P104
FEATURE I A SEASON WITH A BETA EVO FACTORY 200
The Right Approach
Now, if you've ever ridden a trials bike, it
might have gone something like your first
time riding a motorcycle—someone told
you to hop on, gas, brake, you know the
drill. You might have found it awkward and
uncomfortable, confused as to what this
seatless contraption is supposed to do so
well. Hopping on a trials bike and twisting the
throttle isn't quite the full experience. You can
give someone a sailboat, or golf clubs, but with
-
out learning the proper way to approach the
sport,
odds are they're not going to have a
very favorable experience the first time out.
Fortunately for me, my Try Trials
plan was well thought out and not
a matter of simply hopping on the
200cc two-stroke for a long-term
test and hoping for the best. My
proper approach to the sport
involved getting me set up on
the bike and riding it for the first time with
experienced trials competitors to learn
some proper techniques and maneuvers.
From there, I would go on to challenge my
skills (or lack thereof) in an actual trials
competition.
Even though I knew I was good hands as
I drove up to meet Chris and Cole Cullins
in Perris, California, to find my new red toy, there
was plenty of doubt whizzing through my head:
"Am I too old for this? Am I going to hurt myself?
I can't even wheelie a regular bike, what makes
me think I can do this?" I'm well into my fourth
decade now, and the rigors of motocross are
wearing on me more and more. I'll admit the
thought has entered my mind to just settle
into ADV riding and call it a career. That's
how the evolution goes, right? The bikes get big
-
ger and heavier with age. So, what was I doing
going backwards
in this process? Isn't this like
trying to take up gymnastics?
It's not just
wheelies over
rocks; trials
riding is all
about control,
even when your
wheels are on
the ground.
