AHRMA VINTAGE TRIALS AZ CYCLE PARK 2008




Clerk of the Course


 And so the 2008 season begins. From what appeared to be a less than ideal location for a trial
we were able to find 12 competitive sections with the scope for a lot more in future years.
Bearing in mind this event is the season opener it would be conceiveable that this could be a 2
day in future years with some adaptation of sections. Of course with winter rains and raging
washes new sections can be created overnight.

 A good turnout of 29 riders got the season away on a pleasant AZ winters day with temps just
over the 70 mark and no wind. 3 loops of 12 sections with riders starting at different start
locations allowed for a free flowing event with no serious bottlenecks.




Dan Straka on 1 after Rotator Cup Surgery last year




Derek Belvoir chuffs through 1 on the Velo

 Sections 1 & 2 were continuous and were relatively easy for the 2,3 and 4 lines with a sting in
the tail on 2 for the 1 line riders dropping into a log infested hole to complete a 180 degree turn
before attacking a climb with a buried log in the way. Too little power here and the rear wheel
grounded out on the log with a resulting 5. Jim Wagner, the Modern Classic Expert Winner
suffered just this on his last lap. A sneaky little adverse step caused a lot of problems for the PI
and 3 line riders as it refused to form a path that you would have expected.



Second Place in Mod Cls Exp, after a tie break, Michael Salsman




Jim Wagner, Mod Cls Exp Winner just before the "5"

 Rounding the top of the motocross circuit Section 3 had 1,2 and 3 line riders climbing over a big
fallen ironwood tree. 4 liners skirted the tree and had an easy wander through the bushes. Even
with the best laid plans some 2 liners found a "cheater line" but in truth it didn't alter the
concept of the section. Some of the bigger bikes with longer wheelbases had trouble after the
log trying to turn while their backwheel was still coming off the log and I don't think Rob Poole
rated this section as his favorite.

 Section 4 was deep, deep wash sand with varying lines but in all cases caused a few problems
for those getting their weight too far forward and going too slowly.

 Out of the wash and away across the booney to 5 where riders had the challenge of another
fallen tree and soft wash sand to deal with. I didn't hear too many comments so I assume it rode
as planned. Section 6 with Dick Mann in charge was probably the AHRMA "gimmee" of the day
and despite all the pre event whining about being dangerous because of a strand of barbed wire
attracted no comments at the trial aftermath.

 Section 7 had changed a bit from when I laid it out and many riders had taken a much steeper
entry into the "Grand Canyon" than I had planned, but once again it didn't make the section any
easier, maybe even harder.

 Due to the wash sand section 8 had 2 start zones with the 4 men getting an easier line to
attack their hazards. 2 and 3 line should not have been having trouble but I did see Rich Palmer
have an annoying 5 on the root on his last loop when he stalled.

 Section 9 had 2 lady checkers, so no nonsense here, with the multiple crossings of the ditch and
hard rutted wash. A longish section and a tricky finish where line was critical or a loss of marks
would be inevitable.


 Along the top of the quarry way above the motocross circuit we had a passage control at the
top of 10 "The Graded Climb". Two more lady checkers here with  Mrs Becker in charge at the
start and Alice Sexton, the new AHRMA Director of Communications/Advertising getting her first
taste of a National Trial and punching cards at the top.



National Trials Coordinator and 2007 MC Nov Champ, Ed Peacock  on the bottom of 10



First Trial and 2nd place in Mod Cls Nov for Forrest Bault




"Working those Knees" Tim MacDonald with new found confidence




Classic Exp winner Rick Wolf with a 1 point win over Eugene Waggoner




Eugene Waggoner Wheelies up 10 on the "Spanish Onion"




Determination from Rob Poole with a great ride up 10




Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it! Mike Becker cleans 10





Slow & Steady with a lot of Style. Robert Borg





Jim Wagner and I watch Rich Palmer's 3rd gear attack




Full flight in 3rd from JIM with a lot of "Body English"





Smooth riding from Nick Turner Prem Lt Exp Winner




Prem Hwt Winner Derek Belvoir on that Velo




Steve Richardson from Canada, Mod Cls Int Winner




Bob Strohman on the edge with a wheelie



Fred Martinson passes the "1" marker 



First attempt by Robert  Whitman for a "5" but He DID make it next time!


 Section 10 seemed to be providing the most fun for riders and spectators alike and after initial
glum looks of total disbelief the beaming smiles of achievement were worth seeing as rider after
rider crested the summit. Some really notable rides by Mike Becker on the Honda, the grace and
power of Derek Belvoir on the Velo, classic style from Eugene Waggoner on that pristine Bultaco
and a lot of 4 stroke power from the old single pots, including the rigid, as they rocketed up the
climb as though it wasn't there.


 Back along the ridge and down to the start of 11 for an easy down hill for 4. A series of slalom
turns for the rest then a loose uphill turning climb to individual gates before the finish. Some of
the 2 liners got into trouble on the first loop but thereafter got to grips with the hill and only lost
1's and 2's.

 Section 12 in the SE corner by the cliff was easy enough but also a good trap for the unwary as
too much or too little power through the "S" turn would cause problems and once again I saw
Mod Class Exp winner Jim Wagner get caught for an unexpected 2!



Jim Crain, now on the Cub, at the bottom of 12




Headlight blazing Steve Richardson coming up 12


 12 sections, all cleanable, with the "Trialsmaster's" intention of getting around "20" from the
class leaders and having a trial whereby one silly mistake was not the end your day. In that
respect we were successful with the exception of Modern Classic Intermediate, our biggest class,
who sailed round with low scores. (Next YEAR!!) 

 Thanks to all the helpers, 14 checkers, 8 of whom were the ladies, and of course Ed and Evelyn
along with Earl Burrows. Special mention to Evelyn for the excellent result service at the desk
keeping on top of the cards. Sorry to Len Sims who somehow got behind me as I closed the
course. I did however, offer to ride and check for him but he declined my offer ..... but he did
have the chance!

 We did have some beginners and trials "first timers" and judging by their smiles having made it
to the top of 10 they will be back for more! Just a thought here for the well being of our sport,
lend a hand, a little coaching and teaching goes a long way when you are just starting. Acid test,
"What was it like the first time you tried it ?"




"Showboating" on 12......




TONY DOWN    TRIALSMASTER 

BRENDA DOWN PHOTOGRAPHER             www.trialsphoto.com         182 photos of this event!


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Tony Down

IF YOU RODE IT YOU WILL BE ON FILM!! See Brenda Savage Photography

www.trialsphoto.com