The secret is out...

...and in our garage.  ;)

It started a couple years ago, at Dirtweek '00 or '01, I don't remember.  But Patman brought his Montesa up, and everyone took turns riding it, including myself and Dave.  Dave was immediately hooked, and decided that the next bike to get would be a trials bike.  Last year, one of our club members got a trials bike and started competing.  That just inflamed the itch that Dave had.

This spring, we sold my old '95 KDX200, that we'd kept around as a second/guest bike.  Proceeds from that sale, combined with a little refund from Uncle Sam, and we found a 2000 Beta Rev3 (270cc) at the Tryals Shop out here in NY.  It has been rebuilt, as the previous (young) owner didn't know about things like preventative maintenance.   His loss-- our gain. 

Dave brought the bike home yesterday evening after work.  He was already out riding around the yard on it when I got home!  A quick change of clothes, and I grabbed my camera and went out and shot a couple pictures.  I had some trouble starting the bike.  Ok, I couldn't start it at all!  I just couldn't get adjusted to the left-hand kick and the extra compression.  Guess I'm going to have to practice that some more. :think:

We practiced corners, and lofting the front wheel.  There was a small pile of rocks in the yard, and Dave set up a little ramp.  He was wishing he had the camera, as the first time I went over the rock pile I really nailed the wheel lift and nearly cleared the whole pile. :eek:   I sure wish the suspension on my KTM would glide over the rocks like that.  Smooth as silk on the trials bike. 

Now Dave's all ready to try his first trials event, and coincidentally enough we have one on the schedule this Sunday.  The nice thing about trials around here, the events are $10 to compete, start at noon, and are all located within 90 minutes of our house (many of them 30 minutes!) 

I asked Dave if he had anything to add to this ride report, and all he said was, "Wheee!".   Indeed. :)

Thanks to Patman for his many suggestions on bikes to look at, as well as getting us hooked up with the Tryals Shop (in our own back yard!)  And for getting us started with this whole trials nonsense in the first place! :cool:

Here's a pic of our latest addition:

And another pic of Dave checking out the nice torque of the Beta:

 

Thanks Nicole!  Heh, heh, looking at those pictures of the Gas Gas site, it looks like I was doing the wheelies RIGHT!  (Where's that little raspberry smilie??)

Dave commented that when I pulled the wheelies, I was a little far back (but not THAT far--my arms aren't long enough!), and not pulling the bike up to my chest.  I had my arms more bent, not straight like his.  I thought I was doing it wrong! (Dave--  :moon: )

24 hour update:  I came home from work on Friday, but the Beta and Dave were nowhere to be seen.  I changed clothes, and shortly thereafter Dave comes running up to the house, from the barn.  He'd slashed his finger open, trying to make a repair on the bike!

Seems he was practicing wheelies (INCORRECTLY, I might add), got sloppy, and came down on the rear fender, snapping it off. :think: 

The man is a menace!  Can't leave him by himself for a second.  Well, he'll just have to ride the event on Sunday with a spodely-looking bolted on rear fender.  Serves him right. ;)

Well, three days after picking up the trials bike, Dave participated in his first observed trials on Sunday.  We'd only spectated at one event in the fall, so as this was his first time and he wasn't exactly sure what he was doing, he signed up for the "Rookie" class.   Less than half a dozen in the class total--maybe the chilly weather and muddy sections kept people away.

As it was, the Beta performed well, and Dave pretty much decimated the Rookie class, dropping only 5 points the whole day.  I think he was a little sheepish, talking to some of the other guys after the event, telling them we just picked up the bike a few days ago.  :eek:  He's decided he will move himself up to Novice class the next event!

He also gave me the option of riding the next trials that doesn't interfere with our enduro schedule.  :o   Guess I'm gonna have to figure out that starting drill!

Thanks for the tips, Wayne!

I've started the Beta a couple times, both left and right footed.  I needed to use a rock or step for the other foot, to give me a little lift.  I AM short, and every little bit helps.  It did seem a bit easier/more natural to straddle the bike and use the left foot.  I'm sure I'll get the hang of it eventually-- it seems to start very easily with the right technique!

Hi Mike!  Yep, we are right smack in the middle of D4 trials.  Last Sunday's event was the first D4 event of the season.  While Dave was in the sign up line, I was intently reading the 2003 rules that were posted.  An older gentleman came up and asked me if I was participating, and I said, "No, not this time".  We struck up a conversation, and it was only later that I realized that I was talking to Carl Peters! :o

Heck of a nice guy, and he only lives 15 minutes from us.  Invited us to come over any time for lessons, so we'll be taking him up on that pretty soon!  (As soon as some warmer weather comes back!)

Are you coming out to NY this summer?  If so, give us a holler and maybe we can meet up at an event. :thumb: