Due to the COVID-19 pandemic (among other things), 2020 has been a bit of a train wreck. Normally our ‘local’ group of trials riders would have at least one formal trials biking competition every fall, in addition to the weekly group rides. In addition to the formal competition, for the past couple of years, we also would have an informal ‘turkey shoot’ competition – basically an informal gathering of riders (much fewer than a formal competition), and no real score keeping.
This year was a little different. We definitely couldn’t have a formal competition. Instead, we met somewhere in the middle with an informal ‘competition.’ There was no planning or advertising and just a handful of riders (socially distancing of course). To add some fun, though, someone did make a set of makeshift ‘trophies’ using scrap wood and turkey feathers.
I decided to mix things up, and rode my street trials bike instead of my competition trials bike. Somehow I actually took the 2nd place award in the novice group.
Trials Biking Competition POV Video
I did manage to capture a few minutes of the event with my GoPro, though unfortunately, I waited until the end of the afternoon when I was really tired and not riding as well. Note that while the novice sections did not require and big moves (like pedalups, hooks, or gaps), the rocks in the video are bigger and bumpier than the video makes them appear – the infamous ‘GoPro’ effect. It’s a lot tougher than the video makes it look.
Maybe Next Year…
I just found out today that (assuming COVID-19 is under control), a US national trials biking competition will be held at the Bentonville Bike Fest (June 18-20, 2021). That definitely sounds like a fun time to me!
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