To- LRMTC members, all Trials persons of interest
Round 1 of the Queensland Moto Trials series , run by WDTC at Esk 16/03/14 will be remembered as a rather hot day, 37 degrees in the sun. The field was divided into upper and lower grade loops of 8 sections. I can report that the upper grade sections as set looked quite good. The dry conditions however, left the soil more like talcum powder, quite difficult to find any take off grip. I realized half way round first lap that it was going to be an energy sapping day, trying to pace myself out so I stayed safe and in control of my bike. I must note here It was great to have a field of 6 x A/Expert riders and 10 x B grade, a good indicator for our sport with most of the B grade riders under age 19.
Our recent Club day at Gap Creek Farm 23/3/14 by all reports I received, was an enjoyable course for the riders. Most of the close to 50 entry completed 4 x laps of 10 x sections for all grades, enabling riders of different levels to travel around the loop together in order to assist each other with riding the sections. Many thanks to Ian Rogers and John Barwick for helping with section setting and also the riders from SQTA for attending our competition, which was peer scored. We had many riders in C grade and Clubperson, or should I say the Blue and the White line, this made for good competition between riders irrespective of age, gender or machine.
It was also a warmish day, perhaps one of the last of summer. After the start of the comp, I put on my helmet and went into competition mode to the sections, for sure I had a great day circulating the course with Issac Luft and Luigi Garzonni, Isaac was building his confidence riding the 125cc Sherco in preparation for the WTC. Luigi had lost none of his excellent riding style despite not riding for two years. I did the last lap with Brody and Kale Reed, another who has lost none of his amazing skill, Kale levelled the course to win the Red line division. Also noticed Dan Atkinson winning C grade on his Beta, time perhaps to move to B grade and push the old boy Andrew along!
The Stanthorpe event on Sunday, May 5 should be a cracker. The granite features and proximity should make for a great course. The tree coverage should make for comfortable conditions. We are going out there to set course the weekend before (sat/sun 26/27 April).I will have the equipment there for a 2 pm start on Saturday arvo and 7 am start Sunday.
At this event, I would like to introduce the “Euro” format for the start and time allowance. What happens is the riders leave from scrutineering area to start the course in 2 minute intervals, 3 at a time. All riders have 5 x hours to complete their 3 x laps of 10 x sections. When the riders leave, their start time is noted on score board, first rider away at 9.30 am. This method evenly spreads the riders out on the course. We tested the system in a peer scoring event for our sign on day, indeed it did evenly distribute the riders on the course. All the comps I did in Europe were timed in a similar manner, so we shall see how it goes at Stanthorpe.
Sorry for the delay of this report, Regards Richard