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Path: utzoo!dciem!nrcaer!xios!greg
From: greg@xios.UUCP (Greg Franks)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: 'trials' competition
Message-ID: <363@xios.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 24-Nov-86 09:35:09 EST
Article-I.D.: xios.363
Posted: Mon Nov 24 09:35:09 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Nov-86 02:56:36 EST
References: <1986Nov19.133341.3787@utcs.uucp>
Reply-To: greg@xios.UUCP (Greg Franks)
Organization: Xios Systems Corp., Ottawa, Ont.
Lines: 30
Summary: 

In article <1986Nov19.133341.3787@utcs.uucp> jon@utcs.uucp (Jon Alexander) writes:
>
>Someone just posted a notice of an upcoming 'trials'
>event. I am not an expert, but for those who are
>curious, I think a bicyle 'trials' competition is an
>event where competitors on bicycles follow a set-out
>path over a course, something like an obstacle course,
>where they are NOT racing so much as attempting to
>maintain precise control, manouever as gracefully as
>possible (ie stay on their bike) and keep an even
>speed.
>

I believe trial's riding originates from Motorcycling where indeed the
intent is to ride some sort of obstacle course as quickly as possible
and with as few ``dab's'' as possible.  Dabbing means putting your foot
down (or falling off of course.....) The person who ``cleans'' the most
sections in the least amount of time is the winner. 

I believe that one would need a mountain bike for trials riding.  Low
gears and the ability to hop BIG logs are definitely an asset.  

I also seem to recall seeing an article in _Bicycling_ regarding setting
up your own trials course (Parking lots full of cars are fun :-)). 


Vermont Ain't Flat!
  ..greg franks