Well, it happened again this year. In an amazing bit of luck, I found yet another completely new area for this year’s event when I was at the TTC in May for the World MotoTrials Round. Those of you who missed the World Round really missed seeing some incredible riding. I would argue that the top MotoTrials guys equal, if not exceed, the skill of the top BikeTrials guys.
The rocks this year were still yet different from the giants we used two years ago and the round crags we used last year. Some of them were so sharp that they cut me when I tried to move them. They almost had too much traction! Not to mention that they moved around and frequently broke into pieces!
As you can see from the wide-range of scores in each class, I think the section’s difficulty levels were pretty well matched to the rider’s levels. I suppose the Expert sections might have been a little too hard since the average is so high but there were still quite a few cleans made on them. Pat Smage continues to amaze with his ability to ride well on both motorcycles and bicycles (not to mention unicycles). Speaking of MotoTrials riders on bicycles, it seems these guys are all getting quite good. Looking at the results, first and second places in both Beginner and Sport were moto kids. Add to that Mr. Smage and they took three of our four classes. Wow!
I thought I set the Pro sections at least as hard this year as last year, if not a bit harder. If so, then these guys have made some serious improvements. I was really proud to see such a broad field in each class, including Pro, and how well everyone is riding. We’ll catch up to those Europeans yet!
I do want to mention that I got most of the NATS event and some of Sunday’s UCI event on my DV camcorder. It might take me a little while to edit it all but I’ll post it online as soon as I’m finished.
I must offer a huge thanks to our friends at the Trials Training Center for continuing their support and enthusiasm for our little sport. Next, I owe a huge thanks to all those who helped me throughout the weekend, especially my Mom, Dad and Jon Bott. Jon, I really enjoyed getting to know you (keep at it, you have a ton of potential). Finally, I cannot forget my sponsor, Murfreesboro Outdoor and Bike, and all of the riders, parents and spectators who make all my effort worthwhile.
Results
| Pro | ||||
| Place | Name | Sponsor | Dabs | Cleans |
| 1 | Mike Steidley | Trek, VW | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | Neil Willey | 20 | 4 | |
| 3 | Brian Yezierski | Magura USA, Maxxis | 24 | 5 |
| 4 | Ed Gildea | 28 | 1 | |
| 5 | Tom Ligon | 35 | 3 | |
| 6 | Jon Bott | 53 | 0 | |
| 7 | Dave Campbell | Maxxis | 54 | 0 |
| Expert | ||||
| Place | Name | Sponsor | Dabs | Cleans |
| 1 | Pat Smage | Heatsink, Maxxis, Li | 11 | 7 |
| 2 | Brandon Maynard | Adventure Bike & Boa | 36 | 1 |
| 3 | Lance Kleffman | Webcyclery | 46 | 0 |
| 4 | Matthew Browne | 50 | 0 | |
| 5 | Zach White | 55 | 0 | |
| 6 | Chuck Sherman | 58 | 0 | |
| 7 | Jim Keck | 60 | 0 | |
| Sport | ||||
| Place | Name | Sponsor | Dabs | Cleans |
| 1 | Cody Manning | RYP | 4 | 9 |
| 2 | Karl Davis | 15 | 4 | |
| 3 | Ryan Thompson | 19 | 4 | |
| 4 | Tanner Gregory | Pump & Pedal | 27 | 2 |
| 5 | Gregory Thompson | 30 | 3 | |
| 6 | Angelina Capaccio | Adventure Bikes & Bo | 44 | 0 |
| 7 | Jay Hughen | 49 | 0 | |
| 8 | Chad Belbey | 60 | 0 | |
| Beginner | ||||
| Place | Name | Sponsor | Dabs | Cleans |
| 1 | Andrew Oldar | Sherco, RYP, Utopia | 1 | 11 |
| 2 | Dean Bechard | RYP, Sherco, Action | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | Terry Ottinger | 31 | 3 |