outlawtrials.com

Beta EVO 2011

07-09-2010

Beta presents/displays its new model EVO 2011, that arrives with interesting improvements.

New features common in range EVO 2T 125, 250 and 290 cc:

- New positioning of the motor, in a place higher and advanced with the purpose of to elevate the center of gravity and to improve the stability.

- New pinions of change with profile of “Zero degrees” to facilitate the speed change and to improve the pilotage.

- New supports of the motor around the butt, to improve the general rigidity and to absorb the vibrations with more effectiveness.

- New box of the air cleaner with drainage cork to facilitate the maintenance and the evacuation of water.

- New form of air cleaner to make difficult the water penetration.

- Handlebars On guard more low one to place the weight of the conductor more advanced and to improve the adhesion when confronting obstacles, particularly in indoor use with constants and brutales accelerations.

- New lighter back rim (- 500 grams) and suspends (with external fixation of the heads of the radii).

- Soft of the back shock absorber more duro with the purpose of to optimize the movements in unemployed of the motorcycle, besides making the absorption more efficient and sensible of obstacles. In addition, the new conical form of the shock absorber provides major comfort and improves progressiveness, especially in extreme pilotage.

- New pump of the back with integrated bottle, lighter and compact brake.

- Heavier Tornillería (metric 6), for fixation of plastics with the purpose of to facilitate and to simplify the operations of maintenance.

- New manetas of brake and engages the clutch more ergonomic.

- New decoration 2011 in colors gray dark with new graphs.

Exclusive new features in the EVO 2T 250 and 290 cc:

- New lighter exhaust manifold (- 200 gr.) and that offers better progressiveness.

Exclusive new features of the EVO 2T 125 cc:

- New piston, crank and connecting rod to improve the yield and to reduce the vibrations.

- New combustion chamber to improve the power.

- Flying lightened motor to reduce to the weight and inertia, obtaining a easier and dynamic behavior, especially in competition.

- New silencer with its component interns reviewed for a greater yield, better motor pair and power.

- New map of ignition to optimize an operation in agreement with the other evolutions.

W

Birthday greetings go out today to Kerry Williams Aaron - big sister of Christy and one of the dynamic Canadian women trials riders, now married to Geoff Aaron. - Both girls have paid visits to our OK Valley events over the years, hard to believe they are now all grown up. - Both have ridden the Scottish and the TDN.

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It’s a bit of a dreary day in the Valley, and quite a lot of rain which is good news for the forest - Pete and myself will be down in Summerland tomorrow to check out the loop and replace tape etc after the latest storms.

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A recent email from a friend reminded me of how small our sport really is in Canada, and the fact that although many people give it a try, or at least buy a trials bike, only a handful get hooked for a lifetime. - The recent rash of newbies from the XC scene are an example, and while there are exceptions to any rule, most of these lose interest for one reason or another.

Not that this is uncommon especially with young riders - they see the top guys doing the tricks and figure it looks both easy and neat, only to get disillusioned - unlike speed events, Trials requires a lot of patience with the ability to perform under the critical eyes of other riders in the “Group” at club events. -

Of course in National competitions with checkers at the sections, the rider is not hindered by having to spend the day with two or three other riders who may or may not add to the  pressure. - This group checking is not a factor in the UK, where “Observers” bravely stand out in all weathers to support family members and the local club. -

As an organizer - I always try to fit riders in groups that will have fun riding together ( not always possible) - I know only too well what it’s like to ride with some mouthy sod who spoils my day with smart remarks, so sympathize with other riders when they decide to get out of the sport if they run into this situation week after week. - Simply put - Trials needs to be fun.

On the other side of the coin, I too got a bit fed up back in the mid 70’s, not for this reason, but because I decided to concentrate on Cross Country racing. - The difference here, is that once the Shotgun fires, you don’t have time to think of what other riders are doing - the adrenalin is pumping and you sometimes don’t seem aware of what is going on around you. - In the old days, these events were super tough with deep muskeg swamps and other obstacles to contend with, so sometimes the “buddy system” would come into play with one rider helping another who was stuck. - and yes you soon found out who your friends were. ( Note! - I’m sure the races today are equally difficult - just different)

Anyway, I just hope that if any riders out there ever get to feel like quitting because of club or peer pressure - they talk to somebody before selling the bike - it’s surprising what a new day or a new year will bring.

So here we are on Thanksgiving Monday -(OOPS - I MEAN LABOUR DAY - getting ahead of myself thanks to Steve for pointing out the mistake)  Not sure what Momma Bear has planned for today, but the supper she prepared last night for my Birthday was fit for a king.

No doubt there will be a few thick heads around the camp at Stony today, after a night of celebrating, I even got phone calls with birthday greetings from Taff and the boys - sounded like they were having fun. - John Dearie also called and we had our usual banter about why he should move back to the Okanagan. - He has been doing quite a few Mountain bike races lately so should be very fit.
The social aspect of Trials is something that makes it so unique in Canada, - and I think Stateside as well - with events taking place in remote areas, an overnight stay is very often a requirement, and over the years, firm friendships evolve, often with the kids growing up around the sport.

As related in late news from yesterday, Barry and myself had a great time out at Yankee flats - what I forgot to mention was the mud we found while exploring one deer trail way over on the power-line - in fact Bar got stuck pretty good at one point, but my mini-camera jammed up at the critical time so I couldn’t  get a pic. - After the hot dry summer it was neat to ride this stuff - and it’s certainly the first time I’ve had to wash the new Evo - a blast with the compressor is usually enough to remove the dust. - I had a Calgary rider stop by my place in the afternoon to pick up some stuff, and as he was new to the sport, I reminded him of the importance of duct-taping the vents and plugging the exhaust, before turning on the water-hose, - it’s always a good idea to remove the flywheel cover after a good wash job, and spray inside with Opti Pro or WD 40. ( Don’t forget to spray the wheel nipples to stop rusting)
I think today will be Gas Gas day, as I have an oldie to check over for the new owner, (some clutch issues) - this will need a wash before I start, and another reminder that nobody likes working on a dirty bike, and many mechanics will charge for the extra time taken to wash the bike.

Interesting result from Czecho yesterday, with Raga taking the surprise win - seems like Tony relaxed a bit too much on the second loop and even let Jeroni Fajardo sneak into 2nd spot. ( Seems Fajardo is not injured as reported earlier)

more news as it happens ————->>>

Thanks to everyone who sent Birthday greetings via email etc - I received a really neat card from my sister in England with the picture of a 1956 BSA Goldstar on the front - I will be going out riding this morning to Yankee Flats with Barry - another great day to celebrate. - I see that Jordi Tarres turns 44 next Friday, I wonder if he goes riding on his birthday?

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Jack Challoner (Beta) won the Junior Class in the Czech Republic and with it the World Championship - Jack Sheppard (Beta) also won the Youth Class, but was unable to catch Pol Tarres (GG) for the title.

The scores from the first loop in the Premier Class show - Tony Bou with One point - Raga with 6 - Cabestany with 9 and then Fajardo, and Fuji,  - Dougie lost 20 and James Dabill 21. - the phrase ” How the mighty have fallen” comes to mind. ( Not that Dougie has anything to be ashamed of after winning 12 World consecutive World Crowns).

More later with maybe a couple of pics.

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What a great day I had on my 73rd Birthday - Barry came up and we were out riding at Yankee Flats by 9am - the weather was perfect and after doing some section work - I took Bar on a long trail ride over to the area above Falkland on the Power-line. - We spent time riding the creek section where I went in above the axles last year - this year all the silt has washed away and we made a super section. - later we rode up the steep rocky trail above the first road. - then it was time to call it a day as gas was getting low. ( Some pics on the gallery)
On the way back we called in at the little restaurant at the Yankee Flats corner and had a really good brunch of bacon and eggs for $4.95 - Check it out this is a really good place to eat.

Tony Bou “Blew it” at the last World Round - after leading with just one point he let Raga take it on the second loop - Jeroni Fajardo beat out the rest for the podium.

Laia Sanz has clinched her 10th World Ladies Trials Championship - the Spanish Super Star, managed this in Czecho yesterday, when she beat out Becky Cook (Sherco) of England on cleans, both lost just five points each - Joanne Coles (GG) took 3rd. - Sanz was treated to a surprise celebration bath, when her Montesa/Honda team dumped her in the swimming pool, complete with riding gear. - The men’s event goes today.

After 40 odd years, the popular Cycle News magazine, has  ceased publication - this is really a shame, but understandable in this age of a poor economy and computer technology. - Having been involved in the Newspaper/magazine business for many years - I know just how difficult it is to keep something like this afloat on a regular basis. - In fact I’m surprised that the UK Trials magazine continues to flourish, with a very limited market, I suspect that this keeps going because of the sheer enthusiasm by publisher and ex Trials rider John Hulme.

It was back in 1953, that I started work for Woodall’s Newspapers in the small Welsh border town of Oswestry. - I was hired as an apprentice Process Engraver ( later known as Photo-Engraver)  - We printed eleven Newspapers at that time, and it wasn’t long before I took up 35mm Photography as a side-line, helped by our full time Press team - I was able to do double duty riding Trials and supplying pictures and articles for the various Newspapers, as Editors were always on the look out for news-worthy stories.

