Competing in Trials on Your Travel Bike - UK

[Ian]

If you want an opportunity to practice your navigational skills and off-tarmac riding then you could do worse than enter an MCC Trial. What’s the MCC? Have a look at MCC | The Motor Cycling Club - 100 Years of Motorsport to find out – probably the UK’s oldest motorcycle club.

The club runs 3 overnight long distance classic trials each year. These are the Exeter in January, the Land’s End at Easter and the Edinburgh in October.

The trials aren’t much like the kind of rock hopping acrobatics for which a proper trials bike is needed. Instead they consist of a course of around 200 to 300 miles, on public roads, with about fifteen short excursions off the tarmac to observed sections that usually consist of a longish hill climb that must be traversed without the rider footing or ceasing forward motion. To give an idea of the severity of the hills, sidecars also compete as do two-wheel drive cars (although the bikes go round before the cars).

The events run overnight and usually finish around midday the day after the evening start. There are compulsory rest halts and meal breaks. Navigation is by roadbook.

Suitable bikes? Well, just about anything that's robust and has a degree of off-road capability. Hardcore enthusiasts generally ride small trail bikes but it’s not unusual to see an Enfield road bike or a BMW GS twin. One winner used an Africa Twin. For the less skilled rider there is an easier route to follow.

Costs? I estimate about £200 per event including entry fees, fuel, meals, accommodation for the night afterwards and consumables such as tyres.

If you’re interested send me a private message to me or visit MCC | The Motor Cycling Club - 100 Years of Motorsport

Thanks

Ian Thompson

Motorcycle PR
The Motor Cycling Club.

[palace15]

Are the MCC still running events? I thought they'd choked themselves on their over burdening rule book.

Don't forget to remind any perspective participants about the angle of their registration plate .

Exactly where to fix their riding number, and perhaps anymore 'rules' they may have recently added, and they wonder why entries are falling !

[Martynbiker]

Originally Posted by Ian

Costs? I estimate about £200 per event including entry fees, fuel, meals, accommodation for the night afterwards and consumables such as tyres.

Ian Thompson

Motorcycle PR
The Motor Cycling Club.

Cool, does that mean I can turn up with bald tyres and you put nice new ones on just before we go out for the run?

[Martynbiker]

Originally Posted by Ian

Suitable bikes? Well, just about anything that's robust and has a degree of off-road capability.. One winner used an Africa Twin.

Ian Thompson

Motorcycle PR
The Motor Cycling Club.

So they can be used 'Off road' as well then? I always wondered about that one!

[palace15]

Originally Posted by Martynbiker

So they can be used 'Off road' as well then? I always wondered about that one!

I believe Caminando rides an AT, if he was not banned he would be abusing you again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ian,
Way back I use to marshal on one of these trials, it was in the peak district and I think it was the Edinburgh trial.
All sorts of characters and vehicles and bikes.
I remember one year someone competed on a Z1000 with knobblies, some of the sections where quite demanding. Another time I was marshalling a stop / start obstacle in a steep gorge at the bottom of a steep bank, a heard of cows came to watch the goings on and the bank collapsed and deposited 3 distressed cows on to the course.
Loads of good fun but bloody cold, I did look at entering myself but I think you have to be a club member for a year before entering, I may remember that wrong but something got in the way.
A truly English event and worth spectating.

Steve

[Ian]

Originally Posted by SteveAttwood

Ian,
Way back I use to marshal on one of these trials, it was in the peak district and I think it was the Edinburgh trial.
All sorts of characters and vehicles and bikes.
I remember one year someone competed on a Z1000 with knobblies, some of the sections where quite demanding. Another time I was marshalling a stop / start obstacle in a steep gorge at the bottom of a steep bank, a heard of cows came to watch the goings on and the bank collapsed and deposited 3 distressed cows on to the course.
Loads of good fun but bloody cold, I did look at entering myself but I think you have to be a club member for a year before entering, I may remember that wrong but something got in the way.
A truly English event and worth spectating.

Steve

You have to be a member before entering, but not for a year. Simply join up a few weeks before entering.

As you say truly English events, and I guess one of the few competitions where you can reasonably compete on your typical adventure tourer.

[Martynbiker]

Originally Posted by Ian

You have to be a member before entering, but not for a year. Simply join up a few weeks before entering.

As you say truly English events, and I guess one of the few competitions where you can reasonably compete on your typical adventure tourer.

Would 'Truly English event' be another way of saying 'Crap weather, crap catering and ran by people with a Sense of Humour Bypass?'

Originally Posted by Martynbiker

Would 'Truly English event' be another way of saying 'Crap weather, crap catering and ran by people with a Sense of Humour Bypass?'

None of those things, the ingredients’ are rather difficult to define. It’s about taking part but not about winning. Throw in some eccentric’s riding / driving eccentric vehicles in some fantastic surroundings and everyone is battling the elements what ever they may be.

Steve

[palace15]

Originally Posted by Martynbiker

Would 'Truly English event' be another way of saying 'Crap weather, crap catering and ran by people with a Sense of Humour Bypass?'

My bike was about 6months old and the scrotum-neers had to have a debate on my bikes legality as I'd lost the tax disc, and had to report to the second lot of scrotum-neers at the overnight rest stop.

My riding number was frowned upon for being on the back of my helmet, thats's the one on my head! and not on the back of the bike.

They were also not happy about the angle of my rear number plate which is a proper plate and NOT at a ridiculous angle.
Now you have to join the 'club' at about £48-50 entry, + fuel, although you don't have to stay overnight, but as Ian says around £200 per event, I think thats excessive especially for the attitude dished out.
I did just the one and would not even consider another until the events are run by possibly younger people more in touch with the real world than the pipe smoking clothed capped tweed jacketed old fers that are in place now, Imagine how much biking you can do on £200, 8-10 days budget in Africa or SA?.
I did though enjoy the event despite the 'school headmaster' attitude, the sad reality is, one or two sensible people would never get into a position to change attitudes, I know Ian is trying to promote their events, but any ideas he or anyone else as to offer will just be scoffed at by 'The Old Farts' club

[palace15]

Originally Posted by SteveAttwood

None of those things, the ingredients’ are rather difficult to define. It’s about taking part but not about winning. Throw in some eccentric’s riding / driving eccentric vehicles in some fantastic surroundings and everyone is battling the elements what ever they may be.

Steve

No ,.......Martynbiker was correct the first time, with perhaps the exception of the catering, a few cars are different, but as Ian says about the bikes, whats eccentric about them ? with the exception of Africa Twins ?

[Martynbiker]

Now THIS sounds like more FUN! ( and its cheaper!)

Basics: A two-day, no GPS, orienteering event in the eastern Pyrenees of Catalunya, Spain and Andorra. Test your map reading and navigation skills, find hidden secrets and enjoy the fabulous riding. The roads are amazing, the scenery is breath-taking, and the people are wonderful - so why not come on down with us in 2008?!

For 2008, there will be TWO classes:

1 - Dual-sport off-road, all bikes with off-road pretensions are suitable. The trails are amazing - the reviews from 2007 say it all - see the event report below. For 2008 Austin and Lois have outdone themselves and laid out 69 new markers, more than twice as many as in 2007! Austin was heard to mutter something like "No way is anyone finishing this course early!"

2 - Pavement only, anything will do - Susan and I rode (two up on our ancient R80 G/S) the many well-paved, twisty and fantastic roads in the area for almost 2 weeks, loving every minute. Awesome twisty roads, from first gear slip the clutch hairpins to high speed sweepers, with amazing views, minimal traffic, some roads you'll see one car in 10 minutes or more - and some less than that - roads you dream of...

OFF or ON road, it's the most fun you can have on two wheels ;-)

And for those of you who would like to bring along your non-riding spouse / significant other, the 4 star Riberies Hotel we are staying at offers horseback riding, white water rafting or indoor laps pool, or for the less energetic an outdoor pool and a full spa, plus massage and beauty treatments. Susan is determined to try the Chocolate Massage next year! The whole area is a a fantastic family holiday destination. Many of the participants have already planned extra days before and after the event at the hotel.

See the Mountain Madness trailer!

2008 HUMM Accommodation:

• Accommodation has been booked in the 4 Star "Hotel Riberies" in Llavorsi. We have negotiated a package price which includes all breakfasts and evening meals for 3 nights for £170 per person including VAT.
• This hotel has the best breakfasts in Spain, possibly the best in England - no exaggeration! Full cooked English breakfast PLUS fruit, yogurt, cereals, breads, cheeses, cold meats, fresh squeezed orange juice, etc. Three course dinners will offer a vegetarian choice as well as chicken, fish or beef. And after a hard day's riding, you will appreciate the luxury of this hotel. If your significant other is along, they will really appreciate the heated outdoor pool and the spa, jacuzzi, gym facilities, including manicures, pedicures and a variety of massages, and you will earn many brownie points ;-)
• The hotel also offers horseback riding and white water rafting for those wanting a little more adventure.

For me, it would certainly work out cheaper...... I live in Spain. it is also Closer........ plus the gasoline prices here are still cheaper than the UK even though the thieving gits put 85 octane unleaded up to 1.10Euro a Litre today!

Originally Posted by dave ede

No ,.......Martynbiker was correct the first time, with perhaps the exception of the catering, a few cars are different, but as Ian says about the bikes, whats eccentric about them ? with the exception of Africa Twins ?

Dave,
You could be correct I am thinking about 25 - 30 years ago, and rather eccentric a vast assortment would be a better description. Although a z1000 with knobblies is high on the scale of lunatic.
I bristle against authority more than most but IMHO those "headmasters" keep it the way it should be ands that’s why it’s unique, it’s been going for donkeys and long may it continue.

Steve

[Martynbiker]

Originally Posted by SteveAttwood

Dave,
You could be correct I am thinking about 25 - 30 years ago, and rather eccentric a vast assortment would be a better description. Although a z1000 with knobblies is high on the scale of lunatic.
I bristle against authority more than most but IMHO those "headmasters" keep it the way it should be ands that’s why it’s unique, it’s been going for donkeys and long may it continue.

Steve

Ahhhh Tradition, got to keep it the way it has always been? keep it unique, thats what makes us BRITISH! cant change wont change attitude is pathetic!
c'mon Steve wake up n smell the Coffee!......


P.S. Sorry should that be Wake up n smell the Tea?

[palace15]

Originally Posted by SteveAttwood

Dave,
You could be correct I am thinking about 25 - 30 years ago, and rather eccentric a vast assortment would be a better description. Although a z1000 with knobblies is high on the scale of lunatic.
I bristle against authority more than most but IMHO those "headmasters" keep it the way it should be ands that’s why it’s unique, it’s been going for donkeys and long may it continue.

Steve

Steve, because of the headmaster attitude that is the reason that a good few members from our offroad club will not entertain MCC events, ask Ian how many bike entries were received for the 'Edinburgh' trial before F&M forced its cancellation? . And it is probably the same organisers now as it was 25-30 years ago.
There is no encouragement for riders to take up the 'sport' of Long distance trials, and I could just imagine the attitude of the 'headmasters' if 20 or so 20year olds entered one of the events!!!