NATIONAL TRIALS ARE BEST IN THE WEST.

[Steve Holzhauser]

Good overall wrap up on the 2006 Nationals Kev.

The weekend was every bit as exciting as those I have attended in WA in 1997 and 2001,well worth the long trip over.

The WA Trials committee can again boast the most well organised, smooth running, yet testing sections presented to challenge all levels of competitors.

Simon Price with his tremendous band of helpers really do set the standard.

The Veterans class always has the greatest rider numbers and this year was no exception.
Two notable WA riders missing were Allan Norris (officiating) and Simon Price,minding for his son Neil.

Day one in the Veterans class saw Sections 7, 9 and 11 the more challenging with marks easily lost.

Undoubtably the main points taker was Section 2 which was only cleaned by three riders on lap 1 - Tony Povey, Robbie White and myself.
On the following two laps it took at least a mark from every rider, and this gave me the slight break.

Comforting to have a slight buffer on both Paul and Tim after day 1, but knowing these two riders could quickly bring a change of position if given the opportunity.

The second day of competition saw 13 fresh sections in the same riding loop as the previous day.

Again the organisers presented a great lay out of diverse sections,some quite long and requiring very accurate positioning and control of the machine to ride clean.

Toughest and the points takers being;Section 4, a very steep down hill with twists and turns to both right and left which needed very delicate control, it was a gem.

Section 8 particularly,was a steep rocky uphill approach to a even steeper off camber rock strewn climb up to the top of the hill, then come on back down into more unforgiving rocks to be sent up a sharp, up hill climb with a double log jump exit.

Section 12 caught out most of the field with its tight turn to the right at the top of the climb, to be confronted with a large up and over boulder that had you going straight back up another rock step, before negotiating a very tricky steep downhill, off cambered exit.
All challenging, but nothing dangerous

A couple of new riders I met this year and travelled part of the course with, were Tony Povey and Mark Austin and I also had a few tips from Frank Patane. Thanks .

On both days the sidecar boys being on the same course, helped and hindered to some degree, but the entertainment value and unbelievable skills as well as crashes shown by them, is a joy to watch especially being in the front row seat.

The layout of sections on both days for Opens Solo and Masters, as well as the support grades, was flowing and easy for riders and spectators to access.This in turn resulted in no holdups on either day,and made it most enjoyable for everyone.

The presentation dinner, as in previous visits, was very well presented and well attended and to top it off the food was first class.

Again congratulations to the WA Trials community for a job well done.

Looking forward to seeing you all again in South Australia in 2007.

[Stu]

Steve, how was it for the Post- Classic sections? Was it standard Club or Open type sections?

[lewry family]

Great report Kevin!!

Lewry family

[Ben Z]

Kevin and Steve,

Congratulation to both of you for well rounded and comprehensive reports on the Nationals...

They are two of the better reports that I can remember reading over the years.... So well done....

It is fantastic to see that you both acknowledge that us sidecar boys are in fact the most spectacular group of competitors out there... and probably the class that spectators enjoy watching the most...

That is something that I have claimed to be true for years....

Its just a pity their isn't more "brain dead" people like us.... (well thats how i feel some times whe you roll up to a section and see where we are meant to ride...) around Australia to jump on a sidecar and increase the field a bit...

[austini]

Thanks for a great report Steve, however I think your being too modest as you mentioned I followed you for a good part of day one and I must say you approach to every section was most enlightening. Most riders completly disect the first lap then when returning to the section on lap two and three will normally only give a cursory glance at the section especially if previously cleaned, watching you plan your ride on all laps is definatly a trick for new and not so new players...... As myself and Tony Povey discussed later we both cleaned most sections during both days either on the first lap or later so in theory were capable of dropping less than 10 points for both days!!!!! however as always consistancy and focus is the key, and of course add a sprinkling of luck!!!!! Too ride clean on both days is an outstanding achievment, especially taking into consideration the ever changing nature of the sections. (what with the snow ploughs riding similar lines). I would doubt if the three top experts would of achieved a clean event riding our lines as was the nature of the sections......
Lessons learned:
1. Must be able to do basic hops but only when required, I only saw Steve hop intentionally on section 2 day1 however when Steve was out of line on section 11/12? day1 you saved the day with more basic hopping....
2. Watch as many of your peers ride the section first and recheck the section if a sidecar just rode your line...
3. If time permits comeback to a difficult section at a later date, it may improve but it may get worse...
4. Take heed of what lines the other lesser riders take, if theres an easyer way of doing things they'll find it......

Finally i'd lilke to say thank you too all the riders who ventured over especially the vets, seeing Joe ride at 74!! was staggering, i'd just like to have a heartbeat at 74.........

[Neo]

Hi Steve,

Well done.

I would have loved to have made it there, just to have watched you ride.

You’re always an inspiration.


Best of balance.

Neo

[Steve Holzhauser]

Steve, how was it for the Post- Classic sections? Was it standard Club or Open type sections?

Hey Stu,
The sections for the Twinshocks was pretty much the same line as ours, (Vets) we had a few more splitters in place.
As can be seen by the results,bit tougher than your average clubbie line, there were no gimmes out there for them on both days.

The talking point of the first day was "young" Chappys ride.
A few of us were at section 7 on the first lap and Chappy rides up to the start and yells" I'll show you the line,out of the way" and before you could blink he was up out and gone,clean as a whistle.

Then, still on lap 1, we were at section 11 which was a long up and down affair when who comes down the hill with a big grin still giving cheek,something about pulling your finger ... anyhow waits for the markers wave, and again he was in, out and gone.
We all just shook our head...found out later he had completed his three laps before anyone else have handed in a completed first lap card.
Think he likes to finish early so he gets the coldest beer......or two???

[Stu]

Good to see Chappy hasn't changed!