Twinshock / pre 65 trials anyone done it?
Discussion
I've done lots different forms of grassroots motorsports in cars, mostly classic cars. I've always fancied a go a trials, particularly twin shock or possibly pre '65.
I visited trials as a kid and have researched on Youtube so I understand the basics. I've also done various versions of trials in cars.
I wonder what a typical trial is like? One of the issues I've had with car events is that they often involve a lot of waiting. As in arrive at 7:30, scrutineer at 7:45, drivers' briefing at 8:30. First run at 9. Wait till everyone's done a run, do next run, etc until prize giving at 5:30. So you might be at the event for a long day but only actually drive for a small proportion of it.
Youtube videos seem to often show competitors watching each other, between turns, but it is difficult to see how long day lasts or how long the gap between each section is.
What is a local / regional trial like?
I visited trials as a kid and have researched on Youtube so I understand the basics. I've also done various versions of trials in cars.
I wonder what a typical trial is like? One of the issues I've had with car events is that they often involve a lot of waiting. As in arrive at 7:30, scrutineer at 7:45, drivers' briefing at 8:30. First run at 9. Wait till everyone's done a run, do next run, etc until prize giving at 5:30. So you might be at the event for a long day but only actually drive for a small proportion of it.
Youtube videos seem to often show competitors watching each other, between turns, but it is difficult to see how long day lasts or how long the gap between each section is.
What is a local / regional trial like?
I suspect it's a pretty long day.
I used to ride in pre-65 trials, well more specifically prat about as a kid on people's bikes while they weren't using them! That was with a club called the Dabbers, but I think they're a bit more formal now. Back then it was just the local old bike club wanting to do some riding during the winter.
I see you're in Norwich? I know they do the Dabbers at a farm in Thetford forest - or did pre-lockdown and are East Anglia based.
This is their site: http://www.dabberstrialsclub.co.uk/index.html - may be worth a mail to ask about a typical day?
It was always great fun when I did it!
I used to ride in pre-65 trials, well more specifically prat about as a kid on people's bikes while they weren't using them! That was with a club called the Dabbers, but I think they're a bit more formal now. Back then it was just the local old bike club wanting to do some riding during the winter.
I see you're in Norwich? I know they do the Dabbers at a farm in Thetford forest - or did pre-lockdown and are East Anglia based.
This is their site: http://www.dabberstrialsclub.co.uk/index.html - may be worth a mail to ask about a typical day?
It was always great fun when I did it!
srob said:
I suspect it's a pretty long day.
I used to ride in pre-65 trials, well more specifically prat about as a kid on people's bikes while they weren't using them! That was with a club called the Dabbers, but I think they're a bit more formal now. Back then it was just the local old bike club wanting to do some riding during the winter.
I see you're in Norwich? I know they do the Dabbers at a farm in Thetford forest - or did pre-lockdown and are East Anglia based.
This is their site: http://www.dabberstrialsclub.co.uk/index.html - may be worth a mail to ask about a typical day?
It was always great fun when I did it!
Thanks. I used to ride in pre-65 trials, well more specifically prat about as a kid on people's bikes while they weren't using them! That was with a club called the Dabbers, but I think they're a bit more formal now. Back then it was just the local old bike club wanting to do some riding during the winter.
I see you're in Norwich? I know they do the Dabbers at a farm in Thetford forest - or did pre-lockdown and are East Anglia based.
This is their site: http://www.dabberstrialsclub.co.uk/index.html - may be worth a mail to ask about a typical day?
It was always great fun when I did it!
I follow the Dabbers on FB and they do seem nice. I expect that's who I'll join if I do take it up. I didn't want to ask them this question and possibly appear to diss their hobby!
No gaps, normally a number of sections that you can just ride to . Often have to wait for a few minutes for your turn, but never waited more than 10 minutes. Its just a case of queue and ride. If its too busy on that section then find another less busy. You have to walk the section too, unless you`re brave and just see how it goes. It is very physical and you will get a good workout.
Have done twinshock trials in my infancy and dad still rides on occasion. It's super laid-back from what I did and was mostly linked to Dabbers as mentioned.
