Vintage Trials is the sport of Observed Trials ridden on Trials motorcycles produced before the advent of the modern mono-shock machines. The bikes may be from the pre '65 era of British two and four stroke motorcycles, the early post '65 era of Spanish Trials bikes, or Japanese or European Trials motorcycles which came slightly later; all of these having either two rear shock absorbers or being of rigid frame.
The object of "Observed Trials" is to ride through specified courses, called sections, without setting your feet down, riding out-of-bounds, or stopping. These sections are generally laid out in wooded areas and use the natural terrain to form different obstacles used to test the rider's balance and throttle control. The sections are placed along a trail which forms a loop. There may be eight to twelve or more "observed sections" along the loop which is ridden several times, giving the rider new chances to attempt each section. A set number of loops ridden is announced at the beginning of the Trial, as well as the "finish time". At the end of the Trial, riders hand in their score sheets, and their scores are tallied by rider/machine classes. The lowest score takes the highest place in each class.
The Sections
The sections of an "Observed Trial" are where the rider is scored by an observer or
"checker". These sections vary in length but usually take less than a minute to negotiate.
They have an entry and exit point which take effect as the front axle passes through them.
The left boundary is marked with blue ribbon or flags, and the right is marked with red.
Natural obstacles of mud, rocks, logs, streams etc... together with tight turns and hillsides
are the heart of each section. At MAVT events there are three different "lines" in each section. Depending on the rider's ability and machine, he/she is assigned to ride one of
these lines. The "3" line is the easiest and is designed for beginners. The "2" line is more difficult, and the "1" line is the most challenging. At the end of each section the riders are given their score and proceed on to the next section along the loop where they will be scored once again.
Scoring
Each rider begins each section with "0" points, as shown by the checker's raised, closed
hand. If the rider exits the section without "dabbing", stopping, or going out of bounds
he/she accumulates no points, and is given a "clean". If the rider dabs a foot once while
in the section, the checker holds up one finger to signify the current score. If the rider dabs
again, or uses another part of his body for support, the rider is given another point, and
the checker now has two fingers raised. If the rider dabs a third or more times, he/she is
given a third point. No more than three points are given for dabs no matter how many
times the rider sets a foot down. Beyond getting three points, a rider will receive a "five"
for either stopping in the section (balanced or not) or going out of bounds. Also if a rider
chooses not to ride a section, he/she may request a five. The penalty for missing a section
is ten points. At the end of the meet, each rider's points are added together for a total
score. If there is a tie in any class, the person with the most "cleans" breaks the tie.
The Wrap Up
This is just a brief over-view of Vintage Trials. We hope that it perks your interest. This
is a fun, inexpensive sport with lots of comradery as well as great competition. We invite
you to come see for yourself, and bring a friend. We'll be happy to tell you more about:
Vintage Trials
