Colin Zars article

[wendus]

im sorry but i dont seem to remember writing anything about getting rid of riders... why would i want to do that? without riders we wouldnt have a sport... but without observers we wouldnt either.
all im trying to get across is that ALL riders need to polite and respectful to observers and if they need to question an observer try to do so in a less accusive mannar.

observing isnt a burden to me... i love it... i get to meet so many new people and see so many people that ive known for years. and as to outriding them.... i know that im never going to be able to do that... ever. this isnt about beating people, arguing with people or trying to get rid of riders, its about the respect people deserve... and not 'bagging those' who are out there helping to run the event or riding the event

it works both ways... if observers and their decisions aren't commented on then riders and their opinions wont be either

wendy bennett

[BJ]

Mmmmmmmm

I have the original Name Plate used by Kev Zar when he rode for the Scorpa Hell Team at last years Super Trial in Victoria. I was thinking about putting it on Ebay.............

Maybe Fred Nurk and Fonzy might want to put in bids before I list it ???????? It would be fine piece of memorabilia and look good on the wall

[oztrialrider]

it works both ways... if observers and their decisions aren't commented on then riders and their opinions wont be either

wendy bennett[/quote]

This is exactly right, it does work both ways...

Riders see things their way when they ride a section, and of course observers see things from their point of view when they score.

Both groups are then seen by external groups, spectators, families, friends, new-bees, and so on.

Riders often don't see how others see them from the side, but they get told by others afterwards that their actions offended somebody, and likewise observers don't see how the riders and others see them acting... and the riders are equally free to say if it effected them.

everyone at a trial is equal, all groups are equal, and interdependant on the others. If a rider makes a poor action, they will be commented on, this is a free country. If a observer makes a poor action, in the eyes of the external group, they will be commented on. This is exactly what happened in perth, for example section 9 solo on sunday.

Riders are used to having people comment on them, and they get on with it. Observers will find themselves being commented on more and more into the future, and they will also learn to get on with it.

oztrialrider

[austini]

My son observed section 9 on day two, and in my opinion he observed to the best of his ability and followed the scoring as laid down in the GCR's. I'm unsure of the incident in question however I believe it was a rider balancing with both feet on the footrests, pushing down with his right toes to regain balance on a rock. Now by the GCR's footing occurs when any part of the body of the rider touches the ground. (11.5.3.1) I'm afraid I can't find any clarification in the rule book as to whether a rider can use his toes to manouver the machine into a better position, as per indoor trials. I find pushing off a rock with your toes no different to pushing of a tree with your elbow to regain balance, I believe the rider did contest the point and his score altered later by the clerk of course, therefore the system works, riders never contest the points the observers don't see though.......... Observers must interpret the rule book as best they can, how many of the experts would have lost many 5's if whist hopping they moved slightly backward without footing!!! Even when using their toes to assist in balancing isn't that classed as sliding a foot along the ground and therefore deemed as footing more than twice?

[Tony C]

Do Colin & Kevin ride with "stab me here" targets on their back? Do they have a following of "Zar beaters"?
Is it a case of "I can't ride better so I'll use slur & inuendo"?
It's unbelievable that such a small riding community can be so vindictive.
Since re-commencing trials in 2004 I've noticed no other riders draw such criticism.
I have on occaision waited in queue with Colin or Kevin & found both to be helpful, easy to talk to & enjoy joking around.
All Expert riders have more to ride for than any other, eg sponsorship, National representation, etc, so there is expectation for them to perform at their best at all times.
When scoring/observing goes against them, it's more detremental than to the average rider, so obviously they need to question these scores.
Admittedly all parties need to stay calm & collected but this can be difficult mid trial with time running out, observers stressed, riders hot & heated, etc.
We never have enough officials so alienating those who do volunteer to stand there all day is not the answer, neither is condemning a rider for questioning a doubtful (or otherwise) call, regardless of who they are.
Wouldn't it be sad if 2 brilliant Australian riders threw in the towel & moved to other pursuits or overseas? What would the benchmark be for other up & coming Expert riders? Remember, you only improve by riding against the best.
Maybe others think or hope that they will retire but my guess is it will just make them more detirmed.

Sorry Maree for any spelling mistakes.

[keithj]

Interesting thread!

In my understanding there is a process to deal with an observer's decision - rider questions the score, accepts it, then follows up with CoC if still unhappy. In my experience, very rarely does the final step happen.

At the end of all that the rider must accept the decision. To then criticise the decision in a public forum is, IMO, unsportsman-like. We all know what happens when say a 1st class cricket player bags the umpire - fines, suspensions, etc. Top level sportspeople just can't do that.

I guess therefore the question here is "Are Colin's comments a criticism or a comment?"

[lewry family]

Hi Tony

I wouldn't care at all if everyword you wrote was spelt incorrectly as I agree with you wholeheartedly

This thread of conversation reeks of deja vu.

Regards
Maree

[Rob W]

Boy I new this was going to be a good thread. Most action we've seen on TA for quite some time. Is it all true? Pity you can't be certain that everything you read on an online forum is ridgy-didge.

[David Lahey]

I've just printed this thread out and intend framing it for future reference in case I ever think it might be fun to be an Observer for Open Class at an Aussie Titles.

[Neo]

Wow.... and to think all these post’s happened in less than 24 hours.

Where are all you guys when there is something important, interesting and exciting to read and write about....like anything else (but this) to do with riding Trials bikes.

There’s only two people that know the real truth on these, above mentioned, situations. The rider and the observer. So why not let them settle it between themselves?


Best of balance.

Neo