outlawtrials.com

The last 7 days before Christmas starts today - It’s been another great year in many ways - perhaps Crowned by my unexpected Induction into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. ( Thanks to Harlow for the nomination) -

As a complete Motorcycle addict from an early age - all I can  say is that I have been very lucky. - To be able to not only compete, but to become so involved with both the Industry and the Promotion of Motorcycling in Canada, - There is no doubt in my mind, that you meet the nicest people in Motorcycle Sport.

Of course none of this would have happened, without the support of Babsy - - here is a special photo from our weekend in Vancouver.

Here’s an interesting Photo from North Wales - This town is famous for the Annual Eistedford Music Festival, where Choirs come from all over the World. - I used to ride a lot of Trials in this area - the name of the town is Llangollen - but it’s pronounced “THLANGOTHLYN  in Welsh. - The River Dee, looks to be in full flood - a very rare pic. ( We used to go to the Eistedford most years - stand at the end of the bridge over the river, listening to the Welsh Male Voice Choirs - The BEST in the World)

Her is more from Wales >>>>> Courtesy  Rust Mag:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/xH0E2Ra1TL4?autoplay=1

===================================>

James Dabill was in Japan recently for a Year End Party with the Beta Importer - Here he is with a bunch of enthusiasts. And click on this to see him riding a really neat natural section - something like we would put in one of our events .. post

======================================>

Looking through some old Albums - I found this photo from 1983 - The ISDE in Wales.

It shows the Canadian Team walking into the Stadium in Builth Wells ( I was at the front in a green jacket with the other support crew) - You had to be there to appreciate the it - that was when I understood how Olympic Athletes must feel.
This was certainly one of the Highlights of my Motorcycle Career - the year long planning to help the Team, and in particular the Yamaha lads - The UK Yamaha Importers at that time - Mitsui - were fantastic and supplied us with a large Mercedes Transporter, which they met us with at Heathrow.  ( I don’t think they even asked me to sign anything for it)

This unit had bunks in the back plus a service area with everything needed for a Factory Team. - It was after we got over the surprise - that I asked if anybody could drive the bloody thing ? left hand drive on right hand roads !! No problem, Paddy said - and away we went. - ( Doing a tour past Buckingham Palace before heading for Wales)

I could write a book on the adventures of that week - the fact that the Canadian Team finished 2nd in the Silver Vase, was for sure, the icing on the cake, but ALL the lads did such a fantastic job representing their Country.  - This was truly one of the proudest moments in my life. -

Sadly we have lost some of our Team from that year - Bert Irwin, Jim Kelly, Gerry Nilson - and of course the guy who should have been on the Team - Danny Amor. - We will certainly remember them.
=========================================>
.

Check out this video, of Heath Brindley playing at his local practice area in the UK - This is just perfect for some old fashioned fun. - Plus you get to hear the rasp  of the old rigid Triumph.
post

====================================>

As mentioned earlier - We have sent out a memo to all our Trials Organizers for Input on the 2019 season , with regard to Classes, and dates.

So far we can confirm that the first round of the 2019 Outlaw Series, will take place at Ioco BC on April 28th, and Round #2 will be the regular Outlaw Trial at Scotch Creek on the May long weekend.

Other possible venues, are Vernon, Malakwa, Revelstoke, Ymir. - Stay tuned.
=======================================>

Still lots of goodies ready to pick up to put on the TRS Santa sleigh - The Beta Santa Sleigh is already pretty full, and ready to head out.
=================================>

This is a shot posted by Colin Bennett of a ride they were on this past weekend - Hard to appreciate that this is Alberta in December.

However, I do remember the winter of 1981 with similar conditions - We were out testing the new Yamaha IT models over the Holiday - and got way up on Black Rock mountain - so high we could see Calgary in the distance. ( As I recall it was Murray Nutt, Craig Woods, Walter Cukavac and myself)

====================================>

Another very mild day in the Valley with a forecast of +7 today.