Turn-up, sign on, head off. Tends to be some bunching up on certain sections but never much more than 10 minutes. As said before, at the grass roots level it's mostly laid-back and as long as your not destroying sections or being deliberately obstructive, no one minds.
I miss it and as soon as it's back on coz-covid, I'll get back to it.
Turn-up, sign on, head off. Tends to be some bunching up on certain sections but never much more than 10 minutes. As said before, at the grass roots level it's mostly laid-back and as long as your not destroying sections or being deliberately obstructive, no one minds.
I miss it and as soon as it's back on coz-covid, I'll get back to it.
Duke Caboom said:
Also, what gear other than a bike would a beginner need, just to have a go?
Would I need special helmet? I already have a open face bike helmet, somewhere. Boots?
Trials helmets are cheap and easy and much lighter than a conventional lid.Would I need special helmet? I already have a open face bike helmet, somewhere. Boots?
Light gloves and boots. Don't use mx or enduro boots, too heavy and lack feel. Again, trials boots are cheap enough but make sure you have shin protection, easy to slip off and skin your shin
For 'armour ' I use mtb knee and elbow pads. Soft gel things attached to an elasticated sleeve. Plenty good for trials spills. Not good enough for enduro however, I've cracked a bone in my elbow from my latest enduro off......
OP here - its my thread and I'll resurrect it if i wan to.
Some of the twin shock bikes seem to have fairly major modifications -such as different engines. IN the class car events I do this would be a massive no-no. But they also come with pages of rules and regs. Twin shock trials seems more laid back, but it doesn't seem in the spirit to turn up against 70s bikes in something with a 90's engine.
Some of the twin shock bikes seem to have fairly major modifications -such as different engines. IN the class car events I do this would be a massive no-no. But they also come with pages of rules and regs. Twin shock trials seems more laid back, but it doesn't seem in the spirit to turn up against 70s bikes in something with a 90's engine.
Duke Caboom said:
OP here - its my thread and I'll resurrect it if i wan to.
Some of the twin shock bikes seem to have fairly major modifications -such as different engines. IN the class car events I do this would be a massive no-no. But they also come with pages of rules and regs. Twin shock trials seems more laid back, but it doesn't seem in the spirit to turn up against 70s bikes in something with a 90's engine.
You're probably over thinking this.Some of the twin shock bikes seem to have fairly major modifications -such as different engines. IN the class car events I do this would be a massive no-no. But they also come with pages of rules and regs. Twin shock trials seems more laid back, but it doesn't seem in the spirit to turn up against 70s bikes in something with a 90's engine.
If parts aren't available, do you scrap the bike?
Nope, change the engine and continue to have fun....
If your first point of call is the regs you might not be prepared for the cut and thrust of twin shock trials....
It's not F1
Duke Caboom said:
OP here - its my thread and I'll resurrect it if i wan to.
Some of the twin shock bikes seem to have fairly major modifications -such as different engines. IN the class car events I do this would be a massive no-no. But they also come with pages of rules and regs. Twin shock trials seems more laid back, but it doesn't seem in the spirit to turn up against 70s bikes in something with a 90's engine.
I'm not sure anyone has ever won a Trials event because they have a better engine - which presumably is why they don't careSome of the twin shock bikes seem to have fairly major modifications -such as different engines. IN the class car events I do this would be a massive no-no. But they also come with pages of rules and regs. Twin shock trials seems more laid back, but it doesn't seem in the spirit to turn up against 70s bikes in something with a 90's engine.
Go Pre 65, you will love it. As previous posters have said it is fairly laid back, but you cannot get too ambitious with the trick bits as this will be frowned on. an enjoyable day, not much waiting around, done by 3 o clock. The EFA (Eastern Four Stroke Association) is the biggest Pre 65 club in East Anglia (note: they cater for two strokes as well) they are a good bunch and cater for all skill levels, I rode with them for many years until I migrated back to my favourite pastime in 1988 when the Pre 65 Motocross Club was formed.
Edited by cjb44 on Tuesday 26th October 15:31
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