Doug, I copied the list because it's relavant (i.e. GTS as a trials bike ;)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Robert - > > I'm planning to be at the Trials in Duluth, but I've never been to > anything like it and am wondering how spectating works; specifically if > it's something my kids (8 & 9, both fledgling riders) would enjoy. Will > they have stands (or something) where you can view a large portion of the > course or is it kinda like a trail ride where you pick a spot in the > woods and watch people go by once? I've been to 2: Duluth (nationals) and Goldendale (worlds). It is set up in sections (12 +/-) locations where spectators group around the section and watch the whole (or mostly whole) section. Skill levels of riders seem to be in packs (i.e. all the top world riders together, so they can see their competition on the section) typically. The sections are not particularily close together (especially at spirit mountain), but generally are grouped so you can follow a group of riders for perhaps 3 sections without missing too much. Each rider has 3 attempts at a section (not 3 in a row, but can do 3 loops of the whole course), so even the top riders scatter on the 3rd attempt because they've seen the section before and know how they're going to approach it. Spirit mountain is great because there are mountain streams that are ridden up, really cool over slick rocks ;) Goldendale had an "arena" section with bleachers, Spirit Mountain did not. Lots of walking, bring drinking water/sandwich as you can be a long ways from the concessions. Manufacturers have displays (Gas-Gas, Beta, Scorpa, Montessa, et al) to see bikes/gear (all for sale, bikes, shirts, hats, riding gear, the ususual). No umbrella girls like WSB. Best accomodations is to RV or Camp because you're right there. I have one room reserved left at the closest motel that you can have if you want. Be careful Duluth and area can be FULLY booked (been there/done that) at this time of year, and they have a special "Bates Motel" waiting for you....the only reason I knew I wasn't going to die was the walls were paper thin and I heard the person in the next room say "WHAT, YOU PAID MONEY FOR THIS?" to his roomate...moldy pillows, no door locks, etc. (I got friendly with my cycle sheep as a pillow that night). What I really like about trials spectating is it's really in your face. You can easily be within two feet of a rider as he goes by and still see most of the section. You can hear the rider and minder talking. We're at the Travelodge under my name if you're looking for me (I drop Susan off uptown for the day and then head to the trials). We're staying friday and saturday night. Trials sat/sun. Robert We'll probably only be there for > Sunday. Would you advise getting advance tickets? Is there any > point/reason to bring a dual sport? absolutly none related to trials. only competators allowed on the course (or between the sections) at any time. There is a large open field to park your cage/bike near the start. > > Regardless, I'd be delighted to meet you and your companion(s). I > probably won't have the GTS unless the kids opt not to come, but our > sidecar rig would be pretty easy to spot. > > Doug Wilson > Minneapolis MN
