AHRMA VINTAGE TRIALS CHEHALIS 2007
AHRMA VINTAGE TRIALS CHEHALIS 2007
Now this is ambitious as its 1400 miles for a 1 day event against unknown competitors. The bus
is back and all appears to be working well save for the AC circuit breakers which keep tripping.
Monaco sends us new ones. Brenda finds new ones locally and they are fitted along with the
extra tie downs in the trailer and we eventually get the ride height correct. All ready and with
Edward in charge of the business we set off ON TIME!
is back and all appears to be working well save for the AC circuit breakers which keep tripping.
Monaco sends us new ones. Brenda finds new ones locally and they are fitted along with the
extra tie downs in the trailer and we eventually get the ride height correct. All ready and with
Edward in charge of the business we set off ON TIME!
Day 1 and 570 miles later we are settled in at Mina and over to Goofy Tooth Bar where we meet
Dumbo 1 who has shot himself in the leg for the third time!! More tales of mining later.
Dumbo 1 who has shot himself in the leg for the third time!! More tales of mining later.
Day 2 fill up with water but the new dump valves won’t work… remember it’s a RV!!! All goes well
through Reno and up to Susanville where between computer, driver and mapquest we end up on
the wrong road with no turn off for 88 miles. A little narrow and scary but we make it back to
civilization. Sometime later we cross into Oregon and all the stupid CA rules are behind us. The
scenery is quite beautiful and some of the mountain descents breathtaking! Ever onward we
decide Eugene is far enough and settle for Walmart after playing the “only I can fill the gas tank
game” …. A new Oregon rule! Settle in at the drive through garden center after dogs have gone
loopy on real grass.
through Reno and up to Susanville where between computer, driver and mapquest we end up on
the wrong road with no turn off for 88 miles. A little narrow and scary but we make it back to
civilization. Sometime later we cross into Oregon and all the stupid CA rules are behind us. The
scenery is quite beautiful and some of the mountain descents breathtaking! Ever onward we
decide Eugene is far enough and settle for Walmart after playing the “only I can fill the gas tank
game” …. A new Oregon rule! Settle in at the drive through garden center after dogs have gone
loopy on real grass.
Day 3 and only 200 to go so off bright and early enjoying the scenery which is reminiscent of dear
old Blighty with trees I recognize and blackberry bushes all the way up the medians, delightful!
As we get into Portland some of these bridges are looking a bit shabby and then as we approach
the Columbia all 3 lanes grind to a stop and now its 3 mph stop and go until some 2 miles later we
arrive at the bridge to find a BMW going the wrong way on the hard shoulder with blonde bimbette
having discussion with highway patrol. Across the river like a cork out of a bottle and look at the
next 7 miles of stationary southbound traffic queuing up for their all important 10 seconds of
rubber necking.
old Blighty with trees I recognize and blackberry bushes all the way up the medians, delightful!
As we get into Portland some of these bridges are looking a bit shabby and then as we approach
the Columbia all 3 lanes grind to a stop and now its 3 mph stop and go until some 2 miles later we
arrive at the bridge to find a BMW going the wrong way on the hard shoulder with blonde bimbette
having discussion with highway patrol. Across the river like a cork out of a bottle and look at the
next 7 miles of stationary southbound traffic queuing up for their all important 10 seconds of
rubber necking.
Off I5 at the right junction but miss Riverside as it’s called something else on the other side.
3 miles later complete the turnaround in a builder yard and back to freeway again. Take the
correct turn onto Riverside but miss the fork split this time so have to complete the turnaround
in the museum and drive back to the fork which is impossible to navigate the turn…. Brilliant!
Oh well, back to the freeway and then the builder’s yard and try again. After all this effort the
road dead ends within 100 yards which now takes us back to the original road which then
transpires to be the one we should have been on all along! Now to get into the field which has
a steep pyramid with the train track on top. Visions of one R Williams stuck on a rock with all
wheels off the ground come to mind but somehow we get over without damaging the underside.
road dead ends within 100 yards which now takes us back to the original road which then
transpires to be the one we should have been on all along! Now to get into the field which has
a steep pyramid with the train track on top. Visions of one R Williams stuck on a rock with all
wheels off the ground come to mind but somehow we get over without damaging the underside.
Great timing so plenty of time to chat, get the bikes out and have a look at the sections while
taking a little light practice. Wander over to the start area where Derek Belvoir is running a Trials
School and charging $25.00 a pop!!
taking a little light practice. Wander over to the start area where Derek Belvoir is running a Trials
School and charging $25.00 a pop!!
Ride the bike over and see what they are doing and then find sections 2 & 3 so park the bike
and give them the once over. Surly individual arrives and tells me “unless you are in the trials
school it’s NO RIDING” Follow the Doctor’s advice and drink heavily.
Pitor that means YOU! NO RIDING!!
and give them the once over. Surly individual arrives and tells me “unless you are in the trials
school it’s NO RIDING” Follow the Doctor’s advice and drink heavily.
Pitor that means YOU! NO RIDING!!
Dinner and lots more drinking results in a good Saturday morning hangover but as the fog lifts
so does the self inflicted migraine. Duly signed up I am at last allowed to ride my bike to the start
and now find I’m starting at Section 4 so earlier plans of riding with Ed are shot down.
Ed on Section 1
so does the self inflicted migraine. Duly signed up I am at last allowed to ride my bike to the start
and now find I’m starting at Section 4 so earlier plans of riding with Ed are shot down.
Ed on Section 1
4 is up and down around the spreading chestnut tree which will be fine on idle power around the
tree. 3 cleans here and not much more to say on this section. 5 however, does not go quite so
well as I take a silly dab on the exit. 6 is uphill across a dry powdery adverse in the trees but
good control results in 3 cleans here. Through the trees and across the meadow to 7 and 8 in a
muddy brook. Both fairly simple and 3 cleans apiece on these. More meadow riding to 9 a twisting
uphill in shady woodland and 3 more easy cleans here. 10 is a common line for1,2 and 3 and 4’s
don’t get to ride. As expected 3 more cleans so now it’s back to the 3 remaining sections behind
the barn. No1 has the Honda suspended in the tree and is a test of nerve and handlebar width as
you slip through the trees. Mine are 2 inches wider than standard so it takes a bit more care for
me than most other riders. 3 more cleans so over to 2 which doesn’t really present any problems
and 3 more cleans are in the book. Now for 3 which I had thought would be the real problem
section as yesterday it was getting more than its fair share of watering from the farm sprinklers.
Sure enough the top had turned into a quagmire and was taking 3’s and 5’s from all that tried.
It was possible but my first effort was a predictable 3 after an early dab which should have been
taken further up the hill and then I might have escaped with just a dab.
Rick Wollf on the Quagmire at 3
tree. 3 cleans here and not much more to say on this section. 5 however, does not go quite so
well as I take a silly dab on the exit. 6 is uphill across a dry powdery adverse in the trees but
good control results in 3 cleans here. Through the trees and across the meadow to 7 and 8 in a
muddy brook. Both fairly simple and 3 cleans apiece on these. More meadow riding to 9 a twisting
uphill in shady woodland and 3 more easy cleans here. 10 is a common line for1,2 and 3 and 4’s
don’t get to ride. As expected 3 more cleans so now it’s back to the 3 remaining sections behind
the barn. No1 has the Honda suspended in the tree and is a test of nerve and handlebar width as
you slip through the trees. Mine are 2 inches wider than standard so it takes a bit more care for
me than most other riders. 3 more cleans so over to 2 which doesn’t really present any problems
and 3 more cleans are in the book. Now for 3 which I had thought would be the real problem
section as yesterday it was getting more than its fair share of watering from the farm sprinklers.
Sure enough the top had turned into a quagmire and was taking 3’s and 5’s from all that tried.
It was possible but my first effort was a predictable 3 after an early dab which should have been
taken further up the hill and then I might have escaped with just a dab.
