New to trials competitions

So, I had a bike fall into my lap a few years ago. It's a Honda TLR 200 - which is nearly passable as a trials bike. I know it's too heavy, underpowered and undersprung to be really competitive, but I've had an absolute blast setting up obstacles in my backyard and riding over them. It's a lot of fun at the local OHV parks too.

https://youtu.be/p1dDkf1Y1sY

I've never competed because there are no trials clubs or competitions within 3 hrs of Newton IA.

But! Last month I moved to Baraboo, WI and see that there's an event coming up in July and it's only a few minutes from my house.

I'm definitely going to come up and watch some of the competition and would consider riding in it assuming I wouldn't get too much grief for riding an 80's tech dual sport. So, if I do want to ride in the event, is there anything I need besides a bike and an AMA card? Do I need to sign up in advance? Is it a family friendly thing for spectators? I think my kids would enjoy watching as well.

I see 2whlrcr is fairly active on here - and I've talked to him a bit on ADVrider. And, going through video from last year's Baraboo event, I see my uncle Homer competed and even made the crash reel. 

Well, there is an event within 2 hours of Newton and that's Manchester.  So now it's probably closer to 3hrs for you...lol.

Show up 1.5 hrs early.  Bring cash, buy a D16 card and get registered.  Tell them you know nothing, which really isn't true, since you have trials running through your blood.  Tell your uncle to show up and show you the ropes.  I've never seen you ride, but I would suggest riding the Intermediate class, because I think Novice would be too easy for you.  Novice is basically set up for people who have very little motorcycle experience, not just trials.


I would make fun of your Reflex, but unfortuanately I will not be there.

We have a vintage class that will be great for your bike.  Vintage is twin shock, air cooled, drum brakes, cable clutch.  They ride the intermediate line, which is fun on the old bikes (I ride my '74 Suzuki RL250 sometimes in that class).  The club has many friendly people that will give you all the help you need to have a great time.  Hope to see you at Baraboo, and other events.  I will be posting days that I will be in Baraboo setting up for the event.  If you can make it to some of them bring your bike and you can play a little in the woods (just can not ride sections after they are set up until the contest). 

Well, there is an event within 2 hours of Newton and that's Manchester.  So now it's probably closer to 3hrs for you...lol.

Show up 1.5 hrs early.  Bring cash, buy a D16 card and get registered.  Tell them you know nothing, which really isn't true, since you have trials running through your blood.  Tell your uncle to show up and show you the ropes.  I've never seen you ride, but I would suggest riding the Intermediate class, because I think Novice would be too easy for you.  Novice is basically set up for people who have very little motorcycle experience, not just trials.


I would make fun of your Reflex, but unfortuanately I will not be there.

Sounds like a plan. Hopefully you'll have the opportunity to make fun of my Reflex at other events! Looks like Mauston isn't too terribly far, and I might be able to make Wauzeka work as well. That's funny on Manchester - is that a new location? I'll give Homer a call and see if he'll be there.

We have a vintage class that will be great for your bike.  Vintage is twin shock, air cooled, drum brakes, cable clutch.  They ride the intermediate line, which is fun on the old bikes (I ride my '74 Suzuki RL250 sometimes in that class).  The club has many friendly people that will give you all the help you need to have a great time.  Hope to see you at Baraboo, and other events.  I will be posting days that I will be in Baraboo setting up for the event.  If you can make it to some of them bring your bike and you can play a little in the woods (just can not ride sections after they are set up until the contest). 

Yup, the TLR meets all those requirements for vintage. 

Let me know when you're setting up. If my schedule allows, I'll come over and help.

Manchester was new last year.

Alright - looks like my first event is in 2 days. Gotta make sure the reflex is gassed up and ready to go.

I've got he D16 registration form filled out. Can I bring a check for the $35? Or do I need cash? I never have cash - and don't know of any ATMs that give anything but 20's. But, I can sort it out if cash works better.

We can take a check.

Had to run to the store this morning to get some things - so I got cash.

So, what do we do about rain? Does the event get postponed? Or do we ride in the rain?

We ride unless lightening.

latest forecast is looking much better. I'll be there early for registration.

Survived my first event. That certainly was an eye opener!

I had no idea how an event was actually run. I was under the impression that there was one trials section and each division took their turn to ride it. And when my division rode, I was done for the day. I had no idea there were 8 sections, that everyone rides at once, and that it's really an all day event to do all 8 sections 3 times. I didn't bring any food or water since I wasn't expecting to be riding that much.

Luckily, I lived really close to this event and that my wife and kids were planning on coming later to check it out - so they brought me water and money for concessions.

Next time, I'm packing a lunch, my camelback, and a couple extra gallons of water!

Everyone there was super helpful. Friendly bunch of guys. There were only two of us running vintage, but we pretty much ran with a group in the intermediate class.

We made a few adjustments to the intermediate line. Derek - the other guy riding vintage - told me it was because the lines were muddy making it too difficult for vintage bikes - but I'm pretty sure he could tell I was struggling and took pity on me!  I'm glad he riding vintage because he was a huge help. He gave me a ton of great advice and let me know about rules as I broke them! I didn't know that you couldn't back up or that if your engine died you automatically get a 5 for the section.


My biggest take away from the event is that intermediate level trials obstacles are not that hard. I've practiced going over logs and walls and had no issue with that part. What I had no idea about is how hard it is to follow an off camber line! Just turning up a hill or turning down a hill and doing it while trying to stay exactly on a line is something I really am not good at. So, I know what to practice!

And, I gotta do some repairs to my bike before the next event. I also need to bump my idle up a little. I got a couple of 5's when my engine just died where I could have gotten out of a section with a 2.

Sounds like you had fun! Now that you have the initial event experience you'll be prepared for the next event August 11th in Manchester, IA. See you there!

Yup, had a great time.

I'm going to be riding my dirtbike out in Colorado during the Manchester event - but am planning on making it to Mauston.