201 entrants! This event gets bigger each year and attracted 3 ex-world champions this year (Mick Andrews, Bernie Schrieber and Manuel Soler).

It unfortunately clashed with the Club camping trial but none the less, John Robertson and Jim Evans elected to make the trip to the Spanish Classic. Jim unfortuneately slipped a disc before even getting his bike out of the van and John suffered gear change problems at scction one of day one but none the less have come back with photos of what must be one of the best events staged anywhere for twinshock bikes! This event is deliberately organised to coincide with the UK May bank holiday to cater for British riders.

Take a look at these photos - doesn't it make you want to sell your mono and buy a twinshock at get on that ferry?!

Some major changes with our method of marking your score are on the way. We are going to drop the punch card method in favour of score boards. At signing on you will be given a number card in the colour of the route you are riding, this number card (which is laminated and we would like back at the end of each trial) must be clearly displayed on the front of your bike.

At the end of each section there will be a scoreboard, when there is no observer you write your score against your number on the board. You can also observe groups of riders through the section before you move onto the next section.

Many clubs use this method because it is easier for the observer as he/she can remain at a good vantage point within the section, hence move things along more swiftly. It also means you can effectively observe the rider in front of you, as their result is displayed for all to see. If everything is in place we will be using this method from our first championship round onwards. More details can be obtained on the day if required.

The club committee have agree to introduce a new class this year for beginners on twinshocks. We are hoping this will attact some of the older riders who have not long taken up trials and want somewhere to ride and compete against other twinshocks.

Some photos taken by young Alex Aslett of some club members at the dirt bike show who seemed less interested in the new GasGas and more interested in the twin cylinder models!

Dave Fry on his way back from Sainsbury's and what's that magazine our Chairman has in his hand - Playboy?

Seems our Chairman can't keep his hands off the merchantise, nice to the Vice Chairman lending his support....!!

Young Alex Aslett, I would say 'like father like son' but Alex looks scared to death!