Trials Blog - Relaxed, so riding well - Trials UK

Trials Blog - Relaxed, so riding well

• 18th April 2010
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I have written previously about feeling ‘stiff’ when on the bike.  I was so tense previously that I must have looked almost rigid during the first few weeks of being on my bike, it was that bad.  Well, today I felt quite the opposite and I think it’s only going to get better and better.

Today’s trial was held by the Yeadon and Guiseley club and was, as before, absolutely marvellous.  The venue was a rocky sloping field in a place called Norwood Top, 5 miles outside of the small market town of Otley.  It was a bit off the beaten track but, wow – was it worth it.  Mel Harrison set the sections out at Yeadon and Guiseley this week and did a great job because it was perfect - just right for beginners.  There’s always something that will throw you off course and I am sure that Mel knew that this is where the beginner will lose marks – but not, it seems, if you’re relaxed!  And today, for much of the trial, I was. 

Today’s trial was 4 laps of 10 sections and, of the sections, 3 were ‘easy’, 3 were quite challenging and 4 were downright tricky.  Just as it should be, I guess, but strangely, I rode better on the tricky sections than I did on the easy ones.  When I look back as to why I would put it down to being ‘stiff’ again.  There is more pressure not to drop marks on an ‘easier’ section, so, subconsciously; I stiffen up when doing them.  Bizarre, I know, but it’s definitely true.

I also had the pleasure of riding with Clive and his brother Rick again today and having such super people to ride with does make a massive difference when participating in a new sport.  To remind you, Clive has become a very competent and steady rider over the last 12 months
having been tutored by a very skilled rider in Kev and he recently introduced his brother Rick into the sport of trials. From what I can gather; Rick loves it as much as I do. 

Rick – who does have experience of riding road bikes – is, like me, a real beginner and is probably around the same level as me in terms of confidence and ability.  We’re currently 1-1 in ‘wins’ (I beat Rick at Deer Park – the first trial we rode together - he beat me (quite convincingly) at the following trial) so, being uncontrollably competitive as I am, I had one eye on Rick’s score and was out to try and better it today.  It’s only a bit of fun and nothing too serious and doesn’t get mentioned, but I am out to try and beat him – Rick, you’re my benchmark, matey!  Of course, we remain very interested in making sure each does well and both Clive and Rick are full of praise and encouragement – as I am with them.  Together, we’re all getting a bit better – and a bit more relaxed – each week.  It was a close one today between Rick and me, so I’m looking forward to seeing the scores.

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