====================================>

So here we are heading into the last week before Christmas - and although it’s still too early to see outside, yesterday the weather was amazing for December. - In fact it was so nice, that I treated Babsy’s Grand Prix to a bath at the local car wash - and yes it was busy.

That was after I spent some time sweeping up all the leaves that had blown into the car-port - the big wind storm the previous night was really something, and there were branches all over the back road into town.

====================================>

No replies from my quiz yesterday - but the pic shows the late Diego Bosis as a young guy riding a 50cc Fantic.

=======================================>

Not a lot happening at this time of the year - so here is a shot from back around 2006 - A special time and a special place.

=====================================>

Your video for today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rEdvopXmnQ&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0uuEHeaNfFdsobCqrtHl5KlOwbMRDd_y5j1aWngoIEYdouAdechCzFkvA

=======================================>

This is shot from the top of the big hill at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire England - the pic tends to flatten it out a bit. - But back in 1955, this was the first ever “Scramble” that I attended and standing at the bottom. looking up, I wondered how the riders would ever get up to the top ( some big rock slabs at the summit)

The top riders would hit this flat out and with very limited suspension, the bikes would be swapping ends. - Of course in those early years, all the machines were big bore 4 strokes - BSA, AJS - Matchless - Triumph etc. - It wasn’t until much later that the small 2 strokes fitted with expansion chambers  started to take over, with the British Greeves one of the best.  - A lot of European riders started attending with the CZ one of the most popular brands.

====================================>

So a pleasant surprise with the weather in the Valley - the snow has pretty much all gone, and in fact the long distance forecast  looks good right through until Christmas - ( Great news for us getting out for a ride)

====================================>

Here is a shot of the old guy from six years ago - a few people will recognize this section up on Bear Ridge - tricky in the dry - really tricky in the early snow. - The drop off at the start means that making the left corner a challenge, plus there is a root hidden under the white stuff. - Then it gets even more difficult.

============================.

So who recognizes this young rider from the past ?   Interesting to see he is on a 50cc Fantic.

We just came across this old Promo that we did many years ago for Opti - or Optimol as it was called at that time .  - All these facts are true, and yes we are still Distributing the product, some 32 years later.

ALL our New Trials bikes go out with Opti in both the gas tank and in the Tranny.

( Note : There is one small “Typo” - it should read “Suffice to say” - not way)

========================================>

This advt is in the new issue of Trial Mag: UK - What caught my eye is the pic in the bottom left corner, as it shows one of our Canadian Yamaha Team bikes at the 1983 ISDE in Wales. #153  ( Can’t remember who was on that one, but maybe Walter Short)

Other pics on the cover show Nick Jefferies on the  big CCM Trials bike ( He was also a top class TT rider) and Jarno Saaronen on the bottom right - sadly killed when another rider crashed in front of him at a World Moto GP race back in the day. ( Think it was Grassetti - also killed)  If I remember correctly, Saaronen - from Finland won the Daytona 200 - on a Yamaha 350.  - Not sure who is sitting on the MX bike, but it might be English MX World Champ  Dave Thorpe.

========================================>

Looking ahead to 2019 - We will be making up the Calendar over the Christmas break. - If you would like consideration for an event - give us a call.
=============================================>

This is a pic of Babsy & myself strolling along the dock at Fishermen’s Wharf in Vancouver - It was so nice to spend this time together, ( The first time we have been away since 1995)

======================================>

Your video for today - The Scottish.
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHTJiYIA-T8g%26feature%3Dyoutu.be%26fbclid%3DIwAR01oCrU9FJIJa0VLo2fB7vtMPJyWvBjCrzAcsaswA10d4-rYa7hGuZbYBk&h=AT1V6EBqeFKzLL1loGPvQQ6Yk2KI4_0agsW_TujlQkyC_YArxz19NPS6w6Wv3-gxEMTAUm2W2ZKJo8UtZLJXJATihd8wURektDeMGx5P_CpvbcM80l6eFQFMrX8mKZQ-urxW-uPxnW8_KSCJhT7lTpW1mgI17HN8

So in light of all the recent Crash pics that we’ve seen on the Social media - and comments made by some of the Super Stars from yesteryear - What will 2019 bring? -  More scenes like this?  - -  At the World Trials level we have seen numerous injures this past year - Toni Bou is lucky to still be walking - ( and another crash this week)  See update:

TONI BOU INJURED IN JAPAN
Toni Bou has been injured in a fall suffered during a exhibition on Honda Thanks Day, held last weekend at the Motegi circuit in Japan.
The Repsol Honda Team rider, once back in Spain, underwent an examination by the team doctor Joaquim Terricabras who concluded that Toni Bou had suffered two fractured ribs.
Dr. Terricabras has recommended that multi-time trial champion rests over the forthcoming weeks. A return to training will be dependant on the progress of the recuperation process.
The rider will be hoping to be fully recovered for the start of the X-Trial World Championship which kicks off in Budapest on Sunday, January 20.

====================================>
How this will effect any ruling regarding safety at the FIM level, is hard to say - But I can tell you this, at the WTC ( World Trials Canada) we view the subject of rider safety  as a #1 priority. - All of our organizers, are instructed in this regard, and anything that looks dangerous is not allowed.

In other World Trials News - Albert Cabestany has announced his retirement from World Class Competition

He  Does not say what the future holds for him, but we would not be surprised if he got a new job working for Beta. - Cabestany was at the top level of the Trials scene for 22 years.

===========================================>
Here is an old photo of Mart Lampkin from 1983 - a rare shot of him on a Montesa.-  Likely at a British Championship event. ( Look at those spectators)

====================================>

And a video for today -
Retro Trial Park

=====================================>

A reminder that time is running short for shipping presents for Christmas - We are open pretty much 24-7 for phone calls and personal shopping. - We still have lots of stock in the accessory dept.

======================================>

The one and only Sammy Miller - outside his Fabulous Motorcycle Museum in England - Still going strong at 85 years old Sam is sitting on an old record breaker from the 1930’s.

Yes, -  Winter has arrived in the Valley - The view from my Office Window. December 11th 2018

Still looking for a Christmas Present for the Trials person in your life? How about one of the hugely popular Outlaw Toolbelts - All hand made in the Okanagan (since 1987) and sold World wide.

Your video for today.
https://youtu.be/473NqF4Hf7Y?fbclid=IwAR2tPn9X-sl1ZDo3GWvZLqrC1DkdL7sjSzEDv7yumAe5t30EXdK4rAoRXZo

==========================================>

And here’s another one >>

Classic Motorcycle Community

=========================================>

UPDATE :  Toni Bou injured again - breaks ribs in Japan demo.

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trialworld.es%2Ftoni-bou-se-lesiona-nuevamente-japon%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2BErSDzUYSTwaDj7AB132qXFkcVPFua2YIsvZyt80KjAq3RhNjkTwXER0&h=AT0Ih-905lcUnfq958slkh179o066usZSbEZMVQUAjF7XX21z-j4A21xFTp3XScNDP2JNcot6LbN-lTh_TLg8pXyWKD5Wl8uRMesmLVPqpaCU1zF1fB-WQUt_g8zYZ_zMkLQErVGktAfDDQcNN6QIgXmm_SAZ4P634ZPj38rfn2Yab5JPK0pw_vyQ0krnD5MPl8CfJS12ZuGAQT5IlEQ8boat0EFh-5rjzmD5S1OwIZReXl9b6MfzNivcg2EFO9RYIGHkGVfZV_GWCe3QnHQ2O53iHVRkcb-xZd5qNfcguONtMbufn0JeX2LcJweY–Wt-yDvYN-2YzCEsln1-DNPr1gB_uBi9tkjrVoeouA2Gdts6EDzet9NjC1VNz13XBFMUqLjgNIxiIgJnkLPKEnFyoeZzxOrLhp3HbirkxSziS-rcQDmVx93Yaa3-eBmmUhonC0wEG6pNkE49FgLcodUPFsQTynZkEnkjc1GCGG6aZXIZK2M3HwLagR09CFgqfqA1Y9iFEtS-miGiW7wXK0QpFGK6-GawGAdBwoPmlBgb2JNBPYCSTsXxfa-Fm5QODcQmyByuiMkmO21aZDHO5cKQpLC0Ea_EHEJFh8hqdMQaOQuTcp0fh_9zO31synofJkcnB-b3ofY2bocXarRrOJzLviOaAIjpMY2_sKORSc

