Thames MCC

Welcome to Thames Motor Cycle Club, established in 1983 under the auspices of the ACU, catering for adult and youth riders from the age of 6 years upwards. The club’s aim is to give riders fun and competition in off-road motorcycling. Trials riding is the safest form of motorcycle sport, competition takes place on sections aimed at agility and skill rather than speed, with safety being of paramount importance. This introduction is intended as a brief introduction to the sport of trials at club level.

The club is run entirely by volunteers made up from club members, friends and family, and holds at least 12 events each year.

The club caters for all classes of riders from the complete beginner to the more accomplished, the class ridden is determined by ability. As a member of Thames Motor Cycle Club, you will automatically receive its quarterly newsletter containing results of the last trials, and also the dates and locations of future trials. These dates are also published each week in the Trials and Motocross News in the 'trials regs' section. Also in the TMX is a report of the most recent Thames event. This website will also publish this information regularly.

Routes are provided for all levels of ability:-

• Wobblers/Youth Beginners marked yellow
• Novice/Over 50/Pre 67/Youth Novices marked red
• Intermediate/Over 40/Youth Inters marked blue
• Expert/Youth Expert marked white
• Sportsman can ride any route

If you have never ridden before, or never competed in a trial, don't worry. Talk to the clerk of the course when you arrive and arrangements can be made for you to either practice, or try some of the sections you feel capable of riding. You are expected to provide a appropriate machine that's safe to ride and riding kit suitable for the event: crash helmet, boots, and clothing covering arms, legs and body are mandatory. If you have a problem with your bike, don't be afraid to ask other club members - they may be able to help, or know a man that can. Of course, the most important thing is - having fun. The trial will generally be held over 4 laps of 10 separate self-observed sections, each with 4 routes, marked by coloured 'gates' with a 'start' and an 'end' gate. The idea being to travel through the section with the minimum gain of penalty marks.

These marks are lost as follows:-

• 0 points ( clean ) - cleaning the section
• 1 point - putting your foot down once or stopping once
• 2 points - putting your foot down twice, stopping twice or one of each
• 3 points - putting your foot down or stopping more than twice
• 5 points - failing to complete the section

For club championship trials, the club expects all riders to compete in groups of similar ability to observe each other and ensure fair scores are recorded. A lot can be learned from watching and riding with other members. For 'Open' trials an observer will be allocated to each section. You may want to bring a friend or family members along to the trial; sometimes, just having them with you helps your confidence. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, every rider you'll see did the same.

So, take your time, make sure you know which colour route you are riding, and always walk the section first to be sure. Watch the other riders in your group. If you then feel you can't manage a particular section, don't worry; you can take a five, and you can then go on and ride the sections you feel more comfortable with. Between the sections, don't ride faster than people walk.

At trials where there are observers, please thank the observer on your last lap; they have given up their time to enable you to ride, and a 'thank-you' goes a long way. Don't expect too much too soon. Not every section has to be 'cleaned' and you'll be amazed at the satisfaction you get from finishing your first trial. Remember this is your club, and any help you can give, in any form, is always welcome. When you join the club you agree to help out when requested either by observing at one of our open trials or clearing up after a club trial.

Below is a list of general rules for the rider

• 1. No riding before or after the trial, unless agreed by the clerk of the course
• 2. Don`t ride faster than people walk between sections
• 3. Should you have a reason to disagree with an observer or official, do not argue, the observer's decision is final. Any disputes can only be settled later with the event secretary or clerk of the course
• 4. Always be polite and thank the observers
• 5. Events are held on other peoples' property, so please treat it with respect: no litter, and please try to stay on the appointed route
• 6. You must volunteer to help the club when asked.

Last, but not least, always try to check your bike over after a trial, or before the next one. Simple maintenance not only extends the life of your bike and helps reliability, there is nothing worse than not being able to ride because the bike won't run.

Individual Club membership costs £10 per year for adults and £5 for youths, and entry fees vary between £13 and £15 depending on the cost of hiring the land. You will need to individually register as a trials rider with the ACU ( ACU info can be found via the 'Links' page) which includes a parental consent (for those under 18) to enter any of these events, we can provide you with the necessary form; a passport size photograph is needed to accompany the ACU trials registration. As a member of Thames Motor Cycle Club you are able to enter Star Group trials which take place on the second Sunday of each month. This group is formed by 12 clubs who each promote one trial each year and you can score individual championship points plus points for the club. You can also enter Open and National trials details of which can be found in TMX or The Sporting Motorcyclist. These are normally held for the more capable rider.

On behalf of the Committee we hope that you find our trials enjoyable.