I don't consider myself to be the slowest rider on the planet, but I'm always looking for ways to improve my skills, especially in more technical terrain. Log-hopping and playing amongst rocks has always been fun.

Something keeps drawing me to consider riding trials to help improve my balance and slow-speed technique, but I'm wary of the cost of buying a dedicated trails bike, only to find it is boring and not really my cup-of-tea.

So, wondering if anyone else has played in this discipline, and if so, did it crossover to improve your normal trail riding skills?

I want to! 

It's part of the reason I did the Bultaco.

I had planned to 'compete' on it this year, but things got away and spent too much time ADV riding and Vinduro-ing.

Too many bikes, too little time!

Serge C wrote:
Yes, I know that feeling. I thought with building a new house, it would just be a case of moving in and then straight back into riding each weekend. Sadly, it has taken the better part of a year to get things sorted, and the bikes have been left to collect dust for most of the time.

What club were you considering, Oakleigh?

Yes, Oakleigh.

They have a property in Clayton that has all manner of obstacles to play on.

Nearly every top extreme enduro rider has a trials back ground Flip. I know Angus does both to keep himself in the right skill zone to compete in Romantics and Wildwood and the like. I've had a couple goes, not in a competitive format. Really enjoyed it amd definitely was a good skills workout. And we know that i generally practice my logs ect when I'm out on the trail and waiting for people at regroups and stuff.
Al

Where did you try it Al? And was it a dedicated trials bike you used?

Many years ago AMTRA ran competitive trials events with classes for those with trials bikes and an easier course  for trail bikes that could not turn as tightly. Unfortunately someone did something stupid at the property we had access to and the events finished. 

Flip.
Yes used a proper trials bike. Once just around Johns place when Angus had his bike up there. And then a couple times out with Angus. Also had a quick go on Alex's, with the plan to have a good run on one at Alex's place when i have a fully functioning ankle again.
If Santa was to bring me one, I'd be very happy. But suspect it will just be a bag od coal again this year.

Ps. Also got a lot of work done on those skills on the 3 Chris Birch days I've done. 

I believe Dr Peter is a trials guru Pete

I like the idea of falling off at 4kph not 40kph as I recently did. Old bodies dont bounce as well as they used to