Zachary FenellMountain Bike Trials - An Introduction
March 23rd 2008 00:01
Mountain Bike Trials - An Introduction
Extreme Bicycle maneuvers
Breath taking control, awesome agility and superhuman co-ordination, Mountain Bike trials are a descendant of the sport practised by their motorised older brother. The pilot focuses on handling, using physical strength and balance to perform staggering stunts. Navigating urban and natural obstacles, the aim is for the rider’s feet to never touch the ground.
In Competition
The bikes are specifically designed, coming in two divisions based on wheel size 20” and 26”. Emerging in Spain around the early 80’s there are two main bodies of competition rules, the UCI and the BIU. The main difference between them, that the BIU (Bike Trial International Union) allows the frame and pedals to touch obstacles without penalty.
I still remember being on the C Train through downtown Calgary Alberta when out the window I saw a rider scaling a fountain on his machine and had to get off early to witness the spectacle. Quizzing him afterwards I was immediately hooked on this bouncing, tyre based sport.
Ryan Cecil in action
Probably one of the smallest bicycle disciplines in the world, trials are easily the most exciting and intense. Interest is growing but events are never televised on a global scale, maybe the demonstration footage below will make you a follower too.
Expect reports on the UCI circuit soon.
Please visit biketrials.com and biketrialsaustralia.com for more information.
European champ Matt Burrows doing some freestyle Street Trials practice
Marko Blau freestylin around an urban jungle.
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