Bike Related Matters No. 6

Although this is entitled Bike Related Matters, and its my thoughts about bikes & bikers, I think this month’s theme could apply to the car fraternity as well.

Over the last 6 months my thoughts have been concentrated on the future of Classic Trials. However, a bike rider reminded me of the past (thanks PD). He was quite right, we all owe a huge debt to the guys that have organised the sport over the last X years, ensuring it is here today for us to enjoy. RESPECT AND THANK YOU FROM US ALL!

A lot of these guys are now becoming like a good cheese – Extra Mature and better for it. They have filled various posts, worked hard and at times put the sport before themselves (and spouses/families). I’m thinking mainly of the Club stalwarts who have organised and run the trials, but it covers all volunteers.

Now I’m speaking to more Clubs around the country I’m finding the same guys have been responsible for a long time. I won’t name names because that is unfair, but it is a common tale. We (the entrants) have let them do it, assumed they will do it again the next year, and the next. I know of some who have left their trials car or bike gathering dust because they are busy organising events for the rest of us.

Is it fair – no. Is it a good thing – of course not. Is it in our (or the sports) interest – well, no, it’s not.

Think about it. If they said enough is enough, I wouldn’t blame them, but what would we do? We live in a selfish world, but please, don’t say they enjoy it – rollocks! A lot of folk complain about ‘glitches’ – I think well, tough, what have you done to help. I’ve overheard comments such as ‘they are stuck in the past’ – who’s fault is that if new blood doesn’t volunteer. One person said ‘I’m too busy to do that job’ but rode in 11 trials (that I know of) that year – that is another excuse I don’t accept. If we care about the sport we can spare a couple of evenings or a day to ensure the sport happens. How many hours do you spend in front of or in the TV/X box/pub/washing the car, defoliating etc?

Let’s get a grip and make sure we all do our bit. Don’t wait to be asked, go & offer. Become an apprentice to the CoC or help get permissions for the sections. A lot can be done in the evenings, before or after the day as well as on the day. Help & learn from those who have years of experience and wisdom, don’t let it disappear. Wouldn’t it be great to let these guys have a day off to compete behind the handlebars or wheel in the trial they have kept running for years? Would it be a total disaster if occasionally we gave up one entry to help run a trial, there’s a lot worst that could happen.?

Its a strange thing, but once you volunteer, put something back, folk often find they are happy to do some of these jobs, enjoy the sport more, and the biggy, help their sport to be there for themselves in years to come . That is a win/win surely?

To para-phrase JFK:- Think not what your Club does for you (and it does hell of a lot), but think what you can do for your Club.

Just a quick point for organisers – please let folk help – take on an apprentice. I don’t know why the Clee Hills was cancelled (shame – I was looking forward to it), but if any organiser is faced with doing similar, please shout help to the rest of us. Most issues can be resolved if we are aware of them, there is a lot of brains & brawn out there in Classic Trials land.

Well, thats better. Sorry to rant, I don’t think it will do any good, but I’m happy to be proved me wrong!

Graham (email: [email protected])

P.S. Bernie needs some more good reliable marshals for the Durham Dales (May 27th), Weardale is great that time of year, there’s plenty to see & do for a couple of days.

Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed