Rider handicapping technique - Queensland in the 1970s

[David Lahey]

In late 1975, the ACU trials rider grading committee decided to apply a handicap (blindfold)to the TY175 rider pictured, based on his stellar performance throughout that year.
What the committee didn't think of was that back then there was no rule to prevent a minder from physically helping their rider to navigate a section.

What - you don't believe me?

No guessing here. The rider is Alan Gilbert, the "minder" is David Batterham. Left side person is Shorty Hall. Hand on hip is Reg Broom. Green shirt is Kent Hughes. In the background leaning over a bit is Stan Gilbert. All were founding members of the Northern Districts Motorcycle Trials Club and are pictured at the first Xmas party for the club at Ron Boyle's Upper Lacey's Creek property in late 1975.

David

[Trango]

That seems fair David, we need to try out the good riders with new challenges. Was just wondering if the rider lost points because the minder had his feet down

[David Lahey]

When I took the photo it seemed that they might actually get through the section but not long after the photo, progress became increasingly zigzag then glacial and we all ended up in fits of laughter.
To answer you question with a question - have you ever tried balancing a bike while blindfolded?

[Trango]

Your question raises a good point David. I have never tried riding blindfolded but I competed in a couple of social night rides W.D.T.C hosted in the late 80's. We had to ride sections with the headlight as the only source of illumination and this reduction in vision made bike control a lot more difficult. I found my eyes would watch the light as it moved over the ground (when it was aimed in the right direction) instead of looking ahead at a stationary object. I think also the loss of peripheral vision affected my balance.

[David Lahey]

Sounds like a good fun event. Did many people get lost? I can just imagine people fiddling furiously with their wiring at the machine examination trying to get them to work.

On that same topic, I see that there are night-time trials events being run in the UK where the rider has to provide the lighting and the hot setup seems to be fancy, powerful head mounted lights powered by strap-on battery packs. I reckon riding sections like that would take a bit of getting used to. I'd be worried about accidentally riding over the edge of a cliff.

[Trango]

Do not remember anyone getting lost, the sections were laid out around the edges of the carpark. Those head mounted lamps would make night riding easier. Would be able to look at upcoming obstacles when the front wheel was off the ground and not be restricted by which way the headset was turned.