Rick Wollf on the Quagmire at 3
Well never mind just 4 lost on lap 1 and when I hand in my card I see Rob Poole has already lost
15! On with loop 2 and all is well until 5 where I overcompensate for the first time dab and elect to
turn higher on the hill to make the exit turn easier. WRONG, as I start the turn I apply a little too
much brake and the front wheel slides away before I can save it and I go headlong with the bike
smacking me up the rear to show its displeasure. As far as I can see that must have ruined my
chances for the day as I have seen many less capable riders clean this section with ease and I’m
making a pig’s ear of it. No problems anywhere else so end up back at 3 which is still taking its toll.
A better groove has emerged so if I can stay in the slot and power on a little earlier it might just
be possible. The plan nearly works but the big dab is required and then just a tippee toe for the
2. So an annoying 7 for loop 2 which should have only been the 2. Never mind, back to the start
and Rob has lost another 6 and my other rival lost 6 on his first loop so it could be close.
Through the "Handlebar Trees" Section 1
Another 2 coming! Section 3
15! On with loop 2 and all is well until 5 where I overcompensate for the first time dab and elect to
turn higher on the hill to make the exit turn easier. WRONG, as I start the turn I apply a little too
much brake and the front wheel slides away before I can save it and I go headlong with the bike
smacking me up the rear to show its displeasure. As far as I can see that must have ruined my
chances for the day as I have seen many less capable riders clean this section with ease and I’m
making a pig’s ear of it. No problems anywhere else so end up back at 3 which is still taking its toll.
A better groove has emerged so if I can stay in the slot and power on a little earlier it might just
be possible. The plan nearly works but the big dab is required and then just a tippee toe for the
2. So an annoying 7 for loop 2 which should have only been the 2. Never mind, back to the start
and Rob has lost another 6 and my other rival lost 6 on his first loop so it could be close.
Through the "Handlebar Trees" Section 1
Another 2 coming! Section 3
Out for the last loop and at 5 its time to see where I’m screwing up. No it’s easy enough and it’s
just me being a dummy. Clean to that turn but now I’m overcautious and take a dumb 2 to ensure
I don’t get another 5. Clean all the way back to 3 and have an identical ride to match the second
attempt for another 2. So just the 4 on this lap and a grand total of 15 for the day. Back at the
start Rob lost another 7 on his last loop and Richard took 11 on his second loop giving him 17
after 2 loops so his third round doesn’t matter and I have what I consider a “lucky” win and 20
more valuable championship points.
Don Kelley having a good day Section1
With regard to the Championship I now have 3 wins (should have been 4 save for that dab at
Donner) compared to Bob Ginder’s 4. I expect to win at Sandia and I could win or check at Hollister,
so I need 2 more from either Casper or Dickson.
Very interesting? Especially as Mike Buckholtz and Mike Wehling both want a slice of the Ginder
along with Graham Foster and Mike Parsley who could all win on a good day.
Ray Iddon on 3 with the STEALTH Tank Triumph.
just me being a dummy. Clean to that turn but now I’m overcautious and take a dumb 2 to ensure
I don’t get another 5. Clean all the way back to 3 and have an identical ride to match the second
attempt for another 2. So just the 4 on this lap and a grand total of 15 for the day. Back at the
start Rob lost another 7 on his last loop and Richard took 11 on his second loop giving him 17
after 2 loops so his third round doesn’t matter and I have what I consider a “lucky” win and 20
more valuable championship points.
Don Kelley having a good day Section1
With regard to the Championship I now have 3 wins (should have been 4 save for that dab at
Donner) compared to Bob Ginder’s 4. I expect to win at Sandia and I could win or check at Hollister,
so I need 2 more from either Casper or Dickson.
Very interesting? Especially as Mike Buckholtz and Mike Wehling both want a slice of the Ginder
along with Graham Foster and Mike Parsley who could all win on a good day.
Ray Iddon on 3 with the STEALTH Tank Triumph.
