Trials Blog - Over 40s reunion trial
The Yeadon and Guiseley reunion trial took place today. Open to the over 40s only, the trials is a reason for members, past and present, to come together for a bit of a ride around before going for a catch up and a bit of a chin wag down at the local pub. Or at least, that’s what I was told.
Dave Horne, the man who was instrumental in getting me to one of my best days of trialling yet, said something along the lines of “this will be the easiest trial of the year. There are no prizes and a course which will be a real walk in the park”. It wasn’t! But it was really enjoyable.
A number of the lads turned up today. Clive and Rick, Simon, Dave Horne and even Nick from Trials UK had his helmet on. Because it was an over 40s trial there was no youth there at all, just a bunch of ageing riders with stiff limbs. However, that didn’t stop them riding like 17 year olds. Whilst I managed a reasonable round of 67 (reasonable for me, at least) the winner managed 0. Yep, 0. Now’t, nothing, nada. Clean. Not a single dropped point.
So, why then did the winner drop 0 points yet I dropped a massive 67? Well, it’s simple...I guess parts of the course were a little harder than Dave thought. Section 1 was nice and easy, as were sections 2 and 3. Section 4 was a little more challenging and then 5 through to 9 were just beyond me. The problem? Stream sections full of rocks. Lots and lots of rocks. I haven’t practiced riding stream sections with so many rocks before and it was these that tripped me up.
I simply don’t yet have the technique to ride boulders in streams. In fact, after seeing a few of the pictures that were taken of me (and many other riders) I seem to be clinging onto the bike with my knees. 
It’s not a conscious thing – far from it, but no wonder I struggle with balance when on the bike in really rocky terrain. If I lean, the bike comes with me and it’s not long before I am off or having to put a foot down. I guess it’s tantamount to standing on one leg; a simple push from someone and you’re over. Stand with 2 legs and you’re harder to push over. Spread your legs and it’s harder still. I need to learn how to ride the bike with my legs almost bowed and that means a total change of technique. I’m hoping I have caught it early enough for it to be something easy to change and adapt to, instead of being like learning how to write and then having to change hands!
I have a video camera, so will use that to video myself just to see how badly I ‘cling’ with my legs, but also, if everything goes to plan, I may be getting some help from someone way better than anyone else I have ever ridden with.
Watch this space!
(Mike vs Rick update - Rick absolutely whooped me this week - a comprehensive hammering. He scored 56 to my 67. The improvement Rick's showing is incredible.)
Chris Said:
Mike, Get Killer Kendrew to give you a lesson on riding with your knees out. you may need to get yourself on a Yoga class first. You'll see what i mean if you ever see him ride.
Never seen someone ride whilst doing the splits.