Seems that everyone is happy with the current situation of letting other people make the rules, and then moan about them afterward.

Personally I think we should drop this green arrow stuff. All that has happened is some of the older riders have dropped out of Intermediate but still want a challenge. As a result presidents has got harder (too hard?) and with the old blokes out of Intermediate so has intermediate. Which means the A grade will get harder as well (if it hasn't already). If you want to ride intermediate sections ride intermediate don go mucking about in grades that are intended for other people.

Is there enough routes marked out already. Makes it real tough for the people setting out the sections trying to keep everyone happy, a difficult task. Set out real easy section for presidents, beginners etc and have a 50/50 option for those that want to be be more challenged. I see this recently in the uk and its one of the most popular classes. You basically ride half easy grade then the other half a grade up. No more marking out and up to individuals

Get rid of Green an make inters easyer. Top Inters go up 2 A Grade and ease A Grade a bit as well. Make top Grade hard a.

3 Laps of ten instead of 4 laps of 10 as well.

Here we go again BUT this time there are more people showing some interest.my veiw DEFFINITLY drop the green dots EASE up the intermediates EASE up the A grade . this is COMMON SENSE as already stated we want some of those president riders back into intermediate grade and some top inters into A grade, and then let these A grade riders make the call to move up to the top grade when they are ready,if we dont act now then I no of 2 A grade riders that are thinking of dropping down ,AND WE DONT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN. cheers Hibbsy

Hi All

This is my contribution to the Pioneer Website under “please comment” It is great to see that we have this opportunity on such a well presented site.

As you are all probably aware, I am not shy at offering ideas. Some of the time they are not my personal preference but what I consider to be the better of the two evils in the best interest of the sport in general. Having said this I have found that it normally falls on deaf ears. The general rule is that we only hear what we are willing to take on board.

On occasions the sport is fortunate to have a boost of new blood and some are normally keen to make a name for themselves and make changes but unfortunately the changes are usually for self interest to suit where they are currently at within the sport.

I believe some of the not so young members may have the answers if they were asked to give their recommendations. As I have said on one of the most recent articles on the NonStop Web site “with age goes experience and wisdom and often older riders have seen different styles come and go and speak from both sides.”

Here is what I consider to be some of the best options for the sport, but these are not necessarily my own personal preferences.

The sport will only grow after you have put the necessary measures in place to encourage it to happen.

Firstly Stop or No Stop is a big discussion topic world wide at present.

As a rider I have a personal preference towards Stop, but if it was to remain the same them we need to bring in the time limit to speed things up.

The only problem we have with this is a rider that is fortunate enough to have or afford a minder is at an advantage as the minder can inform the rider how much time is left and where to position the wheels etc.
The advantage NonStop has over Stop is that NonStop rules reduces the need for a minder and opens the sport up as it become more achievable and affordable to the majority.

“So I have no problem with those that don’t see NonStop Rules as the way forward.”

I am of the opinion that the riders that believe they have mastered the Stop rule will wish for it to continue and those riders that have not and don’t make the time available to practice and perfect this technique of riding will be happy for the sport to return to NonStop.

However when I am looking from a business (bike sales) and sustainability point of view I would have to support the change back to NonStop and you can read the reasons why if you take the time to read my latest posting on the NonStop web site under Trial News.

www.nonstopadventure.co.nz/...ealandtrialsnews.php

Another topic that is always an issue is how we encourage new blood to the sport; I believe very few have the energy or the time to give this a serious and effective effort. This development would need some serious nurturing and sacrifice on the behalf of some responsible existing members.

This is something I could help with if called upon.



Now moving on: It is my opinion that the following needs to happen.

If we are to level things as they are then we all need some serious coaching and practice time to lift everyone’s game plan, which we all know is not going to happen so it would be common sense to suggest that we do the following.


Adapted the NonStop Rule

Ease up A grade

Ease up intermediate

Masters will happen but probably only when a someone other than myself suggests it and a rider like Warren decides it is time to move side ways rather than down and the reason that will be used is that every other Nation runs this grade.

There have always been issues with Expert Grade and the reasons are as follows

One of our up and coming riders goes over seas for a time and gains new found skills, this is a natural progression because when you start riding with a much higher level of ability you are forced to lift your game plan. This has been the case as far back as I can remember.

Those riders that do have this opportunity also have the hunger to do well and will normally make the sacrifices necessary to reach their goals. They then return home because of a number of reasons, one being the lack of support both overseas and within NZ, however the rider still needs to be challenged to keep their interest in the sport and at this point the family has made a considerable investment to get them to this level. The trials fraternity then feels obliged to cater for our top rider. And this is totally understandable. Unfortunately it can be at the determent of this grade.

The problem then arrives that the remainder of Riders struggle to meet this level of section as they are not skilled up enough to realistically have the confidence necessary to compete.

Ever since I have been involved in Trials this has always been the case.

My recommendation is:

Ease up Expert until our Trials commissioner has managed to work with MNZ to establish an on going training programme which is achievable for all young Kiwis and Parents to take advantage of.

I have heard all the excuses under the sun why this can not be done and the reason is simple, no one is prepared to put the time into making it happen.

Junior Grade: This is a grade that has been seriously neglected. As there is a NZ title up for grabs it should not be catering for young clubman riders but for riders that have reached a level of riding where they can safely ride the intermediate Grade of section.

This is evident as most young riders that should be competing for this Junior title have normally wanted to ride intermediate for the added challenge.

In the lower grades it is quite simple: if people DNF because of the difficulty of the sections then you run the risk of them not coming out to play again.

Someone that goes home only having lost just a few points is much more likely to go home with a smile on their face and looking for their next outing, where as the rider that has pushed and crashed all day and gone home demoralised and beaten, you my not see again.


There should be plenty of discussion for and against but as Glen has pointed out

Glenn
October 4. 2009 06:41
Seems that everyone is happy with the current situation of letting other people make the rules, and then moan about them afterward.

In my experience this is quite common and this is why those with personal agendas usually make it happen. I have seen it within clubs and have definitely seen it within our own Governing body MNZ.

So if you have an opinion, which we all do, then share it.

Cheers

Stephen

Never underestimate the power of passion.

A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.

Amazing article. Bookmarked it already. Best regards, Ken.

When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people.

Funny, I actually had this on my mind a few days ago and now I come across your blog.

Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I am more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful well let me know how it turns out.