Attending an Auto-Cycle Union-permitted motorcycle event should provide enjoyment for everyone. As the national governing body in the UK, the ACU has written the following guidance to ensure competitors – encompassing experienced and first-time riders – know what’s expected of them to ensure a great experience for everyone on competition day. Some of these guidance notes also apply to spectators.
It’s crucial to remember that ACU events do not happen on their own. There is an army of volunteers who work tirelessly to put on events that we can all enjoy. So many are ‘behind the scenes’ heroes that give up their valuable free time to ensure our riders and sport flourish.
As in so many aspects of life, common sense sometimes doesn’t prevail, and we forget the importance of these people. It’s crucial to remember these volunteers are there to implement the rules. They should therefore be given the respect they deserve when carrying out their duties.
With regards to Trials events, the sport80 online entry system helps with the process of registering riders before an event and supports the work of the secretary of the meeting on the day.
Armed with information gleaned from Sport80, the Clerk of the Course can generally acknowledge the ability of riders who have entered and set out the observed sections according to their level of riding. Observers are then tasked with recording the marks lost by riders. This is quite a responsibility as their recordings determine the finishing positions.
On many occasions it has been noted that a simple “thank you for observing” and other niceties have been forgotten in our sporting environment. This is something that’s easy to remedy – with a bit of guidance and consideration for others.
The sections below provide an outline of how to approach a Trials event, how to get the most of out of the experience, and how to leave a good impression and support organisers in their efforts to put on first-class events.
Online pre-event literature provides information about the event location and its start time. Before you leave home, make sure you have any documentation you may need to take. Always have easy access to your ACU licence as you may be asked to produce this at the event.
Many events will be signposted from the main roads, but it is always worth checking the location out before you set off to avoid any last-minute problems. Aim to arrive at the event early. There might be a marshal on car park duties (above) so listen to their instructions and always remember they are there to help. They will usually direct you to a car parking area – often to protect the environment.
Find out where the Secretary of the Meeting is based as you may be asked to sign on. Make sure you fill in any relevant paperwork and write clearly as this information will be used to populate the event results.
If there is a queue, please be patient. The signing-on team will be trying to work through everything as efficiently as possible. You will be given a numbered riding bib or relevant paper or plastic riding number. Make sure either are clearly displayed on your kit and remember to return them when you sign off after the event.
Signing on is just as important as signing off (above). If there is a time limit, you need to adhere to this to avoid penalties. Signing off also allows the club to know you have returned from the course safely.
Make sure you prepare for the day ahead long before your start time. A ‘Silent Zone’ signs mean exactly that. If there is a Silent Zone sign, then there is no riding before the start. Do not even start your machine’s engine until your start time.
Do not be a car park hero. Pulling wheelies may be good fun and you may be full of adrenaline after waiting all week to ride, but please use common sense and follow any instructions from the club marshals.
Riders and officials should attend the pre-start briefing (above) where you will be welcomed by the organisers and informed about the days’ proceedings. They will explain where all the sections are, where the route goes, and the number of laps you will be doing. Take time to listen and absorb the information you are given.
Walk up the section first, then back down again so you know where the route goes. Do not get in the way of someone riding the section or block the observer’s view.
The only person allowed in the observed section is the rider unless their minder/assistant is allowed – depending on the event. If you have an assistant or minder, make sure you are familiar with the rules regarding what they can and cannot do. The rider is responsible for the actions of the assistant and minder.
The observer is your friend, so ask them about the section and be sure you are going through the set of markers on your chosen route. If the observer offers any instructions, listen to these as it is usually for your benefit.
If you consider an observed section is too difficult for your riding ability, it is possible to ask for a ‘5’ to be marked down without attempting the section. Do not be afraid to ask the observer. It is sensible and most riders have done this at one time or another.
Section queuing is part of the Trials discipline (above) so be patient if you must wait your turn. Be sociable and have a chat with your fellow competitors. Queue jumping or pushing in is not acceptable.
Wait to be observed and do not ride the section until the observer indicates they are ready for you to enter the section. Do not argue with the observer about a score. They are the official adjudicator. Any differences can be dealt with by following the ACU ruling which can be found in the regulations for the event. Checking your score with the observer and confirming they have recorded all your laps is fine, but do not interrupt or distract them when they are observing another rider.
Always follow the marked course that the organisers will have plotted out to avoid any hidden hazards. Always remember you are on private land, and in the certain cases, farmers earn their living from it. It will have been marked out sympathetically to guide you across land they are happy for you to access. Please do not deviate from these areas.
The organisers may ask you to start at a selected section to make the day flow easier and avoid queuing. In the case of a multi-lap Trial, attempt each section once per lap. If you do not, you may be excluded from the results.
If someone has broken down or is stuck, be friendly and check they are okay. If you see an event marshal, inform them as they may be able to help. If someone is injured and needs medical attention, contact a marshal urgently.
Try and complete the trial in a sensible time even if there is a time allowance. Remember the observers and officials have been out there all day.
It is not in any rule book, but it is polite and decent to thank the observers (above) either on your last lap or once you have ridden the observed section.
Litter at events continues to be a problem. If you drop or deposit litter on the ground, please ensure you pick it up and either take it home or put it in a bin if they are provided.
There is a chance that somewhere along the route of a Trial you will come across other people who have nothing to do with the event. Whoever they are and whatever they are doing, please be friendly and respectful – it is their leisure time too.
If you are challenged, politely explain you are associated to an official sporting event run by a motorcycle club with an affiliation to the national governing body of motorcycle sport in the UK. Explain you also have permission to be on the land.
If you have a dog, please be aware you are on private ground and that animal livestock and local wildlife – such as ground-nesting birds – may be in the vicinity. It’s strongly advised to check that the land owner allows dogs on their property (above) before you arrive at the event. Always make sure your dog is on a lead and under control.
Due to the nature of motorcycle Trials and the land they use, be aware of horses. Many trials areas are used by trekking groups and individuals. Horses can be spooked easily so if one comes near you on a route, stop moving and cut your engine. Wait until they are well clear before starting up again. If you have to pass them, do so slowly and allow plenty of room.
This is a serious issue and has been the reason for many Trials clubs losing their access to so much valued land. Only those entered in the Trial or involved with organising it can ride on the land at an event.
Most motorcycle Trials are held on private land, and we are at the event as guests of the land owner. Do not return to the area where the Trial was held unless you have an agreement with the land owner. Most venues are not available for practice at other times.
