Trials Australia

In this episode we catch up with South African rider turned Aussie: Bruce le Riche.   It's worth going back and listening to episode 58 with his brother Brent as well.   We hear about Bruce's time in South Africa, before a false start at riding in the UK, before eventually making it to the USA and riding the NATC championships.   We hear about Bruce building upon his early success to finish 2nd in the 2005 NATC season and how he worked as a coach at the Trials Training Centre in Tennessee.   We discuss the world round in Duluth and we are trying something new with this episode: Bruce is going to take us through what he means when he says "Quality practice makes perfect".   Ladies and gentleman I give you my chat with Bruce le Riche.   Link: Episode 58 with Brent le Riche: https://trials.com.au/news/ep-58-brent-le-riche--15-times-south-african-national-champion-5503   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast YoutTube: https://bit.ly/yt-tap Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trials Go Fund Me: Link  

Today we focus on trials coaching with Stu Day.   Stu has had a broad range of experience, first in trials then with a move to enduro before eventually ending up running his own coaching and experience business.   You can hear the passion for it all in his voice as we discuss the skill set of coaching and drill down into what some of most common advice is for new riders. If you are new to trials, this one is a must listen.   We go on to discuss the popularity of trials at the moment in the UK.   Ladies and gentleman I give you my chat with Stu Day.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast YoutTube: https://bit.ly/yt-tap Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trials Go Fund Me: Link

Today we are flying high with the Birdman. Sean Bird is Canada's current champion also does a lot of freestyle work with shows and previous work with the Marvel Universe live & Freestyle Kings.   We chat with Sean about where it all started, and he opens up about the pitfalls of going up a grade before you were really ready.   Sean then had a break from the sport while he focused on his career, but as so often is the story we hear about how he came back and the generosity of a rider to simply give him his bike to ride to help Sean recapture the bug.   Since then Sean has been busy evolving into a freestyle rider and shows with former guest Sam King under Sams company Ride the Vibe, travelled to China for work with Freestyle Kinds and as mentioned the Marvel universe Live before COVID shut it down.   It was a treat to speak with Sam, and here about his plans for the TdN and the year ahead and how he balances training for events vs freestyle shows.   Ladies and gentleman I give you my chat with the Canadian Champ: Sean Bird.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast YoutTube: https://bit.ly/yt-tap Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/trials

I was really pleased to get to speak with German rider Theresa Bäuml on this episode of the podcast. It's been too long since last chatting with a German rider and this was also an opportunity to get into the women's trials scene with a successful rider across German Championships, European Championships and Winner of a Trial GP event.   And I'm not kidding about that success, Theresa is the winner of the German Championship from 2015 to 2019. She won the European Championships 2015 & 2016 And she was the winner of the Italian Trial GP in 2017.   Theresa opens up on why her results have dropped in recent years, and you may be shocked as I certainly was, to discover she was diagnosed with a brain tumour that required multiple surgeries and although the worst is behind her she has been left still feeling some after effects.   As a result of all this she hasn't been riding much with COVID as well stifling her ability to ride, but it has given her a renewed lease on life and a perspective that there is more in the world than just trials and that and to really value your health and wellbeing.   I'm still amazed at Theresa's courage and I can wait to see her back on the bike sometime soon.   Ladies and gentleman I give you my chat with German rider Theresa Bäuml.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast YoutTube: https://bit.ly/yt-tap

Today we speak with Bill de Garis. Bill (Billy d) de Garis was born in England, grew up in New Zealand and spent several years travelling around the world. First on a 250cc Jawa motorbike from Sydney, Australia through India, Afghanistan and Iran to England; then an epic journey in an old Morris Isis shooting-brake (running mostly on bald tyres salvaged from rubbish dumps around London) together with two New Zealand friends on their honeymoon. The journey started in London, went across the Sahara desert and darkest Africa and ended up in Kenya. He now lives in Port Moody, a city-suburb of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. He highlight as an off-road motorcycle competitor include being East Africa (seven times Kenya motorcycle champion) but also raced on tarseal-in India and Sri Lanka he won several roadraces including the Air India Grand Prix in Bombay (now Mumbai). He is also the first person to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,340ft) on a motorbike (250cc CZ). He now competes on a Vertigo Trials motorbike in the US National Trials Championship and throughout the pacific north west.   Ladies & gentlemen, I give you my chat with Bill de Garis.   Links to Amazon: Amazon USA https://www.amazon.com/Foo-Rider-Bill-Garis/dp/1777411025/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=foo+foo+rider&qid=1638930133&s=books&sr=1-1 Amazon Canada https://www.amazon.ca/Foo-Rider-Bill-Garis/dp/B09M58P3LK/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=foo+foo+rider&qid=1638930240&s=books&sr=1-1 Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Foo-Rider-Bill-Garis/dp/1777411025/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=foo+foo+rider&qid=1638930327&s=books&sr=1-1     Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast YoutTube: https://bit.ly/yt-tap

  Today we speak with Emile Matthueews from Belgium. He is the current Belgium Champion, and rides in the Trial 2 class of Trial GP. Emile scored his first Trial 2 points earlier this year at the Cahors round in France, and has represented Belgium at the TdN 4 times previously.   We discuss what it was like having one of your first international competitive experiences be the TdN, and why his super power is his infections smile.   Emile gives us a tour of local Belgium competition, and how he trains in preparation for World Rounds.   We discuss his plans for 2022 and his busy calendar, along with his excitement for the TrialGP festival to visit his home town in Belgium for the first time in a few years.   Ladies & gentlemen, I give you episode 100... my chat with Emile Matthueews.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast YoutTube: https://bit.ly/yt-tap

Today we speak with Michael Lois. This is the amazing story of how a promising footballer suffered a life changing injury that turned his life upside down. Michael was the 2nd person in his class to commit to a college on a full football scholarship, which for the initiated, means he was pretty good and his talent was recognised early.   Only 5 days after committing and while still in high school Michael suffered a life changing injury which he was brave enough to discuss in some detail.   Michael was no stranger to bikes, but his passion was football however when this was taken away on a fateful September night he used the opportunity to pivot back to his early passion of two wheel and now more specifically trials thanks to some encouragement from his Dad.   Michaels uncle was a former trials rider and as you will hear he now live 5 mins from Pat Smage and makes use of the Smage compound for his training and event gets some training from the entire Smage family as well.   Michael spoke with great poise and was able to reflect on a very turbulent time but how he has come out the other side with a positive attitude and a strong competitive spirit continue progressing up the grades. He's even tried his hand at a Hard Enduro.   Ladies & gentlemen, I give you my chat with Michael Lois.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast YoutTube: https://bit.ly/yt-tap