This shot was taken on this day a couple of years ago - up on Bear Ridge - beautiful day, with no snow. - I had Graeme Manning out with me that day - he now lives on Vancouver Island.

=========================================>

I had a long chat to Jimmy Corkle yesterday - He has had some health issues this year - eye problems, which has required a number of operations in Calgary, and virtually shutting down his business since August,

Jimmy also told me that his long time partner Jane, passed away in October after struggling with poor health for a number of years - our condolences go out to Jimmy at this sad time.

=======================================>

With time now running short for mailing out Christmas gifts, a reminder that we are open 24-7 to help you  pick out that perfect present for the Trials person in your life.

We are fully stocked with Wulf -  Helmets, Jackets, Shirts, Pants, Boots and gloves - plus a ton of other accessories that always make great presents. - Low pressure Tire gauges are popular, as are the Outlaw tool belts ( Which last forever) - Feel free to give us a call at anytime - remember we always have the best prices.

========================================>

The latest Trial mag just arrived, and as usual is full of great photos and information on all the new 2019 models - If you would like to know the updates on any of them - just shoot me an email. -

============================================>

The video  link for today.
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrivetribe.com%2Fp%2Fjoey-dunlop-a-tribute-dG08IZz6QIOZWVj_JEtomg%3Fiid%3DIlQUhx2NROei5JjkolGtzw%26fbclid%3DIwAR2ic5qLmOmUqVBmKm8T4h_u5yTwEBGS4OihI12_Ice3TecHNLNqVIbZd7s&h=AT19meWuhb6pPZOMJPFtI4ZuYBqOidLDxDMAmkN8LS_x3Ttqu2bOuj9eBbnOnzAlZYHCokHkoX3QRF06_M4Za86tWxQ14n2bA58mYUnex4vqXFeCmINT1rSAKOQfoDByd8WFPoaZ0UqdDE6eOpIJO0zpuYObXDFpazyx8cfgw01A1MomXpe400POL2Eea87x_wkFpxTiCrGclFPzMLXPjnMasrWnZv1YIsIfqGtC2Bv0qP7G4By84sEsNbvDNxB756B5qrdBI3X1p3i8t4Zo-Dt0Gm5sYCq7uSUEr_YxTKs0kvdEOZAhn29PbdiLBlXfP7xZs-I0SqaRf5tGmpMI4EYCKBoHFN1GPXM8DY8at1bcy5VTZI1NeySlt8XP18w7tmQAfH-fkYhor-vI-cgbWg7Z01iGOBw5NU1xUSomuGCtCd41nRWV5nlrOs-Rkz9url_1k16s6EKFQ7uhhaY0rEwic0JO3K6A0Liwp5mzTWRr-YG2YxoN6OXzQ4wrVGTVUpsj7yn4FO0XQnCrZ3HqYLy27kDu_sKfCD7VzuJmJistkUBPFq83DRQeQT3Oc-qWOjhQRZkJGnnKSsW8bcw_agTmwLofTQlKUnpHAIRcqfd1Je4lMG2_9zsosjTD2e9v70ScjkjlpZxFimQY8xm4Kq-_cxpGOlWy7F8tAgpWKUSnyg

When we are teaching new people how to ride a Trials bike, we always show correct cornering technique - (no hopping) This pic taken at the Italian Classic Trial last week, shows perfect style - while the bike is making the left turn - the right elbow is up high and the right knee out - Perfect ( As Mart would have said)

==========================================.>

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »