Answer to the last quiz – Malcolm Davies the very talented MX and Trials rider who was killed when a car driver hit him while he was waiting to enter a section at the National St David’s Trial – it was reported the driver was drunk. – Mike Hailwood was also killed by a drunk driver.
Quiz today Guess who – another golden oldie. — Hint he worked for BSA.
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We had a visit from Russ Nelson at the weekend, looking to pick up Beta parts ( yes we had in stock) – Good to chat about the current Trials scene and of course the fire situation – at least it sounds as though a few people are getting to ride at Ross’ place – both Katie and Emily were there at the weekend.
We find it interesting that out of all the bikes we have sold over the years Yamaha-Gas Gas- Sherco- Beta -TRS – very few ever seem to make it out to events. – A lot of the time we never hear from that customer again – here are a couple of examples – first up is Aaron Brassard who picked up this nice Sherco autographed by Ryon Young at a Red Deer demo – I later asked him how he liked the bike as we had not seen him out – his reply was that the Alberta Trials scene was too clicky and he was not enjoying it – we never did hear from him again – that was 2012 ( There have been no Trials events in Alberta for quite some time)
below is another event and sale this time a Beta to Mark Villeneuve at a Rocky Mountain event -another never to be heard from again !!
We have mentioned before about my early conversations with the Yamaha Japanese staff, regarding sales of Trials bikes – they were surprised when I told them that 60% of the TY’s sold would never be used in competition!!! (That was in 1973) It was also the time when the Yanks told the Japanese that Trials was going to huge – just like Moto Cross!!!
How this relates to the down turn in Trials Bike sales World wide, is anybody’s guess. and yes it varies from Country to Country – but as we have often said – the modern Hop & bop promotions do nothing to inspire Joe Bloggs ( That guy Brett mentioned!)
In the 1980’s and 90’s we held about 6-8 regular Trials each year, in the OK Valley plus National events. Now there are none. – Is this because times have changed ? – more demand for the consumer dollar? or is it because nobody is promoting it? -maybe things will rebound if some new blood gets involved – we certainly hope so. (We are lucky to have the Shuswap crew hosting events)
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We watched some of the closing stuff at the Olympics yesterday all the hoop la with Tom Cruise etc – must have cost a few dollars for all that!! – Of course some of the events were quickly turned off as to me they should never be classed as an Olympic sport. ( Break dancing ??? come on)
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Still lots of fire activity in the area – the latest is a report of one near Fintry – which is of course where we go riding. – Update says they jumped on this one pretty quick .
We saw a report that they are building mor water bombers in Canada like the one in the picture – not before time.
Here is a Fire map from last week – think it’s improved a bit since then. – Tough job for the fire fighters.
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