VOLUME 57 ISSUE 20 MAY 19, 2020 P63
My first ride on the new
GasGas TXT Racing 300 was
ridiculously fun—as trials tends
to be. But more than that it was
very humbling, again.
The skill level trials riders
have is absolutely bonkers.
Their simultaneous clutch-brake-
throttle control ranks as one of
the most dynamic skill sets of
any sport. Sure, I hopped some
rocks, nervously, and made
self-deprecating comments as
I floundered around in a sea of
awkward inability, but I could see
a light at the end of the tunnel
where I actually ride a trials bike
over things sort-of on purpose in
the future. That's some serious
progress for me.
My minder for the day, 10-time
National Trials Champion Geoff
Aaron, tried to hide his amused
smirks but his open-faced hel-
met does him no such favors.
He's a legend. And I am grateful
every time his gives me a couple
tips (I've compiled a few for you
deeper in this story) or witness
his skills on display (see all pho-
tos in this story). Since he has
such rich history in trials, when
he laughs at me, it doesn't hurt
as much.
Even though I'm the poster
boy for trials newbies, the
GasGas TXT Racing 300 wasn't
really too much for me to handle.
Sure, it has the potential to
compete at the national pro level