Today we speak with Paul Arnott, the man behind The Hell Team. Having spoken to Paul about this interview a long while back it was good to finally get around to do it. Paul was our first sponsor for this podcast and had absolutely no hesitation in signing up.   I've dealt with Paul a bit as a consumer from the Hell Team but pretty much everyone in trials I know has dealt with him as well.   We hear about how the Hell Team got started, and the various false starts with being importing thanks to brands not surviving of events life the GFC.   We discuss the hectic life of an importer when you are running world rounds and the crazy story of using a catering oven to do a main bearing when you are out supporting international riders far away from your workshop.   We talk through the people Paul has met along the way and the relationships he has built over time and how those relationships have paid dividends when needed.   I'd also like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the riders Paul has sponsored and supported along the way, in particular helping with Aussie riders when travelling to Europe...I know it means a lot.   Ladies & gentlemen, I give you my chat with Paul Arnott.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast YoutTube: https://bit.ly/yt-tap

Today we continue our conversation with John Hulme. John would be most well known today among the trials family for being the English arm of Trial Magazine and the creator of Classic Trial Magazine.   In Ep 96 which was part 1 we talked with John about his background in the sport and how he spent his early years rubbing shoulders with the who's who of trials.   In part 2, we talk more about the formation of the magazine and what the realities are of getting a print publication going. We circle back to the grow of classic trials as well.   Without any further delay, Ladies & gentlemen, I give you part 2 of my 2 part chat with John Hulme.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Today we speak with John Hulme. John would be most well known today among the trials family for being the English arm of Trial Magazine and the creator of Classic Trial Magazine.   In part 1 we talk with John about his background in the sport and how he spent his early years rubbing shoulders with the who's who of trials.   We talk about John entire family were completely immersed in the sport and how he was encouraged early on to maintain his bikes by his Father.   We take a chronological journey through John's early years in the sport and touch on his career choices as well during this time.   What comes through strongly at this point is that John became connected with a number of people that would ultimately help him start trial magazine, without necessarily realising it.   In part 2, we talk more about the formation of the magazine and what the realities are of getting a print publication going. We circle back to the grow of classic trials as well.   Ladies & gentlemen, I give you part 1 of my 2 part chat with John Hulme.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Today we are chatting with Robin Luscombe. Robin is well know in UK club trials, particularly in Sidecars as he has been the 16 times British sidecar champion.   We hear about how Robin got into the sport, and those early influences that got him into sidecars but more importantly the groundswell of other riders that made trials sidecars less obscure and more of a regular occurrence at trials events. We discuss the challenges of forming new partnerships and his brief foray of solo riding and the SSDT during a period of times that was otherwise dominated by sidecar events.   We discuss the FIM Coupe, the trips abroad including all the way to Australia but ultimately the reasons why he gave up sidecars after so many years.   I was quite surprised to learn from Robin just how popular his current pursuit of classic trials is. They are getting 400+ riders to some of the classic multi-day trials in France and Spain and there is even high profile expert solo riders who are even dragging out the twin shock for these events.   Robin even pressed me on the reasons behind starting this podcast, which I know some of you have been curious about.   This was a real treats to chat with someone who was so passionate and determined in the sport of trials.   Ladies & gentlemen, I give you my chat with Robin Luscombe.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

The podcast has been on a bit of theme of late as we have discussed riders who have transitioned from Trials to Hard Enduro. Today is a continuation of that theme as we chat with Trials champion and the USAs lead Hard Enduro rider: Cody Webb.   Cody is an unbelievably easy to talk to guy which makes this interview all the more special. I think were able to get below the surface and find out what makes him tick.   Cody's accomplishments in trials in the USA culminated in his 2010 win of the NATC Pro Class Championship after a number of years of 2 place. He's also won gold at the TdN and the ISDE putting in him rare company.   This chat goes into reflections on the difficulties with making Hard Enduro events suitable for Pros & amateur riders; dealing with injuries; his thoughts on the next generation of Hard Enduro riders in the USA; trying to build parity between Hard Enduro in the USA and Europe; and what is getting him excited next.   Just a heads up that at about 45 mins into this chat there is some background noise that I did my best to suppress, but some of it trickled through.   Ladies and Gentleman, I give you my chat with the USAs leading Hard Enduro rider Cody Webb.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Today I have the absolute privilege of chatting with Major Sandy Mack MBE. Sandy has been into the sport of trials for ages, but it most well done for his extensive work on the Scottish ACU which he is now currently chair of. We also discuss his extensive background with the Army Trials Team and the work the Army does to help support the SSDT via refueling stops.   It was a really interesting chat that kind of left me wondering how the SSDT would run if it weren't for the Army's involvement, and you also see the benefits for the Army in terms of treating it as a training exercise. It feels like a really symbiotic relationship.   Sandy himself has done the SSDT 18 times as a rider but is now more focused on administration of the sport than participation.   As the Chair of the Scottish ACU he has a unique perspective to talk about trials in comparison to other disciplines, and how sport development is going. We discuss the healthy levels of trials participation at Scottish club trials and national events.   We also hear how Mrs Mack, or mother, looks after the riders as part of the annual SSDT preparation and training.   I can tell you I am really glad to have now spoken to someone so dedicated and passionate about the sport of trials.   Ladies and Gentleman, I give you my chat with Major Sandy Mack MBE.   Link to Jitsie Trial GB Coverage: https://www.jitsie.com/en/   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

This was a real treat to have such a lengthy chat with Graham Jarvis. We caught up with Graham a couple of weeks ago while he is currently recovering from a knee injury that has currently seen him off the bike for an extended period of time.   Graham is someone who I have wanted to interview for a while now, as his ability in enduro are clear for everyone to see. Most people know Graham comes from a trials background so I was keen to explore those early days which are meaningful achievements in their own right, it's just that they have been somewhat dwarfed by his career 2.0 in hard enduro.   We discuss the transition from trials to enduro and what advice he would give to aspiring riders and reflect on his many achievements in the enduro world as a multiple winner of the Red Bull Romaniacs, Ezberg, and Sea to Sky as well as Hells Gate.   We look at the approach to events and how that differs between the two disciplines.   We round it out with a chat about what is next for Graham and discuss his Race Team, Clothing Line, Signature Tours and training programs.   Ladies and gentleman, I give you my chat with Graham Jarvis.   Link to Jitsie Scott Trial Coverage: https://www.jitsie.com/en/   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

This episode I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Geoff Aaron. Geoff would be known to most of our US listeners where he is credited for taking trials into the mainstream.   Geoff does things slightly differently as you will hear in the interview and is always keen to explore and push in different directions to see what works.    Geoff's riding achievements are unquestionable: 10x AMA champ. First AMA Trials win 1990. Last win 2006. 73 career wins. 15x TDN 2 career Endurocross wins, Erzberg, Romaniacs, LMS, Xgames   Beyond riding, he has been a Redbull sponsored athlete, produced DVD's and run trials demo's & shows under his business Extreme Riding Entertainment (ERE).   Later in Geoff's career he also became an event promoter, with his recent achievement of the Californian Trial Invitational also getting TV coverage   He's worked with Gas Gas in the US for years, and more recently under KTM Group ownership he has taken responsibility for their off-road competition program across GNCC enduro and Trials.   And for Geoff trials is also a family affair with his wife a former champion and his kids now competing in US nationals as well.   It was refreshing to be able to chat with someone who has fingers in so many pie's and is working in our industry from multiple angles.   Ladies and gentleman, I give you my chat with Geoff Aaron.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Josh Roper is having a breakout season. Josh is riding the Pro Class in the US NATC Championship and currently sitting 2nd overall with one round to go this weekend. He won the California Trials Invitational earlier this year and he's just back from the USA TdN team who were agonisingly close to a podium, and also rode the world rounds preceding the TdN event in the Trial 2 class.   None of this should be a surprise. Josh is from Trials Royalty in the USA, starting with his Dad Todd who rode the Pro class in the 80's and his brother Bryan who finished a high of 2nd place in 2013. We interviewed his Dad Todd about 1 year ago on episode 43.In addition to this we hear how current pro riders like Daniel Blanc-Gonnet have taken him under their wing when he was riding the Expert class and helped him build up to the rider he is now.   We also discuss his progress through the ranks, #vanlife and how he has been spending his summer, and what his routine looks like. We also discuss ambitions for Europe and how the USA 'pay it forward' approach to rider development is now seeing Josh run schools for juniors where he can.   It was a real treat to chat with Josh and I'd like to thank him for making time to do this podcast.   Ladies and gentleman, I give you my chat with Josh Roper.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Today we get back to visit our Canadian friends on the podcast. We are chatting to two time Canadian Champ Jonathan English.   Jonathan was also representing Canada at the TdN last weekend in Portugal as he has done a few time now.   We had a really good chat about how Jonathan found trials and how he is supporting the Ontario and Thunder Bay trial scene.   We discuss his job as an Airline Pilot and how there were some trials gaps as result of getting established in his career, but then also reflect on the benefits which have allowed him to travel for his sport.   Jonathan did the SSDT twice and takes us through his experiences, as well as when travelling with his family as a spectator and how he helped salvage former guest Derek Thomas' SSDT.   Jonathan is now doing a bit of coaching and we reflect on the finer points of teaching others.   Jonathan was an absolute pleasure to interview and I'm really glad I got an opportunity to hear his story.   Ladies and gentleman, I give you my chat with Jonathan English.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Today we are chatting with 3 time NATC champion Scott Head. Scott is from Southern California and grew up in a time when that areas was renowned for producing some the USA's best.   Before Scott knew it, he was whisked away to Europe to ride the Italian championship and world rounds for Italjet as Bernie Schreibers team mate. We hear how Scott's life was turned upside down in a 48 hour period due to a rider change in Italy.   Scott could have stayed on in Europe but surprisingly he turned his back on it and returned to the USA. What I found refreshing was his ability to think through the situation which showed wisdom most at that young age would not be able to muster.   Again, to my surprise we hear how Scott pretty much aimed to return to full time education and didn't necessarily plan to pursue trials. But as we also have learnt from many of these podcast episodes...you can take a break but the trials bug does tend to bite and so when Scott was offered a ride at the back end of 1983 to ride the nationals he jumped at the chance.   What then unfolded was a period of dominance that he went on to ride and win the next 3 years NATC amassing a win streak of 16 consecutive National events which has only been equaled by Pat Smage in 2018.   Today Scott is involved in the Southern Sierra Motorcycle Club and we here how he's back into trials in a big way through coaching and his new goal is to still be riding when he's in his 70's.   Ladies and gentlemen, I give you my chat with Scott Head.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Today we chat with on the UK top female riders: Katy Sunter. Katy has amassed an impressive trials career which includes   15 Scott Trials13 SSDT appearances2 x TdN representation (2nd Place in 2003)British Trial Championships competitor between 2002 - 2016 and twice 3rd in the championshipWorld Trial Championships between 2006-2016European Championships   We discuss Katy's impressive career and how she stays motivated to keep riding even after all those accomplishments.   We discuss her background in the sport and how despite growing up in a trials family and even lived on the Scott Trial course, it wasn't until she saw females in competition did she decided trials was something she wanted to pursue.   And there has been no stopping her since.   Katy opens up about how maturity has allowed her to reflect on things differently, including how much pressure she put on herself as a younger rider, and as how she's enjoyed riding so much more after realising this.   We also discuss Katy's love affair with the Scott trial and how it holds a special place for her & her entire family.   And of course those impressive 13 SSDT.   We go on to discuss female participation in trials and how that compares to Mountain Biking which Katy is also partial to.   This was a real treat. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you my chat with Katy Sunter.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

This podcast isn't just about the riders. Today we are chatting to Colin Bullock who is literally the man behind the camera.   Colin has been around trials for decades, but most of it been behind camera. In this interview we try to understand why and where his passion for trials came about.   We discuss his respect and admiration for the riders who make it all looks so effortless but why he prefers being behind the camera.   We also explore how he got started in photography, then later videography and discuss his highlights including Training DVDs, SSDT footage, and even his early days photography Barry Sheene at Mallory Park.   We find out what makes a good trials photograph and over on the Trials Australia Facebook Community are a sample of Colin's personal favourites photos for your to browse.   Also we switch up our usual questions and take a more photography specific approach.   Ladies and gentleman I present to you my chat with Colin Bullock.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Today we are continuing our conversation with a man who has left an indelible mark on the sport of trials. Wiltz Wagner has been involved in the sport of trials since the 60's. Even before there were dedicated trials bikes.   If you haven't listened yet to Ep 84, I urge you in the strongest of terms to go back to Part 1 of this conversation to get a sense of Wiltz character and accomplishments.   In part 1 we discussed Wiltz's background in the formation of the Rocky Mountain Trials Association, The Ute Cup and the North American Trials Council, what his definition of a spark plug was and how a fractured relationship between the FIM & AMA was put on a path to resolution.   In this equally raw and straight talking episode we discuss Wiltz's riding background, his attitudes around 'Purple' which will make sense when you listen. Because of Wiltz's humility we hear how Wiltz turned down sportsman of the year awards, has been reluctant to give interviews throughout his career.   However I do press him on his AMA hall of fame and we discuss why he felt it was the right time, and that it would be his spiritual home that allowed him to accept it. AMA hall of fame is a rare honour for trials riders; let alone people who had more significant influence outside their riding pursuits.   It's meeting people such as Wiltz that make doing these podcasts all worth it. To have the absolute pleasure of interview such an influential member of our sport was a real honour.   Ladies and Gentleman, I give to a rare glimpse of purple and Part 2 of my 2 part conversation with Wiltz Wagner.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Today we are chatting with a man who has left an indelible mark on the sport of trials. Wiltz Wagner has been involved in the sport of trials since the 60's. Even before there were dedicated trials bikes.   First Wiltz was a fierce competitor, which despite starting rather late in life at age 28, through focus and determination he became the over 35's US National Champion. That alone is fairly impressive, but we are just getting started.   Upon realising the absurdity of having limited alignment in rules and class structures in the Colorado area, Wiltz went on to foster the formation of the Rocky Mountain Trials Association which aligned a number of key clubs and individuals to help form a body that would provide standards and consistency for riders in the area. The unique structure of the RMTA meant that there were no votes and it was not your typic club structure...members were left to find unanimous agreement, otherwise motions would not get past. No bullying, no politics...just good 'ol fashioned negotiation.   That may not sound that remarkable but when you consider it was the model from which the North American Trials Council was formed and both entities have stood the test of time you start to appreciate the wisdom and subtlety in the approach.   Wiltz then played a pivotal role in the formation of the NATC to create a national series which addressed a number of key issues for the AMA in ensuring America could identify it's top riders, it created a national series when it became obvious people were beginning to travel for the sport, and it help salvage the AMAs very broken relationship with the FIM which we discuss at length. There was also deft management needed to tame expectations of local clubs and regional associations who may have had ambitions of defining and running a national series.   The relationship the NATC has with the AMA is unlike any structure elsewhere in the world. There are not many governing bodies happy to defer so much responsibility to a 3rd party. Then again, there are not too many Wiltz Wagners in the world!   And if that wasn't enough, Wiltz was there at the start of the Ute Cup...one of the countries premier events and that too has stood the test of time recently celebrating it's 50th anniversary.   Wiltz is not afraid to talk straight, but remains exceptionally humble, almost to a fault and has knocked back awards and many interview requests earlier in his career so I feel exceptionally grateful to have had the opportunity to interview him.   Ladies and Gentleman, i give to you Part 1 of my 2 part conversation with Wiltz Wagner.   Regards,   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: trialsauspodcast TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

We are continuing our chat with Mike Rapley on this episode. Mike has been a servant of our sport even before he was a rider; observing trials as a young lad before making the progression to his first trial in 1963. Since then, Mike has always been on either two or three wheels.   In Part 1 we discussed Mike's background where he's been a long time servant of his club helping run local & national events; He's spent years as a journalist, most notably working for Trials & Motocross News in the UK which afforded him the opportunity to be regularly working in the sport he was most passionate about. He spent some time riding Sidecars and Enduros but he has come back to the sport of trials and is still regularly competing to this day.   In part two we go on to discuss some of Mike's thoughts on the changes in our sport over the 58 years he's been involved. We discuss the current state of grass-roots trials vs the top flight of our sport at Trial GP. We also discuss the changes modern machines has delivered and although and if they are helping your everyday rider with the basics and throttle control?   This part of our catchup was much more of a conversation than an interview which was really refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Mike and I hope you do as well.   I give you Part 2 of my chat with Rapers!   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Mike Rapley has been a servant of our sport even before he was a rider; observing trials as a young lad before making the progression to his first trial in 1963. Since then, Mike has always been on either two or three wheels.   Mike is probably well known to our UK audience, but for the rest he's been a long time servant of his club helping run local & national events. He's spent years as a journalist, most notably working for Trials & Motocross News in the UK which afforded him the opportunity to be regularly working in the sport he was most passionate about. He spent some time riding Sidecars and Enduros but he has come back to the sport of trials and is still regularly competing to this day.   Despite the years, he remains as passionate about the sport as his first day. Mike's unique perspective also gives us an angle to reflect on the changes over the years. It was a long one, so I've decided to split it across two episodes.   I hope you enjoy Part 1 of my chat with Rapers!   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Well we are 80 episodes in and we are yet to have a robust discussion about the three-wheeled members of the trials family. Well that changes today. After a number of quests by listeners, we have curated a dedicated episode all about trials sidecars.   Now, to be fair, I am no authority on this topic so I used the first part of this discussion to educate myself (and hopefully some of the listeners as well) about all things sidecars.   We are speaking with three authorities on the topic from Australia: The riding pair of Justin Gough & Maurice Blanchard who between them have won 15 Australia sidecar titles. We are also joined by Sidecar pilot Mark Austin who competes regularly in the West Australian trials scene on his sidecar, and has even been over to the UK and ridden in events over there.   After we figure out the 'What", we then explore the "Why" and discuss the niche that is trials sidecars.   I really enjoyed this episode...it was a whole lot of fun, and even when we stopped recording I think we kept chatting for about another hour!   I hope you enjoy this Sidecar special with Mark, Justin & Maurice.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Becky Cook has had a full and impressive trials career before transitioning to MTB. She has had enormous success as the British Trials Champion winning it 9 times between 2004 and 2013. She was European champion in 2012, represented her country at the TdN, winning the event 7 times.   Becky came agonisingly close at the World Trial Championship with 32 podiums and 3 wins which got her to runner up in the championship on 4 occasions.   We chat with Becky about growing up on the Isle of Wight, how she threw herself into challenges and reflect on some of the best moments of her career. We discuss he observations from a MTB perspective in terms of the different approach to promotion, and get some advice on how we can attract more female talent to our sport.   Becky was kind enough to reschedule this interview after our first attempt was beset with technical challenges and I really do appreciate her flexibility.   I hope you enjoy this chat with Becky Cook.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Gael Chatagno is the current leader in the Trial E class at the world trials championship. This is on the back of an amazing tussle with Albert Cabestany last year winning, to his surprise, the first two rounds and coming 2nd overall in the championship.   We also discuss his journey getting there including his start in the sport, and his promising early results which got him into the French Youth Federation.   Gael rode in the Trial 2 class before moving to the Trial E Class, and so we discuss the competitiveness of the current Trial 2 class and what is has been like with the transition from Petrol to Electric bikes.   People considering electric bikes are often curious so we've done our best to myth bust and ask as many questions as we could. We even hear about EM's plans for a rider to do the SSDT.   We also get a sense of the rigor required to be a modern trials rider, ensuring there is a balance of physical fitness off the bike, bike prep as well as the obligatory training time on the bike.   I hope you enjoy this chat with Gael Chatagno.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

