Guidelines for section setting

[Betaman]

Here's something I whipped up yesterday. Thanks to PA and Roger G for their input on this one thus far.
The idea was to put together a workable set of guidelines so anyone regardless of experience could go and set of good rideable sections.

Any further comments, additions, criticisms most welcome





MOTOTRIALS SECTION SETTING GUIDELINES

1.Set sections with lots of variety. 10 sections of nothing but rocks is totally unimaginative. If there is a creek use it, if the property has logs and a then use them.

2.Do set 80% of the sections that are within the capabilities of the riders they are aimed at. Setting sections that are too hard will only bend bikes and break riders. Said riders may not come back next time. If in doubt ask someone else for a second opinion. If still in doubt set the section on the easier and safe side. A rider with a zero is happier than a rider with a 5 and a funny limp.

3.If there is room for it, preferably set sections with multiple choices of lines.

4.Maximum of 3 splits per class,per section. No More. If any one class has more than 3 splits then that class wastes too much time walking and riding the section thus increasing queues at sections.

5.DO NOT set splits for anyone lower than B grade that will bend bikes and break bodies if they get it horribly wrong. Refer to No 2 for consequences.

6. Ditto no 5 for B grade Sidecars. Once again if you have not a clue then ask someone who does. If there is no one suitably qualified then err on the side of caution AND MAKE IT SAFE.

7. Have a clearly defined entry and exit chute to each section. This allows riders to enter and vacate a section in CONTROL. It also allows for any rapid acceleration required to be done in section where it is safe.

8. Ideally allow for whole section to be viewed by one obsever without said observer having to run a marathon to score a rider thru the section.

[Stu]

after this years Denman 2 day trial, I agree with the way their sections are set..plenty of options of equal difficulty. Alot of people could learn from them.
If we want more people in trials, dont set the setions for A, B only, look after your entry level riders too!

[sdeane01]

Have a variety of grade riders set the sections too. I also believe that EVERY rider should set sections at least once a year. It is a difficult job that should be shared around. Also reminds riders how much work is involved and how difficult it can be.

[Reinald]

As a clubman relatively new to the sport these posts make sense to me.
What I like as a C grader or has tried B grade and open twin shock lines [which were a bit of a stretch for me but a lot of fun and a huge learning curve] is as follows:
1. Steep hill climbs that you can power up in second - great fun [Broweena had a beauty this year on section 7.a nd overall a great trial in terms of fun and hard bits]. And perhaps for twin shock some more of the old style long and hard rather than short and tight modern approach [but mix these up and a balance between the two].
2. If there is one section that is going to only be cleared by a few ensure the gnarly bit has safe dismount / crash options for lesser riders.
3. I like the rule of thumb statement that somebody said "1/3 riders should think its too hard; 1/3 just right and 1/3 too easy". I don't believe you can keep everyone happy all of the time.
4. When marking out three classes in one section there is a tendency to make the lesser grades ride almost straight through with out giving them enough turns, distance and diversity - Denman guys/girls seemed to have got this sorted.
5. A little trail riding between sections can be relaxing and enjoyable - a one way enduro style marked loop back to the first section for example.

Finally a big thank you to people that give up their Saturdays to do this job and observe, organise etc.
Its a great amateur sport that costs little and the participants are friendly helpful and not so much of the attitude you get at MX and some other sports.

[Betaman]

Thanks for the input guys.

The whole idea of this was to make it much easier for someone new to section setting being able to come in and put together a sensible section that caters for all the classes whilst also making it safe for the lower grades in case they make a mistake. Safety was my big motivation as sometimes riders from either end of the spectrum have unrealistic ideas of what is within the capabilities of riders from other grades.