NSW 2008 championship points chart

[Gary B]

Stu,
The Venables handicap system is only used for Veterans (Riders over 40 y.o.) this was the Greybeard class.
This grade is run over "C" Grade lines.

[paulm]

Slightly off topic again but this is a really interesting thread and I’m happy to throw in my two bobs worth as one of those Old b---grs who hops up and down between C (Vet) and Clubman.

How about this for an idea…

Let’s assume that the B, A and X classes are reasonably content with their lot – sorry lads and lasses if I’m speaking out of turn but just indulge me for a couple of paragraphs.

That leaves:

Masters – let’s make the same assumption.

So we now we have C, Vets, Clubbies, and of course the juniors.

Clubbies are as Garry rightly says - two distinct groups:

The first group are newcomers to the sport or up and coming youngsters, juniors or older, who intend to progress to C if not B and above in time.

The second are those who are either at the ‘top of thier game’ (as good as we’re ever going to be) or, in the twilight of our trials ridding careers – either way we’re reasonably content with our lot - we have broad spread of ability but all are in it because we love the sport and really enjoy the whole trials thing. Frankly most don’t relish getting hurt or busting the bike, the improvements we can make in our riding skills are marginal and if made to ride a harder grade then we might give it go, as I often do (with interesting results) but in the medium or long term we’d probably end up giving it away.

My sense is that the challenge for us guys in riding C grade is that the sections have to be set as a steppingstone to B grade – we get that - but it’s hard riding sections that are set to take marks of ex B grade riders, the top half dozen in Vets are damn good riders many ex B grade champs.

But are we any-less competitive? – I don’t think so…

Do the guys starting out feel ‘disappointed’ to be beaten by Keith or Les or Bill or Sue? – they shouldn’t cos their good riders, but they might.

So to the idea –

1. Leave the severity of the sections as is – I think this year you guys have done, and are doing, an outstanding job – I’ve been riding in NSW for 12 years and I’ve never heard so little moaning.

2. For State Champs/Opens add a ‘Super Clubby’ class, as Gary suggests, by pre determining say two sections where Super Clubbies must ride the C markers – (only proviso no steep drop offs please that’s the bit we clubbies fear the most) AND adding the Venables to illustrate that anyone can ride this class but it's meant for Old B---grs).

That way the newcomers/juniors can ride the Clubbie lines without us old b----grs pinching their pots (until they feel confident to go to C) and we get to ride with a bit more of challenge without injury or the feeling we’re pinching the youngsters’ pots.

I guess the proviso for class hopping at Champ events would be you 'elect' your class at the start of the season by way of the class you enter on your first event. You can go up and back to your class at will, but you can't go down unless you enter as no award.

Having said all that - what other sport would you see three generations of competitors in the top 5, and often on the podium, in their respective classes’ so it can’t be all bad - nice work Gary, Dad and Son…

Paul Mac

[nipper]

It certainly needs a lot of thought before anything is set up though.
Do we need another grade for "Super Seniors"??
See what Paul & I mean about lots of things to consider.

Garry and Paul, here is another very important matter that I should bring to your attention.

This really is a serious issue,I think the venables system should be updated for veterans over 55 years as a matter of urgency.

After much debate following the last few Trials we were all comparing the more expensive trade brands to the cheaper generic brand medications and it is our collective opinions the proposals put forward below should be given immediate consideration and support.

On reaching the age of 55 all these riders should be accompanied by an MA supplied minder/escort,you know the ones similar to the girls they use on the podiums of the Formula Grand Prix events.

Oh yeah, and because of the distraction this is bound to cause, these riders should receive an automatic point deduction per section if they were to take 2 dabs or more.

I'm sure this will bring out a whole lot of the older riders who have been lost to other more invigerating forms of sports, like darts,lawn bowls, curling and chess.

(Think of the bike sales Paul !)

It makes a lot of sense if these type minders were trained in first aid, so anyone falling or having a black out would receive immediate attention with mouth to mouth resusitation and in the event of falling into a waterhole a few of these minders could form a close huddle around the unfortunate veteran and keep him warm till he is ready to continue.

If the 90 second rule is to be implemented the over 55 Veterans must have a 30 second extension to give a full 2 minutes per section riding time. Hurrying is the major cause of crashes and injury. Its a well known fact most 5's are caused by these older riders forgetting where they are going and 90 seconds just puts to much pressure on their capabilities.

These well thought out rule changes may lower the insurance we have to pay each year and lead to cheaper annual competition licences for everybody.

So in short, if this form of motorcycling is to survive we must look after this larger group of soon to be extinct riders.

I can assure you I have the full support of every over 55 Veteran I have discused these pressing issues with.

Let us know of your progress with the relivant authorities because at our age we hate to be messed around and kept waiting...OK.

[Stu]

Thank you Paul Mac, Gary and Nipper. It has given me more confidence to know the sport is STILL in good hands.
Congrats to the Boniface Clan on their achievement!

[Gary B]

Nipper,
Surely this idea of yours isn't new.
Keith has had the lovely Sue helping him out for years now.
I'm just not sure if she's keen to wear one of those "Short Shorts" outfits for all the Trials crew to see, maybe it's just for Keith.

[paulm]

Gary

I think you've got Nippers idea wrong...Sue needs an 'appropriately appointed' minder too.

Paul Mac