Trials and tribulations
Reader JOHN BASHAM has unearthed some colour slides that highlight the popularity of Observed trials in the early ‘70s, and particularly the visits by legends Sammy Miller and later Mick Andrew.
John says, “I can recall Gerry O’Brien (of Milledge Brothers Yamaha) asking me if I knew of any good places where he could run a trial. At that time I was President of AMTRA Victoria, and I rode in a few open trials. AMTRA had used a creek paddock belonging to my father-in -law, Don Cowan, for some closed trial events, so I suggested this could be a good place, as it had easy access. The location was at what is now West Melton, in the bottom of Djerriwarrh Creek, with car access from Harkness Road. Little did I realise at first that the demo was to involve the current World Champion, Mick Andrews, who had only just jumped ship from OSSA, where he had helped develop the beautiful Mick Andrews Replica (M.A.R.). These pics were all taken by either the late Roger Hill, or myself, and they show the period quite well, judging by spectators’ clothing, and the lack of the current trend to nanny safety. Looking at spectator’s faces the amount of interest, in both the bike and rider, is very evident”.
“Well before Mick Andrews came out here to demo the TY250A Yamaha, Sammy Miller was here and rode in a demonstration trial, held at Yarra Glen on 14.06.70. Once again I think it was a Preston M.C.C. trial, and I do recall Miller was riding a Bultaco Sherpa trials bike (supplied by Bert Flood). He was a very capable trials rider, and to watch him ride some of the tricky sections was a real eye-opener. Even so, I have a picture of him a bit out of control on a sideways pitch in one section, showing that even the best lose three points and are not infallible.”