Trials Report

Shawn Warner

Summer is finally here, as the 6 entrants of the AVDRA Trial held on
Sunday May 18 learned the event was on the Valley's first 100 degF
day...!!!

The event consisted of 8 sections, most were on the tougher side with
several step-up inclines. During the first loop most of the days
participants achieved several "Five's"...largely due to
underestimating the traction available on the dry terrain.

The morning started with a cool (relatively speaking, of course)
breeze...however the first three sections were in the arroyo on the
East Side of the Speedworld property,and it was plenty warm below the
walls of the long trench. The first observed section was fairly easy
to warm-up, the second a little more difficult, and the third section
was the most difficult on the Loop...which offered three fairly steep
climbs to participants riding Line 1 or 2.

The Trial entries included 11 year old Mitch Warner riding the 4-Line
on his Orion pit-bike in the Mini category. Mitch scored a 46 for the
day, and several riders pointed out how well he did on a bike with
such small wheels. This was also Mitch's first-ever trial. Which was
timely, because he just recently gained enough weight to start the
125cc four-stroke on his own...!!!

Also riding the 4-Line and his first Trial, was Bruce Hulig on a
borrowed Honda Reflex. Bruce scored the lowest total for the day at
25 marks. And 24 of them were on the first Loop...so he was
definitely getting the hang of riding a trials bike. Bruce also
earned the respect of other riders as the most-colorful rider for the
day wearing his CZ motocross jersey and Harley-Davidson logo helmet.
Bruce remarked how Trials is much more social than motocross, so we
hope to see him riding with us again.

The third rider on the 4-Line was Zack Warner on his Yamaha TY 250
wearing the Monster Energy Drink jersey. Like Bruce Hulig, most of
Zack's marks were earned on the first Loop and he remarked how much
easier the 2nd Loop was by comparison.

The lone rider on the 3-Line was Jim Rike riding his Ossa Mick Andrews
Replica. Jim had some difficulty keeping the MAR running on the first
Loop. However, a new plug and some carb spray helped the Spanish
mount run much smoother for him for the remainder of the event.
Considering Jim's natural riding ability, he will be moving up to the
2 or 1-Line soon. Let's move 'em up...!!!

There were two riders on the 2-Line. Bruce Sandground riding his
Honda TL 125 dressed in Potomac Vintage Trials livery...and myself,
riding my Montesa Cota 247. Being the Trials talent he is,
Bruce made the decision to handicap himself early in the first Loop by
breaking both his clutch and brake levers. Riding with the broken
levers, Bruce ended his day with a score of 39 and I finished up with
29 marks.

Overall it appeared everyone had a great time, although it was quite
warm by the time we finished up. Thanks to everyone that attended,
and those that didn't make the event we hope to see you soon.

Also, special thanks to Nancy Ferguson for helping out with sign-up
and other administrative tasks...

Thanks again all.