A Weekend at the World Trials Championship
For as long as I can remember, my father has been passionate about trials riding. He’s always emphasized how rare it is to see a world-class trials event in the United States. So when rounds 7 and 8 of the FIM Trials World Championship came to Tennessee, just southwest of Chattanooga, I knew I had to make the journey.
Understanding the Sport
For those unfamiliar with trials riding, the concept is elegantly simple: riders navigate through 16 obstacle-course sections, completing each section twice throughout the day. The goal? Accumulate the fewest points possible. Points are added for:
Putting a foot down (called “dabbing”)
Separating from the bike
Significant backward movement
Each rider works with a team - a minder who can enter sections as a spotter and consultant for line choices, and a mechanic for technical support. One of the most fascinating aspects of this sport is its accessibility - the relatively small crowd means you can get incredibly close to the action and even meet world champions.
Setting Up Camp
I made the journey on my SV, parking it next to my old Rebel 450 at the campsite. The contrast between these street bikes and the specialized trials machines couldn’t have been more stark.
Friday Practice
We arrived early Friday morning to watch the practice sessions. The atmosphere was casual but focused, with riders and their teams methodically working through the sections.
The support vehicles and mechanics’ bikes were a testament to the specialized nature of the sport:
Saturday Competition
The competition kicked off at 9 AM Saturday. My father and I decided to tackle the 1.5-mile hike to Lampkins Falls, the most challenging and remote section of the course. The grueling trek proved worth every step.
We waited about two hours before riders began attempting the section. The difficulty was immediately apparent - only one Pro managed to clear it completely, while most junior and novice riders maxed out at 5 points.
Trials riding is like motorcycle chess. Before each attempt, riders and their minders carefully walk the section, planning their approach. There’s also a subtle game of strategy, with everyone trying to find ways to optimize their line through the course without breaking the rules.
The Competition Heats Up
Throughout the day, we witnessed incredible displays of skill across all levels:
The Spanish Repsol team brought additional excitement to the event:
Pro Section Highlights
Moving to the lower sections, we got to watch the pros in action. One rider in particular caught my eye - my pick for future world champion:
Fujigas was particularly impressive, demonstrating intense focus before each attempt:
His run through one particularly challenging section was masterful - he was the only rider to clear it clean:
Adam Raga also put on an impressive show:
Pure Talent on Display
The skill level these riders possess is simply staggering. They can balance perfectly still on their bikes for incredible periods, then launch themselves 13 feet into the air from a dead stop - and do it repeatedly with precision. It’s a shame this sport doesn’t get more recognition in the States.
Unfortunately, spotty weather cut short my photo opportunities, and I couldn’t stay for Sunday’s rounds. The journey home was a soggy 13-hour ride on the SV, but the experience was worth every damp mile.
For more photos from the event, visit my Flickr gallery