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A few quick snaps don't do this sport justice. It was an awesome spring day at Davidson's, up the Pohangina valley. The water in the creek still had a bite to it. The hills, covered in regenerating scrub and bush, sheltered the valley.
Trials is a pretty relaxed day out but that doesn't mean it doesn't have challenges. You set the level at which you wish to compete and, hopefully, there is someone else in that grade to battle against.
Most events are very spectator friendly and they riders are incredibly welcoming of new-comers. The first lap usually takes about half the time, as everyone works out where their line through the sections is. There's time to talk, and share strategies.
The last 3 rounds tend to be a lot busier as riders circulate although, occasionally, someone will stop and re-walk a tricky bit of a section
Competition between riders is definitely there but the main battle is with yourself. For instance, on this particular day, Hannah struggled to clear section 1. There was one tight corner followed by a few small rocks and it should have been easily doable. But every time some part of the corner got the better of her. This aspect is very hard to explain - for your average gung-ho motocrosser a minor glitch is no problem as long as you can keep the bike wheels down and pointing in the right direction. For a trials rider those glitches are the whole focus of the day.
So keep your eyes open for your next local trials event. It's a sport for everyone - from those who want to learn to ride to those who want to perfect (or show off) their skills
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