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Trialling?

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bigfatsi:
I bought a 90 a few weeks ago and have been having great fun getting it muddy on a weekend. I am wanting to eventually progress onto something along the lines of challenge events but neither I nor the vehicle are ready for that yet (or will be for a while  :D ). It has been suggested, however, that one of the best ways to begin learning the requisite skills would be to do some trialling. Unfortunately my experience is limited to green laning and pay n plays so I have no idea where to start! For example:
1) What is trialling and what does it involve?
2) What vehicle specification is required? Roll cages? Winches etc
3) What sort of costs are involved?
4) Where would I find about local events so I could go along and watch/enter? - I'm in the North East.

I'd be most grateful for any suggestions.

Cheers!

Simon.

ChrisW:
Typically, membership to a club such as
http://www.awdc.co.uk/
http://www.nero.org.uk/

Then I think it's pay per event, not sure of costs as I haven't looked at trialling for a few years now.

Probably want to look at RTV (road taxed vehicle) events to start with which are only open to road going vehicles although some of those can be quite extreme!

Best bet would be to find when your local event is next on and pop down to see what / how it's done and have a chat to a few of the members there.

zacspeed:
I went with Norfolk Rhinos (as guests of Breckland Land Rover Club) to Beeston a couple of months go for a days trialing. In essence, you drive through 10 numbered "gates" (10 down to 1) without stopping, hitting the gates, or "shunting" your vehicle (LWB vehicles were allowed some leniancy). You are scored according to which gate you reach before (or if) any of the above happens.
We were told to make sure we had fire extinguishers fitted, batteries must be secured (not using bungee chord) & the live terminal must be covered completley. They also had a good look around at the steering rack before letting us on site. You'll also need a navigator.
Cost was £15 for membership (lasts a year), then £15 for the event.
I only went in a photography capacity, but I think the general consensus of opinion of the trial "virgins" was one of great enjoyment.
I don't know if the regs are diffrent throughout the country, so you'll need to check locally as to what is expected of you/your vehicle before you go.
I just found THIS by googling for "off road trials", seems like there's loads of info on there  :D

MuddyMike:
Joining NERO would be a good start the club hold trials around your area, we were at a site near Sunderland on Sunday.

Trialing consists of a bunch of like minded idiots taking it in turn to drive between 12 pairs of sticks stuck in the ground leading you around an area of difficult terrain. You start at the sticks (we call them gates) marked 12, and work your way down to those marked 1. The idea is to drive the most direct route between them all without stopping or touching a stick. Time does not matter, just don't stop. If you do stop or touch a stick you are awarded a penalty according to the number on the gate. A days trialing can be any number of sections (a section being a set of 12 gates) but is usually 8 to 12 depending on the available light. He (or she) with the lowest score walks away with a trophy at the end of the day.

For road taxed vehicle competition vehicles require minimal preparation just ensure you have a fire extinguisher, suitable recovery rope, and proper attachments front and rear. It must pass safety scrutineering which includes checking steering, seat belts, fuel cap, battery clamping etc. Having said that NERO is a ARC club so the vehicle must be 100% Land Rover.

The next level is Cross counter vehicle trials, which require roll cage and a few more safety bits and bobs. Most of these arrive on trailers and are not road taxed.

Entry fee is 15 quid for the day, and membership 17 (I think) for a year.

Next NERO trial is near Bishop Auckland on 3rd Dec. ( I think but can confirm if you wish) If you have any other questions just ask.
Mike

zacspeed:

--- Quote from: "MuddyMike" ---
Trialing consists of a bunch of like minded idiots taking it in turn to drive between 12 pairs of sticks stuck in the ground leading you around an area of difficult terrain. You start at the sticks (we call them gates) marked 12, and work your way down to those marked 1.
--- End quote ---


I noticed 12 gates seems to be the norm, I wonder why we only had ten? Perhaps it's because in Norfolk, we are a little - ahem - "different".  :shock:

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