This week we are chatting with Grant Morris. Grant should be well know to our Australian listeners as he is multiple time West Australian state champion, and for a period also spent time riding on Australia's East Coast.   However what makes this chat with Grant have even more global appeal is Grant spent 10 years over in the UK based around Bury & Rochdale riding UK trials, including a total of 9 SSDT attempts which in his last one in 2009 gained him a long sought after First class award.   He also tells us of his time at the Scott trial, the chasing the Road National Series & event the French 4 day.   Grant also went on to a career in motorcycling first with Apico while in the UK and then KTM group when he returned to Australia. With KTMs recent acquisition of Gas Gas, Grant is now the unofficial DOT (Director of Trials) here in Australia.   I took this opportunity to asking him on his perspective of KTMs ambitions in the trials arena and did my best to get scoops on the plans for the Gas Gas trials bikes.   I hope you enjoy this chat with Grant Morris.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Following on from last episode, we continue our conversation with Jake Miller. Jake is like no other in the trials family. He has done it all: He's ridden, he's minded, been a mechanic, he run events, he's promoted the sport, he's even been the promoter of TrialGP series.   If you haven't listened to episode 76 which was part 1 of our chat I would encourage you to do so as it will provide a bit of background to make this conversation more meaningful.   In this episode we really focus in on Jake's time running and promoting the TrialGP and what his observations were.   We talk about how it came about in conjunction with the FIM, and the changes Jake and the team made to make the experience consistent across events, focused for a modern audience with introduction of qualifying designed to appeal to live social media broadcasts, and real time scoring updates.   Jake is clearly not the one to shy away from a challenge however when you take on large, ambitious projects there can be some bumps along the way.   The introduction of Qualifying caused the riders to protest however to their credit they did eventually come around. We also hear stories of farmers holding events organisers to ransom, and other shenanigans.   I hope you enjoy part two of my chat with Jake Miller.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice TikTok: @trials_aus_podcast

Jake Miller is like no other in the trials family. He has done it all: He's ridden, he's minded, been a mechanic, he run events, he's promoted the sport, he's even been the promoter of TrialGP series.   Jake has a very unique perspective given this diversity which made for a really meaningful conversation about his background and his involvement in running the sport.   Jake takes us through the work he continues to do promoting Dougie Lampkin and then the associated work in conjunction with Red Bull including the Deansgate trial in Manchester and then the Wheelie Project where he played a significant role in the Dougie Lampkin wheelie around the Isle of Mann TT course.   Jake is clearly not the one to shy away from a challenge however when you take on large, ambitious projects there can be some bumps along the way. Jake takes us through the divisive decision to introduce Qualifying at TrialGP, and the drivers behind it, which caused the riders to protest. We also hear about famers holding organisers to ransom, and why buying the local constabulary can pay unexpected dividends.   There we a lot to get through so I've split this into two parts. First up in part 1 we discuss Jakes riding background, the formation of his promotion company G2F media, his work early work with the FIM to run British rounds of the TrialGP.   In part 2 next episode, we go into Jakes work with Sport7 that ran the TrialGP promotion and reflect on the importance for everyone involved with trials to support it's promotion.   I hope you enjoy this chat with Jake Miller.   Link to fundraiser for El Trial de Espana: https://www.facebook.com/donate/234420481847935/1506665563046995/   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice

Amos Bilbao is a highly respected and familiar face amongst the trials family. He's had plenty of success himself, including a 17 year career in the world trials championship, competing in over 200 world trial championship events. He was the 1996 Spanish trial champion while competing as a privateer, won 3 world trials events, and was the 2002 SSDT winner.   Even as the shadows were falling on his riding career and was approached by Montessa to be a test rider 1999 to help bring the bikes on, he was upstaging his the teams factory riders by wining events.   Amos' career though his not defined solely by his personal riding achievements. For starters, He is credited by Andreu Codina as a significant figure in bringing on the development of the 1992 Gas Gas contact model bikes to be the competitive force they were in that era. But most tellingly, Amos gets a big mention in Dougie Lampkin's auto-biography; he is held in the highest regard as someone who was able to helped Dougie continue his success when he switched brands from Beta to Montessa through assisting with mechanics and bike development. But there was more, he was a mentor, he became an invaluable member of team Dougie and so highly regarded by Martin Lampkin (Dougie's Father) that he is considered one of the Family.   Amos has continued work with Montessa ever since, however his focus has shifted to developing customer bikes. Pretty much if you are a Montessa owner in the last 15 years, you have Amos to thank for thank for the bikes rideability.   Amos and I reflect on some of the differences with his approach to the sport that he credits as helping extend his career and provide enjoyment over a longer period of time when others may have been getting burnout and how he is still planning to ride SSDT when it returns.   I hope you enjoy this chat with on of the trials families finest: Amos Bilbao.   Link to fundraiser for El Trial de Espana: https://www.facebook.com/donate/234420481847935/1506665563046995/   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice

Today I am chatting with three very talented people: Dan Hemingway and his two boys Harry & George. The Hemingways have all been mentioned heaps on the podcast thus far. Dan spent years chasing the British, European and World Trials Championships alongside his brother Ben and Cousin Dougie Lampkin before departing onto a 10 year career in Hard Enduro.   We remeniss with Dan on, as he describes it, some of the best times his life travelling the world in his Mercedes Sprinter van for the sport he passionate about. We talk about how he went from Trials to Hard Enduro inlcuding being only 1 of 9 people to finish Erzberg, but also the impacts injuries took on his career.   Now, as Dan's boys Harry & George are coming of age, they too have shown some real talent in trials having already won British Youth Championships and now the three of them are making an attack on the British, European and World Championships.   We talk about the boys accomplishments so far (there are a few), and their ambition for their careers.   I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I had have heaps of listener requests to get these guys on the podcast, so I suspect a lot of you will like this one as well.   I hope you enjoy my chat with the Hemingway's.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice

This is one for club administrators, event and series organisers, and those who have an interest in improving trials. We chat with California's two leading ladies Gabby Caperon & Erica Pophal. Gabby is the president of the SoCal Trials Association and Erica has created the Conquer the West trials series.   We departed from our traditional interview format and this was much more of a conversation; an opportunity to swap ideas and learn from each other. Hopefully, this also helps others in the wider trials family.   This was a lot of fun and I certainly took some ideas away from this which I will aim to implement when I am next running an event.   Come over to the Trials Australia Podcast Community Facebook group and let us know if you have any ideas on what other things can be improved.   I hope you enjoy this chat with Gabby & Erica.   Links: https://www.facebook.com/ctwtrials/ https://www.socaltrials.com/   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community Instagram: _davidgrice

This is part 2 of my chat with Brad Baumert. If you haven't listened to Episode 71, please go back and give it a listen. To recap it all, this is the amazing story of how a passion in sport can drive you into business. With a bit of tongue in cheek, it is also somewhat a cautionary tale of not knowing when to quit. In all seriousness though, Brad Baumert has been a driving force (literally & figuratively) behind trials in the USA for a number of years. We hear about the origins of RYP (Ryan Young Products) which from humble beginnings became a quite serious business.   However success is measured in more than money, and the way previous guests have spoken about Brad tells you all you need to know about the calibre of the man and the impression he has left on so many.   Brad and Ryan through RYP made Sherco the envy of other manufacturers with the professionalism and market penetration in the US, illustrated by the fact that at a point in time, every rider in the USA pro class was on a Sherco!   Brad was instrumental in establishing training camps for youth riders that continue on to this day; he was a mechanic at the pits supporting his riders for years and years and bus driver shuttling his team across the country. Between all this, RYP wasn't the only company he had to run and he still had a family.   He was also proud of his riders achievements and reflects on the sporting success of team RYP; and the circular loop that appears to have begun with his former participants now leading the teen training camp.   It wasn't always smooth sailing...there were false starts in 05 with Sherco's enduro bikes, the closing of the Scorpa factory in 07 shortly after becoming the importers, there were sporting challenges, and the Global Financial Crisis which caused them to consider just winding up the business altogether.   Brad is so humble and was keen to make sure he reflected on all the others that helped him along the way. Now that he has left his involvement with RYP, Brad continues to give back with his work on the board of the AMA.   Even if Brad efforts were US focused, the sport of trials globally is better for his efforts by showing us what is possible.   I hope you enjoy par 2 of this chat with Brad Baumert.   Contact the Podcast: Email: podcast@trials.com.au Facebook Group: Trials Australia Podcast Community

