What is Trials Riding? Trials Riding is a form of mountain biking. Where as in mountain biking the goal is to go as fast as possible, speed is not an issue in trials riding, where the objective is to ride over extremely technical natural or man-made terrain as "cleanly" as possible.
Observed Trials is the name for competitive trials riding. Riders compete in both Stock and Modified categories. "Stock" refers to a mountain bike that has not been modified beyond a set of criteria including wheel size, chainring size and available gears. "Modified" refers to a bike specifically made or modified for trials that resembles a BMX bike more than a mountain bike, with its small wheels, single gear and items such as bash guards. Both Stock and Modified have sub-categories for Beginner, Sport (intermediate) and Expert riders. Courses usually consist of four or five numbered sections, and each section has to be ridden several times. Sections have to be completed in sequential order, however a rider can start on any section. Penalty points are gained each time you touch the ground with your feet or hands, up to a maximum of 5 points per section. Certain combinations, such as both feet touching the ground at once, result in an immediate 5 points. Riders follow different lines through each section depending on their category, and missing a gate also results in a 5 point penalty. In addition, crossing or breaking the tape marking a section boundary also results in a 5 point penalty.
Typical sections are quite short, since they each have to be completed in less than three minutes to avoid a 5 point penalty. Sections can include natural and/or man-made obstacles such as rocks, logs, gullies, streambeds and steep embankments, and for more advanced riders, picnic tables, log piles and even automobiles.
Trials Competitions in Colorado The competitive trials circuit in Colorado usually consists of ten competitions held from May to September at various venues as part of the Colorado Off-Road Points Series. This page also has last year's race reviews and final points standings.
Interested in Competing? Although Observed Trials is one of the best spectator sports in mountain biking, it's also a lot of fun to compete. If you want to compete in anything above Beginner, you'll need a NORBA license, since most competitions are NORBA sanctioned.
Most importantly, trials competition isn't about "beating" other riders. It's more against yourself than anything - while you're competing you'll often have riders from your own category cheering you on and giving you advice. If you still have no Idea what bike trials is I think you should go home forget martyn Ashton and the likes and give it up as a bad Idea No only joking Any one who wants to have a go at trials should its GREAT.
