Mid-Atlantic Vintage Trials Series' Rules
Vintage Observed Trials
An observed trial takes place on a course, called the "loop", made up of a series of observed sections that contain natural obstacles such as mud, rocks, water, logs, etc... The contestant's goal is to ride through each of these sections while accruing as few points as possible. Sections must be clearly marked and not less than one meter wide. Where possible, natural boundaries such as tree rows or stream banks should be used as section boundaries. Where no natural boundaries exist, sections should be adequately marked with colored tape or other media to clearly show the boundaries.
Loop requirements:
The loop must not contain impossible turns, ascents or descents, nor be too hazardous. It should be set up with a beginner rider in mind so that all riders can get to all of the sections with relative ease. Weather should also be considered when designing the loop.
The loop should flow from one section to another without cross-traffic or splits, and should give enough room between sections to avoid exiting riders from one section interfering with riders in the next section.
The loop should be clearly marked with arrows pointing the way to the next section. Ideally, when a rider passes one arrow, the next should be in sight, or it should be obvious as to the route.
Section Requirements:
Sections must not contain impossible turns, ascents or descents, nor be too hazardous.
Each section must be clearly marked by "Begin" and "End" signs noting the section number.
Sections must be at least one meter wide, whether for one line or all lines.
Sections must be clearly marked with red ribbon denoting the right boundary, and blue ribbon denoting the left boundary.
All splits for individual lines must be clearly marked using a medium that is at least 6" by 8". A vertical line through the center of each marker will represent the split with the line number(s) on the appropriate side of the line. Lines not using the split will be omitted from the marker. The lowest number will always be at the top of the marker with succeeding lines below. When needed, the use of yellow or white ribbon may also be used to help designate the split.
Section length should be determined by the time needed to complete the section. In general, it should take between about fifteen to thirty seconds to complete each section.
Each section must be test ridden by a rider or riders of the appropriate skill level, preferably on a "Vintage" bike, to determine it's difficulty, and to insure that deterioration or weather will not cause the section to become dangerous. Note: The more a section is test ridden, the easier it will be to determine the above.
Sections should be designed to take points from the average rider of the line, not give "fives". The average rider should average about a point per section at an event.
Event requirements:
MAVT "Points" events will be as outlined below to qualify as such.
At least two thirds of the riders must be considered "finishers" for the event to qualify for points.
The start and stop times of the event must be stated at the rider's meeting before the event and should not be changed unless it becomes necessary. Anyone "in line" at their last section at the stop time will be allowed to ride the section and will be considered on time. Anyone not in line at their last section at the stop time will be considered a DNF other than exclusions to this rule mentioned elsewhere.
There should be between seven and twelve sections per loop, with between twenty-eight and thirty-six total sections for the event.
Riders should be able to complete the event within a four hour period.
Sections must be ridden in their designated order, and a section may be attempted just once per lap. Riders not adhering to this rule will be subject to disqualification.
No section may be closed, altered or deleted without the consent of the course marshal.
Scoring begins when the front axle passes the start markers, and ends when the front axle passes the finish markers.
Riders may not practice a section, although it may be inspected on foot prior to riding. Practice riding will result in disqualification.
Riders must at least make an attempt at each section the required number of times to be considered a finisher. If you do not wish to ride a section but still be considered a finisher you must at least enter the section on the bike. You may then stop and receive a five for that section. The only exception to this rule is riders of heavyweight bikes, those with separate engine and gear box of 350cc or greater. These riders are only required to complete one loop and one section to be considered a finisher. Any sections beyond that, not attempted will be scored as a five.
Riders may compete in only one class per event.
Riders must ride the line designated for their class. Riding another line will be considered "Out-of-bounds".
Riders may switch motorcycles during the event as long as the replacement bike qualifies for the same class. Riders may not switch bikes and start over in either the same or a different class.