This is the amazing story of how a passion in sport can drive you into business. With a bit of tongue in cheek, it is also somewhat a cautionary tale of not knowing when to quit. In all seriousness though, Brad Baumert has been a driving force (literally & figuratively) behind trials in the USA for a number of years. We hear about the origins of RYP (Ryan Young Products) which from humble beginnings became a quite serious business.   However success is measured in more than money, and the way previous guests have spoken about Brad tells you all you need to know about the calibre of the man and the impression he has left on so many.   Brad and Ryan through RYP made Sherco the envy of other manufacturers with the professionalism and market penetration in the US, illustrated by the fact that at a point in time, every rider in the USA pro class was on a Sherco!   Brad was instrumental in establishing training camps for youth riders that continue on to this day; he was a mechanic at the pits supporting his riders for years and years and bus driver shuttling his team across the country. Between all this, RYP wasn't the only company he had to run and he still had a family.   He was also proud of his riders achievements and reflects on the sporting success of team RYP; and the circular loop that appears to have begun with his former participants now leading the teen training camp.   It wasn't always smooth sailing...there were false starts in 05 with Sherco's enduro bikes, the closing of the Scorpa factory in 07 shortly after becoming the importers, there were sporting challenges, and the Global Financial Crisis which caused them to consider just winding up the business altogether.   Brad is so humble and was keen to make sure he reflected on all the others that helped him along the way. Now that he has left his involvement with RYP, Brad continues to give back with his work on the board of the AMA.   Even if Brad efforts were US focused, the sport of trials globally is better for his efforts by showing us what is possible.   I hope you enjoy this chat with Brad Baumert. Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

This episode I am excited to have Stephen Fracy on the podcast.   Stephen is a very active member in the Canadian trials scene, and in this conversation we discuss his history with the sport, including his 3 Canadian championships.   Stephen tells the amazing story of how he and his friend Stan, after only meeting once, conspired to undertake a massive road trip across the country to attempt the Canadian National championship. From that, they forged a long term partnership to make attacks on the Canadian and USA championships in the subsequent years   Stephen has also spent time as a team mate of Bernie Schreiber when we was recruited to ride alongside Bernie for the USA Montessa team.   You get a sense of how Stephen threw everything he had into his pursuits, by working all winter to save and then road-tripping across North America to pursue his passion of trials.   He's gone on to represent his country in Canada's first TdN Team, ridden in a few world rounds, and even has done a Scottish Six Day.   Today, Stephen gets to ride in one of the most blessed parts of the world for Trials Riders, and we discuss how he is now supporting the sport in an administration capacity with his role at the CMA, NATC and FIM North America.   I hope you enjoy my chat with Stephen Fracy.   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

This episode I am excited to have Jason Finn on the podcast.   Jason maybe known to our UK listeners from his years of trials stunt shows that saw him travel the UK and even all the way to Australia as part of the Top Gear live series.   Jason has been requested by a number of our listeners as well as a number of our guests. Jason got a few mentions on the episode we did with Robert Crawford, back on episode 60.   As you hear in this interview Jason didn't start trials until relatively late, coming from a freestlye BMX background.   He is a multiple world record holder, including the longest bunny hop. He was one of the first to introduce back wheel hopping on a trials bike, which is now not just a trick, but a skills the top riders in the world now have mastered to add it to their toolkit when competing.   As you will hear, Jason says that he fluked his career in trials by simply being one of the first to bring freestyle trials shows into the mainstream. I do however get the impression that there takes a large degree of drive and passion to do anything as successfully as Jason has and so as humble as he is, there is still hours of hard work that went in behind the scenes was not discussed.   I hope you enjoy my chat with Jason Finn.   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

This episode we are chatting with Bernie Schreiber.   This is part 2 of a 2 part conversation with the 1979 world champion, 4 time NATC champion, 1982 SSDT winner and an AMA Hall of Fame inductee.   For those of you that missed the last episode, I encourage you to go back and listen to episode 67 where we chat with Bernie about his trials journey, his career and its highlights followed by his post trials career in sport marketing.   We also discuss how Bernie left trials pretty much cold turkey and went onto a very successful career in sport marketing. Remaining in Europe, Bernie worked with a number of major watch brands where he helped broker a range of sponsorship agreements with an array of sporting codes including everything from the Australian Football League, to Golf, to the UCI and timekeeping for mountain bike racing.   I mention Bernie credentials again as it really makes this, part 2 of our chat, all the more relevant.   If you are in the business of trials, or care about the grass roots, or are in the upper echelons of administering our sport  I implore you to listen to this episode and adopt the suggestions made.   When I was preparing for this interview, Bernie he mentioned he had done some research and due diligence around the sport of trials since coming back into the trial family a few years ago. An he observed some danger signs that, if un-addressed, risked compromising the long term health and sustainability of our sport.   Just to set the scene, Spanish manufacturers alone in the late 70's and early 80's were collectively selling 40,000 units a year and that was in a time when the big four Japanese manufacturers all had a trials bike model for sale as well. Although they didn't disclose the total volume of trials bikes sold, the Spanish bike numbers are nothing like that today and there are not the presence of the big four any more with the exception of Montessa Honda.   So it's fair to say more people were familiar with trials as a sport and more people owned trials bikes. Trials has gone from verging on the mainstream, with bikes on display at most dealers, to niche discipline today.   In this chat we leverage Bernie's background in sport marketing, and get his comments about the health of trials, a reflection on the drivers behind a declines sales, spectators and particiaption over the years and what we need to do to reclaim some of the former glory trials as motorcycle discipline used to have.   We reflect on why golf has had enduring success with very little rule changes over the years, and why trials with it's constant tweaks and changes has struggled. This includes the degree of difficultly needed to challenge our top riders today, and the economic impacts of having minders.   We discuss a roadmap for the future, and how we need to combine the grass-roots/bottom up promotion of our sport with top-down marketing and promotion to shift the focus towards safety, family, and environmentally friendly fun.   With Bernie's credentials in the sport of trials, and his background in sports marketing I genuinely hope these insights carry the gravitas needed to shape the direction of trials going forward and are adopted by our various governing bodies. In today's age with a concerns around safety, environmental impact, and fun there is no reason trials should be motorcycling's best kept secret. It should, if anything, be one of the foundational steps into other forms of motorcycling and a pathway to enduro, adventure riding etc rather than the other way around.   I hope you enjoy part 2 of my chat with Bernie Schreiber.   Sponsors: S3FormaAiroh   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

This episode we are chatting with Bernie Schreiber.   This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation with the 1979 world champion, 4 time NATC champion, 1982 SSDT winner and an AMA Hall of Fame inductee.   I have to admit, these episodes are a little bit special...Bernie and I spent an enormous amount of time preparing for this and structuring the interview. It is without question the hardest I've had to work to produce a podcast but that makes it all the more rewarding.   In part one we discuss Bernie's journey into trials, the decision to move to Europe to pursue the sport and then how he progressed throughout the years to become the first, and to this day, only American to win a FIM Trial World Championship.   We discuss how the closure of the Bultaco factory forced him to change bikes, and discuss the multi-faceted requirements to become a world champion. Just being the best rider is not enough, unless you have the right equipment, preparation and consistency.   We also discuss how Bernie left trials pretty much cold turkey and went onto a very successful career in sport marketing. Remaining in Europe, Bernie worked with a number of major watch brands where he helped broker a range of sponsorship agreements with an array of sporting codes including everything from the Australian Football League, to Golf, to the UCI and timekeeping for mountain bike racing.   As if that wasn't enough, when I spoke to Bernie he mentioned he had done some extensive research and due diligence around the sport of trials since coming back into the trial family a few years ago. An he observed some danger signs that, if un addressed, risked compromising the long term health and sustainability of our sport.   In Part 2 of our chat next episode, Bernie with his background in sport marketing, goes on to discuss the health of trials, a reflection on the drivers behind a declines sales, spectators and particiaption over the years and what we need to do to reclaim some of the former glory trials as motorcycle discipline used to have.   We reflect on why golf has had enduring success with very little rule change over the years, and why trials with it's constant tweaks and changes has struggled. This includes the degree of difficultly needed to challenge our top riders today, and the economic impacts of having minders.   We discuss a roadmap for the future, and how we need to combine the grass-roots/bottom up promotion of our sport with top-down marketing and promotion to shift the focus towards safety, family, and environmentally friendly fun.   If you are in the business of trials, or in the administration of our sport I implore you to listen to that episode, but for now I hope you enjoy part 1 of my chat with Bernie Schreiber.   Sponsors: S3FormaAiroh Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

This week I am excited to have Louise Forsley on the podcast.   Louise is 6 time NATC Trials Champion, has represented her country at the TdN multiple times and is a an X-Games silver medalist.   What makes this chat interesting is that Louise has had multiple absences from trials and we reflect on some of the reasons behind that.   If you go back and listen to episode 46 with Karl Davis Junior, we talked extensively about the Stunt riding at the Marvel Universe live tour. Louise was also on that tour with Karl and did it for about 5 years.   We talk a bit about burn-out and losing the passion; we dabble in a little sports phycology and go on to discuss pivot to the enduro bikes and how her new contract with Sherco FactoryOne is allowing her to balance the best of both worlds as she competes across both enduro and trials disciplines.   I hope you enjoy this chat with the Louise Forsley.   Sponsors: https://www.factoryonesherco.com/ https://www.motofitclub.com/   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

This week I am excited to have Chris Bayles on the podcast.   Chris has represented Australia at the TdN multiple times, has achieved #2 in the Australian championships, and has also done a SSDT.   This interview was ~6 months in the making, but in a twist of fate due to relaxing of COVID travel restrictions, I was personally able to go down and attend the Tassie Titles in March. Although this episode was recorded about 4 weeks ago, it was great to be able to conduct a face to face podcast episode rather than doing it all remotely.   It was also my first trip to Tassie and Chris and I were reflecting on the entirety of the clubs effort to put on a state titles event.   Chris is the president of the TMTC and this chat was also a much deserved opportunity to thank all the long serving volunteers that make our sport what it is.   Personally I would like to thank the Tassie community for making me so welcome. It was a two day event but I don't think I did a single lap without someone coming up to say hello, chatting about the podcast and making me feel welcome. It's a great event, and something I would encourage all riders who get the chance to get along.   It was also a good opportunity to share some tips and tactics around running an event, which is something I've personally become involved in the last 6 months so I was curious to learning from people that have got a good handle on things.   I hope you enjoy this chat with one of Tassie's finest...Chris Bayles.   Sponsors: www.thehellteam.com   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

Danny Butler achieved a world ranking on Number 3 in bicycle trials, but in a twist from the usual story he actually started in moto trials and had a very promising start becoming the British Youth Champion and Cheshire Centre Champion. He then went on to bicycles trials around the time the UK were having the Foot & Mouth outbreak and the ability to pursue trials was limited.   As you will hear, Danny doesn't come across as someone that does anything in half-measure and so once he found bicycle trials he became the First British rider to make it into a UCI World Cup final, and 5 x Men’s elite British champion as well as achieving a World #3 ranking.   So extreme was Danny's training that he had a serious injury from all the effort exerted by his body that is results in surgery that only gave him a 50% chance of being able to ride again.   We discuss how Danny overcame this adversity and pivoted from competitive trials to building a significant business: The Extreme Mountain Bike Show which saw him have hundreds of booking a year and working along side Diversity (the dance crew who were winners of Britain's got talent).   And when that was stopped in it's tracks due to Covid we chat about how Danny refocused to start TrialTube...a TopGear-esq YouTube channel focused on reviewing trials bikes plus a whole heap more to come.   This was a long one so I ended up making this a two-part episode again. I hope you enjoy Part 1 of my chat with Danny Butler.   Links: http://extrememountainbikeshow.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/c/TrialTube  https://www.gofundme.com/f/tim-coleman   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

Danny Butler achieved a world ranking on Number 3 in bicycle trials, but in a twist from the usual story he actually started in moto trials and had a very promising start becoming the British Youth Champion and Cheshire Centre Champion. He then went on to bicycles trials around the time the UK were having the Foot & Mouth outbreak and the ability to pursue trials was limited.   As you will hear, Danny doesn't come across as someone that does anything in half-measure and so once he found bicycle trials he became the First British rider to make it into a UCI World Cup final, and 5 x Men’s elite British champion as well as achieving a World #3 ranking.   So extreme was Danny's training that he had a serious injury from all the effort exerted by his body that is results in surgery that only gave him a 50% chance of being able to ride again.   We discuss how Danny overcame this adversity and pivoted from competitive trials to building a significant business: The Extreme Mountain Bike Show which saw him have hundreds of booking a year and working along side Diversity (the dance crew who were winners of Britain's got talent).   And when that was stopped in it's tracks due to Covid we chat about how Danny refocused to start TrialTube...a TopGear-esq YouTube channel focused on reviewing trials bikes plus a whole heap more to come.   This was a long one so I ended up making this a two-part episode again. I hope you enjoy Part 1 of my chat with Danny Butler.   Links: http://extrememountainbikeshow.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/c/TrialTube  https://www.gofundme.com/f/tim-coleman   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

