- Nov 25, 1999
- 7,926
- 43
I made my way to OctoberTest in Disney, OK. It was my first Trials event and I really didn't know what to expect. I got a late start and missed sign up, so I just spent the day following groups around to the different section.
Section I was a log section. The logs each 18" in diameter were laid out like spokes in a huge wagon wheel. Watching the various classes go thru I saw many techniques, some better than others. When opportunity presented itself, I made a pass. Log crossings have always been my achillies heel. This was no different except I had an exert giving me tips after my first miserable attempt. I made a couple of more passes and at least know how to work on the technique.
Hogan's Off Road park is at the base of Grand Lake Dam. It is a trials bike heaven. Virtually every section had rock from gravel size to house size. I continued the sections trying the novice lines and watching as many riders as possible. I'll enter the next event that I can and have a go at it.
The best part of the event was the pros. Pat and Phil Smadge were there. They had spent the week with my first local contact into Trials. These guys are phenomenal to say the least. In the regular sections, they showed great prowess with no hesitation. But they really shined in the demonstration sections at the end of the day. OMG!!!!!!!!!!:yikes:
The pros traversed the most insane obstacles I've ever seen. Pat Smadge pulled off a leap that was outstanding. He took his loaner Sherco and leaped six feet vertically. I'm not talking splatter, but leap. With a half bike length to the obstacle, a watermellon sized rock in front of him, his front wheel resting on the watermellon sized rock, he revved the bike to the moon, slipped the clutch to bring the bike into a wheelie, brought the rear wheel onto the rock, loaded the rear suspension and then leaped! His rear tire made it to just below the top of the vertical climb and he motored right up and stopped. Of the other pros that made it, they all splattered with a bang on the bash plate.
Steve Krabill was there and we had a chance to visit. I look forward to riding with Steve in the near future. I went home and skipped the second day but all I can say is, Wow! Like many off road groups, they people were great, friendly and willing to help everyone just because they asked.
Superb event and can't wait for the next one.
Section I was a log section. The logs each 18" in diameter were laid out like spokes in a huge wagon wheel. Watching the various classes go thru I saw many techniques, some better than others. When opportunity presented itself, I made a pass. Log crossings have always been my achillies heel. This was no different except I had an exert giving me tips after my first miserable attempt. I made a couple of more passes and at least know how to work on the technique.
Hogan's Off Road park is at the base of Grand Lake Dam. It is a trials bike heaven. Virtually every section had rock from gravel size to house size. I continued the sections trying the novice lines and watching as many riders as possible. I'll enter the next event that I can and have a go at it.
The best part of the event was the pros. Pat and Phil Smadge were there. They had spent the week with my first local contact into Trials. These guys are phenomenal to say the least. In the regular sections, they showed great prowess with no hesitation. But they really shined in the demonstration sections at the end of the day. OMG!!!!!!!!!!:yikes:
The pros traversed the most insane obstacles I've ever seen. Pat Smadge pulled off a leap that was outstanding. He took his loaner Sherco and leaped six feet vertically. I'm not talking splatter, but leap. With a half bike length to the obstacle, a watermellon sized rock in front of him, his front wheel resting on the watermellon sized rock, he revved the bike to the moon, slipped the clutch to bring the bike into a wheelie, brought the rear wheel onto the rock, loaded the rear suspension and then leaped! His rear tire made it to just below the top of the vertical climb and he motored right up and stopped. Of the other pros that made it, they all splattered with a bang on the bash plate.
Steve Krabill was there and we had a chance to visit. I look forward to riding with Steve in the near future. I went home and skipped the second day but all I can say is, Wow! Like many off road groups, they people were great, friendly and willing to help everyone just because they asked.
Superb event and can't wait for the next one.
