The EVOlution of a trials rider
By TMX Archives on 9th Apr 09
BEFORE starting work at T+MX I had already had a ride around on a trials bikes and even owned my own 200cc Beta REV 3, but I'd never really done anything more. No trials, just riding around and sticking to what I knew I was capable of. I suppose that being a woman in a male dominated sport was one obstacle, although there was also the aspect of transportation and the fact I never really knew anything about bikes. However, this all changed in 2007 when I started working for T+MX. Soon after starting, I went on my first bike test and was let loose to have a go on a nice, shiny new 125 Sherco. This was then followed by the T+MX staff coaxing me into my first trial on a sunny Wednesday night, hosted by Lancs County MCC.
What can I say, turning up with all the gear, plus minder and photographer filled me with nerves! However, once I got into the swing of the trial, I loved it! Albeit only a Beginners trial, I completed my first event. The next round was a total contrast, rain, rain, and more rain left the venue a boggy mess. However I stuck with it, literally dragging the bike round rather than riding it and completed my second trial.
As time went by at T+MX, I got the opportunity to go on all the bike tests. First Sherco, then Gas Gas and then Beta. I was even allowed on Gas Gas Factory Kev's special 225cc mount, and at all the tests I would have a go on all the models. Well maybe staying clear of the big four-strokes!
Then came the time when I started thinking about changing my own bike for a new one, and after being able to test all the bikes that were available, I had a good insight into which bike felt right for me.
I liked the 125cc Sherco loads of grip but when I first saw the 2009 Beta EVOs I knew it had to be one of them. It was then down to what capacity would suit me. Just like the Sherco, the 125 was really grippy with loads of go at the bottom end.
The 250, on the other hand, had plenty of power but, being a near complete novice, this power was sometimes too much and I could see myself getting into trouble on tricky sections or when I was fatigued. This was one factor that led me to the 200cc. It has power, but not too much. Also I had never encountered any mechanical problems with my old Beta.
So, on purchasing my nice new mount from John Lampkin Importers, I was overwhelmed by bike jargon'. About the only things I knew about how to care for my bike was how to mix the petrol and how to wash it!
And so I am now in the process of becoming a little more mechanicaly minded and learning some of the simpler aspects required in order to keep my new bike looking and running, like new!
So, over the coming weeks and months I'll be sharing with you and hopefully showing you with the help of ace Beta mechanic Chris Griffin at John Lampkin's just how to do those every day maintenance tasks from the simple stuff like chain adjustment, air-filter cleaning and oiling, bra tmx_027_005_10-04-0hanging we might even try some different tyres or gearing and of course replacing any bits that I manage to break or bend...