Twin Shock Trial
2019 Western Districts Trials Club Twinshock Masters Trial
Every year Western Districts Trials club of Brisbane host this event, which attracts riders and classic bikes from all around. This year was well represented by riders from small kids to experienced riders in their 70s, with bikes from Europe, UK and Japan. The 2 day event on the Sunshine
Coast hinterland had challenges for everyone regardless of skill with a series of fun “Trialkhana” style events to test rider’s skills and a Show & Shine on the Saturday. On the Sunday, the main event with about 60 riders attempted the sections varying from steep dirt slopes to wet, slippery rocks in the creek bed.
The oldest machine was a 1956 James Captain converted for trials as many road bikes were in the day ridden by Terry Telfer. A healthy smattering of Honda TLR250, 200 & 125s as well as the ever-present TY Yamahas (including a very good representation of TY80s with the younger trials warriors mounted on them) fought it out with the Bultaco Sherpas, SWMs, Aprilia, Italjet and a lone Kawasaki KT250.
Trials has a very old history, which may not be as popular here as in the European/UK areas, but it retains a healthy following which is growing steadily due to the inherent lack of danger it offers and challenge to your skills as you pick your way through the hazards without touching your feet on the ground or stopping. Points are lost every time a foot is placed on the ground with a maximum loss of 3 points in each section marked out by tapes. A maximum loss of 5 is awarded for total failure (crash or dismount), cutting or riding over the lane tapes or rolling backwards. The rider with the least loss of points wins the trial. The event required four laps of 8 sections to make for a very competitive trial.
Indeed, the winning ride of the day in the Twinshock A class was from Joel Nelson mounted on a 1978 Bultaco Sherpa 350 with just 2 points lost. A brilliant effort. 2nd place was Ashley Jamieson, 1986 Honda TLR250 (6 points) and third went to Lachlan Gibson, 1986 Honda TLR250 (8 points). Twinshock B class winner was Paul Coleman, TY175 Yamaha (4 points), 2nd place, David Lahey, 1980 Godden Majesty Yamaha 250 (6 points), 3rd Jeremy Laun, Honda 1983 TLR200 (8 points). Twinshock C class – 1st Ronald Chadwick, 1974 Yamaha TY175 (11 points), 2nd Attila Sinkovics, 1974 Yamaha TY80 (45 points), 3rd to David Jones, 1974 Yamaha TY250 (55 points). Modern day bikes also competed, but were not counted towards the Twinshock trophies. These sort of events help to keep the older motorcycles active and appreciated and remind us of how far we have come. A great day full of fun appreciated by all.