OLD DOG..... OLD TRICKS





Glitz and Poofy go trials riding

 The first two Yamahas, "The Silk Purse"  and the "Poofmobile" are now built so its time for their
debut on the CAT scene at Alto Pit just outside Prescott. The silk purse is now called the Glitzmobile
but has some clutch problems as it won't free off. As I NEVER use the clutch this doesn't bother me
too much but as this is going to be a first timer on the old bikes I elect to ride "Poofy" with its
recovered cream leather seat, hence the name.




Poofy on Section 1

 Another voyage of discovery commences and the learning curve has to start again after riding
the Gas Gas for 3 years. No, these brakes require a little muscle! ..... there is a flywheel and it's
not going to stall, but it weighs 40 lbs more than your last mount. Plan the section a little better,
allow time for the engine room to stoke the boilers, don't get over ambitious or it will end in tears!




I know its a big rock but you can do it...... I hope!

 So Poofy and I set off in the TwinShock Class as this is a 77 model with the much softer and
smoother engine. Glitz being a 74 rides in the Vintage Class as 1974 is the cut-off. Those nerves
are back, and today if anything goes wrong there is only one person to blame..... you built it......
you ride it!



  
Over the top just prior to the "Bars" incident

 One of the opening sections was a wriggle round some trees then a HUGE boulder followed by
a drop off into a sharp left turn to the exit. It powers up straight over the mountainous boulder
but as I drop down the other side the jolt flips the bars fully forward and I depart the section like
a road racer flat on the tank and both feet off the pegs either side of the backwheel! Thanks
Shade Tree! Back to the pits and find the 13mm socket....twit!




In the Groove

 Can't remember the Trialsmaster of the day but I do remember that the sections were some of
the best that we have ever ridden at that location. A lot were big rocks and loose rubble and I
loved them all. One got me every loop with a nasty tight downhill which needed a panic dab
every time as confidence was still building.



Just like I remember


 So "Poofy" gets her first win and I'm delighted and even more pleased later in the afternoon
when Glitz gets warm enough and the clutch works again. 



TONY DOWN


This is Article 80 Have you read them all?
Check out the OCT and NOV archives.