Bikes all loaded back to the start and Ray Iddon offers me a ride on his newly created Cub with
a stealth tank. I haven’t got more than 100 yards from the start when the same officious bastard
shakes his finger at me again and says “the trial is over, NO MORE riding!”….. I give up!!
a stealth tank. I haven’t got more than 100 yards from the start when the same officious bastard
shakes his finger at me again and says “the trial is over, NO MORE riding!”….. I give up!!
370 miles of night driving and we are in Medford to see Phil, but at least I don’t have to drive
tomorrow.
tomorrow.
Sunday morning and try to dump tanks ….. nothing ….. ring Monaco and after 3 times round the
bus and under the wheels we eventually discover the manual dump valves and complete the task
With the task completed the dump valve lights have now come on and believe it or not they now
work off the switches ….. don’t ask!!
Out with the Harley and into Ashland. Pretty little town, but on the artsy fartsy side. Tour the
river walkway and buy the duty souvenirs to go with the Chehalis Cup, the Mina rocks and the
Triffid plant from Eugene. Lunch, back to base camp then out again for dinner.
river walkway and buy the duty souvenirs to go with the Chehalis Cup, the Mina rocks and the
Triffid plant from Eugene. Lunch, back to base camp then out again for dinner.
Monday and straight in for the long awaited oil change and then the pleasant cross country
through the woods back to Mina. More drinks in Goofy Bar and more mining talk.
through the woods back to Mina. More drinks in Goofy Bar and more mining talk.
Tuesday, and remember we have nearly made it, when the phone goes to herald disaster from
far away lands. The pool pump has quit, 15 of the big fish are dead and the rest are gasping ….
What a great start to the morning. Give Edward the run through on backwashing and water is
back in the babbling brook and the remaining fish are OK.
far away lands. The pool pump has quit, 15 of the big fish are dead and the rest are gasping ….
What a great start to the morning. Give Edward the run through on backwashing and water is
back in the babbling brook and the remaining fish are OK.
The run home is otherwise uneventful and all I have to do is change the rear mudguard which
suffered major damage when it hit me up the bum during the A over T incident.
suffered major damage when it hit me up the bum during the A over T incident.
3 weeks to Casper and then Sandia. A local CAT at Alto Pit and then, do we or don’t we, for
Dickson? Finally Moab, and then Napa for “the day” and Hollister to finish. Dickson is now looking
shaky for this year as it’s 6 days on the road away from the business and right now that is not
a great idea! Just have to hope that the Ginder has a crap ride at Casper and wants to compete
against Hockey Boy on his home turf. Now that’s a lot of wishful thinking. Rocky Mountain wise I
can’t do Lyons so Mike still holds a 12 point advantage after 4 rounds a piece. Casper could be
difficult? But he hasn’t ridden at Moab or Sandia so I could pull that one off.
Dickson? Finally Moab, and then Napa for “the day” and Hollister to finish. Dickson is now looking
shaky for this year as it’s 6 days on the road away from the business and right now that is not
a great idea! Just have to hope that the Ginder has a crap ride at Casper and wants to compete
against Hockey Boy on his home turf. Now that’s a lot of wishful thinking. Rocky Mountain wise I
can’t do Lyons so Mike still holds a 12 point advantage after 4 rounds a piece. Casper could be
difficult? But he hasn’t ridden at Moab or Sandia so I could pull that one off.
More news, Moab is cancelled so what does that do? Well without that one in the RM series it will
all come down to the Casper results between Mike and myself. With Moab out the window it does
promote Dickson as a go so we can do that and then have a weekend off before setting sail for
Napa and Hollister. So realistically I must beat the Ginder in 2 of the 4 remaining rounds!
all come down to the Casper results between Mike and myself. With Moab out the window it does
promote Dickson as a go so we can do that and then have a weekend off before setting sail for
Napa and Hollister. So realistically I must beat the Ginder in 2 of the 4 remaining rounds!
Tony Down with very busy Photographer Brenda... don't forget the web site...if you rode you will
be on film!
www.trialsphoto.com
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