Motorcycle Trials consist of “sections” that are physically defined by flags and tape. These sections contain challenging features, both natural and artificial. They may include streambeds, boulders, logs, and slopes. Markers identify different skill class levels for competition; the better the competitor, the more severe the obstacles. A trail “loop” connects the sections for the event. A typical event will have 7-10 sections and the competitor must ride the loop and complete the sections up to three or four times. Riders cannot practice the sections but may inspect each section just before being judged (or observed) on their ride. Then, one at a time, the riders will enter a section on their motorcycle, as an observer scores the rider’s performance.
Like golf, where the least amount of strokes on the course wins, trials are won by the person who touches their foot to the ground the least amount of times over the course of the event. The rider with the lowest score wins. The score goes to a maximum of 5 points for that section if they fail or crash. Riding a section “clean” without footing is the ultimate goal of all riders (a score of 0).
There are many local clubs around Wales that host events locally, with some putting on as many as 13 events per year. The Uk Motorcycle Trials National series is governed by the ACU and the Scottish (SACU). The series hosts the best riders of various classes, and consists of 6 events held in various parts of the country.
There are select riders in the ACU that have the skill to compete at the World Championship level and these riders compete for a spot on the UK Trial des Nations Team. The Trial des Nations is held in various countries in the fall of each year, and is a nation vs. nation team competition.
While Motorcycle Trials can be a very challenging and dramatic sport, local clubs have classes for riders of all abilities, from beginners on up. Of all the motorcycle sports, it is probably the most “family-friendly”, and kids can enjoy healthy competition alongside their Moms and Dads and share in an activity that they love. Additionally, trials are easy on the environment. Because of the nature of the bikes and the competitions, environmental damage is minimal, and some clubs have riding areas that have been used for decades with little evidence of any damage to the environment. Search out a local club today and get started.
Youth Trials Championship 2019 – Hosted by Trials Training Wales
Benefits of Youth Sport
A lot of research has examined the impact of sports on physical and psychosocial health in children and adolescents.
Overall the research has shown youth sport participants have higher levels of physical activity that positively influence physical and psychological health in adolescence and in later life.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Youth athletes have:
- Higher level of physical activity and they expend more energy daily
- Less body fat
- A reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese
- Higher levels of cardio respiratory fitness
- Stronger bones and muscles
- An increased likelihood of being physically active in later life
SOCIAL WELL-BEING
Sports can provide:
- Opportunities to make new friends
- Exposure to positive role models
- Opportunities to travel
PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH
Youth athletes have:
- Higher levels of self-esteem and social connections
- Lower levels of depression
- Lower levels of problem behaviours (aggression problems, social problems, and delinquency problems)
