[TrialsRider]

I saw this video some time ago and then lost track of it, until I located it again just now and thought I would share. It features some of the most amazing riding I have ever seen and hope it will inspire you as much as it did me

…it doesn’t embed correctly so here is the youTube link; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7HJZHFH3gA

After watching this, perhaps you will see why I say; Trials is a great full body exercise, requires very little space to play and is the only motorcycle sport that applies front to back balance to such an extent, as well as side to side. As to it’s relevance on this forum, the motorcycle featured is for all intent purpose, the same bike you could buy from a dealer, totally suitable for a beginner and not some special GP one off. The video does an exemplary job of showing the body and foot positioning that makes it all work. Note also; one finger clutch and front brake the entire time, none of that grab a fist full of front brake, that get’s so many riders into trouble during or soon after their basic training course !

[eon]

Tsk tsk, he put a foot down at 1:57.
Seriously impressive stuff. I grew up watching a trials show on tv when I was a kid and it was compulsory viewing for all boys. Sadly I could try to emulate them on my bicycle, no rich parents for me. Here is a snippet of that show, it looks seriously lame after watching your guy.

[Gary856]

While the skills displayed by trials riders are mind boggling (and look like a lot of fun), I see very little coorelation between trials riding and normal street riding, in terms of equipment and techniques. Am I wrong, TrialsRider?

[TrialsRider]

Say you find yourself riding along and suddenly you are confronted with a chunk of 4×4 lumber directly in your path, would you know how to maybe get over it ? … I wood
Check out this article: (sure hope this link works :i
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/761/5233/Motorcycle-Article/MotoVentures-Trials-Rider-Training.aspx
and note “the bike-handling skills gained from trials riding are transferrable to any form of two-wheeled sport, so anyone can benefit from it.”

The internet is chock full of Trials cross training in practice; Superbike, Canadian #1 Champ Jordan Szoke, …Trials rider. In extreme Enduro events like Erzberg’ the Iron Giant and Italy’ Hell’s Gate, Taddy Blazusiak, Dougie Lampkin, Graham Garvis and Taichi Tanaka dominate the podium, … all world class Trials riders.
When movie makers need a skilled motorcycle stunt performer they call in a Trials rider, and no; blue screen special effects like Mission Improbable don’t count :p
Want to be a Hill-Climber or one of those guys that do nose wheelies and tail stands on a massive street bike, better get some hang time on a 170 lb. Trials bike first.
Try it, you’ll like it and find yourself being a better street rider for it, guaranteed.

[madjak30]

Now that is ultimate balance and control…makes me want to get a dirt bike and play around on the trails to improve my riding…I know it’s not the same thing, but I don’t think I have that kind of balance. That was very cool, and I think he is a better rider on one wheel than I am no two…

Later.

[Gary856]

I didn’t watch that video (at work earlier) until just now, and I was a little surprised. This looked more like a trail ride obstacle course, the type of riding that I hope to learn to do (going to an “offroad challenge class” on Sunday as my first step) rather than what I thought trials was. The skills in this video look very helpful for advanced street riding.

When I hear trials, though, I normally think of videos of tall boulder scaling/jumping, like in your avatar, the kind that you would never ever encounter on a street nor hope to do on anything less than a dedicated trials bike. Or those free-style street trials where they ride over cars, pulling wheelies up/down stairs, on top of bridge railing, 8-ft + drop kind of stuff. So there are many different forms of trials?

[TrialsRider]

Bear in mind eon’s video is 28 years older than the one I linked, and the Kick Start series is part of a ‘Time Trial’, as compared to the worlds current top rider doing freestyle stuff. Indeed there are variations on the sport including ‘Scott Trials’ that combine observed sections and an Enduro style loop between sections where speed is considered. ‘Stadium Trials’ are the events that incorporate man made obstacles, such as cars and culverts etc. I’ve ridden in both but far prefer natural terrain events. ‘Urban Freestyle Trials’ is a relatively new concept having very questionable legal ramifications, that is where guys ride over public buildings and historic monuments… can’t see myself doing that any time soon.

Once upon a time, Trials bikes were nothing like the super light weight modern machines. Here is a very heavy 500cc vintage Ariel thumper demonstrating the type of obstacle that even these big lugs can negotiate, given a skilled rider on-board; http://www.twnclub.ch/classic_trial_files/Soultz2005/MOV391_Ariel_jump.MPG note: this 1950’s bike weighs in excess of 300 lbs. and has very limited suspension and brakes.

[Gary856]

Ah, I didn’t watch the Tony Bou video until just now – that’s the kind of riding I thought trials was. Mind boggling! I’d declare it impossible to do if I hadn’t seen it. One problem I see with this kind of video, like watching MotoGP, is the top pros do it so smoothly they make it seems effortless. Then you have us mortals go out and play copycat, and that can result in very painful lessons. Don’t want to know what it feels like to fall 6 ft and land on the edge of an open concrete pipe!!!

Eon’s link was the one I saw earlier and thought looked more like a “regular” dirtbike competition.

[TrialsRider]

…that’s why I passed it along:)
Trust me, I’m a mere mortal and know exactly what it feels like to crash on big concrete blocks in front of tons of people and for that matter Tony Bou even more so, he’s had some wicked crashes on video. Seriously though, I was hurt just as bad getting chucked off a horse, those damn things don’t have brakes, pegs or bars

Watching these videos (particularly one of this quality) really does help, the lesson to be learned is; ride smooth and in control, it looks effortless when everything comes together and the bike does all the work. It’s all about position, timing, balance, control and using just the right amount of clutch, brake and throttle, just as on the street. It’s when you try to muscle it and rag doll that things can go terribly wrong.

Maybe one of these days one of you guys (or girls) are going to make me proud and get inspired to try it. It’s sooo nice outside right now, I’m goin riding

[Gary856]

Of course, I’m way too old for this stuff, but the bike looks so freaking cool !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCGC_qh6dC8

[eon]

I would love to see what this guy could do with a bike with an engine!
Great riding and a very well made video

[TrialsRider]

Another amazing bicycle trials rider is “Ot Pi” he does huge drop-offs and stadium tricks. Practically originated the style in Europe. …ah, to have knees again.

[Author]

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