However, I think the first story I had published, was about gliding, not motorcycling. - A friend was involved with the Air Cadets, and took me with him on a Gliding trip at a nearby British Air-force  base. - Not only was I able to take pics of the pupils, I was treated to my first flight in an open air two seater , flown by a 16 year old advanced cadet. - This made such an impression on me, that the words came easily, and as they say, the rest is history. - In later years I covered events for the UK National Motorcycling Magazines, and after moving to Canada, hooked up with Ron & Eve White who were running the CMA at that time, and the new publication Cycle Canada.

Of course there was no real money in this, and most of the time I worked for free, but I remember feeling quite “Chuffed” when I received my first cheque from  Motorcycle News back in the 50’s.

Tomorrow I turn 73, and must say I still enjoy pounding out the news, much easier these days, with computers and digital  cameras. - It’s been a very long time since I worked in my first “Dark-room” making film on glass plates, with the overpowering smell of chemicals, such as Silver Nitrate. - As someone once said - “We’ve come a long way”

What a fantastic day at Summerland yesterday - perfect weather for riding the loop and checking out some new sections ( a few pics posted on the Scouting album)

However the forest is still super dry so we definitely made the right decision regarding postponing the Outlaw Trial. - With the pressure off, - I was able to try a few of the sections ( Inter & junior) just to make sure they were OK, plus we explored a new (old) trail to add to the enjoyment. - picked up some tape that had been dug out of a hole by the chipmunks  - a reminder that if you take down tape after a Trial - bring it back to camp, as stuffing it under a rock or tree stump, usually means we end up picking it up later after the “varmints” have scattered it all over the place.

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A happy birthday greeting goes to Dean Wandler who turned 40 yesterday ( still a young pup)

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We have had quite a few phone calls this week, from people who are looking forward to the Outlaw, and who have adjusted their plans for the annual camp-out and social event of the year., these include Stan Bakgaard - Jacek and Mike Palzcak from Alberta - Steve Richardson wouldn’t miss  it for the World, and Jon English emailed to say he would have liked to make it, but it’s not possible this year.

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With all of the new 2011 bikes now introduced ( except for Beta) - many riders will be planning their purchase for next year, but a reminder that we still have some great deals on non-current Evo’s, and Sherco’s - that elusive $3000 used Trials bike is still very much in demand, but as rare as “Hen’s Teeth”.

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I see that Roger DeCoster is leaving Suzuki after 15 years - the great former World MX Champ has been around the Industry for a very long time helping many young rider’s achieve stardom - no word on what he has planned for the future.

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The first day of September and a beautiful sunny day in the Valley - forecast is good for at least the next week ( I know we could have held the Outlaw this weekend, but hindsight is 20-20 - and the other cliche of “Better Safe than Sorry” - springs to mind. After 22 years of riding in that area we don’t want to “Blow it” now.

The British Teams have been announced for the Trial Des Nations in Poland on Sept 12th - they are - James Dabill (GG) Michael Brown (Sherco) - Dougie Lampkin (Beta) and Alexz Wigg (Beta) - The Ladies Team are Becky Cook (Sherco) Joanna Coles (GG) and Emma Bristow (GG)

The last World round of 2010 goes this weekend in Czecho - here is a preview from our friends at Trials Magazine.

Moto >> News
CZECH REPUBLIC TRIAL GP TO DECIDE FINAL ORDER

The small town of Kramolin located one hundred and twenty Kilometres South of the capital city of Prague and close to the Austrian / Czech Republic border holds the responsibility for deciding the final order in the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship. Only one position is clear at the moment, with Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa having already been declared champion at the penultimate Grand Prix in Italy.

Free of any real pressure Bou will be at his most dangerous for the final round of the 2010 series and just could play his part in deciding the rankings that fall behind him. Unlike other forms of motorsport, team orders are almost impossible in Trial, so Bou’s team mate Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa will have to rely on his own performance if he is to snatch the vice champion’s position away from Adam Raga - Gas Gas.

Victories on the second day of the Grand Prix held in Portugal and Great Britain have put Fujinami in with a chance of securing his best finish in the championship since back in 2006. Raga’s sole win of the season came on the closing day in Japan, and despite his sixth place at the French GP the double FIM Trial World Champion has kept himself in contention for a top two finish thanks to his consistency throughout the rest of the year. A mere two points separates these two protagonists after a season long battle.

A similar margin, this time three points, is the gap between Albert Cabestany - Sherco and Jeroni Fajardo - Beta who are currently fighting it out for fourth spot in the general standings. Fajardo has enjoyed the stronger run of form over the last three counting days following his disasterous showing at the British round. Seventh in Italy was Cabestany’s equal worst result of his campaign, Albert’s other black moment coming on day two of the Japanese GP during yet another season when he has failed to realise his true potential.

In the Junior class only eleven points currently splits the top three riders when their best nine results are taken into consideration, the same number of counting days will decide the eventual champion. Britain’s Jack Challoner - Beta has ridden his way back to the top of the points table after back to back victories in San Marino and Italy. Spain’s Alfredo Gomez - Montesa will need to regain the form that has already netted him two wins this season, if he is to defeat Challoner and to keep Alexandre Ferrer - Sherco at bay.

With Pol Tarres - Gas Gas having wrapped up the Youth title with room to spare, it is now down to Jack Sheppard - Beta and Carles Traviesa - Gas Gas to scrap it out for second place in this class. Sheppard holds the upper hand as they head to the Czech Republic, but will not under estimate his young Spanish rival with Traviesa having beaten him on a number of previous occasions throughout the year.

All in all round eight of the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship is shaping up to be an interesting and exciting finale to a six month campaign that started at the Spanish GP back in April. Since then the riders have visited no less than seven different countries, including the long trip to Japan, before heading to Kramolin this weekend to complete the eleventh and final counting day of the serie

The last day of the month, and a cool wet one is forecast - but with the ground still dry, we need about a week of rain to make things good in the Forest. - I see that they have lifted the camp-fire ban for this area in time for the long weekend, however there are still some restrictions so take great care if you are out in the woods this weekend.

I had a chat with Jimmy yesterday, and he told me about his ride up “Hell Creek” last Sunday - It seems the weather was terrible with heavy rain, and the infamous creek was as challenging as ever. - I’ve asked him to send me some pics.

We did this ride back in 1996 - a first at that time, and it was really ugly then, with lots of slippery water-falls to climb, I remember I was on a 96 Beta Techno and was so tired by the time we came back down the creek, I was feet everywhere.

We have heard that our old Buddy Pat Horan, won the BMW GS event at Rocky Mountain House, and is now preparing to go to South Africa for the final in November. -

Pat rode a TT 600 on our Trophy Team at the 1983 ISDE, in Wales, and has competed in just about every type of motorcycle sport except Trials - Although he attended a Stony ATRA event a few years ago, as a spectator. - We wish him well.

Talking about South Africa, I note that Grant Langston has retired from Moto Cross - He has been troubled with a type of cancer in his eye for the past few years. - Langston is a former 125cc World MX Champion.

It was a full day of TV yesterday, watching first, the F1 from Belgium, then the Moto GP from Indy at noon, which while incredible - was overshadowed by the later Moto 2 event later as far as entertainment was concerned. - Ben Spies led the charge in the Moto GP for 5 laps, before he was caught and passed by Dani Pedrosa - the lightweight Honda factory rider obviously on the quicker machine - Spies went on to score his best finish of his “Rookie” season with 2nd place, ahead of World Title leader Jorge Lorenzo.

The Moto 2 race was full of action, with a big pile up in the second corner after the start, and lots of crashes later, but nobody was hurt. - quite amazing the way these guys slide off at 150mph, then walk away.
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In Czecho - Alexz Wigg added the European Trials Championship to his  list of wins , the Beta rider finished ahead of Matteo Gratarola (Sherco) and Jack Challoner (Beta).

Pol Tarres (GG) edged out 17 year old Jack Sheppard (Beta) in the Junior class. - They will all stay in the area for the final World Round this coming weekend.

UPDATE - Martin Kroustek (Beta)finished 3rd in the Euro Class just beating out Challoner -

For those people who like stats. - There were 7 Betas in the top ten in that class - 2 Sherco one Gas Gas - In the Junior Class there were 6 Betas in the top ten - 3 Sherco - one Gas Gas.
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Sam Haslam (GG) won a poorly attended Manx Two Day Trial - ( only 22 riders)  but Tony Scarlett (Beta) finished 4th- he was one of the stars of the ’80’s and won this event back in 1983. - Michael Brown was a non-starter.

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Up early today watching the F1 race from Belgium - quite an exciting race with rain showers making things interesting. Lewis Hamilton took the win ahead of Mark Webber and Robert Kubica - Sebastian Vettel ran into Jenson Button taking him out, then crashed into another driver later, earning him penalties and criticism.

Laia Sainz  won her 9th European Trials Title on Saturday, in Czecho - Joanna Coles finished 2nd and Becky Cook 3rd. - The men’s event goes today.

Moto GP will be on the box at Noon, BC time - should be exciting with Ben Spies on pole.

more later ——————————>>