In a bit of synergy with our new sponsor, we are speaking with Gas Gas rider Maddie Hoover in this episode.   Maddie is the current number 1 rider in the USA as well as competing in TrialGP, and also European competitions. As you will hear, Maddie started riding when the friend who she used to hang out with in the paddock while her dad competed, started competing herself. Leaving Maddie with no one to play with, she thought "this sucks" and starting riding herself.   We hear journey of Maddie's first TdN experiences, and how she went from being shy and nervous to living in Norway and coming out of her shell.   Fast forward to now, and Maddie came second in 2018 Womens Trial 2 class before going to the premier Trial GP Womens class in 2019.   As well as COVID disruptions, Maddie has suffered some significant injuries which we discuss, that further disrupted for 2020 campaign.   On the mend now, Maddie is looking forward to a continue transatlantic lifestyle where she will take on the US Nationals, the European Womens competition and the TrialGP Womens competitions.     Sponsors: www.gasgas.com    Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

This episode we continue our conversation with the Irish champion Robert Crawford. He and I had such a great chat I have decided to split it across two episodes rather than cut it back.   In part 2 this week, we hear more details about Roberts career including some of the darker times when the passion for the sport evaporated.   We continue to discuss the differences in trials between the early 90's and now, plus we also talk about Robert's move to Montessa, Aprilia, Yamaha and then back to the Beta he started on in his final year.   This is also good opportunity to go back and listen to Episode 12 with Don Murray, who minded for Robert in his last year of competition.   We also discuss the work he is doing on rc-live.net which is his training and tours business. Links are in the show notes.   I hope you enjoy this chat with Robert Crawford.   Links:  https://www.rc-live.net/   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

This episode we take a tour of trials from an Irish perspective. Robert Crawford is our guest this week; He and I had such a great chat I have decided to split it across two episodes rather than cut it back.   Robert is from Northern Ireland and his career includes a number of significant highlights: 7th in the World Trial Championship (overall) 2nd in the British Championship Twice winner of the Scott Trial Twice 2nd in the Scottish 6 Days Trial Multi Irish Champion Finalist in the Madrid Indoor Trial Represented Great Britain (ACU) in the Trial Des Nations (World Team Trial) in 1990, 1991 & 1992   In these two episodes we take our time to reflect on the difference in trials between the early 90's and now, plus discuss his trials original story.   He reflects on some of the challenges facing Trials as a sport that need to be worked out, including the economics of competing that differ.   When Robert was riding there was one line and about 100 entrants in a world round. Now, there is significant fragmentation and multiple classes.   This is also good opportunity to go back and listen to Episode 12 with Don Murray, who minded for Robert in his last year of competition.   In Part 2 of this chat in the next episode we also have a very frank chat about Roberts reflection on his time in the sport and how he dealt with a period of his career where he lost the passion for the sport. We also discuss the work he is doing on rc-live.net which is his training and tours business. Links are in the show notes.   I hope you enjoy this chat with Robert Crawford.   Links:  https://www.rc-live.net/   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

We are back visiting our trials friends in the USA. This week we chat with NATC Pro rider Daniel Blanc-Gonnet. Daniel finished 4th in the 2019 in the USA NATC Pro class after being in a 3 way tie leading into the final round.   Daniel has represented the USA in the TdN multiple times, he has also done a SSDT in 2017.   Speaking with Daniel you get a real sense for the degree of professionalism at which he approaches his sport, but also how he tries to keep it fun...type 2 fun! It will make more sense as you listen.   More than just a rider, he wea rs with pride the badge of being the youngest organiser of a US National competition and he is involved in the committees that run trials in the USA across the NATC & AMA.   We did something a little different this episode and teamed up with Steph Vetterly the new editor of On The Pegs. On The Pegs is a US based digital online magazine dedicated to trials and enduro. Steph contributed a few of the questions for this episode which we very much appreciated and so I would like to thank her for that.   We hope you enjoy this chat with Daniel Blanc-Gonnet.   Sponsors: Gas Gas USA: https://www.gasgas.com/en-us.html   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

This week we take a tour of trials from a South African point of view.   Brent le Riche is 15 times South African National Champion, but has ridden all over the world including Spain & the UK, the USA and even Australia.   Brent spent 2 years at the Trials Training Centre in Tennessee, where learnt the fine art of training trials riders. And also Brent runs a Trials show business at some of South Africa's premier sporting events, and has seen him demonstrate trials as far away as Pakistan.   We get the low down on the local scene in South Africa, and also some great tips from someone who has spent a bit training others.   Oh, and did I mention he's done the roof of Africa?   We hope you enjoy this chat with Brent Le Riche.   Sponsors: Beta South Africa: http://www.trials.co.za/   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

Alexz Wigg is a former Junior World Champion, European Junior Champ and SSDT winner, and represented Britain in the TdN 7 times. It's no surprise he was so successful, with a strong family history in motorcycling and a dedicated work ethic Alexz had a spectacular career.   It was great to have a chat with Alexz about this period in his career and reflect on the highlights. We also discuss Alexz's more recent foray into stunt riding with the Circe du Soleil in Las Vegas.   Today, Alexz with working with up and coming Scottish rider Ben Dignan as a coach and minder.   We discuss the transition into this role and how Alexz is enjoying getting back involved with the sport in a different capacity.   For our Australian listeners, Alexz will be no stranger having been here multiple times over the years running summer training schools.   We hope you enjoy this chat with one Alexz Wigg. Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

Ben Dignan is an up and coming Scottish rider. He's been riding trials since he was 4 and is part of the first generation of professional riders that started on an OSET bike.   More recently Ben was the 2019 ACU British Trial Champion, also in 2019 was 3rd in European Champs (the first Scottish rider to do so), and in 2020 was 3rd in the 125 class of the Trial world championship.   Ben was kind enough to take some time out of his training in Spain to talk with us. Since recording this interview, Ben has suffered a bit of an injury which has brought his time in Spain to a halt. We wish Ben a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the bike soon.   We hope you enjoy this chat with Ben Dignan.   Sponsors: http://vertigomotors.com/   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au

We have something a little different for you this week. Vanessa Ruck is the person behind the Girl on a Bike blog. As you will hear in the fascinating and inspiring story is how Vanessa has used motorcycling as a target to help her recover from some quit debilitating injuries.   After having a bicycle accident in March 2014 Vanessa has since been on a roller coaster with a 6.5 year recovery seeing 7 surgeries and two reconstructed body parts.  Throughout this time, Vanessa discovered motorcycles. Starting with cruising but rapidly ramping up to adventure, hard enduro and now...of particular interest to us...trials!. We will hear how Vanessa used motorcycling as a goal to help her with her recovery and how she went from her first bike to the N+1 approach to bikes!  Links: https://thegirlonabike.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGirlOnABike/videos   Feedback: podcast@trials.com.au